The Low Roads, Chapter 8 (*s/Fs, back and feet).

[Low_Roads]

Have you decided how many chapters the story will be total?

Between 40 and 50 chapters, which I understand is ridiculously vague (probably tending more toward longer than shorter). The story has been all worked out in broad terms, so I can judge that about a fifth of the whole thing has been told. The trouble comes from not being able to predict with any accuracy how many pages a particular story arc will eat up. Pacing difficulties has already forced me to break one of the chapters in half (Chapters 2 and 3 were originally intended to play as a single unit), and I may come up with side adventures that will stretch things out even further. Happily, I'm in no rush! I plan to be here for years to come!

 

[U.N.Owen]

Whoa! That's a lot of work!

Well, just be sure not to disappear on us. I want to know where this is all heading. Your series is so interesting because it's more than just tickle toons. It's a very literate and interesting tale.

 

[Low_Roads]

Well, just be sure not to disappear on us. I want to know where this is all heading. Your series is so interesting because it's more than just tickle toons. It's a very literate and interesting tale.

Thank you! You're very kind to say so! It's been a great source of pride to me that so many intelligent, perceptive forum members have taken an interest in this story, come to spectulate about its plot and themes, and expressed their appreciation! That alone is enough to keep my enthusiasm high, if the joy of creation weren't spur enough!

 

[Khali]

Wow, another excellent chapter. ^^ It's amazing how well you plan out the storylines (and hearing you expect 40+ chapters, whoa...) and again I really enjoy the facet that while the tickling is a major facet of the tale, it's not the ONLY thing happening. What happens outside the 'pain' is just as interesting. ^^

Very well written as well, and it's nice seeing how anicillaries like the mayor aren't just one-note chars but have their own backstory/reasons.

And yes, props to the cameos to Band/WL, Rajee (that WAS very cool use of his/your style), BudFrog and a 6-armed-with-feathers 'goddess' statue. 😉 Interesting thought...

Kh

 

[rajee]

I've enjoyed seeing your artwork style
"evolve" or change since chapter 1.

You ever so slightly made the changes from a less realistic comic to a more realistic comic (with shading, especially on the character's face, eg Mercy).

I have enjoyed all your artwork. :super_hap

 

[Low_Roads]

Wow, another excellent chapter. ^^ It's amazing how well you plan out the storylines (and hearing you expect 40+ chapters, whoa...) and again I really enjoy the facet that while the tickling is a major facet of the tale, it's not the ONLY thing happening. What happens outside the 'pain' is just as interesting. ^^

Very well written as well, and it's nice seeing how anicillaries like the mayor aren't just one-note chars but have their own backstory/reasons.

And yes, props to the cameos to Band/WL, Rajee (that WAS very cool use of his/your style), BudFrog and a 6-armed-with-feathers 'goddess' statue. 😉 Interesting thought...

Kh

Very kind of you, Khali! Thank you! It's supremely satisfying to have folks pick up on the bits of story and character complexity I try to inject! Responses at the TTC and TMF are always so incisive; I don't want to sound elitist, but our fetish seems to attract particularly introspective, intellectual personalities!

I'm very pleased you like what I managed to do with this chapter's selection of cameo tributes! My thanks for agreeing to your own appearance and for allowing me a free hand in the interpretation! The story is all the richer and more visually pleasing for having you present!

I've enjoyed seeing your artwork style
"evolve" or change since chapter 1.

You ever so slightly made the changes from a less realistic comic to a more realistic comic (with shading, especially on the character's face, eg Mercy).

I have enjoyed all your artwork. :super_hap

Thank you, Rajee! Yes indeed, Mercy's smoothed out considerably since Chapter 1! That's what I like so much about the comic format: it (1) forces the artist to draw his characters again and again from panel to panel, working them into acceptable consistency, whatever the angle or attitude; and (2) it compels the artist to render the non-fetish connecting tissue so vital to storytelling, thus broadening his style. My favorite personal example of this process is Popeye, who retrospectively, from his earliest Thimble Theater appearances, (below) is almost unrecognizable as the character we've come to recognize. All comic personalities (even the best known, like Charlie Brown and Snoopie) seem to need a "settling in"period, sometimes lasting years, which allows the creator to work out the kinks. I don't know whether or not Mercy and her pals have reached that stage of completion yet... the process is so gradual it sometimes seems never to end!

