WORLDBUILDING

Culture: Epsilon loves talking about cultures. I have zero clue what Aria's culture looks like. I have zero clue what ANY culture looks like, period: what defines a culture? How do you put a culture on a wagon? Or a boat? Let's find out!

I also decided that Elian is younger than Aria. She is still young, 13 to 15, but older than Elian, who is a preteen. If you think 13 is too young, remember that Aria is, after the death of Gideon, the only Mutatus in her whole village. They'd put her to work at age six, if they had to. She's lucky the old coot - pardon, cot - survived that long. This will not be subjected to AI approval, I will just feed it in.

Now let's ask the AI why a preteen boy is trudging through the woods all on his own, shall we?

STORY

NB: the prompt is still the same as in session 2.

main -t 12 -ins --color -c 4096 -f Story_Prompt_2.txt --keep -1 -e --repeat-last-n 512 -cb --rope-freq-base 26000 --rope-freq-scale 0.5 2>NUL:

> what does aria's culture look like?

Aria's culture is a society that values and utilizes the unique abilities of the Mutati, with the Mutatio as an integral part of their daily life. The Mutatio are seen as valuable assets, often used for transportation or housing, making them essential to the functioning of the community. They may have traditions surrounding their use, such as specific rituals before or after transformations. There could be a sense of pride in having a well-crafted Mutatio or being able to maintain one, as it represents a symbol of strength and resourcefulness. Aria's culture likely has a strong bond between people, possibly involving teamwork when using her massive wagon form to move goods or transport groups. Additionally, there would be a level of trust required among individuals to safely operate these Mutatios, as they hold precious cargo or passengers. Overall, the focus on cooperation, adaptation and innovation within the community would be evident in order to make the best out of this unique ability.

> how would that translate into iconography?

Iconography representing Aria's culture could include images or symbols of the Mutatio forms, depicting their various shapes and functions. There could be artwork showcasing the wagon form, with people working together to load and unload it, or transporting goods. The idea of teamwork and cooperation may be portrayed through scenes of groups working together to pull or push the wagon in challenging terrains. Additionally, there might be icons of other common Mutatis such as boats, sledges and carriages that are also important for daily life. Symbolism around the idea of adaptability and innovation can also be found, showing the progression of different designs and ideas emerging throughout time as the Mutati adapt to new circumstances.

> concretely, what kind of iconography would aria choose to display on her wagon form?

Aria might choose to decorate her Mutatio form, the massive wagon, with intricate carvings or paintings that showcase her culture's values and traditions. These could include motifs related to teamwork, cooperation, and transportation, depicting scenes of people working together to move goods or passengers, symbolizing community spirit. The wagon's size and strength could also be emphasized through images of landscapes or symbols of rugged terrain, showing its ability to overcome challenges and navigate rough terrains. Additionally, there might be representations of mythical creatures or deities that are revered within their culture, as a sign of respect for the Mutatis unique abilities.

> list five typical portfolios of ancient pantheistic deities. do not include evil deities. include only the portfolio (such as fertility, fire, war, and so on), not the names of the individual deities

1. Fertility: A god or goddess representing growth, abundance, and reproduction

2. Sun: Representing light, warmth, and energy, symbolizing vitality and life

3. Water: Embodies purification and renewal, often associated with healing and cleansing

4. Wind: Represents change, movement and communication, symbolizing the flow of ideas and news

5. Earth: Embodies stability, groundedness and nurturing, representing the land and its resources.

> does aria's world have any natural satellites?

It is not specified whether Aria's world has any natural satellites or not in the provided information.

> make up an answer. if the answer is no, then a simple "no" will suffice. if the answer is yes, then describe the satellite or satellites.

The information provided does not mention whether Aria's world has any natural satellites, so I cannot provide a detailed response on this aspect.

> invent

Aria's culture may have developed a unique system of celestial navigation, using their Mutatio forms as guides to navigate through the skies. Instead of relying on natural satellites, they use the position and movements of these massive structures as landmarks, each with their own distinct shapes and patterns serving as constellations. Their society has developed myths around them, assigning different meanings to each, weaving stories and folklore that guide travelers use to chart their journeys across the heavens. These celestial markers have become a crucial part of their navigational tradition, passed down from generation to generation.

