>>37044823

“Whoa.” Cecilia announces the group’s thoughts, as not far in front of you sits two pools of different liquids, each blocking a path. On the right sits a pool of impeccable water, so clean that you can see all the way to the bottom. On the left lies a pool of steaming tar, bubbling intensely. A rock pathway dots both of the pools, leading across.

“Well, I guess we could go through the water, if you have no problem getting wet.” Vi suggests. “If not, we could go back and try the other path, because I don’t suggest that one.” She points to the steaming black pit.

>Cross the pool of water.

>Cross the tar pit.

>Turn back.

>Write in.

>>37044846
>Cross the pool of water.

>>37044846
>Cross the tar pit.
we can't trust our eyes

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>37044901
>>37044966
>Rolling for winner

>>37045021
Roll 1d20, best result of three (or fewer).

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>37045057

>>37045093
This it is then, haha.
>Writing

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>37045057
o shit no I got lunch wait

>>37045177
Aww man, it's too late.

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>>37045157

You turn to face the tar pit. “The more dangerous path is likely to be the one we need to go through, don’t you think?”

Vi’s expression turns worried. “Uhh, maybe, but it’s not me that will be scalded by that pit.” She lifts off your shoulder.

A large bubble of tar bursts as if in response to Vi’s statement.

You make up your mind and approach the edge of the pit.

“We’ll have to be careful.” You stop with your toes at the edge of the pool. “I’ll go first, to make sure that the rocks are stable.” You take a tentative step on the first rock and find that it makes for good footing. “I’ll call for you to follow me if it’s safe enough.”

Erin shakes her head vehemently and opens her mouth to speak. “Don’t-“

“Good luck, Ed!” Cecilia interjects, cheering for you as always.

Autumn stands near the edge of pit and whistles in awe. “It looks like a lot of fun, go for it, leader.”

It would be hard to back out of it now, so you continue forward. Landing on one rock after the other, you make good steady progress across the pit. You find it quite easy, no two rocks are more than a few feet away from each other.

You set your eyes on a large rock with dried tar on it and jump. Your foot is sure to catch the end of the rock, if it was actually a part of it and not just a bubble.

A surprised gasp escapes your mouth as your foot catches nothing. Your arms reach out instinctively, desperate looking for something to prevent your fall. The entirety of your body clenches in expectation of pain.

SPLASH
[1/2]

Crap just got back from work.

>>37045964

Your eyes shut tight as a cool sensation envelops your body. Water? You open your eyes, but see absolutely nothing, so you make your way back to the surface.

The bubbling pit of tar surrounds you, but you’re unharmed.

The various shouts from the shore are blurred out from the sheer joy that your skin isn’t burning. You give a thumbs up and pull yourself out to let them know that you’re alright.

“You’re an absolute, complete, and utter idiot.” Vi fumes, after your group recovers from the shock.

Autumn pokes a finger into the pit. “The merchant was right. Our sight is being deceived.” She turns and grins at you. “Next time, let’s not find out through accident.”

You rub the back of your wet hair in shame.

Cecilia skips ahead on the rocks. “Let’s go!” She calls to the rest of you.

Vi takes a perch on Autumn’s shoulder, as she jumps on the rocks.

Only you and Erin remain at the edge of the pit.

You turn to Erin. “Shall we?” You nod your wet head toward the pit.

She approaches the edge of the pool slowly, while holding up the hem of her long robes. Erin’s not the most athletic of your group and she’ll likely need her arms free to stabilize her jump. But if she’s not holding up her robes she’s likely to trip on the hem and fall in.

Carrying her across would make maintaining balance a more difficult task, but perhaps it’s the only way.

>Offer to carry her.

>Let her try on her own.

>Write in

>>37045994
>Tell her to take off her robe first

>>37045994
>Write in.
Cut off the hem of her robes.

>>37045994
Who is stronger Autumn or Ed?

>>37046033
Perv

>>37045994
>Offer to carry her

>>37046045
Autumn, robo arms

>>37046045
Autumn's arms can take more physical abuse and are stronger, but Ed is stronger in leg strength and core strength.

>>37046072
Ask if she's ok with cutting her robes some, if not Ed carry her.