 

[Tickling_Anime]

Sorry to comment so late, but this chapter was incredibly good. I like how you put tributes in, that's an excellent touch. You're doing extermly well, and although you do foot torture so well. I suggest doing other parts, that way to incorperate other people. Though myself, I'm totally into what your doing already.

 

[Low_Roads]

Sorry to comment so late, but this chapter was incredibly good. I like how you put tributes in, that's an excellent touch. You're doing extermly well, and although you do foot torture so well. I suggest doing other parts, that way to incorperate other people. Though myself, I'm totally into what your doing already.

Thank you, AOD! And don't worry, you're not late at all! It's impossible to be late while the artist is still around to reply! I must confess, you're entirely right: feet may be my particular favorite target, but that's no excuse for slighting other sensitive areas (many of which are just as well loved!) It's a darned good suggestion, and I'll strive harder to incorporate more UB, belly, legs and what-have-you into the next few sessions! I'll make it a point to vary the victims a bit more, too! Solid advice for combating monotony!

 

[U.N.Owen]

I don't want to sound elitist, but our fetish seems to attract particularly introspective, intellectual personalities!

Actually, I think that's true.

Think about it. Our particular interest involves subtle touch, creative scenarios, complex interactions between people. It's a sophisticated preference. I think it does draw people with above average intelligence. Look at the number of high quality artists, writers and producers in a community that's really pretty small.

Tickle pride!

 

[Low_Roads]

Actually, I think that's true.

Think about it. Our particular interest involves subtle touch, creative scenarios, complex interactions between people. It's a sophisticated preference. I think it does draw people with above average intelligence. Look at the number of high quality artists, writers and producers in a community that's really pretty small.

Tickle pride!

Tickle Pride! I liked that!

Your points are all very well taken. I suppose one should expect a degree of sophistication from a group that needs to be cagey about a frowned-upon preference (or at least one that the mainstream marginalizes by amusement), while a wide variety of artistic expression is bound to arise when people are compelled to "make their own fun" in the absence of mainstream choices. Sites like this offer the opportunity to indulge in fantasies that may have been nursed for decades. Prior to joining the TTC, I had no idea there was any such thing as a "Tickling Community". What a revelation it was!

 

[Journia]

Oh dear god.... I wish I could see Angie......m...hmm....
A voluptuary, enticing. quite a twist, one that may have been foreseen.
The wife's chamber was quite exotic, from a Bandito, and a Khali, to a Solletico painting. That mona lisa is a hit. Mercy proves her virtue by vowing to protect her friend and taking it.
Budweiser bob's appearance is oh so very tantalizing. and Joe...oh Joe....driving young Mercy insane with her obsession....I think....Who'd have thought? I knew the blood of a voluptuary Coursed through Angies veins! But my heart still rests with Persephone Mew.

 

[Low_Roads]

Oh dear god.... I wish I could see Angie......m...hmm....
A voluptuary, enticing. quite a twist, one that may have been foreseen.
The wife's chamber was quite exotic, from a Bandito, and a Khali, to a Solletico painting. That mona lisa is a hit. Mercy proves her virtue by vowing to protect her friend and taking it.
Budweiser bob's appearance is oh so very tantalizing. and Joe...oh Joe....driving young Mercy insane with her obsession....I think....Who'd have thought? I knew the blood of a voluptuary Coursed through Angies veins! But my heart still rests with Persephone Mew.

Good for you, J! I'm a Sephie fan too... (I shouldn't say that out loud, should I. I mean, a father ought to love all his kids equally, right? He isn't supposed to play favorites).

Anyways, thank you for the compliments and observations concerning this chapter's cameo appearances, artistic clutter and snail tonguing! I note a few new paragraphs gracing Incubo Magnifico... more on that tomorrow, when I can do them better justice.