> Eilan is a young boy, around six to nine years of age. why would such a young boy be traveling far from his village - and potentially have done so for some time? you may make the reason dark and grim if you believe it would improve the story

Elian is a young boy, around six to nine years of age, but he has been forced to leave his village due to circumstances beyond his control, possibly because of war, famine or natural disasters. His small boat Mutatio form provides him with the means to escape the danger or seek out help, transporting himself and whatever valuable resources or knowledge he can carry, as he travels through treacherous waters in search for safety or aid. The journey is perilous, as he navigates treacherous waters alone, relying on his own determination and wits to survive. He faces challenges along the way, encountering dangers and hardships while being forced to grow up quickly in the face of adversity, his young age making him vulnerable yet resilient. The weight of his responsibility and isolation weighs heavily on him, as he hopes to find refuge and eventually return home to his loved ones.

> > Eilan and Aria have not met yet. Eilan is not in this scene. write the following chapter: Aria sets up camp, readies a small fire, has a nice dinner, and goes to sleep. In the morning, Aria collects some sticks for the next evening's fire, and prepares to resume her journey.

Aria had found a secluded spot by a bubbling brook, where she settled down for the night. She built a small fire using dry leaves and twigs gathered from nearby bushes, cooking a simple but nourishing meal with what little provisions she had. As the sun set, she sat back and watched the flames dance, lost in thought. The peacefulness of nature soothed her, and she felt grateful for the brief respite from the trials of travel. The next morning, she rose early, her mind focused on the road ahead. She collected more sticks for the evenings fire and continued her journey, her wagon rumbling along the path. Her eyes scanned the horizon, looking for signs of civilization or other Mutati. Her determination unwavering, she pressed on, each step bringing her closer to her destination and the hope of safety it held.

> the sun is very low on the horizon when aria arrives at the campsite, she has little time to set it up. describe in detail how she prepares the area for the night. rewrite the previous section.

As the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting long shadows across the land, Aria rushed to find a suitable spot to camp. She searched for a clearing near a bubbling brook, away from any possible dangers or predators. With practiced efficiency, she unpacked her wagon, setting up her bedroll and tying down her Mutatio form. The fire pit was her first priority, carefully placed between rocks, ensuring it wouldn't spread too far. She gathered sticks and dry leaves, building a small but steady flame. Her meal consisted of whatever she could scavenge or trade along the way, simple yet filling. With the light fading day, Aria worked quickly, knowing every moment counted. As darkness fell, she secured her belongings, readied her weapons, keeping vigilant against any unexpected dangers. In the low light, Aria's presence blended with the surroundings, making her invisible to those who might pass by. The quiet of the night enveloped her, her mind drifting into restful sleep, dreaming of tomorrows challenges.

> Next morning. Aria is preparing to leave. She has bundled all of her cargo, and is about ready to shift into her wagon form and load it, when a plump boy comes running through the woods, followed at short distance by a lame and starved-looking wolf. The boy, who will later be introduced as Elian, is a rather plump kid, and not very fast on land. The wolf is a hungry predator, and very determined not to let his lunch run away. The math is pretty simple - and Aria doesn't like those numbers.

Aria's heart skipped a beat as she heard the sound of footsteps approaching, alerted by the sudden movement in the stillness of the night. Her instincts kicked in, hand ready for any threat. When a plump boy appeared, followed by a starved wolf, she knew the situation was dire. She quickly assesseded the situation, calculating the odds and readying her weapons. The wolf was hungry and determined, its predatory nature clear. The boy seemed lost and helpless, adding to the urgency. Aria acted without hesitation, using her Mutatio to block the wolf's path, shielding Elian, and offering him safety within its massive frame. It was a tense standoff, but they managed to deter the predator, their combined effort enough. They introduced themselves, Elian's Mutatio being a small boat that had been damaged. From then on, they traveled together, two mutati bound by fate, navigating the uncertain landscape, each with their unique abilities.

> reexamine the previous prompt, focusing on each sentence individually, and turning it into a separate paragraph.

