Yup! That is me. My other story, Wisteria started over there and made me think this would be a good world for a quest story.
Reborn as a Book: The [TBD] [ERROR] of the… System’s Pre-Integration Testing?
- Thread starter Runetyr
- Start date
- Original Sci-Fi Fantasy
Yup! That is me. My other story, Wisteria started over there and made me think this would be a good world for a quest story.
Vote 8 Closed
New
I apologize for the tardiness of getting this post drafted and posted! I will admit, I got distracted with character creation for a WoD game that I am joining soon. It's looking to be a fun one!
Alright! We have our order of importance! As I said previously, this was a Riot Vote. Everything here will be covered depending on the amount of votes each thing got. I see a few things are technically in multiple places. I will edit this post a little later (aka in the morning) with the 'distilled' votes so we have an exact number for everything.
EDIT: Here are the final numbers grouped together in order.
6x Focus on Party
5x Echo Pastel Yellow
4x Focus XP Gain
3x Echo Deep Blue
2x Focus on Cuttle
2x Have stuff put on pages and attempt to Analyze it
2x Echo Tan
2x Echo Iron
1x Echo Reddish-Brown
Jan 12, 2025 at 11:00 PM Until Chapter 9
Last edited:
Chapter 9
New
I only had the chance to speak with Cuttle briefly the next morning. He apologized, explaining that he probably wouldn't be able to chat much over the next few days, except for a short period in the evenings. Apparently, the party had decided to hightail it to Zyme. Picking me up had already put them behind schedule.
Still, I took every opportunity I could to talk to Cuttle. He's… interesting to deal with. Cuttle is fairly direct and a bit no-nonsense in his approach. He doesn't sugarcoat things, which I appreciate, and so far, he's been more than willing to answer my questions. Mostly, I've asked about the world itself.
For starters, the System has been around as long as anyone can remember. Everyone here—species, monsters, flora, fauna—is either an Initiate or a descendant of previous Initiates. Apparently, every single thing in this world came from another during the beta test. The whole goal for Initiates, or so the story goes, is simple: survive. The longer you survive, the stronger you become, the more you "break the system for the System," whatever that means. In the end, the better you do, the better benefits your species wins when they're fully integrated into the System.
Cuttle, Hapa, and Urchin are all Natives—descendants of species initiated a couple of iterations ago. They grew up in a small seaside village that farmed a local dungeon. Cuttle lit up when he talked about it, describing the crustaceans as a delicacy and the coral and pearls looted from the dungeon as being of unparalleled quality. He even said he'd like to take me there someday.
The three of them had always planned to form a party together and see the world. Cuttle was the first to get his class: Acolyte. He's happy with it, using a balanced combat style that flows between tanking and fighting, filling whatever gap the party needs. Hapa got his class next: Adept, a hybrid between arcane and divine magic. He serves as their buff and support caster.
Urchin, though, is the wildcard. He ended up with the Striker class, which the village elders thought might lead to something unique. Usually, Strikers focus on blades, but Urchin is all about using his hands instead, which seems… unconventional, to say the least.
One evening, I even got to talk to Hapa! He's incredibly curious, spending most of our time together asking about my home before I ended up as an Initiate. I liked him a lot and really hope I get to speak with him again soon.
Urchin, on the other hand, outright refused to even touch me. That wasn't exactly pleasant to learn. I get it—talking to a book is weird—but it still stung. Or maybe I spooked him? Cuttle said that Urchin was denying ever having heard me when had held me before. Which was disappointing.
During the days and nights when I was on my own, I decided to Echo a couple of books since I was being carried in the same bag as my friends. Maybe I'm going crazy, though. I am calling books friends. I guess, listening to their rhythms is nice. I still enjoy just kinda dozing, or as close to it as I can, and enjoying the company of their whispers and lights.
However, I did decide to Echo Pastel Yellow first. It… it took a while. It was the longest by far.
The book had been a goldmine of survival tips and tricks. Way more in-depth than anything I'd found in Wildlife or Eryngo's Handbook. It covered everything: the basics of fire-making, from gathering tinder to building different types of fires and even keeping them lit in harsh conditions. There were detailed guides on constructing temporary shelters, identifying safe-to-eat plants, and even the general flora rules that seemed to hold true across different worlds. Stuff like "brightly colored berries are a no-go" and "if it smells like death, it probably is." It was all incredibly practical, and I could feel myself soaking it up like a sponge.
'If nothing else,' I thought, 'this knowledge could come in handy someday. Assuming I ever get the chance to, you know, use it.'
Once I'd absorbed what I could from that book, I decided to turn my attention to Deep Blue. If I was already gaining passive XP just by existing, maybe I could squeeze out a little extra while Echoing? It couldn't hurt to try, right?
