Arthur: be bewildered by New Years

Show yourself

I don't know how, but I read and understood both "New Years" and "New York" in the initial post, so I've been imagining those as the time and place, up until I had to reconcile the city name on the ticket stub.

So uhhh...what brings you to town?

SeilesQuest 2023/06/16(Fri)16:26 No. 1066024 ID: d379a4
File 168695798872.png - (65.39KB , 558x289 , Arthur viewing ticket.png )

Immigration. My family has tasked me to be the first of our bloodline to sail to and live in foreign lands in a long, long time. The city I am headed to is, of course, Aicet. The gate is coming up. I am apparently supposed to hand the ticket to someone on standby there. Other people with a slight diversity in species murmur around me in some places, either camping on the sides of the path or heading into the city along with me.

SeilesQuest 2023/06/16(Fri)21:10 No. 1066054 ID: d379a4
File 168697501287.png - (63.07KB , 558x288 , Aicet Gate.png )

I've arrived. Between two closed gates is a chamber with a diamond-shaped window, I can see someone's silhouette within. There are two towers and two flags. The towers are covered in large draping. One has a spotlight. The flags say "AICET" and "1529" respectively. Ah, yes, it is currently the New Years celebrations. In a matter of days, if not tomorrow, the year will be 1529 V.E.
Well, I suppose I'll just get this over with. The shambling figures behind me seem to be getting antsy to present their tickets, they're forming a line. A voice calls out from the booth, "The Slant-eye is expected first."
You march forward to the booth, ticket in hand. Welcome to Aicet.

Show your ticket and get your complimentary new years novelty

so quick question but is this a cutscene right now?

Yes. Suggestions, comments, and questions are answered by Seiles once the gates are open.

Also, apologies if I refer to Arthur as 'you' instead of 'I, me'. Writing oversight. I'm used to MSPFA style.

SeilesQuest 2023/06/17(Sat)10:29 No. 1066095 ID: d379a4
File 168702294707.png - (47.53KB , 558x288 , Hand The Ticket In.png )

I hand the ticket in. Whoever's inside grabs it through the slot. "Arthur Seiles... Acalanoid male... Appendage signature... all correct. Proceed. A new year makes new men."

SeilesQuest 2023/06/17(Sat)17:24 No. 1066138 ID: d379a4
File 168704787604.png - (41.36KB , 555x290 , The Gate Creaks Open.png )

After a moment, the gate creaks open. The sounds of birds flying away, people yelling and conversating, and a bard singing somewhere out in the street is apparent. I walk through.

Well first things first, you're going to need accommodation. Do you have money to buy a flat, or are you looking to rent?

Well, I don't recall specifically, but I'm pretty sure there are a lot of quests here, too, that use "you" instead of "I", etc. I guess internal consistency is a common goal, though.

Gawp at the sights. Or remain unmoved, I guess; your choice.

Go find the largest monument

Yeah, second person perspective are pretty common in this format, but yeah the more important thing is being consistent.

Arthur Seiles 2023/06/21(Wed)22:19 No. 1066437 ID: d379a4
File 168741118354.png - (82.74KB , 555x288 , Town.png )

After a moment of walking, I arrive in a town square. It is now time to address some things to you new voices.

(The cutscene is now OVER.)
[Seiles will now respond to questions, comments, and commands!]

As you would know, I am Arthur Seiles. I have immigrated from my home country by my family's orders to live in this new region. I am diagnosed with Entararis' disorder, a disorder that many people have acquired in recent times. It is apparently responsible for the existence of you voices. Said voices don't quite seem to spawn from any kind of insanity, and they're like people alongside whoever has the disorder. They tend to influence the person, asking about things, telling the person to do things. A lot of times in situations they're very friendly to people, they want to make friends, or they're sexual, or they're very rowdy in nature. Nowadays, people are starting to suspect these voices of having spiritual or magical origins. Anyways, the voices seem to switch through new groups every so often, so now I have to explain things to you. I will respond to your questions or comments.

>>1065970
It is my species. We are a rare bunch, and our people are descended from ancient void titans.

>>1066355
The ticket assigned a specific hotel to me. I'm supposed to look for the 'Aicet's Grander Brothers' Hotel. So, I should find that place before sundown. But, I do have plenty of currency to get me by.

>>1066359
The differently designed houses and brick buildings are what I can currently gawp at.

