A Simple Transaction I
- Thread starter Rihaku
- Start date
- Original
ImperatorV
The Laughing One
- Location
- The Voyaging Realm
I honestly like Balance a lot, but as of now there doesn't seem to be much interest in it. As such, I'll go for my other favorite,
[X] The Forsaken Mask
I am completely uninterested in playing a revenge-driven madman, especially one suicidal enough to take the Praxis with Progression and the Geass. I think the only reason Vengeance+Praxis is even a thing is people voting Praxis for meta reasons, which I dislike.
Seriously, Praxis+Vengeance can very well end this quest early and we won't get a new one. People are obsessed with seeing the Praxis, but are risking killing the quest entirely to get it.
[X] The Forsaken Mask
I am completely uninterested in playing a revenge-driven madman, especially one suicidal enough to take the Praxis with Progression and the Geass. I think the only reason Vengeance+Praxis is even a thing is people voting Praxis for meta reasons, which I dislike.
Seriously, Praxis+Vengeance can very well end this quest early and we won't get a new one. People are obsessed with seeing the Praxis, but are risking killing the quest entirely to get it.
OctarineShrike
Avatar of Mandos
(Edit: My voite Consolidation didn't take in the tally for some reason)
Last edited:
[X] Balance
As much as I like the combo of Vengence and Praxis, having my cake and eating it too isn't worth the risk. So long, Praxis.
I picked this over Vendetta because slowly killing the world is kinda shitty, especially given the protagonist clearly cares about the common people. I like a bit of EDGE, but cold rage and plotting appeals to me more than fury and daring the gods to strike us down. Though they both have their appeals.
Also because it lets us pick our battles. Vendetta, simply by existing, demands that the world come to him and strike him down before he kills them all. Balance on the other hand is free to engage or disengage as he pleases. One enemy at a time please.
The lack of time is a problem, but the the artifact Hunger shows that this is a problem we can solve, though not easily.
As much as I like the combo of Vengence and Praxis, having my cake and eating it too isn't worth the risk. So long, Praxis.
I picked this over Vendetta because slowly killing the world is kinda shitty, especially given the protagonist clearly cares about the common people. I like a bit of EDGE, but cold rage and plotting appeals to me more than fury and daring the gods to strike us down. Though they both have their appeals.
Also because it lets us pick our battles. Vendetta, simply by existing, demands that the world come to him and strike him down before he kills them all. Balance on the other hand is free to engage or disengage as he pleases. One enemy at a time please.
The lack of time is a problem, but the the artifact Hunger shows that this is a problem we can solve, though not easily.
ThatGazzer
Minds Eye Bind
- Location
- PNW
- Pronouns
- They/Them
[X] The Forsaken Mask
Talace
It must be raining somewhere else!
[X] Vendetta
-[X] Remittance: The Sword
I think much of the concern regarding our vulnerability (and comparison to Seram) is overblown. Instead of an antisocial loner with zero combat experience dropped into an entirely new world (and subsequently getting mauled), we have a comparatively more competent and capable individual in our hands, one with the skills to levy unbounded growth and explore juicy Praxis lore. Compared to the non-vengeance version of Praxis, I think a quest with a clear end goal (of avenging yourself) is one with more satisfying character arcs and opportunity for juicy moral dilemmas.
-[X] Remittance: The Sword
I think much of the concern regarding our vulnerability (and comparison to Seram) is overblown. Instead of an antisocial loner with zero combat experience dropped into an entirely new world (and subsequently getting mauled), we have a comparatively more competent and capable individual in our hands, one with the skills to levy unbounded growth and explore juicy Praxis lore. Compared to the non-vengeance version of Praxis, I think a quest with a clear end goal (of avenging yourself) is one with more satisfying character arcs and opportunity for juicy moral dilemmas.
Rihaku
The Internet
I don't think you need to vote tactically at this juncture. Vote your true preference and switch over later if necessary! All that needs to happen for Balance to have a chance is for a few large fanwork creators to select it!
