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Spring Cleaning Edition

>This is a participation-driven, slice-of-life quest with bits of action and romance thrown in for spice. The protagonist, Jacky Richmond, is a recently-returned veteran with little to call his own now that he’s back home. His grandfather, Roger Richmond, has recently passed away due to illness and left the family home and farm to Jacky. Per the terms of Roger’s will, Jacky must inhabit and work on the farm for two years before he legally owns it.

>LAST TIME: Yesterday was Jacky’s first day on the job. He spent a large amount of his money on seeds, saved innocent bystanders, battled a Shade, and met many of the townsfolk (including some of the bachelorettes).

>Criticisms, cheers, complaints, ideas, and ramblings are always welcome; let’s have fun and enjoy the next two years together!
>Archive: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Sunnyvale QM
>Twitter: https://twitter.com/mayor_qm
>Information Doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/19HRkBJ6pM5vTkP6extSSrP7dXtVkBm6WLSIEIl3VApM/edit?usp=sharing

[The last thread was archived. Every vote good or bad is appreciated!]

>>>>

>6:00 AM, Spring 2, Year 1

Your second night in Sunnyvale gifted you with “pleasant” dreams of tsundere Shades chasing you with garden hoses. You blame it on all the excitement from yesterday.

You are awaken with a great start by a series of loud, intrusive knocks on the front door and Tara’s voice yelling in from outside. You jolt so hard that you roll off the bed and onto the floor with a wreckage of pillows and sheets around you. You groan and shift about; your hand touches a small metal box and you look at it curiously. You don’t remember it being there last night. You see it has a tiny ornamental keyhole.

You would inspect it more but Tara starts pounding on the door again.

You give her a yell and then rush to get dressed. You answer the door with a yawning “What’s up?” and get a bit of an earful about waking up early on the farm. You unintentionally zone out on her for a bit and think about a hot breakfast and more sleep. When you come back to reality you notice that, for all her bluster, she looks haggard herself.

Tara insists that the two of you will water the plants first thing before moving on to other work. She then asks what you’ve thought about tackling as a first project.

A. “Rough night’s sleep?”
B. “As the boss I decree that it is nap time.”
C. Clear the field (Timeskip to noon; open up planting space and gather materials)
D. Deliver the tablet piece after watering the plants
E. Call Alice over to inspect the broken buildings and give some work estimates
F. Write-in
>>
>>721108
>C. Clear the field (Timeskip to noon; open up planting space and gather materials)
>>
>>721108
C. Clear the field (Timeskip to noon; open up planting space and gather materials)

First work, then waifus
>>
Kari is best girl, other girls are meh-ok.

>>721108
C. Clear the field (Timeskip to noon; open up planting space and gather materials)
>>
>>721108
>C. Clear the field (Timeskip to noon; open up planting space and gather materials)
>>
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You peer over Tara’s shoulder at the main field*and frankly think to yourself “if I’m going to get this place going I’m going to need more than a handful of potato plants.” Well, you better clear the field then!

And that’s exactly what you tell Tara you’re going to do until about noon – or until exhaustion hits you, whichever comes first.

Tara gives you a thumbs up while stifling a yawn. “Finally, you’re acting like a farmer.”

[*Field A in the Google doc]
>>>>

You spend the next half hour watering your fledgling plants and it brightens your day to see the little seed leaves poking out of the ground towards the nurturing sun. After remarking on a rather scrawny seedling you realize that you’ll be responsible for these guys for the rest of their lives. They’re like little moneymaking children! That thought sets a fire of determination in you to ensure that they live long, healthy lives. You take extra care to water the rest of your 23 plants after that.

Towards the end of your watering you hear the sound of a crow calling out in hunger and realize it’s a little too close to your plants for comfort. You grumble and prepare to throw a clod of dirt at it to scare it away but it looks to your left and then flies away with a shriek. You look over and see your scarecrow, what you call the Horrorcrow, facing the direction where the bird sat and swaying in the breeze. You grunt appreciatively and go to put the hose away when you realize that you had placed the Horrorcrow facing towards the South, not the East.

You look over and see the Horrorcrow, well, mostly facing South. It can’t be rotating on its own, can it? With the morning sun and sleep in your eyes you can’t quite tell… Then Tara stands up in your field of view and asks what you’re staring at. You simply shake your head and wave her off.

She scoffs. “You know, you’re lucky I’m too tried to give you a hard time this morning, Newbie.”

[Suggest a nickname for Tara that you can call her in return. She’s earned it.]

A. I think the Horrorcrow is alive.
B. You’re lucky I don’t feed you to the Shade that lives in the mountain.
C. Let’s try and play nice today, yeah?
D. “Just help me clear the fields.”
E. Write-ins Encouraged
>>
>>721242
>A. I think the Horrorcrow is alive.
>>
>>721242
>A. I think the Horrorcrow is alive.
And a total bro.
>>
>>721242
That bird looks familiar, but I can't place what from.

>A. I think the Horrorcrow is alive.
>>
>>721242
>A

I'm blanking on appropriately sassy nicknames at the moment.

BTW Mayor, Jamie isn't in the Google doc.
>>
>>721242
>A. I think the Horrorcrow is alive.
Either this or someone is messing with us. Or someone. Telling her might help us find out.
>>
>>721242
>>721257
This
>>
Well, she keeps calling us newbie.... how about Old Maid?
>>
>>721280
I dunno.i was thinking something more like 'farm hand'

Old maid doesn't seem to fit IMO
>>
>>721280
>>721333
How about 'princess'? Women like her HATE to be considered frail and not fit for real labour. Which 'princess' implies.
>>
>>721357
Thats probably better, i'm just mentally dead after shift today.
>>
>>721357
If we frame it that she complains about alot of stuff like a princess than I guess it's OK.

Doesn't seem quite right to me, probably because of shinobi quest.
>>
>>721411
Yeah, im not sure of it either.
>>
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>>721242

You point at the Horrorcrow. “I’m pretty sure the scarecrow moved towards the crow and scared it away. Did you see it?”

Tara nods. “Of course I did. Yeah, that makes total sense. Why do you ask? Did it scare you?” Tara wiggles her fingers in your direction. “Ooh, I can take on the Shade but I can’t handle an old shirt stuffed over some straw! Like I said before, you’re lucky I’m so tired… You’re just making the jokes too easy, Jacky!”

“And you’re lucky,” you shout to her from across the field, “that I can’t think of an appropriately sassy nickname to call you!” She salutes you sarcastically. You curse at her under your breath.

>>>>

The two of you join up at the hose and faucet; you walk towards the toolshed and prepare to arm yourselves for clearing the field.

About halfway there on your walk Tara shoulder-bumps you and laughs a bit. That last little bit of offense may have been the final straw, because inspiration finally hits you. “Hey, Tara, I thought of something.” She reacts in mild confusion and you look at her condescendingly. “Princess. I think the perfect nickname for you is ‘Princess.’”

Tara’s face drops at that and she gives a couple snarky laughs while looking at you dangerously. “Well, I have something to tell you, too. You might actually be a good farmer someday, you know why?”

"...."

“Why?”

“Because you’re really good at digging yourself into holes! Ah, man. That was good, right?” She looks at you expectantly. “Come on, you know that was a good one.” She motions for a high-five but you refuse her to her disappointment.

>>>>

Armed with your ax, pickax and scythe the two of you march into battle against Nature itself. In the first two hours you tackle the first row while Tara tackles the second. You and Tara gather…

>140 wood, 70 sap, 30 stone, 10 fiber from the first row
>100 wood, 50 sap, 60 stone, 10 fiber from the second row

In the third and fourth hours…

>100 wood, 50 sap, 40 stone, 15 fiber from the third row
>140 wood, 70 sap 10 stone, 25 fiber from the fourth row

[Please give me 4 rolls of 1d25 to see how much stamina you burned.]

[Separately, please give me 3 rolls of 5d6 for wild seed gathering.]
>>
Rolled 19 (1d25)

>>721415
>>
Rolled 17 (1d25)

>>721415
>>
Rolled 5 (1d25)

>>721415
>>
Rolled 11 (1d25)

>>721415
>>
Rolled 4, 1, 3, 3, 6 = 17 (5d6)

>>721415
>>
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>>721415
[Please make that 8 rolls of 1d25. I'm stupid. You can roll two d25s at a time.

Also, the document has been updated and can be used to check my math on the foraging for materials.]
>>
Rolled 4, 3, 6, 2, 1 = 16 (5d6)

>>721415
>>
Rolled 1, 3, 2, 5, 4 = 15 (5d6)

>>721415
>>
Rolled 6, 6, 1, 2, 6 = 21 (5d6)

>>
Rolled 5, 23 = 28 (2d25)

>>721436
>>
Rolled 3 (1d25)

>>
>>721436
I don't know, I'd say Stamina burn should be fixed per skill usage, and reduced by level.
>>
>>721447
[It will be reduced based on level gains in the future, and this way actually gives us something to roll for which I think is important in quests.

I intended for Jacky to start out with 4-8 hours of physical labor a day, and rolling for it allows for variation.

I'm absolutely open to ideas and discussion. What does everyone think the advantage of fixed stamina usage is? Should there be a bare minimum of stamina usage?]
>>
>>721460
Stamina could be fixed, but then roll to see how tired/drained you feel despite how much/little you used.
>>
I'm fine with it the way it is,
>>
>>721464
For instance after a hard day's work on the farm, if you roll shit you feel like shit for the rest of the day or until resting, roll well and you still feel good or even energized from the workout.
>>
Rolled 1 (1d25)

>>721436
That's a lot of rolls you're asking for.
>>
>>721460
Its fine
>>
>>721415

[Document updated with SP drain and your new items.]

You’ve come to an understanding over the course of this morning: clearing land sucks and it sucks hard. You and Tara, around noon, find yourselves both slumped to the ground on either side of a tree drenched in sweat. You chat and throw some idle banter back and forth but neither of you really puts their heart into it. You do, however, pull out a handkerchief from your pocket and show it questioningly to Tara. Inside the cloth is an assortment of seeds and nuts that you happened upon while clearing the area.

Tara actually compliments you on collecting all of it and awkwardly pats your wrist. You chalk it up to her being too tired to be a pain.

Tara begs you for some lunch, or at least to go grocery shopping and stock up the fridge in Roger’s – yours now, you both have to remember that – house. You do have your debit card in your wallet; if they take card in the valley you could use it for grocery shopping like you usually do. Or you could just drone some crap over via Amazon…

A. Order some groceries online with Tara. You’ll have to eat out today and tonight, though.
B. See what you can grab at Patrick’s shop, but it’ll take more of your time walking there

>12:00 PM Monday, Spring 2, Year 1
>What is next on your to-do list?

A. Deliver Tablet Piece
B. Investigate the Hidden Path to the Beach
C. Call Alice and ask her for estimates on repairing the farm’s structures
D. Go explore the mines with Jamie
E. Write-ins and Questions encouraged
>>
>>721577
>B. See what you can grab at Patrick’s shop, but it’ll take more of your time walking there

>C. Call Alice and ask her for estimates on repairing the farm’s structures

Must conserve money
>>
>>721577

A. Order some groceries online with Tara. You’ll have to eat out today and tonight, though.

Maybe treat her to dinner?

D. Go explore the mines with Jamie
>>
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>>721577
[Phone dropped my picture...]
>>
>>721577
>B. See what you can grab at Patrick’s shop, but it’ll take more of your time walking there
>C. Call Alice and ask her for estimates on repairing the farm’s structures
>>
>>721585
[Tara does not have enough hearts with the other Anons for this to happen.]
>>
>>721589
Fair point. Likely not my other pick either. Oh well.
>>
>>721577
A. Order some groceries online with Tara. You’ll have to eat out today and tonight, though.
>A. Deliver Tablet Piece

Fuck, i don't remember which days exploring with Jaime were good
>>
>>721577
> A

And then

>A
>>
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[no reason Jacky can't meet Alice back at the farm after delivering the tablet. Does this sound good, or are we set on training in the mines?]

A. Sounds good
B. Sounds bad

I made a thing.
>>
>>721648
>B. Sounds bad
Must find and eliminate the greater shade
>>
>>721648
B. Sounds bad

Fuck that Shade's day all up.
>>
>>721577
>A. Order some groceries online with Tara. You’ll have to eat out today and tonight, though.

>C. Call Alice and ask her for estimates on repairing the farm’s structures
>>
>>721648
I'm not sure what 'sounds good' or 'sounds bad' refer to, but I vote to do the tablet thing and then call alice over
>>
>>721659
>>721577
Actually, change Call Alice to
>A. Deliver Tablet Piece
>>
>>721648
>B. Sounds bad
>>
>>721648
>A. Sounds good
Honestly our first/last interaction with Jamie really put me off on her.
I really don't feel like going back just yet.
>>
>>721577

“Tell you what, Tara?”

“Mmh?” she calls from the other side of the tree.

“I’ll take you out to lunch and I’ll get some groceries for the house; I’ll just order them online and have them shipped here. Patrick doesn’t take card, right?”

“I…” She pauses on that for a moment. “I’m not sure. Franc and I just always used cash or check. Old fashion, I guess. He could get one, at the least, if you asked or something.”

"Thanks, by the way? You don't have to buy me lunch, you know. This first season's work is all on charity so why the sudden niceness, Newbie?"

“Charity? And I've always been nice! Whatever, I’ll think about asking Patrick to take card.” You get up, brush yourself off and then help Tara up. “For now, how about you help me order some groceries?” That perks her up a bit. “A shipment would get here by tomorrow, and I’m not much of a cook anyways. I can get the premade stuff on Amazon, you know?”

“Eh, cooking’s a valuable skill, Newbie. You should learn from someone like Daniel. And lots of folks here have great family recipes. You just have to pry them from their cold, small-town hands.”

“Huh.” You give her an appraising look as you walk. “I wouldn’t have pegged you for cooking, Princess.”

“I have to give you credit,” she sighs. “That name really does piss me off.”

>>>>

About fifteen minutes later and you’ve managed to order several months’ worth of MREs. Just kidding. You get enough decent food to last you well into the season and not go crazy over mac n’ cheese all the time. You and Tara are civil, and everything goes fine until Tara goes a little “nuts” when she realizes you can order all the ginger ale she could drink.

You get her a half liter and tell her to quit her whining. She must like ginger a lot or something.

Your severance payments allow you to cover groceries at least, so that’s nice… And, really, you realize you have a little bit extra when the final shopping cart total comes up. You decide to get yourself a little something extra to celebrate your new life…

A. Something strong to drink (with Tara?)
B. A new pan so you can do some of your own cooking.
C. A kickass hat for your Horrorcrow bro.
D. A guitar. Music eases the soul, right?
E. A body pillow for Alice. (Aw <3)
F. Write-in

>>>>

That done, you shoot Alice a text and ask if she can meet you at the farm sometime soon and assess the damage to the structures here. She affirms and writes that she is (looking forward to seeing you). You respond that you (really appreciate it).

(Swiggity swooty), she texts in a flash, (Just doing my duty).

A. Say you’re looking forward to seeing her, too
B. Laugh with Tara about that last text
C. Text her “No funny business, okay?”
D. Tell her you’re coming for that booty
E. Text the Mayor and tell him things are about to go down
F. Write-in
>>
>>721832
>C. A kickass hat for your Horrorcrow bro
i'm wondering if its possesed by a shade.
>D. Tell her you’re coming for that booty
>>
>>721832
>C.
>A.
>>
>>721832
>C. A kickass hat for your Horrorcrow bro.
Almost tempted to have a custom body pillow of us made to gift her.

>A. Say you’re looking forward to seeing her, too
>>
>>721832
>>721840
Second these suggestions
>>
>>721832
>C. A kickass hat for your Horrorcrow bro.
Bros before hoes

>A. Say you’re looking forward to seeing her, too
>>
>>721832
C. A kickass hat for your Horrorcrow bro.

D. Tell her you’re coming for that booty

I quite enjoy serial memeing with alice
>>
>>721832
>C. A kickass hat for your Horrorcrow bro.
>D. A guitar. Music eases the soul, right?

A. Say you’re looking forward to seeing her, too
>>
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>>721832

You text Alice ("I’m looking forward to seeing you, too"). But then she puzzles you by asking what time it is. You tell her it’s getting close to 1 o’clock, and ask ("why?"). She throws back that, well, you can’t see her ("‘CAUSE THE TIME IS NOW"). And then she must have typo’d a bunch of emojis because there are trumpets everywhere. Weird.

>>>>

You decide that’s enough goofing off for now; you’re wasting away with hunger, albeit silently, and Tara’s got her head slumped against the front door and is grumbling to herself about food. You pack up and the two of you head off for the Duck.

>>>>

“So what were you giggling about back there?” Tara asks after a few minutes of silence on the road. “On your phone?”

“I was laughing at what Alice wrote; I invited her over to take a look at fixing up the farm buildings like the coop and the greenhouse.” Tara says she appreciates that and hopes everything will be back to normal soon. She muses that it’ll take a lot of materials, and money, but it’s worth it.

“It’s what Roger would have wanted.” She muses, her arms out and soaking up the sun.

