spoiler, AN: I do apologize if the way I ended last chapter was too forced/too obvious of a point. That wasnt intended. but hey, now we get to meet noah.
Everything else is on hold - your brother is back.
A bit of questioning, and you wonder why you needed to ask at all. He is right there in townsquare with mom. What's usually a cheerful reunion, he always did seem to get along with her better than you do, was instead...uncertain. It gives you pause as you walk up. What was her expression..? Like something Noah said had troubled her.
That never really happens.
So you really need to be in the know.
On the move again, its not long until you are upon them, but the expression didn't change much even as she looks right at you and acknowledges your presence. And even as Noah himself notices you, and greets you with a smile as you go in for the side hug. That's when your mom seems to make up her mind about something "How about we go home, let Noah put his feet up, and then we can all catch up"
She says it like its a suggestion, but you know better as she shuffles the three of you onward.
When the door closes, you can finally turn around and ask questions, "What was that about? What's going on?"
"Oh...I just have a lot on my mind. Sorry Noah, I'm glad your home though"
He nods "No problem mom, I'm glad to be home"
But you're not entirely convince, even as they both make themselves comfortable.
""Really? Just things on your mind?"
She nods," Things. There are a lot of...options...right now. I know, How would you like Faith to come over tonight for a sleep over?"
"What...how does that....what does that have to do with anything?"
To your growing confusion and frustration, she just gives you that smile that says that she wont elaborate on anything "I'm just changing the subject"
"Fu- I hate when you do that!"
"Yes, but I just need time to think about things before I say or do anything..."
"You know, its a good idea" Noah chimes in, leaning towards you, voice lowering to a hush and a grin, "The caravan just came in, so it'll be a feast...and mom makes the best desserts"
You look between them, you know something is fishy, but you also know when to give up. Some people can be annoyed into telling their secrets, some can be hassled. Mom...mom just shuts down.
Oh well... its not like you would hate having your best friend over anyways.
"Fine," You say, turning to Noah. You give him that 'i'm not going to take no for an answer' kind of look, "But you still have to spend some time with me before you go again"
A smile, "I promise"
So you leave, letting your mom and brother be all mysterious like they want to. And you go to find Faith.
It doesn't take you long. The lonely girl with short dark hair, wearing a plain dark dress. Her charisma stat isn't very high, and it shows. She is sitting alone on the outskirts of townsquare, just doing some some task given to her. But you know mostly what she's doing is just watching people. Some are unnerved by it, but you know that its just her way to learn more things.
You could have ignored her for most of your life, honestly, she's just that quiet. But there was one solid reason that you were friends- you both loved each others parents. You admire the heck out of William, being your favorite of the six...and while she doesn't complain much, she also clearly wants to learn from your mom more.
You're only half surprised that Faith hadn't announced wanting her as a mentor. Instead, she spend most of her apprentice time with her parents. That might be something to bring up.
"Hey Faith" you wave as you come up, "You're being invited to our place after dinner. How about a sleep over?"
"Oh, sure. My parents will be busy tonight anyways..."
------
Alright, friend obtained, now what?
[ ] Talk to her about her parents
-[ ] Anything in particular?
[ ] Talk to her about mentorship
-[ ] Anything in particular?
[ ] Talk to her about your day
-[ ] Anything in particular?
[ ] Talk to her about your Mom
-[ ] Anything in particular?
[ ] Talk to her about the sleep over
-[ ] Any particular plans?
Health: 25/25
Health Regen: 2/ph
Action Points: 5
Willpower: 1/1
Birth Path: Queen of Insight (birthpath) 3/ ???
Quest 3/???: Complete a quest that involves social interaction
Current Paths:
Star Stalker 8/10 ; Pedigree Underdog 3/15 ; Shadow of the Village 3/ 30 ; Footsteps of the Father 2/ 35 ; Arms of the Mother 5/35
Birth Skill:
Summon Material: Bone lvl1
Upon activation of skill, user is able to summon a small mass of bone. This mass may be no larger than one's fist, and in a shape no more complicated than a sphere or cube. Costs 1 Action Point, 5 Mana.
Mundane Skills:
Meditation lvl2
Upon activation, the Meditation skill will allow for greater relaxation and a more open mind. The effects of meditation will draw out any unaddressed problems of the mind, give rest to the body and mind, and make it easier to merge skills. +10 hp for every hour used. Gives status effect: Calm. Meditation may be used continuously for 16 hours, or until dispelled by user. A user of the basic Meditation skill does not need to expend an action point, but must spend at least half an hour staying in place.