>>1066362
The largest nearby monument is this planted tree behind me.

[Arthur can EAVESDROP on conversations happening around him to possibly learn something about the world around him. When prompted, he can view how many conversations are audible enough for him to EAVESDROP.]

Well, now it's time to decide. I can either EAVESDROP on [2] possible CONVERSATIONS around me, turn around and duck into the street behind me, go to the UNKNOWN BUILDING to my right, or go to the ALCOHOL COULDRON TAVERN to my left.
Multiple actions are also possible.

Type this link into ye searchbar for ye MSPFA version
https://mspfa.com/?s=50460&p=1

Eh, eavesdrop for a bit, then I guess tavern?

So, you've been sent to live here? For a set amount of time, indefinitely, or forever? How much preparation has been made for your arrival, and how much will you need to figure out, yourself? Long term housing, employment?

eavesdrop while walking towards the tavern. Might as well try to figure what's going on around your new home.

Arthur Seiles 2023/06/22(Thu)09:52 No. 1066459 ID: d379a4
File 168745274777.png - (47.10KB , 558x289 , TwoRespectables.png )

>>1066443
Probably for quite a few years, but I'm sure that I can return at some point. But that day sure hasn't come. My family made sure I was well-prepared when I took the ship across the seas to here. They paid a lot of money for this to happen, they pretty much planned this since my birth. That explains why I have a name that doesn't match my nationality and why I know this language so well. Later today, I'm expecting a care package from them containing... well, I don't know. I'm sure of only two items that will be arriving, that would be my self-defense weapon and some additional currency. My grandmother paid a big coin for the open-carry rights, she did.

>>1066454
I waltz over to the ALCOHOL COULDRON TAVERN while I EAVESDROP on the conversation behind me.

A RESPECTABLE CAT LADY: "Ah, I see."
A RESPECTABLE LADY: "Mhm. New Years day is overmorrow, whiskers. Isn't Ezra Hayes going on tour here for it?"
A RESPECTABLE CAT LADY: "I don't know about that. Isn't she that famous woman from all the way over in Encarces? Wears the creepy mask and the leather coat? Always covered in blood?"
A RESPECTABLE LADY: "Yes, that's her. I'd like to believe she's coming, because it'd be delightful to meet her."
A RESPECTABLE CAT LADY: "Could she even make the distance? This is Aicet, for lord's sake!"
A RESPECTABLE LADY: "Don't be such a skeptic of whether or not she can make it! Be happy that there's a chance, she's pushing for YOUR people's rights!"

I make it to the TAVERN.

huh, so it sounds like someone famous might be showing up for the New Years tomorrow. well might as well get a drink since you're here now, maybe listen in on what the other patrons are talking about while you enjoy your drink.

Arthur Seiles 2023/06/26(Mon)13:55 No. 1066648 ID: e5bd18
File 168781290962.png - (38.55KB , 613x344 , FineCherryWine.png )

I immediately walk up to the counter.

SERVER: "ᴬʰ ˡᵒʳᵈ, ᴬᶜᵃˡᵃⁿᵒⁱᵈ. ᴳᵒᵗ ᵗʰᵃᵗ ᵇᵉʷⁱˡᵈᵉʳᵉᵈ ˡᵒᵒᵏ ᵗᵒᵒ."
SERVER: "I deal the drinks and deal with the drunks... What would you like?"
ARTHUR: "Fine cherry wine, please."
SERVER: "Twenty Terndets. Solid."

I pay, and hear a commotion rise behind me.

MAN 1: "GET OUT OF HERE, BOY! YOU KNOW NOT TO PREACH THEIR RIGHTS IN PLACES LIKE THIS. ONLY HUMANS ARE BORN FREE!"
MAN 2: "Oh, piss off ye drunk laggard. I get you're Vanisrean, but you can go just go home. The white man is not the only free bein', we went over this."

look and see what's happening and then ask the server what's happening here.

>>1066662
Seems a reasonable start.
Do you, yourself, know anything of these conflicts, and do you have any strong opinions?

SeilesQuest isn't dead. I'm just lazy. I quite literally have the next panel sitting in front of me. Hope you folks don't mind the wait

Arthur Seiles 2023/07/02(Sun)21:25 No. 1066993 ID: d379a4
File 168835835860.png - (41.70KB , 612x344 , It's A Racial Argument, And I, The Server, Am.png )

I take a quick glance behind me at the two yelling men and then look back at the server, who is grabbing my wine.

