3/3 Spinwide 2023/03/08(Wed)08:14 No. 1057895 ID: a7e32a
File 167829207207.png - (46.90KB , 500x500 , your house fireplace window fix.png )

You awake with a start. Your heart is pounding in your (flat/curved/rounded/generous/burdened) chest. A hasty look around the room confirms that nothing unordinarily supernatural is happening around you.

Those grasping tendrils aren't here. It was just a dream, you think to yourself.

With a sigh of relief, you rise to your feet. On the fireplace rests a bowl of water and consecrated herbs you were given this morning by a priestess to help you sleep. It's the only option you have left right now if you have any intent to sleep well tonight. "A prayer, a sip, and anointing the brow will ease your troubles," the priestess said. "I'm sorry about what happened... but you know it had to be done."

You don't know what hurts more — the empty home without him, or that if she said that a few days ago you would have agreed.

You stumble forward with a quick cry as your foot snags on one of the blankets, but a quick twist of your (stubby/short/medium/long/extended) tail helps you keep your balance. Enough to avoid falling flat on your face, that is. You look down at the cloth tangled around your feet, and a wave of grief washes over you. It was your master's blanket. It doesn't want to let go either, it seems.

You reach down with trembling fingers, only to hesitate when you notice the grime starting to fade. With angry tears in your eyes, you argue to the world that since he's no longer a part of the village, the blessing of cleanliness shouldn't apply to his old things. With nobody around to challenge your interpretation, the dirt ceases to fade.

You step towards the fireplace, wrapping the blanket around your (wiry/thin/average/plump/heavy) frame while avoiding the burn on your desk in the dark. The idea of fashioning yourself a blindfold passes quickly through your mind. Unfortunately, you're mostly useless without your vision. Even the generous light of the stars and moons through the windows is barely enough to walk around your well-known home. Standing before the bowl, you accept that what you've seen is just a part of you now, even if it's frightening.

You have a curved chest, an extended tail, and a plump-to-heavy body (erring on plump). Your master ensured you were well fed, if nothing else.

You have a curved chest, an extended tail, and are generally thin

You have a curved chest, an extended tail and a thin frame.

>>1057895
generous chest, extended tail, plump frame

Generous, medium and heavy!

Only the biggest unit can become the biggest hero.

Burdened chest
Medium tail
Wiry build

>>1057908
This

A Rounded chest, short tail, and average frame.

Burdened chest, extended tail and thin build

Burdened, extended, average.

Lets go with: Generous, Long, Average

>>1057895
Max out all the stats! Go for burdened, extended, and heavy!

Generous chest
Extended tail
Heavy frame

>>1057895
Curved, extended, average

>>1057946
Yeah, do this and max everything!

1/3 Spinwide 2023/03/09(Thu)17:10 No. 1058044 ID: a7e32a
File 167841062642.png - (67.29KB , 500x500 , bowl.png )

[Image contains nudity. A version without the night filter can be found in the discussion thread here: https://questden.org/kusaba/questdis/res/139221.html ]

The blanket falls off your shoulders as you reach for the bowl. Warm air currents softly hug your fur and scales, unimpeded by your adobe walls. Your reflection greets you as you bring the lip of the bowl to yours. The cool water fills your mouth with a numbingly bitter flavor that is admittedly hard to swallow. You don't have any particular gods to pray to this moment, so you mutter a quiet prayer open to any that may answer. You haven't yet learned why aimless prayers should always be in the third person, but you suspect there must be a good reason. You wipe your thumb along the damp interior of the wooden dish and draw the water across your brow.

"To any that may hear this woeful prayer, please bless this (man/woman/one) that (he/she/they) may find a peaceful slumber this warm night." (Gender has little to no bearing on the quest. Your sex is female.)

A standard and effective prayer. Warmth radiates from your breast to your head and to your tail. Your eyelids almost immediately become too heavy to hold open for long. You don't know who heard your prayer, but it seems answered.

The priestess's voice drifts through the fog descending on your consciousness. "A prayer, a sip, and anointing your brow..."

Oops, you think mid-yawn. You take a few steps to cross back to the bedding on the grass and lie on your back. That was a bit more than a sip.

A dreamless sleep greets you among the sheets. At the very least, it is a peaceful slumber. It's just as you'd hoped.

2/3 Spinwide 2023/03/09(Thu)17:10 No. 1058045 ID: a7e32a
File 167841063141.png - (77.85KB , 500x500 , morning.png )

You wake up well rested. The sky is just beginning to lighten from soft reds to brilliant blues in the earliest hours of the morn.

