>>36467861
Back up and use some moss to block up your ears til the stop.

>>36467861
>Wait it out.
>>36468035
I don't think there's any moss around.

>>36467861
Is there something like moss or something else we can sue to block our ears nearby Auri?

>>36468107
The ground is quite barren so you would be hard pressed to find anything suitable in your surroundings to block out the noise.

>>36467861

>Wait it out.

>>36468069
Adding
>Wrap our head in our cloak.

>>36468132
Then changing>>36468035

to .>Scream for it to stop.

>>36468069
>>36468157
>Writing

>>36468208

There has to be an end to this. You kneel to the ground to keep yourself from falling. Their droning reaches a fever pitch, which causes you to wrap your head in your own cloak, in a desperate escape from the noise. This proves to be a small sanctuary, and allows you to wait it out without vomiting.

You wait a few moments in your cloak to make quite sure that their song is over. You slowly unravel yourself, and take in your surroundings. Cecilia seems to have made it through alright, but you see that Autumn is wiping her mouth clean of her last meal.
The treefolk around you burst into raucous laughter at the sight of your weakened group and seem to be making fun of you in an unfamiliar language.

“You little fu-“ Autumn marches to a treefolk almost twice her size and punches a hole almost clean through him. The unfortunate victim of her wrath bellows in pain which echoes around you.

The laughter stops and all is silent. Then the silence is replaced by angry murmuring and commotion. You pull Autumn back to keep her from striking again.
[1/2]

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>>36468836
“That’s quite enough.” You hear what sounds like two voices announce simultaneously behind you.

Immediately the treefolk are quieted, with only the whimpering of the one injured still audible.
You turn to see a humanoid creature behind you. His body is human in shape, but his skin appears to be made out of hard bark. He stands the same height as you as he walks, while ethereal arms extend from his back. He approaches the injured tree.

“Enough, I said!” He stabs into the hole made earlier with a long straight sword and cuts the tree into two.

Two pieces of what was once the injured tree fall to the ground, now no different from any felled tree.
Once satisfied with his result, the strange being sheathes his sword deigns to walk over to you and your group. You stare into his eyes and see an unquenchable fire, burning brightly and calmly.

He crosses his arms and looks over your group, silently. His penetrating stare, makes your eyes uncomfortable and you have a desire to look away from his presence. He slowly puts one hand on his sword hilt.

>Introduce yourself.

>Continue staring, put your hand on your sword hilt.

>Ask if he is the warden.

>Look down and bow

>Write in

>>36468866
>Look down and bow
>Ask if he is the warden.
If he's as proud as bear said this seems appropriate. then
>Introduce yourself.

>>36468866
>>Introduce yourself.
>>Ask if he is the warden.

>>36468866
>Continue staring, put your hand on your sword hilt.
>Ask if he is the warden.
I want to break his pride.

>>36468969
Pretty sure he'd break us before we'd break his pride.

>>36468866
>>36468895
Seconded

>>36469025
Yeah, but I don't think Autumn is going to be much for feeding his pride. I don't know.

>>36468895
>>36469033
>Writing

>>36469068
Considering He reeks of do not fuck with she'd be willing to put her big girl panties on. When Auri gives you a character with a oh crap aura you pay attention becuase they will wreck your ass. (like head lizard man in Miasma)

>>36469121
Yeah, you're probably right. Scary thing is He's probably the weakest of all the wardens

>>36469194
I figured that it was a given considering the other areas are even more violent and inhospitable.

>>36469084

You think back to what Ryg told you about this warden and choose to follow his advice. You look down from his fiery stare and bow.

“My name is Ed, may I presume that you are the warden?” You ask humbly.
“Hmm.” The strange being lets out with a note of intrigue. “I am indeed the warden of this piece. You may call me Hugoth.” He places a hand on your shoulder and you rise from your bow.

Autumn scoffs quietly next to you, and Vi flies from your tunic where she buried herself earlier.

“Ahh, Vi. It has been too long.” Hugoth says turning his attention to the fairy.
“Indeed it has.” Vi bows her head while floating in the air, from where you are you see the grimace on her face, hidden by her pale pink hair.
Cecilia jumps up and bows deeply, almost losing her balance in the process. “I’m Cecilia, it’s great to meet you!”

The warden chuckles warmly at the sight, you mentally praise Cecilia and then turn to Autumn. She stands stiffly next to you, she’s masking her frustration and quite clearly is trying her hardest to follow your lead.

You put a hand on her back to reassure her. She steps forward and bows shallowly and quickly. “I’m Autumn, it’s a pleasure.” She says rigidly.

