Another novel finished! Good times as always. As always, there will be a brief period before the next story starts- This one, for me to write the next story. I know I’ve fallen behind; Work has been a bear, and relationships more so. Nonetheless, there will still be regular content, and if you can’t stand the lack of my writing- Well, there’s always my patreon! Shilling aside, I’d love to hear any questions or comments people have; I always enjoy talking about my work, and hearing people ask questions shows me that people care enough to think about it, so please, contact me, either in the comments, or via mgexaminer@gmail.com
A few notable things about this story…
The twist- with Ku-Thule being Howard- was something I only really came up with relatively late in the story, but I adjusted it a bit after coming up with it to foreshadow it more- same for Walter having his heart on the wrong side of his body, and a few other things. This is part of why I don’t post the chapters as soon as I finish them- There’s nothing like proper foreshadowing, for me!
One of the things I hate in a lot of modern fantasy stuff is how the magical stuff is somehow magically always kept out of the eye of the public. Like, if any of those things are acknowledged, the rest will all naturally have to come out, and it will become an entirely different kind of genre. I wanted to avoid that- which is why the Atlanteans emerged. I want them to have a real impact on the setting- But in a way that remains nonetheless realistic to how our world might change if weird fish people who are biologically human and who have a culture and technology oriented around divine power were to appear. We’re good at making the amazing seem mundane. But we’re also good at realizing how amazing the mundane can be. I’m looking forward to that, a lot.
While writing this, I had a lot of thoughts leading up to chapter 12 about how, exactly, Horace was going to respond to Betty. For quite a while, I strongly considered having her weakened by him having a lack of faith in her. That he would be wounded by everything that happened, and let her down. I’m very glad I said to hell with that notion, because in a very real way, sometimes, it’s just Horace and Betty against a cold and uncaring cosmos.
Also, you’ll notice, I’ve been foreshadowing the whole ‘Longfish’ thing for quite a long time. I like foreshadowing. Wonder what minor references I’ll be turning into a full story next!
Our usual character polls follow. Remember, this is particularly important because it may very well influence what kind of novellas I suggest for the patreon! You can vote for up to five characters you enjoyed! http://www.strawpoll.me/14687626
And the usual super-serious poll question. http://www.strawpoll.me/14687645
Once again; ask questions all you like!
One last thing: For those who’d like to know exactly when I update, I’ve set up a twitter feed, so any new posts can be found instantly on my twitter, here. https://twitter.com/Helskichinsink
hellskitchensink 
I am so glad you let the veil of secrecy drop. The impact of such completely supernatural insane things on a society has always been a thing I wanted to see explored.
Your average joes standing around the water cooler at work talking about the fish people from the deep and the eldritch abominations they speak of.
The whole thing at an international perspective is way cooler though. The reactions of various countries and unions. The USA grabbing a few atlanteas to use as a strike force on the ocean. North Korea realising they can turn the missiles they fire into gods. Russia attempting to use different kind of fae as spies. And of course the idea of the European Union having to band together not because Russia wants to invade but because there’s an army of dead gods marching on them from another world.
Or just politics in general. I’d love to see the idea of the politicians in my country having to talk about having to setup an ambassey for the atlanteans, then subsequently having to heavily regulate our fish industry, Or them having to talk about the legal status of tsukumogami, do they have to pay healthcare? Should we tax them like normal people? How should supernatural abilities be regulated in the workspace? Should it be disclosed before hand or is that discriminatory against those beings who don’t have any powers? ….WAIT THERE ARE UNDEAD? HOW DOES THAT WORK WITH INHERITANCE?
Basically, I’m looking forward to the impact this will have on your world. I hope the wall breaks down further, but I think Nash will take care of that.
Thanks for the story ^^
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I agree- The Patreon story for February is going to focus on the Esoteric Forces reaction- In particular, the recruitment of an Atlantean as a commando, and the huge impact it has… Because finally, the esoteric Forces know how to study belief as a source. The key to any science is in being able to measure, and the Atlanteans have the missing talent there, when it comes to divinity.
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Really did a great job with this book. Its going to be interesting to see how all the world’s governments will come into play now that the divine and magic are going to finally start coming out into the open. I imagine so much is going to start changing now.
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Now that was a delightful addition to the series.
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