ANNOUNCEMENT!
So, I have considered the issue with the Cultist tier. While the initial bulk of material available from the free chapters seems fine, I agree, paying $20 for five chapters a week the same as the other tiers is... an unreasonable expectation for all.
There are two solutions as I see it. The first would simply be to match the content to the price of the tier. Which would be something like doubling the number of chapters released per week. The thought of which I love...
2021-10-18 17:35:46 +0000 UTC
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With the torches snuffed out and the crowd dispersed, Elven Garde disappeared, the trees becoming a simple garden once again. If it were any other night, Callan would be making his way home, collapsing the moment he fell into bed for a few hours of sleep before he started his shift at the store.
Instead, he found himself waiting just outside the trees, foot tapping on the dirt path impatiently. He hadn’t been the only one to linger. Kierra pulled aside Brahim as the others departed an...
2021-10-15 18:22:29 +0000 UTC
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Resolving himself to properly thank the ingrate later, Callan brought his mind back to fighting. The hold had been painful but he was uninjured. Alec might have pushed his buttons but he had done his job perfectly. It made Callan feel worse about losing his temper, but a petty part pushed the blame onto his teammate for striving so hard to provoke him.
His next opponent jumped into the ring. Callan eyed him. He was on the shorter height with a thin build, no bulk on him at all and narro...
2021-10-15 18:22:27 +0000 UTC
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His first opponent was one of his allies. Match fixing was not looked down on by their hostess, as strategy was as much a part of Elven Garde as physical prowess. However, certain courtesies had to be shown. Simply surrendering would be in bad taste so the two would fight, at least enough to demonstrate that Callan was no pushover and had the skill to advance.
The apprentice carpenter raised his fists, feeling a wave of nostalgia as he recalled the first time he’d come to Elven Garde....
2021-10-13 21:13:56 +0000 UTC
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“That would ruin the surprise.” She chuckled at his frown. “Don’t be so grumpy, Atty. It ruins your good looks.”
“…it’s because you talk like that these boys think they have a chance with you.” He wanted to know what her supposed husband thought of that.
“Is it a crime to be friendly? I can be crueler if you’d like.” Her smile gained a playful edge.
Callan scoffed. She might oversee a violent gathering, but with her soft tone and caring demeanor as sh...
2021-10-12 01:14:24 +0000 UTC
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“Alright, gather around.” Callan was forced to look away as Lucius called out to their group. There were over a dozen of them, a collection of stable hands, apprentices, and laborers who came to Elven Garde with decent fitness and little to no fighting experience.
After fighting together and learning together during the intense training that followed the fighting, hosted by Kierra’s helpers, they had reached the level of expertise comparable to 2nd year foundation acolytes. They c...
2021-10-12 01:13:39 +0000 UTC
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“Stop drooling,” Micah said, snapping Callan out of his reverie.
“I’m not,” he said, stifling the urge to run the back of a hand over his lips.
“You think you’re the only one thinking about it? Elf or not, she’s rich and she’s an instructor. It’s a free pass into the Hall. Even I’d do her for that.”
The next urge he had to restrain was his hand’s pressing desire to backhand the crass man. “You should watch the way you speak about a lady,” Callan...
2021-10-12 01:12:47 +0000 UTC
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The press of tree trunks faded, giving way to a clearing of ankle-high grasses. Unlit standing torches formed a loose ring, which the crowd of bodies followed. Dozens of young men and the occasional women, from all parts of the Grand Hall. There were those dressed in the loose clothing of laborers, the light armor of the foundation acolytes, and the colored robes of casters. A strange gathering under any circumstances but these were the strangest of situations.
The crowd roared as two m...
2021-10-12 01:12:14 +0000 UTC
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Miniarc 2!
A few things. As I said before, we're switching perspectives, going from Lou's first person to a new character's 3rd person. I want to describe our favorite characters from someone else's eyes. Let me know how you feel about it and if you would/wouldn't like to see more of in future miniarcs.
We're starting with a dump of five chapters to start because I don't want these miniarcs to take too long, as they could go on forever, but it'll update regularly.
T...
2021-10-12 01:11:08 +0000 UTC
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Quick thing before we start the new miniarc. I've had a few messages about the tiers and other stuff so I'd thought I'd check in with you guys.
1. Do you like the tiers? Do you think you are getting enough content for what you are paying?
2. If you don't like the tiers, what thing/feature do you think should be/want added?
3. Have you joined the discord? If not, do you prefer some other way to get updates, such as social media? If you have, what do you want to see on the d...
2021-10-11 19:59:15 +0000 UTC
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I return the following Restday for my last day of punishment. Endo and Saul are waiting at the gate again. I immediately notice the normally laid-back acolytes seem tense. “Hey.”