The warden’s mouth jerks to the side slightly, but then he smiles and turns back to you.

“I assume that you didn’t come all this way to pay your respects, so must need something from me.” He turns away from your group. “Come now.” He beckons with one his ethereal arms.
[1/2]

>>36469769

You follow him for a few minutes past numerous treefolk that don’t dare give more than a passing glance. He finally stops at a circle of large rocks in which a bright beam of sunlight shines clearly and bounces from rock to rock. He settles in the center of the ring, and basks in the sunlight for a few moments. Your group settles around him and patiently waits for him to finish.

“So,” he finally starts, “what is it that you came all the way to me for help, Ed? Perhaps I can help you, depending on how much you want help me. ”

Vi, who settled on your knee leans forward as if to speak, but stops herself.

You are face to face again with his fiery eyes, they burn a lighter color in the sunlight. You wonder what he could possibly need help with and consider the price for each thing you want to know.”

>I want to travel between the pieces of this world.

>I want to know how to leave this world.

>I want to know how we got to this world.

>I want to know about the sorceress.

>Let Vi ask for you.

>Write in

>>36469787
>I want to know about the sorceress.

>>36469787
>I want to travel between the pieces of this world.
>I want to know about the sorceress.
Two isn't so bad.

>>36469787
>>I want to travel between the pieces of this world

>>36469832
>>36469873
>>36470011
Writing the both of them since two requests isn't much worse than one.

>>36470038

You clear your throat. “Just two things.” You emphasize with your fingers. “I want to travel between the pieces of this world and I want to know more about the sorceress.”
Hugoth closes his eyes to consider your request. “The second request shouldn’t be a problem, I was created by her, and so she imprinted part of herself in me.” He pauses for another moment. “Your first request seems to be a popular one recently, but I digress.”

He shifts his eyes from left to right taking in his surroundings.

“You seem like an understanding individual, so I will be honest.” Hugoth clenches his fist and begins to talk in a quieter voice. ”There are rumors of an upcoming coup against me, while no one of them, would prove to be a match for me.“ He sweeps his hand, pointing to the treefolk in the distance. “If they all gathered together, I may be in some trouble.”
He gives you a serious look. “You can see how this would be problematic for the both of us. With me dead, there would be no one in this piece that can help you.”

You nod in agreement.

“To get to the point, those still loyal to me indicate that there are unknown three leaders of the dissenters left. If one were to suddenly be assassinated, the dissidents would surely act more brazenly and play right into my hand, I know this.”
[1/2]

>>36471029

He begins to stand, so you follow his lead.

Hugoth looks off into the distance. “Gather information on who the leaders are and strike unseen. The cover of night would be the best time for this. I would kill them myself, but I would just be playing into their hands.”

Hugoth turns back to face you.

“Do this for me, quietly, cleanly, and in a way that can’t be tied back to me. Succeed I will absolutely help you with your requests.” He places a hand on your shoulder. “Fail, and I will take you out myself. This will be the last time we speak until your mission is over.”

Hugoth slowly marches away into the forest. Leaving your group behind in the ring of rocks.

“This is ridiculous. He has everything to gain, while we have everything to lose.” Autumn whispers angrily.
“We don’t have another choice.” Vi responds. “He’s the warden of this piece, and the warden controls who can leave.
“The rebels might know something, if we side with them, we could settle this without all this cloak and dagger nonsense that’s sure to get us killed.” Autumn shoots back fervently.
“And if they don’t we would be stuck here until we die” Vi hisses.

You watch as the Vi and Autumn argue, Cecilia observes the circle of rocks and the light shining on them, she playfully twists the rocks changing how the sunlight is reflected. Not much of an opinion there, so it’s up to you to decide your group’s course of action.

>Side with Vi

>Side with Autumn

>Write in.

>>36471088
>Write in.
Either way we need to find the rebels first. Putting the cart before the horse much you two? We're going to have to get to know them first to either plan to work.

>>36471349
>Writing
May have to finish up early today due to low activity. ;_;

>>36471418
To be honest, I just couldn't make a decision so I didn't post.

>>36471349
Does sound like a good idea though.

>>36471088
>>Side with Vi

>>36471418

Well, there’s still time before you have to make a definite decision, so decide first of all to stop their argument.

“Putting the cart before the horse much, you two?” You cut them off. “Either way, we need to find and get to know the rebels first if either plan is going to work.”

The two of them are silent for a moment.

