I had to release today. If I’d waited until tomorrow, people might have thought it was an April Fools’ joke.
At last, it’s The Fourth Trial: Meat of Evil.
This took a hell of a long time. Please let me know what you think! I added lots of bonus content that I bet you’re going to enjoy. And if you don’t enjoy - let me know about that too. It’s all still very much a work in progress.
As a side note, I’m pretty curious to know what people choose. Could you answer this poll once you’re done, please?
Question is: who did you choose to go with? (Assuming you only chose once. Otherwise you can pick whoever you liked most.)
This case was great. Can’t wait for the next update, wish there more Ace attorney like games here. Wonder how much power the Liberty hold if they can just give a million coins, and if we will be forced to choose between who to side with
That was great. It was well worth the wait. Just a question. I understand M and T. I also understand X (i mean i chose him) but why S. Is there anybody who chose the little git. Finally is there anyway you could add the receptionist girl scilla to choose
Great question! I’m not sure. I think I was trying to include a variety of people who were very different from one another.
That said, the poll is turning out about how I expected so far, though I didn’t think the poll leader would be leading by quite this much.
As for more choices, I’ll definitely be using responses to this chapter to decide what to do next, since this is my first time messing around with anything like a relationship system. It’s been pretty interesting.
Okay I didn’t realize previously that our Creator mentions the “Well of Souls” and the fact that our soul was chosen at random; which means we probably don’t have any significance to his past, he just wanted a sapient vessel to be able to instill Purpose into. Unless he’s lying. Or there’s some huge coincidence about this whole thing.
But honestly, everything about our Creator is sketchy. We’re supposed to be a carefully crafted work of art, but during the dream sequence, he mentions being “in a rush”, etc. Part of me’s even questioning if this is actually the guy that made us or if it’s some phoney
And then there’s the question about the Well of Souls. What IS it?? Shorthand for the place where all souls go when they die? Or is it just SOME souls? Is there an afterlife?? DOES THE KINGDOM OF EVIL HAVE RELIGION???
And then his sentence about “The Pattern” unravelling. This is obviously about the whole 1000 year cycle of fighting and then recharging; and we know the Liberty Group is all about getting rid of the cycle because it’s oppressive and being raised to partake in this awful war you will always lose sucks (and also the whole drought period of the Mana Cycle,) so with that information I would say our Creator is not on their side, considering he wants to keep the cycle going (I know in a previous comment I do mention being unsure if he’s part of it or against it, which is why I mention my new analysis here.)
What bad thing is going to happen when the pattern is unravelled? I know the LG (Liberty Group) mention the idea of not having to go through the drought period if we don’t expend all that energy on the war, but I wonder if not depleting the buildup of mana could actually damage the kingdom/the king eventually. Like he can’t handle too much mana without dying/exploding/shorting out all of the systems forever, and our Creator is trying to avoid that?
He’s probably just joking with his comment about the pebble, but is it actually possible in this world? To shove a soul into an inanimate object? What would happen? (Would be funny if we figure it out and confront him on this really insignificant lie during a dream sequence or something )
JSDNKADFSHKJ XENON CORRECTS HIMSELF WHEN YOU CHALLENGE A 2ND TIME IF YOU CORRECT HIS USE OF POISONOUS
I will also say that I think it’s cool we don’t lose confidence for EVERY incorrect Challenge. Sometimes we do bring up a point/a question that may turn out irrelevant, but isn’t something that brings down our reputation, and it’s honestly really refreshing that we’re allowed to do so!
At the conversation with Akila, I keep thinking about The King’s chains. It’s just such a Choice for the method of Mana harvesting. Why CHAINS? That’s so… deliberate. There’s gotta be something more to that. Who decided it would be chains? The King himself? I kind of doubt that, unless it was a “chain me now so that if I ever try to leave later I can’t because the consequences are too disastrous and I can’t trust my future self” kind of situation. But it doesn’t seem that way? He helps the MC repeatedly, and even if hasn’t shown any dislike for the Mana Cycle, he doesn’t seem to enjoy the way parts of government proceedings are conducted, despite being. Y’know. The King. I definitely don’t think he has as much power or choice as people think he does, but the question that leads off of that is who does have the power? Who made things this way? We know he founded the kingdom because Akila mentions it later if you ask (unless that’s apocryphal), so did it just end up getting out of hand? …Unless the King was just screwing around that one time he interrupted for funsies. His life’s gotta be pretty boring. But at the same time I know he does have some level of agency here because he CHOOSES to go and fight the war on Good every single time. I don’t have enough information about the side of Good to know if they would be willing to negotiate a permanent peace…
WAIT??? I don’t remember this dialogue w/ Mothman about our Creator potentially lying about us being from the Well of Souls?? About the possibility we were MURDERED??? That’s so cool oh my gosh. I’m so excited for this little overarching mystery!! AAA!!