That said, I wouldn't say Vengeance is a madman (perhaps an absolute madman). Many people are obsessed with things while still navigating life in a functional manner. There's nothing precluding healthy relationships if you put in the effort.
Hunger also makes sleeping comfier! The best of both worlds!
I will say that the Decimator's Affliction does not necessarily provoke people to attack you - they have to figure out that you're the source first, the speed of which depends on a number of factions including the sophistication of their civilization. And by the time they've determined that, you may have mitigated the Affliction in a way that transfers the costs elsewhere.
OctarineShrike
Avatar of Mandos
Working Manually off the Vote Tally since something was up about how I tried tallying earlier, scores are like this accounting for consolidation of same plan with different formatting and approval voting.
Forsaken Mask: 16
Vendetta(Sword): 9+1(Bilbo Baggins)+1(Talace) = 11
Vendetta(Kings): 6
Dread(Drop): 3+1(Strange9) + 1(Bilbo Baggins) = 5
Dread(Keep): 2+1(Strange9) + 1(Bilbo Baggins) = 4
Balance: 3
Forsaken Mask: 16
Vendetta(Sword): 9+1(Bilbo Baggins)+1(Talace) = 11
Vendetta(Kings): 6
Dread(Drop): 3+1(Strange9) + 1(Bilbo Baggins) = 5
Dread(Keep): 2+1(Strange9) + 1(Bilbo Baggins) = 4
Balance: 3
I do have to wonder. The GM says repeatedly how it's a suicidal choice. It's explained logically and in relation to past quests how it's a suicidal choice. We aren't forced to make the suicidal choice. So why do people still believe it isn't one?
- Location
- USA
- Pronouns
- He/Him
lots of QMs are ultimately unwilling to kill the protagonist and end the quest early; maybe they don't believe him.
Rihaku
The Internet
To be absolutely clear, it is not overblown. Only take this option if you are comfortable with a serious chance (at least 1 in 3, probably not more than 2 in 3) of the quest ending within the first few fights.
Creating the Lathe of Heaven.
If manually calculating, you can cut the voting power of approval votes in half. Basically they're counted as half supporting each of the two options.
Forsaken Mask as written will spend the lesser wish on resurrecting the wife and child and the least wish on some form of power to defend them.
Maybe they want to help us teach an object lesson that will serve as a useful reference down the line!
OctarineShrike
Avatar of Mandos
I'd also like to bring up that at the start barring some option to restore us to full health, we are missing an arm, an eye, and half a lung, and don't have any youthful vigor. The Praxis will not fix this. It is not built to fix it. Any experience advantage we have over Seram is essentially nullfied by this.
[X] Dread but Dreaming
-[X] Keep the Plenary Brand
Strangely, I don't find myself tempted by the prospect of a post-consolidation pivot. The dreamer may be broken, but both body and spirit can heal in time. As Azathoth dreams the universe in Lovecraft's Mythos, the former hero may dream of a world aligned with the ideals he gave so much for. And, in waking, realize that vision. Power of the magnitude he possesses can be turned to purposes more productive than Vengeance. Justice, Truth... and most important of all, the Freedom to realize them. As the option acknowledges, perhaps this is what they would've wanted. His whole life has been lived as a weapon, an arrow in the quiver of his unseen masters. Even if he were to chart his own trajectory, he'd be a weapon still. Time to start anew. What purpose would remain in Vengeance's wake, but the very slumber he embraces now?
I'm keeping the Brand because it's a goad that he needs. Like Indenture, it's a plot driver. It creates conflicts, its slow and steady growth pushes him to do the Accursed's work and delve into the Praxis or explore in pursuit of mitigation. If we don't cash in on the three extra Remittances, lightening the Accursed's load by even that infinitesimal fraction does far more good than anything else we might possibly do. With an ample bounty of power right out of the starting gate, there'll be no need to keep up with constant escalation of enemies or contend with the incessant build votes promised by Progression. We can explore the secrets of both the cosmos and the Praxis. Not only can we chill out, we have a Curse that mandates doing so!
