Weeks passed, and what was once a lonely journey with the occasional companion is now filled with constant chittering. Whether at times it's under your breath or to your faithful companion; it's a lot less quiet these days - and for the better! You glance over towards the creature that was once labeled as your mortal enemy, but for some odd reason, you just couldn't fathom it being one. Perhaps this is an anomaly or perhaps the dragonkind just had it wrong all along?

Whatever the reason, you have no regrets. A small smile creeps across your lips as you reach over to pet your familiar. It trills in return, leaning into your touch as it flutters its mechanical wings.

You encountered a wandering artificer a few days back, who also seemingly found the ichneumon nonthreatening and rather curious. The two of you banter back and forth, and a thought came to mind as you voiced your worries about other dragons potentially wanting to take its life. And thus a set of wings for your fuzzy friend came to being. It...perhaps isn't the best idea you've had, but for now, it works! You've received curious and confused glances, but none so much as a blood curdling scream and pointed claws. No pitchforks and torches - yet. And of course, it beats having to keep your newfound friend in a kennel or sack as you travel. 

The ichneumon, which you haven't quite yet settle on a name, zips all around you, sniffing the flowers, chasing smaller creatures, and catching prey. 

Though your journey is far from its end, you've already come quite a long way. The individuals met, the experiences gained, and the battles fought were all well-earned. You continue setting forth - as an adventurer, an explorer, a forever learner - into the unknown as your story continues to unravel one step at a time.

Despite the cries of your grumbling stomach, your curiosity got the better of you and towards the magic store you go. As you step into the shop, immediately, the beam from the morning sun is snuffed out and you're welcomed by the smell of burning sage. You've read about this before: something about getting rid of negative energy and restoring balance.

In the darkness, many things illuminate. The faint blue glow of a crystal orb, pulsing on a three legged table that seems to reposition itself every so slightly every time you blink. Countless bottles of potions with odds and ends inside, with colors from the gradient of the rainbow glimmering. Sleepy chirps from snoozing birds create a soothing lullaby.

At the center of the room, sits a creaky old wooden table with stacks upon stacks of books and herbs you know not the names of. A book opens on its own, flipping through many sheets before finally settling on a particular page. A silhouette hovers behind it as the book sets itself on a stand.

Teal eyes glance up from the literature, and with a quick flick of their wand, an equally bluish-green tint luminates from the tip. "Oh, greetings! You're just in time-"

Introducing Mindy, the Keeper of Magic!
She's harmless, really! The task was thrusted upon her at a young age as she discovered she had an aptitude for complex magic. She happily collects odds and ends from all over the world, regardless of whether they're imbued with good or otherwise. Don't ask about the accident of '06. The townsfolk have never let her live that down.

Apologies that this poll is a little long. I've combined two stories into one as we're a little short on time and I'd like to see the story to the end!

Once you've had your fill of magic - your eyes seeing more than it has before in its entire life in one day, you set out on your journey once more. With your pockets a little lighter and your adventure pack a little fuller, you find yourself quite satiated - at least for a little while longer.

You make way through the town center when you couldn't help but overhear cryptic whispers nearby a notice board:

"Have you heard? This is the third missing this week."
"I heard it's the tenth missing this month-"
"Could it be that it is back?"
"Lower your voice!"
"Don't be daft- saying the wrong thing can cause panic."
"But we must inform others!"

With your curiosity peaked, you asked said individuals for more information. They hesitated, one even walked off shaking their head. The ones who paid you mind noticed your gear and perhaps your demeanor, given that you're somewhat of an adventurer and hero of smaller parts.

"Well," they started. Their eyes darting from side to side, making sure no one else was listening in. "Though we cannot confirm, we've heard rumors of the ichneumon appearing once more. Its burrow lay hidden within the forest...though, it's much too dangerous for any of us to face off against it!"

You puff your chest, though you felt your heart skip a beat. An Ichneumon? They were once a dragon's mortal enemy, one bite and you're done for. No, it must be some hooligans targeting easy prey...

Days long passed since you’ve first set foot on your journey. Through trials and tribulations, you’ve found yourself here - mere steps away from the burrow. Your sensitive ears hone in on the gentle rustle of dry leaves upon the damp floor. Your sharp eyes attuned to the dark surrounding as the tree canopy blocks out what light is left. Your nostrils flare, familiar with the scent of your kind’s mortal enemy: the ichneumon. Though you've heard only tales and seen crude drawings of this creature, your instinct tell you that the townsfolk were right.

It's here.

What feels like hours were mere seconds as you await the ambush of the creature. After all, you're in its domain. One misstep and this is the end of your journey. 

Suddenly -- there it is, to your left a shadow skitters between the bundles of bushes. Too slow. Above you! Leaves and branches fall as it climbs above. It toys with you for a moment longer before a sudden pain explodes from your backside as you feel a set of claws rake across your back. Though you hiss in pain, you’re not without your own tricks: with a quick whirl, you whip the creature with your tail, and a high pitch squeal emanates as you hear a thud against the bark of the tree. The burrow falls still once more. You turn to look at the creature - huh, a juvenile ichneumon, no bigger than your palm, matted, skin and bones. It hisses and cowers against the base of a tree. With a weaponed arm raised, ready to strike -

Soon as you enter the establishment, the bright yellow sun no longer illuminates what's in front of you. Though it does take a moment for your eyes to adjust, you're quickly greeted with the sight of hundreds upon hundreds of weapons, ranging from swords to lances to maces. The room is dark, save but for a dim pulsing red light at the end of the shop.

As you gingerly approach, the sounds of metal scraping and banging vibrate in your ears, and your nose is welcomed by the hot stench of melted down iron and sweat. You hear the quiet grunts each time a hammer meets the anvil, and a loud clang! bursts through the otherwise quiet shop.

You clear your throat.
No response.
Once more.
"Ahem!"

Then silence - greeted by a shuffling of a pair of heavy boots, stomping onto the concrete ground. A yellow face pops up in place of where the glow once was, "Ah, an adventurer!"

Meet Smithy, the Blacksmith!
No one knows his real name, so the townsfolk cleverly called him by his profession. Now that you think about it, that's how surnames came to be, innit? 

He will be available to all backers via add-ons, which can be edited as you see fit.

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Stay tuned for the next poll tomorrow or Wednesday! 
♥ - Vivian