OKAY WAIT. DURING THE DREAM SEQUENCE IF WE TELL OUR CREATOR THAT HE’S ASKING FOR TOO MUCH HE SAYS THIS:
“I thought so too, at first. The longest of long shots. Impossible odds. Since then, of course, you’ve bested the Kingdom’s Inquisitors with nary a weapon to speak of. I’ve truly outdone myself this time.”
THIS TIME??? THIS TIME??? HE’S DONE THIS BEFORE??? AHHHH. Okay. OKAY. He might just be referring to his attempts to fix the Pattern, as he calls it. In fact, I think it’s likely. That being said, I think Mothman’s theory about the murder is very likely, and if he were talking about the creation of homunculi…
We keep not storing our REA bag in the strongbox. Someone’s gonna sneak something inside there eventually and then accuse us of a crime in court and bring in the bag with planted evidence as proof if this keeps up AHHH. Or it could just get stolen (if we choose to continue staying at Blacklung, that is…)
WAIT. Agatha’s message to the accused is so… WHAT DID SHE KNOW… I have the feeling she knew some things about the LG they didn’t want her to…
So Mothman is a publicly known vigilante? Xenon mentions him as being such if you accuse him of Agatha’s murder. I thought he “couldn’t be seen in public”?
We accuse Xenon and he’s inadvertently like “WHAT no I’m a loser I don’t go anywhere” I LOVE HIM SO MUCH
I didn’t mention it last time but I LOVE the way Xenon is written during the 3rd trial. The way he just hangs in the air for a few seconds after he finds the records of Marian being a professional knife-thrower. You can FEEL the sense of dread creeping up on him, but despite the huge blow to his reputation he still brings up the information and confronts Marian there directly, because he genuinely cares about justice being done, even over his pride and his self-esteem.
Oh man. I have the sinking feeling there’s going to be some kind of assassination attempt on us at the circus. If not then SOMEONE’S definitely dying.
ALSO ALSO “The Champion of The Ring” THAT’S SUCH AN AWESOME TITLE…
Tibia<3… AND BOB HI BOB HE MAKES ANOTHER APPEARANCE BOB ILY aww was he worried about us?? Bob…<333
WWWE CAN INVITE XENON TO GO TO THE FUCKJING CIRCUS WITH US??? THATS SO FUNNY OH MY GOSH we best him in the Ring YET AGAIN, giving him an existential crisis about the integrity of the kingdom’s justice system, it ends in him SHOUTING US OUT OF THE RING, and the NEXT FUCKING DAY we roll up like "Heyyyy So uh dyou wanna go on a date with me to the place that the witness who shamed your entire career and tried to kill me worked? . Platonically." THIS IS ABSOLUTELY HYSTERICAL HES GOING TO BE SO MAD/CONFUSED. I love this.
Realistically my MC would bring Tibia because they’re boring and safe and have no other friends but screw it lets get silly.
Wait but I would have so much fun with Maggot Girl… HHH THIS IS HARD. I also ADORE how you can invite Squab that’s so cute… .
I find it interesting we can’t invite Maggot Girl if we refuse Mothman’s offer. Like I know it might be perceived as rude but what if we did it anyways . You use the red handkerchief to try and call a meeting with him and he’s like “DID YOU CHANGE YOUR MIND??” and you just go. “Nah. But can I hang out with your daughter tonight she was cool ”.
Not to say I refused Mothmans offer I love him too much for that. But. It’d be funny.
oooh we’ve got public support… It’s honestly really cool that people are stopping us in the street to congratulate us. I’m so proud sdhfnsdfskd!!
