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Archive: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?searchall=Kaleidoscope+Quest
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hopelessQM

I forgot to make pastebins again

>>2490873
>>Go in for a surprise attack.

>>2490873
>>Take advantage of the situation and sneak past them.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>2490886
1
>>2490896
2

Writing

The likelihood of you being able to take on four others in a nonlethal fashion is too slim for your liking. Maybe with the help of an experienced broom-wielder, this would change, but you should take advantage of the situation while you can.

Still, your sense of duty drives you, and you find yourself trapped in indecision.

The broom man, possibly sensing this, jumps backwards onto the railing. Your eyes widen as you watch. His tail is no longer swinging from side to side, and with utmost confidence, he says, “Is that the best ya morons got? Come on, I can run circles ‘round you four all day!”

He’s giving you an opportunity, and you take it. In the middle of his jeering, you slip past them, dashing up another set of stairs to the bridge. As you make it to the top, you watch as the monkey-tailed man backflip off and down to the floor below. There’s even more shouting below, all of which quickly silenced after the sound of wood cracking as it presumably meets someone else’s face.

You need to find whoever’s orchestrating this whole business and put an end to it as fast as possible. The bridge is but a short run away.

Upon making the final step to the top, you see that at this end of the ship, two lookouts had been fighting with two pirates. One of the former lay in a puddle of his own blood, while the other is still fighting, badly wounded in the arm. The man swinging his sword at him only has a couple of cuts, and the other pirate watches while scowling, holding his stomach where a light gash is.

The second pirate happens to be a short leap away from you, and he hurriedly picks up his own weapon. The first one knocks his opponent’s sword out of his hands, and he turns his attention to you.

You waste no time.
>Lethal. It’s quicker and quieter.
>Nonlethal. Slower, but less of a mess.

>>2490994
>Lethal. It's quicker and quieter.

>>2490994
>>Lethal. It’s quicker and quieter.
They've already murdered some people today, they don't get the luxury of mercy.

>>2491002
>>2491005
Lethal

Writing

He couldn’t even raise his arm to block the attack even if he tried. In a single, practiced motion, you slide your sword Nightingale out of her scabbard, your thumb the hilt into place. Your fingers fall on the centers of the five subtle spell circles, and the runes glow.

The aquamarine stone and runes light, and as you complete your swing, Gale’s winds part the man’s chest as if it were only paper. Perhaps it was the body, but this is no time for mercy.

The other pirate charges at you. You silence a battle cry before it can be out. Your sword clashes as it meets his, sliding at his curved blade. His sword may have stopped your steel, but not magic. Wind shreds his body as you push him back. He loses his composure in his surprise. You thrust, and it goes into his throat. Sputters, and he drops down.

Looking over your shoulder, check over to see if you drew any attention. No one seems to be coming up, so you can relax somewhat for now.

You rush over to the guard, who’s standing over the body of presumably a friend. He’s biting his lip hard enough to draw blood. Before you can say a thing, he says, “We need to hurry. They might have the ship’s captain hostage by now.” Without another look, he forces himself away and hastens down the length of the ship. You follow behind, keeping pace.

“I think I have the gist of what’s happening, but how could they have boarded so easily?”

Without looking at you, he replies, “One of them took out our lookout. I caught a glimpse of the bastard; he was carrying a pistol.”

“A pistol? What, did he steal it from a museum?” Guns and cannons are nothing but relics of a bygone era, completely superseded by magic. The power granted by the eidola dwarf man’s own claim upon the world.

And yet, there it is again, the sound of an explosion, muffled by the walls of the boat.

[1/2]

>>2491097

The two pirates who were standing watch outside were easily taken by surprise. You and the other guard, whose name you discover to be Laenn, peer through a crack in the door, trying to see what is going on.

The captain of the ship turns the wheel with a man’s cutlass pointed at the back of his neck. The other members of the crew have their hands bound behind their backs, and they’re all forced to sit down in a group. Keeping watch and surrounding them are about a dozen pirates, each of them armed with a weapon of some sort.

The man with the cutlass shouts, “I won’t be repeating myself again, tell me how to steer her or I’ll cut ya to pieces!” When you look at the controls, you can tell it’s some kind of cutting-edge Pryport technology. There are far too many buttons and dials for any kind of vehicle to have.

The captain, saying nothing, only wears a grim expression. He doesn’t budge an inch.

The other man sneers. “So that’s how it is. Aye, fine by me. I’ll throw you off this ship myself!” As he grabs him by the collar and begins to pull him, but someone else places a hand on the pirate’s shoulder.

“Now, if you were to throw him off, how would you go about operating this ship?” It’s the man from before, and he wears a long coat that almost reaches the floor. He walks into view, and you see the pistol in his hands. Elegant, gold arcs run across the length of the barrel, and it’s then that you realize it was also a wand of some sort.