'Here goes nothing,' I thought, focusing my energy. 'Let's see what Deep Blue has to offer.'
Surveyor's Notes: The Woodline Trail, as Deep Blue was actually titled, turned out to be one of my favorite reads so far. It wasn't just practical—it was amazing. The amount of information packed into it was staggering.
There were detailed notes on dangerous areas: places to avoid because of natural hazards like quicksand, briar thickets, or unstable terrain that could send you tumbling. Then there were entries about safe campsites: marked spots perfect for overnight stays, usually near water sources or natural cover. And of course, there were the points of interest—ruins, caves, and mysterious locations that practically begged to be explored. Some even came with warnings, which only made them more intriguing.
But the maps? Oh, the maps. They were the real stars of the show. Beautifully done, they weren't just dry technical diagrams or boring overland routes. No, these maps felt alive, with close-up details of trails and winding paths that made you feel like you were already there. The artistry behind them was as much a treat as the information itself.
The Woodline Trail as well seemed to be an area pretty close, if not part of the Western Thickets. 'It looks like Eryngo had a particular interest in the area. Maybe I can convince them to go check it out sometime?'
It was about that time I had an idea. A silly, not-so-smart-in-hindsight kind of idea. 'What if I Echoed both Iron and Tan at the same time?'
Spoiler alert: the experience wasn't great. Not the absolute worst thing I've ever done, but definitely not something I'm planning to repeat anytime soon. It took forever, way longer than it would have if I'd just done them one at a time.
It was like staying up until 3 a.m. to cram for a test, only to realize you've been reading the same sentence over and over again without actually processing any of it. It was like staying up until 3 a.m. to cram for a test, only to realize you've been reading the same sentence over and over again without actually processing any of it.
Oh, and did I mention? It was like staying up until 3 a.m. to cram for a test, only to realize you've been reading the same sentence over and over again without actually processing any of it.
'Ow. I don't think I'll be doing that again. Ow. Ow.' The bookache that followed was the cherry on top of an already terrible idea. My metaphorical spine throbbed like it had been used as a bookmark for an anvil.
Lesson learned: multitasking might seem efficient, but for a book? It's definitely not worth the pain. 'Well, not yet anyway.'
The contents of the two books I'd Echoed couldn't have been more different. On one hand, there was Tan, whose actual title was The Care and Feeding of Exotic Hounds. It was written by some high-born enthusiast who was, apparently, the undisputed expert on rare and magical hounds. And boy, did they want you to know it.
The tone was formal and dripping with condescension, like they'd reluctantly decided to share their infinite wisdom with the unworthy masses. The pages were stuffed with elaborate terminology, overly detailed instructions, and frequent humblebrags about the author's superior breeding stock. While it was definitely informative—if you ever needed to feed or groom a magical hound, this was your book—it often veered into outright self-aggrandizement. Honestly, it felt like the author thought of themselves as a gift to the entire field of magical hound care.
On the other hand, Tales from the Ironwood—the true name of the Iron rhythm (mental self-high five for getting that right)—was an entirely different vibe. It was a collection of myths, legends, and cautionary tales all centered around the Ironwood, a dense and mysterious forest. The stories wove together themes of danger, wonder, and the occasional lesson on what not to do if you wanted to live to see another day. And wouldn't you know it? The Ironwood just so happened to be near the Western Thickets.
The two books couldn't have been more opposite if they tried. One was a pompous instruction manual for the elite, while the other was a treasure trove of regional folklore and eerie legends.
If I'd been capable of sighing, I would've. 'At least now I know never to Echo two wildly different books at the same time again. My poor pages are still recovering.'
After the whole double Echoing fiasco, I decided I deserved a break. No more trying to cram two wildly different books into my metaphorical brain at the same time. Instead, I spent some time chatting with Cuttle and… well, I made a bit of an odd request.
Through the text filling my pages, I asked him to put stuff in me. You know, a leaf, some dirt, or—if they ended up in a fight—a bit of fur or a drop of blood. 'Totally normal, not weird at all, right?'
I think the blood part weirded him out a little. Just a bit. He didn't say anything outright, but the slight hesitation in his movements told me everything I needed to know. Thankfully, they didn't seem to get into any fights, so that particular request went untested. Occasionally, though, Cuttle would slip some plant material into my pages—leaves, bits of bark, stuff like that.
Every time he did, I tried to Analyze it. I mean, that's what you're supposed to do when you're a book with a fancy System skill, right? Except… nothing happened. Not a single thing. It was like the skill didn't even recognize that there was anything there.
To be fair, I couldn't actually see what they looked like. Or smell them. Or feel their texture beyond their faint outlines pressed between my pages. They were just… there. Present but frustratingly unreachable.