 

[leenotler]

I'm so late that it's difficult to comment without plagiarizing the many insightful posts.
I will just mention that I love the tiny, quick, gothic creatures that can render "giants" helpless. Then the giant, lumbering snail arrives to provide a nice contrast. Thanks again for this series!

 

[Low_Roads]

I'm so late that it's difficult to comment without plagiarizing the many insightful posts.
I will just mention that I love the tiny, quick, gothic creatures that can render "giants" helpless. Then the giant, lumbering snail arrives to provide a nice contrast. Thanks again for this series!

Thank you, Leenotlr! 🙂 As ever, I deeply appreciate your keen interest and generous encouragement! I'm most pleased the Lilliputian sprites went over well; I was eager to play with the size differential... there's something rather insidious about a torturer who has no trouble sneaking into your clothing! The suggestion (not realized as fully as I would have liked) is that the Gloominvald is packed with these pint-sized guardians; their numbers keep the bogey threat secured within Tabor County (ostensibly they're the good guys, though their playful sadism would seem to indicate otherwise). Old Joe (and his smaller brethren) is there primarily because I enjoy drawing a snail's alien architecture. If there was ever a champion of the mollusk, it would be me! Their icky texture and aching slow pace makes them irresistible to me as ticklers!

 

[His Divine Shadow]

Where was HDS when this got posted? Ignored it or lost it for two months he has! HDS must confess: busy when first it was posted, he added the address of the thread to a growing Notepad file full of similar addresses. Only now, looking back on it, has he found all these neglected threads. 😛 I apologize in advance if I end up repeating earlier reviewers; if I take the time to read all replies to this thread first I'll end up adding it to the "to do" list yet again. XD

Nice play on words there, with Khali as Kali. Or perhaps that's what Khali has meant by her name all along and HDS was just too dense to notice. 😛 Splendid renditions both of the statue of Bounce and that faux-Mona Lisa. We now know the secret of that smile, eh? I like the "Mad Expressionist" moniker for the Raj-man. Commendable job of putting his pen to work and creating a bit in his style. Bob as frog made me giggle. Suits his silly ways it does. I like how all the woodland creatures and Mercy stare stunned after Angie's little outburst. Never noticed it before that scene but your little sprites remind me of the Pikmin games, all those differently colored and shaped numbers. Splendid work!

One bonus from replying late is that the time until the next volume is likely smaller for my tardiness. 😛

 

[Low_Roads]

Where was HDS when this got posted? Ignored it or lost it for two months he has! HDS must confess: busy when first it was posted, he added the address of the thread to a growing Notepad file full of similar addresses. Only now, looking back on it, has he found all these neglected threads. 😛 I apologize in advance if I end up repeating earlier reviewers; if I take the time to read all replies to this thread first I'll end up adding it to the "to do" list yet again. XD

The HDS's wide range of interests (let alone heavy load of responsibilities) makes any delay entirely understandable! And I'd have to be a mighty ungrateful hound to neglect the generous largess he's already heaped upon my poor efforts! My gratitude to him is boundless and everlasting!

Nice play on words there, with Khali as Kali. Or perhaps that's what Khali has meant by her name all along and HDS was just too dense to notice. 😛

Kali's official sobriquet actually springs for a video game character of some sort (any denseness applies to me for not recognizing the difference). She was good enough to approve the "goddess" concept, however much of a stretch it was from the source. I'm very grateful for that! The "multi-armed" idea was pretty deeply ingrained by the time I wrote for permission!

I like the "Mad Expressionist" moniker for the Raj-man. Commendable job of putting his pen to work and creating a bit in his style.

Thank you! One is (or ought to be) a bit tremulous when he presumes to adopt another artist's well-honed style. Rajee was generous enough to let me try, and I'm very pleased if the result is recognizable and acceptable! The foundation of the story becomes unshakably sturdy when such richness of influence and inspiration contributes to its formation!

Bob as frog made me giggle. Suits his silly ways it does.

Ha ha! The frog fit my mental image of Bob! (not in any derisive way, certainly, in a story where the most engaging characters are were-creatures!) It was also intended to reflect the Budweiser commercial campaign from a few years back, with the three pond-bound frogs croaking out "Bud" "Weis" "Er"! (smart move! Nothing dates a story like topical references!)

