Once upon a time, when I still dwelt in the slums and ghettos of various gaming forums in search for a true sandbox, I discovered a place called TV Tropes. After stumbling through the dizzying archives and midden heaps of the land for weeks, I decided to leave. But that's when I heard whispers of a grand land from a fellow lost soul. A place where anything was possible, yet had no fees nor toll to pay for entrance. A true land of no illusions, yet of the most concrete truths.
My interest was piqued, and traveled the inns and taverns to hear of tales of such a city. The denizens were mad, many told me. Some say they were pretentious old men, that the world have left behind. Others said that they were the last of a great race of philsopher kings. But all could agree, that the songs and tales were of a quality that few could ever hope to achieve. When I heard of the epic of Boatmurdered, I knew that such a calling was irresistable.
I set off, saying farewell to my friends, despite their pleading cries, I set off. Finding such a place was of no great concern. I saw the city, a towering construction of steel, adamantine, and bone on the horizon. I strode forward through the fogs and I gasped in bewilderment. Terrifying cliffs flowing with magma and spikes leered above me. I saw a path and attempted to climb, but I could not see, as all paths seemed correct yet wrong at the same time. I returned to the slums and felt rage overcome me. Impossible and arrogant! Sheltered in their incomprehensible labyrinths from reality and the rest of the world.
But I felt remorse after my return, and I realized that no longer could I enjoy the routines of old when I knew my true callings. I found an ancient map, and though the journey seemed to have last a lifetime, and there were times when I wished that I could relieve myself of such a burden, I persevered. Eventually, I no longer needed the parchment, for I have memorized all of the crags and dangers. Bidding him farewell, I continued on my path alone and reached the great gates of the Toad's realm.
Looking back down, past the horrors and challenges I triumphed over, I saw how so previously incosequential nearly everything before has been. I stood up, dusted off my tattered robes and entered the city. Yet it has just begun.
So how did you get here? I made the journey pretty much alone, and with an online written guide.