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I am going to clarify now: you are not playing as Link, you are not the hero of time. As we decide who you are together, leave that stuff at the door. Let's go ahead and get started with that now, shall we?

What's your name?

Are you a boy or a girl?

What's your heritage?
>Human, Hylian (bonuses to melee, athletics, and riding animals)
>Human, Shiekah (bonuses to stealth, magic, and crafting)
>Goron (enhanced strength, reduced damage from fire, cannot swim)
>Zora (capable of breathing underwater, faster swimming)
>Rito (capable of gliding, can glean information from the wind)

What skills do you favor most? Choose only three.
>Melee weaponry
>Ranged weaponry
>Magic
>Athletics
>Crafting
>History & Lore
>Stealth
>Animal riding
>Speech

And your village is located where?
>On a cluster of islands forming an atoll a few miles off the coast of the mainland.
>In the rocky plateaus overlooking the great desert valley.
>Deep in the lush forest by the foot of the mountain.
>Underground, in the face of a great cliff not far from the volcano.
>Under the blue skies of the great grass plains, near the shore of a mighty river.

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Testing

>>6330929
>Name: Zuzo
>BOY
>HUMAN SHIEKAH
Skills:
>Melee
>Stealth
>Magic
Village:
>On a cluster of islands forming an atoll a few miles off the coast of the mainland.

>>6330936
Based

>>6330929
>Girl
Name: Mimi
>Human, Hylian (bonuses to melee, athletics, and riding animals)
Skills
>Melee weaponry
>Athletics
>Crafting

>On a cluster of islands forming an atoll a few miles off the coast of the mainland.

>>6330929
>Name - Liru
>Boy
>>Human, Hylian (bonuses to melee, athletics, and riding animals)

>Melee weaponry
>History & Lore
>Athletics

>Deep in the lush forest by the foot of the mountain.

>>6330929
Supporting >>6330936

>>6330957
+1

>>6330929

>>6330936
Qm said this was based, so im honored bound to +1 this choice

>>6330936
>>6330929
I support the Metal Gear Shiekah character. We shall be the best Huryle CIA Agent imaginable.

>>6330936
Support

>>6330936
+1 YOU'RE THAT NINJA

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Locking in our votes, you will be playing as Zuzo the Shiekah.

Will post our first set either late tonight or tomorrow some time.

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You are Zuzo, a Sheikah boy of eighteen years. You have a wirey build, messy black hair, a pallid complexion, and sharp eyes.

Hearts: 3
Mana: 6

Your Attributes are as follows

Wisdom: 2
Resolve: 1
Charm: 1
Strength: 2
Stamina: 1
Dexterity: 2

Your Skills are as follows

Melee combat: 2
Ranged combat: 1
Magic: 3
Athletics: 1
Crafting: 1
History & Lore: 2
Stealth: 3
Animal riding: 1
Speech: 1

You know the following Techniques

Ninja Smoke - One of the secrets of the Sheikah. You can throw a Deku Nut at your feet, creating a puff of grey smoke and a flash, which you use as cover to disappear. Roll Wisdom+Stealth, you are able to instantly move three yards, plus an additional two yards for each success after the first if there are any. This ability does not allow you to move through walls or across distances you could not travel by foot or climbing, it is a trick and not proper teleportation. Still, it can mean the difference between life and death for a lone ninja. Requires a Deku Nut, on a failure, you are too slow, not only remaining in place but stunning yourself briefly with the blast.
Heavy Slash - This sword technique was developed for duels of honor between Sheikah warriors. You take a lunging step and bring the blade down with both hands to overpower the defender. Roll Strength+Melee+1 if the defender is resisting with Dexterity, or +2 if the defender resists with Stamina. You must use Stamina to defend against attacks during that round.

You know the following Spells

Minor Purify - An ancient spell used by the Sheikah to dispel demon magic, maintain tools, or clean food and water. The target of this spell can be no larger than would fill a common bowl, or held easily in one hand, and must be an inanimate object. Roll Wisdom+Magic, and on a success you remove tarnish or stains from the object, and disease or pollution if it is water or food. If the object is cursed, you must achieve more successes than the Magic level of the one that cursed it, and this may be done with multiple cumulative castings of Minor Purify.

You possess the following Items

Wooden Katana - Handed down to you by your mother, it is the sword you trained with your entire childhood.
Tent & Bedroll - Your father used to use these to camp during long expeditions.
Deku Nut - 5x - You keep some of these in a pouch. They can be thrown at enemies to daze them, or at the ground to use your Ninja Smoke ability.

>Cont'd

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Kakariko Atoll is a remote cluster of islands off of Hyrule's Southern coast, some of them more settled than others. This is the home of the reclusive Shiekah, a clan of ninjas and mystics sworn to protect and guide the Royal Family. According to legend, they sailed to these islands long ago to train in secret and hide their treasures, awaiting the time when they would again be needed to honor their ancient oath and fight for Hyrule against the gathering darkness.....

======================

YYAAAWWN

You wake up, groggily stretching out your arms. The sun is rising over the ocean horizon outside your window, with just a few wispy clouds floating by in the distance. You roll over in your bed to face away from the light and close your eyes again. Just as you feel you may fall back under and steal some more time asleep, you hear a very loud knocking on your bedroom door. You recognize it as the sound of your grandmother's wooden cane.

"ZUZO...! ZUZO WAKE UP DEAR!" She calls out from behind the door. "DON'T YOU KNOW IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY TODAY? YOU NEED AN EARLY START BEFORE YOU GO TO CATACOMB ISLAND!"

Your grandmother, Momoh, moved in to help look after you when your father disappeared ten years ago. Ever since your mother, Impa, left the village to fight in the war a year ago, she has been your sole caretaker.

You get up, sleepy smile on your face. You know she will not let you rest any longer, and so you get dressed in your simple robes, and open the door.

"There you are, Zuzo! Come downstairs, I prepared breakfast. You need to eat, you will need your strength for your pilgrimage to Catacomb Island!"

You nod, and follow her down the stairs. She is half your height, partially from her hunched posture, with bright eyes and an easy demeanor about her. The two of you sit on the floor across from one another at a low, square table. She has boiled eggs, steamed rice, sliced a sweet orange, and grilled a side of pork for you both to share. The smell is incredible, and you feel your body relax as she serves portions into a bowl for you with chopsticks.

"Zuzo, your parents would be so proud of the young man you are becoming. I am so proud of the young man you are becoming." She begins, grinning. "I know you are prepared for what lies ahead. Today you will face the Trial of Illumination. I want to talk to you about what that means." She says.

You nod, straightening your posture to listen attentively.

>Cont'd

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"We Sheikah were chosen long ago to protect the descendents of the Goddess, the royal family of Hyrule. In this duty, secrecy has long been our greatest weapon. That includes the secrets of our past, and the secrets we keep from ourselves." She says, speaking carefully and with intention. "There are many secrets which are kept from the children of our village. The Trial is about uncovering those hidden truths as one becomes an adult. It is also about preserving our history, bringing it out from the shadows and into the light. We learn our past to sustain our future, we bring it back so it isn't forgotten, and we discover what is unknown about ourselves so we can fully know who it is we become." She pauses, and sighs a gentle sigh, smiling a soft smile. Something flashes behind her eyes as she regards you for a quiet moment. "When you are ready, go to Yaro at the boatyard, he will give you your father's canoe. You will go to Catacomb Island and enter the Shadow Temple, and you must find one Sheikah Artifact to return here to the village. You will discover more than relics inside, however, and by learning and keeping the secrets of our past, you will have transitioned into your adulthood."

You nod, smiling confidently. You will not fail.

"Also, your friend Tano came by just before the sun rose to wish you a happy birthday. He wanted to say goodbye to you, he will be leaving soon for the mainland, to fight against theWarlord. You can find him in the watchtower." She adds, nodding. Finally, she reaches into her robes, and then extends her hand out to you, holding a red rupee for you to take. "Last of all, please take this, Zuzo, a small birthday gift from your grandmother. I love you very much, and will be here waiting for your return."

You take the rupee, and release a satisfied exhale, bowing to her slightly from where you're seated. Then you enjoy the wonderful breakfast she prepared for you.

What will you do next?

>Go to the watchtower to see Tano
>Go to the merchant's hut to spend your rupees
>Go to the boatyard to speak with Yaro

>>6331575
>Go to the watchtower to see Tano
Gotta hit up our boi

>>6331575
>>Go to the watchtower to see Tano
inb4 he forms this timeline's yiga clan and we end up having a tearful final duel 10 years from now

>>6331575
> go to the watch tower

>>6331575
>Go to the watchtower to see Tano
Gotta tell him not to end the war too quickly, we still want a piece of the action ourselves!

>>6331586
Heh, I like that

>>6331575

>>6331586 +1
>Go to the watchtower to see Tano

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When you've finished eating, you pack a couple of boiled eggs and a small box of rice into your bag, and wash your bowl. You also take your Wooden Katana off of it's display on the wall of your bedroom, and sheath it at your waist. Finally, you step out of your house and onto the soft sand of Hidden Village Island. There are only dozen or so buildings, mostly one or two bedroom houses of dark, old lumber with grey paper windows. A few are larger, however, like the four story Pagoda of Whispers in the center of the village, where the Elders meet to confer on matters both worldly and spiritual. The inland side of the village features a handful of rice terraces just alongside the treeline, and the farmers have already begun working them for the day while the sun is low and the breeze is warm.

On the beach, a couple of middle aged men are fishing with long bamboo rods, and near them is the wooden pier that extends out into the open water, with short docks extending along the left side, closer to you. There are a few canoes and sailboats still tied down, but most are out at sea, collecting fish or awaiting pearl divers to below the surface to return. Past the pier, on the far end of the beach, is the start of a stone path that ascends up a cliff face just along the water's edge. You make your way directly there.

Gentle waves dash against the ancient steps, spraying bits of cool salt water on the side of your leg as you bound up to the plateau where a tall bamboo watchtower is situated. You waste no time climbing up the ladder, and when you start to emerge at the belvidere, you see Tano is facing out to the ocean in front of you, and positioned in a battle stance. Above his head, between his knuckles, he is holding the Gale Shuriken, the powerful Sheikah Artifact he recovered from the Shadow Temple a little over a year ago when he came of age. You also notice there are lengths of parchment hanging sporadically from the canopy of the watchtower, affixed to strings, with monsters drawn on them in black ink brush strokes.

You don't move, staying on the ladder with only your head having come up above the bamboo platform that serves as a floor here.

"AIYAH!"

With this battle cry, Tano arcs his arm and looses all three of the Gale Shuriken at three of the paper targets. They slice the substitute beasts in half despite being narrower in diameter than the paper - blades of cutting wind carry the projectiles through the air. What's more, this magical wind curves their trajectory, and each individual shuriken diverges in flight path, honing in on separate targets. In only a moment, they've bisected another two pieces of parchment each, and returned to Tano, who catches them from the air with one hand. When he does so, he turns to the side, and notices you at the ladder.

>Cont'd

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Tano is a bit taller than you, and already wearing the armor of a Sheikah warrior. He's just a little over a year older than you, having turned eighteen just two months before the Warlord marched on Hyrule Castle and the surrounding city that thousands call home. The traditional training regimen of a Sheikah assassin is one year, and just a few days prior, Tano completed the final rite. You have long thought that you might do the same, so you could also travel to Hyrule to fight alongside your mother.

"Oh, Zuzo, there you are. I'm glad you came by, I wanted to wish you well on your birthday." Tano says, eyes expressing his gladness at seeing you despite much of his face being masked. "I told your grandmother to let you rest longer, just so you know, at least one last time. When you become a ninja, you have to be awake early every day." He goes on.

You smile, and nod to him. It will take more than that to scare you off the warrior's path.