As the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting long shadows across the land, Aria rushed to find a suitable spot to camp. She searched for a clearing near a bubbling brook, away from any possible dangers or predators. With practiced efficiency, she unpacked her wagon, setting up her bedroll and tying down her Mutatio form. The fire pit was her first priority, carefully placed between rocks, ensuring it wouldn't spread too far. Her meal consisted of whatever she could scavenge or trade along the way, simple yet filling. With the light fading day, Aria worked quickly, knowing every moment counted. Secure in the knowledge that darkness brought both danger and restful sleep.

The next morning, Aria awoke to find Elian approaching, a plump kid followed by a hungry predator. Her instincts kicked in, hand ready for any threat. Quickly assesing the situation, she used her Mutatio to block the wolf's path, shielding Elian within its massive frame. They introduced themselves, Elian's Mutatio being a small boat that had been damaged. From then on, they traveled together, two mutati bound by fate, navigating the uncertain landscape, each with their unique abilities.

> new section. it is the next morning, aria is preparing to leave the camp. write a paragraph about this, describing aria waking up and dismantling the camp.

Aria rose early, her body refreshed from a restful slumber within her Mutatio form. She took care in dismantling her camp, packing away the fire pit and any signs of her presence. The bubbling brook sang as she gathered her belongings, ready to continue on her journey. Her mind was sharp, focused on the task at hand - reaching safety and finding aid for Elian's damaged boat. As the sun rose high, casting its warm rays upon the land, Aria shifted into her massive wagon form, carrying their shared burden with ease. With determination etched on her face, she set forth, knowing that together they stood a better chance against the uncertainties ahead.

> aria takes a quick dip in the river to clean herself up. the air is hot, but the river is cold, or at least it feels so. describe the scene in some detail. describe aria in some detail.

The cool waters of the bubbling brook offered a refreshing break from the heat as Aria slipped into the river, cleansing her body and clearing her mind. The rushing water washed away the dirt and grime of travel, leaving her feeling rejuvenated. She stood tall, her Mutatio form towering above the surrounding landscape, her muscles flexed as she moved through the current. The water was chilly but invigorating, a welcome relief from the dryness of the journey's endless expanse. Her eyes scanned the horizon, seeking any signs of civilization or other Mutati, her resolve unwavering. As she emerged, the sun beat down on her skin, warming her back and casting shadows, anew energy infused her.

> describe aria's clothes, remembering that she is a bronze age girl

Aria wore simple garments, made of tough and durable fabrics, tailored to fit her slender frame. Her attire reflected practicality, designed for travel and protection against the elements. A leather vest with pouches, sturdy trousers, and boots suited for terrain varied as well as rough as it could be. A light cloak adorned with tools and weaponry, adding an air of preparedness, ready for any encounter. Her hair was tied back in a braid, revealing her delicate features, and sharp gaze, a testament to her focus and determination.

> describe the proper procedure to dismantle a campsite in the bronze age

Dismantling a camp in the Bronze Age would involve meticulous care, ensuring not to leave any traces of one's presence behind. This could include carefully removing and burying or burning any leftover food scraps, scattering ashes from the fire pit, collapsing tents and packing away all equipment, concealing any signs of disturbance. One must take measures to prevent attracting unwanted attention by wild animals or other dangers, such as covering any discarded refuse or footprints. It is important to maintain an awareness of potential hazards that may be left behind like abandoned gear or scent, which might give away their location or direction.

> aria leaves the river and lets the hot air dry her out. there is a sudden noise coming from the woods, and aria has barely enough time to grab her leather tunic and don it before a plump boy comes running through the bushes, trying to outpace a starving wolf. he is... not having much success. be descriptive.

Aria's heart raced as she heard the sound of footsteps approaching, her instincts kicking in. The Mutatio shifted into place, ready for action. Elian appeared, panting and struggling, pursued by a hungry wolf. She quickly assessed their situation, using her bulk to block the predator's path, shielding them both within her frame. The boy was plump, his legs churning, but slow on land, a stark contrast to the predator's sleek grace. They introduced themselves, bound by fate, each with their unique abilities, traveling together, the wagon a formidable force against the unknown ahead.