“Yeah,” you mutter. “I’m looking forward to everything looking like how I remember it from my childhood; you?”

“Well, yeah, of course. But right now, Newbie? I’m looking forward to a big plate of french fries. And ketchup. And a cold drink.” She looks at you sideways. “Do you drink?”

A. On occasionally.
B. Yeah, of course.
C. I served in the ‘Force. What do you think?
D. I can drink with the best of them.

“And what about that hat that you bought? I didn’t really think it was your style.” There’s a moment of quiet. “Did you order that for Alice? Pretty sure she’d wear something like that.”

A. The trilby is for m’Horrorcrow
B. The tophat is for Mr. Poshcrow.
C. It’s a beret for our friend Honorcrow
D. You don’t think Herbcrow will look good in dreads?
E. Write-in

[Ask Tara for her thoughts on something before or during lunch?]
A. No. time-skip to after lunch.
B. Kari
C. Alice
D. Jamie
E. Herself
F. Festivals
>>
>>722076
C. I served in the ‘Force. What do you think?

D. You don’t think Herbcrow will look good in dreads?

E. Herself
F. Festivals
>>
>>722076
>A. Only occasionally.
>C. It’s a beret for our friend Honorcrow
>F. Festivals
>>
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>>722076
>A. On occasionally.

>The galea is for PraetorianCrow

>A. No. time-skip to after lunch.
>>
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>>722076
>A. On occasionally.
>B. The tophat is for Mr. Poshcrow.
>F. Festivals
>>
>>722076
>A. Only occasionally.
>B. The tophat is for Mr. Poshcrow.
>D. Jamie
>>
>>722076
>A. Only occasionally.
>C. It’s a beret for our friend Honorcrow
>F. Festivals
>>
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>>722076

You walk in silence for a bit long before the itch of conversation gets at you.

“Hey, so, festivals?”

Tara throws a skewed eyebrow your way. “What about them? You’re actually going to go?”

What? “Where did that come from. Of course I’m going to go - you don’t?” She says that she always does and to continue on with your questions. “Well, I just wanted to know a bit more about them. Do I need to wear something nice?”

“Heck no, just wear the crap you usually wear.” She blows that notion off entirely and you go ahead and ignore that dig at your appearance. “Except for the flower festival late this season. There’s a dance, the guys have to present the girls they want to bone with flower necklaces, Kari get’s named queen every f’ing year…”

You sense a bit of hostility, there.

“Seriously, she’s given the most flower necklaces and named queen every Goddess-damned year. I mean, it makes sense because she’s beautiful, and nice like a fairytale princess… But can’t they give someone like me a chance?”

“Anyways, the day before the festival the girls give the guys gifts. On the flower festival, the guys reciprocate if they actually like the girl. Everyone gets courtesy gifts, but you only get the flower necklace if someone really likes you.”

A. Well I think you’d have a good chance, Princess.
B. Who gives necklaces to you?
C. Where do you get the necklace?
D. Write-in

You ask about other Spring festivals.

“Well, there’s the Sky and Earth festival. I don’t think you’ll be prepared for that one - it’s right around the corner and you have to build a kite to participate in the main event. But, there is the egg hunt, sack race, and climbing the sky pole. I bet you’re good at grabbing poles, right?”

“See, Tara,” you affix her with as serious of a glare as you can muster. “That was a good joke, definitely, but that’s why nobody’s jumping to give you a flower necklace.”

She mulls that over. “I know. I’m nice where it counts, alright? That’s all that really matters in my book, dammit. I don't need to be fake and get some stupid necklace.”

Come on, that's cheap. "Are you saying Kari's fake? Is that what everyone is to you?" And that actually manages to stop her cold. Tara actually freezes up and whispers an apology. She realizes she went too far.

"... I didn't mean it like that. I'm sorry."

A. That’s not what being nice is about.
B. We need to work on that.
C. Want to bet on who gets more flower necklaces? Me or you?
D. Just calm down, grumpy-britches
E. Who usually wins the Sky and Earth competitions?
>>
>>722339
C. Where do you get the necklace?

A. That’s not what being nice is about.
B. We need to work on that.
>>
>>722339
>C. Where do you get the necklace?
>A. That’s not what being nice is about.
>E. Who usually wins the Sky and Earth competitions?
>>
>>722076
>A. Only occasionally.
>The galea is for PraetorianCrow
>F. Festivals
>>
>>722512
shit, forgot to update before post

>C. Where do you get the necklace?
>A. That’s not what being nice is about.
>E. Who usually wins the Sky and Earth competitions?
>>
>>722339
>A. Well I think you’d have a good chance, Princess. You just need to work on acting like a princess. I can help you with that.

>B. We need to work on that.
>>
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>>722339

Tara seems to draw ire and she’s constantly pushing buttons, at least with you. Franc didn’t seem to mind it when you were with the two of them, so there's that, but... Right now, she needs to understand that you, Jacky Richmond, can "get" what she’s saying. But understanding a sentiment doesn't mean you agree with it.

“I get that you think you put the work into relationships and people, Tara. I get that, and that’s important. And I think you do put in the work.” She starts to protest but you cut her off. She needs to listen. “You’re a good person, I think. I’m pretty sure, Princess.” You push her middle finger out of the air. “Hey, hey, I was kidding. Just kidding. Hear me out: you’re a good person but you need to give everyone a break, including yourself.”

She seems surprised at that. You wait for outrage but none comes. You take that as an invitation to continue.

“Relationships aren’t work. Work is involved, yes, but it’s not like farming, or cleaning the house. If relationships feel like that then something's wrong. People need love, you know? All people, including assholes like me and judgmental women like you. They need the good stuff: laughs, kindness, a shoulder to lean on, and stupid gifts like necklaces. That stuff isn't 'important,' but it's 'important,' okay?"

You move a hand to your head and take a deep breath, because this is harder than you thought. You hope you're making sense. "I get that you’re there for the hard stuff, but why not… I don’t know, let yourself be there for the good stuff, yeah? I'm sure you've enjoyed life plenty, but Roger never would have wanted you to stop.”

Tara takes that in and you can see the thoughts register in her mind. You see her fight with them and chew them over, you even see the bit of anger on her face when you mention your grandfather. You know she wants to tell you off - you’ve figured out this quickly that that’s how she deals with things, and that’s sad. You pity her, kind of.

“‘Kay.”

“Okay? That’s it?” She nods. “Alright, well… I meant it. In a good way. You deserve to be happy, and so does everyone else. Let’s try to let things be easy, okay? I’m not here to fight with you. I appreciate your help, but you kind of… You kind of act like a bitch to me. And I just want to get along.”

She tenses her neck and rolls her hands about in silent frustration but doesn’t say anything. You appreciate the effort, even if she’s starting to look red in the face from holding in her comments.

“Changing topics, okay? Where do you get those necklaces? For the flower festival?”

“Make’em or buy’em from Patrick the day of the festival.” Ouch. Short and curt.

“Aw, come on, Princess. Don't be a grumpy britches." You rub her shoulder and she lamely shies away from you. "Let’s get some food in you, yeah? Maybe that will cheer you up.”

She grunts in response, her arms crossed like a hungry, angry child.

>Cont.
>>
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>>722587

You reach the restaurant not a moment too soon.

Your meal is satisfying. The food’s good, the price is good, and the atmosphere is nice. You chat with Allen for a bit, meet Daniel himself, and you even talk to Patrick and Richard a bit. Seeing the two of them actually reminds you to ask Tara about the mystery seeds. She never gave you a good answer and now that she has eaten her mood seems much improved.

“Berry seeds,” she offers once you ask. “I’m pretty sure they’re a type of berry seed, which is cool."

"Cool? Why is it cool?"

"... Because those puppies keep producing after you pick them. So, yeah. Patrick didn’t swindle you. You got a good deal, I think.”

You thank her, and she says you're welcome.

"See? I can earn a necklace or too."

"Yeah," you think, "let's just start with being easier to handle."

>>>>

On the way back you and Tara talk about the Sky and Earth festival some more. She offers that Jamie has won the Sky Pole Climbing competition a lot lately, Cyndie from the marina is really good at the sack race “despite her prosthetic,” and Clyde or Courson always win the Egg Hunt.

"I can never tell which is which."

You offer that they could be working together. She realizes that you're right and slams her fists on the table while promising "to make omelets out of those two."

You ask if she has ever won any of the competitions and she says she’s usually busy setting up and helping out, then she sits aside and drinks the strawberry wine bottled the year before. That sounds almost as good as the competitions to you.

>>>>

When you arrive home it’s about half past two. You ask Tara if she wants to head to the Shrine with you and she declines. She says she thought about what you said on the trip back and had something she needed to do. You wish her well and say you’ll see you later. She wishes you goodbye without any overt insults and that’s a success in your book.

You make your way South towards the shrine…

[That’s it for tonight, everybody! I actually don’t think I’ll be writing during the day tomorrow. We could probably all use a break from the quest and I have some work I can do. I hope that everyone enjoys the faster pace the story is moving at? My plan is to keep accelerating the storyline in some areas and focus on important, larger events. Also, I’ll take a look at the stamina mechanics again and see if I can rework them to be better. I’ll post more thoughts in a separate post.]

[Thank you very much for playing and have a good night, everyone. Your participation is appreciated, although sometimes you guys are so quiet you make me nervous. I’ll try to introduce some more shitstorms in the near future /s]
>>
>>722607
>Your participation is appreciated, although sometimes you guys are so quiet you make me nervous.

The response rate you get seems pretty high for /qst/ standards.

Anyway, have a nice day Mayor. Can't wait for more questing.
>>
>>722607
I like the work you've done, kinda hard to complain. Thanks again for running tonight!
>>
>>722607
Thanks for the run. Been enjoying the quest quite a lot.

Finally, we're getting away from Tara. If only for a short bit. She gets soooo much screen time.
>>
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>>722618
[I'm too used to Pokemon Island Quest. I need to shake off the expectations that quest gave me and stop judging myself against my heroes like Gobble or Diarca.]

>>722607
[The incoming thoughts are a long tl;dr. Read at your own risk.

-I like Jacky and enjoy writing him, and I think his personality has come out a bit more but it's still very open-ended. I'm not sure if that's good or bad.
-Jamie is confused by you. She wants to like you but you hurt her, and she knows it's not your fault. It's hers. She's always too weak; she'll no longer show her weaknesses to you.
-Kari thinks you're nice but very silly. Better than Alice, but silly nonetheless.
-Tara is a mixed bag. She's enjoying your company and wants to like you but knows you hate and resent her. She resents you and envies you, but then you make her like her. You confuse her.
-The Mayor thinks you are a great addition to the town, an upstanding and fine young man, and a friend in the pursuit of peace and ero.
-Alice finds you fascinating. She just wants to take you apart and then put you back together as a body pillow that she can love and hold, because 3DPD, right? Kidding! She can't wait to see your booty again and check your dubs.
-Allen thinks you're alright. He hopes you join the guys for cards and keep frequenting the inn.
-Patrick and Richard both respect you.
-Clyde and Courson see you as a mysterious hero guy.
-Horrorcrow knows you've got his back and he has yours.

I'm okay with you guys not liking many of the characters, especially because it seems some people like characters that others don't. If there isn't a single character that you can like or root for, let me know. It means I'm not doing my job as a writer.

It's my hope that the cast can grow and come to appreciate one another more as the story goes on. I have a lot of plans for this town and its people!

-Mayor]
>>
>>722673
I still liked Jamie, even if she was a bit foreward with her advances. Still think we left on a bad note, but it's already happened. I do want to make it right with her though.

I definitely want to push the mutual respect angle with Tara, just so we don't confuse her as much.

I just like Alice for some reason, she's neat

Horrorcrow a bro

I like the way you're doing all the characters though, for the little development some of them have had a chance to do, but i like them.
.
>>
>>722673
I want to chill out and have a drink with Horrorcrow. I know he can't drink (or can he?) but it's the principle of the matter to chill with a bro.

Hope to also getting around to the remaining townsfolk so we can get their opinions on us.
>>
>>722618
[Have a great day, anon!]

>>722654
[I enjoy the challenge she presents as a character both for me and for Jacky. That said, she will start to get less and less screentime as farming is streamlined and pushed to the sidelines/time skipped. ]

[I wonder when you guys will unlock the resort and theme park. Hint: it's a heart event.]
>>
Have we met all the waifus already?
I kind of wanted to see more of karis maid friend that we met on the first day.
>>
>>722996
I think there is like two we haven't met face to face yet. One being the I believe tomboy priestess? (Meh)
>>
>>723012
I'm willing to give each waifu a chance.

Alice went a wildly different direction than I was expecting due to a few write ins blowing past the 'wierd awkward nerd that takes notes about people' thing into what we ended up with. I'm hoping I hoping to be pleasantly surprised by the remaining ones as well.

Sidenote: we gotta meet up with Ms Fontenot soonish. There's no way she wont matchmaker the shit out of our situation. It'll be hilarious.
>>
>>722673
>-Horrorcrow knows
Daz izt spooky stuff
Maybe we could make Ms.Horrorcrow for him?
>>
>>722673
It's not that I don't hate Tara, it's just that she has every trait I hate in a fellow human being.
...wait
...Okay, to put it another way, it's like your best friend's girlfriend that absolutely hates you. You hate her back, but for the sake of somebody else you don't lash out at them because it would be disrespectful, and you're praying that one day they show you a side of themselves that qualifies as a decent human being.

Alice is memes. I like memes.

I think we need to apologize to Jamie for being so abrupt, but I'm not sorry for voting for leaving. We told her to stop, she didn't, and we didn't fold to her. That's not our fault.

We should go play cards with Allen, I almost forgot who he was.

I don't know when Horrorcrow turned into Horrorbro, but I'm totally okay with it.

All in all, good quest, but every session seems so short.
>>
Mayor! Can you please begin posting the link to the new thread in the previous ones? I almost missed this one.

Thank you!
>>
[How do some updates sound today?]
>>
>>727754
Sure. Hopefully a bit longer session, maybe?

It's up to you, obviously. I'm good with the quality so it's not a big deal.
>>
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>>727754

The main road eventually splits off into an old path lined with the occasional paving stone and various totems or markers. They have a guiding nature to them, but the words and script etched on the old structures are indecipherable to you.

There is a noticeable dip in the elevation as you walk further and further away from your farm and town, and the air grows heavy with… something. You can feel it; a sort of presence that’s not wholly unwelcome. It reminds you of when you first stepped off the bus and felt like you were knee-deep in nature only amplified tenfold.

While you weren’t initially sure you’d recognize your destination, your fears are allayed once you reach a sizable clearing in the trees and underbrush that flank the forest path. A great ancient-look building stands before you, and various strips of cloth of all colors and sizes hang from any and all surrounding branches in the clearing. They wave in the breeze and give the place even more a sense of life or animation.

Various animals, to your surprise, lay at rest along the fringes of the clearing. Deer, raccoons, opossums, even a large brown bear. You stand at the entrance to the clearing nervously and begin to reconsider this visit when the bear sleepily rises from its resting place and begins lumbering over to you.

What did your survival training teach you to do when you encountered bears, again?

A. Throw a scrap of food to distract it.
B. Play dead!
C. Stand up big and tall with your arms outstretched!
D. Run like the wind!
E. Play some smooth jazz on your cellphone
F. Write-in
>>
>>727830
>Fight the bear with your bear hands.
Serious answer
>C. Stand up big and tall with your arms outstretched!
>>
>>727830
>C. Expose your bear hands!

You take a deep breath – hopefully not your last- and then stretch your body vertically to your greatest height. The bear stops a dozen paces (to your relief), blinks a few times, and then stands up on its hind legs in response.

“Fuck,” you mutter. “That is one tall bear.”

Indeed it is! You guess the bear to tower about seven-plus-some feet. That’s seven feet worth of “I’m going to devour your spleen alongside some fresh berries” brown bear. You question how you got into this mess and remember that you were trying to deliver some mysterious stone etching like a good citizen. You’re not even sure if you’re in the right place, you suppose, because who would let a deadly bear just live here!

You wave your arms threateningly and grunt a bit. The bear blinks a few more times and lets out a loud, dull roar of a grunt. Then it waves its arms back and forth in response. You stand there puzzled – did the bear just copy you?

You wave your arms again and the bear, once more, copies your movement. Maybe this bear is smarter than your average bear – so, feeling tricky, you decide to try something a little more difficult. You stick out a foot and wiggle it while waving your arms. The bear waves its arms once more and tries to raise its right foot but stumbles back with a surprised “Ur=urgh!?” the behemoth of a bear topples back onto its hind quarters. The weight of the impact, and the bear itself, is scarily noticeable.

The bear seems to look slightly agitated as it shakes its furry head and then climbs back onto four legs. Then, with a harsh wheeze, it stands back up on two legs and looks at you expectantly.