Tano tucks away his shuriken, and crosses his arms, then shifts his gaze back to the ocean. "I also wanted to say goodbye to you, Zuzo, at least for now. I don't know when I will return here, and I will have to leave before you return from your trial, I'm sorry to say. The boat that is coming to take me is on a very tight schedule, it's very tricky business to get to and from the coast because of the blockade." He says, turning back to look at you.

To this, you quirk a brow, and then tilt your head slightly.

"That's right, you wouldn't have heard. Admiral Onox has established a naval blockade of the Lost Marsh. He's the top naval officer in the Warlord's army. Luckily, don't pay Kakariko Atoll any mind or send any warships because they think we're just peasant farmers with canoes, and no interest in going to the mainland." He explains, and his eyes become a touch smug towards the end. He removes a wood and brass telescope from its leather holster on the small of his back, and holds it out to you. "See, look right out there." The ninja invites you. Tano points out towards the horizon in the direction he was facing earlier.

You put the telescope to your eye and peer through it in the direction he gestures to. Looking through the glass you see the silhouettes of big ironclad battleships in the far distance, arranged neatly in a row. It seems impossible to you that a few Sheikah could ever sneak past undetected. You frown, and hand him back the telescope.

>Cont'd

Tano accepts it from you with a nod. "But that's where I have to go. Beyond the Lost Marsh is a great big lagoon, that's the domain of the Zora, see? There's a garrison of Hylian infantry there, and that's where I have to go in order to receive my first mission..." He trails off at that, and sighs. "You've always been a great friend to me, Zuzo, you're like my brother. I'm going to miss you when I'm out there... So don't skip any of your training, I want you at my back as soon as you're able, alright?"

You stand tall and proud, a confident smirk creeps across your face. You nod once, emphatically.

"Good. In return, I promise not to win the whole war on my own, ok? Wouldn't want you to miss out on the action." He responds, giving you a sarcastic looking sideye. Then he sighs, and laces the fingers of his hands together behind his head, with his elbows out in either direction. He stares out in the direction of the blockade again. "Say, I haven't given you your birthday gift yet, have I?" He says suddenly.

Your friend steps over to his ruck sack, which is leaned against the railing of the watchtower, and kneels down to remove something. When he stands back up and turns around, he is holding out a black mask that comes to a point at the chin, with three points at the top, adorned with the red Eye of Sheikah symbol your people are known by on its face, and lacking any other features at all.

You step over to him and accept it.

You have received... The Sheikah Mask!

This mask can conceal your identity, which is often necessary for Sheikah assassins. The mask also provides some armor protection to your head, and will always remind you of your friend Tano.

When you put the mask away, Tano can't help but sigh again, placing a hand on your shoulder. "You'll need this when you're a ninja like me, Zuzo, and I know it won't be long at all before you are. Thanks for being my friend all these years. Until I see you again, right?" He says.

You nod, and the two of you embrace in a tight hug.

After that, you climb down the ladder to the base of the watchtower. From here you can see Yaro on the end of the pier, and the merchant's hut. You also notice a Rito woman with tawny brown feathers and a messenger's bag near the Pagoda of Whispers. Now that you're through seeing Tano, day has fully broken and you're into the early morning. You have some time for another quick errand or two, you think, before going to Catacomb Island. Still, you pay attention to the sun, as you wouldn't want to be exploring the Shadow Temple alone after dark...

What will you do next?

>Go to the boatyard to speak with Yaro
>Go to the merchant's hut to spend your rupees
>Go to the Pagoda to meet the Rito woman
>Write-in

>>6331730
>Go to the merchant's hut to spend your rupees

>>6331730
>Go to the Pagoda to meet the Rito woman
Can't leave the tutorial zone until we've broken every pot, cut all the grass and having spoken to all the characters.

>>6331730
>Go to the Pagoda to meet the Rito woman
>>6331751 is right, damn it.

>>6331730
>>Go to the merchant's hut to spend your rupees

>>6331730
>Go to the Pagoda to meet the Rito woman
Also lemme just say that I like how you're incorporating the whole 'Doesn't really speak' tradition of the LoZ games, QM. Wasn't too sure of it at first, but it's pretty endearing now that I read it!

>>6331730
>>Go to the Pagoda to meet the Rito woman

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You make your way down the steps, and across the beach towards the Pagoda. You pause only once, when a small, purple crab scuttles across your path, and soon you are within earshot of the Rito woman, treading up the dirt trail that leads to the center of the village. Visitors to the island are very rare, as the Sheikah have been mostly forgotten by their mainland counterparts. You can recall seeing a handful of different Hylians and Zora over the years, and perhaps twice one of the Rito.

"Hoy!"

She waves and greets you as you approach. Closer now, you can tell from the fading at the edge of her feathers that she is in her late middle age. She has a blue Hylian robe on and a leather messenger's bag slung over her shoulder. She smiles when you're finally just in front of her.

"Hey there, I think I know who you are. Do you remember me?" She asks when you come to a stop.

You consider for a moment. She does seem familiar, but you aren't sure why. You shake you head.

She nods understandingly in response. "Well that's ok, when you first met me you were still very young. My name is Medlali, I was a friend of your father's back at Hyrule University. You must be Zuzo, right?"

You answer her question with a confirmatory nod, crossing your arms.

"I thought so, my how you've grown... I almost couldn't tell it was you, at first, but you look so much like him." Medlali says, pausing for a moment to really look at you. "Anyways, I was away from the University on an expedition when the siege began. Since I couldn't go back, I became a courier for the resistance. That's why I came to Kakariko Atoll, actually. I was sent by Impa with several letters. I just delivered the first of them to Captain Kuro over on Ironclad Island, and a couple more to the Elders here at the Pagoda. My last letter is for you, and I was just headed over to leave it with Momoh; your mother said that you may be busy today with your Trial. I'm so glad you hadn't left yet, she'll be so glad to know that I saw you and that you're alright." Her voice is soft and kind, and she reaches into her bag as she explains her business on the island. It doesn't take her long, and she holds out a letter in a plain white envelope bearing a red wax seal embossed with the Eye of Sheikah.

>Cont'd

Excitedly, you accept the letter and waste no time opening it to read. It says:

Zuzo,

Happy birthday, son! I miss you terribly every day, but I wanted this letter to reach you in time so that you know I am thinking of you always. I know you will have great success in your Trial of Illumination, and am looking forward so much to seeing you again and hearing about the Sheikah Artifact you recover. The war has grinded itself to a halt. The trenches and battlements of the siege are impossible for troops to penetrate. My task has been to sneak across from Hyrule Castle to the garrisons and fortresses outside of the siege, spying on the enemy and delivering tactical commands from the Hylian general, in hopes of mounting an attack that can break through. For now, I am resting at an outpost on the Faron Steppe, but soon must return to the Castle with word from our Goron allies about the skirmishes in the East.

Remember always that I love you with all my heart, Zuzo. I would give anything to be able to spend this special day with you, but I must fight for the world that I want you to live in. I pray to the Goddess that we will be able to win before you have completed your training. I know you will make a fine warrior, but no mother wants to see her son bleed, even for a good cause.

Take good care of your grandmother for me, and be diligent in your work and studies. I feel in my heart we will see each other soon, and it gives me strength.

With all the love under the moon and stars,
Impa

You tuck the letter away in your bag, a calm smile on your face. You take a big, deep breath, and let out a long sigh, somewhat at ease to know your mother is well.

Medlali adjusts her bag a little, and shifts her weight. "Say, would you want to write a letter for me to take to your mother? I'd be happy to deliver it for free, just think of it as a little birthday gift from an old friend. Here." She says cheerily, and pulls another letter and envelope from her bag, these ones blank, with a bit of twine to seal it.

Write a letter to your mother, vote on which letter to send. You only have a small piece of paper, so it can't be too long (1500 character limit).

>>6331892
>Mother
>I will make you and Father proud, I just know I will find something extra special during my pilgrimage! Something that no one else has ever found before, for real! Don't laugh, I'll show it to you when we next meet, it will be the most spectacular thing you've ever seen. Honest!
>ᴬnᵈ ʸᵉˢ, ᴵ ʷᶦˡˡ ʰᵉˡᵖ ᵍʳᵃnᵈᵐᵃ ʷᶦᵗʰ ᶜʰᵒʳᵉˢ ᵉᵛᵉʳʸ ᵈᵃʸ, ᴵ ᵖʳᵒᵐᶦˢᵉ.
>Wait for me,
>Zuzo

I'm not the best letter writer by far, but I think this is fine enough for a character we haven't quite fleshed out yet personality wise.

>>6331969
Haha that chore line is cute!!

And, to be honest, I felt this might be an opportunity to let players apply a little more personality to Zuzo and see what sticks. I might do stuff like this sporadically in the story, it will probably be challenging to walk the line between undermining that classic Zelda vibe of a mostly silent, minimally expressive protag... And having our MC feel hollow or boring. Though! I do think the exploration and action of the world are what anchor all of the LoZ stories, yaknow?

>>6331969
+1

yeah funny if we never really speak verbally but then we get all expressive when we write.

>>6331969
+1

>>6331977
>>6331892
I like it.

>>6331977
>I felt this might be an opportunity to let players apply a little more personality to Zuzo and see what sticks, I might do stuff like this sporadically in the story
Fair, but be cautious in leaving things too open ended when you do. In my experience with the board, complete freedom of input tends to leave most anons stunlocked, it might be better to provide some gentle direction instead or you risk grinding the quest to a halt because no one has the courage to post first. Or alternatively you might end up getting only safe, boring ones like mine lol.

>>6331969
also +1ing this

>>6332142
I thought yours was quite nice, anon. It sets us up as ambitious, eager to prove ourselves to both parents, and maybe a little immature still.

>>6332142
>>6332149
I think good advice, but I do agree with the other anon! A good start(:

>>6331969
Going with this! Will file it in my notes and write an update when I can steal a minute.

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You gladly accept the material from her, then crouch down, taking a moment to consider what exactly to say, but not much longer than that. When you've finished writing your letter, you tie the envelope shut and hand it back to Medlali with a grin on your face.

"Wonderful, I'm sure this will mean so much to her. I'll try to get it to her soon, but it may take some time if she's busy out in the field." She says, tucking the letter away into her bag. "Though, with some luck, I don't think she will have to keep fighting that much longer. I made a stop on the edge of the Lost Marsh before I got on the secret ship to sneak past the blockade. When I was there, I saw the Hero of Legend!" She goes on, and when Medlali mentions the Hero she can't help but beam with joy.

Not knowing what she means, however, your eyes widen a little and you cant your head slightly to the side.

She recognizes your confusion and goes on. "Oh, right, you're all so isolated out here, you must not know! For the past month, rumors have spread all over that the Hero of Legend had returned, and would defeat the Demon Warlord, rescue the Princess, and save the kingdom! I wasn't sure I believe them until I saw him in person. He was a Hylian boy, just about your age by the look of him, all clad in green just like the legends said. I was flying overhead and saw him take on two Lynel marauders singlehandedly! He beat them both with nothing but a wooden club." She explains, sounding a bit mystified even at the mere retelling of his martial prowess. "I stopped to meet him, and asked if he was looking for the forgotten shrine where the sword of evil's bane is said to rest until a Hero comes to claim it. There's no telling how many people have disappeared in the Lost Marsh hoping to find it. Turns out he hadn't given it any thought. He was on his way directly to the Warlord's camp, I guess to fight him with that club of his. That was maybe a week ago? He could be at the trenches any day now."

If the stories you've heard are even half true, it's hard to believe anyone could defeat a Lynel with a piece of wood, let alone two. Your brow furrows a bit as you take in this information. Could it be true? Will the war finally be over soon?