“Oi, oi, there she is.” Despite his words, Endo’s voice doesn’t carry malice and his shoulders relax. “What do you think you’re doing, stirring the waters? You don’t even work here.”
“I see how well you treat your volunteers.” I snicker. “Something happen?”
“Something. ...
2021-10-08 16:32:07 +0000 UTC
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The house is dark when I return home. Despite my wife’s many deviant tendencies, she’s strict about a proper night’s rest. With one exception, hehe.
As always, the door swing opens while I’m coming up the steps. However, instead of Geneva, Nomad stands int eh doorway. With the weak light throwing sinister shadows over his perpetually grim features, the reformed bandit looks more like an apparition from the Silent Hollow realm than a human.
He blinks slowly, drawing attenti...
2021-10-08 16:10:24 +0000 UTC
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You sure you should do this? You’re not fully healed yet.”
She laughs. “I don’t expect us to fight but if we do, I promise I won’t be a burden.”
“Don’t jinx us.” I don’t need a fight right now. My mana core is taxed, which means brute strengthening away any threat. Which inevitably means many injuries.
“To be honest,” Cloud says once we reach the road, “I wanted to take this opportunity to speak with you.” She gives me a quick look before facing f...
2021-10-06 20:08:01 +0000 UTC
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The camp is busy but quiet as ever. More torches have been lit, brightly illuminating the space. Several dozen breakers are gathered amongst the tents, seated around small fires. I imagine they’re in the middle of heated talks given the situation but it’s difficult to tell with their reserved manners.
I draw the attention of several sentries standing around the camp, the loud splash of pulling the wagon across the stream drawing them to me like moths to flame. I pause on the bank, e...
2021-10-04 19:49:57 +0000 UTC
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I have a moment to take in Eric’s grim frown before he yanks on my leg, sending me sprawling. I bite my tongue as my face hits the wagon’s floor but he doesn’t relent, pulling me to the ground.
I get over my shock as his foot appears over me, quickly rolling aside as he stomps the ground and getting to my feet. “What in the saints’ are you doing?” I growl, spitting out a mouthful of blood.
Eric winces. “Sorry but I’ve got a job to do. Blame your bad luck.”
...
2021-10-04 19:39:30 +0000 UTC
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I contain my reaction to slightly tightening my grip.
“They’ll believe me,” I hear him mutter. “They have to. I didn’t kill those people! Didn’t do anything wrong.” He’s trying to convince himself and doing a terrible job of it.
“That’s right. You didn’t do anything wrong. They’ll listen to you.”
“Yeah…yeah.”
His attempt to pull away is a thwarted as he can’t break my grip. He stumbles over his feet and falls backward. It’s too diffi...
2021-10-01 20:03:45 +0000 UTC
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I ignore her, hopping the fence and dashing through the camp. I’m not the only one on the move, the other breakers scattering through the night. It’s a little risky but I transform anyway.
My control over my nose isn’t as subtle as my ears. I can’t help making it bulkier to achieve the delicate sense of smell I need for tracking. A very noticeable detail that will cause many awkward questions if seen. I’m still at the stage of “grafting” parts of creatures together, as Gen...
2021-10-01 20:02:43 +0000 UTC
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The mender arrives surprisingly quickly. Mostly due to his horse. He jumps off the creature and vaults the Ring smoothly, impressive for a man of his advanced age, and hurries over to me. He carries a small wooden box that he sets beside him as he begins his examination. I launched my deactivator spell the moment I hear his mount’s pounding hooves so the beast is back to struggling, emitting a constant whine.
“Please continue to hold it,” he mutters to me while laying his hands on...
2021-09-29 20:14:24 +0000 UTC
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“Something’s wrong,” Cloud murmurs, confirming my thoughts.
“Oi!” I shout as she walks forward. It’s one thing facing down a normal monster, I’ve seen enough to be confident in her methods, but it’s entirely different boldly approaching a monster, or anything, that is clearly out of its mind.
She ignores me, of course. “Dammit!” I mutter as it takes notice of her, hands tightly gripping the top of the fence.
I can hear her trying to comfort the thing, ign...
2021-09-27 18:51:53 +0000 UTC
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The imp scampers off, quickly disappearing in the growing dark. I watch until she leaps over the stream before giving my attention back to Cloud, who calmly watched our goodbye. “You’ve got me all to yourself now,” I say, putting on my best smile.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to extend our acquaintance.” That unnecessary sincerity is slowly growing on me. “Though I can’t offer much in entertainment.” Another huffy laugh.
“You need to rest. Don’t want you ...