Time for another distraction. This time, I turned my attention to the Reddish-Brown rhythm: Beasts Beyond the Borders. The topic? Local monsters.
The book itself was a sparse but practical bestiary, clearly written with survival in mind. The author's tone was brisk and pragmatic, no fluff or unnecessary details—just what you needed to know to stay alive. Identifying features, behavioral patterns, and solid advice for avoiding or escaping encounters. No deep dives into biology or mystical origins, and the illustrations were few and far between. It wasn't some grand academic piece; it was a survival guide for travelers and adventurers who had the misfortune of running into something they really, really shouldn't have.
And honestly? It was a lot of fun to Echo. The sheer variety of creatures was fascinating. Some were horrifyingly dangerous, others just strange or unsettling, and a few… well, I wouldn't exactly call them cute, but I could see someone thinking they were interesting in a "look-but-don't-touch" kind of way.
What really blew my mind was how many of these creatures had apparently been brought here by the System. And that wasn't even counting dungeon monsters or those that had evolved over time. This place was a patchwork of ecosystems and species from who-knows-how-many different worlds, all thrown together and left to adapt or perish.
It was hard not to get caught up in the wonder of it all. Sure, some of these beasts could probably kill a person in the blink of an eye, but there was something incredible about the fact that they existed at all.
Between all of that, we finally arrived in Zyme. From what Cuttle said it was a mostly martial city in design. Mostly a hub for trade and at a crossroads between some major cities and dungeons. A great place for adventurers to meet up, according to the guides. With hope, maybe even get a new party member. An Initiate, from Earth.
Experience: 6.27/100
We have 3 options this time around. Majority vote, no Approval.
[ ] Go with Cuttle to check with the local Adventurers Guild for Initiates
[ ] Go with Hapa to go Shopping (maybe you can visit a book store!
[ ] Go with Urchin to totally not get in trouble
Jan 14, 2025 at 11:00 PM Until Vote Ends
Still, I took every opportunity I could to talk to Cuttle. He's… interesting to deal with. Cuttle is fairly direct and a bit no-nonsense in his approach. He doesn't sugarcoat things, which I appreciate, and so far, he's been more than willing to answer my questions. Mostly, I've asked about the world itself.
For starters, the System has been around as long as anyone can remember. Everyone here—species, monsters, flora, fauna—is either an Initiate or a descendant of previous Initiates. Apparently, every single thing in this world came from another during the beta test. The whole goal for Initiates, or so the story goes, is simple: survive. The longer you survive, the stronger you become, the more you "break the system for the System," whatever that means. In the end, the better you do, the better benefits your species wins when they're fully integrated into the System.
Cuttle, Hapa, and Urchin are all Natives—descendants of species initiated a couple of iterations ago. They grew up in a small seaside village that farmed a local dungeon. Cuttle lit up when he talked about it, describing the crustaceans as a delicacy and the coral and pearls looted from the dungeon as being of unparalleled quality. He even said he'd like to take me there someday.
The three of them had always planned to form a party together and see the world. Cuttle was the first to get his class: Acolyte. He's happy with it, using a balanced combat style that flows between tanking and fighting, filling whatever gap the party needs. Hapa got his class next: Adept, a hybrid between arcane and divine magic. He serves as their buff and support caster.
Urchin, though, is the wildcard. He ended up with the Striker class, which the village elders thought might lead to something unique. Usually, Strikers focus on blades, but Urchin is all about using his hands instead, which seems… unconventional, to say the least.
One evening, I even got to talk to Hapa! He's incredibly curious, spending most of our time together asking about my home before I ended up as an Initiate. I liked him a lot and really hope I get to speak with him again soon.
Urchin, on the other hand, outright refused to even touch me. That wasn't exactly pleasant to learn. I get it—talking to a book is weird—but it still stung. Or maybe I spooked him? Cuttle said that Urchin was denying ever having heard me when had held me before. Which was disappointing.
During the days and nights when I was on my own, I decided to Echo a couple of books since I was being carried in the same bag as my friends. Maybe I'm going crazy, though. I am calling books friends. I guess, listening to their rhythms is nice. I still enjoy just kinda dozing, or as close to it as I can, and enjoying the company of their whispers and lights.
However, I did decide to Echo Pastel Yellow first. It… it took a while. It was the longest by far.
The Wanderer's Handbook
Fear not the wild, friend. With steady hands and sharp wits, even the harshest trail can be tamed. Begin with fire—it is your friend, your warmth, and your light in the shadow of the woods. Dry tinder is your treasure: moss clinging to bark, a handful of brittle grass, or the smallest twigs snapped underfoot. Treat it with care, for with its first breath, your journey truly begins.