ARTHUR: "Okude wa nani ga okotte iru nodeshou ka?"
SERVER: "What?"
ARTHUR: "Agh, sorry. I meant, what's going on back there?"
SERVER "Oh, you know, the regular racial conflicts. Unfaithful civilians versus the Vanisreans on the rights of nonhumans."
ARTHUR: "I don't like the idea of being discriminated against, sir."
SERVER: "Well, let's see, you have the look of an immigrant, you're not a human, and you speak gibberish languages. Should be lucky I even served, boy."

MAN 1: "I'M FVVINE, I THINK YOU'RE THE DRUNK ONE. DON'T MATTER. YOU KNOW, I HEARD YOU SAY TH- THAT THE CAILORS AND THE KOBOLDS SHOULDN'T LIVE IN THE MINES WE PUT THEM IN. YOU KNOW WHAT TOWN THIS IS? THIS PLACE IS VANISREAN SANCTUARY. WE GET OUR WAY HERE. THEM CAT PEOPLE STILL GON' BE PICKING OUR TOBACCO, WON'T THEY?"
MAN 2: "Good lord, man. You can either just go home and jump on yer sofa or go and jump right off a cliff with that racist foolery garbage."

Shall I...
Respond retributively to the server?
Rush to an empty table?
Scoff and go towards the argument?

-To server
Yet you still do what I say if you want to get paid, weird how that works.
-Finish drink, leave. Probably safe to mark this place down as somewhere not to return to.

Never piss off the servers (plus I bet they have shitty enough day already).
The shouting has started, get ready to help if the guy needs escorting out, and get ready to chat with the other guy afterwards.

>>1066993
Seems like the argument is likely to sort itself out, and the server may be a little rude about your foreign-ness he's totally right.
Just take your drink and go sit somewhere.

What are your long term plans for integration? Do you have a job lined up?

Nooooooooo don’t riposte the server, that way lies madness

Washington rode to Yorktown to defeat Cornwallis so we could have Wendy� Endrecen 2023/07/04(Tue)21:04 No. 1067128 ID: d379a4
File 168852989138.png - (44.24KB , 499x336 , Guys I burned my finger.png )

Happy July 4th, folks.
I do truly hope you're enjoying things so far. This is my first quest and I am albeit new to Questden. I'm no Weaver, and writing and drawing are not what I am good at, even if it's my desire.
Thank you for reading so far, I hope you all had fun blasting yer spark fountains and bottle rockets

Arthur Seiles 2023/07/07(Fri)06:55 No. 1067305 ID: d379a4
File 168873814534.png - (24.87KB , 512x288 , Before He Gets Woozy.png )

[9 minutes later...]



Oh, you guys were saying something?
I should probably answer you and get up out of here before I get woozy on this stuff.

alright so we have a bit of a drinking problem, who doesn't these days. As for what to do now... I guess wonder around town and get your bearings. If you're going to be living here might as well have an idea on where everything is. After all if you can memorize all the major roads and locations you'll never get lost. Sure you can get displaced for a time but once you wonder back onto a major road or location you'll be able to find you way around again.

Arthur Seiles 2023/07/07(Fri)11:57 No. 1067320 ID: d379a4
File 168875625731.png - (26.92KB , 511x287 , He's not drunk.png )

'Encailean Cherry Wine: aged 50 years...'
Whoo. I'll keep a lookout for this drink next time I swing around a tavern.

Alright, anyways.

>>1067312
Come on. I don't have a drinking problem, I'm not even drunk. But yes, sounds like a good idea to get on the major roads and landmarks so I can know the layout of this city.

Actually, I'm not quite bothered by this place. Sure, sure, Okisama didn't have discrimination like this, and I'll have to deal with some rude individuals, but I'm liking this place. I think I'll belong just fine.

>>1066999
Ah, here's that big menacing question that was sitting on my shoulders.
I... don't know. I'm a perfectly average man, I'm sure I could do almost anything if I were dedicated to it.
I wanted to leave that up to us.

how much cash do you have on you? I'm guessing not much so starting up a business is unlikely at this stage. Too bad, if you showed up in town a bit earlier and knew how to make fireworks you could have probably made a mint selling them for the festival.

Well...I guess there's looking around to see what there is, who's doing what jobs, and notably what jobs AREN'T being done. Look for signs of a lack. Or, maybe look for what jobs are open, who's taking apprentices, look for guilds or unions, look for some kind of library or community hall?

