Not Quite Lovecraft

Voting is open
[X]Suggest spending a day camping together. And..
-[X] Ask him to tell you what happened after you left.
-[X] What happened to the Waitress that you left him with? Did they run into the creature?
-[X] Did he maintain contact with her? You want to reach her as well, to help stay away from the wrong sorts..
-[X] If he'd like you can put him in contact with others who can help him make sense of his first experience with the occult - mention the Professor and Jackson. The Reverand as well, how he took in a troubled man recently.

I don't like leaving the changes hidden. That seems like creating a pitfall for ourselves in moments of high stress. However, perhaps after this conversation would be fine.
 
Vote closed
Scheduled vote count started by Blacksheep on Mar 2, 2024 at 8:30 PM, finished with 5 posts and 4 votes.

  • [X]Suggest spending a day camping together. And..
    -[X] Ask him to tell you what happened after you left.
    -[X] What happened to the Waitress that you left him with? Did they run into the creature?
    -[X] Did he maintain contact with her? You want to reach her as well, to help stay away from the wrong sorts..
    -[X] If he'd like you can put him in contact with others who can help him make sense of his first experience with the occult - mention the Professor and Jackson. The Reverand as well, how he took in a troubled man recently.
 
Camp Convo
"Mind if I join you out here for the day? I did make an entire trip out here."

"Your company would be pleasant," Robert agreed jovially.

"Thanks." You took a seat and looked around. This was a nice campsite, if without the comforts you were used to. "What happened with you once the ritual was stopped? I hope the rest of the trip wasn't too terrible."

"We didn't know it had stopped at first. It was after midnight when we went looking for you. The train guard joined us, and we found the body of the cultist and blood painting the last car. It wasn't even supposed to be attached to the train, the conductor had no explanation how an extra car had been added without anyone knowing. Everyone was sent to their rooms for the rest of the trip, to keep the scene from being contaminated before the police arrived."

"When we did get to the station, the police interviewed all of us. The waitress didn't waste any time before vanishing, they didn't even manage to get an interview from her. She's been written down as an accomplice for the murder. I didn't know what to say. I told them that you had suspected something was wrong and went investigating and never came back. The police seem to think that you killed each other. The way the...the body was ripped apart. It couldn't even be identified." Robert swallowed thickly.

"I'm sorry for falling out of contact," you apologized again. You had more experience, you should have been far more careful. "If you want, I know some others that have experience as well, if you want to speak with them."

"You've really fallen into something, haven't you Oliver?"

"I tried to avoid it at first, but..." You shook your head. "It's part of me now."

Robert nodded. "I'd like to know those other contacts of yours. Maybe not get as involved as you, but I'd rather be able to tell when I'm getting into something like with the stone."

You nodded your agreement, and gave him addresses for Jackson and Reverend James.

[ ]Enjoy time in the wilderness
[ ]Tour Winnipeg
[ ]Head home
[ ]Write-in
 
Hmm.. Winnepeg could be interesting, we've travelled all this way. Cursory research yields a fair amount of hauntings, UFO sightings, the Sasquatch.. There are secret network of tunnels, and an Egyptian relic Ark of the Covenant.

And maybe we'll run into the Waitress. I dunno maybe paint her draw a connection to it to her dreams There is also the invitation the Illusionist gave us to consider.


[X] See if you can still catch the show of Thoth the Magnificent
-[X] Use a painting to see if you quickly get back home on time

[X] Portal back home
-[X] Visit the Child Inventor, to discuss the aftermath of the train adventure.

[X] Explore Winnepeg with Robert
-[X] In your hotel try to do a quick sketch of the Waitress
-[X] And see if you can connect to her, through her dreams

[X] Explore the wilderness with Robert
-[X] Go back to the village with him and try to learn about their lore
-[X] This time show them the Pachamama's mark, and explain the touch of Deep is due to your life as a guardian against the dark.
 
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[X] Explore the wilderness with Robert
-[X] Go back to the village with him and try to learn about their lore
-[X] This time show them the Pachamama's mark, and explain the touch of Deep is due to your life as a guardian against the dark.
 