“Fuck if I know.” He lets go of the captain. “If he ain’t helping us, then we don’t need him, now do we?”

“Can’t have enough leverage now, can we?” The arcanist crosses his arms and smirks. “Now, why don’t we do this?” He turns to the captain and says, “Every time you fail to comply with us, I’ll kill one of your men.” He’s met with a deepening scowl. “No? Well, warning shots were useless after all.” He points the pistol in your direction, and you and Laenn quickly duck out of the way, fearing that he might have seen either of you two. His pistol booms as it fires, and it’s followed by the thud of someone falling onto the floor.

The arcanist turns to the captain. “Why don’t I ask that again?”

In a choked voice, he says, “I’ll do it. Just let them go.”

“Yes to the first part, no to the second.”

With a grumble, the captain heads back to the controls.

You sit there, next to the door. You glance behind you, but it looks like no one is there. The noise downstairs seemed to have stopped somewhat, which either is a good sign or a terrible one.

In whispers, you ask Laenn, “Where’s the others? Is it just the two of us?”

“I don’t see them,” he says, scowling. “There’s some downstairs. Five, maybe.”

Completely outnumbered. Great.
>He should go down and get them while you stand watch here.
>You two can take the arcanist on, as long as you can surprise him.
>You can’t do anything here right now. Go back down and find the others.
>Write-in.

>>2491169
>He should go down and get them while you stand watch here.

Hey Hopeless, what functionality do the spell circles on Touryn's sword have, besides cutting winds?

>>2491185
Besides the winds, the runes help maintain a sharp edge and strengthens the blade so it doesn't break or bend too easily. That's about it

Writing

“You should get them,” you say, “Things seem to have calmed down below. This is a good of a chance as any. I’ll stay here in case anything happens.”

He nods. “I’ll return as fast as I can.”
He slips out, disappearing down the stairs on this end of the boat. He won’t be running into the four from before.

Without another word, you watch what’s going on inside. The captain is pointing things out to the other pirate who seems to be in charge, and the arcanist is staring out the window at the rest of the ship.

Time passes with this scene barely changing.

A whisper causes you to jump. “Hey, what’s up?” You spin around, ready to draw Nightingale, stopping when you see that it was that broom-monkey-man from before.

“Don’t sneak up on me like that.” You move your hand away from your sword. It’s only now that you get a good look at him. Wild, messy untrimmed hair tries to hide his eyes, and his skin has been tanned from being in Solaria’s light for too long. Your eyes stop on the spear on his hands. A wooden shaft that stops at a bundle of feathers. Sticking out of it is a straight, sharp length of steel long enough to pierce someone through fully and leave the plume untouched.

He extends a hand. “I’m Renith. You?”

“Touryn,” you answer, about to shake his hand. Instead, he lightly slaps it and bumps knuckles together.

He says, “Those the guys? What are you waiting here for, let’s go!” He begins to move, and you grab him by the arm to stop him. You explain to him the situation, and throughout the entire time, he seems wholly disinterested. He picks at an ear. “Okay, so... what are we waiting for again?”

“Waiting for backup. Didn’t you hear what I said? Help is coming—”

“Shh!” Renith quickly hushes you.

Past the door, you can hear the arcanist say, “Strange, I haven’t heard from those two in a while. You there, go check on them outside.”

One of the pirate grunts in acknowledgement and begins to head to the door, the same one that you’re behind. Renith has both hands on his spear, a grin spread across his face. His tail is raised in anticipation.

He’s not listening at all.
>Back him up.
>Stop him.
>Write-in.

>>2491317
>>Stop him.

>>2491317
>Bluff them, try to impersonate the pirate's voices.

>>2491324
Stop
>>2491332
As much as I like this, it's out of character

Writing

>>2491374
Eh, that's fair. Stopping him was my second choice anyways.

“Don’t!” You move to him, trying to stop him. “Get back!”

“Eh? Why? Don’t tell me you’re afraid of a little fight. Come on Touryn, it’s good for ya. Gets the blood flowing.”

“We can fight later, but not now.”

He shakes your arm off, and he gives you an obstinate frown. “Then, how about this?” He clears his throat, and in a timbre deeper and harsher than his normal voice, he shouts past the door, “Called for us? Everything’s A-OK over here!” Renith gives you a wide, stupid, self-satisfied grin and a thumbs up.

Meanwhile, all you could think is that they did not sound like that at all.

The approaching pirate’s footsteps stop. “A-OK?” And then it continues again, somewhat faster.

You then do the only thing you can: you dive-tackle Renith. He cries out as you send him—and you—down the stairs, rolling until you hit the floor below. His tail smacks against your face as he rolls even further, crashing into a wall. As you pick yourself up, you hear the pirate ahead shouting to the arcanist.