When she notices you begin to get lost in thought, Medlali can't help but look a bit sheepish and scratch at the back of her head. "Don't let me be too distracting, dear, suppose I'm just excited to know things may be changing for the better. It's wonderful getting to see you, Zuzo, I'll give your letter, and love, to Impa as soon as I see her. You just focus on your Trial today, ok? Be safe out there!"

>Cont'd

You nod, half smiling, and take a deep breath. Turning around, you glance to where the path leads off to the boatyard, and to where it diverges to wind over towards the merchant's hut. You try to focus on what lies before you, but can't help but be a little spellbound by the idea that the Hero of Legend has finally returned, and is questing to deliver the kingdom from the evil Warlord once and for all.

It's hard to say exactly how you feel. You feel a lot of things, really. Joy, hope, excitement are flickering at the front of your mind. You feel like you'd give anything for your mother to be able to come home. You have a healthy sensation of awe, and wonder, too - the world can be a remarkable place, but there's something almost overwhelming about knowing that a mythic Hero is out there somewhere, fighting evil and rescuing the realm. A small part of you, though, feels almost disappointed. You wince at the realization like it's a paper cut. You practiced your katas diligently, studied the ancient Sheikah arts of stealth and magic, your mother is one of the village's finest warriors - maybe even it's best. Since the day she left you've been thinking of today, the day you would become a man and begin your real training, begin the real path of a Sheikah ninja so you could follow her into battle for your people, and all the other people of the kingdom.

You shake your head as if to expel the thoughts with centrifugal force. You need to focus.

What will you do next?

>Go to the boatyard to speak with Yaro
>Go to the merchant's hut to spend your rupees
>Write-in

Two notes:
- trying to emulate the text in the games with formatting is definitely making me better at using /qst/ text effects, but also it loads the character limit up and so I end up having less text per post and having to tinker more to break them up before I update
- yes, in this timeline, Link is a speed runner who has decided to skip the master sword and take on Ganon directly. I am writing and imagining this as a real World, not a video game, even if I'm emulating elements of the games, but that's essentially a way to look at what's going on with him KEK

>>6332450
>Go to the merchant's hut to spend your rupees
We may find something worth buying for our own legendary quest!

>>6332450
>Go to the merchant's hut to spend your rupees
Might as well. I get the feeling we won't be able to again for a while...

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You decide to take the chance to purchase some supplies, just in case. You already had ten (10) rupees before, and with the gift from your grandmother this morning, you are now up to a full thirty (30)! That should be enough to afford some last minute provisions.

It's a short, easy stroll, and you pass a few stalls selling fruit, or fish, or simple tools of bamboo and stone. Eventually, you approach the single story merchant's hut, which serves as the main general store for your village. Stepping inside, you see shelves and tables laden with multi-colored bottles, clothing, and equipment. Behind the counter on the opposite side of the room stands Shishu, the proprietor. He's a particularly old, weary specimen of Sheikah, and also quite worldly. His boots, overalls, and striped hat are quite unlike anything found around Kakariko Atoll, and you've heard tell that his bandaged hands have counted rupees from the Lost Marsh all the way to the Gerudo Crater, and many places in between.

"Ayoy!"

He greets you as you draw nearer. His long, droopy mustache can't fully conceal his soft smile. "Hey there Zuzo, let me guess, you got yourself some rupees for your birthday and they're burnin' a hole in your pocket, eh?"

"EYHEHEHEE!"

The old man cackles at his own observation. "That's just swell, I say. You haven't set out for Catacomb Island yet, eh? Smart of you to consider making some last minute preparations. Why don't you have a look see at what it is I'm selling today. Just got me a shipment in from the mainland, I got a sweet deal having it brought in on the secret ship they built over on Ironclad Island. My empty crates and barrels get loaded on over at the pier in the middle of the night, I pay them a fee, and when the containers come back, they're loaded with all kinds of great stuff from my old buddies far and wide!"

"EYHEHEHEE!"

Shishu erupts into another bout of cackling at that, seemingly tickled by his arrangement with the secret ship. He gestures to the shelf behind him. "Anyways, have yourself a look see, my boy!"

>Cont'd

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Shishu's Surplus & Supply Shop Inventory

Bag of rice (4 servings) -------------- 5 rupees
Salted side of pork (2 servings) - 5 rupees
Deku Nut ----------------------------------- 5 rupees
Torch ----------------------------------------- 5 rupees
Telescope ------------------------------- 10 rupees
Arrows (bundle of 20) ------------- 10 rupees
Smoke Bomb --------------------------- 10 rupees
Basic Grappling Hook -------------- 20 rupees
Steel Shuko* ---------------------------- 30 rupees
Steel Tanto ------------------------------- 30 rupees
Steel Kanabo --------------------------- 50 rupees
Steel Katana ---------------------------- 80 rupees
Sheikah Ninja Armor ---------------- 80 rupees
Sheikah Samurai Armor --------- 200 rupees

Zuzo's Inventory

Deku Nut (5x) ------------------------ 5 rupees
Rice & Egg Bowl -------------------- 5 rupees
Sheikah Mask ---------------------- 30 rupees
Wooden Katana ------------------- 30 rupees
Tent/Bedroll ------------------------ 60 rupees

*Can be used in combat as a weapon or to apply a +2 bonus to Strength+Athletics rolls made to climb

What would you like to buy?

>[XXXXX]

What would you like to sell?

>[XXXXX]

>>6332522
> Buying:
Torch 5 rupees
Steel Shuko* 30 rupees
Telescope ------------------------------- 10 rupees
Salted side of pork (2 servings) - 5 rupees
>selling
Wooden Katana ------------------- 30 rupees

Leaving us with 10

>>6332522
>Buying
1 Torch and 1 Steel Shuko.

>Selling
1 Deku Nut

Surely our sentimental boy wouldn't sell the wooden katana his mother passed down to him and which hes trained with his whole childhood would he? Plus I kinda like the image of the wooden katana in one hand and steel shuko on the other hand, feels like he could be very mobile rolling around.

Though I wouldnt mind getting the telescope and grappling hook instead of the shuko.

>>6332522
>Buying:
Torch 5 rupees
Salted side of pork 5 Rupees
Basic Grappling Hook 20 rupees

I don't think we really need a telescope at this point.
I'm also unwilling to sell anything at this time.

>>6332648
Eh sure I'll change and support. I do want that grappling hook.

>>6332648
+1

>>6332648
>>6332522
+1, this is fine for now. I'm eyeing up the Ninja Armor for when we actually leave for the mainland but right now we don't need it.

>>6332648
+1

>>6332522

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You make some purchases...

You have received... The Torch!

This torch can be used to light fires and provide some illumination while exploring in the dark.

You have received... The Basic Grappling Hook!

The rope on this grappling hook is sturdy, but only about fifteen (15) yards in length, with a simple, three-pronged steel hook on the end. Perfect for scaling walls and rock faces, this tool grants a +2 on Strength+Athletics rolls made to climb.

You have received... Side of salted pork!

Yum!

You put your new items into your pack, feeling much better equipped for the journey ahead.

"Come back soon, maybe even tomorrow! I should be getting a new shipment in tonight! And good luck with your Trial, eh?" Shishu says as you make your way to the door. Just as you're about to leave, the exit is blocked by a new arrival, your friend Kyokimi.

She is a few months older than you, and like Tano has embraced the warrior's path, wearing a suit of ninja armor. Her face lights up at the sight of you, and you step back so she can enter the shop.

"Oh Zuzo! I didn't expect to see you here, I would've thought you would have already set sail for Catacomb Island. I'm so glad, happy birthday!" She says, leaning in for a quick hug that momentarily paralyzes you. She is, after all, the most beautiful girl you've ever seen.

You stiffen and blush, but manage to recover quickly enough to return the friendly squeeze.

Kyokimi looks you up and down, as if measuring whether turning eighteen has changed you noticeably just yet. "I actually came here to pick up your birthday gift, it was a special order that took some effort from Shishu and I to get our hands on. Why don't you find me at the Tea Tree later, once you're back? I can give it to you then." She says.

Your pointy little ears burn a bit at that, and you nod twice. Knowing you have that to look forward to will get you through whatever is awaiting you in the Shadow Temple.

"Yay! I can't wait. For now, why don't you go on your way? I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise with you being here. See you later, Zuzo!" She says, stepping by you and towards the counter.

You do as she bids and leave the merchant's hut, proceeding down the path.

>Cont'd

Maybe at the Tea Tree you will finally work up the Courage to tell Kyokimi how you feel about her. You've worried for some time about missing your chance. Her older sister, Kyokari left the island to fight in the war not long after the siege began. You know that, like you, Kyokimi is eager to enter the fray if it means being able to reunite with, and protect, her family. She still has half of a year or so before she will be able to claim the title of ninja and enlist, but the past few months have already flown by.

You take a deep breath. Your eyes are on the pier, now, but you can't help glancing over your shoulder...

What will you do now?

>Go looking for spare rupees in the tall grass and maybe some of the pots and urns around the village center, maybe you could gather enough to buy some more supplies
>Use your stealth skills to eavesdrop on Kyokimi and Shishu, you can't resist knowing what the birthday gift is... Plus, they may say something about the Trial of Illumination that will prepare you for the journey ahead
>Proceed to Yaro, it's time to set out and claim a Sheikah artifact of your own
>Write-in

>>6332846
>Proceed to Yaro, it's time to set out and claim a Sheikah artifact of your own
Let's get it done, wouldn't do to make it seems like we're avoiding it.

>Maybe at the Tea Tree you will finally work up the Courage to tell Kyokimi how you feel about her.
Aaaaaaw, cute.
QM do you honestly think I don't see that tragedy flag? I better be wrong or so help me.

>>6332846
>Proceed to Yaro, it's time to set out and claim a Sheikah artifact of your own
What a beautiful budding romance waiting for us at the tea tree

>>6332848

Let me cook!!!

>>6332846
>Proceed to Yaro, it's time to set out and claim a Sheikah artifact of your own

>>6332846
>Proceed to Yaro, it's time to set out and claim a Sheikah artifact of your own
I did say we had to stick around to cut all the grass, but I feel now is the time to get things going proper.

>>6332848
She'll be the first of our friends to die in the war. So it is written.

>>6332846
>Proceed to Yaro, it's time to set out and claim a Sheikah artifact of your own

>>6332878
her or our best buddy, maybe

>>6332850
FIne but I'm watching your licence!

>>6332878
>>6332881
It is as they say, Suffering Builds Character!

>>6332846
>Proceed to Yaro, it's time to set out and claim a Sheikah artifact of your own

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One foot after the other, you proceed down the path, past the fisherman, and to the pier. Adrenaline starts to buzz in your face and hands and your heart catches when you take that first step onto the wood planks. Despite having running across the docks countless times, today that step is the crossing of an invisible threshold.

At the end, you come upon Yaro while he is pulling a crab trap up from the seabed by a dirty old rope. When he heaves it onto the deck, he sighs, and turns, noticing you at last. Yaro is a man late in years, with a bundle of bamboo fashioned into a peg-leg below his left knee, and a pigskin eyepatch dyed white, with a red Eye of Sheikah stitched into its center. He has a stern look as he first appraises you, which then relents to a half smile. His goatee and mustache are thin and long, blowing in the sea breeze, and he's got a small length of driftwood in his hair, keeping it done up as a top knot.

"Young master Zuzo, at last it is your day to visit the old Temple and enter the next chapter of your life. Hmmmm..." He says, greeting you. A pause hangs in the air, and he eventually nods deeply a few times. "Yes, yes, I would say you are quite ready, yes. Come for your father's old canoe, I presume? I have kept it safe since his having disappeared all those years ago, of course, in hopes that he would return for it before the time came to pass it on to you. I'm sorry that did not happen, my friend. But I will hold on to hope that I may see him again."