Basic Pottery lvl1
User of this skill must have their hands on clay or similar substance in order to activate. Upon activation of this skill, user will find it easier to manipulate the substance, and gain insight into how different treatments will affect the outcome. Skill lasts for ten minutes. Costs 1 action point.
Weapon Handling: Harpoon lvl1
Having gained proficiency in the use of a weapon, activating this skill while handling your chosen weapon will allow for a 5% increase in Agily. Skill lasts for ten seconds. Costs 1 Action Point.
Quick Trap lvl1
Upon activation of this skill, +5% Clarity and +5% Intelligeance when looking for an opportunity to lay a trap. Allows for a brief flash of intuition into one's surroundings and how they may be used to create a trap. Skill is used and resolved instantaneously. Costs 1 Action Point.
-------------------
Birth Path: Queen of Insight
Quest 3/???: Complete a quest that involves social interaction
Current Paths:
Star Stalker 8/10
Quest 8/10: Apprentice under your target; or under someone with close ties to them
Pedigree Underdog 3/15
Quest 3/15: Allocate 3 Free Stat Points to any stat that isnt Charisma. 0/3 completed.
Shadow of the Village 3/ 30
Quest 3/30: Go an entire day without being noticed
Footsteps of the Father 2/ 35
Quest: 2/35: Recieve or attend a lecture given by your closest Father figure
Arms of the Mother 5/35
Quest 5:35: Learn how to do one task that your closest Mother figure usually completes.
Suggested Paths:
Projectile Apprentice I 0/5 ; Twin Stars 0/1000 ; Family Tree 0/5 ; Apprentice under the Apprentice 0/100 ; Budding Monarch 0/20 ; Eyes of the People 0/10 ; Student of Evolution 0/50
-------------------------
Completed Paths
You haven't completed any paths yet!
You may start on your Birth Path, or seek your own. There's always a way forward.
------------------------
Village Quests
----------------------
Completed Quests
The Way of Iron
Walking the Edge
Seeing Green
On the Outside
Planting Defence
Clean Streets
Old World Taste
Rice to meet You
Maid Well
[x] Talk to her about your day
-[x] Just how things went, questwise and with the kids and also maybe a bit concerned your mother/somethings bothering her
Mama never leveled her Speechcraft, I see. Seems tp be working out for her though.
As for vote, sounds good to me at least.
[x] Talk to her about your day
-[x] Just how things went, questwise and with the kids and also maybe a bit concerned your mother/somethings bothering her
Scheduled vote count started by Crawkid on May 6, 2024 at 5:42 AM, finished with 6 posts and 3 votes.
[x] Talk to her about your day
-[x] Just how things went, questwise and with the kids and also maybe a bit concerned your mother/somethings bothering her
"Sweet. I know your dad is busy with caravan stuff...i bet your mom is too... its like everyone is busy."
She nods a little, conversational agreement or whatever that would be called. So you continue.
"I checked out some quests today. You're right, they're pretty easy."
"Yes...you should have been taking them earlier..." she starts
"I know, everyone says that. I'm just taking my time-"
"...its been two years..."
"Yea, well, better late than never. Plus, I'm sure with a good mentor, I can catch up easy"
But you can tell she isn't so sure about that as you are, its so nice to have someone worried, even though you're not. You pause to consider her feelings a bit more, looking towards your home, "Look...are you sure you want to apprentice under mom?"
"...yes."
"But hasn't it been two years for you too?"
"...."
"...besides, she might not be in top form. You know, there was a quest about telling her the kids were out of control. She's usually on top of things like that. They all are.."
"...maybe her books are full."
You frown some. You've heard your mom explain how her thoughts work a number of times, but the closest you ever got to understanding is when she said that it was like she was reading several books at a time, at all times.
That's honestly incomprehensible. And what's worse is that its not something she got though leveling up. Its just always been like that. So she says.
You shake your head, "I've almost never seen her books full. And she was acting weird, and deflecting a lot."
"...."
You know you got her attention when she too frowns and stares up at your house. So with a sly smile, you lean against her shoulder a little, "...wanna spy on her?"
This elicits another long silence from her, and a quiet huff "...you know I do."
Score.
"Well, you know, we'll have to do that later...I bet she will be talking to my brother again...he's in town you kno-"
Oh hey, they came out of the house.
You two watch as they meet with Faith's mother, Lily...who was organizing the barn raisers, and using her webs to help with construction. Judging by the number of spiders in use now, you can only imagine the spinster hall is closed for the rest of the day.
Noah used his water to fill the water barrels for the workers, and then after a little more talking, they move on...to talking to William. There's a type of wagon you've never seen before, it looks like it has six wheels. And its full of barrels being loaded. Here, Noah seems to fill the barrels with water too, but the cart over flows so...your best guess is that he's washing the iron ore. That's unusual, who paid extra for it to be washed?