“No one’s here!”

He peers down the railing, but he sees nothing as you’ve already pushed Renith behind the stairs and leaned against the wall, successfully hiding. Luckily, you already moved the bodies.

When the pirate walks away, you let out a sigh of relief.

Renith stares daggers at you, brandishing his spear. “Ya lookin’ for a fight? ‘Cause I can give ya one right here and now!”

Dealing with him is giving you a bigger and bigger headache by the second.
>”Try it, monkey.”
>”I just saved you. You’re welcome.”
>”Quiet, and put that spear down.”
>”Can you listen to me for one damn second?!”
>Write-in.

>>2491435
>>”I just saved you. You’re welcome.”
>>"You can do all the fighting you like once we're not outnumbered a dozen to two."

>>2491450
This

Writing

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“I just saved you. You’re welcome.” You cross your arms. “You can do all the fighting you’d like once we’re not outnumbered a dozen to two.”

He scoffs. “Where’s the fun in that?”

“...Fun?”

“I got my favorite spear, and ya got your favorite sword. I can see you’re good with it, I know how ya carry yourself! A dozen to two seems more fair, don’t it?” His grin comes back. “There ain’t nothing to fear but fear itself! Don’t tell me you’re a coward, ‘fraid of a little excitement.”

“This has nothing to do with excitement,” you say, trying to not raise your voice. “Solaria’s sake, have a little control.”

“What are you two doing?” Laenn appears in the timeliest manner. Behind him are four others, dressed and armed the same. Renith grows quiet, sulking.

“This is everyone?” you ask. “What’s happened downstairs?”

“It’s settled—”

Renith interrupts. “All thanks to me. You’re welcome.”

Laenn clears his throat. “Thanks to you, yes. Your pal there managed to take a good number of those pirates down by the time we got there. Luckily, no one has been gravely injured, only shaken, at worst. What’s the situation here?” That means Syrup and the others are fine. Thank Solaria.

You answer. “They know the two guards were knocked out. They’re alert now, but we can still surprise them with our numbers.”

“Let’s get going, shall we? It seems that the boat’s being steered inland. I don’t want to wait until the bastards take us to their friends on shore.”

“Agreed,” you say. You lead the way up the stairs, seeing as how you’re the only one who can even try to compete with the range of the arcanist’s pistol. You jump up the last few steps, trying to surprise the pirate. His sword is already drawn and ready.

Close to the top, Renith says to you, “Try not to get in my way again, yeah?” He jumps a ridiculous distance into the air, landing on the railing and scaring the pirate, who turns around. Renith’s spear glides through the air, slicing the man from shoulder to hip. He shouts, “Who do you want?”

And then he jumps through the doorway.
>Both of you aim for the arcanist.
>You deal with the arcanist, and he deals with the pirate captain.
>You deal with the pirate captain, and he’ll handle the arcanist.
>Write-in.

>>2491598
>>Both of you aim for the arcanist.
>>Try to focus on disrupting his aim. It may be an antique, but a gun is still dangerous. Also be alert for magic that the gun may be able to cast.

>>2491625
This

Writing

You’ve dealt with a few arcanists in your life before. Typically, the way it goes is that whoever strikes first wins. If they draw their wand and aim, then you don’t stand a chance. If you take them by surprise, you can cut them down before they can even realize it. With the single-file march up the stairs into the room, Renith’s actions have already thrown everyone into a disadvantageous situation, seeing as how you and those behind you can’t follow up in time.

By the time you burst past the door, the arcanist had already fired his weapon. Renith, using another pirate as a human shield, pulls his spear out of the body and throws it to the side. In the commotion, the captain had punched the pirate captain in the face and taken his chance to get away.

“Go for the arcanist!” you shout.

“Sure thing!” Renith leaps at the man but stops halfway. Jerking his body to the side, he thrusts his spear at another pirate, trying to put something between the gun and himself. The pirate captain moves at the hostages with his cutlass, and your five other allies move to intercept him and his men.

The arcanist’s eyes fall on you, a clear, clean line. He raises his pistol, but you already raised your sword. You see something right as you cut the air. Gale’s wind widens as it reaches him, but it’s enough to knock his aim ever so slightly. The sound of another shot rings through the air as something flies through the air and pierces the ceiling.

It’s then that you notice. No shells, no reloading. The chamber and the spell circles light up as magic reloads it. A modernized pistol, what a farce.

Your grip on Nightingale shifts, and you swing a blow where the steel hits nothing bit air. Instead, the space ahead splits. The arcanist grabs a pirate and throws him in front, your blow spraying red on the arcanist’s face. He gives you a look of disgust as his attention redirects to Renith, who’s charging at him. He saw that the pistol wasn’t pointed at him, and he took the opening.