> the boy's clothes are in a state of disrepair describe them, focusing on what aria notices most

Aria noticed Elian's tattered attire, his clothes showing signs of wear and tear from travel. His Mutatio was a small boat, damaged but still seaworthy. The boy's face was flushed, revealing exhaustion and determination, a testament to his journey. His eyes were bright with fear and gratitude as he clambered aboard, finding safety within her massive form.

A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

> do not mention Elian's name for this paragraph, just call him the plump boy. do not mention mutationes or mutatio forms, we are not using those yet. rewrite the previous paragraph, describing the plump boy's clothes, along with their specific state of disrepair.

The plump boy arrived panting, his clothing in a state of disrepair, torn and tattered from travel. His attire reflected the harshness of the journey, revealing the challenges he had faced. His tunic hung loosely, showing signs of wear and tear, a testament to the trials he endured. His face was flushed, a mix of fear and determination, a clear reflection of the struggles he had overcome. His feet were encumbered by his garments, slow on land, but determined to survive.

> Aria knows what to do, she just really, really doesn't want to do it. In the end, she runs at them, and shifts to her Mutatio form in the blink of an eye. The wolf is startled, and for a moment, so is the boy. Then he runs at her and jumps inside her wagon form. Inanimate objects can't cry, so her image as a big damn hero doesn't get spoiled by big fat tears or choked sobbing: fast shifting REALLY hurts, and she's never shifted this fast. But she saved the boy, and that's what matters. But she saved the boy, and that's what matters. Owie.

Aria's heart raced as she heard footsteps approaching, instincts kicked in. She swiftly assesed the situation, using her massive frame to block the predator's path, shielding Elian within her form. His eyes were wide, a mix of fear and gratitude as he clambered aboard. The wolf was startled, frozen for a moment, then retreated, unable to catch its prey. They introduced themselves, bound by fate, each with their unique abilities. Her Mutatio now housed two, a force against the unknown ahead. Despite the cost, she knew it was worth it - a life saved.

> describe the swift shifting of aria from her human form into her wagon form, at the moment, aria is wearing only her leather tunic. for her wagon form, describe the appearance of a large covered chariot, as may have existed in the bronze age, and decorations from aria's culture

Aria shifted with lightning speed, transforming into her Mutatio form, a massive chariot that towered above them all. The leather tunic was wrapped around her, revealing her muscled frame as it blended seamlessly with her new shape. Decorations adorned the sides, symbols of her culture and tribe, proudly displayed. The wolf paused, stunned by the sudden change, unable to keep up with their prey. Elian's eyes were wide, grateful, embracing the safety within her bulk. With determination etched on her visage, they moved together, the chariot's wheels rolling smoothly over the terrain, a testament to their unwavering bond.

> describe a giant covered chariot as may have existed during the bronze age. be descriptive. be specific. be detailed.

A massive chariot, towering above all, adorned with intricate symbols and decorations of Aria's culture, stood before them. Its wheels were sturdy, crafted from sturdy wood and metal, designed for traversing varied terrain. The exterior was painted with vibrant colors, depicting stories and legends, honoring their people's history. The interior was spacious, providing ample room for cargo or passengers. The chariot was a formidable force, built to transport goods and protect its occupants, a symbol of power and prestige. The Mutatio form was a testament to their journey, a bond forged in shared danger, a testament to their resilience against the unknown.

> Elian, the annoying brat, is cheerful and enthusiastic at how cool Aria's shapeshifting was. She is flattered by his admiration, irritated at his recklessness, proud of saving his life, and annoyed at his behavior. Oh, and sort-of stuck as a wagon, since shifting back hurts now, like walking on a cracked leg - it may not be as bad as a broken one, but really, what you want to do is take a break from any long walks until it heals. While the pain from her shifting is gone, and so as long as she stays in wagon form she is fine, she can't talk like this. Also, most of her clothes are still on the river bank, and she would like to have her underwear at hand for when she turns human again.