-[X] Keep the Plenary Brand
Strangely, I don't find myself tempted by the prospect of a post-consolidation pivot. The dreamer may be broken, but both body and spirit can heal in time. As Azathoth dreams the universe in Lovecraft's Mythos, the former hero may dream of a world aligned with the ideals he gave so much for. And, in waking, realize that vision. Power of the magnitude he possesses can be turned to purposes more productive than Vengeance. Justice, Truth... and most important of all, the Freedom to realize them. As the option acknowledges, perhaps this is what they would've wanted. His whole life has been lived as a weapon, an arrow in the quiver of his unseen masters. Even if he were to chart his own trajectory, he'd be a weapon still. Time to start anew. What purpose would remain in Vengeance's wake, but the very slumber he embraces now?
I'm keeping the Brand because it's a goad that he needs. Like Indenture, it's a plot driver. It creates conflicts, its slow and steady growth pushes him to do the Accursed's work and delve into the Praxis or explore in pursuit of mitigation. If we don't cash in on the three extra Remittances, lightening the Accursed's load by even that infinitesimal fraction does far more good than anything else we might possibly do. With an ample bounty of power right out of the starting gate, there'll be no need to keep up with constant escalation of enemies or contend with the incessant build votes promised by Progression. We can explore the secrets of both the cosmos and the Praxis. Not only can we chill out, we have a Curse that mandates doing so!
KidFromPallet
Pokemon Fan
- Location
- Pallet Town
Fanwork: A Poem About Vendetta + Sword (758 Words)
There once was a hero, great and true
Who was offered power out of the blue
With arms open wide that gift he would take
And worlds free of evil he would make
There once was a Monster, terrible and strong
Curses he would accumulate as he moved along
Worlds he would burn and laws he would break
So that power he could take
The Hero took power from the peoples of all
So he could ensure they would never fall
Gifted life, innumerable ties
So that the Hero might yet rise
The monster's maw hungered true
For the life hidden away within me and you
Worlds were burned upon the pyre
Stacking ever higher
The Hero, he was brave and free
He raged against tyranny with glee
For no one could keep the Hero bound
And the people need not fear the iron fist with the Hero around
The Monster, he was a vile beast
No law could hold him, greatest or least
Societies he broke, monarchs filed with dread
At the beast's implacable tread
The Hero a holy sword did wield
To fight against all evil could field
A dream of justice and fairness too
Enough to change the world, this he knew
The monster a mighty weapon did hold
One to end all worlds, young and old
A great destroyer, the Monster held
And all who met his blade were felled
The Hero, mightier every day
Becoming stronger in every way
Nothing could stop him on his march
For the blood of evil he was parched
The Monster a thing of growth endless
Though not very strong now, I confess
Mighty strength, unbounded skill
Divinities it would kill
The Hero was brought to countless worlds
The banner of freedom, he unfurled
They praised him, that savior of light
The one who would never give up the fight
The monster the multiverse would tread
And all who saw it were filled with dread
Their decimated world was only the latest
On the Monster's path to become the greatest
The Hero and Monster are one and the same
And they're who I would choose for this game
For these next few verses, allow me to try
And convince you to come over and join my side
The story is many times told
Of struggle and strife of a Hero bold
Well worn I know, and repeated so
But there's still a chance here, this I know
For the Hero is not our normal lead
His soul to the pyre he would already feed
What glimmers of possibility could there be
In one as used to pain and strife as he
Not a lonely hermit nor an office drone
For the hero toppled Tyrant from his throne
What would a veteran like he make of this Quest
To grow ever stronger and become the very best
And now for a new discussion axis
The choice to grasp the almighty Praxis
For years and years of our own time
We've lacked the chance for Lore so fine
A chance to peak behind a curtain
Shouldn't be given up, this I'm certain
And the deepest lore, the most secretive possession
Won't be ours unless we pick Progression
Though it may seem risky to most
To forgo all power for later growth
But this choice we made in the days of yon
And we certainly managed to go Even Further Beyond
For the Diagram we studied young
In the realm of power we sat at the lowest rung
Yet all threats we outscaled via interactions
Enough to turn Gods into sideshow attractions
And never fear for the Slice of Life
Between the great Hero and his darling wife
Because possible that should still be
For looking back, it's plain to see
Though Nameless toiled through pain and strife
Even Further Beyond still contained Slice of Life
So I say that feat can be repeated
The Hero's frozen heart can be reheated
For with progression, nothing will be beyond his power
And from the Hero even death shall cower
Resurrection can be obtained, with great growth
To reunite the Hero with those he loves the most
Plus I think our interest it could snare
To have a protagonist like Baenlixnaire
Because though Nameless grew strong and great
He was still but a candle to Baenlixnaire's Hate
And to my last point this does me bring
After this verse I'll end this thing
You know it to be true, although it may make us dead:
You've just gotta vote for that RED.