A. Continue playing “Simon Says”
B. Run away!
C. Try to walk up to the shrine while never turning away from the bear
D. Throw food
E. Try talking to the bear. Ask permission to enter the shrine.
F. Write-in
>>
>>727858
A. Continue playing “Simon Says”
for a bit, then
E. Try talking to the bear. Ask permission to enter the shrine.
>>
>>727858
>E. Try talking to the bear. Ask permission to enter the shrine.
>Realize you're asking a bear for permission to enter a building
>Scratch that, simply that you're talking to a bear
>Question everything in your life that has brought you to this moment
>>
>>727858
>E. Try talking to the bear. Ask permission to enter the shrine.
>>
>>727858
E. Try talking to the bear. Ask permission to enter the shrine.
'Hey man, mind if I enter the shrine? I've got something to deliver.' Then show him the tablet.
>>
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>>727858
>>727858

>A. Unbearable Simon Says!
>B. Talk to the Bear!

This is interesting, to say the least. You’re glad that you’re not dead, yet. You haven’t even walked in on all the girls in town undressing, yet! So, the question is: How do you get past this bear?

It growls at you in frustration and you back up a step and wave your hands pleadingly. “Woah there, buddy! No need to get testy, yeah?”

The bear mirrors your motion and wiggles its hands playfully. You sigh and realize what you must do: you must entertain a bear. You start by scratching your head comically, then you move to the YMCA, then you start turning around in circles while bopping from one foot to the other. The bear thoroughly enjoys it or at least fakes it very well. You’re pretty sure the bear claps at you happily.

Eventually, though, you’ve had enough and resort to your last option. You wonder where, exactly, you took the step that would lead you to this moment. “Uh, Bear?” You ask nervously. “Can I go inside the shrine? In? I want to go inside. Please.” What, in life, led to you talking to a bear? “Please don’t kill me.”

You point to the shrine and the bear follows your finger with its gaze. It looks at the old building, grunts, and then looks back to you with a disapproving glare. You’re very worried for a second until the bear falls onto all four feet and lumbers away from you. You take a moment to catch your breath – you feel like you’re going to be sick. Bears can, and have, killed people before! You maybe could have defended yourself with your sword but that would have been messy at best, deadly at worst.

The bear disappears into the underbrush and you take this moment as your opportunity to enter the building. You quickly step towards the entrance stairs and think you’re in the clear when the earth starts shaking once again, except much harder this time. Twigs, leaves, and debris snap and splinter under the feet of the bear as it comes barreling back towards you in a full gallop. You scream and turn to run away but by the time you’ve gotten to full sprint the bear is upon you.

No, literally, it’s on you. You feel its hot breath on the back of your neck and in that moment you’re sure you’re going to die. The bear has you pinned down with one paw and is whining and growling at you softly. You feel a bit of moisture – it’s probably hungrily drooling on you. Great.

Then you feel something round plop onto your head and roll onto the forest floor next to you. You wait a moment. Still, you’re alive. You crane your neck over and look at the round object – a tennis ball?

>Cont.
>>
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>>727919

“Ursa Major!” Comes a firm feminine voice from the forest beyond. “Down! Down, Major! Immediately! Off!”

The bear lets out an alarmed whine and backs off of you quickly. You sigh in relief and jump to your feet, your body moving automatically away from the bear and back the “fucking way you came” because “fuck this.” You’re stopped in your tracks, however, by Gwen suddenly appearing in front of you from some nearby bushes.

“Hello? Hi, Sir?” Gwen gives you a nervous wave. “Are you okay? I’m so sorry! Major didn’t mean any harm but he’s not used to new people! He just wanted to play fetch and it’s his favorite and please don’t tell my mom or the Mayor that he almost killed you.”

You stutter a bit. Your mind still hasn't caught up to the situation and can't process what she's saying.

The stomping gallop comes towards you again and you brace for impact but the Bear simply goes around you this time. It stops next to Gwen and cuddles into her nervously, like a giant puppy.

She gives you a pleading look. “I can make this up to you! He means well! See?” She has a winning smile, you give her that. The Bear is also smiling but is... slightly more terrifying.

A. “Not used to new people? I thought I was a goner.”
B. “What? Make it up to me?”
C. “Thanks for saving me.”
D. “Play fetch? With my corpse?”
E. “Are you a priestess here? Is this the Harvest Shrine?”
F. Write-in
>>
B.

it's pretty obvious the bear is like a big autistic puppy that weighs 600 pounds.
>>
>>727926
>A. “Not used to new people? I thought I was a goner.”
>>
>>727926
>"Just, uh, just keep a better eye on him next time."
>>
>>727926
>C. and E.
Maybe B. too. It's what I would expect of our character.
>>
>>727926
This town and all it's crazy women I swear to god.

B.
Honestly you know how less doomed we are if a bear was fighting the shades?
>>
>>727926
B. “What? Make it up to me?”
>>
>>727926

You look back and forth between Gwen and the bear a few times before deciding that, well, if you don’t agree to keep this to yourself she has a half-ton bear that she can sic’ on you.

“Sure, you can make it up to me, yeah. Just keep a better eye on him next time, okay? I don’t know about ‘not being used to new people,’ but I thought I was a goner.”

She bows deeply and then begins pumping your hand in a furious handshake. “Thank you so much! We really appreciate it! Right, Major?”

The bear grows appreciatively and rubs a heavy paw up and down your shoulder repeatedly. You just nervously laugh and tell yourself it will all be okay.

Gwen, thankfully, gets Major to head off and entertain himself while the two of you exchange pleasantries. She explains she’s been raising him since he was a cub – orphaned after the hurricane – and that he’s the “sweetest little butthead.” You offer a few comments and questions about how you had no idea bears could be trained, how large he is, his intelligence, and how you wish the you had a pet bear for fighting off the Shade.

Gwen seems pretty proud of Major and talks him up quite a bit. She invites you into the shrine while you talk. You get a small opportunity to marvel at how different it is to the buildings in town. It’s like walking back into history, and Gwen tells you that the building itself is centuries old. She then begins unloading the two large bags at her waist of mushrooms, herbs, and all sorts of forage from outside.

“So,” she says while combing through a collection of tree fungus, “What can I do for you today?”

You show her the tablet and she practically does a spit-take. “Ah,” you think to yourself, “plot device, ho!”

Gwen jumps up off the floor and ushers you deeper into the shrine while hurriedly asking you a rapid-fire string of questions on how, where, and when you found the piece. You offer the details you think are important, which she appreciates. The two of you stop walking once you reach a huge stone carving in the back of what could be a congregation or worship room. It’s magnificent, but the room looks like it hasn’t been used in years and the carving is missing several large chunks of stone.

“Jacky was your name, right? Alright, Jackster, I need you to put the tablet wherever it will fit in that carving, okay? I can’t reach. I mean, I guess you could lift me or give me a boost? What do you say – I know it’s all spooky and religious and crap but it’s safe, I promise. I think.”

A. Drag over a stone chair and put the tablet in place yourself
B. Help Gwen up
C. “You think?”
D. Write-in
>>
>>727967
[Phone ate my pic.]
>>
>>727967
B. Help Gwen up
>>
>>727967
>C. “You think?”
>A. Drag over a stone chair and put the tablet in place yourself
>>
>>727967
Oh great we found a jiggy.
>>
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>>727967

“I think the priestess should be handling the religious monument, don’t you?” She looks a little uneasy at the stone monolith before you but then reluctantly nods. “I’ll help you up, then. Ready?” She shakes her head in the negative. You sigh. “Then I’ll do it myself…?”

She motions for you to stop with one hand while the other touches her temple in thought, like she’s trying to remember something. “Wait and just hold on a sec’, cowboy. Either way I can help if I remember these words right. I think I got it, just let me do…” She rolls up the sleeves of her jacket, “… this to help you, first.” You watch as Gwen starts to wiggle her fingers slightly while chanting. You back up a step. Her fingers are glowing now in a bright green aura. You back up another step.

“Gwen? Wait, Gwen! Hold on-“

She gives you a snarky, cheerful look that’s illuminated in green light. “Come on! This’ll be great, it’s a strength spell! Let me just build it up a bit more and-“

The spell goes off to her surprise, the light retracting down her arms a bit before recoiling and then shooting out of her fingertips at you like a real-life magic missile. You audibly “oof!” as it hits you and knocks the wind out of you. You catch yourself on your knees and take a moment to catch your breath. What in Goddess’s name is with your luck, lately? You thought farm work would be relaxing!

“Alright,” she says proudly! “Now you should be able to lift me up like you were strong as Major, and – uh-oh.”

“Uh-oh?”

>Give me 1d20 for side-effects
>>
Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>728007
Oh boy. Side-effects
>>
Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>728007
>>
Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>728007
>>
>>728007
>been to war
>bitch shooting magic shit at us
PTSD INBOUND
>>
>>728007
[Ate my lunch. 16-19 are fun results. Writing.]
>>
Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>728007
Rollin Thunda
>>
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>>728025

“I,” Gwen starts, but then stops as if she doesn’t know what to say. She does this a few times. “Well, I gotta say, you’re pretty badass looking right now! I mean, sorry, but… You look cool!”

You give her a weak glare. “What happened? You curse me or something?”

She scoffs and laughs. “No! Of course not- Wait, is your penis still there?”

You hurriedly, unabashedly lift your waistband and check right there. “Yes! What the heck - was that a joke? What else might be gone?!”

“Nothing, nothing! I’m pretty sure. Chaney only lost his once but it came back and his fever was cured, so, it’s all good? I mean, that would be worse than having barkskin, right?” You demand an explanation as to what she means by “barkskin.”

“Your skin? It’s hardened, I think, and noticeably tanner. I asked for the nature spirits to gift you strength, but I think I may have accidentally asked for ‘strength’ and ‘gifts?’ Sorry. Spirit language is pretty hard, bro. Seriously-“

You groan and run a hand over your face. True to her words your skin feels almost numb? Desensitized? Like there’s a barrier between feeling things and the actual things. Your skin still seems like skin just a bit “stiffer and darker.” You now resemble Tara’s skin color, oddly enough. You decide to just get the tablet in place and chew her out or something later.

“Didn’t even ask, first…” You grumble. Gwen, standing on your now super-strength arms raised above your head, apologizes again. You glare at her from below, get a little real life fan service, and then go back to being annoyed.

Gwen shoves the tablet piece in place and the whole of the mural glows intensely. Gwen goes back in surprise and is about to fall when you bop her up in the air as if she weighed nothing and then catch her on the way down. She compliments your “nice work, Farmer Jackster!”

You’re not a fan of everyone’s penchant for nicknames around here. You ignore that, though, and ask her “what now?” Gwen explains that she’s not sure, but then she starts glowing again. You flinch away and hope you can keep your penis but no spells come flying your way, thankfully. Gwen just softly whispers in awe as lights spiral around her body before settling over her heart.

"What now?" you mutter.

>Cont.
>>
>>728076

“Thank you,” echoes an ethereal and serene voice from out of nowhere. You and Gwen look around but it is to no avail – there’s nobody here except the two of you. “What once was broken may soon be whole thanks to you, my children. Repair the shrine and you shall receive my gifts. This I ask of you, young ones. Repair the shrine.”

“I could hear Her…” She mutters. “Jack, could you hear the Goddess? Did you hear that part about the shrine and gifts? Jack, I think we just heard the Goddess herself! She hasn’t been heard here in decades!”

A. “Yeah. She said TO TURN ME BACK TO NORMAL!”
B. “Discovered the main quest…”
C. “So, who wants to bet I have to kill all the Great Shades? Anyone?”
D. “How long has the Shrine been like this?”
E. “… So when will this wear off?”
F. Write-in
>>
>>728083
>B. “Discovered the main quest…”
>C. “So, who wants to bet I have to kill all the Great Shades? Anyone?”

I love genre-savvy MC's. They're always fun.
>>
>>728083
>A. “Yeah. She said TO TURN ME BACK TO NORMAL!”
Unwitting Hero.
We're just doing our thing, farming our crops. If we happen to save the day, that's just a byproduct of us farming.
>>
>>728083
B. “Discovered the main quest…”
D. “How long has the Shrine been like this?”

Also 'real life fan service' is a term I have to start using.
>>
>>728086
Don't get too meta, then the abyss stares back.

Genre-savy quickly becomes nihillistic douchebag.

D
>>
>>728083
>B. “Discovered the main quest…”
>D. “How long has the Shrine been like this?”
>E. “… So when will this wear off?”

I honestly was expecting the side effect to be something like cat ears or something.

Imagine Alice's face if that did happen.
>>
>>728083
>B
>D
>>
>>728083

“Yeah,” you say grumpily. “She said to TURN ME BACK TO NORMAL!”

Gwen gives you a forlorn look. “Alright, alright. I can understand that. Not everyone digs trees and dudes and treedudes. Just hold still-“

She does her abracadabra crap once more. You feel a faint sensation of fresh linens brush over your skin as light erupts around you. You ask if you look normal and touch your skin but you still feel “dulled.” Gwen says your color is mostly back to normal and should fade in a few hours. You’ll take what you can get.

You and Gwen leave the shrine and she explains a bit about what might have just happened. Apparently that big mural, the stone carving, was the cornerstone of the Goddess’s presence in the valley. A sort of beacon, or an outlet for her energy. Gwen’s not exactly sure on the details and says to ask her grandma about that “spirit-y crap.” When asked how long the shrine has been in such a state Gwen rattles off a series of dates and tries to pick out the right timeline. She says that for at least the past 52 years the shrine has been broken or incomplete. Apparently the mural once resided where the Adventurer’s Lodge stands today, but a terrible battle with the Shade resulted in the tablet being attacked or something?

“Some people,” Gwen whispers, “Even say it was sabotage, that some douche destroyed the tablet for the Shade. We’ll never know, I guess, but the pieces were thought lost forever. And that’s a big deal! Remember how I told you about the contract with the Goddess that the tablet represents? We don’t know how to make another, and maybe we can’t. Reuniting the pieces is a big deal! It’s, like, atoning for our ancestors, you know?”

You nod along and try to understand what you can. “Sounds like a… story or something. Or a movie, or a game. I guess this is my big quest, now… Sheesh, receiving orders from the Goddess herself! People will think we’re crazy!”

“Yeah!” Gwen says excitedly. “It’s like Legend of Zelda or something, right? Nobody thought Link was crazy in those games and he talked to owls! And he turned into a wolf that one time!”

You concede the point.

“I’m obviously a badass Zelda. You can be Link but you need to stop talking and we need to get you some fruity instrument to serenade on. Oh, and a green hat so people recognize you as the hero.”

You grimace. “Let’s, uh, take it one step at a time… Anyways, I’m not saving the world tonight. I have to get back to the farm.”

“Okay!” Gwen gives you a pat on the back. “Want to say bye to Major? I think he liked you!”

A. I’ll give him a bear hug, sure.
B. “I’ll pass.”
C. Write-in any questions or statements you have for her. Most will be included.
>>
>>728168
>B. “I’ll pass.”
>>
>>728168
>A. I’ll give him a bear hug, sure.
>>
>>728168
>A. I’ll give him a bear hug, sure.
>>
>>728168
>B. “I’ll pass.”
>>
>>728168

You can’t help but smirk at Gwen’s earnest, carefree smile. A bit of good humor in your heart, you offer to give Major a bear-hug goodbye. Gwen laughs victoriously, turns, and whistles for her pet grizzly. With a great crashing, stomping ruckus he comes barreling towards the two of you. Gwen points to you and says to tell you goodbye; you ready yourself, nervous but interested in standing your ground with your magic-enhanced strength.

Major reaches you and gently “plows” into you with his shoulder intent on knocking you down and slobbering all over you affectionately (like earlier). However, to his surprise your feet dig into the soft earth of the forest and you keep on your feet. Major looks at you, puzzled, before excitement lights up his face.

“Finally!” He seems to say. “A bro to really hug me back!”

He stands up and sort-of flops around you in a great embrace. Your knees are shaking a bit, and you’re panting with exertion, but you manage to keep him aloft and your arms mostly around him. After a few seconds Gwen calls him off in concern; you breathe in relief and tell them goodbye. Major gets a head pat from you because why not.

Gwen and Major wave goodbye as you head back up the path towards the main road.

>>>>

The farm is as you left it; the sun is starting to sink in the sky. Better finish everything up with Alice and then go get something to eat – you’re surprisingly hungry! Must be all the fresh air, magic, and bear shenanigans.

Speaking of Alice, where could she be?

You text her [I’m at the farm. Are you here yet?] Her response is… almost as bad as you expected.

[You left your front door unlocked.] Sure enough, you see that your lights are on in your house and there’s a motorcycle parked outside. Uh-oh.

[How do you approach?]

A. Solid Snake
B. Breach the door, slo-mo event
C. Bait Alice into the open (or a trap)
D. Walk in casually
E. Write-in
>>
>>728223
>D. Walk in casually
>>
>>728223
>A. Solid Snake
>>
>>728223
>A. Solid Snake
>>
>>728223
>A. Solid Snake
>>
>>728223

A. Solid Snake
>>
>>728223
>A. Solid Snake
>>
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[One moment please. Something urgent came up at work.]
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>>728286
Alice broke into Mayor's house.
>>
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>>728286

Summoning your military-honed powers of slinking and sneaking you approach the farmhouse in the early hours of twilight. The burgeoning shadows are your cloak. Silence is your weapon.

[Your Target: Alice]
[Your Mission: Identify and Neutralize]

You ease onto the front porch and take care to avoid any squeaking in the floorboards. A shaft of light spills out from the crack in the doorway; you opt for the front window and peer inside. Nobody in the living or dining areas; your bedroom, then?! A red exclamation point erupts over your person.