“Well, we’re going to be in for a hell of a time, thanks to this brute killing one of them.” Vi says scornfully at Autumn.

“I’m not the one who did the killing. I held back my punch, but for some reason his bark was much more fragile than a normal tree.” Autumn trails off and then continues. “Anyway if they are rebels, they wouldn’t have appreciated our smarmy bowing.”

You rub your eyes from stress. What a long road you have ahead of you.

“We have work to do. We have to find out everything that we can about what’s happening her.” You order and begin walking back to where the treefolk are milling about.
“Come on, Cecilia.” You call out. She appears to be disappointed that she didn’t get to finish whatever it was that she was doing, but quickly follows you.

[1/2]

>>36472167

Once you return, you see that there are much less treefolk around than when you first arrived.
A few of the larger ones butt heads about something and argue with one another in their unfamiliar language. Their violent shaking sends dry and colorless leaves everywhere.
Your attention turns to two new treefolk that are similar in size and shape as Hugoth. For the most part, they look highly similar to one another, with only a few minor variations in the lush green vines that surround their bodies and their bulk.

The larger one picks up the remnants of the previously killed tree and begins to carry it off, while the other kneels to the soil and begins to examine it.

They are clearly different from the other treefolk, perhaps they may even be able to speak with you. You consider briefly given the way they look, they may be some important part of the rebel leadership.

>Try to speak with the one carrying the fallen tree.

>Tell Vi to follow the one carrying the fallen tree in secret.

>Try to speak with the one examining the soil.

>Attempt to speak to the larger treefolk.

>Write in

>>36472211
>>Try to speak with the one examining the soil.
Curious.

I'd also add
>Tell Vi to follow the one carrying the fallen tree in secret.
but all I can think of is how she's already died in this quest.

>>36472211
>Try to speak with the one examining the soil.
Just that no Vi, no need for her to get captured or anything.

>>36472211
>Try to speak with the one examining the soil.

>Try to speak with the one examining the soil
Writing.

>>36472474

You turn to your group. “Wait here for a moment and play nice.” You emphasize the last part to scold them for earlier.

The one examining the soil doesn’t turn to you as approach. He holds up the soil closely to his face and then lets it fall from his hand.

“What do you think of the forest in this piece, human?” He asks, without turning to you.
“It’s beautiful from what I’ve seen, but this place…” You gesture all around you. “Is like a festering wound.”
He laughs sadly. “I hate to agree with you, but I suppose you’re right. This place was once made to be the one of the most beautiful parts of the forest, if you can imagine that.” He stands erect and turns to you. “I heard that you are called Ed.” He extends his large vine covered hand. “You can call me Sylvas.”

You accept his hand, trying not to be cut by the sharp points on the vines.

He nods. “I do not know what you seek here, Ed, but I only ask that you don’t bring any harm to this forest. It’s been tarnished enough.” Sylvas turns to leave.

“Wait!” You call out and he stops.

>Try to see if he is part of the rebellion.
>Divulge what Hugoth told you.
>Write in.

I will be gone for 20-30 minutes, I'm really sorry for this delay, but something important came up. Be back soon.

>>36473083
What happened here if i may ask? Was that song something to fix this place?

>>36473083
>See what he knows, tell him that the sorceress wouldn't want her garden to be tarnished so maybe you can help stop it.

>>36473083
Ask him what he thinks of of Hugoth and what just happened.

>>36473110
I don't know if this a write in or what But,
I think that Hugoth is connected to the forest dying in the area and that the song from earlier was probably unrelated, idk

>>36473083
>>Write in.
"The warden of this place, Hugoth. Killing one of you just for making noise is a bit extreme. Is the how it always is hete?"

Sorry for the extra delay
>>36473110
>>36473186
>>36473250
>>36473369
I can work these all together.
>Writing

>>36473792

“What happened here? Why is this place dying?” You call out to him.

He looks at you sadly, but doesn’t say anything.

You don’t relent. “The sorceress wouldn’t want her garden to be tarnished.” Sylvas clenches his shoulders. “I don’t want this place to be tarnished.” You walk closer to Sylvas. “You don’t want this forest to be tarnished, so stop holding out on me.”
He stares at you for a moment and finally talks. “It’s because of Hugoth.” He whispers quietly.
“Is that why he did what he did earlier, is that how he always is?” You ask.

Sylvas looks at you sternly. “Treefolk are felled when they can no longer take care of themselves. Your companions attack simply finished his already sealed fate. He doesn’t want to kill us outright, but he’s doing something to sap us of our strength, the forest grows weaker as he grows stronger. His pride overwhelms his sense of duty, and he would see us all die because of it.”