Never noticed it before that scene but your little sprites remind me of the Pikmin games, all those differently colored and shaped numbers.

FeatherHead also mentioned a similarity to Pikmins! Quite apt, more so than I realized, what with the common floral background and team effort dynamic! A good thing I'm not doing this series for money... I'd be setting myself up for some dandy lawsuits!

Splendid work!

My most humble thanks!

One bonus from replying late is that the time until the next volume is likely smaller for my tardiness. 😛

Very true! Chapter 9 should be ready for submission (finger crossed) in another two or three weeks! Summer temperatures have slowed the production schedule a little, but less so than I anticipated! Look for a preview soon in amongst my non-tk literary offerings!

 

[tkltkltkl]

This illustrated story was INCREDIBLY erotic, LBH!

Very VERY nicely done...and you know what? I think that secretly Mercy enjoys being tickled, too...or is that something that everybody here knows already? 😉

Your artwork just gets better and better with each posting. Mercy and Angie's bare feet look so realistic I can almost feel them with my fingers...!

I stroke their feet on my monitor...is that weird?

I hope it flatters you and lets you know how much I enjoy your work! :super_hap

 

[Low_Roads]

Hi Tkltkltkl! I'm flattered indeed to learn that the earthy, tactile aspects of the story are making so strong an impression! Relieved too, as they must often play second fiddle to fantasy and adventure concerns (often, it's a bit of a puzzle to figure how exactly the fetish elements should express themselves). You're quite right about Mercy... only her very strong will-power has thus far prevented her from discovering what many a type-A learns: side-by-side with the dominating aspect of personality is a submissive clawing for attention. Fulfillment (her quest to come to terms with her growing carnality) will flow more easily once she learns to reconcile the two, to surrender to pleasure as well as grasp for it. It's a lesson that Sephie must learn, as well (a lady who really needs to relax!)

This writing is most fortuitous! I'd planned to contact you for permission to include a cameo tribute appearance by your fearsome Ticklor character in upcoming Chapter 10 of the story. I'll PM you with full details once I'm ready to begin work (sometime in August).

 

[limbo123]

hmmm
interesting
LBH
this one is fasinating me like your other 'low road chapters'
but here we are introduced to angie... our new angie
undergoing her new found pleasure
i was a little ....hmmm how do you say this....
enlightened on angies mother
well hehe must run in the family i suppose
her transition to her...well lets say her inner desire was a scene to behold
hmmm much more to say but little time to say
please continue your work LBH
and thank you for the chapter

 

[Low_Roads]

Wow, this chapter hasn't seen the light of day for almost a year! Thanks so much for the monumental bump, Limbo! :super_hap

Very pleased to hear that this installment has made an impact! You've zeroed in on one of the Low Roads most important themes: the "like mother, like daughter" dynamic you site is indeed key for this series... absolutely vital to Angie, of course. It's destined to pay off in critical (and, I hope, surprising) ways as the story nears its conclusion, however much longer that will take. Have no fears: I work on this story ceaselessly and know, within certain variables, precisely where it's heading! Only poor health would prevent me from finishing it, and lately I've been feeling tip-top!

Thanks once again for your thoughtful encouragement! It's always a joy to learn that folks are visiting to the older chapters!

 

[limbo123]

hello LBH
quick word
i look at this now
and i just simpily love/adore expression on mercys face when she realizes that angie is a voluptuary, and from how shes looking at her, it's saying
' ok, what the heck just happend '
to me...this is a 'duh' moment
this
coming from the center

 

[Low_Roads]

Thanks once again, Limbo! You've read Mercy's expression precisely as I'd hoped it would play! "Duh" indeed (not an uncommon condition for the poor questing tyro of a cat-girl), though a flummoxing shared by all assembled in the scene. Outside it, too, I'm eager to believe... Angie's revelation was meant to take the reader, as well, by surprise (despite the first-scene foreshadowing); your focus on the moment fills me with confidence that it may have succeeded!

I'm most grateful for your ongoing interest in this series! Likewise for the renewed visibility... perhaps new TTC members will be seeing it for the first time! For all this, my continuing thanks!