Shelter need not be grand, only sufficient. Seek a fallen tree or a low overhang, and build beneath it with what the land provides. Layer branches thick and tight as a weaver's loom, and your shield against the night will hold.
And when the winds carry strange howls or unseen rustling, remember this: Most creatures fear you more than you fear them—except, of course, when they don't. Best to stay vigilant, eh?
Shelter need not be grand, only sufficient. Seek a fallen tree or a low overhang, and build beneath it with what the land provides. Layer branches thick and tight as a weaver's loom, and your shield against the night will hold.
And when the winds carry strange howls or unseen rustling, remember this: Most creatures fear you more than you fear them—except, of course, when they don't. Best to stay vigilant, eh?
The book had been a goldmine of survival tips and tricks. Way more in-depth than anything I'd found in Wildlife or Eryngo's Handbook. It covered everything: the basics of fire-making, from gathering tinder to building different types of fires and even keeping them lit in harsh conditions. There were detailed guides on constructing temporary shelters, identifying safe-to-eat plants, and even the general flora rules that seemed to hold true across different worlds. Stuff like "brightly colored berries are a no-go" and "if it smells like death, it probably is." It was all incredibly practical, and I could feel myself soaking it up like a sponge.
'If nothing else,' I thought, 'this knowledge could come in handy someday. Assuming I ever get the chance to, you know, use it.'
Once I'd absorbed what I could from that book, I decided to turn my attention to Deep Blue. If I was already gaining passive XP just by existing, maybe I could squeeze out a little extra while Echoing? It couldn't hurt to try, right?
'Here goes nothing,' I thought, focusing my energy. 'Let's see what Deep Blue has to offer.'
Surveyor's Notes: The Woodline Trail, as Deep Blue was actually titled, turned out to be one of my favorite reads so far. It wasn't just practical—it was amazing. The amount of information packed into it was staggering.
There were detailed notes on dangerous areas: places to avoid because of natural hazards like quicksand, briar thickets, or unstable terrain that could send you tumbling. Then there were entries about safe campsites: marked spots perfect for overnight stays, usually near water sources or natural cover. And of course, there were the points of interest—ruins, caves, and mysterious locations that practically begged to be explored. Some even came with warnings, which only made them more intriguing.
But the maps? Oh, the maps. They were the real stars of the show. Beautifully done, they weren't just dry technical diagrams or boring overland routes. No, these maps felt alive, with close-up details of trails and winding paths that made you feel like you were already there. The artistry behind them was as much a treat as the information itself.
The Woodline Trail as well seemed to be an area pretty close, if not part of the Western Thickets. 'It looks like Eryngo had a particular interest in the area. Maybe I can convince them to go check it out sometime?'
It was about that time I had an idea. A silly, not-so-smart-in-hindsight kind of idea. 'What if I Echoed both Iron and Tan at the same time?'
Spoiler alert: the experience wasn't great. Not the absolute worst thing I've ever done, but definitely not something I'm planning to repeat anytime soon. It took forever, way longer than it would have if I'd just done them one at a time.
It was like staying up until 3 a.m. to cram for a test, only to realize you've been reading the same sentence over and over again without actually processing any of it. It was like staying up until 3 a.m. to cram for a test, only to realize you've been reading the same sentence over and over again without actually processing any of it.
Oh, and did I mention? It was like staying up until 3 a.m. to cram for a test, only to realize you've been reading the same sentence over and over again without actually processing any of it.
'Ow. I don't think I'll be doing that again. Ow. Ow.' The bookache that followed was the cherry on top of an already terrible idea. My metaphorical spine throbbed like it had been used as a bookmark for an anvil.
Lesson learned: multitasking might seem efficient, but for a book? It's definitely not worth the pain. 'Well, not yet anyway.'
The contents of the two books I'd Echoed couldn't have been more different. On one hand, there was Tan, whose actual title was The Care and Feeding of Exotic Hounds. It was written by some high-born enthusiast who was, apparently, the undisputed expert on rare and magical hounds. And boy, did they want you to know it.
The tone was formal and dripping with condescension, like they'd reluctantly decided to share their infinite wisdom with the unworthy masses. The pages were stuffed with elaborate terminology, overly detailed instructions, and frequent humblebrags about the author's superior breeding stock. While it was definitely informative—if you ever needed to feed or groom a magical hound, this was your book—it often veered into outright self-aggrandizement. Honestly, it felt like the author thought of themselves as a gift to the entire field of magical hound care.
On the other hand, Tales from the Ironwood—the true name of the Iron rhythm (mental self-high five for getting that right)—was an entirely different vibe. It was a collection of myths, legends, and cautionary tales all centered around the Ironwood, a dense and mysterious forest. The stories wove together themes of danger, wonder, and the occasional lesson on what not to do if you wanted to live to see another day. And wouldn't you know it? The Ironwood just so happened to be near the Western Thickets.