Not a question you have an answer to yet. So you look over at Faith for some time, "So, what have you been up to?"
"...watching, like usual."
"Yea? Have you tried to level up your charisma yet?"
"No, not yet. I had other things to level up first."
"...you wanted to lead like mom right? How are you going to do that with a stat of 3?"
"...with skill."
You sigh. Sometimes she can be as stubborn as you are. You can tell by her smirking now, that she is messing with you. But you can't ever be sure how serious she really is.
"So...what's it like training under your parents like an official apprentice?"
"Like having them for parents, but harder" she shrugs, now looking away, "...they said I should consider being a necromancer"
"Necro...what was that again?"
"...dead things. Like a mage of death energy or...they think maybe a summoner of skeletons."
"That sounds cool."
"It sounds illegal, or close to it." she sighs, "and its just because of my Birth Skill"
"and...because you're the daughter of a summoner, and a man who touches dead things?" you tease, "Imagine if my mom used that logic on us"
You didn't expect her to imagine it, but she looks at you thoughtfully, "..well...it could be a clue to your dad. Like I think your birthskill is."
You shift uncomfortably, thinking about your dad...that your mom refuses to answer questions about. "...it might make sense. She's all about balance...and my skill has the word chaos in it.." A pause " um.. but we know its magic, since I cant use it yet."
She nods quietly again.
Write in time...how do you change the awkward topic?
[ ] Write in where to go from here, votes subject to QM veto
Did you know that New Earth has a Mothers Day? Infact, the [Great Warrior-Philosopher] that is the main character's mom, tries her hardest to facilitate normalcy via celebrating Old Earth Holidays as much as possible, while also maintaining a clear focus on survival and growth of the New World.
This is supposedly to soothe current players under the system, as well as any new additions being freed from the Mists/ Time Bubble.
However, due to multiple reasons including: lack of electronic time keeping, differences in weather, and different groups being recovered at different points...a new yearly calendar has had to be made, with approximations bringing them the closest to old calendars by observing the weather for a year, and deciding that the new year starts on the full moon after the frosts have stopped, and every full moon is the start of a new month thereafter.
...Which gets complicated by the presence of the Blue Moon, or the thirteenth full moon that occurs about every two years, until someone takes the [Time Keeper] class to figure this shit out.
Due to this, The New Year is approximated to be the Full Moon of March or April, when compared to the Gregorian calendar of Old Earth. With the week still being separated into groups of seven. From there, Mothers day is still the second sunday of the fifth month.
As an added note, if the new year starts in March, it very nicely and conveniently lines the calendar back up to where the months September, October, November, and December makes sense again, which is something that's only been noticed by your QM after the fact. I love when that happens. <3
Its Mother's Day in the village, and as always, Hope is finding some difficulty with a holiday based around giving. Especially with her mom. What do you give someone who can have anything? Never mind the fact that her relationship with her mom is strange, almost awkward.
They both wish to spend more time together, but with Hope's need for an easy going independence, and pushback to Sam's urging to think about her apprenticeship and skill training more seriously, the two find it hard to connect.
Therefore, Hope has to turn to the only good link between them - her brother, who is able to see her coming from a mile away. His knowing smirk is infuriating.
"You know, she would be happy with anything...she cares about you, Hope"
"I know but like...what does she actually like?"
"...you seriously don't know by now?"
"Yea, yea. Food right? But you already made breakfast."
"Hey, you snooze you lose."
Hope rolls her eyes, but he continues "You snooze a lot, you know"
Earning him a punch in the shoulder, unfortunately, only making his smirk grow even worse.
"There's a lot of things you can give her. She's a warrior philosopher so... weapons-"
"She can already just summon them."
"Armor-"
" She doesn't need it"
"...could just talk to her. You want to spend time with her...why not just do it?"
"But about what?"
He shrugs, slowly losing interest in being the only one coming up with ideas, "Food? Music? Dreams?...you could talk to her about classes and skills, if you showed more interest in that"
"I have interest! But if I talk to her about it, she's just going to try to figure out how to get me to train more.."
"And that's not a bad thing"
"But I don't want a lecture every time I talk to her..."
He shrugs and gets up from the bench, "I thought you were looking for what she wants...but, I want a walk. So I'm going to go take one. Good luck."
Gritting her teeth, and feeling like she's back to square one, Hope watches Noah walk off and disappear into the crowd of Town Square.
"So, what do you think they're doing?" You decide to change the subject back, motioning towards the caravan.