You tense, and your breathing slows. You've long since accepted that you won't see your father again. It's... Well, Yaro's words are kind, but it's unpleasant for someone else to cling to that hope. Still, he has been a friend to your family for longer than you have known him, and you're glad he is here for you today.

Yaro sighs, and gestures to the little wooden boat. "But of course, on this day, you are the man of your family, and it is time for you to follow in the footsteps of so many before. I remember the day when your father came of age, you know? He was so curious about the secrets of the past, and so inspired by his Trial, he dedicated his life to uncovering the mysteries of the ancient Sheikah." He goes on. At that point, he begins pointing to the islands along the Atoll. "That first one there is Ironclad Island, where our ancestors built warships for the royal navy. The small one, there, is Echo Island. None go there anymore, it is long abandoned, and all that's left is the old Sheikah Stepwell, and the ruins of the Pagoda of Echoes. The one just near it, the large one, you see it? That is where you will go, Catacomb Island, the resting place of our people for generations, and the site of the ancient Shadow Temple, which you must enter to recover a worthy Artifact."

>Cont'd

You nod, keeping your eyes locked on Catacomb Island as he explains the task at hand. Many of the villagers return with shards of ancient pottery, or sometimes weapons forged with inscrutable methods, out of unidentifiable metals from mythic age. The upper catacombs leading into the sunken Shadow Temple are a trove of forgotten trinkets and pieces of lives lived long ago. You've been told it can be frightening, and many cannot bring themselves to delve very far within.

There are some, however, with the rare Courage needed to reach the Shadow Temple itself, and search within. They, too, often recover tokens that are ultimately mundane in nature, though certainly far more storied than their counterparts from just above, an example might be the wooden flute that Kyokimi recovered. A rare and fortunate few, however, discover tools imbued with ancient magic, weapons or implements capable of miraculous feats, which are returned to the Temple in their sunset years, to perhaps be found again by another member of the tribe in the following years.

"When you return, Zuzo, you must go to the Pagoda of Whispers to have your discovery appraised by the Elders, they will help you to learn it's history, and it's meaning for you. Some Artifacts serve as powerful omens for the future of whosoever returns them to our village. They will speak to you also of the other things you may find and learn while within the catacombs, or below, if you are so brave... May the ancestor spirits hide your hand, and guide your steps. May the Goddess protect you."

You bow deeply in respect to the veteran-turned-fisherman, appreciating his guidance. Then, you step into the canoe, a fine old craft passed down to your father by his, a long, thin wooden vessel painted red and white.

The waters are calm now, and the current is particularly favorable - roll Strength+Athletics with a +2 bonus, for 5d6

Rolled 6 + 2 (1d6 + 2)

>>6332978
Heave ho! To adventure!

>>6332985
Roll 5d6, my dear, bonuses are to the die pool, not the total value.

Rolled 1, 2, 4, 4 = 11 (4d6)

>>6332986
I was going to let others roll their own die if they wanted, but if you insist you can have four more.

>>6332987
I am considering my options there. I worry about requiring too many different anons roll - my other quests have fizzled down to about two voters, so if I need multiple dice I end up having to ask them to reroll after some time has passed. This quest seems well liked so far, but I'm bracing for people to lose interest, even though I am trying to put in a lot of effort. For now I think I will stick to single rolls, first come first serve, but if interest persists (fingers crossed!) I will maybe alter that.

>>6332987
I liked your first roll better, lol.

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You have canoed before, but never so far from shore. You aren't the fittest, something you hope to address with your ninja training in the near future. Now, though, you have to work with what you have, and you find yourself tiring out. The sun is hot, and the salt in the air makes you feel thirsty all across your body, so you pull the gourd canteen from your pack for a quick drink of water. Looking around, you see that you're starting to drift a bit towards Echo Island, which you've never heard very much about. Curiosity starts to root in the back of your mind at what you might find there...

You can make a decision here, out on the open sea:

>Paddle the rest of the way to Echo Island to explore (no roll needed)
>Re-attempt sailing to Catacomb Island (roll 4d6)

First to three votes goes, and I'll choose the highest of the three rolls to go to Catacomb Island, as you're already halfway there

Rolled 4, 6, 6, 6 = 22 (4d6)

>>6333013
>Re-attempt sailing to Catacomb Island (roll 4d6)
Give ourselves a few claps on the cheeks to refocus, we have to go spelunking first!

Rolled 2, 3, 5, 6 = 16 (4d6)

>>6333013
>Re-attempt sailing to Catacomb Island (roll 4d6)
Focus

Rolled 5, 5, 2, 4 = 16 (4d6)

>>6333013
>Re-attempt sailing to Catacomb Island (roll 4d6)

>>6333031
Yay (:

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You take another sip of water, and a deep breath after that, and take a tighter hold of your paddle. You know you can do this.

And you're right.

The rest of the way is very smooth sailing, and in no time you are gliding up the shallows, stepping out into the water to pull your boat all the way ashore on the soft white sand. There are a couple of crabs scurrying off across the beach, and all sorts of curious seashells scattered about. Ahead of you is a stone pillar with an Eye of Sheikah engraved on its face, and just next to it is the trailhead that leads into the inner island. The treeline here isn't as dense as that of Hidden Village Island, being a mix of palmetto trees, banana trees, and ferns. You also notice that there are beautiful flowers growing in small bunches in a handful of places, with dark green stems and delicate, lustrous golden petals. They must be Golden Spider Lilies, you've seen pictures, but they bloom so rarely that they've never been brought back to your island for you to see. Legend says they grow where teardrops fall when one cries while mourning a true hero, and you have heard rumours they can serve as potent ingredients in magical potions.

Through the trees, you notice a couple of other pillars, far from each other, and quite tall, they jut above the sparse canopy and would provide a high vantage, but the trail will be very easy to follow to the catacombs without going through the effort.

You begin down the trail, putting a hand on the pommel of your wooden katana. A breeze shakes the fronds overhead, and makes the ferns shiver by your feet. You hike for some time, listening to the buzz of cicadas, and chirping of crickets in the undergrowth, passing a couple more of those tall pillars along the way. Eventually you come to a clearing with several short, stone cylindrical stools, and another pillar on one side.

You sit down to have some water, and notice, curiously, a trail of very narrow footprints in the sand, which seem to start from the woods and cross through this clearing at an angle, back into the wilderness on the other side, and there is a line in the sand along the right side as if a stick or something were dragged alongside. You contemplate them for a moment while you drink, and glance to another bunch of those flowers. You probably have another half hour of hiking before you're at the catacombs, and if something delays you until it's dark, you'll have a much harder time gathering any of them, which you're strongly considering. You can't imagine what would have left the trail, but you also can't tell how recently it was left behind, or how far you'd have to follow the tracks before you found anything.

>Cont'd

You are trying to be mindful of your time, but decide to maybe make some use of this stop along the way. Choose two options from the following:

>Gather some spider lilies, they'll make a perfect bouquet for Kyokimi when you see her later, or alternatively, fetch a very fine price at Shishu's shop for their rarity and beauty.
>Climb to the top of the pillar, your grappling hook should just about reach, and maybe it would be a good idea to get a lay of the land.
>Gather some bananas from the trees nearby, they aren't worth much but it won't hurt to keep some extra food with you.
>Eat some of the food you packed, paddling over here was a bit strenuous. It would be disrespectful to eat inside of the catacombs or temple, and while you were planning to snack just outside the entrance, the notion that you might not be alone has you reconsidering that, and you'd rather be safe than sorry.

Or just select just one of the following options, instead:

>Gather all the flowers you can, enough for three or four bouquets. That way you can give one to Kyokimi and sell the rest for a decent sum, maybe even saving some for your own use later.
>Follow the tracks into the woods. You don't like the idea that someone... Or something... Is here on the island with you, and you want to investigate.
>Don't stop at this clearing, you aren't sure how long you may be exploring as you intend to enter the temple itself, and you know it's unwise to stay over night, every minute saved could make the difference.

>>6333518
>Gather some spider lilies, they'll make a perfect bouquet for Kyokimi when you see her later, or alternatively, fetch a very fine price at Shishu's shop for their rarity and beauty.
>Eat some of the food you packed, paddling over here was a bit strenuous. It would be disrespectful to eat inside of the catacombs or temple, and while you were planning to snack just outside the entrance, the notion that you might not be alone has you reconsidering that, and you'd rather be safe than sorry.
Food so we are ready to explore, flowers so we can lock in the best girl route before her eventual tragic end.

>>6333518
>Gather some spider lilies
>Eat some of the food you packed

>>6333536
>>6333544
Aren't Spider Lillies an insult in flower language?
>>6333518
>Gather some bananas from the trees nearby, they aren't worth much but it won't hurt to keep some extra food with you.
>Eat some of the food you packed, paddling over here was a bit strenuous. It would be disrespectful to eat inside of the catacombs or temple, and while you were planning to snack just outside the entrance, the notion that you might not be alone has you reconsidering that, and you'd rather be safe than sorry.

>>6333518
>>6333536
+1

>>6333545
>Death & Mourning: In Japanese culture, the red spider lily is often linked to death and the remembrance of loved ones who have passed. Separation: The flower also symbolizes the separation between life and death, or the moment of transition, as it blooms just as summer fades into fall.
>Some legends have it thatif you see someone whom you may never meet again, these flowers will bloom along the paths you take
QM absolutely phoning it in over several phones right now, possibly even an entire switchboard, but no it's not insulting. I think it's cute to pick flowers for someone you love so I will vote for it.

>>6333545
>>6333563
Anons.... This is Hyrule, the cultural legacy of Japanese spider lilies (which are red, and exist in reality) has no bearing on the history or connotations of golden spider lilies (which have petals like gold leaf, magical powers, and don't exist). It's a rare, pretty flower that is coveted in Sheikah culture. Relax. I am aware, in real life, of the associations between spider lilies and death, and wanted something Japanese flavored and themey for the burial ground island. Was thinking about a hydrangea situation too... But I'm not referencing Victorian flower code or applying real world baggage, and I am at least trying not to phone anything in here.

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>>6333563

>>6333567
Oh, I didn't realize they were magic golden lilies. I just read 'spider lilies' and remembered 'wait a sec isn't that one of the flowers you send to someone to insult them'?

>>6333570
...Anon, the QM bolded the name "Golden Spider Lilies" and then immediately described them as rare, magical, and legendary.

>>6333570
It's ok, I genuinely appreciate anyone with a streak of floral autism, I used to dabble in doing flower arrangements actually - a surprisingly stimulating and relaxing hobby.

>>6333573
Unfortunately, anons on this board are one and all retarded until they are not. Me included.

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Before anything else, you decide to take the opportunity to nourish yourself. You'd already planned on doing so before entering the catacombs, but hadn't expected the trip over to be quite so arduous towards the beginning, and this seems a perfect spot to have a lunch.

You sit quietly, enjoying some of the salted pork your purchased earlier, and listen to the wind in the trees and the not too distant sound of waves caressing the shore. A pair of dragonflies dance around each other across the clearing a couple of times, and you feel a great peace come over you. You have a sense that you have been here before, and also that you will be here again.

When you've finished eating, you gather your things and take some additional time to collect some of the Golden Spider Lilies growing along the edge of the clearing. They look so delicate to you, but their stems are sturdy and their petals are firm, they aren't too fragile to bunch together or even place in your pack. You work carefully, if not quickly, and eventually have an excellent bouquet in hand. You suspect it could sell for at least fifty rupees, maybe even a hundred. You also suspect that it would make an unforgettable gift to Kyokimi; they weren't in bloom when she underwent her own Trial, and may not be again for many years. For now, you put these ideas out of your mind, however, as you have rested long enough, noticing the sun beginning to approach noon in the sky.