The two books couldn't have been more opposite if they tried. One was a pompous instruction manual for the elite, while the other was a treasure trove of regional folklore and eerie legends.
If I'd been capable of sighing, I would've. 'At least now I know never to Echo two wildly different books at the same time again. My poor pages are still recovering.'
After the whole double Echoing fiasco, I decided I deserved a break. No more trying to cram two wildly different books into my metaphorical brain at the same time. Instead, I spent some time chatting with Cuttle and… well, I made a bit of an odd request.
Through the text filling my pages, I asked him to put stuff in me. You know, a leaf, some dirt, or—if they ended up in a fight—a bit of fur or a drop of blood. 'Totally normal, not weird at all, right?'
I think the blood part weirded him out a little. Just a bit. He didn't say anything outright, but the slight hesitation in his movements told me everything I needed to know. Thankfully, they didn't seem to get into any fights, so that particular request went untested. Occasionally, though, Cuttle would slip some plant material into my pages—leaves, bits of bark, stuff like that.
Every time he did, I tried to Analyze it. I mean, that's what you're supposed to do when you're a book with a fancy System skill, right? Except… nothing happened. Not a single thing. It was like the skill didn't even recognize that there was anything there.
To be fair, I couldn't actually see what they looked like. Or smell them. Or feel their texture beyond their faint outlines pressed between my pages. They were just… there. Present but frustratingly unreachable.
Time for another distraction. This time, I turned my attention to the Reddish-Brown rhythm: Beasts Beyond the Borders. The topic? Local monsters.
The book itself was a sparse but practical bestiary, clearly written with survival in mind. The author's tone was brisk and pragmatic, no fluff or unnecessary details—just what you needed to know to stay alive. Identifying features, behavioral patterns, and solid advice for avoiding or escaping encounters. No deep dives into biology or mystical origins, and the illustrations were few and far between. It wasn't some grand academic piece; it was a survival guide for travelers and adventurers who had the misfortune of running into something they really, really shouldn't have.
And honestly? It was a lot of fun to Echo. The sheer variety of creatures was fascinating. Some were horrifyingly dangerous, others just strange or unsettling, and a few… well, I wouldn't exactly call them cute, but I could see someone thinking they were interesting in a "look-but-don't-touch" kind of way.
What really blew my mind was how many of these creatures had apparently been brought here by the System. And that wasn't even counting dungeon monsters or those that had evolved over time. This place was a patchwork of ecosystems and species from who-knows-how-many different worlds, all thrown together and left to adapt or perish.
It was hard not to get caught up in the wonder of it all. Sure, some of these beasts could probably kill a person in the blink of an eye, but there was something incredible about the fact that they existed at all.
Between all of that, we finally arrived in Zyme. From what Cuttle said it was a mostly martial city in design. Mostly a hub for trade and at a crossroads between some major cities and dungeons. A great place for adventurers to meet up, according to the guides. With hope, maybe even get a new party member. An Initiate, from Earth.
Experience: 6.27/100
Bit of a long one this time around! I hope you guys enjoyed it. It was my first real attempt at a time skip like this. So I hope it went smoothly. Also, that is what led to tonight's delay. I had to make sure I had everything all covered and ready to go. Have questions, comments, concerns, let me know!
We have 3 options this time around. Majority vote, no Approval.
[ ] Go with Cuttle to check with the local Adventurers Guild for Initiates
[ ] Go with Hapa to go Shopping (maybe you can visit a book store!
[ ] Go with Urchin to totally not get in trouble
Jan 14, 2025 at 11:00 PM Until Vote Ends
Last edited:
- Pronouns
- He/Him
[X] Go with Cuttle to check with the local Adventurers Guild for Initiates
- Location
- United States
- Pronouns
- He/Him
[X] Go with Cuttle to check with the local Adventurers Guild for Initiates
I guess Nakia was stuck in the nature section of the library?
I guess Nakia was stuck in the nature section of the library?
[X] Go with Hapa to go Shopping (maybe you can visit a book store!
Shopping.
With an Arcane (+divine) Caster.
Spell Scrolls! Spell Scrolls! Spell Scrolls!
Hope we can fix the damage that one did to our relationship.
Shopping.
With an Arcane (+divine) Caster.
Spell Scrolls! Spell Scrolls! Spell Scrolls!
Ooops.
Hope we can fix the damage that one did to our relationship.
Caster friend! Caster Friend!
I mean, pretty much. Druid Library 😜
Caster friend!
- Location
- France
[X] Go with Hapa to go Shopping (maybe you can visit a book store!