-------------------------------------------------------
Whelp, here's my contribution to the Fanwork pile. Contains the kind of terrible poetry and rhyming that you should expect from someone who's only creative writing experience is a 6-8 weekish course and a smattering of omakes written for other Quests. But hey, every little bit helps, right?
Kinda started out as something that could plausibly be in universe, but then it spiraled out of control when I decided "Hey, why not try to argue for votes in prose? Surely that is a perfectly good structure to communicate in that absolutely won't result in people misunderstanding you.
".
There once was a hero, great and true
Who was offered power out of the blue
With arms open wide that gift he would take
And worlds free of evil he would make
There once was a Monster, terrible and strong
Curses he would accumulate as he moved along
Worlds he would burn and laws he would break
So that power he could take
The Hero took power from the peoples of all
So he could ensure they would never fall
Gifted life, innumerable ties
So that the Hero might yet rise
The monster's maw hungered true
For the life hidden away within me and you
Worlds were burned upon the pyre
Stacking ever higher
The Hero, he was brave and free
He raged against tyranny with glee
For no one could keep the Hero bound
And the people need not fear the iron fist with the Hero around
The Monster, he was a vile beast
No law could hold him, greatest or least
Societies he broke, monarchs filed with dread
At the beast's implacable tread
The Hero a holy sword did wield
To fight against all evil could field
A dream of justice and fairness too
Enough to change the world, this he knew
The monster a mighty weapon did hold
One to end all worlds, young and old
A great destroyer, the Monster held
And all who met his blade were felled
The Hero, mightier every day
Becoming stronger in every way
Nothing could stop him on his march
For the blood of evil he was parched
The Monster a thing of growth endless
Though not very strong now, I confess
Mighty strength, unbounded skill
Divinities it would kill
The Hero was brought to countless worlds
The banner of freedom, he unfurled
They praised him, that savior of light
The one who would never give up the fight
The monster the multiverse would tread
And all who saw it were filled with dread
Their decimated world was only the latest
On the Monster's path to become the greatest
The Hero and Monster are one and the same
And they're who I would choose for this game
For these next few verses, allow me to try
And convince you to come over and join my side
The story is many times told
Of struggle and strife of a Hero bold
Well worn I know, and repeated so
But there's still a chance here, this I know
For the Hero is not our normal lead
His soul to the pyre he would already feed
What glimmers of possibility could there be
In one as used to pain and strife as he
Not a lonely hermit nor an office drone
For the hero toppled Tyrant from his throne
What would a veteran like he make of this Quest
To grow ever stronger and become the very best
And now for a new discussion axis
The choice to grasp the almighty Praxis
For years and years of our own time
We've lacked the chance for Lore so fine
A chance to peak behind a curtain
Shouldn't be given up, this I'm certain
And the deepest lore, the most secretive possession
Won't be ours unless we pick Progression
Though it may seem risky to most
To forgo all power for later growth
But this choice we made in the days of yon
And we certainly managed to go Even Further Beyond
For the Diagram we studied young
In the realm of power we sat at the lowest rung
Yet all threats we outscaled via interactions
Enough to turn Gods into sideshow attractions
And never fear for the Slice of Life
Between the great Hero and his darling wife
Because possible that should still be
For looking back, it's plain to see
Though Nameless toiled through pain and strife
Even Further Beyond still contained Slice of Life
So I say that feat can be repeated
The Hero's frozen heart can be reheated
For with progression, nothing will be beyond his power
And from the Hero even death shall cower
Resurrection can be obtained, with great growth
To reunite the Hero with those he loves the most
Plus I think our interest it could snare
To have a protagonist like Baenlixnaire
Because though Nameless grew strong and great
He was still but a candle to Baenlixnaire's Hate
And to my last point this does me bring
After this verse I'll end this thing
You know it to be true, although it may make us dead:
You've just gotta vote for that RED.