You slide the door open and creep inside. No targets in sight and nothing incoming. Solid Jacky advances; you could be in the approach march, you could be on a goose chase. There’s no way to be sure until you engage the enemy.

You tuck and roll from the doorway to the couch, and then you roll from the couch to the corner of the hallway. Using a small mirror you keep in your pocket at all times (because preparation is key) you peer around the corner. Nothing in the hallway but, sure enough, your doorway is cracked open. You close your eyes and focus on your hearing; you think you can discern muffled voices from that direction. With every careful, measured step you inch closer the voices become louder but still remain indistinct. It could just be Alice, it could be someone else, or someone else with her… Who could it be?

You lean over and allow a quick peak into the room. You see what looks to be Alice rifling through your duffel bag’s worth of clothes. She seems to be inspecting your unmentionables in a rather clinical fashion and scribbling down the odd note every so often. Alice is crouched down and facing away from you.

She lifts up your heart print boxers and grins wickedly.

A. Snap pictures as evidence
B. Burst in
C. Sneak up and ask her what she’s doing
D. Casually walk in and say (Write-in)
>>
>>728479
>A. Snap pictures as evidence
>>
>>728479
>E. Sneak up and record video on phone if she starts talking to herself. Then ask what she's doing after a min.
>>
>>728479
>Write in, E: Burst in and shout "STOP RIGHT THERE CRIMINAL SCUM"
>>
>>728479
>A. Snap pictures as evidence
We might need them later. Who knows if we have to blackmail her into some handholding?
>>
>>728586
Just like in my chinese erotic comics.
>>
>>728479
>>728498
This, video is good blackmail.
>>
>A. Snap pictures as evidence
>Afterwards, burst in shouting "Stop right there, criminal scum!"
>>
>>728599
I agree, we should get some blackmail evidence first before any other action. Who knows how much we can mess.with her based on her knowledge of hentai blackmail tropes before demanding innocuous things like normal favors and handholding
>>
>>728479

With a flick of your wrist you draw your phone; a finger tap and you’ve set it to record Alice. You ease the door open and approach, watching with disgusted curiosity as she mutters to herself about how this is the “perfect specimen!” and then stuffs your heart boxers into the bag at her hip. She then cackles and zips up your bag. Then a couple things happen at once.

First, Alice stands up and turns around.

Second, you shout for her to "STOP RIGHT THERE CRIMINAL SCUM!"

Third, she tosses her bag at your face while screaming.

The bag smacks you in the nose and the surprise of it causes you to stumble backwards into the pile of clothes that is your pajamas from last night. You go tumbling down to the floor and lay there, unhurt but dazed.

“Holy Pepe- did I just kill you?” You just groan in response. “SHNAKE!?” Shouts Alice, concern and anxiety on her voice. “SHNAAAAAAAKE!”

>>>>

Some small amount of shouting on your part later, Alice is sitting on your bedroom floor, her head bowed to the ground in apology. You loom over her with the recording on your phone playing back for both of you to hear. Once it is finished you snooze your phone and tuck it away.

“Well,” you say, "your stolen goods are now forfeit. Pay the court a fine or serve your sentence.”

"A dragon attacks and I roll to escape."

"Not this time," you swear to her. "Storm cloak.

“Your door was open and I needed some references for my artwork. I was only going to wear them once. My ancestors are smiling on me, imperial. Can you say the- oh shit your grandpa just died. Sorry.”

“Once…?” You mutter with a shiver.

“It’s really your fault for having such glorious useless buttmeat, desu. I would have returned them, but I know that doesn’t make it right. I apologize for raiding your pantsu, desu.”

A. That’s not an excuse.
B. What do you mean, “artwork?”
C. Equivalent Exchange, Alice. Pantsu for pantsu.
D. Give me back my possessions.
E. SAY DESU AGAIN, I DOUBLE DOG DARE YOU MOTHERFUCKER!
F. Write-in
>>
>>728632
C. Equivalent Exchange, Alice. Pantsu for pantsu.
>>
>>728632
B. What do you mean, “artwork?”
C. Equivalent Exchange, Alice. Pantsu for pantsu.
>>
>>728632
>B. What do you mean, “artwork?”
>C. Law of Equivalent Exchange, Alice. Pantsu for pantsu.
>>
>>728632
C. Equivalent Exchange, Alice. Pantsu for pantsu.
>>
>>728632
>It’s really your fault for having such glorious useless buttmeat, desu.
So we have a nice ass and a big willie. neat.
>>
>>728168
>green hat so people recognize you as the hero
I would just like to notify you that in Chinese and Vietnamese culture, men who wear green hats are associated with cuckoldry, just in case some kind of interaction comes about with Jamie.
>>
>>728632
>B. What do you mean, “artwork?”

I don't want C. We seem like a guy who doesn't mind racy things, but doesn't actively pursue it, or at least not overreaching.
Asking for her panties sounds like reaching and feels ooc for how I'm imagining Jacky so far.
>>
>>728632
>useless buttmeat
She obviously never saw Forest Gump, this ass is for stopping bullets.
>>
>>728718
I saw it more like trying a Full Metal alchemist reference in a joke.
>>
>>728748
Same, i dont think anyone expects her to do it, but it's a fun FMA joke
>>
>>728748
I got that, its just asking an underwear thief to exchange pantsu as a joke probably wouldn't work too well as a joke.
>>
>>728757
She's stealing our underwear.
She had no problem with us seeing her naked, or was it partially?
Either way, I don't see her as having too much of a problem with trading underwear.
>>
>>728759
I'm going to chalk it up as Jacky forgetting for a split second on who he is dealing with.
>>
>>728757
[I want to be candid and advise everyone to only vote for that option if you expect or want Alice to follow through. I hope that clears things up. Feel free to change your vote if necessary.]
>>
>>728632
>B. What do you mean, “artwork?”
>>
>>728772
I don't think you forget crazy people too easily, or that quickly.
>>
>>728783
I want her to follow through. And learn about her artowrk, but mostly pantsu exchange.
>>
>>728783
Oh no, it's fine. I guess you could say i'm more interested in seeing if she follows through.

I'm happy with my vote and will stick with it.
>>
>>728783
This is going to be interesting. So I will keep it at equal exchange.
>>
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>>728783

“Hmph. Apology accepted, Stormcloak dog.”

“Milkdrinker.”

You purse your lips and give Alice a skeptical look. “I think I’ve run out of Elder Scrolls insults.” You look at the ceiling, your concentration intense, and try to think of something else to call her. “I could call you a sweetroll, I guess? Nah. Can we just move on and go look at the far-“

“Is that your arrow in my knee, or are you just happy to see me?”

You guffaw and give Alice an incredulous look. “That was actually pretty good, Alice.” She happily beams at your praise. “But, seriously, hand over my boxers and let’s get down to business outside, yeah?”

Alice narrows her eyes at you. “Make me, normie.”

You narrow yours back. “I have video evidence as blackmail and I’ll either make you do… uh… incredibly lewd things-!”

She throws her hands in the air and shouts “Yes! That one!” You tell her to be quiet but she doesn’t listen. “Pick that one!”

You cringe a bit. “Goddess, fine, that’s obviously nor a punishment for you, you little gremlin. Or, I’ll never trade memes with you ever again. How about that?”

She looks like a defeated, sad puppy. “Not even rare Pepes…?”

“Nope.”

“But I really want your pantsu, sensei! How else am I supposed to lure you into my lair and ravage you until-“

You motion for her to stop it with your hands, your head, you start whistling in order to ignore her…

“- and then your hips will be moving on your own, and you’ll have finally come around-“

You sing a loud little song to yourself.

“ -and recognized me as your one true love, and the season will end except for some omake filler and we’llhave-“

“FINE!” You bark out. “You can have them!” She does a little celebratory finger gun salute. “One on condition… You have to trade me. Equivalent exchange. Pantsu for pantsu. How’s that, ya little neckbeard?”

Alice gives you a glare and mumbles “I shave it every day, sensei,” before she clambers onto her feet and excitedly gets to work on her belt. “But that’s a good idea! Why didn’t I think of that? You’re obviously best girl, sensei, even if you were first girl… And I assume you want them while they’re still warm?”

You facepalm. “What? No, no. And not in here, Alice. Take them off in the bathroom.”

“That wasn’t in the deal!”

A. Press the issue.
B. It wasn’t in the deal that I had to watch, either!
C. I’ll meet you outside. Just… leave them somewhere inconspicuous, okay?
D. How would you like it if I stripped like that?!
E. Write-in
>>
>>728957
D. How would you like it if I stripped like that?!
>>
>>728957
>B. It wasn’t in the deal that I had to watch, either!
>>
>>728957
>B. It wasn’t in the deal that I had to watch, either!
I still think it was retarded as hell to go with the exchange option.
>>
>>728957
B. It wasn’t in the deal that I had to watch, either!
>>
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>>728986
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>>728957
>>B. It wasn’t in the deal that I had to watch, either!
>>
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>>728957
[I deeply apologize for the delay. I had a family emergency to deal with. On an unrelated note, my SO says hello to all the anons in the thread tonight.]
>>
Family comes first, i understand that shit.

Hi, Mayor's SO!
>>
h-hi
>>
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>>728957

“It wasn’t the deal that I had to watch, either!” You retort. “Now get in there, er, just, get in there and then meet me outside. Alright?”

“Gah! You’re such a tsuntsun, Jacky! How am I supposed to powerlevel your hearts this way?” You shake your head and walk away.

“Promise you’ll walk in on me, at least?” She calls after you. “Or let me faceplant into your crotch?

>>>>

You slam your front door shut and take a seat on your porch. The sky is a sea of lavender streaked with red and gold. It reminds you of the time you were crawling through the fields of mugunghwa in late summer. You were with a small squad separated from the rest of your platoon after a sudden skirmish, and you were just sweating your balls off waiting to die. But for a moment it was all so beautiful.

>>>>

Alice eventually joins you and delivers the “package,” which you stuff into your back pocket while praying that nobody saw what just happened. She asks you to lead the way and you walk about the property looking at the various structures and their states of decay.

Alice eventually gets the idea to hang onto the sleeve of your jacket while you walk. You don’t really notice it at first, and it doesn’t bug you as much as the other stuff she’s pulled this evening.

You come to a stop in front of the greenhouse and Alice’s eyes go wide.

“Yeah, pretty bad, huh?” She nods. “How much do you think everything will take?”

She looks up at you, smiles, and says that she charges tsunderes double, but she offers hand-holding discounts. You chop her on the head (pic related) and tell her to just give it to you straight.

“L-lewd, Farmer senpai.”

>Coop to (Lv. 0) Operational: 3,000G, 300 Wood, 100 Stone
>Barn to (Lv.0) Operational: 6,000G, 400 Wood, 200 Stone
>Hot Tub to (Lv. 0) Operational: 5,000 G, 200 Wood, 100 Stone, 24 Hardwood
>Greenhouse to (Lv. 0) Operational: 30,000G, 100 Stone, 10 Iron Bars, 10 Refined Quartz, 24 Hardwood

A. Where can I get some of those materials?
B. … How much is the loss-of-dignity/hand-holding discount?
C. Want to talk about working together over dinner?
D. What else can you build or upgrade for me?
E. Write-in

[10 Minute Voting Period for the rest of the night]
>>
>>729401
>A. Where can I get some of those materials?
>>
>>729401
>A. Where can I get some of those materials?
>>
>>729401
>Ask if there's a discount for helping with building the structures
Even if she offered to do it for free and provide the mats herself, nothing is worth hand-holding. Such debauchery!
But maybe we can cut some costs if we do some of the labor ourselves.
>>
>>729401
A. Where can I get some of those materials?
>>
>>729401
>A. Where can I get some of those materials?
I can just imagine that for a discount, she says we can simply model for her art.

Nude
>>
>>729401
A. Where can I get some of those materials?
D. What else can you build or upgrade for me?
>>
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>>729401

The two of you are sitting on the steps of the front porch peering over Alice’s notes on her ever-present notepad. She’s breathing heavy and there’s color to her cheeks; you swear that if she mutters “senpai” one more time…

“Thanks again for coming out and giving me some estimates. This… Is going to take a while, huh? How much gold is that, total? 44 big G’s?”

She nods and gives you a dopey smile. You whistle and rub at your forehead.

“Dang. And, uh, where can I get some of those materials, like ‘hardwood’ and ‘refined quartz?’ I swear to the Goddess, if you say ‘in my pan-’”

“Hard wood? IN YOUR PANTS-” You take her head and put her in a headlock, stuffing her up into your jacket. She squirms and protests but you know her heart isn’t in it, the little weirdo. After a moment or two you let her go. She fixes her hair and composes herself, or tries to, while fixing her now-frazzled hair.

“You were saying?”

“... Hardwood can be found deep in the forests. You need a good axe. Not a good ass you already hav-”

You stuff her into a noogie once more.

She shouts into the fabric of your jacket, and though it’s muffled you can tease out what she’s saying. “REFINED QUARTZ can be refined from quartz! From the mines! Please, I can’t take any more of this… It’s too good… Senpai’s smell...”

You let her go and scoot away a bit.

“And iron bars can be smelted from a furnace. You want to build one?” You tell her that you see no reason why not. “I’ll give you the plans if you can bring me five pieces of iron and some coal. Oh, and bring some raw quartz too. Why not.”

You make a note of that.

[QUEST: “Is it hot in here, or is it just Senpai’s furnace?” Acquired!]

“So, in summary… hardwood from deep in the forests, special minerals from deep in the mines? And I need a furnace and a good axe?”

She gives you a thumbs up. "Do you have anything else planned for the evening, Senpai?"

You shrug. "I'm not sure. Nothing I need to do, I guess. Why?"

"Keikaku," She mutters with a dangerous glint in her eyes.

"I just renewed my subscription to Soggy Roll," Alice declares over steepled fingers, "And I need someone to help me spend the next three hours deciding what show I want to watch before settling for something I've seen ten times already."

>It is now evening. You can perform one more major action before bed, like work in the field for an hour, go to dinner, or hold someone’s hand.

A. Clear Field A for an hour
B. Go to the Inn for dinner and fun
C. Invite Alice to (blank)
D. Write-in
>>
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>>729551
[... That wasn't the image I meant to click on. Try this on for size, Anon-senpais!]
>>
>>729551
C. Invite Alice to (blank)

Her place, to help her pick a show. I like this chick for some damn reason. Oddball, but i like her.
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>>729551
>B. Go to the Inn for dinner and fun
>>
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Rolled 2 (1d6)

>>729574
>>729575
[Ten minutes are up and it's a tie. I'll roll for it. Odd = Alice, Even = Inn]
[Please continue voting. If the vote changes substantially while I am writing I'll gladly rewrite real quick.]
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>>729588
Damn, was busy and just got back, was gonna vote Alice.
>>
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>>729592
[That's fine. I'll wait five more minutes for votes. I know I'm rushing, but I'm just trying to increase my pace because I want to post more for you guys! <3]
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>>729588
I would have voted for alice as well
>>
>>729551
>C. Invite Alice to go to the inn for dinner.
>>
>>729574
>I like this chick for some damn reason. Oddball, but i like her.
Same. Honestly at first I thought I was going to hate her cause I thought she was just gonna be an annoying lol so randumb meme spouting retard, but she's grown pretty quickly on me. Still like Kari a bit more as things stand, but Alice definitely jumped up from where I initially thought she'd be.
Reminds me of what I said at the start when the archetypes were brought up; Its less about the archetype and more how you portray the character.
And I'm really liking how Alice is being portrayed.
>>
>>729628
Yeah, i could see us accidentally getting more serious with her than we intend to. Not necessarily bad though. So far, she earns my Flower Necklace pick for the festival.
>>
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>>729598

[I’m deeply surprised by this vote. Alice has really shaken things up, hasn’t she?]

You lean your arms and head onto your knees and take a deep, weary breath before smiling in spite of yourself. You share this smile with Alice, who is sitting behind you and staring off onto the horizon. She looks back to you and brushes a stray piece of hair out of her eyes.

“You know what, Alice?”

She gives you a flat, unimpressed look.“Does the punchline for this joke involve the butt of a domesticated junglefowl?”

“No…?” You ask, puzzled. It takes you a moment to unravel what she’s getting at. “Oh, ‘chickenbutt.’ No, no. No. Good guess, though? No, actually, I was going to say that I was going to take you up on your offer. I’ll join you for some animu, sure.”

Her eyes go wide and her mouth opens slightly in shock. “I-” she starts, at a sudden loss for words. She looks to you, then her bike, then to her hands as if searching for something. You raise an eyebrow and ask if she's okay.

“Ah. Uhrm. My notes. Where are my notes?” You point to them. She grabs the notepad behind you and begins flips through the pages. “You weren’t supposed to go full ‘dere, Jacky!" She mutters while scanning line after line. "They never go full dere so quick in the games… Did I activate a cheat code?"

She looks at you suspiciously and then beats on her chest in a strange manner (pic related) while chanting. The two of you stare at each other for a quiet moment before she shrugs and says "guess not."