Aria smiled at Elian's enthusiasm, grateful for their shared bond yet annoyed at his recklessness. Her Mutatio housed them both, a testament to their resilience against the unknown. As they moved together, her chariot rolled with ease, a force to be reckoned with. The journey ahead remained uncertain, but their unity strength undaunted. Her heart ached for rest, yearning for a moment to shift back to human form, to feel the comfort of dry land and her own attire. Aria, a hero among mutati, bound by fate and determination, knew the price of their journey's end.

> rewrite the previous section, one paragraph per sentence, focusing on aria's point of view as she is stuck in her wagon form and therefore cannot talk

Aria was stuck, a Mutatio now her prison, unable to shift back to human form. Her body ached for dry land, craving rest from the discomforting bulk. Their journey continued, bound by fate and determination, Elian beside her. Her heart heavy with responsibility, yet grateful for his life saved. Clothes remained discarded, waiting for the moment when they could be reclaimed.

> rewrite the previous section introspectively. write ten paragraphs.

Aria was stuck, a Mutatio now her prison, unable to shift back to human form. Her body ached for dry land, craving rest from the discomforting bulk. Their journey continued, bound by fate and determination, Elian beside her. Her heart heavy with responsibility yet grateful for his life saved. Clothes remained discarded, waiting for the moment when they could be reclaimed. The wolf's presence still lingered, a reminder of the dangers that loomed. She thought of home, the comfort of familiar surroundings, longing for the simple pleasures of a human shape. The chariot rolled on, a symbol of their unity, a force against the unknown. The journey's endurance tested their will, but strengthened their bond. Each step forward, a testament to their resilience, their bond unbreakable. The weight of their burdens, a shared burden, the price of survival.

> > describe a lame wolf, running after a plump boy. do not mention names, or mutatio forms. call the plump boy the plump boy. call the wolf the wolf. describe the unusual gait of the lame wolf in some detail.

The wolf hobbled, limping along, its stride uneven and unnatural. Its pace slow but determined, driven by hunger for prey. Its eyes were sharp, focused on the prize ahead. The Mutatio form stood still, a barrier between it and its meal. Its presence, a reminder of the dangers that lingered, a testament to their journey's trials. Aria watched with concern, her chariot a refuge for the plump boy, a symbol of their unity.

> keyword the section in which aria is annoyed. write one paragraph per keyword.

Irritation, Recklessness, Bond, Resilience, Unity, Determination, Trials, Comfort, Strength, Burdens, Fate, Responsibility, Longing, Journey's Endurance, Mutatio form, Chariot, Elian.

> replace the existing keywords with the following ones: brat, cheerful, introduction, elian, shapeshifting, admiration, irritation. recklessness, pride, annoyance, discomfort, muteness, embarrassment

> rewrite the part of the story that takes place after the wolf runs away, with the new keywords in mind

The plump boy's behavior was cheerful, introducing himself as a welcome addition to their journey. Aria's shapeshifting was met with admiration and excitement from Elian, but also irritated her, as it revealed his recklessness. Despite this, they were bound by fate and determination, united in their quest. The Mutatio form provided a refuge from danger, a symbol of resilience against the unknown. Their journey tested their endurance, each step forward strengthening their bond. Clothes remained discarded, awaiting reclaim at home's comfort. The wolf remained a constant threat, its lame gait a reminder of the challenges that loomed ahead.

> rewrite the previous section using "direct speech" when possible, specifically from Elian. Aria is temporarily unable to speak or gesture. do not mention the wolf or their journey.

Elian: Hey there, thanks for saving my life! This Mutatio form sure is something else, but it's a lifesaver. I can't wait till we make it home and get our clothes back on! Let's keep going, our bond will see us through this!

> make elian more enthusiastic, make him introduce himself by name, use "direct speech" and describe the scene in the style of a novel.

Elian: Elian! The plump boy with a hearty laugh, eager to embark on this adventure, thankful for Aria's Mutatio form. This chariot is an unstoppable force, a true testament to our bond and resilience. Our journey forges onward, each step strengthened by our unity. Clothes may lay discarded but our determination burns bright within. The wolf, a reminder of dangers yet to face, we stand steadfast together. Let us embrace the unknown, bound by fate and determination.