3/3 Spinwide 2023/03/09(Thu)17:10 No. 1058046 ID: a7e32a
File 167841063738.png - (67.95KB , 500x500 , your house morning.png )

You look around the interior of your home for these last thirteen seasons. If you hadn't made up your mind yesterday, the thought of saying goodbye might hurt enough to keep you here and resume your planned life.

[Your Bravery hardens your resolve.] But there's nothing here that hurts more than not knowing what happened to your master. You will say goodbye to this place.

[You are Smart.] Your home is on the outskirts of the village. Scholars tend to live away from the rest of the flock so you can more easily challenge interpretations of divine will. Walking to the main village will eat up much of your time, meaning once you leave your home you will likely never return. Whatever you leave here will be left behind. There are a few places in town that you could visit off the top of your head.

• The Archives might have information that would help you figure out how your master made the discoveries that led you both to unwittingly perform heretical acts.
• Someone at the Chapel would have information about what will likely happen to an apostate severed from divine influence that could aid in your search. It may also have some confiscated goods of his you could steal back.
• The Town Center will be the place to gather the majority of needed equipment. People may not approve of your search, but if you're crafty or talk to the right people you can gear up unmolested.

You glance at the parchment rolled up on the desk. Those three options will certainly help your search, and you only have time to visit three places before the clergy discover you have no intention of answering your summons. You can push a fourth if you're hasty, but when they discover the burn on your desk...

The winds pick up a little speed outside. Your decision is made for you. You have to leave, but it would hurt a little to leave so clinically focused on yourself.

• You could also Visit Friends and say goodbyes.
• There are plenty Other Things you could do in town with a bit more thinking. (Reader suggested activities.)
• You can at any time Leave and Begin Searching.

While you think about your options once you leave, you still have much you can do before you step outside and plenty of time to do it.

Currently, you have Nothing. You are entirely nude, carrying no possessions.

What do you do?

>she
Check urn. There must be some clues here you will need to study later.
>Town Hall, Friends, Chapel

Paper Doll Spinwide 2023/03/09(Thu)21:47 No. 1058085 ID: a7e32a
File 167842724124.png - (29.21KB , 500x500 , paper doll.png )

>Check urn. There must be some clues here you will need to study later.

You open the basket. Inside is a collection of personal items.

• Two Scholarly Necklaces. One is broken at the clasp.
• A bag. Perfect for holding things.
• Tall white cloak. This was his cloak. Ill fitting on you.
• Belt and harness. Carry things at the ready, no matter what you're wearing. Starts with two pouches.
• Short wide cloak. See paper doll or recommend a style.
• One outfit. See paper doll or recommend an outfit.
• Other household supplies. Utensils, bowls, a small feather duster, etc.

You don't fancy trying to carry things around with just your hands and mouth, so for the bare minimum you loop the belt around your waist and sling the harness over your shoulder.

(Clothing will be finalized when you leave your house.)

Suggestion 2023/03/09(Thu)22:15 No. 1058088 ID: b57fea
File 167842894581.png - (5.18KB , 152x239 , Untitled5.png )

>>1058085

Woman/She

Take the scholarly necklace with a clasp and wear it. Put on the harness and belt on. Does the bag have straps? If so wear it as a backpack and be sure to include a full set of cookware for one in it. Stuff your master's cloak between anything fragile to prevent clanging and damage. If your bag lacks straps, snap the haft off a broom and make a bindle out of it.

Put your remaining scholar necklace in one of your pouches, you can pawn it later. Fill the other with any currency you may have. Your currency pouch should be front facing to discourage pickpockets.

Obviously you will be wearing your one outfit, the traditional Scholar Steve T-Shirt and Mini-Skirt.

For a cloak, I'd suggest something earth toned in case you need to hide with front clasps to button up against inclement weather. Maybe a dark green, beige, or brown, with a hood of course. Internal pockets would also be nice.

Check your cool scroll in case its important before you leave and rifle through your drawers.

Lets go to Town Center for supplies and then say our Goodbyes to Friends.

Suggestion 2023/03/09(Thu)22:24 No. 1058090 ID: e7c7d3
File 167842946916.png - (20.74KB , 500x500 , apostcloth.png )

How about this for clothing?

>>1058085
Dark black robes with fur lining and menacing with spikes. In hindsight the heretical stylings of your master should have been obvious from the apparel.

>>1058044
Woman/she

>>1058046
Town Center, Visit Friends, Chapel

>>1058090
This looks really nice!