She goes back to her notes. "Let’s see: first, second, third date, then you mod in a sex scene and go back to your original save before routelock…”

“Ah!” She purrs triumphantly. “Okay, third date back at my place. Let’s see… Food, movies, shower together... Oh, oh.” She looks at you concernedly. “Do you have alcohol? All I have is Ramune."

A sour look settles on her face. "I wasn’t prepared for this. Sorry.”

A. The Japanese marble crap?
B. We can pick something to drink and something to eat to go at Allen’s or Patrick’s. On me.
C. Ramune’s fine…?
D. (Jacky doesn’t know what Ramune is)
E. Write-in
>>
>>729784
>C. Ramune’s fine…?
I've only tried it about 3 times, I don't know if I got bad flavors or what, but I didn't really like it.
>>
>>729784
D. (Jacky doesn’t know what Ramune is)
C. Ramune’s fine…?

But he was in the armed forces, he'll drink it. He's likely had worse.
>>
>>729784
>C. Ramune’s fine…?
I don't think we need alcohol mixed in at this point.
>>
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>>729820
>>729842
>>729858
[Ramune's delicious and fun, you heathens. The last drink I shared with my best friend was Ramune ;__;7 ]
>>
>>729867
Never seen the stuff before, at least i've not looked hard enough to find it. May have to try some eventually just to see.
>>
>>729867
Hey now, I too enjoy the taste of Ramune Even though I haven't had one in like almost a decade.
>>
>>729784
>[I’m deeply surprised by this vote. Alice has really shaken things up, hasn’t she?]
Honestly, I would've probably voted Inn or something else if it weren't for this line:
>Alice eventually gets the idea to hang onto the sleeve of your jacket while you walk. You don’t really notice it at first, and it doesn’t bug you as much as the other stuff she’s pulled this evening.
I'm a sucker for that kind of shit.

Though I'm not gonna go terribly out of my way to spend time with her or any other girl at this point. Still want this to be farming adventures, with some waifu added on, instead of waifu adventures and some farming here and there.
>>
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>>729867

“Ramune’s fine, Alice.” She comments that she’s surprised you’ve had it before. “Yeah; Jap care package. I’ll tell you all about it on the way to Allen’s. I figured we’d pick up something to go? What food do you have at your house?”

She gets ready to list off some things, but when she starts with “Doritos-”

“Anything that isn’t ramen, corn chips, freeze-dried, or canned?”

Silence.

“Thought so. Let’s go.”

>>>>

You headed out, of course, on Alice’s road bike. Alice started out pretty nervous at first, but once she got past the anxiety of having your arms wrapped around her waist you were well on your way and gaining speed. She seems to really settle down when on her bike; nothing to prove, no boundaries to push, nothing but her and the road. It was actually nice having none of her attention on you. She’s been a bit clingy since you first met, but she’s nice. Just eccentric.

It’s not the most glamorous moment of your life, riding pillion behind Alice, but you enjoy the wind and the freedom of riding down an open road on a Harley Roadster. Time melts away, the sights and sounds of the world fade out, and the roar of the engine sets into a beautiful chorus of its own. You feel a fire burn in your spirit; it’s like being a kid again, and If it weren’t for the helmets both of you wear you’d probably find it hard to resist the urge to yip and shout into the wind.

>>>>

When you touch down at your final destination it’s with several helpings of angel hair pesto spaghetti with Italian sausage and spring vegetables. Just getting a whiff of the stuff walking out the door set your mouth to watering. You and Alice both had to fight the urge to sit and wolf it down on the curb of the street. That wouldn’t have been too bad, really.

Regardless, the two of you march into the machine shop and settle in at the crowded “dining table” in the main foyer. You and Alice have to push away some parts and clutter but, eventually, you make room to eat.

Dinner is pretty quiet, with Alice sitting annoyingly close and setting herself on pins and needles every time the two of you bump elbows. Her stools are nice and all, but they let her sit right on top of you. Practically on top of you, seriously. You ask her to move once and personally move yourself twice but she’s not having it.

You just bubble grumpily into your glass of water and tell yourself you’re a nice person. And so is she, really. You look over and she’s got some pesto on her cheek. You scoff, grab a napkin and then roughly dab it off.

She drops her fork and looks at you, puzzled once more.

“Jacky? Why are you so nice to me?”

A. What/Huh?
B. That’s just who I am.
C. Because you’re a dork. Now eat your spaghetti.
D. Because you don’t let your memes be dreams, Alice. I admire that.
E. Write-in

[I'm trying out different looks / pics / characters for Alice. What do you guys think of this one?]
>>
>>730073
E. Write-in

You're comfortable with who you are, even if you are kind of awkward and dorky. You own it. There's soemthing to be said for that.

(maybe some comment about future beach episode?)

[this alice pic not bad, though i see her with short hair because biker unless she keeps it braided. tangles suck.]
>>
>>730073
>>730132
Iori isn't a bad pic. I feel there is some better ones, but it's not bad.
>>
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>>730132
[I agree with the short hair. Absolutely what I have in mind for her given her profession and hobbies. She's pretty, but she really isn't into her appearance that much if at all. More likely to wear boy-ish or comfortable clothes, jackets, tanks, etc.]

[And this picture / character?]
>>
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>>730147
Not bad. Not bad.

I get a feel maybe this?
>>
>>730166
i kinda like this.
>>
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>>730166
[Zis iz verah nize. Mmyezz. Verah nize.]
[That's getting very close if not perfect.]
>>
>>730073
>Do I need a reason to be nice to you?
>>
>>730198
>>730166
I think this about gets it.
>>
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[I'm heading off in 10 minutes; if I can get another vote or two that would be great. This will be the last post. Thank you for playing! I hope today was longer, better paced, and more enjoyable for everyone!]

[Remember to eat your vegetables!]
>>
>>730247
Thanks for running tonight
>>
>>730073
>A. What/Huh?
>>
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>>730247
It's been a good night.

Have another Yukari.
>>
>>730247
>E. Write-in
>Do I need a reason to be nice to you?
>You're comfortable with who you are, even if you are kind, awkward and dorky. You own it. There's something to be said for that.

Small change to the phrasing just in case we get misinterpreted
>>
>>730073


>>730132
I support this sentiment
>>
>>730247
Tell me, Mayor... will this quest strictly feature routelock or is there kind of a harem option?
>>
>>738583
>Harem
>In Harvest Moon
>>
>>738583
>harem
I don't have a disgust image SFW enough to post to express how this makes me feel.
>>
The last harvest moon quest had the protag hooking up and marrying two girls and then added a third. Its not that unusual.
>>
With girls like this around... I'd be surprised if Harem wasn't on the table.

Hell, Alice might make one for herself if Jacky doesn't.
>>
>>741085
With Alice, we might end up getting Kari as a package deal.

That said, I'd rather not have a harem.
>>
I'd be against a harem as well. It just doesn't feel like this quest is a good fit for it
>>
[Pursuing the usual "you get everything you want" harem route is not advised. If you want to still pursue it you can but expect me to issue "realistic" consequences for your actions. Also, you don't know any of the girls well enough to know if they would be comfortable with polyamory.]

[On a more positive note we will be running today for about 8 hours or longer hopefully.]
>>
>>741882
>If you want to still pursue it you can but expect me to issue "realistic" consequences for your actions
You mean like everyone being disgusted at our actions, dumping us, and turning us into the pariah of a smalltown where everybody knows everybody?
Cause I'd be okay with that.
Harem a shit.
>>
>>741882
I can't say i particularly want a harem either. One girl is just fine since they all seem to carry their own bits of drama. Also still think we should apologise to jamie for leaving so abruptly, even if she was being a bit too forward.
>>
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>>730073

Caught mid-bite, you stare at Alice over the heaping pile of pesto and pasta on your fork.The two of you share quiet moment, you waiting for her to elaborate or explain where, exactly, that thought came from and she waiting for your response with bated breath.

You set the fork down and clear your throat. “Is this about me being nice, or about me being nice to ‘you?’” She indicates that it is the latter and you continue. “Do I need a reason to be nice to you? Everyone should be nice to you, Alice.”

She concedes the point, offering that “it falls within basic societal norms to treat everyone with a certain base level of respect,” and that there are “reasons both practical and instinctual for behaving ethically.”

“That said,” she mumbles quietly, “I have intentionally revealed my power level to you and you have not reacted negatively or made me feel alienated. The only other person to do that is Kari, but she’s a deredere and she doesn’t count. Furthermore, she may be a pink-haired alien; further probing will be needed to confirm that hypothesis, though.”

You grab bottle of Ramune and work on popping it open. “So, you’re wondering why I’m not weirded out by you?”

“Yes. I’m wondering why the usual dating sim mold has been broken - you’re obliging me too much for a tsundere first girl. I’m worried that you’re leading me into a trap or, even worse, that you’re on the verge of throwing up a death flag. Goddess knows I don’t need to be sent spiraling down another character growth arc after you die, no offense.”

“None taken. Hey, could you help me with-” Seeing you continue to struggle with the bottle Alice takes it and pops the marble with a quick slap. “Thanks. I forgot how hard these things are to open.” You take a swig. “Cherry’s not bad. Better than lychee.”

Alice lets out a “fufufu,” the subtle double entendre unfolding in her mind.

“You’re worried I’m going to die, yeah?” She nods solemnly. “Well, I’d promise that I won’t but that’s a death flag. Instead I promise to just let you know whenever I do something dangerous, like enter the mines with Jamie.”

“Thank you. However, that’s not necessary. Instead, I propose that you reveal your tragic backstory to me now. With your tragic quota satisfied the story has no reason to kill you off - I simply need to resolve your personal conflict, you fall in love with me, we have two kids and a dog, etc. Trust me, this isn’t my first rodeo.”

“We just met” You offer skeptically. “What makes you think I'm a possible route?"

Alice wiggles her eyebrows at you, smug smile plastered on her face. “I can tell; I’ve beaten every dating sim I’m ever played, even the non-translated ones.” She shoots you a thumbs up. “Trust me, I’m an expert.”

A. “Alice, you know real life isn’t some game or story, right?”
B. “Have you ever had a boyfriend in real life?”
C. “How do you know someone else isn’t the MC and we’re just NPCs, Alice?”
D. “How tragic does my backstory have to be, exactly?”
>>
>>742158
>C.

Oh boy my first live thread
>>
>>742158
>Instead, I propose that you reveal your tragic backstory to me now. With your tragic quota satisfied the story has no reason to kill you off
Fucking wrong. That's like the third biggest death flag there is after
1) 2 weeks before retirement
2) "When I get back, let's get married/have kids/etc."
Cause suddenly revealing your backstory is the writer's way of getting the audience more attached to the character so that when their death comes, which will be soon now, it'll be more 'dramatic'.


E. Tragic backstory is a big death flag.
>>
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>>742158
>A. “Alice, you know real life isn’t some game or story, right?”
But, you know, just for the sake of it...
>D. “How tragic does my backstory have to be, exactly?”
>>
>>742158
>>742176
Oh, shit, death flags!
>>
>>742158
>A. “Alice, you know real life isn’t some game or story, right?”
>D. “How tragic does my backstory have to be, exactly?”

Because Jacky's last relative just died to set up the whole HM premise!
>>
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>>742158
>Furthermore, she may be a pink-haired alien; further probing will be needed to confirm that hypothesis, though.”
She must have watched To-LOVE-ru recently to think this. Thinking Kari is Lala.
>>
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>>742234
[That picture.]
>>
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>>742158

You take another long sip from your glorious Nippon marble bottle. “I disagree, Alice. I don’t think telling you my tragic backstory would help at all. That would simply endear me to you and the audience, thus almost guaranteeing my death for maximum feelz.”

She taps her fingers in front of her face for a moment, eyes closed in thought. “But… That almost never happens if you progress the route quickly enough.”

You wag a finger at Alice teasingly, “How, exactly, do you know this is a dating-sim? And that you’re the MC? We could both be NPCs.” Then you realize you’re discussing whether or not you’re a videogame character with a girl you just met two days ago. “But, you know what? Forget all that. Real life doesn’t work that way, Alice. It’s not some game or story. Don’t worry.”

Alice pouts for a moment. “But, how am I supposed to resolve your character arc and win the perfect ending if I don’t know your tragic backstory, senpai?”

You shrug. “You’ll have to do it the old fashioned way and be nice, I guess.”

That just sets a fire in her eyes. “Like give you gifts? Or maybe you’d prefer physical gifts, desu?” She leans in close to you, her breath falling on the nape of your neck.

You shy away. “How about you just try to be nice to everyone? That’s what I’m trying to do, yeah? Let’s just take it slow and enjoy life! I’m still trying to get used to things here and we just met, haha, and (oh, right! anime!) let’s just watch some anime- or, uh, your pasta is getting cold, yeah?”

A dangerous smirk slips onto Alice’s face. “Tsunderes are always so easily flustered, desu. And you like people that are nice to everyone, desu...” She nods to herself and then looks you squarely in the eye. “So that means you think Kari’s a nice person, right, Jacky?”

You nod. “Well, yeah, of course. You think she’s nice too, right?”

Alice lowers her goggles and a lens flare momentarily obscures her eyes to you. “Ah, so that’s how it is; then I shall powerlevel your hearts with kindness. I shall show you the power of the benevolent protagonist! I shall be nice to ALL the NPCs! Kari doesn’t stand a chance!”

There’s a bit of maniacal laughter. You eventually get Alice to calm down and finish her meal. It’s getting late and you still have a show or two to watch.

>>>>

The two of you find some space in Alice’s living room - much cleaner than her workshop-dining area - and she goes to work setting up her streaming. She asks you which anime you would “like to bitch about for 15 minutes before we grumpily agree to watch something we’ve both seen before?”

A. SAO
B. Berserk
C. Shimoneta
D. Bleach or Naruto

Then comes the delicate arrangement of where the two of you are going to sit. Despite what Alice continues to insist on, you’re comfortable with at most…

A. Head pats
B. Sitting right next to each other
C. Opposite ends of the couch
D. Sitting in senpai’s lap
E. Her holding onto your sleeve
>>
>>742344
>B. Berserk

>C. Opposite ends of the couch
Sprawled out on the couch, gotta have that leg room, yo.
>>
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>>742344
>B.
God dammit stop playing idol master and come out with more chapters

>A.
So far I like Alice best. I want to get to know the other girls first, especially for the sake of other anons but Alice is my favorite thus far.
>>
>>742344
>A. SAO
She should watch SAO Abridged if she hasn't already.

>B. Sitting right next to each other
>>
>>742344
>B. Berserk
>B. Sitting right next to each other
>>
>>742344
>B. Berserk
>B. Sitting right next to each other
>>
>>742344
B. Berserk
E. Her holding onto your sleeve
>>
Guess people here really want to bitch about Berserk.

Understandable.
>>
>>742344

>B. Berserk

>B. Sitting right next to each other

I'm ok with it turning into E mid viewing too
>>
>>742344
>B is for Berserk (But the FIRST one)
And Shimoneta is nice to and fits with Alice "behaviour"
>B is for, damn there is no B in Siting right next to each other

>>742364
IM@S is Pinnacle of Creation
And I say that as an /m/ guy and guy who is into vintage anime/manga (berserk too)
>>
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>>742344

You settle into the couch for a breather, your eyes wandering around the room. The furniture and the decorations are modest and what is there is quirky but, overall, the whole of the place has a nice feel to it. The aesthetic is warm and cozy but simple. Alice has definitely drawn from the decorating styles she’s seen in her shows.

You look back over to the TV and see that Alice has pulled up the streaming service and seems to be seriously considering watching Berserk for a moment. You huff out in surprise.

“You watch Berserk? I would have thought that was too violent for you.”

Alice shrugs. “Grif’s a terrible waifu, and I love Guts and all.., It’s great, don’t get me wrong, but where the hell are the updates? And the beach episode?”

You can’t help but laugh at the thought of the Black Swordsman doing a beach episode. You and Alice discuss the pitfalls of moe and how the mangaka of Berserk is forever lost to the Idols, how Luca is strangely lucid and upbeat, the eight years of buildup to Elfheim, comparisons to Ubel Blatt…

You talk about Berserk for a while, Alice eventually moving onto the couch next to you and curling up under a blanket. The soft glow of the TV casts the room in a quiet blue palor and the soda flowed as freely as the words you shared. The evening has a certain tired heaviness to it - that sense you get when you really share your loneliness with someone - but there is also that warmth of candid conversation and friendship. It’s nice.

>>>>

As the night drags on the two of you finally tore yourselves away from Berserk and settled on Brotherhood; some good ole’ alchemical kickass and whimsy never did anyone wrong, yeah?

Alice got the idea in her head that you and her shared an Ed-Winry sort of thing, but she couldn’t decide on who was who. You insisted that you were Ed, but she offered that you weren’t short and angry enough. You countered that Alice is a mechanic like Winry.

“But Winry isn’t the main character. Maybe I’m the Winry of a spin-off story, then? And you’re the farmer with a tragic past in search for the Alchemist’s turnip, and clearly Hohenheim is some sort of GMO mad scientist.” That got a few laughs out of you.