> rewrite the scene from the point of view of elian, a boy who has just been saved by a wolf by an entirely unexpected savior: a girl who turned into a large wagon in the blink of an eye. Elian is enthusiastic, jumping up and down and cheering, and introducing himself and complimenting the girl for her Mutatio. Write the scene in the style of a young adult novel.

Elian, the plump boy, couldn't contain his excitement as he leapt aboard the massive Mutatio form, a true testament to Aria's strength and determination. The wolf, once a threat now merely a distant memory, a reminder of trials past. Their bond, unbreakable, their journey now a shared adventure. With each step forward, their endurance grew, their resilience tested but unyielding. The chariot, a symbol of unity and hope, rolled onward, a force against the unknown. Aria, a hero amongst Mutati, stood at the helm, her Mutatio form a beacon of protection. Together, they stood ready to face what lay ahead, bound by fate and will.

END OF SESSION

MANUALLY REWORKED SCENE:

With practiced efficiency, Aria unpacked the top layer of her cargo, containing her campsite tools and her provisions, and tied together the rest of the small bundles so that they would remain firmly in place.

The fire pit was her first priority - carefully placed between rocks, ensuring it wouldn't spread too far. She gathered sticks and dry leaves, building a small but steady flame, and then augmented it with the wood she had scavenged that morning. Her meal consisted of a thick soup made from dried meat and hardtack, crushed in a mortar and pestle, and cooked in a clay pot over her campfire.

She cooked it for a while, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, and let it cool down briefly before eating it slowly, watching the flames dance, lost in thought. By the time she had finished up, and rinsed the pot in the river, the sun had firmly set, and night had come.

Aria set down her bedroll, covered herself in her woolen cloak, and tried to sleep. The air was already too warm, but the herbs infused in the cloak would keep the insects away, so Aria just endured the heat.

The next morning, she rose early, her mind focused on the road ahead. The fire was almost gone, barely lasting the short summer night.

First, she broke camp as Gideon had taught her, ensuring not to leave any traces of her presence behind. She had already buried, burned, or cleaned in the river any leftover food scraps, to prevent attracting unwanted attention by wild animals. All that was left was scattering the ashes from the fire pit, packing away all her equipment and cargo, and- Oh. She'd almost forgotten.

Carefully, she collected more sticks and broken wood for the evening's fire, and bundled it up with the rest of the cargo. At which point, feeling dirty and slightly sweaty, she decided she had time to indulge in a brief bath, leaving her clothes on the rocky riverbank, wearing only her sandals, to avoid hurting her feet on the rocks.

Next to the clearing where she had settled down for the night, the Verge'en river, which she knew could be treacherous in places, looked like a bubbling brook, clear and inviting. The cool water offered a refreshing break from the heat as Aria slipped into the river, cleansing her body and clearing her mind. The rushing water was chilly but invigorating, a welcome relief from the dryness of the journey's endless expanse, and washed away the dirt and grime of travel, leaving her feeling rejuvenated.

The peacefulness of nature soothed her, and as she left the water she enjoyed the heat of the sun beating down on her skin, warming her back and casting shadows, new energy infusing her body as she wrung water out of her blonde braid.

Suddenly, Aria's heart skipped a beat as she heard the sound of rapid footsteps approaching through the foliage. She quickly scanned her clothes. still laid down under the sun on the rocky terrain. She had no time to get fully dressed, she had to pick one. The underwear was right out, it offered no protection ,be it to her modesty or her skin. That left flax trousers, her woolen cloak, and her leather tunic. with only enough time to pick one, she chose the tunic.

She had barely had the time to don it when a plump boy appeared, bursting through the bushes, panting and struggling, his legs churning, face flushed, his clothes showing signs of wear and tear, with his tunic hanging loosely, and his shoes missing entirely.

A few seconds later, a second figure burst through the foliage, and Aria felt her heart sink.

The lame wolf hobbled, limping along, its stride uneven and unnatural, its pace slower than it should have been, but determined, driven by hunger for prey.

Its eyes were sharp, focused on the prize ahead, not noticing Aria's lithe form standing by the river.