-------------------------------------------------------
Whelp, here's my contribution to the Fanwork pile. Contains the kind of terrible poetry and rhyming that you should expect from someone who's only creative writing experience is a 6-8 weekish course and a smattering of omakes written for other Quests. But hey, every little bit helps, right?
Kinda started out as something that could plausibly be in universe, but then it spiraled out of control when I decided "Hey, why not try to argue for votes in prose? Surely that is a perfectly good structure to communicate in that absolutely won't result in people misunderstanding you.
".
OctarineShrike
Avatar of Mandos
[X] Dread but Dreaming
-[X] Keep the Plenary Brand
Given the 33 to 66% chance of early bad end and assuming Vendetta+Sword, access to possibly 4 upgrade type lesser Remittances(1 Standard+3 For Plenary), plus the ability to train Praxis without needing to be progression type, this is the option that is likely to let people see the most of the Praxis.
forums.sufficientvelocity.com
-[X] Keep the Plenary Brand
Given the 33 to 66% chance of early bad end and assuming Vendetta+Sword, access to possibly 4 upgrade type lesser Remittances(1 Standard+3 For Plenary), plus the ability to train Praxis without needing to be progression type, this is the option that is likely to let people see the most of the Praxis.
A Simple Transaction I Original
A quest about a simple transaction and the consequences that follow.
forums.sufficientvelocity.com
Enohthree
Hypersane
I like the implication that getting another Lesser Wish wouldn't take that, and since we have no scaled expectations between Imperial and Royal Praxis aside from the former being better...
[X] The Forsaken Mask
Plenary Brand and a defensive Accursed True Wish that could stop H.P. Lovecraft's worst nightmares trying their level best to kill us seems like a great combination honestly. Even Lunacy has the upside that people seem to be skipping over, namely that we can suppress the change from Doom to Geas if we put in the effort, in case the target of it would cause more problems than having a Hulk for would solve. Not without effort of course, but some discussion was having it be a sure switch over.
Plenary Brand broadcasting 'hey we could kill you' without actually having to go Lunacy Hulk and risk people around us to prove it also works as great synergy as noted.
OctarineShrike
Avatar of Mandos
I realized my earlier post was incoherent. The short form is that Dread+Keep gives us the largest possible immediate picture of the Praxis via 3 extra lesser Remittances vendetta+Sword doesnt get we could use on upgrades, combine this with Combat cursebearer's boost to Praxis and the Praxis not being without growth potential even for a combat cursebearer and Dread+Keep becomes the route most likely to let us see more of the Praxis.
This is compared to sending someone with several missing body parts into battle with essentially nothing, leading to a 33 to 66 percent chance of early bad end and seeing little if any of the Praxis if that happens.
This is compared to sending someone with several missing body parts into battle with essentially nothing, leading to a 33 to 66 percent chance of early bad end and seeing little if any of the Praxis if that happens.
fictionfan
Please sir, may I have some Meows?