Arthur Seiles 2023/07/19(Wed)13:57 No. 1068232 ID: d379a4
File 168980022353.png - (47.52KB , 511x287 , Town 2.png )

>>1067392
If my family were especially proficient at something, it would have to be staying above poverty at all times. I don't know the exact amount, but the money I currently have with definitely last until I secure something sustainable.

>>1067441
I have an idea, and three options. I can look for a JOB BOARD, seek out a specific problem in the city , or possibly EAVESDROP for other information. Or I can, of course, go to an important building.

I leave the TAVERN and continue exploring Aicet. It's oddly peaceful. I'll look for another open and populated area as soon as I can for places to go or people to talk to.
You know, I'm sort of wondering what I would WANT to do. I suppose anyone could go for something that isn't boring, which I would like. I'm not very good or bad at the skills a regular person should have, I have a moderate physique, neither girlish nor manly. I just can't tell what it is I'm supposed to do, even my father was stumped, and he was the one that figured out what my siblings were good at and what they should do.
Perhaps it's a bit weird to be talking about this with mysterious voices lining my mind.

Arthur Seiles 2023/07/19(Wed)13:58 No. 1068233 ID: d379a4
File 168980033157.png - (35.91KB , 510x287 , Oblivious.png )

SENTRY: "Oh, hello there sir! Acalanoid, I take it? Such a rare bu-"

Arthur Seiles 2023/07/19(Wed)14:06 No. 1068234 ID: d379a4
File 168980081174.png - (31.43KB , 511x287 , The Best Gal.png )

SENTRY: "Ah! We've all done that before."

A wooden robot wearing robes and armor stands right in front of me. It happens to be oddly feminine.

ARTHUR: "Oh, I am so sorry-"
SENTRY: "So, how has YOUR day been? Quite a sunny and beautiful day here in the great suburbs of Aicet!
ARTHUR: "Ma'am..."
SENTRY: "Ooh, we have the same coats! Do you believe in a coincidence?"
ARTHUR: "Can I..."
SENTRY: "I'm sure it would be a great idea to introduce you to my fellow guard friends, and take you around town! Perhaps I could fetch you something to eat from the barracks, a sandwich, turkey, double provolone?"

What do I do?

ask for her name? pretty sure she's flirting with you.

You know what, sure. Free food is free food.

1/2 Arthur Seiles 2023/08/03(Thu)11:28 No. 1069665 ID: d379a4
File 169108731889.png - (37.07KB , 383x216 , What Are You Doing!?.png )

>>1068248
Uh. I sure hope this isn't robot flirting.

>>1068256
Absolutely. I've had a drink, but not a meal.

SENTRY: "Here, I could go find Connor! He's nice!"
AICET SOLDIER: "Melissa, what do YOU think you're doing?"
AICET SOLDIER: "Specifically, what do you think you're doing this far from the barracks when the meeting is in seven minutes?"
AICET SOLDIER: "Get off these streets and come back to base. NOW!"

2/2 Arthur Seiles 2023/08/03(Thu)11:31 No. 1069667 ID: d379a4
File 169108750736.png - (26.07KB , 570x320 , Bye!.png )

SENTRY: "Ah, sorry! I must go now!"
AICET SOLDIER: "I swear to Veninrus, these prototypes are getting under my bullet-filled skin..."
SENTRY: "Bye!"
ARTHUR: "Okay... bye."

are all the guards robots? I guess you could check out the job board now. I would say maybe pop around the Baracks since you were kind of invited but with the meeting happening it could be awkward.

Arthur Seiles 2023/09/01(Fri)20:56 No. 1071442 ID: bffc02
File 169362699833.png - (78.25KB , 571x320 , Silentiesen Watches.png )

>>1069677
Oh, no, there's never been a fully automated military in history. Though, in recent times, the populace seems to have been obsessed with machines! It was evident even in Okisama. Automata are produced night and day now.

...Also, I don't think I'm actually supposed to follow that Sentry to their barracks. Even if I could get a sandwich out of it.

The world is already seeming a lot more lively as I turn onto the next street!

[Arthur can perform an IDLE EAVESDROP, taking in tiny bits of each conversation around him to pick out which one he should prioritize.]

