Before The First Sunbeam

You find yourself at a lake one evening, waiting upon the sun to set. The shadows of something inside the lake appear to be waiting too.

Once the sun dips below the horizon, he emerges: a figure poking his head up through the lake weeds. His translucent skin has a green tinge to it, reminiscent of the algae and fallen leaves caught on the lake’s surface. His long white hair swirls in the surrounding waters as he approaches, concealing all but his face: and the shining eyes watching you attentively...

Give me the gift of stories, and if they please me I shall give you a name to call upon me whenever you have need.

There is no mention of what may happen if the stories do not please him… and so, after further discussion, you are able to extract a promise from him that if the stories are not to his liking, he will simply withdraw into the depths of the lake and no harm will come to you.

If you wish to learn his name and gain his favour — or perhaps just spend the night sharing stories with someone eager to listen — continue onwards.

This game was illustrated by the wonderful Nathaniel Oldrin!