THE GUARD NODDING US IN MADE ME FEEL SO BADASS… mhm yeah we’re totally employed by the Kingdom don’t even worry about it man. All those times we showed up?? Totally supposed to be there
JADNIJDKFSNKJ THE GUARD ESSENTIALLY CALLING XENON A SHUT-IN LOSER… “He doesn’t do much else :/” ILY…
SERIOUSLY WHAT IS THE KINGDOM’S OBSESSION WITH CHAINS. THEY’RE EVERYWHERE. WHYYY
the cloud of smoke side-eyeing us I’M SORRY SIR… IT’S NOT MY FAULT YOUR INQUISITORS SUCK ASS…
Sara… I know somewhere earlier someone mentions Holmgang being “the second scariest” inquisitor, or something to that effect. Is she the first…
HE SEES US AND FALLS OVERJ DSJNSHDFUKEJDKSFNHIKUDSJ THIS IS SO AWKWARD
“Your questions have ruined my entire career! I have nothing left,” he crackles. “What in Evil’s name could you possibly have left to ask!?” “Do you want to go to the circus with me?” you blurt out. YEEEEEEEEESSSS YES THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT I WANTED. I’m having literally so much fun with this . Continuing the long chain of my MC making objectively questionable decisions
I love their dynamic so much. Do I want them to get together? I’m ambivalent. Do I need them to form a comedy routine partnership? ABSOLUTELY YES.
SDNISDJKFNHKSDJ “Man I might have to kill that guy” This is so funny… AND US GOING TO AKILA JUST TO BE LIKE “hey can you help exorcise this guy from my head please thanks”
THE BACKGROUND VAMPIRE VS WOLVES LORE…
Hhhoh… I didn’t expect us to actually get some leads with this meeting but the background mystery is PROGRESSING!! I’m so so excited…
NDHSKSDKNUJ AKILA SLYLY HELPING US GET HIM ON OUR SIDE BY HYPING US UP A BIT… you go girlie<33 I love her
HE CAME!!! HE CAME HE CAME HE CAME!! I mean I knew he would but STILL!!! AHHH!!
the way you can just TELL he was anxiously waiting I would never ditch you Xenon… come with me… I CAN SHOW YOU THE WOOOOOOOORL-
WE GET TO CALL HIM XENON… this is so weird this is so awkward. They’re so awkward.
“That doesn’t seem like too much” SCREW YOU AND YOUR FANCY LAWYER JOB SOME OF US DON’T GET PAID
You’re not sure how to respond to this. “You’re probably wrong because you’re wrong about most things” feels inappropriate. DSNHDSFSDIJERFHMDK… this is going so badly but also way better than it should be
WAIT WE HAVE TO FIND SOMETHING HE ENJOYS OH GOD. He probably can’t eat food… he’s got spindly little weak-ass limbs… He probably doesn’t enjoy magic tricks… fuck it lets go fortune-telling I could use some answers
It’s not a good idea to rely on Xenon being right. NOW WE’RE JUST BULLYING HIM
he BOWS to her… he’s so formal… sir you need to oil your joints or something because your limbs are goddamn STIFF.
“You’re not supposed to be here. The cars believe your existence is wrong somehow.” HOLY SHIT??? Literal chills. That’s so… Hoooh. Also godDAMN just giving him more crisis can the guy catch a break
A trap, you say. Something at the circus is going to try to kill us fuckkk I knew it. OR WAIT. IS THE CIRCUS A DIVERSION FOR SOMETHING HAPPENING SOMEWHERE ELSE THAT THEY WANTED US TO BE OCCUPIED FOR. FUCKKKK.
??? HELLO??? we walk in and she goes “Ok well YOUR existence is invalid and YOU’RE going to die so<3”
ADSHNKSDHJEK THEM BITCHING ABOUT IT AFTER THEY LEAVE of COURSE THIS IS HOW THEY BOND… AND HIM GOING “I might be able to sue her.” AND US GOING “that would be nice”???
MOTHMAN??? :sob WE’RE ALL JUST LOSERS HUH… Maggot Girl is the only cool one her for real…
MOTHMIN IS REAL??? HE ACTUALLY USES THIS ALIAS TO CONDUCT RESEARCH??? HE DIDN’T MAKE IT UP ON THE SPOT???
AND THEN US IMMEDIATELY STARTING TO DOUBT OUR CHOICE TO TRUST XENON… this is so funny
“Hey now,” you smirk at him. “I’ve seen some victories. Remember?” Xenon rotates his entire body to stare directly at you. His lenslike eyes narrow. WDNHSEKDKDSA I’M WHEEZING…
“No thank you,” Xenon says. “I only meant to prove a point.” This guy! You grit your teeth and move on. PUTTING MY HEAD IN MY HANDS… THIS FRIENDSHIP IS DOOMED…
ALSO ALSO I see your variability choice!! AWESOME!!! Was very fun going through and looking at all the ways I could screw that one up (and win sometimes!!!)
AND THE RANDOMIZED NUMBERS FOR THE NEXT ONE… YEAHHHH!! I can see you’re experimenting with the CS!!
I would like to know, is it possible to get a 25/25 on the gnomes? I tried many times, but the highest I got was a 24.