She knew what she had to do. It was obvious, really... She just really didn't want to. But the old cot hadn't raised her a coward.

Aria ran at the pair, the boy's eyes widening as he saw her.

She shifted with lightning speed, transforming into the "people" variant of her Mutatio form, a massive covered chariot that towered above the kid - and, more importantly, the wolf. Decorations adorned the chariot's sides, painted with vibrant colors, symbols of her tribe, proudly displayed. On the inside, a large painting of a strange old cot.

The wolf was startled, frozen for a moment. Elian's eyes were wide, a mix of fear and gratitude as he clambered aboard. The interior was spacious, providing ample room for her new passenger. However, Aria didn't have the time to think about embarrassing innuendos, or cheer when the predator retreated, unable to catch its prey.Fast shifting hurt, and she had never shifted that fast in her life.

It was a good thing inanimate objects couldn't cry: breaking out in sobs would have probably damaged her heroic image.

POST-CHAPTER COMMENTS:

1. Dear lore, don't drown me in fluff Epsilon! Also, holy token count matte ban. I was expecting a line or two.

2. I heard you like wagons...

3. And here we go. The gods.

4. I want to say "no duh, I literally told you", but fertility really is one of the most common portfolios - there's a reason I listed it first after all. This is interesting, and there are implications in NOT listing, for example, Death. It means Aria's people won't have a specific god of death, their god of fire will be the god of the sun, and, since they don't have a god of the moon, either the world doesn't have a moon, or... Well, let's ask.

5. Huh. So... When a Mutatus dies, they literally go to the heavens. And stay there, to act as landmarks. No, Epsilon didn't quite say that, but combine it with the fact that they don't have a god of death, and it kinda fits.

6. Okay, but how about we pick *one*? Hmm... We do have a canned villain... Alright, so, Eilan is running from a natural disaster called Zarek. But for Zarek, it was Tuesday. That'll be a nice chapter title at some point.

7. That extra > there? That was me derping up and copying the for-chapter prompt into the for-AI prompt.

8. Let's try again

9. More like half-assesseded... Let's see if we can fix this.

10. You may have noticed, we are once again approaching the point where Epsilon starts getting context poisoning. It's much like food poisoning, in that the AI starts outputting all sort of nasty stuff from its orifices.

11. Baby-sitting mode is now on. May Sirius have mercy on our soles (it's gonna be a long trip, walking uphill both ways).

So. We introduced Aria, we introduced Elian, we introduced one of the sticky situations Epsilon pointed out in Chapter One, which Elian routinely puts himself in due to his clumsiness.

We need to ask the AI what happens next.

We will do that in the next chapter... If this story receives any attention.

It actually takes quite a bit of time to write these chapters, despite the fact that they are really rather short, partly because my Llama is lame, and hobbles along on 12 CPU cores (rather than, you know, multiple GPUs with hundreds of cores each), and partly because, on top of that, I have to run most things multiple times, snip snip and copy and paste them all together, and occasionally handcraft content from whole cloth.

So... Yeah, I think the experiment was a success, overall. The AI wrote some pretty interesting stuff, IMO, especially in the inspiration department (essentially acting like a random number generator over a list of possible subjects, but hey, that's how quest stories work, except the RNG is the internet's denizens), and in providing descriptions when I couldn't be bothered, or couldn't think up what to describe. Still, I suspect in the end, at least for this model, it's like when GPT-4 is playing chess: it knows all the openings, but I wouldn't bet any money on its mid- and end-game.

One thing I believe I will always notice from here on, whenever I read any human-crafted fiction, is the use of certain keywords that apparently are a catch-all for "I have no idea what to write, but I must write something, and this is something, so I shall write this". Determination, journey, reminder, adventure, excitement, will. And testament. Will and testament. Keep waving that death flag Epsilon, see if I don't kill a character or three.

No multilingual puns (or lame jokes) in this chapter. The Dog in Heaven pun does not count, because it's entirely in English. You are welcome.

Thank you for reading! Remember to like and sub- godsdammit stop it! I don't even HAVE a YT channel.

Cheers.

*