2021-09-27 18:51:15 +0000 UTC
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I expect her to dodge. Any sensible person with an ounce of self-preservation instincts would dodge.
This madwoman steps into charge. Ducks so her shoulder is under its mouth and wraps her arms under its flailing arms. I am amazed she doesn’t get bowled over, stopping the beast in its tracks. She plants her feet and holds on, ignoring the claws occasionally swiping her back. Her lips are moving but I can’t hear what she’s saying from here. Probably cursing herself for getting hers...
2021-09-27 18:50:36 +0000 UTC
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I follow her gaze to see a wagon coming down the hill across the creek. “We both have work to do. Excuse me.”
“Ah, sure.”
I watch with furrowed brows as she easily hops over the fence, taking measured steps to the center of the circle before sitting in the lotus position. I can’t help my curiosity and turn to the man accompanying her.
I can’t believe his name is Grouchy Bear. My tutors taught me that all kinds of culture were thrown together at the founding of th...
2021-09-27 18:49:21 +0000 UTC
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Everyone is unnaturally silent. I can’t hear a thing as they move, not even the rustle of clothes sliding over their bodies. Their footfalls as they move between the tents are softer than whispers. No one talks, though there seem to be many conversations happening from their changing expressions.
The chicken doesn’t even cluck!
The loudest thing in the camp is the crackling of the fires under cooking pots and racks of meats. I wonder briefly if the camp is under some strange s...
2021-09-27 18:48:25 +0000 UTC
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Next Restday, I’m back at the Sanctuary. The same two are standing at the gate, watching me curiously. “Morning,” I call out cheerfully.
“It was Tome, right?” Endo says.
“Yup.” It’s a little refreshing having the etiquette thrown out. “Endo, I remember it. And your friend.”
The second doorman straightens up. “Saul.”
“Ah. Good to meet you. Don’t mind me asking, what are the two of you doing out here?”
“Not much choice,” Endo says....
2021-09-27 18:47:19 +0000 UTC
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The argument guides me away from the barns and out into the fields, the green sea divided by wooden fences, triangular-tipped planks hardly imposing before the monsters they’re meant to corral. There is a small herd of Gallahorns grazing but they pay me no mind as I jog past.
Standing by one of the fences, a man is shouting without a care. I stop, slightly crouching to hide behind one of the posts, and change my eyes to those of the dusk hawk. The blurry figure sharpens in detail and ...
2021-09-27 18:46:25 +0000 UTC
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In the center of the wall is an arched opening, blocked by a large piece of stone. Endo yells and it is slowly pulled up, just enough for us to pass under.
On the opposite side of the wall is another world. Rolling green hills that seem to go on endlessly under the vast blue sky. The pebbled path is replaced by smooth gravel, over twice the width of the previous road.
“Only a little bit further now,” Endo says as we once again begin to run. Sweat beads on his brow and I can he...
2021-09-27 18:45:45 +0000 UTC
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On the other side, the perfectly maintained and manicured grass of the Hall is replaced by tall, golden grasses that reach my shoulders, gently swaying in the slight breeze. In the distance, I can see a few trees dotted about, strange things with twisting trunks and sprawling branches that resemble baskets with a crown of leaves. There is no telling what’s hiding in the grass and I’m acutely aware that this place houses monsters.
“I hope you can run,” the young man says, breakin...
2021-09-27 18:44:38 +0000 UTC
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Here we go, the first mini arc! Ideally, I would want to put these out a bit faster than my normal update schedule and no better way to start that than with the bonus chapters owed by reaching 50 patrons!
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The Beast Sanctuary.
One of the more famous institutions of the Grand Hall. Manabeasts are powerful and unusually aggressive, which is why they are commonly referred ...
2021-09-27 18:43:48 +0000 UTC
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It’s finally over.
This time, for sure. Definitely.
It’s several days since Kierra slipped those account books to the Hall. Together with Lady Filagree, they descended on Quest like a natural disaster. I heard the flames could be seen all the way from the Grand Market. The Hall is a long way from the ground. I don’t want to imagine what hell those poor hunters experienced.
Maxine is home, her cousin having been arrested and detained for questioning. The poor man might ...
2021-09-24 22:15:46 +0000 UTC
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Lady Filagree descends on the field in a roar of scarlet flames that causes sweat to break out on my brow, flanked by five other fire casters. She does not look happy, eyes narrowed and lips curled in a fierce scowl. Her red robe is splayed open, revealing dark armor covering her upper chest and lower legs. Her red hair is tied back rather than free-flowing, a strange black helmet atop it.
Combat instructor, indeed.
The ground trembles as they land with force, the redhead stomping...
2021-09-24 22:03:57 +0000 UTC
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