He sounds eager…? Inquisitor Xenon secretly a skilled gunsman???
I WIN YOU FUCKER!!! FUCK YOUUUUU HAHAHAHAHAHAHA. 36 TO 21??? YOU SUCK. Sorry that was mean but I just got the biggest hit of adrenaline. That was so satisfying for no reason I’m sorry X ily…
WWWAIT WE WIN EVERY TIME??? THAT’S ACTUALLY HYSTERICAL… HE’S SO MAD ABOUT IT TOO DSJNFIUSDNFKJS.
That does make me think the game was rigged considering that’s still the case even if you “go easy on him”…
A blue eye? Just like my MC’s omg… also I guess I’m just collecting Eye Merch now, what with Devlin’s ring.
FAST FOOD BLOOD. That’s all I have to say about the food section.
wait he IS actually interested in magic… aaand he stopped talking about it. I’m gonna find out your secrets one day you weird little robot man… does he have some sort of device that allows him to do those? He can’t do it “naturally”… was he IMBUED with the power later in life?
STOP I CANT HE BUYS THE PORTRAIT??? THIS IS AMAZING THIS IS INCREDIBLE THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT I WANTED FROM THEM. I’M SO GIDDY RIGHT NOW SDHNISUDKJNHFKJDSF. AND HE “LOOKS UPON IT FONDLY FOR A MOMENT” THIS IS INCREDIBLE. HIM TRYING NOT TO LAUGH… I am so fond of him I’m just imagining someone coming in to his office and it’s like. framed on his wall. and he’s like “Yeah I bought artwork of the person that I consider to have ruined my life and framed it on my wall. I’m normal about them by the way.”
Xenon praising the Ocubeast… that’s so adorable. Astronomy is a particular interest of mine so this is actually very sweet… I UNDERSTAND YOU UNNAMED OCUBEAST… I CARE…
THE PHILOSOPHICAL QUESTION… and holy shit the imprisoned human. Just… the sudden unsettling atmosphere that descends upon them, wonderful.
“You can still feel the human’s eyes on you long after you’re gone.” AHH. I FEEL SO BAD… I know he probably wants all of us dead but I hope you are freed, Hubert…
HE DEFLATES HIMSELF…
hey wait. Hey. Hey wait. Theory. Kind of insane theory. Mothman said we were probably murdered right before our soul was stuffed into this body. And though we have knowledge about certain things, we seem to be unfamiliar with magic and sometimes grossed out by certain aspects of this world (blood drinking, for example.) What if, uh. What if we were a human. I think we might have been a human. It all makes sense if we were a human. I think I need to go sit down.
‘Your Struggles Will Lead You To What You Seek.’ It’s me. I’m the struggle. (And your conflicting emotions on your job and your integrity, Xenon.)
oh. Oh. OH.
I did know something like this would happen eventually… where we like. Explore the “other side” more thoroughly. Just not so soon.
I do LOVE that we immediately show it to Xenon. Despite the banter we do genuinely trust him with this information and to work together to find the truth.
“It shouldn’t bother me.” THAT IMPLIES THAT IT DOES, XENON.
“Do you mind if I came with you?” HE’S WORRIED ABOUT USSSS
NOT XENON LYING TO HER FACE
YEAHHH!! THE GOVERNMENT DOES USE MORE THAN THEY NEED FOR MILITARY EFFORTS WHEN THE MONEY- THE MANA COULD BE USED TO BETTER PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE, HEALTHCARE, POVERTY, AND GENERAL CIVILIAN LIFE. I support MOOM you go girlies<3
Oh uh targeting businesses wasn’t what I thought this was about but still. Some shady shit might be going on.
“I’ve presided over many cases in which betrayal came from one’s closest companions.” XENON YOU TOLD HER YOU WEREN’T AN INQUISITOR YOU MORON
And yet, you’ve noticed a certain pattern that’s proven reliable lately: “Xenon is always wrong about everything.” If that’s the case, then your answer is clear. NOOOO DON’T BE SO MEAN TO HIM
DENDARA AND JELID WERE ON A DATE??.. <333
Bye Xenon!!! I loved this so much… they are just. SO entertaining.
FELIX??? YOU SAID BBQ BILL’S WAS SHIT THOUGH… WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR LOYALTY TO NULGRAVE DELI???
Felix instantly rotates two hundred and seventy degrees in his seat and looks you dead in the eye. There was a similar joke previously with Xenon and it’s funny every time.