>>1058102
This

Spinwide 2023/03/10(Fri)18:04 No. 1058152 ID: a7e32a
File 167850028936.png - (26.68KB , 500x500 , desk.png )

>Take the scholarly necklace with a clasp and wear it. Put on the harness and belt on. Does the bag have straps? If so wear it as a backpack and be sure to include a full set of cookware for one in it. Stuff your master's cloak between anything fragile to prevent clanging and damage. If your bag lacks straps, snap the haft off a broom and make a bindle out of it.

>Put your remaining scholar necklace in one of your pouches, you can pawn it later. Fill the other with any currency you may have. Your currency pouch should be front facing to discourage pickpockets.

The woven cord fits perfectly around your neck. Many people wear some sort of iconography of their most revered deities, but since scholars work with many gods at any one time their necklaces are represented by a symbolic lack of icons.

You stuff a small set of traveling cookware into the white cloak and press it into the bottom of your bag. Items in pouches or attached to your belt and harness can be accessed quickly, but dealing with your bag takes time. Anything you need in a pinch should be stored in accessible areas.

You stow the necklace into the pouch on your left hip and dig through the basket for anything you might be able to trade. Currency isn't popular in most places, since the land provides well the needs of men. Artisinal goods and non-essentials are still exchanged via barter, with small art items to make the difference. A handful of polished stones, finger-sized totems, and other small goods clack into the pouch hanging in front of your right thigh. You have 14 Trinkets for trade.

You set your clothes and cloak aside for now. You'll dress before leaving for town.

>Check your cool scroll in case its important

You received the scroll three nights ago from who would have been your second-round master, a wonderful tall woman with yellow fur and hazel eyes. It reads:

"I know that these are trying times, but have faith. I put in a word that you'd be ready by Noon on the First of Missing Sun to resume your training. Please have your things ready. Your old home That wretched house with be purified by flame so that we all might move on from the apostate's grim acts.

"I know two weeks might not be enough time, but staying in that lonely place will do you no good either. I hope in time you will see that this was right."

The wind gusts against the eastern wall. That's today.

>Rifle through your drawers.

The right two drawers contain writing supplies — parchment, ink, and pens. There's also a ruler, a compass for drawing arcs, and a compass for finding your direction.

The bottom left drawer contains your journal, a small paring knife, and an apple of the honey crisp variety.

The top left drawer is jammed and looks broken. You are not [Powerful] enough to wrench it open, and will need another method to access its contents.

Do you have a poker for the fireplace? That will provide good leverage. This desk will be nothing but fuel for the fire soon anyway.

>>1058163
+1, and if that doesn't work we should get going.

>>1058152
Eat the apple for breakfast.

>locked drawer
Could you use the paring knife and slam it into the lock to break it off?

Alternatively, you could remove the drawer under the locked one to help you break the underside of the locked drawer.

Try sliding the knife between the top of the drawer and the desktop and gently pushing around to move away whatever is blocking it. At the same time pull it slowly to feel when it gets stuck, and jostle it a bit if needed so the content settles down.

1/2 Spinwide 2023/03/19(Sun)21:44 No. 1059086 ID: a7e32a
File 167928744364.png - (29.19KB , 500x500 , so juicy.png )

>Eat the apple for breakfast.

The apple is ripe and juicy with each bite snapping off in your mouth. By the end of your snack, you're feeling sated. Just an apple won't be enough, though, so you should pick some other wild fruits as you head into town or eat there. Being well-fed will help you recover [Health] but gluttony will burden your [Stamina].

>Could you use the paring knife and slam it into the lock to break it off?
>Try sliding the knife between the top of the drawer and the desktop and gently pushing around to move away whatever is blocking it. At the same time pull it slowly to feel when it gets stuck, and jostle it a bit if needed so the content settles down.

You think you'll try other ideas before you possibly break your knife. Even a small knife like this is better than nothing, you think as you hook it into your belt. With the paring knife on hand, you gain an additional +.1 [Threat] when rolling your [Threat Dice], which is currently [1d8]. Not enough to make a significant difference, but it will break ties in a fight. Since you are not [Powerful] you have no innate bonus to your [Threat] at this time.

You have a heavy frame and are [Tough], raising your initial [Health] by 2 and 3 respectively to a maximum of 6 [Health]. Even still, combat is deadly, and you'd be better off getting real armor and weapons if you're going to get into fights.

Your heavy frame and burdened chest lower your [Stamina] by 1 each. Until you lose some weight and start exercising or are gifted by circumstance, your [Stamina] will remain at 3. Running from a fight is always safest, but right now you're no runner.

Since you are currently well-rested, you have 1 bonus [Stamina]. Be sure to rest, as it's the most common way to restore your [Stamina].

Your tail length provides no benefit or detriment to your stats or combat. Enjoy having an extended tail, and be sure to use it creatively.

