Okay, so this was a really fun project that actually didn't take too long to finalize because we hit the ground running with the ideas. Alces_alces does not match any existing user name (whose carabiner SCP I really like) originally reached out to me asking for feedback on the draft, and I reviewed it while pretty tired and crabby (sorry, Alces) but then later came back to read it again and found that I really liked the concept and the overall tone. We talked about a few polish-up tweaks and story elements, edits were made, we got feedback from lots of people (thank you all so, so much!) and now here we are.
When reading the original draft, I was getting vibes of mythological golems created out of simple materials and given life (using a piece of paper or through a word of power written on its forehead) to serve masters. And it got me thinking, what happens to a golem whose master is gone? What happens to a golem who doesn't want to perform its former tasks? What does a golem do with its freedom?
Also I had the mental image of samurai, who would be bloodthirsty on the battlefield, but engage in artistic pursuits like flower arrangement to purify the heart and mind.
To those reading, thanks for your time, and I hope you enjoy the piece!
ETA: also, Alces made the twine man in the picture! How cool is that?