I can’t even get one minute of time to myself to eat a crappy steak from a crappy barbecue joint." THEN WHY ARE YOU HERE??? IS NULGRAVE NOT OPEN???
I was out at Nulgrave Deli that nightas you know very well," ADSNIKHFNEWJSKD
NOOO IT’S CLOSED… I feel his pain no one should be subjected to bad food
BARBECUE BILL HIMSELF???
He seems excited for Lycus’ execution.
we can Feel something reaching out to us…? Is this related to our Creator??
NECROMANCY. IT IS!! KIND OF MAYBE!! But that’s so strange why was it like. Sentient. We were about to give our life to… some kind of manifestation of dark magic? Who put that thing there???
So it’s for control. But then why was it asking for our LIFE? It wasn’t talking about our mind or our actions or following it. It was asking us to “share warmth”. Hm.
AWW TIBIA IS GONNA BE THERE… I love her <3
M. Multiplies undead, you say. That reminds me of that time our creator implied he’s done this more than once. I’m sure this is nothing.
She calls me his “advocate”, and Dendara mentions she would have gone in herself if I hadn’t shown up, so is this like an official position a person can take? Unpaid, clearly, but is stuff like what we do precedented? Or am I overthinking that.
NOOO HE SUCKS dangit Lycus I was rooting for you…
BUT YEAHH DENDARA JELID DATING MENTION<33
Seems kind of suspicious. “He smiles a very convincing smile” is a strange sentence for an innocent person. But he defended Molina so I think he’s chill.
SHNSIDKFSUDK JUST STRAIGHT UP GOING “oh but I think it might be easier if you just help me break out”
Love the little chuckle with the guard, and just in general the ways you make it clear that our actions are noticeable and people are getting used to us. It makes the judgements feel a lot more… impactful.
YYEAHHH IT’S HOLMGANG!! I was hoping it’d be him. Excited to see how he interacts with us now that he’s not underestimating our ability to succeed.
HE’S SUCH A BULLY… leave Lycus alone he’s just a kid…
I forgot how much of a patronizing asshole he is I can’t wait to beat him
Ok but like. He’s not a human. We know this. So… What, uh. What is he.
aw no they’re anti-other-people-eating-meat Vegans… I figured as much, but still. Unfortunate.
Bonham looks at Holmgang. “Can you stop them from doing that?” “I probably could,” he admits. I’m just imagining a Ring trial where we ask if we can question a witness and the Inquisitor just goes: “Nnnope! You aren’t even supposed to be here, so uh. Bye.”
Wait is Holmgang just a robot??? or at least cyborg of some sort. Can he take off that armor? Or is it his body??
FUCK SHIT FUCK IT’S TERA
“Alright then!” He grins and puffs up. “Here’s why I’m a hundred percent sure that guy did the thing you said.” TERA YOU BITCH. This is a really funny response though so grudging respect. but YOU BITCH.
WHy ARE WE CONFUSED ABOUT THE EXISTENCE OF THE BUCKET O’ BLOOD WE KNOW IT EXISTS MR. GREETER TOLD US ABOUT IT…
“raucous homunculus” oh SHUT UP Merriam-Webster
Oh my god did Lycus get stood up on a date request with Dendara.
He totally did. Oh my god
WAIT. DID BBQ BILL MESS WITH THE EMPLOYEE COUNTER THING TO COVER UP THE MURDER??
D. did Molina mess with the employee counter thing?
Okay whatever she might be a murderer but I LOVE HER RESPONSES SO MUCH… GO GIRL GIVE US NOTHING!!!
“this should be entertaining” Shut up Holmgang you’re not even doing anything
Molina knows that it’s better to let your lawyer talk when shit gets bad. It’s unfortunate we’re not a lawyer, but-
“He was already dead, I’m pretty sure,” he tells the Ring. "But he was right next to the Orb. And it was… makin’ him move. No soul, no will. He… his body just looked at me. With these empty eyes. And his flesh… was starting to move. Gettin’ ready to duplicate, like the rest of the meat. Holy shit that’s actually terrifying. That sounds awful.
Oh, wow. I wasn’t expecting that from him. It’s… actually kind of strange? He didn’t really give a fuck about rightful procedures or anything in the previous trial?
WAIT HOLY SHIT??? HOLY SHIT???
HE’S NOT DEAD RIGHT.
HE’S NOT DEAD, RIGHT!? PLEASE BE OKAY
WAIT OH SHIT??? KING EVIL DIRECTLY KILLS HIM???
nevermind I wish he killed you I hate you so much and I WILL GET YOU ONE OF THESE DAYS. ONE OF THESE GODDAMN DAYS, HOLMGANG.
haha they actually paid us WHAT??? WHAT??? WHAT??? WHAT??? WHAT??? WHAT??? WHAT???