2/2 Spinwide 2023/03/19(Sun)21:44 No. 1059087 ID: a7e32a
File 167928744745.png - (54.27KB , 500x500 , hole in drawer.png )

>Do you have a poker for the fireplace? ... This desk will be nothing but fuel for the fire soon anyway.
>Alternatively, you could remove the drawer under the locked one to help you break the underside of the locked drawer.

There isn't a poker, but there is the loose grate keeping wood from falling out. It's just leaning against the fireplace and is too cumbersome to realistically carry around, but you could use it for a bit of smashing.

You carefully flip the table over and pull out the bottom drawer. It's not the best angle, but if you position it just right and lift, the leverage will force the corner down into the bottom of the drawer, and...

Snap! The sound of splintering wood hits your ears. The grate is tedious to wrestle around, but you manage to pop the bottom in a few more places until there's a nice hand-sized hole.

Use HAND on HOLE.
Also, check what's in the desk drawer.

Spinwide 2023/03/19(Sun)22:36 No. 1059093 ID: a7e32a
File 167929060969.png - (18.47KB , 500x500 , terrible map.png )

>Use HAND on HOLE.
>Also, check what's in the desk drawer.

You brush the wood fragments aside and reach into the freshly made hole. You can feel a few pieces of paper, but other than that it seems empty. You remember your master used to keep his journal inside the drawer, but it seems to have been confiscated. The majority of the papers just have little notes or doodles inked down, but one sheet has a bit more importance.

It's a simple map.

To the North-East is a town called Sandy. There's a heart drawn next to it. You recall that this is where your master incarnated, but it's unlikely he'll have returned home — or gone to any settlement.
Along the East is the Yellow Coast.
Closer to the East is a "Big Hole."
To the South is the Highwood Forest, which has a "Cool Frog Pond." [Learned.] There is a lot of wild food in the forest. For someone who can no longer pray for nourishment from the land, this is a likely place to go to thwart starvation.
Further South-East are "Bugs (itchy)."
Out South-West are "Annoying Mountains." A comment hoping for a local guide is scribbled in the corner.
To the North-West is a city... somewhere. Maybe.
In the Center is Midwell, where you currently are.
Around Midwell are five Xs that mark rest stops.

One thing is for sure: your master is AWFUL at drawing maps. Doubt about whether he even used the mapping tools in the other drawer creeps into your mind. You can already tell it isn't a very accurate map and is likely based on direction alone. You aren't even sure if it's better than nothing or not.

Well, doing some traveling by foot is an easy way to lose weight!

Let's head to the forest. Two weeks is enough for him to have built a hut or something, so that'll be what you're looking for, or evidence of someone chopping wood or whatever. If he's got a fire going it'll be easy to spot the smoke and head there.

We have to go to Cool Frog Pond. We have to find a Cool Frog companion

>>1059093
Before you go running off to one of those places, make sure you take care of the things you wanted to do in town first.

>>1059112
I agree with this.

First, we finish up in town, then its frog time.

Are frogs food for your species?

Spinwide 2023/03/23(Thu)12:25 No. 1059359 ID: a7e32a
File 167959951138.png - (71.17KB , 500x500 , are you ready to go.png )

>Let's head to the forest.
>We have to go to Cool Frog Pond. We have to find a Cool Frog companion
>Well, doing some traveling by foot is an easy way to lose weight!
>Before you go running off to one of those places, make sure you take care of the things you wanted to do in town first.
>First, we finish up in town, then its frog time.

>Are frogs food for your species?

You've never actually had the opportunity to eat meat, but you couldn't imagine frogs to be dangerous. [Learned.] And the ones that are, you'd know to avoid.

The map tucks easily into your backpack and you take one last look around your home while you mentally prepare to embark. You WON'T automatically add discovered items to your inventory unless you think about them, use them, or collect them (all through suggestions), unless the apprentice decides that she's taking the item along by herself. Especially bulky items like the loose iron grate won't be automatically added to your inventory after use unless you deliberately take them with you. And, don't forget: Items in pouches or attached to your belt and harness can be accessed quickly, but dealing with your bag takes time. Anything you need in a pinch should be stored in accessible areas.

As you look around, you review your current inventory.

Belt, on which is hanging a paring knife (+.1 Threat) and two pouches.
• One pouch has a broken scholar's necklace and the other holds 14 trinkets.
Harness slung over your left shoulder and around your torso.
Scholar's Necklace worn around your neck.
Bag worn on your back. It contains the following items.
• Travel utensils let you cook and eat simply on the road.
• Master's Cloak keeps items from banging against each other and breaking.
• Terrible map gives you some bearing of the road ahead.
While you are not currently dressed, you will be once you decide to leave (still accepting paper doll suggestions).

