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Gale Flitter
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Hey there! A bit late to the party, but I had some thoughts on theme I wanted to share. Arhra's certainly done a fine job cultivating an environment that entices the mind (and I have bitten very hard into, apologies in advance for the long post). I reread the entirety of the Quest (which at this point has become a decade spanning epic, really incredible stuff) and saw that Deem had this reoccuring frustration over theming. She desires something that will 'stir the heart'. Naturally, this has been something of an issue considering her start from nothing and slow accumulation of resources. That's led to a chaotic variety of influences and desires, disrupting attempts at continuity and theming. But what's incredible is that there is something that connects almost all of the dungeons denizens together, an emergent theme that touches every soul save for Moriko and Chakarchelou (though I have some small ideas there).
I'd been thinking of how to make a consistent theme work and the troublemakers had always been Reisarf and Stargazer. Their unique elements contrasted with every scenario I conjured, demanding that they adapt or that the rest of the cast yield to their influence. But with this chapter's newest reveal, it is they who have adapted to the element that unites the hearts of the rest. The fruiting bodies created by the ambitious duo mark not just an adaptation to the newest aspects of the dungeon. They yield an independent interest. Reisarf is his usual passive self, but the insight into Stargazer is extremely important. 'Stargazer wanted to see a miracle.' Ambition! And while the souls of the rest of the case may differ in slight ways, this ambition is a shared one.
Merud with his constant push to not only further his knowledge of golems, but to cast aside the taboos of his teacher and society! Alkaline's hunger for independence and experimentation! Why, the very thing that lured Hin to your side was a mere whisper of ancient secrets! And at the heart of this ambition is Deem herself, an entity who, in spite of her insistence at the importance of a consistent theme, has lept at every opportunity to create, prototype and innovate. Deem even has a reputation for it by now!
That is the unifying factor of this dungeon! More than a mere witch's lair or a warlock's coven, you approach a creation not unlike the legendary Scholomance of Transylvania! A place of learning, sure, but also experimentation into that which is forbidden by the conservative and close minded of the realm. And at the head of it all, exerting her influence over the chaos is the master of the place, none of other than the wise and ancient Deem. Her role would be the same as it is now, one of mentorship and guidance, shepherding youthful ambition and creating order from their chaos. Imagine a wing dedicated to each art of alchemy, golemancy, arcane horticulture and wonderous crafting? Each with their own department heads, holding parts of a key that come together to open a door leading to the Dark Headmaster.
And, uh, I should stop because this is pretty wordy. Brevity is the soul of wit and sadly I am a fool. But there's certainly a lot more to be said on the matter! A place of learning that dares and dares, standing at the forefront of magical innovation, drawing in the most ambitious young souls of the generation! A Temple of Mad Magicks! Perhaps that stirs that heart?
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