I have. A really bad feeling about this.
Grammar + Typos/Constructive Criticism
Typo here, “burinin’” instead of “burnin’”. Unless this was intentional.
Bill flashes a fiery smile. “Darn tootin! I’m about workin’ hard and burinin’ hard. Don’t get too used to it, though - we’re a bit low on chefs at the moment.”
I know the structure of this IF being so game-y doesn’t lend very well to allowing us to have more input as to our MC’s personality, and thus that manifests in us only really getting to do it after the Ring in our conversations with our defendant, but I would say that finding those moments is something you might want to look out for. For example, when accepting/refusing Mothman’s offer to continue working after the 3rd trial, we’re only given these:
- Yes, the work is important.
- No, you put me in danger.
And it’s here you could have given us more variety in reasons for our MC wanting to accept/refuse, even if there are only really two outcomes, and I feel like that reasoning is rather important for the Homunculus’ character. Some examples of more options:
- I don't like that this is the best way that I have to fight back, but yes.
- Yes, seeing Xenon in there earlier has convinced me that things can change.
- Yes, for Spite Reasons.
- No, I'm sick of being responsible for other people.
- No, I don't want this to be an official commitment of mine, even if I might still do it on my own sometimes.
- No, for Spite Reasons.
I know those are a bit wordy, but (and I think I’ve mentioned this in a previous post,) don’t be worried about longer choices! They’re important, even necessary, and they don’t make it hard to read or feel out of place. And I also know we get a similar question back in the Mothcave when he first poses it to us, but I think the trial in the Ring should have some weight to a change in the MC’s position. Also it would have been nice to have an option to choose how we felt about Holmgang’s declaration to us after Judgement 4.
SO SO SO INCREDIBLY EXCITED FOR WHERE THIS IS GOING!!! I feel like a lot of things are coming to a head… maybe that’s just because I chose Xenon, and I feel like having him as a friend within the Inquisitor’s office will be helpful for taking the larger system down. I’ll probably also go through the rest of the options for friends to take to the circus later, but. Yeah!!!
And, you were going to use feedback here to suss out how to continue with the relationship paths? You probably were already going to do this, but it’d be nice if you get perks (ie; you can ask them for help/they show up to help you sometimes) for whoever you choose, in cases where it would be appropriate. I’m also surprised we couldn’t choose Mothman directly as our circus partner, but that’s just curiosity.
Glad you enjoyed it! It’s always a treat to see your impressions.
Thanks for the feedback, as well. I did leave the two choices for Mothman because of the similar question asked earlier, but you’re right that the situation is different after the Judgment, which is after all why the question has to be asked again.
Actually, I wrote both those parts you mention (Mothman’s question and Holmgang’s declaration) in a similar state: at the end of the chapter, and about to fall over dead. That’s a good reason to review those sections in particular and add some more depth.
By the way, there’s a little “win condition” during the circus date. If you pick the right activity for the person you’re with, they have a better time and their dialogue changes a little at the end. It’s minor, though, so it’s hard to notice.
Ooh, but I think I messed up the math again for the shooting game. You should only be able to win against Xenon by a couple points. I better fix it in a minute. This result is pretty funny though.
I’m curious about this one considering we see them doing some reconnaissance here in the other paths…
HJDNISFKNDJ WE’RE SO PATHETIC ASKING MOTHMAN TO HANG OUT WITH HER… “hi… … Can I hang out with ur daugh ter… pleae.s… ”
He’s surprisingly chill Abt this. ALSO “my TEAMMATE” HELLO??? HE CALLS HIS DAUGHTER THAT THATS SO FUNNY he needs more friends genuinely
GINAAAA… I know Mothman introduces her as that to us in the other paths as well but… it’s still so adorable to me…
The little sweater she’s literally so cute…
Us immediately shutting down her thing about the people here being innately good and talking about profit motive
Hm. I have a good idea of what the other characters might like but I’m kind of lost here for what would be her favorite. Food is obviously Squab, and Tibia mentioned being good with her hands and physical work so she’d probably really like the Test Your Might (also I feel like the games would be most fun for her…) Magic was Xenon’s, so by process of elimination it’s probably the fortune telling. Gina seems like she’d find that a fun little time (she gives me D&D vibes, meaning she’s probably a fan of immersive stuff like that…)
SHDBSHDNKJ I GUESS I WAS WRONG. WOMP WOMP. If it isn’t that then it’s probably the magic (idk why I assumed they couldn’t repeat for more than one character) or the physical strength challenge + games
JEWNSKJNFKJS GINA PISSING VISHANTI OFF
I was WONDERING about Gina’s mother!! So there IS something there…
She’s so lonely… it makes me sad ily Gina I’ll be your friend
Gina’s going to cause Armageddon calling it now
Jokes aside that’s… interesting. Great change? Is it related to her father? Or… some other secret thing she’s doing?