But, unlike how it seems to always work for your mom, Faith stares at you with a flat expression...long enough to almost make you sweat.
You finally get the chance to breathe again when she decides to go along with it, finally looking over again. "Probably their job."
Short, too short. And now you're left to wrack your brain for how to continue. That is, before Faith has mercy and continues talking, much to your relief.
"Dad says Little Tokyo has been making big orders for supplies. Its not just iron, but they requested trees to be planted and harvested too, and he expects they might order in some Monster Plate. Mom's thinking of organizing the classless to fortify the defenses, and setting up a hunting party. The volunteer drive for the farmstead has been increased too... its been a lot to keep track of"
"Wow, that is a lot. But it sounds like you have your ear to the ground, as usual"
She nods a little, with what you can tell is a bit of pride, "Its natural for a leader." She looks at you more directly, and you wonder what she's thinking for a moment, before she continues once again "...well, since you're taking quests seriously now, you should check out your Birth Path."
You blink, consider it, and shrug, "well...its got a weird name"
"They're all weird, Hope"
"Yea, yea...ok." You huff, finally sitting on the bench with her. Raising your hand, you summon your stats screen, navigate to your Paths and Quests, and allow her to see.
Birth Path: Kingdom Craft
Quest 1/?? : Train an artistic and/or crafting ability, gaining a related Skill
Current Paths:
You are not currently on any Paths
Suggested Paths:
Mother Knows Best (0/25); Apprentice under the Apprentice (0/100); Brother is My Keeper (0/12); The Path of Hunting (0/20); Way of the Wind I (0/10); Crafting Jack (0/40); Path of Wandering I (0/10); Twin Stars (0/1000)
-------------------------
Completed Paths
You haven't completed any Paths yet!
You may start on your Birth Path, or seek your own. There's always a way forward.
------------------------
Village Quests
----------------------
Completed Quests
Herding Kittens
Feeding the Troups
The Way of Iron
She hums, "It looks like your list of suggested paths has grown again... And doesn't your birth path seem easy enough to start?"
You grumble, sitting up straighter "I started on that actually, my weapon and instrument came in today. Its just that I never officially started the path..."
"Well...then do it."
Its not like there's a reason not to at this point, and really, you probably should have started this as soon as you turned fifteen...
Poking it with your finger is enough.
Congratulations, you have begun on your path to craft your own kingdom! It may be a hard and esoteric path, but walking it may prove to hand you the keys you seek. One day you may be able to sway the hearts of everyone with your craft, and change how they see reality!
You have to read this about five times.
...Change how they see reality?
"Wow.."
You turn to look at Faith, and she looks up at you before continuing, "..you totally should have done that sooner. Its a good one"
"Do you understand what this is saying..?"
"Um.. I'm not sure. But it promises you a whole kingdom...and says you can change how people see reality? That sounds powerful, but its also kind of vague."
You nod, looking back at your screen, before sighing. "But it says its going to be hard.."
"Well yea....I think all Birth Paths are supposed to be hard."
You groan internally. The kind of power it promises is interesting, at least in that it is as powerful sounding as it is. But it does say that it will be difficult, and...its even still got the question marks. An unknown amount of work ahead of you.
You're already working on getting towards the completion of the first quest though.
Your eyes drift to the selection of suggested paths. Some seem obvious, some seem tempting...
You briefly read the words the system has to say to you: There's always a way forward.
If you're going to start trying to work on things more, you can always try out some of these paths. Its not like The System requires you to to rush to complete your Paths, if ever. It might be good to see what there is. Or...you can seek out a new path. But you might have to ask someone how you go about doing that.
--------------------------------
Take any number of paths during this vote
[ ]Mother Knows Best
[ ]Apprentice under the Apprentice
[ ]Brother is My Keeper
[ ]The Path of Hunting
[ ]Way of the Wind I
[ ]Crafting Jack
[ ]Path of Wandering I
[ ] Twin Stars
[ ] Set this decision aside for later
- [ ] What will you do now?
[ ] Decide to wing it, forging your own path
- [ ] So what's your next step?
[ ] Ask someone for more information on Paths
- [ ] Who?
I should have mentioned earlier, but you may want to create this vote as a Plan. Otherwise i may have to resolve these votes, if i were to close things now by choosing between combining all of these votes (since multiple selections were allowed, or by just choosing Crafting Jack, since it is the only one that has gotten multiple votes
I should have mentioned earlier, but you may want to create this vote as a Plan. Otherwise i may have to resolve these votes, if i were to close things now by choosing between combining all of these votes (since multiple selections were allowed, or by just choosing Crafting Jack, since it is the only one that has gotten multiple votes