Different parts of the pistol light up, and he simply leaves it pointing down.

Roll 1d30.
DC: 17

Rolled 2 (1d30)

>>2491692

>>2491696
Wew, least that wasn't a nat one. If no-one else shows I'll reroll in a few mins.

Rolled 16 (1d30)

>>2491692
Attempt number 2!

> 1 off
Th-this is fine! I'll use the last reroll in a few minutes.

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>>2491715
>>2491730
You can do it!

Rolled 2 (1d30)

>>2491735
Th-that's right! Senpai believes in me!

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>>2491696
>>2491715
>>2491738
16!

Writing!

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>>2491738
I've failed senpai...
Least I got that 16

The next moment feels like an eternity.

You cut through the air again, just as the arcanist pulls the trigger. Renith’s eyes widen, his tail standing on end. He tries to jump, but it’s too late. The floor gives way as magic ripples through wood and steel, cracking and splitting in the shape like a spider’s web. Your blow whiffs, and you feel yourself falling.

Dust, splinters, and smoke fill the bridge and the room below. All you can hear in the chaos is shouting and steel slamming into steel as blows are exchanged. Clinging on the edge of the floor, you pull yourself up after a difficult second.

Another shot rings out, and you hear Renith shout out in pain. Waving the thick cloud of smoke away, you make out a figure. His coat is a dead giveaway, giving him a distinct silhouette in comparison to the pirates.

You hear the pirate captain shout, “Have ya lost yer fuckin’ mind?! Don’t go an’ destroy the boat!”

He scoffs. “It’s just a scratch.”

“A scratch?! When I’m done with this lot I swear to Tide—”

With silent steps, you begin to pace around the perimeter of the hole, careful to tread on only solid footing. The light of sparks pierce through the haze, and you see Laenn pressing the attack. Then, he stumbles over debris and finds himself on the defensive. Slowly, you make out what’s below: the crew’s quarters, now roofless and connected to each other with the bridge.

You don’t see Renith anywhere.
>Try to get the drop on the arcanist.
>Find Renith. He sounds as if he were wounded.
>Help Laenn.
>Write-in.

>>2491786
>>Try to get the drop on the arcanist.

>>2491795
Can I get a 1d30 roll?
DC: 15
Since it looks like no one else is here, you can just roll a 3d30 or something

Rolled 29, 7, 22 = 58 (3d30)

>>2491818
Right-o Hopeless!

Pls be good

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>>2491823

>>2491823
So that's where all the luck went

Writing!

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You sneak as close as you can. Crouching down, you take note of your surroundings. You can’t see anyone else in the bridge that can stop you. He hasn’t spotted you, hopefully.

You don’t waste another second. You jump into the air, pouncing at him. Nightingale slices through the air, and in the fraction of a second, the arcanist spots you. He raises his pistol and fires, halted by the rippling air. His sleeve explodes into pieces, his arm suddenly covered by gashes. The air beside you expands, and you’re thrown to the floor, completely off the mark.

A shadow darts forward at him, and the arcanist tries to aim again. Instead, Renith’s spear pierces through his wrist, and without hesitation, he rips it out and thrusts it right at his neck. A blast of wind from your sword knocks the arcanist out of the way in the last moment, and he’s sent off his feet as his back collides with a wall. He crumples to the ground, unconscious, his pistol falling away from him.

Renith scowls when he faces you, but then he sighs and walks away after a moment. Blood seeps down from a wound on his shoulder, but he doesn’t seem all too bothered by it.

Laenn, in the meantime, falls onto the floor, pushed back. The pirate captain’s cutlass swings down, a heavy blow that crashes into Laenn’s sword and dents it. Just as he prepares for the final strike, Renith surprises him from behind with a thrust that slips between ribs. The pirate captain collapses, and the spearman offers a hand to the guard. Laenn lets out a sigh of relief as he takes it.

As the dust settles, Laenn and the rest of the boat’s defenders had managed to win with a few casualties. They cut through the ropes that bound the crew members, and you wipe Nightingale clean.

You mutter quietly to yourself, “This vacation isn’t half bad.”

Thanks for playing, that'll be it for today. I'll be back the day after tomorrow.

And POV switch back to Circe.

>>2491862
It's been fun Hopeless!

Out of curiosity is Renith a full blown anthropomorphic monkey man, similar to Mog and Touryn's tutor? Or is he more of a kemonomimi with just the tail and a few other animal traits. I was also wondering, what species are those types of characters considered to be? Are they a common sight, since noone ever seems to have found these people strange?

>>2491866
>Out of curiosity is Renith a full blown anthropomorphic monkey man, similar to Mog and Touryn's tutor? Or is he more of a kemonomimi with just the tail and a few other animal traits.
He's just a human with a monkey tail, just that.