Continuing down the trail, you eventually begin to see more weathered stones on either side of the path, some broken or crumbling, all of them overgrown with moss and lichen. They are great big blocks for building, twice your height and the same in width, and some even have worn engravings along their surface, images of monsters, heroes, and the frequently present Eye of Sheikah.

You see also, another set of tracks, which meander from the forest and onto the trail, and then back off of it. These ones are different than the others, however, even smaller and closer together, appearing to you to belong to some manner of quadrupedal animal. Perhaps a deer? Hopefully not a lone Wolfos or other predator...

While the thought causes you some concern, it doesn't deter you at all. It is your duty to complete this pilgrimage, and you will defend yourself in so doing if you must. You proceed down the path, noting that now small patches of worn, mossy cobblestone are appearing underfoot every so often along the way.

>Cont'd

After rounding a long, wide bend, and then moving down a decline for some time, the trail opens up to a wider clearing, and there is a great stone mound across from you as you step into it. In the face of this ancient, weathered rock, an opening has been carved, flanked on either side by massive pillars akin to those you passed through the woods. these two are much broader, and taller, perhaps as high as thirty yards, holding aloft the boulders above and creating a vast, yawning entrance into the Sheikah Catacombs. You see wife, flat stone steps leading downward into the darkness beyond. A chill creeps down your spine at the sight of it, but so too does an ember of an excitement...

Your grip returns to your katana, and tightens. You reach back with your offhand to withdraw your torch, dragging it across an exposed stone block to ignite it like a great big match. You steel yourself, and begin your descent into the dark.

The stone steps wind back and forth for many dozens of yards, serpentining around exposed rock faces that are mostly unadorned. It isn't long before you lose the light of day behind you, and are surrounded by an impenetrable darkness on either side of you, though the torch provides excellent visibility in a radius of just under ten yards. It is quiet down here, with only the flickering of the flame and your cautious footsteps producing any sound at all.

Before you begin to wonder if the steps will ever end, but after you've begun to be awed by their scale, you see warm, orange light spilling up the steps from below, and an archway leading to another chamber. Crossing the threshold, you see there is a small, stone bowl on a short pedestal with a small fire inside, barely greater than a candle, not enough to illuminate the whole chamber, which seems to spread out wide on either side and beyond. Your torchlight has a larger circumference, and as you step towards the bowl, it engulfs the radius of the smaller flame. It also reveals, just along its edge, other, similar stone bowls on similar pedestals, which are unlit. You step over to one, and thrust your torch into it, causing it to ignite.

FWUSH-FWUSH-FWUSH-FWUSH-FWUSH

>Cont'd

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You're startled by the sound, and your head snaps around to see that five more of these braziers ignite automatically in response to your lighting this one, producing enough illumination to see the fullness of the room. For a moment, you're frightened to see that the walls on the left and right sides are covered floor to ceiling with human skulls, all arranged in neat, even rows, separated every so often by a stone column. The ceiling is perhaps ten feet high, and the room is two dozen yards wide, perhaps twice as long. There are three archways leading into other, darker chambers, each on a different wall.

You barely have time to absorb the layout or it's macabre decoration before you hear the flapping of wings and high-pitched screeching from overhead and to the left. Swinging your torch aloft you see that three Keese have been disturbed by your arrival, tiny fanged mammals with leathery wings and short talons. Their beady red eyes are fixed upon you, and they swoop forward aggressively. You draw your katana, prepared to defend yourself!

Choose one of the following:

>Melee attack (katana) [Strength+Melee]
>Ranged attack (Deku Nut) [Dexterity+Ranged]
>Technique: Heavy Slash (katana) [Strength+Melee]
>Technique: Ninja Smoke [Wisdom+Stealth]
>Total Block [Strength+Stamina]
>Total Dodge [Dexterity+Dexterity]
>Attempt to flee [Dexterity]

>>6333596
>Melee attack (katana) [Strength+Melee]
Hesitation is defeat, and Heavy Slash isn't useful here; they'll probably die in one hit anyways.

>>6333596
>Melee attack (katana) [Strength+Melee]

>>6333596
>>Melee attack (katana) [Strength+Melee]
Cute bats

>>6333596
>Total Dodge [Dexterity+Dexterity]
Let them tucker themselves out and see we mean no harm. They are protectors of this holy place, kind of.

Rolled 3 (1d6)

>>6333598
>>6333610
>>6333614
>>6333618

Roll 4d6 (Strength+Melee)

Rolled 4, 3, 5, 5 = 17 (4d6)

>>6333621

>>6333621
Wrong hat, forgive my infidelity

Rolled 1 (1d6)

>>6333622

Two successes!

Against certain, weaker enemies, individual successes are enough to triumph

You side-step one of the beasts as it arcs downwards through the stagnant air of the catacombs, then move your other foot backwards, twisting your torso and swinging with your wooden katana for the other two Keese coming close behind.

"KIYAAH!"

The blow connects with them both, making an audible THWACK when it lands, batting them both out of the air, and to the ground.

The remaining Keese circles around, casting shadows with its wings that flicker across the skulls that watch this first duel like a captive audience. It dives again!

Roll 4d6

Rolled 4, 5, 4, 2 = 15 (4d6)

>>6333627
Dice!

>>6333628

The creature shrieks and flaps, meaning to scratch or bite you, but you take a deliberate step forward and swing your katana upwards at an angle.

"KIYUH!

Again, you land your hit, bringing the dull 'blade' of your training sword up under its fragile jaw, and knocking the Keese out of the air, away from you.

You take a deep breath, looking around the grim chamber for signs of other danger, but it is quiet once more, but for the faint crackling of the braziers.

Your eyes drift between the three archways leading further into the catacombs.

Which way will you go?

>Right
>Left
>Forward

>>6333631
>>Right
It is the 'right' path, after all!

Rolled 1 (1d3)

>>6333631
1 = right
2 = left
3 = forward

>>6333631
>Right

>>6333631
>Right

Also splitting up your writing into smaller sections and using >Cont seems to be a good choice to get around character limits. I appreciate the effort you're putting in with your formatting.

File: katsuya.jpg (103 KB, 500x734)

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You keep your sword drawn for now, opting to stay ready should any other hostile wildlife see fit to accost you. The air is still, however, and you decide to continue to explore, moving towards the rightmost exit. When you enter, you notice a sconce with a paper lantern just to the right of the door, and set it alight with your torch.

FWUSH-FWUSH-FWUSH-FWUSH-FWUSH-FWUSH-FWUSH

You are less surprised than before, when once again this triggers other flames to burst alive in succession, this time igniting seven more lanterns spaced evenly throughout the large, rectangular room. It is ten yards wide, and three times that in length, with a single doorway on the far end.

The left and right walls here are lined with the sorts of bones you imagine make up legs, arms, and ribs, probably from the same people that provided all of the skulls in the prior chamber. They are arranged horizontally, stacked alongside one another, giving the appearance almost of a tapestry if you squint. There are square panels in the middle of each section of the wall, six in total, which are inscribed with a Hylian script that isn't too old or stylized to be illegible, but certainly apart from the text you were taught growing up. And near the door on the far end of the room is a black wooden chest, just to the left. You also notice some broken pottery scattered along the edges of the room, and a rusty, pitted metal shield with a large crack in it, leaned against the left wall, farther to the back.

You take some time to read the panels, which need to be put all together to form a single message. It's cryptic, like poetry almost, but you surmise that these are the bones of warriors that died in battle for the kingdom. You wonder for a moment how many of them knew one another, in life.

What do you do next?

>Claim the shield, it is an acceptable relic, and all the sooner you will return to the village, Kyokimi, and the Elders
>Ignore the shield, check the chest for anything of interest
>Delve deeper, into the room beyond
>Return to the previous chamber

>>6333691
>>Delve deeper, into the room beyond
We said we'd recover something no one ever has and by jove I will not settle for this shield! Deeper, until we reach something truly unique.

Couple notes
- Give me active feedback on the dungeon delving. I want it to feel reminiscent of the games, and I do have ideas for puzzles, even, as we go and am not totally sure how I'll implement that mechanically just yet, but a bridge to cross later
- The mechanics generally are an abridged version of a ruleset that /tg/ developed, which I once used to run a tabletop game IRL. If it gets to feeling too clunky or not fun I may re-orient to 1d100 or open the floor for some input. Regardless of how that ends up looking if it DOES change, I want you anons to please trust that I have a robust story developed that I really believe will entertain fans of the series.

>>6333694
+1 to the rationale, but also, there's no reason not to...

>>6333691
>Ignore the shield, check the chest for anything of interest

>>6333696
>dungeon delving
Fun so far, with a very classic feel in part due to the art and in part due to your evocative, game-reminiscent writing/narration choices (silent protag, diligent formatting).

>mechanics
So far, so good!

>>6333691
>Delve deeper, into the room beyond

>>6333691
>Ignore the shield, check the chest for anything of interest

>>6333691
>>Delve deeper, into the room beyond

>>6333691
>Ignore the shield, check the chest for anything of interest
But maybe open it with out sword if possible, just in case. Could be trapped for all we know

>>6333691
>Delve Deeper

Good thing we're not dwarves!

File: Deimos Remus on deviantart.jpg (96 KB, 736x980)

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Having read all of the panels, you move to the far end of the room at an even pace, remaining wary. You glance to the chest, but don't disturb it for now. Instead, you cross over the threshold and step into the next cham-

"HHEHSSSSSSS!"

KLANG

A blade arcs down at you just as you enter, but you somersault forward and out of the way, then twist around and extend your torch forward to see, sword raised at your side.

"HHHEHSSSSSHHH!"

At the edge of the light stands a lurching, skeletal figure, armed only with a dented, rusty old straight sword, humanoid in shape and taller than you by a foot. This can only be a Stalfos, a malignant spirit of death that manifests when evil magic permeates a burial ground, or where the dead are disturbed by the unwelcome. You've never seen one, or even heard of one being seen in the catacombs here. Something is amiss for such a monster to have appeared here, for you know your presence is permitted in this place. The dry hiss it makes as it regards you causes the hairs on the back of your neck to rise.

Choose one of the following:

>Melee attack (katana) [Strength+Melee]
>Ranged attack (Deku Nut) [Dexterity+Ranged]
>Technique: Heavy Slash (katana) [Strength+Melee]
>Technique: Ninja Smoke [Wisdom+Stealth]
>Total Block [Strength+Stamina]
>Total Dodge [Dexterity+Dexterity]
>Attempt to flee [Dexterity]

>>6333870
>Ranged attack (Deku Nut) [Dexterity+Ranged]

>>6333870
>Ranged attack (Deku Nut) [Dexterity+Ranged]
We've got a bone to pick with him

>>6333870
Actually are we too close for the deku nut to be a good idea? I know we rolled away but idk how far

>>6333870
>Technique: Ninja Smoke [Wisdom+Stealth]
Wisdom+Stealth is 2+3 total dice compared to Dexterity+Ranged which is 2+1, we should leverage our strengths here. After we've gone stealth we can then hopefully hit the skeleton boy with a Heavy Slash ambush and deal massive damage.

>>6333898
You are not too close, the 'blast' is rather small, after all, so you're able to step back and use one as a projectile.

>>6333870
>Technique: Ninja Smoke [Wisdom+Stealth]
Seems reasonable that its better with more dice

>>6333870
Supporting >>6333899, if it goes well we can destroy the thing with one blow.

>>6333899
>>6333932
>>6333936

Roll 5d6

>>6333937
(^:

Rolled 2, 3, 6, 2, 4 = 17 (5d6)

>>6333937
Rollan

Rolled 4, 2, 5, 6, 2 = 19 (5d6)

>>6333937

File: 262c1399-c807-4921-a9de-0(...).jpg (74 KB, 484x1013)

74 KB JPG

Rolled 5, 6 = 11 (2d6)

The popularity of My Hero Academia has irreversibly impacted search results for the term 'Deku Nut'

>>6333945

You sheath your katana in a quick motion, using the same hand to withdraw a single Deku Nut from the pouch at your side.

