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The Exorcist Doctor [Basebuilding Progression]
by Maradina
- Sensitive Content
They say death is a curse that cannot be treated by any priest, saint, or doctor in the City of Plagues. Gael Halloway would beg to differ.
Gael is a brilliant but unlicensed doctor practicing medicine in the slums of the lower city, and he has never seen a good death. Toxic mist smothers the air, magic parasites turn people into foul monsters, and the upper city barons hoard all the symbiotic systems and bioarcanic weapons for themselves, leaving the lower city unable to fend for itself. How is he supposed to make a living if his patients die before reaching his clinic?
But when a young parasite-hunting exorcist stumbles onto his doorstep, half-dead and missing a partner to link up with her symbiotic system, Gael sees an opportunity to make a difference.
Limb-worshipping gangs, mad plague doctors, and flesh-hungry ghoul cults? Screw all of them. Gael will rid his district of the wretched parasites, upgrade his clinic, and carve out a sanctuary in a city that has long forgotten the taste of fresh air.
He’ll be the best damn doctor there is—and he won’t be able to do it alone.
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Wonderfully unique take on progression fantasy
Reviewed at: Chapter 18 - The Powers // That Be
I love the Bloodborn/Dishonored-like setting and the balance of the RPGish mechanics existing diegetically in the universe without the whole world running on video game logic. The chemistry between the main characters is fun. I’m interested in seeing how the characters develop and learning more about the background of the world.

MC is my spirit animal now.
Reviewed at: Chapter 7 - The Math // Ain't Mathing
I was a beta reader for this story and I am delighted it's on RR now. I got to read up to chapter 18, and I love every bit of this story. The characters are a blast to follow, and the setting is very unique. I will admit I am probably biased because I love the kind of Victorian aesthetic the story has, but I just love the description of the setting and the characters.
Gael is a delightful character to follow, and is equal parts a doctor who takes his work seriously, and a (sometimes goofy) mad scientist. While I wouldn’t call anyone in the story a “good” person, Gael is charming because for all his crazed actions and cold attitude, when it comes down to it he has solid morals and will do what he believes is right. We haven’t gotten as much characterization for his sister Cara or the deuteragonist Maeve, but they are shaping up to be very interesting too, with both of them being noticeably less insane than Gael(he has enough mad scientist vibes for the whole cast lol). I won’t talk much about Maeve because I don’t want to spoil anything, but so far she seems to be the most moral of the trio, although the setting doesn’t make it easy on her.
Now let me talk about the setting, Bharncair. I don’t think I have ever seen a setting quite like this, and definitely not as the starting area for a story. Even discounting the danger posed by both the local gangs, criminals, and parasitic monsters that could be living inside anyone on the street, the acid rain and toxic haze is enough to kill you on its own. The perpetual haze and danger posed by the infected and uninfected alike causes a constant feeling of tension and mistrust, and Gael wearing a mask that identifies him as a Plagueplain Doctor, a group of individuals that could be politely described as psychopathic war criminals, doesn’t help his chances at friendship. This setting only makes those moments when characters do work together, when they trust one another or act selflessly even more important.
My last point, before I risk rambling about every little thing I like and spoil the story, is that Gael, in accordance with the “signature trinkets” of a Plagueplain Doctor, has a sword cane, and that’s cool as fuck.

Mad scientist tries to hold stable employment
Reviewed at: Chapter 7 - The Math // Ain't Mathing
I was an alpha reader for this - first 21 chapters. This is a delightful mix of serious professional (occasionally), mad scientist, and eccentric individuals interacting in engaging ways.
This is definitely different to Maradina's other stories, with the city it's set in being one where basically no one is truly friendly with everyone, or even anyone in many cases, so its got quite a different feel to it.

A dark fresh take on the system
Reviewed at: Chapter 12 - Hide // And Seek
This seems like a fresh take on the system aspect. I appreciate the writing style, and with a macabre world, I think this could go places. I am looking forward to further updates. The chapters have an incredible word count. The info dump was okay for what it was and the necessity of it, but I thought it was at least done correctly through a dialogue; it made it feel a little more natural. I'm really looking forward to reading more.

gael and friends are broke
Reviewed at: Chapter 1 - Screw the Confession // A Kiss is No Big Deal
Great book! I've been reading the starts of it as an alpha reader, and its a great and fast paced addition to the Bright Burrow books!
Gael and friends are broke.
Gael and friends get powers.
Gael and friends are still broke.
10/10
I like the system being different than the other books, it's an interesting and unique addition to Bright Burrow

Alpha Read this, encourage yall to read as well!
Reviewed at: Chapter 2 - Till Death // Do Us Part
This is a very fun read! Some of the best character interactions I’ve read, mainly because the setting makes the interactions feel necessary. The dark undertones contrast and interact really well with the characters outlook. I alpha read the story and I cannot wait to see everyone else’s reactions! (Read her other stuff too it’s great)

Bloodborne in a book
Reviewed at: Chapter 20 - Mechanical // Skill Issue
Great story so far, characters are well fleshed out and I love the setting, giving me great Bloodborne/Dark souls vibes. Enjoy the way the characters interact with each other, and how even side characters feel well thought out. I like how the system is implemented, as more of a support than just an overpowered thing that makes every fight a breeze.
Keep it up!

I’m pleasantly impressed
Reviewed at: Chapter 16 - Overflowing // Oversleeping
Not a story for the faint of heart or Goody two shoes
A mad scientist with slight Jack sparrow tendencies. That is how I would explain the main character he has a sailors mouth and rough exterior but at the same time he has principles and a clear goal in his mind (no matter how drunk or insane he is).
The story Pulled me in from the beginning. Every chapter has a fair bit of Contant but it always feels like there’s never enough because you feel like you always want more.
The world building fields alive, people have character and personality. The fight scenes are detailed and action packed.
Overall after devouring the first 15 chapters like a lunatic I would say I’m pretty much hooked for anyone that likes Dishonored (The game) I can only highly recommend this novel.

Beta-Reader Review
Reviewed at: Chapter 1 - Screw the Confession // A Kiss is No Big Deal
I've been able to read up to chapter 21 and I definitely recommend giving the Exorcist Doctor a shot! Gael is going to make the PlaguePlain Front one hell of a lot healthier as one of the 72 Warcrime experts / Plaguedoctors. Oh and his Symbiote Exorcist girlfriend is cool too I guess.

Thats how you make a grimdark but hopefull story
Reviewed at: Chapter 13 - Hunter // And Prey
I didnt know i needed this. Medicine parts need some polish but very good. Every surgeon use koter for pass the subdermal thissues, lancet only for skin. Rightangle klemp for delicate work. I want some monster hunting, scavanging ingredients and more of the citys politics. I wonder why people dont leave this city, is wildernes too dangerous, can they escape from the city, from the poisonous fog?