>I was also wondering, what species are those types of characters considered to be?
They're as human as everyone else. Kinda. Not really. Just mixed with a little animal blood, you know? I lightly brushed upon this on the interlude-like thing at the end of the first thread. Because they're found in a gradient, it's less of a species and more of a "label".

>Are they a common sight, since noone ever seems to have found these people strange?
They've been around for some time, but some discrimination exists. It usually depends on how far gone they are and what animal they're mixed with. Actually, there's an entire country filled with them that I haven't labeled on the map yet. Will we ever get to them? Only Gaia knows.

>>2491881
Thanks for the info! It was fun playing as Touryn for a little bit. G'night Hopeless.

>>2491862
Awww, I was late to the party.
Thanks for running! Hope I can catch you in time tomorrow.

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You are Circe, and you have been locked in your room for a good while now. You’re not in the same room as your old one, as that one needed to be cleaned. The pirate business has been settled and you swiftly put it behind you, opting to dive into the diary instead of being exposed to the dangers outside.

The ceremony went as smoothly as one could expect. Every colorful arrangement of flowers, every practiced line, every meticulous detail. The smiles on their faces were almost contagious, joyous for the end of bloodshed between Tsubams and Wachids. Mother told me to be proud, but what have I done myself?

The day is over, but tomorrow is not something I look forward to. I imagine he will wear the same countenance as always, as if nothing was wrong. I can still feel the welt after he had learned he was not my first, right before he went to throw himself into his myriad of courtesans. I hope his twig snaps.

This is all so tiring. I want to see Siolm again. I wonder, where are you? How do your travels fare? I am sure my battles pale in comparison to yours, so I will remain steadfast. I will await our reunion, even if it were to take a lifetime.

Sighing, you put it back down as someone knocks on your door. A distraction from the diary and the pirates is very much needed.

You say, “Who is it?”

“It’s Schwartz. I thought you’d might like to know we made it onto land.” It takes you a second for you to process it. You get off the bed and open the door for her. She stands in your doorway, wearing another frilly dress.

“I thought we weren’t stopping until later?”

“There’s been some... damage, so they need to dock for repairs,” she says, “An emergency stop, if you will. Actually, we’ve been docked for a good time now. Have you really not noticed?”

You tap the book. “I’ve been a bit preoccupied. Ah, speaking of, I found where we’re going: Basylen.”

“Basylen... I’m not too familiar with that name, but I believe it is further inland. Actually, I had an idea; why don’t we take our leave here and find a ride? Our original destination was on the western coast of Whitebloom, but we would simply be wasting time if we waited for this ship.” You hesitate to answer, and she continues. “Oh, we don’t have to come to a decision right now, we have plenty of time.”

You have arrived at Kowal.
>”Do you have anything planned?”
>”Where’s Touryn and Syrup?”
>”I didn’t miss anything important, did I?”
>”I think I’ll take a walk around.”
>Write-in.

>>2498718
>”Do you have anything planned?”
>”Where’s Touryn and Syrup?”
>”I think I’ll take a walk around.”
>>"Care to come with?"

>>2498718
>”I didn’t miss anything important, did I?”

>>2498737
>>2498749
>Everything

Writing

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“I didn’t miss anything important, did I?”

“Important? Hardly. There was the business with the monkey-boy. Remember him? The one that leaped in when my wand ran out of aether.”

“How can I forget?” It’s not often you see something like that. The acrobatics and the way a broom was used to subdue those pirates certainly left an impression.

“Right. As it turns out, he snuck on board without a ticket. I helped convince them to let him stay, not that they needed much convincing. Then, right as they’re about to agree, he goes and says he ‘didn’t want to stick around anyways’. I left him be.” She shakes her head. “Now that we’ve arrived here, I was planning on searching for a carriage. Basylen’s quite the distance; I wouldn’t want to walk there. Do you have any plans?”

“Actually, I was thinking of taking a look around. We—”

“—can go together! Swiftly, then, staying all cooped up in here can’t be healthy.” And like that, you grab your belongings and leave the ship alongside her.

Upon sight, it’s clear that Kowal is a simple fishing village. The dock is all too small, but it does its job. The buildings and roads are loosely scattered, and a cool breeze swirls. Gulls audibly squawk in a distance. You step onto land, and you find yourself overcome with relief. Finally, land.

You ask Schwartz, “Where are Touryn and Syrup anyways?”

“I believe Touryn said he was talking Syrup to an enchanter? I doubt there would be one here, but I was proven wrong.” You’re not sure what they’re up to, but it probably isn’t anything bad.

“I’m sure we can find them if we need to. It isn’t as if this village is too big.”