[X] Explore Winnepeg with Robert
-[X] In your hotel try to do a quick sketch of the Waitress
-[X] And see if you can connect to her, through her dreams
 
[X] Explore the wilderness with Robert
-[X] Go back to the village with him and try to learn about their lore
-[X] This time show them the Pachamama's mark, and explain the touch of Deep is due to your life as a guardian against the dark.
 
Vote closed
Scheduled vote count started by Blacksheep on Mar 3, 2024 at 10:04 PM, finished with 4 posts and 4 votes.

  • [X] Explore the wilderness with Robert
    -[X] Go back to the village with him and try to learn about their lore
    -[X] This time show them the Pachamama's mark, and explain the touch of Deep is due to your life as a guardian against the dark.
    [X] Explore Winnepeg with Robert
    -[X] In your hotel try to do a quick sketch of the Waitress
    -[X] And see if you can connect to her, through her dreams
    [X] See if you can still catch the show of Thoth the Magnificent
    -[X] Use a painting to see if you quickly get back home on time
    [X] Portal back home
    -[X] Visit the Child Inventor, to discuss the aftermath of the train adventure.
 
Kawatche Shaman
You gamely asked Robert if he'd show you his favorite locations around the area. It wasn't much of a substitute for a proper camping trip, but you could still spend some time together while you were here. Robert was more than pleased to take you up on that, and dragged you along on what turned into a full day hike. You saw a clearing that deer stopped in, a rocky field that Robert had apparently made several interesting finds in, a stream, another stream but a little further away, and a tall tree. And that was only the things that stuck out in your mind. You were exhausted when you returned to camp. You had to admit that the sights Robert had shared had beauty to them. You wouldn't mind painting them at all. Well, perhaps not the rock field. That was something only someone like Robert could love.

You went back to the Kawatche Tribe with Robert the next day. The shaman came to see us, and greeted Robert with pleasure. Robert returned the greeting and explained that he had chosen to pass on his duty of looking after the gem they had given him to look after to another who had more experience. The shaman listened, and invited us to join him in communing with the spirits of the land to see what might be revealed.

You were eager to learn more about their culture and dive into it. The shaman warned you that you could not participate while hidden, Robert looking at you curiously.

[ ]Reveal your inhumanity to Robert
[ ]Change your mind and step out
[ ]Wait for Robert to leave and ask to join
[ ]Write-in
 
[X]Reveal your inhumanity to Robert.. But
-[X] First warn him before you take off the locket.
-[X] Take him aside and explain to him before doing so that there lives an underwater sapient species who came from Beyond. In your travels you have befriended and bonded with one such being who has been your loyal companion.
-[X] When you were near death you drew on the connection and took on their physical features to survive. Now you share their features and ability to live in the deep.
-[X] Through your magic you still retain your earlier appearance. When you lift the working, your inhumane form will be unveiled. Directly seeing the supernatural is always a shock. Would Robert still accept him as you as his friend?
-[X] Tell him to be careful not to look too closely into your eyes. Try to make sure the mesmerising effect doesn't fall on Robert.


[X]Change your mind and step out. And..
-[X] Tell Robert your experiences with Pachamama to help him prepare for the rite.
-[X] Paint the splendor of Manitoba while you wait. And..
-[X] Use the painting to amplify the connections and watch the paints dance on canvas, simulating the flows of magics in the wilderness, that are hidden from mortal eyes.
-[X] Recall the tales of the elusive figure in the woods. The Sasquatch, spoken in campfire tales. Is it all tall tales or is there an glimmer of truth to them?
 
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Let's take a chance on it!

[X]Reveal your inhumanity to Robert.. But
-[X] First warn him before you take off the locket.
-[X] Take him aside and explain to him before doing so that there lives an underwater sapient species who came from Beyond. In your travels you have befriended and bonded with one such being who has been your loyal companion.
-[X] When you were near death you drew on the connection and took on their physical features to survive. Now you share their features and ability to live in the deep.
-[X] Through your magic you still retain your earlier appearance. When you lift the working, your inhumane form will be unveiled. Directly seeing the supernatural is always a shock. Would Robert still accept him as you as his friend?
-[X] Tell him to be careful not to look too closely into your eyes. Try to make sure the mesmerising effect doesn't fall on Robert.
 