- Location
- Russia
Hell yeah, so much information!
[X] Go with Cuttle to check with the local Adventurers Guild for Initiates
Hapa seems to be enthusiastic about us and so would always be available later, so I think we need time with Cuttle because he's our bonded and was spooked by the request for blood
[X] Go with Cuttle to check with the local Adventurers Guild for Initiates
Hapa seems to be enthusiastic about us and so would always be available later, so I think we need time with Cuttle because he's our bonded and was spooked by the request for blood
SleepyCaterpilar
Just a Rapariga
[X] Go with Cuttle to check with the local Adventurers Guild for Initiates
[X] Go with Hapa to go Shopping (maybe you can visit a book store!
There will be plenty of time to improve our bond with Cuttle. I'm more interested in the chance to copy more books!
There will be plenty of time to improve our bond with Cuttle. I'm more interested in the chance to copy more books!
For those who didn't notice above (as I just changed it)
Vote has been extended until tomorrow at 11pm.
I think Mondays are going to be a day off for me. So after I post on Sundays, the Vote is a two day Vote with Post being done wednesday night. Comes to three chapters a week instead of 4(ish).
Posting Nights
Sunday
Wednesday
Friday
I will be keeping the 11pm time for Votes and Posts.
Vote has been extended until tomorrow at 11pm.
I think Mondays are going to be a day off for me. So after I post on Sundays, the Vote is a two day Vote with Post being done wednesday night. Comes to three chapters a week instead of 4(ish).
Posting Nights
Sunday
Wednesday
Friday
I will be keeping the 11pm time for Votes and Posts.
Vote 9 Closed
New
Jeeze you have headaches all weekend and you miss out on getting to vote for totally not trouble, boo! 
Chapter 10
New
[X] Go with Cuttle to check with the local Adventurers Guild for Initiates
I was getting used to the jostling. It wasn't terrible, but it reminded me of turbulence. Cuttle's gait was much smoother than Hapa's or Urchin's. While Urchin still didn't seem to want to talk with me, he had no issue carrying me. Personally, I think he still was annoyed that they went out of their way for a book, rather than a 'normal' Initiate. Oh well. Not everyone likes to read.
A hand gripped me and pulled me from the bag to set me on a table. A quick flip, and I was open to the page with mine and Cuttle's conversations.
"Hello my friend! Are we there?"
He tapped his writing utensil against the page before responding. "We are. Hapa is out replenishing supplies, while Urchin is tracking down leads. I am on recruitment."
"Okay, so what is an Adventurer's Guild? I mean, there have been many different stories that involved them back home. Games, books, movies, anime, etc. Some where the same, but many were quite different."
"Well, the Guild is more of a hub, rather than an actual organization. There are many of them, usually region based. Besides them there are many different organizations that perform much the same functions." He seemed to be considering things for a moment before continuing. "I would say it is mostly used for regular citizens to offer out quests for things, to act as a central hub of networking for individuals to find parties, and the trade of information. I think a few even offer trainings and the like as well."
"Interesting. Does that mean there are some people who don't get a class or profession?"
"No, everyone does when they come of age. But not everyone strives to get more powerful. Some, just can't."
I mulled that over for a bit. While I did, Cuttle stepped away to collect some information and to request some information packets on those looking to join a party. Eventually I felt the information packets get set down near me as they're rhythms streamed in from the void.
Oh wow. They really are just information packets, huh? They were all various shades of grey, with a voice that was strong and firm. They shifted between male and female, but each one whispered like someone reading information off a note card. Actually…
"Hey Cuttle. Can I join your party?"
I don't know if he took his time before responding, or simply didn't see the message at first. Eventually he began to respond.
"That… I am not sure how that would work, honestly. You are a book, and not…"
"Not a person? A physical person."
"Being part of a party is more than just being there. It's contributing."
"I get that. While I might not be able to contribute to a fight or, you know, the whole physical side of things, there are still ways I can help."
I paused for a moment, considering how best to phrase it. "For one thing, I can collect and store information. Not just that—I can shift through it to find and present the useful stuff. That's got to count for something, right?"
I hesitated, the words lingering on the page. "Look, I'm not asking for a handout or anything, but I do think there are things I could contribute. I might not be able to swing a sword or throw a punch, but I can still be useful."
I could almost feel the silence stretching after the words settled, and if I had breath, I'd be holding it.
"That is true, I suppose. Though, I mean, what could we offer you? Normally there are plenty of negotiations. Typically there would be a share of the loot and rewards."