“Right,” she says. You walk down the roads slowly, glancing across the uneven road and the grass that grows freely right beside. Her shoes clack with each step drowning out the soft indistinct chatter of people in the background. “Say, how are you doing?”

“...Huh?” You give her a confused stare.

“You had a pained expression when you opened the door for me.” She jokingly adds, “It wasn’t me, was it?”

You answer...
>”How did you know?”
>”It’s nothing, really.”
>”I’m still a little shaken, that’s all.”
>”The diary’s a little hard to read.”
>”Must’ve been your imagination.”
>Write-in.

>>2498869
>”How did you know?”
>”The diary’s a little hard to read.”
>"The person who owned it before... I don't think I would call their life a happy one."

>>2498869
I meant to type “It wasn’t because of me, was it?”

>>2498947
This

Writing

>>2498954
Sorry for taking so long, trying to do homework alongside this >.>

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“How did you know?”

“What, really?” she says, putting a hand on her chest. You’re not quite sure if the hurt was feigned or not.

“No, you haven’t done anything. It’s just that the diary’s a little hard to read. The person who owned it before... I don’t think I would call their life a happy one.”

“I see...” she says. “Do you think there is anything we can do?”

“I think by reading this I’ve already done something terrible to her, and ignoring that, I... don’t have a single idea.”

“You are a thinker, aren’t you?” Schwartz gives you a coy smile. “I’m the sort who, if given the opportunity to meddle, would surely ruin everything. So as much as I’d like to help, I do believe on this occasion, I left this in the best of hands.” In the distance, a windmill quietly turns. You are about to break the silence by thanking her reassurance, but she says, “But I might have to take that back. Isn’t the diary yet to be finished?”

“It’s a lot to go through, okay?” you reply, “I’ll get through the rest of it today. I thought it’d take longer at first but it looks like the diary isn’t even close to being filled. Also, it doesn’t help that it feels like I’m doing something wrong.”

“I imagine I’m not the only one who fears arriving to Basylen only to learn the author had moved to Aldrose,” she replies.

“No, I definitely say that she isn’t going anywhere. Without a doubt.”

She holds her breath. “If you say so.”

Loud shouting breaks out from ahead. A few steps later, and it you and Schwartz see an argument inside of a small shop. “What ya mean? This is money, isn’t it? Look at it!” A familiar monkey-tailed spearman leans against the wooden counter and lifts a coin from the small pile in front of him. He bites into it, and he says, “It’s no counterfeit!” It seems as if he’s trying to purchase some bread.

Behind the counter is a girl, visibly distressed. “S-sorry, but we only accept Ebbs here. I don’t even know what this is...”

“It’s silver! It’s good for anythin’, really, sure as Gaia good as any kind of note or paper.”

Schwartz, under her breath, says, “Oh, he was who I was referring to earlier. Renith, I believe was his name?”

He sure likes causing problems.
>Offer to pay.
>Walk away before he drags you or Schwartz into it.
>Write-in.

>>2498959
Don't worry about it. My update times are getting bumpy too

>>2499024
>Offer to Pay.
>Ask the girl, why /don't/ they accept silver, anyways?

>>2499049
Offer to pay and ask why

Writing.

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“What a brute,” Schwartz quietly scoffs at the thorough lack of politeness.

“Maybe we should do something,” you say.

“Careful now,” she says.

What’s the worse that can happen? It’s not like he’ll switch from troubling her to you.

As you walk up, you speak out loud. “Is there something wrong?”

Renith turns around to get a glimpse of you. “Yeah, she won’t take my money.”

As you walk up, you take a good look at the coin. They have a hole punched through the middle of it. On one side, a wyrm chases its tail, and on the other, numbers are written in runes. You vaguely pinpoint the source of the currency as somewhere northwestern.

You’re about to ask why before the girl reads your mind to answer the question. “I-I don’t know how much it’s worth. We take Ristellan Wanes too, but this isn’t...” she starts to trail off. “Sorry, but I can’t take this...”

“Let me pay then,” you say, “You want that, right?” You point at the loaf of bread on the counter. Your purse isn’t feeling particularly light either, so you don’t mind.

“Will ya?” Renith says, grinning, “Thanks a lot, lady. Here, take this.” As you pay, he scoops up his coins and puts them in your hands. “I’m not cheating ya, honest.”

“I believe you,” you reassure him.

The girl thanks you for your patronage and assistance, and when you and Renith walk out, you can hear her sigh in relief. The spearman takes a bite out of the loaf, still smiling as he eats voraciously.

Schwartz says, “I see it’s been settled.”

With his mouth full, Renith says Schwartz, “Hey, it’s you! Schwartz or something, right?”

“Right.” She tries not to frown. “What were you doing to that poor girl?”