[X]Reveal your inhumanity to Robert.. But
-[X] First warn him before you take off the locket.
-[X] Take him aside and explain to him before doing so that there lives an underwater sapient species who came from Beyond. In your travels you have befriended and bonded with one such being who has been your loyal companion.
-[X] When you were near death you drew on the connection and took on their physical features to survive. Now you share their features and ability to live in the deep.
-[X] Through your magic you still retain your earlier appearance. When you lift the working, your inhumane form will be unveiled. Directly seeing the supernatural is always a shock. Would Robert still accept him as you as his friend?
-[X] Tell him to be careful not to look too closely into your eyes. Try to make sure the mesmerising effect doesn't fall on Robert.
 
[X]Reveal your inhumanity to Robert.. But
-[X] First warn him before you take off the locket.
-[X] Take him aside and explain to him before doing so that there lives an underwater sapient species who came from Beyond. In your travels you have befriended and bonded with one such being who has been your loyal companion.
-[X] When you were near death you drew on the connection and took on their physical features to survive. Now you share their features and ability to live in the deep.
-[X] Through your magic you still retain your earlier appearance. When you lift the working, your inhumane form will be unveiled. Directly seeing the supernatural is always a shock. Would Robert still accept him as you as his friend?
-[X] Tell him to be careful not to look too closely into your eyes. Try to make sure the mesmerising effect doesn't fall on Robert.
 
[X]Reveal your inhumanity to Robert.. But
-[X] First warn him before you take off the locket.
-[X] Take him aside and explain to him before doing so that there lives an underwater sapient species who came from Beyond. In your travels you have befriended and bonded with one such being who has been your loyal companion.
-[X] When you were near death you drew on the connection and took on their physical features to survive. Now you share their features and ability to live in the deep.
-[X] Through your magic you still retain your earlier appearance. When you lift the working, your inhumane form will be unveiled. Directly seeing the supernatural is always a shock. Would Robert still accept him as you as his friend?
-[X] Tell him to be careful not to look too closely into your eyes. Try to make sure the mesmerising effect doesn't fall on Robert.

Yep.
 
Vote closed
Scheduled vote count started by Blacksheep on Mar 4, 2024 at 9:13 PM, finished with 7 posts and 5 votes.

  • [X]Reveal your inhumanity to Robert.. But
    -[X] First warn him before you take off the locket.
    -[X] Take him aside and explain to him before doing so that there lives an underwater sapient species who came from Beyond. In your travels you have befriended and bonded with one such being who has been your loyal companion.
    -[X] When you were near death you drew on the connection and took on their physical features to survive. Now you share their features and ability to live in the deep.
    -[X] Through your magic you still retain your earlier appearance. When you lift the working, your inhumane form will be unveiled. Directly seeing the supernatural is always a shock. Would Robert still accept him as you as his friend?
    -[X] Tell him to be careful not to look too closely into your eyes. Try to make sure the mesmerising effect doesn't fall on Robert.
    [X]Change your mind and step out. And..
    -[X] Tell Robert your experiences with Pachamama to help him prepare for the rite.
    -[X] Paint the splendor of Manitoba while you wait. And..
    -[X] Use the painting to amplify the connections and watch the paints dance on canvas, simulating the flows of magics in the wilderness, that are hidden from mortal eyes.
    -[X] Recall the tales of the elusive figure in the woods. The Sasquatch, spoken in campfire tales. Is it all tall tales or is there an glimmer of truth to them?
 
Dream Walking
"Ah, may I speak with Robert alone first?"

The shaman nodded and stepped back. Robert looked at you with a frown. "What's wrong?"

