#i genuinely had no idea who elom and tekci were... i had to look them up and then do the sidequest lol

[abombihoney]

oooh that would work. if they were both in the cave until post game, they would have just heard about the invasion. and any information about the hoaxe himself sparse and filled with rumor? (they arent going to tell everyone that the big bad became half tree and they just left him there, so only explorers or roaches would be able to tell that info)

now iirc, the elder roach is still up there and can probably give them the deets about who hoaxe is why he's there w/e. tho i think it would be more interesting if they didn't, and elom and tekci slowly got that info out of him while they wander around nearby? and just come check in on him periodically.

kind of a "oh hey we brought you some water you look thirsty and are kind of wilting a bit? also did you know that the giants have xyz?" situation. and hoaxe just hast to either ignore them and suffer, or be helped at the mercy of strangers who could betray him/leave him at any time.

and im sure that's a real fear for him? cause like the art book comic he gets saved by wasps, only for them to treat him like garbage for no reason? (other than his garbo personality im sure). as far as we know, he did nothing to deserve being taunted and physically attacked.

i'm sure he would be reluctant to accept any kind of help, on the assumption that they are only helping him to tear him down later. how long would he be able to refuse kindness?

would he tell them all the horrible things he's done in attempt to get them to leave? ooooh does he even know his actions suck he just wanted revenge. or does he have a hero of his own story kind of mentality? hmmmmmm having thoughts about hoaxe now

What if, somehow, Hoaxe got stuck mid-transformation after his defeat? Part tree, part fly. A horrific sight. Painful but perpetual.

Would anyone tend to him? Would anyone try to help him flourish? And maybe change? Without any magic, he couldn't do anything even if he got help and the tree part of him grew stronger.