STQK: EP:14 (The sand of the hourglass is nigh)

26 Oct, 2026

New to the ongoing blog series called STQK "Would you like to know more?"

Disclaimer: Episodes 11-15 will be using an oracle system I am developing for solo players; you can see it in action here. Once I am happy with the way the oracle plays it will be available for the community.

Hello there,

We continue with the next episode in the Dragon Quest SPI System.

(Content Warning: Violence, Death, Traumatic Events)

Scene 1¹

As the figure who stopped the salamanders emerges from the side of the tent his appearance is somewhat stocky yet remarkable for someone that has dirt and blood all over themselves.

The figure blurts out in laughter as he goes on a rant, "Rumors were told about some brave royalty¹ buried around here, curious I was to delve¹ and dig around here. Without that ruckus you caused, I would be eating left over scarps, instead of these marvelous lizards, so thank you!"

In a joyful tone IaJee asked, "Are you the caretaker of the sleeping city?"

The caretaker nods² his head as be peers over at the group of misfits. Losing sight of his prize for barley a second a random desert fox drags² one of his edible² salamanders towards the city market².

As the caretaker grumbles towards the sleeping city, Ysah catches up to him trying to gain a little insight of what's to come.

Scene 2³

The party converses their current circumstances to the caretaker as they walk closer and closer to the city. When suddenly the android overhears quick stomping³ coming from the distance.

Hurry escape³ the sandstorm³ before it hits, yells the Hobgoblin⁴ as he almost takes out the group passing them in haste.

Luckly a cavern near their location was easily accessible⁵. As the adventurers ran towards the entrance as the sand was blowing sideways, another figure⁵ approached, not empty handed!

The wandering⁵ astrologer who admires⁵ the history⁵ of the stars exclaims as he brushes off the sand from his trousers, "Ah the group I have been waiting for!"

Scene 3⁶

The hobgoblin moved between each adventurer and sat down prepping a fire to prepare what seems like a long sandstorm.

"Waiting for us? I was looking for my clan over the hill from the nearby outpost; I don't know any of these creatures." The hobgoblin stated as he continued to throw wood into a pile.

The astrologer started to weave his tale and like clockwork everyone sat down listening with intent. Unaware of the customs of this world, Ysah did like the others and sat around the circle, while holding the android by the collar. IaJee explained that astrologers in this realm are held to the highest regard, so when one takes the time out of their books and gives a reading everyone tends to listen.

The astrologer continued on with his predictions: "This group has been foretold when the sands meet the sky during a sleeping day. A plague will follow and great death will walk upon the land."

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