"Well, to be fair, yeah I would want that too. But before you go all, 'What use does a book have for gold… I have an idea I would like to float out there. I would like the opportunity to copy every book or scroll and written word thing the party comes across, personal items and purchases aside." I could feel the tip of his utensil resting against my page and pressed on. "But you are right, I don't necessarily have a need for gold except to buy more material to collect. At least not yet. So maybe a portion of my loot can be used as a party fund. Cover the necessities like food and lodging. Say… 30% of what I would make?"
The tip tapped slowly against the page. It left little marks as Cuttle seemed to ponder the idea. I was slowly getting the mental image that if he didn't have the utensil in his hands, he would be tapping his nails against the table.
"I think… that would be fair. I don't foresee Hapa having an issue with it. Urchin might grumble a bit, but once he doesn't have to spring for a decent room, he would stop. How about this, then… You said you could copy things?"
I gave an affirmative and he continued. "Very well, copy these packets. As you say, siphon through the information and present to me who you think would be the best fit to bring on as our other party member. I was supposed to grab two if possible, but if I am bringing you on… Well, while your terms are serviceable, contribution is key. Help prove yourself with this, and I will speak on your behalf for membership. Deal?"
"Deal."
I think this is going to be a fun one. You all get to vote on who you think should join the party. I really do request you think it through and read over each person carefully. Before hand I will give you a quick reminder of what the party already has. Have fun!
Party has:
Cuttle: Balanced Fighter
Urchin: DPS Fighter
Hapa: Buff/Support Caster
Majority Vote, with Approval (Limit to 3 Votes per person)
[ ] Taylor Renfield
Race: Human (Earth Initiate)
Class: Brawler, Level 0
Background: A former college athlete with a natural affinity for hand-to-hand combat. Taylor exudes confidence and thrives on physical challenges, often relying on their instincts and raw power. While new to the System and its mechanics, their determination to push boundaries makes them a natural leader in confrontational situations. Taylor's athletic training makes them durable and fast, but their limited understanding of tactics could leave them vulnerable against more experienced foes.
Mission Statement: "I'm here to test my limits and break this system wide open."
Personality Notes: Bold, driven, and occasionally headstrong, Taylor embraces risk-taking as part of their identity.
[ ] Asher Dain
Race: Human (Earth Initiate)
Class: Mage, Level 0
Background: A meticulous programmer who treats the System's magic as if it were a digital interface to be deconstructed. Asher is fascinated by the logic behind spells and actively seeks to understand how magic can be optimized. Though inexperienced in direct combat, their analytical approach and problem-solving skills make them a valuable strategist. Asher tends to avoid direct confrontation, preferring to observe and analyze before engaging.
Mission Statement: "I want to understand how magic works and find the loopholes."
Personality Notes: Curious, methodical, and occasionally overly cautious, Asher values knowledge over brute force.
[ ] Lyric of Palaris
Race: Feline (Ushy Initiate)
Class: Rogue, Level 0
Background: Hailing from a cunning and agile race, Lyric's upbringing honed their natural stealth and precision. A quick thinker and natural opportunist, Lyric excels at staying one step ahead of danger. Their Beta Skill appears tied to heightened perception or movement, enabling them to assess and react to threats faster than most. Lyric views the System as a challenge to overcome and embraces its dangers with a competitive edge.
Mission Statement: "If the system is a game, I'm here to win."
Personality Notes: Witty, self-assured, and sometimes mischievous, Lyric thrives in high-stakes scenarios where creativity matters.
[ ] Grakk
Race: Goblin (Native)
Class: Warrior, Level 5
Background: A grizzled mercenary who has spent years defending his tribe and earning coin through combat. Grakk's experience makes him a reliable and pragmatic ally, though his services often come with an expectation of payment or reward. He understands the System's mechanics better than most, giving him an edge in planning and surviving fights. His blunt demeanor hides a strong sense of responsibility toward those under his protection—so long as the arrangement is mutually beneficial.
Mission Statement: "I'll keep you alive if you keep me paid."
Personality Notes: Practical, gruff, and battle-hardened, Grakk is as reliable as his next paycheck.
[ ] Taan Tenen
Race: Folivoran (Ushy Initiate)
Profession: Caretaker, Level 0
Background: Taan is a gentle giant, embodying patience and care. Whether helping others through physical labor, nursing the injured, or solving practical problems, Taan has always preferred hands-on activities to theoretical pursuits. Their natural strength and empathy make them an excellent support figure, though their deliberate pace might clash with more impulsive personalities. Taan sees every challenge as a problem to be fixed, whether through ingenuity or sheer effort.
Mission Statement: "I can fix that."
Personality Notes: Calm, kind, and quietly resilient, Taan is a steadying presence in even the most chaotic situations.