- Location
- Tempe, AZ
[X] The Forsaken Mask
OctarineShrike
Avatar of Mandos
Scores after accounting for approval voting in this tally:
Forsaken: 18
Vendetta(Sword): 10+0.33(Bilbo Baggins) = 10.33
Vendetta(Kings): 6
Dread(Keep):4+0.5(Strange9)+0.33(Bilbo Baggins) = 4.83
Balance: 3
Dread(Drop): 2+0.5(Strange9)+0.33(Bilbo Baggins) = 2.83
@Bilbo Baggins , @Strange9, your vote weights are diluted due to engaging in approval voting per word of Rihaku here: A Simple Transaction I Original
If you wish to adjust your votes you should do so.
Forsaken: 18
Vendetta(Sword): 10+0.33(Bilbo Baggins) = 10.33
Vendetta(Kings): 6
Dread(Keep):4+0.5(Strange9)+0.33(Bilbo Baggins) = 4.83
Balance: 3
Dread(Drop): 2+0.5(Strange9)+0.33(Bilbo Baggins) = 2.83
@Bilbo Baggins , @Strange9, your vote weights are diluted due to engaging in approval voting per word of Rihaku here: A Simple Transaction I Original
If you wish to adjust your votes you should do so.
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Rihaku
The Internet
You don't know whether Plenary Brand would advertise the True Wish to characters remotely near your level. It may be beyond their comprehension. The power of a Combat-type, sure, but it may also include definitive weaknesses like "can't actually use his power without killing everything on the planet, including his wife and child, and therefore won't use his full power unless absolutely necessary." There's a lot they can get away with before reaching that boiling point, especially if the hero is the type of personality to choose Forsaken Mask in the first place.
Hm, really? Slumber as purpose? I wouldn't have expected that from someone who so dislikes Arthur.
Probabilistically it is true, but one also has to consider the spread of build votes. With a Combat-type (either Freedom choice) you'll have to do all your build votes up front. I'll try to partition them so it's not overwhelming, but even the Forsaken Mask will need several. With a Progression Type you can get started on your adventure much more quickly! Especially since you'll have an actual goal!
ImperatorV
The Laughing One
- Location
- The Voyaging Realm
Bad Decisions
The price had been high, but it was worth it.
That was what the hero repeated to himself as he forged through the thick forest. To be a Tyrant, altogether unable to hold to the laws of others. To drain away the very life of every world he visited. But in exchange, he had obtained the Praxis. The ultimate sword. With this, and the power of progression, his Vengeance against those who had manipulated him, who had condemned him to suffering and his companions to death, was close at hand.
But right now... He couldn't actually use the Praxis. Well, he'd get it eventually. In the mean time, he had found a slightly rusted sword in the forest, he could fight with that.
As he broke through the foliage, however, he realized he might not have to fight so soon after all. The forest had opened up, and in the distance he could see a town, a quaint place surrounded by a simple wooden palisade. It would be good to find a source of supplies, and maybe a safe place where he could figure out how to use his remittance.
There was just one problem...
"You're going to have to leave your weapon here if you want to go in. Sorry, town policy." The guard at the gate looked sympathetic, but that didn't change the fact that this was unacceptable. The hero would not leave this random, rusted sword he had grabbed off the ground behind because of some asinine local policy. Some part of him whispered that the Doom of the Tyrant was influencing him, but the rest of him was too indignant to care.
"I will not be giving up my weapon."
The guard gave him an exasperated look. "Look, I get it. You look like you've been through a lot, I can understand wanting to keep a weapon close. But we've had some trouble lately with foreigners getting into arguments and escalating to weapons, so we have the new rule. I can't make exceptions, even if I want to."
The hero, of course, could not accept this. And he had no power with which to force his way. The Praxis provided none, and it would be foolish to challenge the town guardsmen, crippled and poorly armed as he was. That wasn't a fight that was going to go his way. So, he left.
I can hunt for food, and train my abilities. I can gain power and use it to get what I want. So the hero thought to himself.
He hunted, he killed a deer and fought off the wolves that came for the deer's carcass. He trained, and improved his strength and agility.
And then a band of hobgoblins appeared, claiming these were their hunting grounds, and demanding the hero give them a cut of the deer meat. The hero refused, and they fought. And crippled as he was, with no magic and only a little enhanced physical abilities, the hero died. The End.