“Wasn’t my fault.” He shrugs. “Ya know each other?” He looks at you and Schwartz. You give him a quick introduction of yourself, and he says, “Guess ya ‘lready know, but I’m Renith. Nice to meetcha.” He has almost finished devouring the loaf, impressively enough. “What brings ya folk down here? Don’t mean nothin’ when I say this, but I thought ya two would stay on the ship or run for a fancy inn rather than wander ‘round.”

[1/2]

>>2499123

“We were looking for a ride, right?” you ask.

Schwartz nods, “Yes. I can’t imagine traveling so far by foot.” You agree with that sentiment deeply.

Renith finishes his last bite. “I get it. Headin’ in through the forests, huh? I think I can help ya out.”

You say, “You’re not a local, right? I don’t want to doubt you, but...”

“That’s ‘cause this is what I know. I’ve been in more places filled with trees than ya can count, I guarantee it! If you’re planning on going in there, then ya need someone ta look big and scare bears.” He’s about your height. You might be lacking the technique, though.

“Are there even bears in Whitebloom...?”

“Maybe. Can’t ever be too sure and lower your guard ‘cause that’s when they get ya.” He gives you a confident grin. “What ya say? Lemme pay ya back.”

You glance at Schwartz, who says, “I’ll leave this in your judgement. Regardless, I’ll be getting us a carriage of some sort.”

Renith eagerly waits for an answer.
>Accept his help.
>Reject it.
>Write-in.

>>2499153
>I suppose we could use someone who knows how to deal with those (hypothetical) tricksy bears
>Accept his help.

>>2499174
>tricksy bears

Writing

“Seriously?” Touryn says, climbing into the wagon.

Renith replies, “Hey, funny seeing you here.”

“That’s my line!” He turns to Schwartz, who then points to you. “Why is he here?!”

You say, “He said he was an expert with the wilderness, and he wanted to help, so...”

He rubs his forehead with a head. “I can’t believe you’ve done this.”

Renith frowns. “What’re ya getting so down for? It’s not like we’re walkin’.”

Schwartz says, “This is the best I could do, unfortunately.” She takes a look around the wagon as she says this, but you can’t complain. It’s better than nothing.

Syrup pulls at your sleeve. When you turn to her, she whispers, “I want to grab his tail.”

This is going to be one noisy ride.

[1/2]

Sorry, having bit of a writers block

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>>2499234

You flip to the next page of the diary.

Father is overjoyed to learn of a future grandchild, but he and I both knew it was only expected. One final duty to finish establishing the new lineage. Yes, if he is happy...

If everyone is happy, then I cannot object.

...

I find the routine of writing down these thoughts growing more difficult with each passing day. Even this distraction is failing me. If only I can forget what I had overheard. The words repeat themselves in my mind over and over. They are as clear as day.

Their prayer for Gaia to gift the baby its love.

Is even this child not mine?

You let out a heavy breath and close it. It’s getting dark. The driver of the horses and his friend tell announce its time to stop for the day. The wagon carried not only you and the others but also various letters and packages to be delivered there.

The trees here are sparse, and any other sort of plant life is even more so. While the owners of the wagon tend to the horses, Touryn crouches down near tinder, trying to make fire by using two sticks. Schwartz, in the midst of setting up what is quite possibly the most ridiculous tent in terms of detail and size, stops what she’s doing and digs through her belongings to see if she has a fire wand.

Syrup had wandered a little farther into the woods. You can see her in the distance, crouching down and picking at something. Renith hunches over, trying to get a good look at what she’s doing. He sure seems a lot more interested than you and Touryn were back then.

You should distract yourself.
>Check with the horses and their owners.
>Help out with Touryn and Schwartz.
>See what Syrup and Renith are up to.
>Write-in.

>>2499298
>>Help out with Touryn and Schwartz.

>>2499304
Touryn and Schwartz

Writing

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You walk over. “Is there anything I can do?”

Touryn says nothing, only holding up the two sticks. You take them, put them down, and try to do it as you were told that one time really long ago that you couldn’t possibly remember but you try to anyway, focusing in the advice that was given but is now slurred together like a whirlpool of mud.

Your attempt ends in failure.

Your hands hurt and all is lost. You surrender to the elements, welcoming the sweet embrace of the great beyond.

“Shame, I don’t have it,” Schwartz says. “It seems we’re going without fire this night.”

“What?!” You practically leap up. It’s already getting kind of chilly.

Only mildly miffed, Touryn says, “I don’t think that’s an option for the others.”

“Not a fire, but...” Schwartz then pulls out a gem, “Something of equivalence!” She clears the tinder and the stack of wood beside it, leaving only the dirt below. Folding her dress behind her knees so that it doesn’t touch the ground, she crouches down and begins drawing with the gemstone.

Midway through, you realize what she’s doing. “Ah, an evocation for Igni. If you’re using a gemstone, we might have to deal with a wraith.”