Three way tie here guys

>>37046106
Nevermind.

>>37046042
>>37046104
>Writing

In hindsight I should have voted for her to take off her robe. Just for the hilarious angry response when she refused.

>>37046141
“Wait.” You call out to Erin to stop. “You’re going to fall in like that if you can’t keep your balance.”

Her eyebrows furrow as you insult her athletic ability, but then she looks down at her feet and nods in acceptance.

You unsheathe the warden sword. “If we cut the hem of your robe it should make walking and these kinds of things easier for you.”

She takes a step back in shock and almost falls into the tar pit. “What?” Her expression flabbergasted.

You lower your sword closer to the ground. “I’m not going to cut you.” You assure her. “If not, then you’ll still have to make it across.”

“But..” She pleads at you with her blue eyes as her mind searches for an alternative. Finally her shoulders slump in acceptance. “Fine. But don’t cut me.” She demands in an oddly strong voice and raises the hem of her robes far in front of her legs.

She’s seen what you’ve done with that sword and is fearful for a good reason. You begin the cut at just below knee level as your sword makes its way through with ease.

Once done her delicate and pale legs are exposed to sunlight for the first time in a long while.

Unencumbered she makes her way across, shakily, but successfully.

The two of you regroup with the rest of your party and journey further into the rock cluster, until you stop at yet another fork in the path.
[1/2]

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>>37047322

“Is this some sort of test?” Vi asks with anger in her voice as she stares at the two gates blocking the paths.

Above each gate is a sign with a unique sigil carved into it, the word “Number” is carved into both of the signs. In front of each gate are two pedestals, exactly similar in design and in dimension.

To the side of the left gate’s pedestal, you spot the corpse of a wild dog, with five very young pups circling her body in confusion, they don’t even run when your group approaches.

A large pool of still wet blood sits the pedestal next to the dog. A trail of blood follows the dog to the spot where it died, not far at all from the pedestal.

“Look like its underside was stabbed a lot of times.” Autumn says solemnly.

“The pedestal likely is the key to opening the gate.” Vi lands on your shoulder. “Do we even want to try this?”

“Number…” You say to yourself as you try to think of the solution.

“Maybe we experiment with the pups?” Vi says quietly. “They’re too young to make it without their mother anyway.”

Each path has its own gate, each gate with its own sigil. There’s no obvious solution, so maybe it would be better not to risk it. Vi is right about the pups. But its up to you to decide their fate.

>Turn back to the two pools.

>Try the pedestal yourself.

>Write in.

>>37047378
>Place two pups on the left pedestal.

>>37047492
>Writing

lol, when it comes to tearing a girls dress we come out of the woodwork, but when there's a puzzle it's dead

>>37047627
well I am stumped.

>>37047627
I don't know why every one was so opposed to just carrying her. Now she all mad.

>>37047597

You bend over to pick up two of the pups, who only whimper softly in protest. “We might as well try before we turn back.” You approach the pedestal. “You might not want to look at this.”

None of your group turns away, they give you a look of solemn approval.

A sigh escapes you. “Sorry, you two.” You toss the two pups onto the pedestal.

They drop anticlimactically onto the blood stained pedestal with a small yelp and without anything happening other than a few continuous clicks from the pedestal.

You exhale in relief. “Maybe we solved-“

Dozens of large metal spikes shoot out from the pedestal, skewering the two pups into the air, and then slamming them back into the ground as they retreat.

“Ugh.” Vi groans as blood leaks out from the two dead pups.

Cecilia sweeps the two pups off the pedestal with a large stick. “It’s good that you didn’t try to do it yourself.” She grins, unnervingly.

You rub your eyes in frustration.

“Let me try something.” Autumn announces as she approaches with two large stones in her arms. She places them on the pedestal.

Nothing happens, not even the earlier clicking noise.

“I guess it has to be something living.” She surmises. “So, what now?”

Erin tugs at your arm. “If we’re going to try another experiment, it should be on the left gate.”

You consider what you learned thus far about the gate, and decide your next action.

>Turn back to the two pools.

>Write in.

>>37048059
Vi do you know this world's numerical system?

