This reply is horribly overdue -_- go me.

I think you've got the gist of the thing. I really like your "write over a read-only medium" description, it explains it so eloquently and simply at the same time. In this case I wouldn't be worried about an unreliable narrator. I'm not too keen on making my audience confused, I just want to tell an unoriginal story. :l

I'm glad you enjoyed reading about Alder as much as I enjoyed writing him. Sometimes he's the only one helping me move the plot along *coughLookercough*. As for Looker, his reason for joining Alder will come to light soon.

The totems are something I just mentioned and totally neglected to explain because I was so sick of exposition. I was also on the fence about how important they will be in the future. Their purpose will be revealed soon.

Thanks for reading and leaving a comment! I will try to improve and update soon, but midterm season is going to strike soon so updates will be slow...but you can follow me for updates if you want. I don't really post here other than to dump my fanfiction.