“No worries. It has barely any aether in it; I’ve retrieved it from my stun wand.”

“That’s good to know. You can’t be too safe,” you say. Turning to Touryn, you ask him, “Were you really going to be okay with no fire?”

He blankly replies, “Circe, this is why you’re like a soggy tissue paper.”

“W-what?”

“You need to get used to harsh conditions. Otherwise when a time comes you have no choice but to go on without fire, you won’t be able to stand it.” He sighs. “Honestly, you’re a little too spoiled.”

“Don’t you think you’re asking a little too much of me?! I wouldn’t be getting in those types of situations anyway!”

“No, you are exactly! It’s Schwartz who end up like that.”

Schwartz finishes the circle and she pats off her hands. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

[1/2]

>>2499389

The gem sits snugly in the center of the setup set by stones and dirt, and the whole circle glows a warm orange. Much less dangerous than an actual fire, although you’re not sure if this is much of an improvement. It certainly won’t ward off anything. Syrup has wandered off somewhere again, and Renith is busy climbing a tree to scout ahead. He claims it’s for scouting, but you have suspicions he’s doing it just because it’s fun.

“I am not soggy.”

“Sorry. How many times do I have to apologize?”

You hold your legs against your body, balled up next to the Igni evocation. “What does that even mean?”

Schwartz says, “I do think it’s time for you to stop acting like ‘a soggy tissue’ and finish that diary.”

Your exaggerated sulking mood is replaced by one of gloom. “I... don’t think we can return it.” Word by word, you slowly manage to explain to them what you’ve been reading. “I want to do something, but I don’t know what.”

“That’s quite the conundrum... but we’ve come all this way. This is no time for doubts.”

A silence. “I don’t know what we’ll find. I have a bad feeling.”

A leaf falls, and in this forest, the world seems quiet and still. Breaking through it, Touryn tells you, “...I was once told that the path I chose was the most straightforward.” You move your attention away from your uncertainty and to him.

“Mitra...?”

He nods. “But because something’s straightforward did not make it easy. If I knew where I stood, and where I wanted to go, then it’s as simple as drawing a line between two points. Whether it is following orders or swinging a sword, it’s all the same; all you have to do is look forward. The most important thing is knowing where to go, a goal to reach for.” He stops and shakes his head. “Sorry, you probably didn’t need me spouting this kind of thing. It’s just... whatever it is you’re deciding on, I’ll support you.”

Schwartz adds, “I’m sure it will all work out somehow.” She’s just in it for the ride, isn’t she?

With an awkward laugh, you apologize for bringing down the mood. As the others finish setting up camp, you sit against a tree, slightly separated from the others.

You know where you stand, and you know where you want to go.

[2/3]

>>2499477

Your hands run down the page of the diary, your eyes slowly making its way down until you reach the paragraph’s end, where you then turn the paper to show the final two pages.

In an erratic, messy script, it says:

My ire is blinding.

Iorina Ludinauer.

Why is she allowed to be selfish? I don’t understand. I can’t. The war won’t end. Siolm won’t return. I want to be strong, but for what?

Why does she get to be happy?

Why...?

I...

Curse them. Tsubam, Wachid, Kuyon, Ludinauer, Ruthaena, every last one of them.

If the Gods truly exist, if those above are watching, then please, answer my prayers. If I can have nothing else, at least grant me this. My only wish—

Lines and arcs trail across the page, a blotch of dried blood sitting at the center. A roaring evocation of Gaia.

A curse upon them all.

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Thank you for playing. I'm going to have to cut short this thread since I have work due next afternoon and I've yet to even touch it. Next week might be grim too, as I have a paper due.

I'm here for any comments, questions, or concerns. Criticism is appreciated, too.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hopelessQM

>>2499491
Thanks for running, as always Hopeless. This has been a lot of fun as always. It's funny to think how far this diary sidequest we took near the beginning seems to be taking us now. Would you mind if I asked how far ahead you've been planning certain plot-hooks like this?

Also, could you maybe give a bit of a rundown on the names that were just mentioned in the diary? I think one of them was the late queen, and I assume the others were political factions or nations?

>>2499499
>Would you mind if I asked how far ahead you've been planning certain plot-hooks like this?
Are you super sure you wanna know? I flesh them out as soon as they're taken.

>Also, could you maybe give a bit of a rundown on the names that were just mentioned in the diary?
Tsubam and Wachid are the two families in Basylen, Ludinauer is the Aldrosian royal family, and Ruthaena is the Ristellan royal family. I think you can figure out who's Kuyon with the given context.

>>2499522
Thanks for running!
Even though I constantly miss the thread, I always gladly read it afterwards.
Good luck with your paper.

>>2500641
Thanks for the support!

>>2509160
New thread