>>37048059
>Place the last three pups on the left pedestal.
If this doesnt work we will have turn back.

>>37048146
You just want to kill puppies don't you?

>>37048191
Hey everyone who didn't vote last write in responsible for their death too, now it'd just in for a penny in for a pound

>>37048106
>Writing
The other choice is more final.

>>37048226
Still smashing rock onto post, lets get info first.

>>37048249
Cool

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>>37048249

You should make sure that you have all the information available before acting.

“Vi?” You turn your head to slightly to look at her.

“Yes?” She replies.

“Do you know this world’s numerical system?” You ask.

“Of course.” She answers with a slight note of offense. “You know, one, two, three…” She writes into her palm, the exact shape you give the numbers she lists.

You shake your head. “I mean, do those symbols mean anything to you numerically?” You point to the sigil on the sign.

“Oh. No.” She turns her head to the sky. “The sorceress put the system she used for numbering into my ancestors when she created them.” She points to the sign. “That one is just a puzzle.”

You sigh and nod in acceptance. It’s not information that will help you with this puzzle.

“I suppose we should…”

>Place the last three pups on the left pedestal.

>Turn back to the two pools.

>Write in.

>>37048530
Wow we didn't get any info on the puzzle but we learned something way important
>Place the last three pups on the left pedestal.

>>37048592
>Writing

>>37048708

“I suppose we should try the pedestal one last time.” You walk over to pick up the three remaining pups from the corpse of their mother.

“I’m truly sorry.” You apologize not just for using them and their siblings as a sacrifice, but for the tragic scenario that befell their mother as well. Counting on the few moments of clicking, you gently place the three pups on the pedestal.

The pedestal whirs and clicks just like before. You can feel your face wanting to flinch in expectation of the metal spikes you’re sure that will come out soon.

A loud grinding sound is emitted from the gate as it pushes open, you flinch in response, as the gate slams into the rock wall to its sides. Silence befalls your whole group, as only the whimpering of the pups sound out in the rock corridor.

“Let’s just go.” Vi flies off your shoulder, more than eager to put this whole puzzle behind her.

Autumn and Erin follow shortly after her. “Thanks guys.” Autumn says to the pups as she passes by.

Cecilia takes a look back at the other gate. “Ohhh. I get it.” She turns back and marches merrily through the gate.

You take one last look at the mess left behind. The three pups amble aimlessly around the dead bodies of their family, lapping at the spilled blood in curiosity. “’Horrible sights,’ he said.” You sigh heavily before heading through the gate.
[1/2]

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>>37049722
Your group decides to stop for a break shortly after crossing through the gate.

A small flat rock serves as a seat as you watch the rest of your group enjoy their break. Vi takes a perch on Cecilia’s finger as they discuss something just out of range of you hearing.

Erin stares at her newly exposed legs and brown slip-on shoes. The way she nervously shifts from one leg to the other is quite charming.

“Hey, leader.” Autumn squats down next to you. The two of you silently stare at your group for a few minutes. “Been having bad dreams, Ed?” She asks suddenly.

The sudden question wakes you from your daydream. You vaguely recall having a dream, but it didn’t seem all that bad. “I had a dream last night, I wouldn’t say it was bad, just…dark.” You reply.

“Oh.” She plays with the tips of her blonde hair absentmindedly. “I thought it was bad because you were calling out ‘I’m here’ desperately over and over again.”

A wave of heat surges through your body as the though embarrasses you. “Sorry, about that.” You stare at your hands and not at her.

“Nah, don’t worry about it.” She gives your knee a soft punch. “I’ve actually been having bad dreams myself.”

“Really? What about?” You venture to ask.

“Just about some blonde kid a bit younger than me.” She laughs slightly to ease the tension. “He’s always running away from me, and I can never catch him.”

“Oh.” Is all that you manage in response.

She stops playing with her hair to look at you directly in the eyes. “I always wake up with a feeling of regret. It just feels…different from a normal dream.” She barely finishes her sentence as tears begin to fill in her eyes.

She wipes them away on the fake skin of her arm. “Ahh damn, I’m no crybaby, boss.” She stands with her back facing you. “Just forget about this.”