To confirm:
Majority Vote, with Approval
Limit 3 votes
Jan 16, 2025 at 11:00 PM Until Vote Closes
Last edited:
Of the five offered I think a mage would be most useful. Followed by the rogue and maybe the brawler. The party already has a support caster and plenty of melee damage, what they need is either AoE, crowd control, or a tank. Of course that's largely based on class there's also personality to consider.
I'm eliminating Grakk based on personality. While I'm sure he has lots of experience and wisdom he could bring to the table, the mercenary attitude and lack of potential loyalty to the group is a deal breaker for me. I'd rather have someone who would be likely to become an equal in the group rather than remain separate from it.
Taan is the opposite of Grakk for me, in that while Graak has a potentially useful class paired with a dislikable personality, Taan has a good personality with a class that may not be as combat useful. While Caretaker sounds more like a support class, which we already have one of I can't completely discount them due to their potential to be a stabilizing influence under pressure. Actually looking over their personality again they might clash with Urchin, which could be a problem.
I don't have much to say about Lyric. Creativity and ingenuity are useful skills, and to my knowledge the party doesn't have a lot of stealth options which rogues are good for.
Taylor is a good option for a more melee based addition. It's not clear to me how good they'd be at tanking so choosing them is a bit of a gamble. If we're going to go with some form of non-stealth melee combatant I would prefer Taylor to Grakk, but still not enough reward for the risk. In addition they don't seem like they'd provide much beyond brute force as they are described as being bad at tactics.
Now we come to Asher, my current top choice. I feel they'll have a lot in common with Cuttle and Nakia due to their love of knowledge, and maybe even Haps since they're both casters. Their personality doesn't ring any alarm bells for me. I don't know how they will get along with Urchin, but we know the least about Urchin out of anyone in the group. In addition they could provide some good magic abilities to the group. Perhaps some damaging spells, or enchantments. I doubt they'll go full dps as it says they dislike brute force, but they might be willing to deal damage in some subtler ways. Plus magic is cool.
My preferences as of writing this are:
1. Asher Dain
2. Lyric of Palaris
3. Taylor Renfield
4. Taan Tenen
5. Grakk
I am going to wait to read more discussion before voting. I am open to being swayed on most of my preferences by a convincing argument.
Speaking of voting @Runetyr how many options can we vote for?
I'm eliminating Grakk based on personality. While I'm sure he has lots of experience and wisdom he could bring to the table, the mercenary attitude and lack of potential loyalty to the group is a deal breaker for me. I'd rather have someone who would be likely to become an equal in the group rather than remain separate from it.
Taan is the opposite of Grakk for me, in that while Graak has a potentially useful class paired with a dislikable personality, Taan has a good personality with a class that may not be as combat useful. While Caretaker sounds more like a support class, which we already have one of I can't completely discount them due to their potential to be a stabilizing influence under pressure. Actually looking over their personality again they might clash with Urchin, which could be a problem.
I don't have much to say about Lyric. Creativity and ingenuity are useful skills, and to my knowledge the party doesn't have a lot of stealth options which rogues are good for.
Taylor is a good option for a more melee based addition. It's not clear to me how good they'd be at tanking so choosing them is a bit of a gamble. If we're going to go with some form of non-stealth melee combatant I would prefer Taylor to Grakk, but still not enough reward for the risk. In addition they don't seem like they'd provide much beyond brute force as they are described as being bad at tactics.
Now we come to Asher, my current top choice. I feel they'll have a lot in common with Cuttle and Nakia due to their love of knowledge, and maybe even Haps since they're both casters. Their personality doesn't ring any alarm bells for me. I don't know how they will get along with Urchin, but we know the least about Urchin out of anyone in the group. In addition they could provide some good magic abilities to the group. Perhaps some damaging spells, or enchantments. I doubt they'll go full dps as it says they dislike brute force, but they might be willing to deal damage in some subtler ways. Plus magic is cool.
My preferences as of writing this are:
1. Asher Dain
2. Lyric of Palaris
3. Taylor Renfield
4. Taan Tenen
5. Grakk
I am going to wait to read more discussion before voting. I am open to being swayed on most of my preferences by a convincing argument.
Speaking of voting @Runetyr how many options can we vote for?
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Taan sounds like they can heal and I'm not certain if Hapa is a healer.
I will confirm it to three votes per person and will edit the post to reflect that.
I will admit, I would consider a sort of weighted vote. Organize them in the order of most to least and they get a weight or points based off their position or if they are voted for at all. But I'm not 100% sure how that would work and will save it for a future vote.
I can confirm that Hapa is not a healer.
- Location
- United States
- Pronouns
- He/Him
[X] Asher Dain
If Asher specs into some aoe and field control spells and skills it'll be a real force multiplier.
If Asher specs into some aoe and field control spells and skills it'll be a real force multiplier.
- Pronouns
- He/Him
[X] Asher Dain