“I guess she does get the waifu in the end, but Ed’s kind of a handful…” Then she turned and looked up at you, the dim light shining in her great, innocent green eyes. “Hey, Jacky, who do you think the better waifu is, Guts or Edward Elric?”

A. Guts. He never gives up no matter how bad it gets.
B. Edward. He’s dedicated to making things right, even if he sometimes gets things wrong.
C. Winry. I like cute mechanics.
>>
>>742508
C. Winry. I like cute mechanics.

Why do i want to make her blush?
>>
>>742508
>C. Winry. I like cute mechanics.
With a big part juicy of CUTE and Mechanics
>>
>>742508
>C. Winry. I like cute mechanics.

the obligatory initial response, but to actually answer her question

>B. Edward. He’s dedicated to making things right, even if he sometimes gets things wrong.
>>
>>742508
>B. Edward. He’s dedicated to making things right, even if he sometimes gets things wrong.
>>
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>>742508
>C.
In addition to Winry, love me some Roll, Bulma and even Karen from MSPQ
>>
>>742540
Also agree with above to answer her question B after C
>>
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>>742508
>C
>B
>>
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>>742508



[Begin fake post]

“Winry.”

She blinks up at you owlishly. You look away and smile.

“I like cute mechanics,” you whisper, your eyes fixated on the TV screen. She says nothing in response, but your words set her into a sputtering, blushing fury of weeaboo-isms and swears.

Then, suddenly, Alice gets up from the couch and takes a moment to settle herself. You ask her what’s wrong but she ignores you. Determination on her face, she moves over to a nearby nightstand and rummages inside for a moment. Curious, you watch her quietly, wondering what it is she’s about to pull out-

That’s a handgun. She just pulled out a handgun and she’s aiming it at you. It definitely doesn’t look fake - it looks like an armed handgun. A revolver, to be precise, and Alice expertly pulls the hammer back, her finger dangerously close to the trigger.

“Alice, what the fuck are you doing-” A shot goes off and a hole is now smoking in the back of the couch cushion beside you.

“Shut up, Jacky! Now, listen to me - get out of here with your outrageously sweet, ‘deredere romantic,’ bullshit or the next one goes between your eyes! Goddess-damned waifus sneaking up on me with cute ass answers, drinking my Ramune, do you know how dangerous you are!? Try and make my heart go doki-doki again! Do it, I dare you, mutherfucker! I double dog dare you!

[End fake post. Real post incoming.]

>>
>>742583
Wat?
>>
>>742583
Ha! Nice.
>>
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>>742603
[Joke post. Don't worry about it.]

>>742583

“Winry.”

She blinks up at you owlishly. You look away and smile.

“I like cute mechanics,” you say casually, your eyes fixated on the TV screen. She says nothing in response, but your words set her into a sputtering, blushing fury of weeaboo-isms and swears.

“Dangerous…” Alice mutters, her pen in hand and scribbling away furiously in her notepad. Category IV Kaiju-level dangerous…“

You look down and, given your angle above her, you can see some of her notes. “Wow. Such kawaii. Much moe. Very waifu material.” Little hearts and emoticons are scattered throughout the page.

“But, to really answer your question, Alice?” She refuses to look at you, but you feel her inch closer onto your person. You’re already trapped against the arm of the couch - you can’t scoot any farther away. “My vote’s for Edward. He’s committed to doing what’s right, even if sometimes he gets it wrong. It’s important to make things right, yeah? I admire that.”

She nods silently. When you ask her on her opinion she says Edward’s a good choice, but she prefers guys that work in farms. You sarcastically comment that the country of Amestris is nothing but a farm for the philosopher’s stones. Alice laughs and says that’s why Father is her favorite waifu.

>>>>

There’s no more excitement for a while and a few episodes go by with only some small talk and banter. Then, just when you thought the night would end peacefully, Alice decides to be tricky and reaches across you for the remote, intentionally brushing as much of her body against you as she can manage in the process.

“You could have just asked for it, you know.”

She looks up at you smugly, a bit of heaviness to her breathing. “I know. I just… didn’t want to bother you, desu.”

>>>>

It’s getting late and you’re going to need to get home. Alice could drive you, but then again you don’t know if you want to bother her… And a part of you is sure she’ll ask you to stay over, or say something ridiculous to that effect. When she does mention something you’ll be prepared to say…

A. Yeah, it’d be nice to sleep here if you don’t mind.
B. I’ll walk myself back. Thanks for the offer, though!
C. Riding back would be great, thanks.
D. Write-in
>>
>>742647
>D As we leave, grab her sleeve as we walk out (just to fluster her a bit), like she did earlier when we were walking. Accept a ride home if she offers.
>>
>>742647
>>742671 This one
>D As we leave, grab her sleeve as we walk out (just to fluster her a bit), like she did earlier when we were walking. Accept a ride home if she offers.
>>
>>742647
>B. I’ll walk myself back. Thanks for the offer, though!
>>
>>742647
Switching support to >>742671
>>
>>742647
>B. I’ll walk myself back. Thanks for the offer, though!
>>
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>>742647

You and Alice watch the first four episodes of Brotherhood before opting to watch the highlights of the remainder of the series. When the yawns start coming, though, you both know it’s time to quit for the night. The two of you agree that you’re finished; Alice floats the fact that it is “too late to walk” but you insist you’ll be fine and could use some fresh air.

“Sometimes I just need to think, you know? And I have a lot to think about, lately. Good things.”

Alice offers that you have her number in case of emergency - such as a zombie attack or the discontinuation of Doritos. You go to share your “secret handshake” when the mememaster machinist shouts “SUPER COMBO!” and then wraps her arms around you.

You stand there for a moment, stunned, as she embraces you in a hug. “Thank you, Jacky,” she mumbles into your jacket. “For being the best 3DPD waifu I’ve ever had. Nobody has watched anime with me in a long time.”

You pat her head before peeling her away while insisting it won’t be the last time. She seems glad to hear that, and even gladder when you insist on holding onto her sleeve as you walk out of the house and to the edge of her property. This paves the way for her to joke about you being a clingy moe-blob. You let her enjoy herself.

It was a good night, and you head on home.

>>>>

On your walk through town the only thing of note is a particularly intelligent-looking black cat.

>End Day 2
>Night’s Tally to come
>>
>>742809
>On your walk through town the only thing of note is a particularly intelligent-looking black cat.

Witch Princess sighting #2
>>
>>742809
Hi kitty, kitty. You hungry honey?

try to get it to come home with us. I like cats.
>>
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>>742809

[Friendships:]
>Alice Friendship: 1 -> 2
>Gwen Friendship: 0 -> 1

[Skills:]
>Farming: 0 -> 1
>Foraging: 0 -> 1

[Money:]
> 0 things sold

[Jacky Richmond google doc will be updated]
[https://docs.google.com/document/d/19HRkBJ6pM5vTkP6extSSrP7dXtVkBm6WLSIEIl3VApM/edit?usp=sharing]

>>>>

[Begin New Day]
>6:00 AM, Tuesday, Spring 3, Year 1

Tara wakes you up once again from your blissful sleep where images of Winry Rockbell and Guts dancing in your head as you dreamed.

You answer the door, toothbrush in your mouth and hair looking like a robin's nest, and see that Tara has... upgraded(?) to a floral-print shirt and jeans from her usual choice of overalls and a simple cotton shirt. She gives you a small wave - she's only mildly grumpy today - and then points to a series of large boxes left on your front porch. It's your food delivery!

You wish her a good morning, yawn, and then usher her in with a grunt before saying that she can wait inside while you get dressed and ready. You bring the boxes inside and unceremoniously pile them on the kitchen table.

A. "You're dressed different. What's the occasion?"
B. "You got a date tonight?"
C. "I bet my night last night was more interesting than yours."
D. "You don't have to come every morning if you don't want to, you know."
E. Write-in
>>
>>742861
>A.
>>
>>742861
>A. "You're dressed different. What's the occasion?"
>>
>>742861
A. "You're dressed different. What's the occasion?"
B. "You got a date tonight?"
>>
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>>742861

After getting dressed and groomed (for the most part) you get back into the kitchen and find Tara unboxing the groceries. You silently move to help her and the next ten minutes or so are spent organizing and distributing the food, the two of you cleaning out the fridge in the process of stocking it and the pantry up.

You’re portioning out an industrial-sized bag of chicken tenders when your belly lets out a large, angry gurgle of hunger. Tara’s stomach, to her embarrassment, responds with one of its own shortly after. The two of you agree to eat something small real quick; you pop a couple ready-mades in the oven and then sort out all the boxes to the trash.

As you wait for the meal to cook you ask Tara about the change in apparel. She simply looks down at herself casually, as if she didn’t even notice when she put it on this morning. “What’s the occasion?”

“I wanted to try something different,” she mumbles, hunger and tiredness still clinging to her mood. “Haven’t worn something besides overalls in a long time... and I had to wash’em all, you know?”

That sounds believable enough.

The two of you tear into “breakfast,” and you swear to Tara that you’ll learn how to cook eventually. For now, though, you can survive solely off of premade food. You’ve done so for the past five years, after all.

>>>>
>7:00AM

You and Tara finish watering your tiny, growing plants no problem. Tara says she has to excuse herself around noon. What do you want to do now, farmer?

A. Plant foraged seeds (Half hour)
B. Clear land until noon
C. Till the land you cleared yesterday (Half hour)
D. Leave the farm, go elsewhere
>>
>>742937
>A.
We should definitely clear more land tomorrow
>>
>>742937
>C. Till the land you cleared yesterday (Half hour)
>>
>>742937
C. Till the land you cleared yesterday (Half hour)
A. Plant foraged seeds (Half hour)
then
B. Clear land until noon

if we timeskip til noon, that is.
>>
>>742937
>C. Till the land you cleared yesterday (Half hour)
>A. Plant foraged seeds (Half hour)
>B. Clear land until noon
>>
>>742937
Yeah, I'll second >>742993
That way we can do something interesting.

Man I wish you could properly automate farming in the HM games like you can do in Stardew Valley now.
>>
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[I have to do a couple chores real quick. I'll be back shortly. Until then, please consider and vote on what you would like to do after farming / with the rest of your day.]

A. Explore the mines
B. Visit the Mayor and Marie
C. Visit someone [Who?]
D. Continue to clear land
E. Explore the beach with Courson
F. Write-in
>>
>>743020
>D. Continue to clear land
Farm day.
Get dem resources.
>>
>>743020
>A.
Left it kind of weird with Jamie yesterday. Also damn you mayor, you inspired me to vote for the sundress, if it doesn't win I won't forgive you
>>
>>743020
>B. Visit the Mayor and Marie
>E. Explore the beach with Courson
>>
>>743020
B. Visit the Mayor and Marie
E. Explore the beach with Courson
>>
>>742937
>C. Till the land you cleared yesterday (Half hour)
>A. Plant foraged seeds (Half hour)

>>743020
>B. Visit the Mayor and Marie
>E. Explore the beach with Courson
>>
>>743020
>E. Explore the beach with Courson
>>
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[Back. Writing]
>>
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Rolled 3, 9, 6, 4 = 22 (4d20)

>>743225

You and Tara plant and water the 52 foraged seeds, Tara explaining that some of the wild seeds you collected may grow into wild vegetables or flowers. That done, the two of you spend a half hour tilling the land you cleared yesterday, giving you an additional 52 square yards of empty, tilled land. With the seeds planted this morning that brings you to a grand total of 81 empty tilled squares.

>>>>

You clear land until noon. Tara assiss wherever she can but does so more carefully than usual because she wishes to preserve her current clothes a bit more than her usual wear.

In the course of five hours you clear the next four rows of land you feel…

[Please give me 5 rolls of 2d25; 1 roll for each half hour of work]
[I’ll roll for foraging…]

>>>>

[Have to make and have dinner with my kids and then take care of some stuff. I’m sorry, guys! I’ll try to post more tonight but this is probably it for today.]

[I will definitely be running tomorrow and Tuesday. Hope that’s something to look forward to.]
>>
Rolled 23, 22 = 45 (2d25)

>>743385
>>
Rolled 23, 21 = 44 (2d25)

>>743385
>>
Rolled 21, 14 = 35 (2d25)

>>743385
>>
>>743385
>>
Rolled 18, 11 = 29 (2d25)

>>743385
>>
Rolled 17, 10 = 27 (2d25)

>>743385
>>
Gotta ask, Mayor, how hard is it to waifu the Harvest Goddess ?
>>
>>746192
[Very hard. Interesting question!]
>>
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[Posting once again, starting now.]

>>743385

>In the course of five hours you clear the next four rows of land and you feel…

... More and more exhausted. You don’t say anything to Tara about working at a slower, more careful pace but you do overexert yourself to compensate. The first few saplings that you fell, and the first handful of rocks that you haul away or smash, are easy enough but after that you find your weariness from yesterday creeping into your muscles. Every swing of a tool, every step across the muddied field, saps more and more energy from your body. You’re forced to take a couple breaks but, miraculously, you make it through the five hours with just a smidge of energy left to spare.

You and Tara share a couple of cold drinks before she excuses herself, leaving you to marvel at the front field - it’s almost halfway cleared! You and Tara have made a lot of progress in two days and that’s despite the fact that your tools are old and worn. Your ax could really use some more bite to it, and your pickax needs to be honed or remade entirely…

Still, you’ve done well and you’re enjoying yourself. The simple tasks have a therapeutic nature to them and you’re becoming much more comfortable with your tools. The amount of materials that you are collecting is great as well - once you get some money you can start using them to build things with Alice, so there’s that, too!

You give yourself a pat on the back and decide to treat yourself to a quick snack before you move on with your day. You could use the energy. You rise from your sitting position at the front porch and move to walk into the house but your muscles protest every inch. Perhaps a hot bath is in order as well…

>Stamina: 200 - 180 (Work) = 20 + 30 (snack and bath) = 50 Total
>You collected 460 Wood, 230 Sap, 100 Stone, 20 Fiber
>You feel yourself getting better at farm work!
>Document Updated

>>>>

>1:00 PM

Too tired to continue working for much longer or opt for something strenuous like adventuring in the mines, you opt to take a walk into town. It would be nice to check in with the Mayor and Marie again and you still have to get with Courson about checking out the beach. You could even visit the marina and ask about fishing or sailing.

>Cont.
>>
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>>746607

>1:30 PM

Ms. Fontenot greets you with a great smile and, despite your protests, insists on a rising from behind her receptionist’s desk and wrapping you up in a suffocating hug.

“It is so great to see you again, Jacky-dearest! Tell me, how are you getting along on Roger’s farm? Is Tara treating you well? I heard about that little ‘episode’ from the Mayor! He’s concerned about you both, you see. Tsk. And the other folks in town? I’m sure they all love you, especially after your little bit of heroism the other day!” Marie daintily pats at your bicep in admiration with a short “o-ho-ho!” of a laugh. You keep strong and smile brightly because she does mean well, after all.

A. “Tara and I are getting along better, now. I think.”
B. “Why don’t we talk about things over lunch?”
C. “The townsfolk have been great.”
D. “Oh Marie, you flatter me. I couldn’t help but come to action once I saw you were in danger from those barrels.”
E. Write-in
>>
>>746620
>A.
>>
>>746620
>A. “Tara and I are getting along better, now. I think.”

We had an honest talk and I think she's taken my advice to heart.
>>
>>746620
A. “Tara and I are getting along better, now. I think.”
>>
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>>746620

You say that both you and Tara are doing better about getting along and that she’s been a big help on the farm. Things were rough at first, yes, but even just this morning Tara has been much more... "patient" with you. That's a diplomatic way of putting it, at least

Marie is happy to hear about this, commenting that she “knew you two would come together nicely!” She comments on how Tara could use some more happiness and love in her life, Goddess bless Franc for doing a good job on his own, though! Marie then wonders aloud that something must have happened between you two for the dynamic to change so quickly and she asks “so why did things change? Did the two of you come to an understanding? Hm?”

“Ah, well, I think she just took my words to heart, yeah? I.. tried to give her some advice, some good-natured advice. As a friend, because I saw some goodness in her but she just... Didn’t know how to show it, I guess?”

“Oh, well then, I see! So you showed Tara how to ‘express herself,’ then? Hmm?That’s so… emotionally mature of you, Jacky. What a good head you have on your shoulders! You really are a catch after all, m’yes." Marie rubs her hands together here deviously You chuckle in nervousness.

"I’m sure all the girls in town will be chasing after you soon enough if you keep up the good work! But, perhaps Tara’s beaten them to the punch? Maybe a little farm-life romance in your future, mm?” Your nervous laughter continues.

"Oh, Goddess, not matchmaking!" You think to yourself. "This is like Alyssa from back home all over again! I need to get out of here..."

“Oh, come now, you can tell me! I consider it one of my callings in life to spread love and joy throughout the town, if not the world! Why, have I told you the story of how I got Patrick and Celeste together, they were just… And then I… !... So I said to them both, ‘well…’”

Marie weaves a bit of a tale. You try to follow as best you can, but somewhere around “and, wouldn't you know it they were both Capricorns!" you get lost.