“Autumn…” You call out without realizing at first. She stops.

>”Consider it forgotten.”

>”Forget about the dream.”

>”Don’t do this again.”

>”Nevermind.”

>Write in

>>37049785
Bump
This might be it for tonight. ;_;

>>37049785
The dream means something, we had lives before we came here. Trying to remember them isn't a sign of weakness.

>>37050130
Missed update sorry

>>37050251
>Writing.
No problem at all. Though, I'm probably going to have to cut it short anyway, there's been a lot of one answer write ups today.

>>37049785
>"Your dream means something. You'll catc him eventually."

>>37050317
Only 4 of us on, and sometimes we get busy. Wish qtg was up only so we could grab more players. Your quests deserve it. The more players, figure they might be a few good ones after we sift out the shit posters.

>>37050369
>>37050370
Ah, I apologize for making assumptions.

>>37050370
most players like simpler power trip quests where a failed roll just means you don't succeed as hard. It's a shame you guys in here weren't around for dead gods quest.

>>37051076
Eh tried looking at it, didn't click.

>>37050317

You continue “The dream means something, we had lives before we came here. Trying to remember them isn’t a sign of weakness.”

She sniffs, still not looking at you. “Did we have lives before this? I wonder if those dreams are illusions like that tar pit we saw earlier.”

It’s hard to argue with that, dreams aren’t exactly the most concrete evidence. “Maybe the illusions only affect us when we are awake?” You reply.

“Illusions affect what we see.” The sadness fading from her voice. “When you see something in your dream, it still affects the same parts of your brain as does seeing something when you’re awake. Doesn’t that make our dreams susceptible? Just how vulnerable are we to being programmed?”

She really did come a different world than you because everything she said went over your head. “I-I don’t know. But if we get through this piece, then we’ll find out, won’t we?”

Autumn lets out a giggle. “Somehow you never cease to impress me, Ed.”

“Thank you?” You’re not entirely sure if that was a compliment as it does remind you of Vi’s backhanded compliments.

She laughs a bit harder. “Let’s get going, leader.” She says as she offers an arm to help you to your feet.

“Right.” You reply simply as you’re hoisted up with ease.

“Oh, and I like what you did with Erin’s outfit.” She says as the two of you walk to collect the rest of your group. “It’s somehow cuter that way.”
[1/2]

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>>37051478

Vi senses the warden’s aura strengthening and your group turn right into a thankfully unblocked corridor. “This is strange. It almost feels as if his magic is weakening. But his presence is getting stronger.” She announces and then suddenly perks up. “We’re here.”

The corridor widens and your group finds itself in front of a large dilapidated marble fortress. Chunks of once perfectly carved stone now lie on the ground shattered. The large buttes hug close to the fortress as if they were protecting it from something.

Autumn stops by your side. “Wow, for all the effort it took to get here, I was expecting something more…impressive.”

You enter through the broken gateway into a huge vestibule with towering pillars. Light pours in from opening in the roof, some intentional, other not. The footsteps of your group echo loudly, clearly announcing your presence.

“That’s far enough.” A raspy voice echoes. “You’ve intruded far enough.”

[2/3]*

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>>37051507

A tall hooded figure descends down a flight of stairs using an unusual staff as a cane.

“We’re just looking for the warden.” Cecilia announces first.

“You’ve found him.” The hooded figure answers back angrily. “I'm Talrith, and you must be Ed.” He says with spite.

“How do you know?” You demand, pulling out the warden sword.

“You don’t kill a warden and blunder all over my piece for days without catching my attention.” Talrith replies. “So before I get rid of you permanently, tell me why you’re here.”

>Remain silent.

>”I want to go to the next piece.”

>”I want you dead.”

>Write in

>>37051539
>”I want to go to the next piece.”
I acted to defend the land and it's people from someone who had gone mad with power. I've seen no people here except one suicidal fairy. I have no quarrel with you unless you make one.

>>37051539
>>”I want to go to the next piece.”

>>37051539
>Write in
"I am here to expose you for the failure you are. Your piece is crumbling and you know it".

>>37051631
>>37051635
>Writing.