"HYUH!"

You throw it at your feet hard, producing a flash of yellow sparks and a larger than usual plume of thick grey-white smoke.

CLAGGG

After the small blast, the sound of your torch hitting the floor and rattling a bit echoes through the dark cavern. You've disappeared from where you were standing, and moved deftly, near instantly, just a yard behind the Stalfos, unseen and shrouded in the darkness on the edge of the torchlight. Both hands grip your Katana and hold it overhead.

You expend one Deku Nut, leaving you with four (4) in your pouch.

Roll Strength+Melee+2 using Heavy Slash, for a total of 6d6

Rolled 2, 4, 1, 3, 4, 4 = 18 (6d6)

>>6333966

>>6333966
>'Deku Nut'
Kek, add Zelda and turn on safe search.

"KIYUH-HAAH!"

You swing down with full force, stepping into the strike and making to strike directly on the monster's exposed shoulder.

THONK

Your katana connects instead with the dull blade of the skeleton's sword, which it raised up and behind its back to block at the very last moment. Your blow is deflected handily, and the rebounding of your sword makes you take a step back.

"HHESSSS!"

The Stalfos twists around, arcing it's sword into an upward slash aimed at your mid-secton.

Because you used the Heavy Slash, you must rely on your Stamina to defend, having failed your attack roll. Because your Stamina score is lower than the number of successes the Stalfos made to parry, you will be unable to exceed that number and block, as such, you take one half Heart of damage, leaving you with two and a half (2 1/2) remaining.

The blade is, thankfully, too worn and rusted to cut your flesh or even tear your robes, but the power behind the strike still winds you. Your floating ribs on the left side are bruised, and you stagger back further into the darkness.


Choose one of the following:

>Melee attack (katana) [Strength+Melee]
>Ranged attack (Deku Nut) [Dexterity+Ranged]
>Technique: Heavy Slash (katana) [Strength+Melee]
>Technique: Ninja Smoke [Wisdom+Stealth]
>Total Block [Strength+Stamina]
>Total Dodge [Dexterity+Dexterity]
>Attempt to flee [Dexterity]

Ah crap, I was too distracted by other stuff and missed the attack roll.
>>6333974
>Melee attack

>>6333966
>'Deku Nut'
Lmfao. thanks for the laugh QM

>>6333974
Did the ninja stealth actually change the skeleton's ability to defend against our heavy slash? Though we failed to get any successes on it anyway

>>6333974
>>Melee attack (katana) [Strength+Melee]

>>6333974
>Melee attack (katana) [Strength+Melee]
I suppose we have no other effective way to attack other than hitting it really hard and hoping we don't just get fucked by the dice. Bonus though, we could purify the sword if it sticks around after we've defeated the Stalfos so we have a better weapon than just a stick going forward.

>>6333979
Yes, surprising it forced it to rely on Stamina instead of Dexterity (not a huge get here, it would have anyways, but more nimble enemies would be more badly affected), and penalized it's defense. There are Techniques that can be learned to passively improve the quality of your surprise attacks, and until learned, Zuzo only gets the basic benefits.

>>6333978
>>6333980
>>6333988

Roll Strength+Melee for 4d6

Rolled 3, 5, 5, 3 = 16 (4d6)

>>6333992
Well then, time to lose once more.

Rolled 2, 5, 4, 3 = 14 (4d6)

>>6333992

File: deku nuts.jpg (24 KB, 500x387)

24 KB JPG

Rolled 1, 2, 4 = 7 (3d6)

You exhale through your nose, and tighten your grip on the wooden sword, determined to eradicate this evil from your ancestor's burial ground.

"HAH HAH KIYAH!

You charge forward and swing laterally at the monster. It blocks, but takes a step back. You swing again, backhanded, and it narrowly redirects the path of your sword with its own. You then lean in to another downward strike, hoping to land the blow right between it's empty eye sockets...

>>6334000

THOCK

The wooden blade cracks right through the creature's dry skull, expelling puffs of brown dust. The Stalfos crumbles under the strike, just a pile of loose bones rattling on the floor. Within a few moments, these darken into shadow, then dissolve into thick curls of dark violet smoke which dissipates quickly into nothing, leaving no trace at all of the spirit's presence, except for a little blue gem that is expelled by the dissolution, bouncing three times on the stone floor before it settles.

Tink-tink--t-tink

A Blue Rupee! This is worth five (5) normal rupees.

You let out a relieved exhale, and step over to your torch, picking it back up. You noticed a sconce by the door, and decide to illuminate this room before you proceed.

FWUSH-FWUSH-FWUSH-FWUSH

Four large, red paper lanterns hang from chains on the ceiling, with white Eyes of Sheikah on their four sides. These give the chamber an eerie crimson glow.

The walls are perfectly round and forty yards apart at their farthest, and there is no door or archway leading out aside from where you entered. There are four columns helping to hold up the ceiling, which is about twenty feet high and covered in Sheikah names engraved long ago. The columns are composed entirely of human skulls. There is another black chest here, in the very center of the room.

What do you do?

>Investigate the chest
>Exit to the previous room, and check the chest there
>Exit to the first room where you entered

>>6334006
>Investigate the chest

>>6334006
>Investigate the chest
Well why not, time to engage in the inner loot goblin.

>>6334006
>Investigate the chest

>>6334006
>Investigate the chest
Big loot moment.

>>6334006
>Investigate the chest

File: signal-2025-11-17-16-50-12-252.png (135 KB, 820x587)

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>>6334008

You reach into the chest... And find an object...

You have received... The Catacomb Map!

This old piece of parchment shows the layout of the Sheikah Catacombs, the location of several treasure chests, and the entrance to the Shadow Temple.

You handle the map carefully, noticing that from where you entered, the left arch will lead into the main burial area, and the far arch leads to a spiral staircase that extends deeper underground, to the entrance of the ancient Shadow Temple below. You contemplate for a moment whether you should enter the burial chamber to search the chests within, at the risk of encountering more enemies, or simply proceeding to the Temple now, to continue your search for a worthy Artifact...

Which way will you go?

>To the burial chambers on the far side of the catacombs, checking the chest in the next room along the way
>To the Shadow Temple below, checking the chest in the next room along the way

Fuck, I totally blue it

>>6334033
>To the burial chambers on the far side of the catacombs, checking the chest in the next room along the way
As long as we're sneaky this will go without a hitch.

Also forgive my lack of ambition with the first map - I am learning the basics of dungeonscrawl, and also didn't want the catacombs to be too vast since I know most of you are interested in digging deeper for something more impressive in the temple proper.

File: blue.gif (389 KB, 500x276)

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>>6334033
>To the Shadow Temple below, checking the chest in the next room along the way

Actually nevermind... more loot
>>6334033
Change>>6334039
to
>>6334037
+1ing this

>>6334037
>>6334042
Will note that it is hard to sneak while carrying a torch; a problem in an environment that isn't already at least partially illuminated. Perhaps you could acquire some kind of Item, or even learn Magic that would allow you to perceive your surroundings in the dark...

A decent ways off, but if it's a consolation, the shadow temple has dim illumination, while the catacombs are typically just dark

>>6334033
>To the burial chambers on the far side of the catacombs, checking the chest in the next room along the way
Hmmmm. I say we see about getting at least one of the chests in the main burial area.
Besides, it's good to check if there's more of those Stalfos' about or if that one was just a freak occurence. I'm sure the Elders will appreciate us reporting to them,
which we will totally be able to do without any issues. :)

>>6334034
>Fuck, I totally blue it
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BinWA0EenDY

File: 4b193bcf-e8c3-4486-9f58-f(...).jpg (32 KB, 736x716)

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You leave this chamber, returning to the one you entered from. There is a disquieting chill in the air, still, after having defeated the Stalfos. Normally your pride at having triumphed over a monster would have you practically skipping, but you remain tense... You just know something is wrong....

Before continuing, you stop to check the chest... You find an object...

You have received... A Red Rupee!

This rupee is worth twenty (20) normal rupees.

You rise to your feet, putting the rupee into your wallet, and turn your attention back to the main chamber. According to the map you recovered, there should be three more treasure chests in the main burial chamber off on the left side. You don't suspect you will find the kind of rare Sheikah Artifact you are determined to claim, but according to tradition you are welcome to what you find here, as your possessions will eventually rest here after you pass away. You sigh, hoping that that doesn't happen any time soon, and touch the part of your torso that the Stalfos struck, considering yourself very lucky it wasn't armed with a proper weapon.

You walk back into the main room, glancing around.

"HUH?"

You can't contain yourself from letting out a surprised gasp when you see it - towards the far end of the room, leading to the Shadow Temple, you notice what is unmistakably a disembodied hand, dull grey in color and emerging by the wrist directly from the floor, fading into shadow where it meets the ground. It glides like a shadow across the stone tiles, off towards the spiral staircase and out of sight. You think your dad may have described something like that once, while talking about ancient ruins protected by magicians, what was it he called them? Floormasters? You don't remember much else, and the presence of such a creature here is peculiar indeed.

>Cont'd

Nonetheless, you continue into the left room, and light the sconce next to the arch when you do.

FWUSH-FWUSH-FWUSH-FWUSH-FWUSH-FWUSH-FWUSH

This room mirrors the second you entered in dimensions and decoration, with the same kinds of bones stacked in the same way. There is no chest here, however, and the six panels are also different. You take a moment to read them. The text is similarly cryptic, but alarmingly, it suggests that this room is for the bones of Sheikah warriors that fell in battle serving an entity that isn't precisely identified, but your understanding of the symbols is that they refer to something called the Shadow Demon. Your brow furrows, and you recoil a step. Why would they be interred here in a place of honor, separate from the main burial chambers just beyond. These bones seem older, too, than those belonging to warriors that perished for the royal family. You don't understand what this means...

You shake your head, but hold the torch aloft, and steady your resolve. You will have to ask the Elders of this, but you refuse to leave until you have claimed a suitable Artifact.

You enter the final room, which according to your map is the largest and oldest by far, where the Sheikah still inter their dead to this very day. As you cross the threshold, you hear a dry, guttural snarl from the cavernous dark beyond what your torch can reveal...

What will you do?

>Illuminate the room
>Proceed with only your torch, and sword raised
>Leave the room, returning to the main one
>Write-in

>>6334089
>Illuminate the room
I think this is the better play, using just the torch will give our position away while limiting how far we can effectively see.

>>6334089
>Illuminate the room

>>6334089
>>Illuminate the room
Something is not right in this tomb, flush whatever is in here out with light.

File: 1a169e35-a5e3-4550-816e-9(...).jpg (120 KB, 736x528)

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You decide to ignite the sconce by the entrance in order to get a better look at this place.

FWUSH-FWUSH-FWUSH-FWUSH-FWUSH

Five large paper lanterns come alive, hanging from the ceiling evenly, with the biggest in the center. These are also red, like the circular room where you fought the Stalfos, bathing everything in a dim, red light. This first area is the largest part of the catacombs by far, a square chamber that is fifty yards by fifty, with a ceiling that is perhaps a dozen yards high. To the left and right there are great big arches, ten yards wide, leading to burial dens beyond, and on the wall opposite you there are two more of these archways, evenly spaced to the left and right.

The remaining, vast sections of wall do sport some human skulls, but just in single columns that are cut into the stone every so often. The vast majority of this space is taken up by stone reliefs depicting ninjas, monsters, gods, and demons, or long passages of text in that old Hylian script. It isn't very well lit in here because of the lantern's hue, but if you get closer you'll be able to make out what they say.