While looking around, you make eye contact with yourself in the mirror and meditate on your body, mind, and soul for a moment.

Health: 6/6
Stamina: 4/3 (Well-rested)
Hunger: Sated
Threat: 1d8+.1

Brave/Thoughtful
Intelligent/Learned
Strong/Tough
Curious/Insightful

You are endowed with the following Blessings:
Cleanliness (Within Midwell)
Good Health (~40 Seasons)
You are not Cursed.
You are currently troubled by something.

At any time, you may Check Inventory to view your equipment, and Check Status to see your stats, traits, etc.

If there's nothing else you want to gather or look at, you will leave for town. You plan on visiting the Town Center for supplies, saying goodbye to your Friends, and then departing after visiting the Chapel.

>>1059359
Lets leave for town!

>>1059359
Let's go to town

END CHAPTER 0 — PROLOGUE Spinwide 2023/04/01(Sat)12:43 No. 1060235 ID: a7e32a
File 168037823024.png - (132.92KB , 500x500 , embark.png )

>Lets leave for town!
>Let's go to town

You drape the purple fabrics around your body as you step out under the blue, sunless sky. Warm wind flows through your fur and against your skin. It feels like it's encouraging you on your journey. And what a journey it might be! You haven't left Midwell beyond some short walks into the forest. Today, you'll be leaving your home behind, likely for good. Anxiety stirs in your stomach with that thought, but quickly it turns into excitement.

You're sure that this will be the beginning of a new life, and your [Curiosity] begins to run wild with your imagination. You fantasize for a minute about the things you might see, but you have to shake the thought away. You're on a mission and don't have time to waste. The grass flattens underneath your feet with the first step toward the town center.

You must find your master.

==========

ACHIEVEMENTS EARNED

Armed and Dangeorus Leave your house with the paring knife AND don't break it opening the broken drawer.
SFW Create an outfit.
This is Me? Create the apprentice.

ACHIEVEMENTS MISSED

Any% Leave for your search immediately upon waking.
Author's Headcanon Pick Confident, Clever, Powerful, and Insightful as traits, Stubby tail, Rounded chest, and Plump frame for body, and She/Her pronouns.
Investigator Examine everything in the house.
Sentimental Value Pack items from your house until you can't carry any more.
Streaking Leave your house without wearing clothes.

If you're interested in behind-the-scene author commentary, extra drawings, or discussion about Apostate, please visit this thread: https://questden.org/kusaba/questdis/res/139221.html

Please do not report the thread, as Chapter 1 will continue here soon.

CHAPTER 1 — MIDWELL Spinwide 2023/04/01(Sat)15:38 No. 1060264 ID: a7e32a
File 168038868552.png - (13.82KB , 500x500 , town center.png )

It takes around two hours to walk to the town center, taking stops to eat wild berries and enjoy the scenery on the way. The red of dawn has faded away entirely, leaving a solid wash of blue sky. As it's the first of Missing Sun, there's no sun visible above, nor will there be for the rest of this month. Even the sun needs its rest.

There's a bit of activity around the town center. Since it's still early in the morning, most of those up at this hour are setting up activities or conversing. Nobody you've been close with is nearby, but a few craftspeople and foreign traders look to be preparing for the day's trade. A handful of older folk are counting food for the midday feast to celebrate the turning of the month. If you came here last, you'd've loved to join in for some excellent food before you set out, but you don't have the time to wait around. There's a small class for morning exercises a bit further away from the small crowd, and a deacon is gathering water from the well for ceremonies.

All in all, it's an average day for a small religious community. Normal goods will be simple to gather as long as you have the space to carry them; you can just go gather food, clothes, basic supplies, etc. from communal stores. Exceptional things, potentially armor, weapons, or advanced manufactured goods will require a bit more effort in either trade or theft. While you're on a deadline, you still have plenty of time to look around. The question is...

What first?

See if the foreign merchant has anything interesting to sell or say

>>1060264
>If you came here last, you'd've loved to join in for some excellent food before you set out, but you don't have the time to wait around.
If you told us about that earlier, then we would’ve suggested coming here last so that you could’ve joined in for the excellent food. So that’s kinda your fault.

>what do?
Go check out the foreign traders.

>>1060264
Talk to the old folks counting the food. Maybe you can get some food to take with you on your travels? It would be better than relying on wild berries and mushrooms that might be poisonous.

>>1060377
Foreign Merchants always have the most exotic swag!