Trying your best, though, you manage to pick the story up again at "so, she told me there they were, covered in seaweed, and they just started laughing and they had such a great time!" Marie laughs and you, helplessly, join in by faking laughter yourself.

"Both caught a cold the next day, wouldn’t you know it? Told that story at their wedding, Jacky. Everyone loved it. Everyone.”

“I can see why! That’s quite the, uh, love story! It was beautiful.”

“Yes! And you and Tara can have the same thing, just take a few bits of useful advice from your good friend Marie!”

That twinkle in her eye is dangerous, alright...

A. “Madam Fontenot, uh, Tara and I don’t see each other that way.”
B. “My heart, Ms. Fontenot, is owned… by another!” [Cue dramatic music]
C. “Sure. Some, uh, advice never hurt…”
D. “Actually, I could use some advice on somebody different-” [Insert Name]
E. Write-in
>>
>>746702
>"I'm not really looking for a relationship at the moment, the farm already takes up enough time and work that I simply would have the time to put any effort into anything serious."
>>
>>746702
>A. “Madam Fontenot, uh, Tara and I don’t see each other that way
Nope
>>
B. “My heart, Ms. Fontenot, is owned… by another!” [Cue dramatic music]
>leave, faking embarrassment

This is the only way we're getting out of this without giving up a name.
>>
>>746702
>A.
>>
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>>746702
>A. “Madam Fontenot, uh, Tara and I don’t see each other that way.”
But B. is nice too
>>
[My internet was down. Finally back. Writing.]
>>
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>>746874

You attempt to dismiss Marie's inquiries with a laugh and a wave while moving around her towards the Mayor’s office. “I appreciate the offer, Madam, but Tara and I don’t see each other that way! I'm much too busy on the farm, besides! How could I keep up a romance when there are crops to grow, things to sell!” Somehow, though, she manages to grab the back of your jacket and hold you fast while “tut-tut-tut-ing” to herself. You slump in despair.

“Jacky, you strike me as a sensible, attractive young man with good manners and a good heart - surely, a bachelor as eligible as you won’t be on the market for long! There must be someone that has caught your eye, mm?”

You sigh. “Actually, Marie, my heart is owned,” you turn to her with a glint of the past in your eye, “… by another!” Marie draws a hand to her lips, her eyebrows quirked in interest. “My love and I, alas… we are never meant to be. I cannot speak on this forbidden passion any longer; it burns my heart.”

“I understand, Jacky.” Marie pats you consolingly on the back. “You can tell me whenever you’re ready, okay? Always know that Madam Marie is here for you!”

You embrace her delicately and then quickly escape into the mayor’s office before it’s too late.

The Mayor lets out a startled “I say!” and you see his wide mustache bob about. The rest of him, however, is hidden behind an old model ship sitting half-constructed on his desk.

He peers out from the side and blinks excitedly. “Jacky m’boy? Is that you? What a pleasant surprise! You seem to have caught me working on the ol’ pet project - my model of the old SV Minnow that wrecked offshore many decades ago. Still haven’t found it, the real thing that is. Was supposedly carrying great treasures, too! Shame, m'yes.”

He hops out from behind his desk and shakes your hand firmly. A bright smile peeks out from behind his whiskers. “What can I do for you today?”

A. “Just had a bit of time on my hands and wanted to say ‘hello’”
B. “Tell me more about this Minnow ship…?”
C. “Is there anything I could do to help the town?”
D. Request advice about something
E. Ask about a specific villager [Name one]
F. Write-ins Encouraged
>>
>>746925
>A.
>C.
I want to get to know everyone else in town
>>
>>746925
>A. “Just had a bit of time on my hands and wanted to say ‘hello’”
>>
>>746925
>A. “Just had a bit of time on my hands and wanted to say ‘hello’”
>B. “Tell me more about this Minnow ship…?”
>>
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>>746925

“I had a bit of time on my hands and wanted to say ‘hello’ to my new Mayor. I have to say, though, that is a very cool model you have there. You say it sank nearby?”

Thomas gives a bashful smile. “Ah, m’boy, that’s very kind of you on all counts. Yes, this is a model of the SV Minnow which used to sail up and down the coast, as I understand it, and was on a voyage back from Moonpeak island when it was mysteriously scuttled. The remains have yet to be found, but I hear Curt believes he is close to finding the wreckage. He and his family dive, sail, fish, that sort of thing. I'd ask him more about it if you're curious, lad."

You say that you may just do that. Sounds interesting, and you've dived a few times before yourself.

"That said, I hope you’re enjoying yourself! Remember, I’m here if you need anything. The townsfolk of Sunnyvale work together and depend on one another - we're all like a big family, here.”

“Thank you, Thomas. I will remember that. Speaking of which, does anyone in town need help or anything? Is there anything I could do for the town? It could be a good way to get to know everyone, helping out and it’s the least I could do.”

Thomas draws his finger to his chin as he deliberates on the matter. Then, an idea strikes him!

“Yes, Terrell did come to me asking for a bit of help at the library - a small errand, if you will. Seems someone hasn’t been returning the books they’ve taken from the library, and he believes he knows who it is. Otherwise, I would consider it a personal favor if you got to know Cocoa and Chaney. The two of them don’t get out enough! They could both use more friends, especially ones that will get them outside and enjoying the town!”

You thank the Mayor for the suggestions and ask for some directions which he happily provides.

“Ah, and, Jacky? Allen will undoubtedly have some things for you to do as well! He hears all the grumblings of the townsfolk at the bar, after all.”

You make a few mental notes, commit them to memory, and then excuse yourself.

The sky is bright and the valley air is crisp. What shall you do now?

A. See Courson about the beach
B. East, to Terrell at the Library!
C. Head to Cocoa and Chaney’s house
D. Write-ins Encouraged
>>
>>746982
>A. See Courson about the beach
>>
>>746982
>C. Head to Cocoa and Chaney’s house

Roughly how far off coast was the ship supposedly when it sank?
>>
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Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>747007
>>747036

[Tiebreaker. 1 = Beach 2 = NEETs]
>>
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>>747065

You head south towards the beach and, by extension, Clyde and Courson’s house at the marina.

You walk along the main pier for a bit and enjoy the warm salt air as it caresses your face. Seagulls call out above and the ocean laps at the shore below. It's not the Gulf but, overall it’s a lot more comfortable and enjoyable than the ones back home.

The entrance to the marina and the Anderson’s home faces southward toward the open ocean and is accessible from a stretch of boardwalk. Ocean treasures adorn the netted overhang above the walkway, and several boats are moored all about the pier. A few unfamiliar individuals - sailors, no doubt - meander or work around the place. Some wave hello and you return the gestures with a smile.

>>>>

Inside the business Cyndie greets you from behind a desk, her platinum hair shining even in the dim indoor light and her clothing looking rather revealing even from here. To your right, Clyde and Courson sit at a windowed alcove reading along with Lia from The Flaming Duck. They don’t notice you yet. She seems to be tutoring them, which is oddly sweet of her.

You walk up to Cyndie at the desk.

“Fair weather to you and welcome to the Sunnyvale Marina. My name is Cyndie and t’would be my pleasure to help ya! What length of moorage can I do you for?”

“Pardon?” You ask her, a little stupefied.

She gives you a quiet, albeit friendly, look in return. “Moorage?” She repeats again. “Uhm, uh,” She gestures “length” with her hands onto the desk. “How long is the ship that you brought in today, sir?”

“Oh! Oh! No, I didn’t come in a ship. Sorry about that. I’m not a sailor.” Understanding washes over Cyndie at that and she apologizes for the misunderstanding on her part.

“Well, if you didn’t come by boat your arms must be tired!”

You give her another dumbfounded look.

“Swimming…?” She quietly offers, desperation in her voice. “Your arms must be tired because you swam into… port…?”

You let a bit of a smile onto your face. That was cute. A bad joke, sure, but cute nonetheless.

“Yeah, my arms are tired, you could say. Uh, I’m actually here to see Courson - your brother, right?” She pips up at that. “I’m Jacky, the new farmer in town. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Cyndie. Courson and I met the other day - I helped get his wagon fixed.”

Cyndie brightens up at that. “That was you? Oh, it’s a pleasure to meet you then! One moment - “She quickly escapes from behind the desk and grabs your hand “ - It’s a pleasure to meet you! Thank you for your help with that, new neighbor!” She’s shaking your hand an awful lot. She has a hell of a grip, too. “I was wondering who you were when the boys said a man carried off their wagon to Alice’s!”

Cyndie finally releases your hand. You subtly shake some feeling back into it.

“Would you like me to get Courson for you? He’s just doin’ his homeschooling now with Lia from the Inn.” Some of the cheer in her eyes fades for a moment. “He’s not in trouble, right?”

>Cont.
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>>747145

A. No, not at all.
B. He just offered to show me something cool at the beach in return for getting the wagon fixed.
C. That depends - did he steal a library book?
D. I’ll talk to him. I wanted to say hi to Lia today, anyways.
E. Write-in

[Trying out this new character / style for Cyndie, the Blonde fisherwoman. Let me know what you think / if you have any character suggestions.]
>>
>>747145
>A.
>B.
I like it the bad jokes are cute and she seems genuinely nice. Alice is still best girl though
>>
>>747152
>A. No, not at all.
>>
>>747152
>A. No, not at all.
>>
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>>747152

“Hm? No, not at all. He actually offered to ‘repay’ me for the wagon by showing me a secret beach or something. Seems like a good kid.”

Cyndie offers a warm, genuine smile at that. “I’m happy to hear something good about them every once in a while - people in town are always going on about them being ‘jokesters this’ and ‘pranksters that.’ They are troublemakers, yeah yeah, but they’re good kids, too. Really.”

You follow Cyndie’s gaze to where the boys and Lia are sitting, Courson reading aloud and Clyde listening in content silence. Cyndie goes to fetch them and you turn away back to the desk. Your eyes wander the reception area; you spot old newspaper clippings of all sorts, trophies, ship models, mounted fish everywhere…

Cyndie taps on your shoulder gently and you turn back to her.

“They’ll be done shortly, yes’sir. Do you want to wait around until then? I can show you around the marina if you’d like. Or, uh, d’ya like fish? I’m good at talking about fish... Or I could leave you alone, yeah. Here - I’ll get you a chair, Jacky-”

A. “I don’t need a chair. Thanks, though.”
B. “Yeah, I can just wait here. Thank you.”

A. Observe the marina
B. Some fishing notes with Cyndie
C. Just go check out the beach yourself
D. Ask about the sailing and diving they do here
E. Write-in
>>
>>747229
>A.

>B.
We're gonna learn to fish eventually, we should learn about what is around here
>>
>>747229
A. “I don’t need a chair. Thanks, though.”
B. Some fishing notes with Cyndie
>>
>>747229
>A. “I don’t need a chair. Thanks, though.”
>A. Observe the marina

Can we steal the twins mom away from their dad?
>>
>>747229
[I suddenly have a very strong urge to make the town librarian Dark Marik from Yu Gi Oh. What... What is wrong with me? Btw I'll start writing now. Just trying to find more character art but apparently dark skinned men don't appear in anime...]
>>
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>>747229

"I'd really like to learn a bit more about fishing in the area, actually. A lot of people around town have said you and your family are the ones to ask about that."

A slight glow of bashfulness alights on Cyndie's cheeks. She checks the time and, determining it okay to "take a short break" she offers to actually show you a thing or two outside.

>>>>

Cyndie sends you outside to the pier first. You spend a moment watching the waves break as the sunlight plays out an infinitely complicated dance on the water's surface. Soon enough, though, Cyndie has joined you with a large pole, a bucket, and a rather smelly container of bait. You chat while she sets up the pole; Cyndie says one of her favorite things to do to relax is "to appreciate the gifts of the Goddess - like all the fish there are!"

You ask her what kind of fish are around here, how long she's been fishing, and what the 'secret' to it is in her experience. Cyndie asks for a moment and then casts out. The reel spins out as the line goes off into the water, landing with a faint "plop."

"All you need is a rod, really, and if the fish are feeling in a good mood they'll bite. Then you just have to reel them up! That takes practice, of course, but it's easy enough. You'll catch anchovy, herring, and maybe a sardine or too right around the dock. They're all small fry, but if you catch one worth eating they can be tasty."

"I've seen all of those, yeah. Common enough. And there's a lot of them in these parts?"

"Oh, yeah. You've got your more rare types, too, and bigger fish... Deeper waters for those, o'course. Tuna are some of the most impressive you can catch… But there are also eel at night, uhm, snapper and mullet, tilapia, too! Oh, and you can catch octa’pie and squid sometimes if it’s a dark morning. But a octopus is really rare. And smart! I’ve only ever caught… one or two before? But they were the most delicious things I’ve ever had once Daniel fried them up!”

You’re practically salivating at the thought of some cooked fresh fish. Even calamari.

"You've gone fishing before, right? Ever cooked a fish?"

You answer "yes" to both questions.

"Those are good skills to have. We’re always trying to encourage people to fish more around Sunnyvale. My dad says it’s in our heritage.” She gives off an airy, happy sigh. “I love fishing. Want to give it a shot? I'll cast out - it's my favorite part - and you can reel in a couple of them!"

>Ready for the fishing mini-game?
>Give me one roll of 1d9 if you are!
>>
Rolled 3 (1d9)

>>747377
I pray I don't fuck this up
>>
GET THE FISH
>>
Rolled 2 (1d9)

>>747377
Hell yeah, minigame!
>>
Rolled 1 (1d9)

>>747390
dice pls
>>
>>747386
>>747393
>>747394
Well, i suppose we had to be crap at something eventually.
>>
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>>747386
>>747393
>>747394
[Alright! We have three examples, here. FOR THE SAKE OF EXAMPLE, I would like each of the Anons that made these rolls to pick a number of cards (pic related) to flip over EQUAL to the value of their ROLL.]
[For example, anon SFxqRhah can pick three cards (such as A1, B2, and C3, or B1, B2, and C3) because he rolled a 3.]

[Now, please choose your cards and then I'll post the results!]
>>
>>747402
A1
C1
>>
>>747402
C2, B1 and A3
>>
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>>747409
[This anon rolled a 2 on the 1d9 and, so, got to flip 2 cards. He picked A1 and C1 which were both Anchovy! That means that this Anon earned a Silver Star Anchovy, which is larger than your basic Anchovy and worth more. Fish rankings / stars are important and will come into play a lot when it comes to increasing your fishing skill.]
>>
Rolled 3 (1d9)

I just want to see if my roll is as low as the others
>>
>>747426
Yay! I got a thing!
>>
Rolled 2 (1d9)

>all these garbage rolls
Fishing is gonna be suffering it seems.
>>
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>>747410
[And this anon picked two herrings and a sardine, which means he reeled in a Silver Star herring and a normal, basic sardine. In short, picking two or more of the same fish means you get a higher quality fish. One card of a type means you get the basic fish, no stars. There's Silver Star level and Gold Star level, the highest level, and that requires three of a kind! Catch all of the highest quality fish in your level and you get "?????"!]

[Let me know if any specific questions or complaints come to mind. I hope this is kinda fun and different.]
>>
>>747442
Can we fish up treasure chests?
>>
>>747402
C3
>>
>>747442
It's interesting I like it, if we had gotten a nine we could have picked all the cards?
>>
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>>747453
[I was worried that you were kill, Lord Death.]
[You picked a seaweed! Which means that you reeled in a seaweed! At least it's edible, right?]

>>747448
[What do you think this is, Stardew Valley? Of course you can reel up treasure chests! You'll have to roll really well, though!]
>>
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>>747464

You and Cyndie reel in three lively, slippery fish. The sardine and herring are both at least a foot long, and the herring in particular Cyndie says is “pretty big’er his size!”

She congratulates you on your catches and consoles you when the two of you reel in some seaweed. “Happens to the best of us - my dad still even catches’em! And, well, he’s been fishing for over thirty years. Poor guy.”

>>>>

You let Cyndie fish on her own after that, resigning yourself peacefully to sitting back and watching passively as she casts and reels, and casts then reels,.. Casts… reels…

Clyde and Courson eventually come stumbling out of the marina in a storm of youthful energy and that’s your cue. You and Cyndie collect the gear and you walk her back to the marina quietly. She offers a quiet “that was fun. I hope you start fishing yourself. Let me know if you need help gettin’a pole, okay?”

You smile and tell her that you will.

Lia walks out of the building solemnly and you catch her eye accidentally. She straightens up and runs her hands over the barest hint of wrinkling on her blouse. “Mr. Richmond,” she says with a polite nod, “It is a pleasure to see you again. If you’ll excuse me, I have to return to the Inn quickly.”

“Of course; good to see you too, Lia.” You smile and she nods her head again.

“Have a good day, Mr. Richmond. And don’t go walking around in the middle of the night, yes?” And she’s off once again. You see her off with a wave.

>>>>

Courson and Clyde are busy poring over some sort of diagram when you interrupt them with a cheerful “hey, guys! Clyde? Courson? How’s it going?”

They both seem pleased to see you but still a bit shy. Clyde does most of the talking, reminding you about the barrels yesterday and how much they miss their wagon. Then he remembers the terms of payment and nudges Courson. “You’re going to show him the cove, right?”

