exarobibliologist
commented
2 months ago I love this idea! I especially love the idea that Linus is Mr. Qi; what an awesome swerve!
After that swerve, it could also be cool to occasionally see Mr. Qi around Linus's tent, or overhear future plans to change either the mines or the Skull Cavern again. Maybe getting some really tough quests from Mr. Qi on the billboard or questing board would be interesting too.
I know that Linus has a past where he had property and money and walked away from it based on dialogue. But what if he actually still had access to it. Like there is someone handling the company etc. I have this story in mind where there is a major financial crisis that threatens to bankrupt and ruin the town after its all going great. The farmer is asked as usual to help with this huge task and does everything possible to help and its not enough. So at a town gathering the mayor reveals a huge check that fixes it all.
Later through another quest you find some ledger and realize it was Linus. He makes you swear to never tell anyone it was him.
Another swerve could be that he also turns out to be Mr Qi.