You fiddled with your locket. "I didn't...exactly escape unchanged." Robert opened his mouth to argue and paused. "The locket hides my real appearance. It lets me look human. But in order to survive...I didn't really have a choice." You shrugged awkwardly. "I have a bond with a creature of the deeps. A race of aquatic beings keep them as pets. I pulled on it to save my life, but it altered me. I'm not entirely human anymore."

"How?" Robert croaked.

You could only shrug. "I didn't mean to do so. I don't know why it changed me like this. Perhaps it was simply the price for my life." You pulled off the locket, revealing your scales, too wide lips, and ocean eyes. "But here I am."

Robert stared in shock. You could tell he needed time to process. He had seen the hound, but that wasn't the same as seeing his friend become something other. When he finally gathered himself he tried to meet your eyes, but you were careful to not meet his. "What are you?"

"I don't know. A hybrid? Some magical being? Certainly not human anymore."

Robert shook his head. "I'm...I'm going to need some time with this." You nodded. You had dumped a lot on him over the day. You walked back to the shaman who nodded at you. "Do you require time to rest before we begin?" he asked. You nodded and thanked him for his understanding.

A couple hours later Robert came to you again. "You're still my friend," he said firmly. "I don't understand any of this, but I believe you didn't choose it. And it's better this than dead." You clasped arms with him in thanks. It was a relief to not have lost him, to be accepted for all of this. He could have so easily decided this was too much, like another friend you had did. But he was still here.

Together you returned to the shaman and entered the tent. He set a brazier smoking with herbs and settled back. You each breathed it in and relaxed, listening for the spirits.

A squirrel came first, chittering warnings for those who touched what wasn't meant for them. A black bear passed in, asking if they would lend their strength to others instead of keeping it for themselves. Coyote slipped in and asked with a grin how far you would walk. A canada goose carrying familiar marks of the Red Realm reminded you there were many paths to take. And a downy woodpecker promised long bonds between those who would pass through.

You came back to yourselves, and the shaman said the spirits agreed the gem could go with you to Emily. How he interpreted it you didn't know. But that night you dreamed of the creatures that had passed through as you vision quested.

[ ]Follow the squirrel
[ ]Follow the black bear
[ ]Follow the coyote
[ ]Follow the canada goose
[ ]Follow the downy woodpecker
[ ]Seek your own path
 
I have just finished one of my writing projects, a Pokemon Nuzlocke. Was great fun!

It also means there's room for me to start working on a new project. I have two different ideas on what to do, so thought I'd ask for opinions on what would be more interesting.

The first is an older project, where female Harry Potter is reincarnated into Hitman Reborn with Gamer powers. A very silly, very fun story.

The second is a quest idea I have had for ages but never put down. Magic is extinct, but one day after a meteor shower you find a dragon egg, and there are people who will do anything to take it from you.

Thoughts?
 
Go with whatever going to be the most fun for you. Harry Potter verse means you can work with the existing setting, but the original setting means work but less setting constraints than a pre-made setting. Harry Potter would also let you have more participants from the fandom but it feels like these concepts have already been explored. Though maybe not in quest form yet.

Post apocalyptic soft scifi sounds fun. It's putting me in the mind of a survival quest. The Mc overcoming the odds and triumphing would be the main selling point. Dragon once hatched could be a way to continue the experience of the pokemon quest if that's what you had in mind. Or could easily go towards a darker take with gang brutality and stuff.
 
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I have just finished one of my writing projects, a Pokemon Nuzlocke. Was great fun!
Congrats!

The first is an older project, where female Harry Potter is reincarnated into Hitman Reborn with Gamer powers. A very silly, very fun story.
Quest or story? I'd have guessed story. Stories let you write at your own pace, and you're already running a few quests.

The second is a quest idea I have had for ages but never put down. Magic is extinct, but one day after a meteor shower you find a dragon egg, and there are people who will do anything to take it from you.
In videogames, escort or "protect the macguffin" quests favor slow and minimal actions. Forced rapid choices often felt nonsensical and frustrating to me. My first impression is that I'd consistently vote for hunkering down in the middle of nowhere and resent railroading for being forced to interact with society. I can imagine that how you structure player incentives for this idea would have a huge role in encouraging certain actions.
 
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