>cont.
>>
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>>747542

Courson nods quietly and pushes his glasses up his nose. “It’s a secret, though, okay? You have to promise to keep quiet about it. I can take you there today.”

A. “Can I tell maybe one or two people?”
B. “I promise.”
C. “This must be some secret!”
D. “Sounds great. Let’s go!”
E. Write-in
>>
>>747547
B. “I promise.”
D. “Sounds great. Let’s go!”
>>
>>747547
>B.
>>
>>747464
Not kill at all. Running right now, though I have to step out for a bit.
>>
>>747542
Hi Lia. I want to learn more about you.

>“Have a good day, Mr. Richmond. And don’t go walking around in the middle of the night, yes?
There's something suspicious about this question, after walking home just the night before.
>>
>>747547
>B. “I promise.”
>C. “This must be some secret!”
>>
>>747547
>Momiji
I need to rewatch/reread that.
>>
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>>747547

“We think you’re really going to like it, Mr. Richmond.”

“Yeah! There are all sorts of cool things that you can grab, and the fish like this beach a lot-”

“And sometimes Lia-”

Courson thrusts his hand over Clyde’s mouth, smothering his words and leaving him a sputtering, mess.

“Clyde, he doesn’t need to know that part. Yeah?”

They both nod and start whispering to one another. You’re left to sit there and wonder.

You shrug, stand up, and urge the boys to get this show on the road. “Alright, this secret beach sounds great. Let’s go, yeah?

>>>>

The walk takes you skirting up the side of the coastal mountain on a scarcely-used path, the few signs that remain long-worn past legible by the elements.

“This must be some secret, huh? How did you guys even find this place?”

“We might have gotten lost…”

“We were running away from Daniel. He gets really mad when you steal cake from him-”

“A whole cake-” finishes Courson. “And he wouldn’t stop chasing us. He threatened to fry us whole and serve us for the next festival. He was waving a huge fork around and everything.”

>>>>

The winding forest path eventually slopes down steeply and takes your closer and closer to shore; the sounds of waves crashing against the rocky coast become louder and louder with each step. Finally, the wilderness parts and you step out into a rather beautiful beach. Various odds and ends from the tidal pools are scattered about the pale sands and there are just enough trees to provide some shade. The water laps up onto the shore with some force but not enough to cause concern - just enough to make for some fun enjoying the waves.

Clyde and Courson lead you further onto the beach and begin pointing out various things that litter the shore.

“That’s an urchin-” one declares, the other calling out “A conch shell!” and then you see a comb shell, some starfish…

“Here,” offers a voice behind you. You jump forward and turn around sharply, your heart in your throat. It’s Lia, a rather stern look on her face and a mesh bag in her hand. “I find this useful when gathering up shells, myself.”

A. “What are you doing here?”
B. “Thanks.”
C. “When gathering up shells…? So you come here, too?”
D. Write-in
>>
>>747676
C. “When gathering up shells…? So you come here, too?”
>>
>>747676
>B.
>C.
>>
>>747676
>B. “Thanks.”
>C. “When gathering up shells…? So you come here, too?”
>>
>>747676
>B. “Thanks.”
>C. “When gathering up shells…? So you come here, too?”
>>
>>747691
[Internet went out again. I've been on the phone trying to get it fixed. Don't know when it will come back. Sorry, guys.]
>>
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>>747854
[Role call. We got a couple anons around to play and finish out this thread / day in-game?]
>>
>>750532
No, we are kill.
>>
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>>750548
[Dammit. Guess I'll j-just have to... p-play with m-m-myself, then...]
>>
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>>750550
>p-play with m-m-myself
>>
>>750532
Go Go Go, they'll flock back after an update or two.
>>
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>>750550

“Thanks…” You’re not sure what to say to Lia after her sudden appearance. The thought of her collecting shells, however, intrigues you. “You collect shells, then? Here?”

She nods once and then moves forwards with poise as her eyes scan the beach. “This beach reminds me of home and, so, I come here occasionally. I have advised Clyde and Courson to contact me whenever they visit the Cove and to avoid coming here unsupervised.” She shoots you another stern look. “Did they ask you to accompany them?”

You drop a shell that you were admiring and stand up straight; you wipe your hands off on your pants and attempt to regard Lia casually. She’s got quite the fierce look.“Hm? No, no. I asked that they show it to me after they offered. It’s not their fault or anything. So, is that why you’re here? They reached out to you? I know you had work-”

“Allen,” she declares with her phone in hand, “is aware of my unintentional absence from work. I had misplaced something and was forced to return to the marina. While doing so I saw the three of you leaving, and our paths were in the same direction, so I followed until I saw the three of you heading onto the trail. Then I pursued.”

“Ah.”

“Quite. Now, seeing that you are with the boys I may take my leave. They are most likely playing by the rocks so, please, watch them carefully? Ensure that they return home safely and do not stay out too late, please?” You accept the duty emphatically. No harm shall come to them while you’re around. “Thank you."

Lia offers a short bow to you which you return as gracefully as you can manage - that is, not very gracefully at all. "Goodbye, Mr. Richmond, and do watch for the urchins. They sting.”

>Cont.
>>
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>>750684

Lia turns to leave, her black hair flowing in the warm spring air, when the two of you are suddenly and completely drawn into a most primal fear: the fear for the safety of a child. Fearing for a child, and it is echoed through one simple word: “Help!”

“Help!” says the child, and their voice rings out again, “Help! Mr. Richmond!”

You and Lia are off like thunderbolts, your feet spraying sand through the air as you dig into the beach and pump your legs faster, faster, faster. The screams come again, again. You bound over a rock and Courson comes into view, his clothes drenched and his hands expressed outward in panic. You yell for him and he turns to you, panicked tears running down his face.

“It’s Clyde! Clyde! He can’t swim! Clyde can’t swim!” He points to the waves and you see a dark shadow in the water that’s vaguely childlike. Two hands come up and thrash lethargically at the surf. Clyde barely gets his head above water for but a moment..

You quickly tear off your jacket and shoes in preparation.

A. Dive into the water
B. Write-in if you have ideas or suggestion
>>
>>750693
>A. Dive into the water
>>
>>750693
>A. Dive into the water
I swear to God Almighty if this is a prank, we're gonna tan their asses. Cause I think its ridiculous that kids who live on the beach wouldn't know how to swim.
>>
Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>750729
>>750739
[Two rolls of 1d20, please.]
>>
Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>750766
>>
Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>750693
A. Dive into the water
>>
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>>750693

You launch off the rock and slide into the water, your dive carrying you past Clyde and allowing you to quickly resurface behind him. A fresh wave catches you in the back. Your footing is sure, however, and you work your hands through the water frantically as you search for the boy. Your hand brushes short, soft hair and you push into the water once more, carrying forward with arms open towards that small hint of Clyde. Your eyes open to the sting of saltwater and sand churned up by the violence of the waves against the rock but you see him - a hint of his clothes, dark against the water, and you grab Clyde with both hands and haul upwards.

The two of you breach the water with the sounds of harsh, desperate breathing, breathing that never seems so sweet until you think about not having it ever again. You push your legs into the sand and urge the two of you forward against wave and wash, up the shore around the rocks. Another wave attempts to knock you off your feet but you lay into your haunches and grit your teeth. A few steps more and you’re on the warm, calm sands once again.

You lay the boy on the ground. Lia and Courson meet you, Courson repeatedly asking after his brother. Lia hushes him and then crouches down beside you as you work your way over his chest, feeling and listening for movement and life. Clyde isn’t showing much of anything, and his breathing, if he even is breathing, is so shallow it’s practically unnoticeable.

You lower your ear to his mouth and wait. You push out everything else and focus the entirety of your being into sensing a breath, any breath, some sort of breath…

There. It’s slight, very slight, but Clyde let out a faint breath. You decide to help him out and place your mouth to his. You blow, quick and hard, and then move to his sternum. You give a quick few pumps and that brings Clyde back onto the beach. He sputters and coughs out some water before curling into a ball on his side. More coughing. More hacking. More breathing. You fall back onto the sand and breathe out in relief.

Lia goes to him with one hand to his hairline and her other to his back and calming words whispered delicately into the boy’s ear. His shaking and coughing subsides slightly; Clyde simply lie there on the sand, a few hot tears running down his cheeks.

“He doesn’t… He doesn’t know how to swim?” You whisper incredulously.

“No,” Lia cuts back. “He’s been afraid of swimming ever since he was a small child and never learned how. I know, I’m disappointed as well, but we have to let it go for this moment.”

You agree; thinking about that right now isn’t a concern, what is important is that he’s out of the water. What's important is that he's safe...

>Cont.
>>
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>>750836

You move onto your knees and go to stand up, heart still pounding, when you notice something- a stain of blood on your palm. You swear aloud and quickly express to Lia that Clyde’s injured. You both search his body with urgency and quickly find a small wound on the back of his head leaking blood and staining the sands beneath him. You swear several times under your breath. You feel the wound slightly and come back with blood once more.

“Shit,” you curse again. “Shit. I can’t tell how deep it is. He must have cut his head on the rocks.”

“Jacky,” Lia whispers. “He's cut..." She loses herself for a moment but, to Lia's credit, she firmly plants herself in the moment and staves off the panic that fleets across her features. "How bad is the cut? Is it life-threatening?”

“I, I’m not sure- head wounds bleed a lot, it's hard to tell... I’m…”

Courson begins crying again. You try to calm him down but the anxiety on your own voice isn’t much help for that. You center yourself to the best of your ability - breathe in, out, breathe in and out, in, out... you take stock of the situation and tell yourself "I can do this."

You kneel down to the crying twin's level and look at him with all the reassurance you can muster. "He'll be okay, Courson. We're gonna help Clyde, okay? I need you to calm down for me." You place a soothing hand on his shoulder and ask if he can do that for you. He nods quietly.

Going back to Clyde, you get Lia's attention and she looks at you with a gaze burning with an intense anxiety. “Jacky, I need to know how serious this is. Can we get him back to town? Do I need to do something here? I- I have an idea. A last resort.”

This decision is yours, Jacky. Choose well.

A. We can get him back to town. I’ll get him there; hand him over.
B. We need to do something quickly. Do what you can.
C. Write-in?
>>
>>750851
>B. We need to do something quickly. Do what you can.
Get Courson to run to town as quickly as possible and notify people we need help asap.
>>
>>750851
C. Write-in?tear off a strip of shirt and tie it off around the wound, pressure on it will at least stop the bleeding. Have Courson run ahead to the village to let somebody know, Lia can help us with triage right now.

Main goal, stop the bleeding and get him back to town, or if its too serious. wait on help and do what we can in the meantime.

Basic first aid is taught in the military, let some of that training kick in.
>>
>>750851
>apply bandage to reduce bleeding
>send Lia ahead for help
>carry Clyde to marina
I'm assuming we're closer to the marina than anything else, and there should be a car there to get us to town.
>>
>>750864
>>750867
>>750870
[Jacky's going to run Clyde into town. Please give me 3 rolls of 1d20.]
>>
>>750851
>A. We can get him back to town. I’ll get him there; hand him over.
>>
Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>750890
Let's go
>>
Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>750890
>>
Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>
>>750894
I think you got it, Anon. Nice one.
>>
>>750890
Reporting for play. Good to see Jacky is still the town hero.
>>
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>>750890

You look at Lia and see that grave, desperate determination in her eyes, which is almost comforting, but you don’t need her to pull anything out of desperation right now. You can do this. “No - I’ll get him to town, just help me bandage him up, yeah? Bandaging... Bandaging we can do. Someone in town can give him better care if he needs it.”

You pull out your knife and strip off your shirt; with a few quick tugs and some rips here and there you’ve got enough material to bandage Clyde’s head. His responses to your work come in murmurings and pained whines but you're glad he's responding at all. However, such a low level of responsiveness almost gives you concern for a concussion. That cues your brain to check the dilation and focus of his eyes. You do so, and he proves to be alright in that regard as far as you can tell.

“What are you doing?” Lia asks nervously as you shut off the flashlight on your phone.

“Checking for a concussion. He’s alright - out of it, but he’s alright.” You hope that will be good enough. You need a doctor for Clyde, not a techie with better-than-average medical training. You’ve got the basics, and that counts for a lot, but the basics are only the basics. You can only do what you can.

Clyde whispers in fear and pain. You and Lia talk to him in soothing tones and tell him it’s all going to be alright. Poor guy needs you to hurry, so you double-check the bandage around Clyde’s head and then heft him up carefully.

“There’s a doctor, in town, right?”

Lia looks conflicted for a moment, but just a moment. “Kari. Kari’s trained in medicine - I’ll get her to help. Someone will meet you with a car where the trail meets the road. Be careful. Get to Kari, alright? Kari can help.”

You give a quick nod and then you’re off.

>20, Failure, Success
>Critical + Success = Critical Success

You move with sublime efficiency and power, your sense of urgency coupled with the adrenaline enough to spur on your motions in measured, calculated strides. Your arms work to diminish any shock to the injured boy in your arms, for you dare not jostle Clyde too much after such an injury. Onwards, you jog, onwards and upwards over the rising part of the trail as your legs burn and your arms ache but onwards you continue. Over roots, under branches, through patches of rock and tufts of grass you move gracefully yet quickly.

>>>>

A short time passes before you can see the trailhead and the two figures stand abreast before it. The shorter one spots you, signals to the other, and then they begin to wave at you frantically from beside an old, battered truck. You can see who it is: Kari and Allen.

>Cont.
>>
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>>751129

They greet you with both relief and great concern. You hastily wave them away - you need to get this kid out of your arms, fast. You’re practically shaking in effort, now. Kari escorts you to the bed of the truck and pulls out an old ironing board with Allen. You are confused for a moment until Kari urges you to lay Clyde onto it. You do so and carefully work with the pinkette to strap him down to the makeshift stretcher with over-sized belts wrapped around the board.

“It was all we had,” Kari explains, exasperated. “Town doesn’t have a Goddess-blessed stretched and not a doctor to be found…” She continues to angrily mumble and curse even as she examines Clyde, peeling the bandage away and dabbing at it with some newly-opened gauze and bottled water.

“Bad. It's a bad cut, but thankfully not too bad…” The poor child whines as she works about the wound, inspecting it with almost motherly care. “I’m glad you brought him. You did an amazing job, Mr. Richmond. Thank you.” She shoots you a quick smile before resetting to grim professionalism. “Now help me support him in the back of the truck, would you?”

You and Allen carefully load the stretcher into the bed and you serve to support one end on your lap as Kari does the other near Clyde’s head. Allen drives slowly and deliberately; the two of you keep the board steady and removed from any bumps or shocks.

>>>>

Your destination is the Inn. You and Allen are met by the rather large, intimidating form of Daniel the chef and he works with you to move Clyde through the back entrance to the kitchens. Daniel openly wonders why his prized kitchen is now suddenly a hospital, but Kari barks out a few words and quickly quiets him.

“I know how clean you keep this place, Daniel, and my supplies are nearby. It’s just this once - so shut up.”

You set the board up on one of the large islands. Kari pulls you aside and asks for your help. She says she’s going to just numb the area and sew up the wound here, but she needs someone to assist.

You can’t bring yourself to say no.

The room is cleared and everything is sanitized; Clyde’s growing more and more afraid and frantic. You do an admirable job of calming him down, explaining he “just needs a big band-aid from Ms. Kari. She’s just going to clean the wound, okay? It’ll sting a bit.”

He trusts you you hope he doesn’t regret doing so. You hope it doesn’t hurt him more than a bit. Kari looks like she knows what she’s doing. You look to where she stands at the head of the island, lidocaine applied and needle in hand. She looks… frozen? Nervous? She’s focusing on her breathing, a lot.

“Kari…?” You ask softly. “You can do this, right?”

“I can do this. I’m trained. I can do this, I just had… a bad experience. Bad nerves, now. I just need a second.”

She needs some reassurance. Something to help her focus.

A. "You can do this, Kari."
B. Write-ins very encouraged
>>
>>751138
A. "You can do this, Kari."
B. Write-ins very encouraged

squeeze her hand/shoulder. no need to say anything necessarily, just show confidence and belief in her ability. (though me being a bit crap at dialogue doesnt help me any)
>>
>>751156
Please help Courson (or was it Clyde?) help the child and ill be here doing my best to assist you. I know that in goddess name you can do it so please trust yourself. Were counting on you Kari.
>>
>>751138
>A. "You can do this, Kari."
>>
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>>751138

You reach out to her and take her shoulder. Your eyes meet and you assure Kari with all the belief in your heart that she can do this-

“You can do this, Kari. Please help Clyde, because I know you can. I’ll be right here doing my best to assist you so just trust in yourself. I’m trusting in you and Clyde is too, so now it’s your turn.”

She gives a small nod, readies herself with a few breaths, and then she begins. Clyde experiences a bit of pain but it’s manageable.

The procedure is a success.

[That’s it for tonight. I’m pretty sick and I’m falling asleep at my keyboard. You guys did well with the write-ins! Thank you for playing. I’ll see you all again soon.]
>>
>>751226
Thanks for running again and feel better soon!
>>
>>751226
Thanks for running Mayor, I wonder if you re going to archive the thread. It's been up a week I fear for it's life. Feel better soon



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