“Do you know how he grows stronger?” You whisper back.

Sylvas shakes his head. “Sadly I do not, or else I would have tried to stop him already.” He sighs. “I have told you too much. I can’t run the risk of you exposing what we know.” He pauses. “I have never killed before, and I don’t want to start now. Help us or promise me that you’ll leave this place.”

It’s clear that there is no going back if you still want to leave this world. The clearest path ahead lies with Hugoth, but part of you wants to help the other treefolk live. You weight your options and choose your side.

>I will help (Honest.)

>I will help. (Deceit.)

>>36474391
>I will help (Honest.)
He's pulling a stealth Lucifer and would likely betray us anyways.

>>36474391
>I will help. (Honest.)
Seems the wisest to play the long game and keep the sorceress happy.

>>36474391
>" promise me that you’ll leave this place.”

Our problem is that we don't know how.
>I will help
but only if they can help us. Otherwise I'm sticking with Hugoth.

>>36474391
>>I will help (Honest.)

Like I even care about going home.
Here we've got "Iron Girl" Autumn, "Best Girl" Vi, and... Cecelia?

>>36474554
Im betting she's either magical or will be.

>>36474554
Cecilia is the literal carefree girl.
>>36474582
Seconding this, kind of. We should pay more attention to her if she's going to be that important.
But the ultimate question remains unanswered Who do we waifu?

>Writing.

>>36474630
>Spoiler
Best girl is best girl for a reason.

>>36474655
Anon I need to point out she doesn't think highly of us and there are ..... complications in other areas as well.

>>36474655
>>36474712
Yeah dude, hot dog in a pin hole.
I wonder how many more people there are to meet, and how many will be female.

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>>36474712
>she doesn't think highly of us


Bit dense there ain't cha mate?

>>36474753
Likely a good many, also we know there is one at end game that will be female.

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>>36474644
“I will help.” You answer honestly, but can’t help but have a niggling doubt in the back of your mind. “What’s your plan?”
“He grows stronger every day, so we will have to strike soon.” Sylvas surveys his surroundings. “There is only me and my brother Dynlos left at full strength to lead the attack. Our father died recently to keep us from being discovered.” He shakes his head at the thought. “But with you and your blonde haired companion, we should stand a good chance in a fight, provided that we weaken him prior.”

“How will we do that?” You inquire.
“The soil.” He answers simply and continues. “This soil is toxic to us if it gets inside our body.” Sylvas does a subtle nod at Vi. “She’s likely our best bet. How she will do it, remains the problem.”

“You are sure of this? I don’t want my companions risking their lives for no reason.” You turn to look at your group, still waiting for you to finish. Vi gestures with her hand for you to hurry up.

He sighs “I wish I could say for certain that it would weaken him, but there remains the possibility that he may be too strong for it to affect him.”
“Fine. Do you know what will happen once the warden dies?” you address your greatest concern.
“I do not, but the sorceress would not allow for her gardens to go unwatched.” Sylvas says firmly “This remains our best option, unless you think of something else.”

“I’ll try to do just that. I want to make sure we explore all our options.” You turn from him.

“Regardless, he dies tonight, or we do.” Sylvas finishes.

You take another look at your group. You see Vi cross her arms and scoff from impatience. Autumn smiles at you and brushes her blonde hair out of her face, while Cecilia plays with one Autumn’s arms, waving at you with it.

“Agreed.” You say quietly to yourself while walking away from him. “One of you will die tonight.”
~

>>36475475
Okay, I'm going to end it here for today. Thank you so much for playing, and if you have any questions or comments please feel free to leave them in the thread and I will do my best to respond to them.

I hope to see you all next time!

https://twitter.com/QM_Auri (Twitter)
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=otherworldly+arboretum (Previous threads)

>>36475503
Thanks for running Auri. In this setting can anyone do magic or does it only belong to those who had it before they came here or were made for that purpose?

>>36475544
In this world, you had to be born with magic, created with magic, or inherit it from someone else to use it.

>>36475503
Thanks for running Auri.

>>36475503
Thanks for running Auri. How any more characters can we expect to join our group?

>>36475629
Well crap then. Thanks for letting us know. have a good one Auri

>>36475544
>>36475630
>>36475666
You're all very welcome.

>>36475666
I haven't quite decided on an exact number of traveling companions, since it is a bit different from when you have a sort of "home" in the setting, but I was thinking maybe 2-3 more people in the group.

>>36475673
No problem, have a great rest of your day!