YAYYYYY Gina gets a nice reading
SHE’S SO NICE SHE’S SUCH A CUTIEEE I LOVE YOU GINA I LOVE YOU PHILLIP AHHHHH
That’s a little reassuring. Still, you’re not sure how reliable Mothman actually is. He couldn’t help Squab, or the victim, Agatha… HSNSHKDFNJHSDSUKJD
Ok but are those even their real names or are they ALSO Aliases
“Alright, alright.” It’s hard to see “Philip’s” expression against his black moth fuzz, but he sounds cheerful. “You two have fun now.” this is so cute… the father and daughter ever… and also the MC is there too i guess
OH MY GOD I’M STUPID she was LITERALLY talking about how she likes how fun the circus is earlier of COURSE the games would be her favorite
DSHNUSIDUKH WE GOT THE SAME AMOUNT OF GNOMES… also her reaction to not getting the prize ticket is so endearing… its ok girlie
NOOO THE MC GETTING ANNOYED BY HER IF SHE WINS THE SHOOTER
Jesus Christ I tried again and lost 22-33
19-34!?
I MUST WIN. MY HONOR DEMANDS IT. ALSO I WANNA SEE THE DIALOGUE.
AYYYY I FINALLY GOT OVER 25 (it took 6 rounds, I’m assuming it being this hard is intentional since Gina’s That Good? Though the code for Xenon was messed up so I will say this is basically that but in reverse; Ie she wins by a lot every single time?)
Gina plushie collection…
APPLE BUDDIES APPLE BUDDIES APPLE BUDDIES
I’M OBSESSED WITH THE FUCKED UP WAY THE CHARACTERS EAT FOOD IT’S ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING TO ME
Nooo Gina you’re gonna get indigestion and Philip is gonna yell at meeeee
NSIUNEDSUFKHOKDSIUKU the way Gina interacts with the human THE WRITING HERE IS SO GOOD…
She has the power to protect those she loves… her fortune was about power and A Choice… don’t put Philip in danger please he has too much on his shoulders
“to our troublesome homunculus friend<3” I love that so much
OKAY WAIT. It burns the moment someone else touches it. Obviously there’s magic on it, but how does the magic differentiate us from other people. Did they get some kind of DNA sample or something. Is someone at Blacklung part of Liberty??
““Of course!” She looks satisfied. “You couldn’t possibly succeed in the Ring without a dedicated team. I knew it!” You suddenly feel very tired.” JNSDUDNFIHSD
Also Gina immediately coming up with that on the spot she’s so good at this… ily Gina
"Watch the skies, Pebble." She strikes a dramatic pose. “We’re here to help!”" Superhero music playing as she scampers away…
The change in dialogue… "She grins widely. “You’re really something, y’know. I’m glad I got to hang out with you.” She looks away, tapping her little worm arms together. “Thanks for inviting me. I wouldn’t mind doing this again sometime.” Xenon’s was cute and all but this is ADORABLE…
Tibia Time
BOTH OF US NOT KNOWING WHAT A CIRCUS IS
her trying to comfort us about our creator she’s so underappreciated bc there’s generally just Not That Much going on with her but I love her I understand you Tibia…
“are you sure it’s okay letting me have one?” TIBIA YOU ARE WORTH ANY AMOUNT OF MONEY
The Priestess is probably gonna be her favorite. She doesn’t have much direction in her life, after all…
SDHUIDSHBUFSD WAIT SHE’S SO CUTE ABOUT IT…
““Oh, I don’t know if I want to go in there.” She hides her face behind her hands. “Okay, let’s go in.”” SDHNFIUEKSHDB REAAAL
We can be nervous together
NOOOOOOO THE READING FOR THE PAST IS SO SAD… people keep treating her wrongly how could they do that when shes literally so sweet… . Unless it’s talking about other people being victimized by her due to her actions, which I just can’t believe I’m sorry she’s too sweet…
HER DEFENDING BOB I’M WITH YOU GIRLIE I LOVE HIM WITH MY WHOLE HEAART
A GOLEM??? LIKE EIGHTEEEN???
