TtOW! Annoucement: Break Monday, Feedback wanted

Hey All,

Sorry for the late notice, but I'm going to take a break tomorrow (3/20), so no chapter then. I'd like some time to consider how exactly the rest of this arc (and the next) is going to play out, as I'm currently a bit conflicted on how to proceed.

Because it ain't an Icalos novel if I don't get conflicted about something and turn the decision over to democracy to absolve myself of responsibility...err...to ensure the novel delivers on the expectations of my loyal readers! And that means you, dear patrons, have a chance to impact the direction of the novel!

I'm starting to feel like this arc is dragging. Probably doesn't help that Seero's recent revelations make her even more of outsider to the political situation, unless events are specifically arranged to draw her in. Likewise, I feel like I'm hitting a bit of a wall regarding characters and their interactions (Ateia and Taog notably), which would be difficult to resolve during the current arc. Well, maybe I'm overthinking it, but based on recent Royal Road comments Ateia and Taog feel kinda blank, which is a problem given their role in the story. But well, their relationship with Seero hasn't really changed all that much recently and their ability to unilaterally affect the current scenario is...limited, so there are restrictions to what I can do within this arc. And throwing in more screentime for them to develop would make the arc even longer with potentially non-Seero focused material, gasp!

Plus, it's been like, what, 16 chapters since the last termination? Gasp, how could this be?

I am considering speeding up and heading towards the climax of this arc sooner rather than later as a result. I've hit the minimum required plot points for it, so I could trigger it as soon as the next chapter if I feel like it. The problem with that being well I foreshadowed lots of political shenanigans. I could cut some or most of that out without particularly affecting the plot, but perhaps it may feel like an unresolved plotline? Or like, make this arc feel rushed? Or maybe no one actually cares about Corvanus and the politics lol. And there's always time for it later if we really want to touch on it...

In any case, I'd like to get your opinions directly on that. I mean, I may make an executive decision if I decide I strongly prefer one way or the other, but I shall at least take your opinions into consideration!

So how do you feel about the current pacing and arc?

Would you prefer me to speed things up regarding Corvanus and the political shenanigans?

Or do you want to see Seero interact with the various factions before we wrap it up?

Let me know! Feedback on Ateia and Taog (and the other non-Seero characters while we're at it) and how they could be improved to add value to story would also be appreciated while I'm taking a step back to, gasp, plan things out. Or if you feel they're fine as is and I'm overthinking it, that works too. I could always go back to winging it, after all!

Thanks again for all your support!