Off towards the right-hand side you see another chest nestled along the wall. You hear that dry growl again coming from the farthest burial chamber with the two entrances, which seems, like the others, to be similarly illuminated to where you are now.

How will you proceed?

>Sneak along the edges of the room, into and around the burial chambers, and attempt to get a look at whatever is in here with you - or possibly ambush it
>Take the time to read some of the panels now, you're still reeling from the previous room's revelation and need to understand what this means
>Check the treasure chest in this area right away, before that creature spots you or is able to take the contents for itself
>Write-in

>>6334112
>Sneak along the edges of the room, into and around the burial chambers, and attempt to get a look at whatever is in here with you - or possibly ambush it

>>6334112
>>Sneak along the edges of the room, into and around the burial chambers, and attempt to get a look at whatever is in here
Time to put that stealth skill to use.

>>6334068
My suspicion is that the Stalfos have formed in response to whoever or whatever left those tracks on the island. We're welcome here, but they're not.

>>6334112
>Sneak along the edges of the room, into and around the burial chambers, and attempt to get a look at whatever is in here with you - or possibly ambush it

>>6334129
>>6334136
>>6334147

Roll Dexterity+Stealth for 5d6

Rolled 3 (1d6)

>>6334150
Oop

Rolled 1, 6, 1, 6, 2 = 16 (5d6)

>>6334150
Dice!

File: Jabalí necrotico.jpg (59 KB, 735x523)

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With this final area illuminated, however dimly, you decide it is safe to but your torch away for now. You plunge it into a small pile of sand on the ground next to the wall, and step on it twice to help kill the flame, then tuck it into the side of your pack for quick access. You take a deep breath, and drop to a crouch. Before you can learn any more of your history, or comb the chests in this room, you have to know what else is lurking in this, the most sacred of the catacomb's chambers.

Your steps are practically undetectable, and you make sure to control your breathing carefully, just as your mother taught you. You hold your katana with both hands, keeping it pointed ahead of you.

Entering the right side burial den, you see that the ceiling goes even higher, and there are ladders with scaffolding to access different levels along the wall, which again features some human bones, but is largely just a tremendous grid of vertically arranged burial plots. The Sheikah tradition dictates that the bones of those slain in battle are separated and used to festoon the chambers as you have seen throughout, supposedly so they cannot be reanimated by ill-intentioned wizards and made to use their battle prowess for wicked ends. All others, however, are mummified according to the old rites, placed in bamboo caskets, and slid into slots along these very walls.

You continue on, to the farther burial den opposite where you entered. A ways off you see the source of the sound... A low, quadrupedal animal of some sort. It's steps sound hollow and hard, and you hear claws tacking against the stone. You skulk closer still, unseen by the crude beast, and are able to identify it. The skeletal, canid creature must be a Stalhound, another spirit of the restless dead, resembling a misshapen dog stripped of all flesh, almost larger than you are.

Choose one of the following:

>Melee attack (katana) [Strength+Melee]
>Ranged attack (Deku Nut) [Dexterity+Ranged]
>Technique: Heavy Slash (katana) [Strength+Melee]
>Sneak away [N/A]

>>6334160
>>Technique: Heavy Slash (katana) [Strength+Melee]
We got the drop on it before combat began, surely this time it will work.

>>6334160
>>Technique: Heavy Slash (katana) [Strength+Melee]

>>6334160
>Technique: Heavy Slash (katana) [Strength+Melee]
One shot, EZ mode.

>>6334160
>Technique: Heavy Slash (katana) [Strength+Melee]

Rolled 1 (1d6)

>>6334166
>>6334168
>>6334171
>>6334172

Roll Strength+Melee+2 for 6d6

Rolled 5, 1, 1, 3, 5, 4 = 19 (6d6)

>>6334175

Rolled 6, 2, 6, 5, 5, 5 = 29 (6d6)

>>6334175

>>6334180
God DAMN.

Rolled 6, 4, 3, 6, 2, 1 = 22 (6d6)

>>6334175

File: IlberdSmile.png (240 KB, 396x438)

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>>6334180
Oh yeah. That's the stuff.

File: the leyend of Zelda ocari(...).jpg (92 KB, 736x836)

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You take two careful, deliberate steps forward, standing up to your full height and raising the katana overhead with a white knuckle grip.

"KIYUH-HAAH!"

No sooner than the battle cry escapes your lips, the wooden sword is crashing down on the monster's spine, it doesn't even have the chance to turn it's head before-

THWACK

You shatter it's backbone and send ribs skittering across the stone floor in either direction. In short order, the broken pieces of the Stalhound fade and sublimate into a dark violet smoke. A small, red, heart-shaped jewel erupts from the noxious gas, just as the rupee did in the other room, bouncing on the floor a couple of times before landing at your feet.

Tink-t-tink

You pick it up, and it melts into nothing inside of your palm, magically restoring some of your vitality.

You received a small piece of heart, restoring one quarter of a Heart, and bringing you up to two and three quarters (2 3/4)

With that, there's no sign that the monster had ever even been there, and yet your trepidation about what may be amiss in the catacombs is more present than ever... You take a breath, and sheath your katana for the moment. Before you take the time to fully analyze your surroundings, you decide to check the three chests in the room.

You rummage through the chests... You find objects...

You have received... A Red Rupee!

This rupee is worth twenty (20) normal rupees

You have received... A Glass Jar!

This jar can be used to store all sorts of things, like liquids, bugs, or maybe even a fairy...

You have received... A Deku Nut!

These nut pods produce a small bang and flash when they strike a surface hard, and make excellent projectiles.

>Cont'd

File: Poisson rêve glyphe mural.jpg (153 KB, 735x617)

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After tucking away the spoils, you rise to your feet and return to the largest part of this massive burial chamber. There are more pottery shards here, cloth scraps, and a broken sandal crafted from wood. You become enraptured looking all around at the disparate images embossed in ageless stone. You re-ignite your torch and approach the first relief, beginning to read. While the walls must contain centuries of history, maybe thousands of years, the most significant legend begins to piece itself together...

Long, long ago, in an ancient age, darkness swept the land... demons campaigned endless wars to claim the Triforce from its resting place in the Sacred Realm. The Goddess of Light, Hylia, had been tasked with guarding this Golden Power by the three Golden Goddesses that created the realms of men and spirits. Hylia conceived of an idea to hide the Triforce in the mortal world by taking on a human form among her chosen people. In doing so, the Triforce was broken into its three components, one remaining with Hylia's descendents, another with a Legendary Hero, while the last was stolen by a Demon King. Possessing the power of Wisdom, her descendents knew that the Demon King would forever seek to seize the rest of the Triforce for himself: their family line would need guardians, and when the Hero of Legend would arise to stem the tide of destruction, he would need guidance. For these purposes, they established a clan of loyal bannermen, and their chief Elder was the first to be made one of the Six Sages. These bannermen were the very first of the Sheikah Tribe. For many ages the Sheikah served nobly and reliably as the royal family's most capable protectors...

Eventually, however, the ferocity and loyalty of the Sheikah extended to new depths entirely... they became blinded by devotion, paranoia, and cruelty... They began to torture enemies of the kingdom both real and imagined. They began to relish in violence. They were ruled by fear. Reasoning that protecting the dynasty of Hylia was worth any cost, some of their Elders began trafficking with sorcerers in order to learn arcane secrets, and methods for better detecting - or monitoring - threats to their charges or the kingdom at large. In time, they turned to the worship of an evil spirit: Umbravarth, mightiest of the shadow demons. The Sheikah sought to master the darkness in order to best resist it, and long desired to learn the secrets of Hyrule's deepest shadows...

>Cont'd

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When the Golden Goddesses discovered the wickedness that had taken root in the hearts of the first Sheikah clan, they rebuked them utterly. They were cursed with red eyes, and a pale complexion, so they could be easily distinguished from the Hylians that had not strayed from the path taught by the Goddess of Light. This is how they came to be known as the Shadow Folk, and those that did not already dwell on Kakariko Atoll were exiled there. Their numbers began to dwindle, and history began to fade. Seeing what could be the end of their tradition, the Elders gathered at the Pagoda of Echoes and swore a sacred vow that the Sheikah would atone for their transgressions against the Goddess of Light, no matter the cost, thus beginning countless generations of Sheikah dedicating their entire lives to the kingdom, yet remaining always in the margins, operating in secrecy, avoiding the public eye but always watching the shadows for danger...

An incarnation of Hylia gathered the Six Sages, combining their powers to seal away the great shadow demon, Umbravarth, trapping his essence within a Horned Statue many hundreds of years ago. The Sheikah placed this statue in the same dungeon where they had previously locked away their mortal prisoners, and it became the Shadow Temple.

When you've finished, you fall onto your knees, trembling... So much of what you thought you knew about your people has been a lie... So much has been kept hidden. It is difficult for you to reckon with this dark legacy. It makes tears well up in your eyes.

What will you do in the wake of this revelation?

>Take the sandal, it will be a passable relic, and leave this place
>Leave without an artifact, go to the Pagoda of Whispers to confront the Elders at once about the lies you were raised with
>Steel yourself and proceed to the Shadow Temple, you must see more of the truth

Weird, I double checked my formatting, but maybe I don't fully understand the nuances at play when including that many different effects on top of each other. These are at least legible, though.

Also surprise! Hyrule Guantanamo Bay

>>6334365
>>Steel yourself and proceed to the Shadow Temple, you must see more of the truth

Goodness gracious. I sure hope our childhood friends aren't in grave danger

>>6334365
>Steel yourself and proceed to the Shadow Temple, you must see more of the truth
We need to know more, delve deeper.

>>6334365
>Steel yourself and proceed to the Shadow Temple, you must see more of the truth
I refuse to settle for a *sandal* of all things.
Bets on the seals holding ol' Umbra imprisoned still being in one piece?

>>6334375
It's probably just leaking evil due to age. There would surely be more evil in the tomb if it was actually broken, right? ...right?

>>6334365
>Steel yourself and proceed to the Shadow Temple, you must see more of the truth

>>6334365
>Steel yourself and proceed to the Shadow Temple, you must see more of the truth

Yeah, it is unlikely that the seals are fully broken, and Umbravarth's power is either leaking out or someone is in the middle of breaking the seals

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You close your eyes and calm yourself. You must maintain a warrior's focus. It is clear that these are the secrets your grandmother expected you to discover here. It is clear that this Trial is an initiation into your people's most sacred duty, it is your inclusion in the knowledge of where you come from, and what you are honor bound to do. You understand that the unspeakable legacy of the Sheikah must remain hidden. Your tribe stays in the shadows, while striving for the light...

Taking a deep breath, you rise to your feet, and exit the burial chamber back to the first room with the stone bowls. You reference your map, and see that the one remaining path leads to a spiral staircase, which should take you to the Shadow Temple below. You are rattled by what you have learned, but undeterred. More than ever you understand the importance of your culture and your ambitions to serve the realm, body and soul.

The staircase is cool, and dry, with smooth, dark stone tiles that make hardly a sound as you tread across them. You move carefully down what feels like a dozen stories before exiting into a large atrium, which is illuminated by many dozens of black candles along either side of the room, all placed in large, eye shaped alcoves. Their flame is a pale blue that allows you to see clearly, but still reminds you of the seashore at night. You extinguish your torch once more and tuck it away. Opposite you, there are a pair of tremendous metal doors, each emblazoned with a large, crimson Eye of Sheikah. Curiously... One of these doors is slightly ajar, enough for one to pass through and into the Temple beyond.

You pause, and place one clammy hand on your katana. Perhaps there will be more dark spirits ahead...