IS SOMEONE IN BLACKLUNG PLOTTING AGAINST HER??? IS IT SOMEONE WORKING ON THE WALL TRYING TO GET REVENGE FOR THE FOREMAN’S EXECUTION?? ISSHETHE PERSON PLOTTING AGAINST SOMEONE ELSE??? IS IT AN ACT???
SHE SWEARS TO PROTECT US FROM FALLING DOWN STAIRS…
Eighteen I miss you eighteen when will I see my beloved again…
““That’s awful,” Tibia cries. “You should be ashamed of yourself!” “Now, now,” the octopus replies, waving his tentacles in a disarming fashion. “This is only my impression of the subject. It’s nothing personal.” “I should - I should tear that up!” Tibia takes a step toward the artwork, menacing as only a skeleton can be.” Tibia I would literally die for you you’re my best friend
HHhh that got depressing quick. Man. I care so much about them
““He’d probably try to kill you with that hammer if he was free,” you reply. “He might not,” she suggests. “I don’t know. Can’t we just let him go? This feels… wrong.”” The two sides of my brain upon seeing Hubert.
OKAY I WAS GONNA ASK THIS EARLIER BUT NOW IM REALLY SAD. It struck me that we’re never given the option to gift the prize we get from “Test Your Might” to our companion. I feel like it’d be cute if we could do that, haha.
replaying these short sections until Tibia wins three in a row because she deserves this
HEYYY IT IS POSSIBLE FOR US TO GET 25/25 ON THE GNOMES
OH MY GOD THAT TOOK SO LONG. She got 21/25 the first time around and it took me like. 5 minutes just for her to get back up to 20.
Is. Is it even possible for her to win the shooting game against us . I keep winning by 5+ points every time
the small change in ending dialogue makes me
SQUAB TIME!!! I’m very… curious how this will go. To be honest I kind of feel like we’ll be bothering him more than anything else, but I guess we’ll at least be able to buy him food!
““It’s not much, but I thought you might want a change of clothes if you’re going to the circus.”” SDUHDSIUHFNIUDSKJ “Oh by the way we’re hanging out later today”
HE SHARES FOOD??? Squab you’re so awesome
““He seems like a regular reporter to me,” you offer.” US DESPERATELY TRYING TO COVER FOR HIM HADSNDSFUSD
“Don’t stab anybody” TSDJNHSDISD??
His reaction to winning… aww
HIS REACTION TO THE SHITTY DRAWING OF US… HE REALLY JUST INSULTS THIS ARTIST’S ENTIRE CAREER SUDHBUISFK I LOVE HIM
OH? It’d be so cool if he actually does end up learning a little bit of magic… follow your dreams little guy you got this…
YEAHHHHHH SQUAB QUESTIONING THE ENTIRE SYSTEM!!! FREE HUBERT (and hope he doesn’t hurt us but) FREE HUBERT!!!
‘With Strong Allies, You Will Go Far.’ Is. Is it talking about us? Perhaps us and our own allies??
YEAHHHH we have a bodyguard now
““You’ve been so nice to me, and I do not know why. Is that just… how you are?”” Haha yeah (flashback to our thoughts about Xenon) haha
"“I think you might be the best person I ever knew.” HELLO??? THAT’S SO NICE??? WHAT THE HELL THATS SO SWEET
I hope he’s okay
Okay lone wolf time… I wonder if it’ll be any different now that we’re alone??
ooh we get Tibia’s encounter with the werewolf alone as well… I suppose it makes sense, it relates to both of us!
Anyways YEAH!!! They’re all so incredibly endearing to hang out with… I would say that my favorite is probably still Xenon, solely because our dynamic with him is particularly enjoyable to me, but the path with Maggot Girl was AMAZING as well; she’s just so ENDEARING and her father is so cute and sweet and I love them… But yes, the option to be able to gift our prize from “Test your Might” to our companion would be very appreciated…
Last chapter took a LOT out of me so I need a break for a bit. I’m working on other creative stuff at the moment, and I expect once I’ve cooled down I’ll be able to write some more.
But this has been my most successful creative thing thus far, so I’m not giving up. I’ll see you around…
)
Bob…<333
Heyyyy 
. Platonically." THIS IS ABSOLUTELY HYSTERICAL HES GOING TO BE SO MAD/CONFUSED. I love this.
”.
I CAN SHOW YOU THE WOOOOOOOORL-
I’M WITH YOU GIRLIE I LOVE HIM WITH MY WHOLE HEAART