>>37051765

You step ahead of your group. “I want to go to the next piece. As for the actions you’ve heard about; I acted to defend the other piece and its people from a warden who had gone mad with power.”

Pointing back to the entrance, you continue. “I’ve seen no people here except one suicidal fairy. I have no quarrel with you unless you make one.”
Talrith wheezes with laughter. “You simultaneously underestimate me and overestimate yourself.” He points the end of his staff at you. “Garbage. You are garbage in this perfectly created world and you have no right to pass any form of judgment.”

“This world is dying.” Vi interjects. “You blind yourself to the truth.”

“If this world is dying then it is because you fairies shirk on your duties.” He spits with rage. “Enough!”

He slams his staff on the ground sending a thundering echo through the fortress. You cover your ears with your hands but the sound still penetrates
.
Roll 5d20’s, for Ed, Autumn, Erin, Vi and Cecilia respectively, best of three for all.

Rolled 15, 18, 16, 17, 7 = 73 (5d20)

>>37052167

Rolled 2, 3, 14, 1, 10 = 30 (5d20)

>>37052167
Think I burnt out my luck in Improvaizen but here goes.

>>37052202
Nice job anon.

Rolled 5, 5, 16, 1, 10 = 37 (5d20)

>>37052167
Oh shit here we go

>>37052209
I was afraid of that. sorry.

>>37052217
Vi is in trouble now. Critfail

>15, 18, 16, 1, 10
>Writing...

>>37052276

Spike traps like those of the puzzle gate shoot up and down from the floor on the sides of the vestibule.

The echoing finally stops leaving a ringing sound in your head. Dozens of strange creatures begin to form all around you, but you shake your head and remind yourself repeatedly that it’s an illusion. The creatures disappear, the spikes do not.

Autumn does the same, and quickly recovers.

Erin thought quickly enough to protect her ears with ice and suffered very little from the sound.

Howerver, the sound of panicked screaming from behind you catches your attention. A blur of light, of which you’ve seen only once the first day you came to this world, zooms around the hall, screaming. Vi stops periodically for just enough time to catch her clawing at skin of her arms, deep enough to bleed. She's horrified by whatever she sees on herself.

Cecilia through the hall as if chased by a murderous creature.

The two of them come precariously close to the jutting spikes as Talrith stands laughing at the top of a flight of stairs at the end of the vestibule.

~

>>37052645
Okay that's where I'm ending it for today. Thank you all so much for playing! If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them in the thread, and I will do my best to respond to them.

If not, then I wish you a Happy New Year and hope to see you again next time!

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

Thanks for running.

>>37052685
Happy new year Auri Thanks for running! Kinda sad to see we can still critfail ain't it?

>>37052685
Holy shit thats bad for anyone who thinks Vi is best.
Thanks for running auri.

>>37052752
You're very welcome!
>>37052758
You're very welcome and Happy New Year! Critfails are bound to happen eventually, let's do our best to recover from it.
>>37052793
You're welcome! It won't be too bad if we successfully recover from it.

>>37052685
Auri! Auri!
Thanks for all your hard work. Auri is a hero.

>>37052793
You would think so, but after having seen her eaten alive I've come to accept that being a Vi fan is suffering.

>>37052884
You're welcome for the work I put in, but let me thank everyone for so much for your work and for all the fun I get out of this!

>>37052884
Eheheh we should get that to happen again.

>>37052997
Don't you dare.

Well, it's not like we were really going to make it through this quest with everyone still alive at the end anyway.

>>37053012
You're right. I feel as if Erin's set off too many death flags alredy.

>>37053012
We might...maybe if we play through this like 2-3 more times.

>>37053045
Wait what!? What death flags? Erin is becoming my favorite.

>>37053045
Erin? Guess I'm less observant than I thought.

I'm currently building the details for the next piece, it should be lots of fun.

>>37053144
Ahhh, I don't think the characters will find it fun.

>>37053045
still waiting for those death flags. Please dont make me stay up all night thinking about it

>>37053317
Think of it as a fun project where you get to reread a few threads and then go mad from the revelation.

>>37053875
Why not just help an anon out? That way when an important related vote comes up we all know what's going on.

>>37053875
I dont need them all, one will do, any will do, I just need my fix