>Cont'd

Peeking through, you see that the chamber beyond is enormous indeed, rectangular in design and stretching on for for two hundred yards or more, fifty wide, with a grand, vaulted ceiling from which chandeliers hang far above. The chandeliers and many alcoves along the walls are brimming with more of those black candles, and a row of a dozen stone braziers, as large as you, runs the length of the chamber, blazing with more of the blue flame.

On the very far side of the room is a set of metal double doors as large and imposing as the ones you just entered by, which appear to be closed. On the left and right sides of the room, there are four large metal doors, totaling in eight altogether, evenly placed. Only two are open - the second from you on the left, and the first from you on the right. You notice this because just upon stepping into this chamber two Floormasters dart from the right exit, across the floor, and to the left one.

Where will you go?

>Door 1 on the left
>Door 2 on the left, following the Floormasters
>Door 3 on the left
>Door 4 on the left
>Door 1 on the right, where the Floormasters emerged from
>Door 2 on the right
>Door 3 on the right
>Door 4 on the right
>The double doors at the far end
>Write-in

>>6334426
>Door 1 on the right, where the Floormasters emerged from

>>6334426
>>Door 1 on the right, where the Floormasters emerged from

>>6334426
>Door 1 on the right, where the Floormasters emerged from

>>6334426
>Door 1 on the right, where the Floormasters emerged from

More of those creatures, but where could they have come from? Despite the secrecy around the Temple's contents, you are sure that Tano or someone else would have warned you if they were aware of the presence of so many monsters. You decide to enter the first doorway to your right to see where they came from.

Stepping around the door rather than opening it further and risking the hinges betraying your presence, you come onto a raised cat-walk of cut stone which is only two yards in width, and extending for twenty yards to another metal door on the far end of the room, with two large chandeliers like the ones behind you to illuminate the space. Below the cat-walk is nothing but a yawning abyss, with the right and left walls a dozen yards away, with sheer surfaces. You cannot see the bottom of the pit beneath you, and can only wonder at its true depth.

Crossing this solitary bridge, you find that the far door is unlocked, and step through.

>Cont'd

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This room is curious to you. You find yourself standing on a stone ledge that juts out seven yards from where you entered and runs the width of the room, which is roughly twenty yards. The left and right walls are extremely sheer and taper upwards just slightly, and the far side of the room is separated from where you stand by another bottomless ravine, this one beyond twenty yards in length, the same as its width.

There are a pair of metal double doors on the far side of the room, on a ledge with the same dimensions as the one where you stand.

Aside from there being no means of getting from this side of the room to the other, what strikes you as odd is that all of the illumination comes from two lanterns, one on either side of where you entered and hanging from above by chains. These are brighter than in the previous areas, and a paler white - they are dangling a mere few feet from the ceiling and thus able to easily illuminate everything in this chamber except the impenetrable darkness inside of the pit. Place even with them, but just in front and on the very edge of the pit, are two stalagmite-like pieces of metal about your height and maybe a foot at their widest, and four inches at their narrowest, shaped like long teardrops. Even with these and on the wall from whence you entered are two metal cranks.

Opposite the cranks, sculptures, and lanterns on the wall across the abyss, two Eyes of Sheikah have been inlaid with a glossy black stone, like onyx, but with a single peculiarity - they lack the teardrop underneath which is always an element of the symbol, to your knowledge.

You puzzle over what this could mean...

What will you do?

>Solve the puzzle on your own (explain how you think this can be done based on the description, a correct answer will provide XP)
>Roll Wisdom+History & Lore to determine how this puzzle is solved
>Leave the room

>>6334508
Ah, it's a shadow puzzle!
>It is easily assumed that the cranks lower the paper lanterns. The lanterns must be lowered enough that the stalagmites cast their shadows upon the eyes, and in so doing complete the symbol of the Sheikah clan.

>>6334525
Support

>>6334525
This guy gets it

>>6334365
Sheikah are dark elves? Neat!

>>6334525
+1

>>6334508

Do we have paper and charcoal? Could we go back and take a rubbing of the mural at some point?

IIRC, you can make a rubbing by pressing paper up against an embossed or carved image (as this one is) and then rubbing charcoal against the side of the paper facing you, creating a negative of the image/writing.

Even if it's not our 'real' offering, our father would probably love to see it.

>>6334525
Support this btw.

>>6334525
>Easily
LMFAO yeah, fair! Wanted to ease into it. I am, frankly, nervous about failing to describe things clearly enough to allow for the kind of spatial thinking that puzzles rely on - especially with no visual element. Very glad you were able to put it together so quickly!

>>6334610
You know, I knew I was being very cliche with this legend but wow the Bethesda programming is so fucking deep, I feel like I owe Kirkbride a check now KEK

>>6334614
I really like the way you are thinking, clever way to interact with the environment. Sadly, not in the cards on this action for a few reasons:
>No charcoal or paper
>Zuzo has just gleaned that the true purpose of the Trial of Illumination is, in fact, revealing the true history of the Sheikah to members of the tribe when they come of age - bringing back relics helps protect the history/culture for a reclusive and near extinction tribe, yes, but having members visit the Catacombs when they come of age is the crux of it. As such, your father was (is?) aware of the Sheikah legacy
>I did only mention it briefly, but Zuzo's father disappeared ten years ago while on an expedition, causing his grandmother to move in with him and his mother.

Anyways, I am gonna keep this rolling. I need a distraction, pet cat got out and disappeared across the street earlier, came half a foot from getting hit by a car and still isn't back): done all we can do, though, at least for now. Send up a prayer for our little buddy if you believe in that stuff.

>>6334700
>Bethesda programming
I was thinking of the classic Drow getting cursed with black skin and red eyes, actually.

I'm sorry to hear about your cat... Put out a litter box near the front and a food bowl nearby, if you haven't yet. Smelling comforts of home, like their own marking-scent and their favorite food, can sometimes help them find their way back

>>6334700
... Considering that there's some relics by the front of the temple, I imagine there's a fair few people who just. Didn't go deep enough... I wonder if they occasionally plant artifacts in the temple so that you don't run out.

Also, lmao, Zuzo's smarter than I am here. I forgot that there normally isn't monsters dissuading people from going deeper.

>>6334727
It's really just that there aren't that many Sheikah, and haven't been for a very long time, but there is a lot of junk left behind.

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Approaching the crank on the right, you grab the handle and begin to turn counter clockwise, lowering the lantern. You smirk, piecing it all together rather quickly. You continue turning the crank until the lantern is even with your chest, casting the sculpture's shadow directly across the room - when the lantern is low enough, the top of the teardrop sculpture meets the bottom of the eye, completing the symbol.

Completing the second eye, you hear the sound of gears turning and stone grinding against stone. The Sheikah have a rich history of master engineers; you've heard tell of the elaborate mechanisms they developed to confound enemies seeking their treasure. This seems to be just one such marvel, and before your eyes, a bridge just like that of the prior room arises from the void. It locks into place so that you can access the far side of the chamber, and you proceed across to the double doors.

The next chamber you enter is a symmetrical octagon, each side measuring a dozen yards. Moss and lichen grow between dark stone bricks, and just a bit of water trickles down from the ceiling on the left side of the room. In the exact middle of the octagon, facing you directly, is a stone archway with a single, metal door set inside of it on hinges. The arch is no thicker than a foot at any point, and is also laden with moss. The metal door has an Eye of Sheikah on its front, filling the dimensions of the frame. There are no other doors here except the one you came in by and the strange singular one in the middle of the floor.

The ceiling is twenty yards above the ground, and decorated with a sprawling red, black, and white mosaic which depicts the Golden Goddesses at the center, surrounded by Sheikah supplicants. Each of the goddesses are shown with both hands raised at their sides, palms up, and there are bright, glowing crystals inlaid in each of these palms. The glow doesn't shine broadly, however - each of the six crystals cast a narrow beam of white light. This does dimly illuminate the lower half of the room, but not very much, and you trace the path of the lights. Each beam is directed at a different wall, to an alcove about ten yards from the floor, each hosting a different statue. There are seven alcoves, one on every wall but the one you entered from, and the six statues that are being illuminated with the mystical spotlights are robed, or carrying staves, one noticeably a Goron, and you see another looks to be an elderly Sheikah samurai. You suspect they are the Six Sages. Every one has one hand held up with their fingers curled as if they were holding something, but it isn't present. The final, seventh statue is in the alcove on the wall directly opposite you - you recognize the figure immediately as Hylia, holding a triangular mirror at her chest.

>Cont'd

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You're making note of all these features carefully, your gaze moving up to analyze a statue of a Zora wielding a scimitar when you hear an unfamiliar voice.

"Oi-yoh?!?!"

Your attention snaps to the source: a man in red ninja garb, holding a steel sickle in one hand and a burlap sack in the other, which is laid over his shoulder. His features are concealed by a white mask with an inverted red Eye of Sheikah on its otherwise flat surface. You've never seen one like that before.

"Who are you?! Oh crackers, you're just a kid - it must be your Trial of Illumination! You oughta scram, and I mean real quick like, see?" The strange man in red blurts out. "Trust me, you don't want Verak to learn you're here!"

You move one foot back, defensively, and place a hand on the wooden sword at your waist...

How will you respond to his threat?

>Tell him to leave
>Ask who Verak is
>Flee this room
>Attack the interloper

If you attack, choose one of the following:

>Melee attack (katana) [Strength+Melee]
>Ranged attack (Deku Nut) [Dexterity+Ranged]
>Technique: Heavy Slash (katana) [Strength+Melee]
>Technique: Ninja Smoke [Wisdom+Stealth]
>Total Block [Strength+Stamina]
>Total Dodge [Dexterity+Dexterity]

>>6334773
>Ask who Verak is

>>6334773
>>Ask who Verak is

>>6334773
>Ask who Verak is

>>6334773
>Ask who Verak is
Sure, let's go with this. Since he didn't sneak attack us and seems to be a talker maybe we can get info out of him.
Fighting him is probably gonna go poorly for us, he's got an actual weapon instead if a shaped wooden stick!

>>6334700
Oh man, I swear i didn't mean anything with 'easily'! I just figured that there wasn't anything else in that room that the cranks would affect. I also just didn't stop to think on my phrasing very hard!

>>6334773
Is the zora statue holding a real scimitar we could take?

>>6334894
No, it's stone; part of the statue

"Verak?"

You bark out, eyebrow raised with a burning curiosity. Was this man's presence causing the dead to become restless? Or worse, has he - or Verak - brought evil magic into this sacred place?

When you say the name, the masked figure jumps with distinctly skittish fear, and raises a Deku Nut over his head. "Verak?! Where!? Oh crackers, you scared me, kid!" He says, and then his posture relaxes somewhat, before he brandishes that sickle in your direction. "Verak is a dark wizard, you don't wanna mess with him! The Demon Warlord told us to bring him here. Now why don't you scamper off before I tell him you're here, you'd be in real trouble then!"

You exhale through your nose. Well, that answers the question of what has caused monsters to infest the ruins. You're also starting to think that this stranger is originally from your village - who other than a Sheikah would know of the Trial and the location of the Shadow Temple?

What will you do now?

>Tell him to leave this sacred place at once
>Ask about the warlord
>Throw a Deku Nut and yell Verak's name - this ninja seems easily frightened, perhaps you can scare him off.
>Flee the room, back to the first area of the dungeon
>Attack the interloper
>Write-in

If you attack, choose one of the following:

>>6334943
>Flee the room, back to the first area of the dungeon

>>6334943
>Throw a Deku Nut and yell Verak's name - this ninja seems easily frightened, perhaps you can scare him off.

>>6334945 >>6334834
Oh what, I had an IP change again and didn't notice uuugh
I'm >>6334525
>>6334375
>>6334299

>>6334943
>Throw a Deku Nut and yell Verak's name - this ninja seems easily frightened, perhaps you can scare him off.
Yeah get this loser out of here so we can continue our trial.