.....
Or maybe he survived. Maybe he had an ally with him, who while not overly powerful was enough to fend off a hobgoblin squad.
Then later, the pair ran into a rampaging chimera, because the hero has to have an interesting life right? They both died. The End.
Or maybe, the hero managed to pull off a crazy, incredible trick, allowing himself and his friend to escape. Then later, they were tracked down by an archdruid who had identified the hero as the source of the life-draining affliction plaguing the continent. If the hero had a great power of some sort, he could have fought back - but he had only the Praxis, which he was only barely beginning to advance in. So he died. The End.
Or maybe the hero managed somehow, using incredible willpower, determination, a lot of luck, and a fair amount of sacrificing his very self, managed to win. He went on to become the great hero, the great monster, the Sword that Ends All Worlds.
He probably died against the Chimera or Archdruid though. Because he made a bad decision, and it was the most important decision of his life.
The price had been high, but it was worth it.
That was what the hero repeated to himself as he forged through the thick forest. To be a Tyrant, altogether unable to hold to the laws of others. To drain away the very life of every world he visited. But in exchange, he had obtained the Praxis. The ultimate sword. With this, and the power of progression, his Vengeance against those who had manipulated him, who had condemned him to suffering and his companions to death, was close at hand.
But right now... He couldn't actually use the Praxis. Well, he'd get it eventually. In the mean time, he had found a slightly rusted sword in the forest, he could fight with that.
As he broke through the foliage, however, he realized he might not have to fight so soon after all. The forest had opened up, and in the distance he could see a town, a quaint place surrounded by a simple wooden palisade. It would be good to find a source of supplies, and maybe a safe place where he could figure out how to use his remittance.
There was just one problem...
"You're going to have to leave your weapon here if you want to go in. Sorry, town policy." The guard at the gate looked sympathetic, but that didn't change the fact that this was unacceptable. The hero would not leave this random, rusted sword he had grabbed off the ground behind because of some asinine local policy. Some part of him whispered that the Doom of the Tyrant was influencing him, but the rest of him was too indignant to care.
"I will not be giving up my weapon."
The guard gave him an exasperated look. "Look, I get it. You look like you've been through a lot, I can understand wanting to keep a weapon close. But we've had some trouble lately with foreigners getting into arguments and escalating to weapons, so we have the new rule. I can't make exceptions, even if I want to."
The hero, of course, could not accept this. And he had no power with which to force his way. The Praxis provided none, and it would be foolish to challenge the town guardsmen, crippled and poorly armed as he was. That wasn't a fight that was going to go his way. So, he left.
I can hunt for food, and train my abilities. I can gain power and use it to get what I want. So the hero thought to himself.
He hunted, he killed a deer and fought off the wolves that came for the deer's carcass. He trained, and improved his strength and agility.
And then a band of hobgoblins appeared, claiming these were their hunting grounds, and demanding the hero give them a cut of the deer meat. The hero refused, and they fought. And crippled as he was, with no magic and only a little enhanced physical abilities, the hero died. The End.
.....
Or maybe he survived. Maybe he had an ally with him, who while not overly powerful was enough to fend off a hobgoblin squad.
Then later, the pair ran into a rampaging chimera, because the hero has to have an interesting life right? They both died. The End.
Or maybe, the hero managed to pull off a crazy, incredible trick, allowing himself and his friend to escape. Then later, they were tracked down by an archdruid who had identified the hero as the source of the life-draining affliction plaguing the continent. If the hero had a great power of some sort, he could have fought back - but he had only the Praxis, which he was only barely beginning to advance in. So he died. The End.
Or maybe the hero managed somehow, using incredible willpower, determination, a lot of luck, and a fair amount of sacrificing his very self, managed to win. He went on to become the great hero, the great monster, the Sword that Ends All Worlds.
He probably died against the Chimera or Archdruid though. Because he made a bad decision, and it was the most important decision of his life.