1.----------
A STERN LADY: "I've still got my nurse's cloak and cane, from the time of the war. Too oversized for me now, they let me leave the squad when I was twelve, but I keep the items anyway. This was before the new law that only fourteen-year-olds or above could be drafted, so when the war against the dragons got really serious, they drafted me and all the other young asses out of Encarces."
A CURIOUS MAN: "I don't get it. Why did this entire country wage war against the dragons here? There's no way anything from their bodies would be THAT valuable, I wouldn't start such a brutal war like that just for some shiny scales."
2.----------
MAN 1: "I still don't see why they're not able to solve this necromancers-in-the-woods problem. They're still finding gutted bodies hanging from the trees, because the soldiers won't even exterminate properly!"
WOMAN: "Exactly what I'm saying. Can't they just put some automatic guns on some Sentinel robots and send them into the forests outside the walls? That'll clear out the cult."
MAN 2: "Problem is, every time the soldiers manage to slice the throats of a few necromancers, more appear. I... it scares me."
3.----------
AN ARISTOCRAT: "So, being a bit more... known in this town, I of course want to meet as many fellow celebrities as possible, since it's that time. Also, who's this 'Ezra Hayes' I hear is coming to town?"
A COMMON MAN: "She's indeed a celebrity. An Encarces girl, she's the one constantly harassing that city with petitions to earn the rights of nonhumans in places like this. Wears that weird mask. If I recall, she had some siblings, but one turned assassin and the other took a bank security job and was shot to death by another."

Shall we listen to a conversation, learn about this place?

I'm kind of curious abut the necromancers since that sounds like it's close by. Would like to know if their is a crazy cult wondering around town adducting people as that sounds like something to watch out for.

I'm curious about the nurse thing (especially if that was is over).

Arthur Seiles 2023/09/16(Sat)19:23 No. 1072486 ID: bffc02
File 169491739898.png - (26.64KB , 456x256 , One Acalanoid Two Conversations.png )

>>1071443
>>1071605
Whoo... a twofer? Can I even do that?

MAN 1: "I still don't see why they're not able to solve this necromancers-in-the-woods problem. They're still finding gutted bodies hanging from the trees, because the soldiers won't even exterminate properly!"
WOMAN: "Exactly what I'm saying. Can't they just put some automatic guns on some Sentinel robots and send them into the forests outside the walls? That'll clear out the cult."
MAN 2: "Problem is, every time the soldiers manage to slice the throats of a few necromancers, more appear. I... it scares me."
WOMAN: "We'll get this cult dismantled someday. We just need to find that lich that's suspected to be leading him, shove a sword through his damn head, and then the nightmare'll be over."
MAN 1: "Yet we've been searching for two months straight, and we haven't found that thing. Captured and seemingly brainwashed Tulvens, symbols of the afterlife all over the trees, and mummified bodies in ritual circles? They're after something. Something bad."
MAN 2: "A friend of mine is in the Aicet guard. Yesterday he came back with his squad after his weekly rounds in the forest. He says he encountered one of those necromancers, and that it took all the willpower he had to not run away screaming. Big cloak and metal spikes shoved in its back with marked fabric hanging from them. He shot the bastard to pieces. Says the blood was fuckin' black!"
WOMAN: "Yikes. Anyways, my lunch break's over. Gotta go back to ol' Clockwork Greenery and their giant factory of weird ass robots."

---------- [PATH UNLOCKED: VOLUNTEER AICET GUARD?]

A STERN LADY: "I've still got my nurse's cloak and cane, from the time of the war. Too oversized for me now, they let me leave the squad when I was twelve, but I keep the items anyway. This was before the new law that only fourteen-year-olds or above could be drafted, so when the war against the dragons got really serious, they drafted me and all the other young asses out of Encarces."
A CURIOUS MAN: "I don't get it. Why did this entire country wage war against the dragons here? There's no way anything from their bodies would be THAT valuable, I wouldn't start such a brutal war like that just for some shiny scales."
A STERN LADY: "I think we started that war because some of the ancient scaly buggers attacked the cities because we were building too close to their temples. I still regret having to fight on behalf of this damned country. We weren't in the right, everything was our fault."
A CURIOUS MAN: "Oogh. Horrible indeed."
A STERN LADY: "I watched nearly half my squad get incinerated by that fiery gas the dragons spew out. And my ex-colleagues wonder why I only sell bitch puppies now."

So far, it's all about war and military stuff. What does the JOB BOARD say?