Heimurn Chronicles (No, SV, you're a young valkyrie in the middle of a bizarre and dangerous journey)

Teloch · Aug 16, 2017

your team of lunatics so far

Lucifina (aka you, aka Lu, aka Lucy, aka Sparkling, aka Gosling)

Race: the new nameless humanoid species
Gender: Female
Age: biological - around 21 in human years; actual(?) - almost half a year (?).
Background: protege of a natural science scholar, unknown origins
Status: Healthy

Perk(s):
"Follow the white cat" - you have a moody guiding spirit at your side who can boost your spirit aspect advancement should you get on its better side (+1 spirit arcane charge point after passing hard charisma attribute check (18)), expect its occasional interference.

"No one is an island" - you get 1 + n bonus to all social influence skills and CHA rolls when applied to teammates, where n is the number of steps of the target's affection tier beyond neutral (applies to both positive and negative affection dimensions). Additionally, get +3 to the mentioned bonuses if Amalia is around and can provide quick advice. Passive effect: unearth more insights on followers.

"It's in my blood" - you get a permanent +1 bonus to Intelligence and +1 to arcane skill. Actions that train arcane aspects have a 1/6 chance to double the yields unless the base earning equals or exceeds one full level. You are more prone to magic-related actions and thoughts. You might find it harder to resist the allure of magic in some situations.

Attributes	Base value	Modified value	Total value	Dice bonus
Strength	9		9	4
Constitution	16		16	11
Mobility	10	(+2 cond.)	10 (12 cond.)	5 (7 cond.)
Perception	11		11	6
Coordination	14		14	9
Micromotorics	13		13	8
Intellect	18(+1/3)		18	13
Wisdom	17		17	12
Charisma	20		20	15
Luck	4		4	4
Misfortune	2		2	2

Skill	Attribute value	Learned value	Modified value	Dice bonus
Melee combat	1	4		5
Ranged combat	2			2
Arcane skill	7	7	(+1 cnd.day)	14 (15 cnd.day)
Defense	3	4	1 (+2 cnd.w.)	8 (10 cnd.w.)
Objects usage	2			2
Mounted combat	3			3
Willpower	7	1		8
Balance	2		(+2 cnd.w.)	2 (4 cnd.w.)
Sneaking	3			3
Reconnaissance	5	1		6
Persuasion	10	2		12
Intimidation	6			6
Haggle	7			7
Performance	8			8
Seduction	8			8
Geography lore	7	2		9
Nature lore	7	1		8
Arcane lore	7	5		12
Social and cultural lore	9	2		11
Craft lore	7	2		9
Lingual lore	9			9
Daily craft	6	2		8
Pharma and treatment	7	3		10
Weaponsmithing	4			4
Armorsmithing	6			6
Tailoring	7	2		9
Art	7			7
Artificery	6	1		7
Burglary	5			5
Huntsmanship	4			4
Alchemy	7			7
Sorcery	7			7

Flight and wing-related traits

Wings skill level	13
Flight mastery level	advanced
Normal speed	above average, can forcefully accelerate to considerably fast
Maximum range	considerably far, anywhere up to twenty-eight kilometers.
Maximum height	considerably high (up to 250 meters)
Maximum extra lifting weight	low (10 kg)
Balance	above average, withstands weather and can try to regain without landing
Launching surfaces	solid grounds
Air feats	diving, gliding, hovering, thrusting, basic aerial spellcasting
Land feats	dodge extra propulsion, posing, enhanced balance, enhanced surface acceleration, shielding with wings

#1) Thaumaturgy level 7 (6/7 to level 8):

You can sense the activity of the entropic aspects within ~1000 meters radius, and unusual concentration/malfunction of other aspects within ~200 meters radius.
You have gained the permanent +1 bonus to constitution
You have gained the permanent +1 bonus to wisdom
You regain mental strengths a little bit faster during the daytime.
Using thaumaturgy during the daytime requires less mental and physical effort.,
You can allegedly see prophetic dreams
You can temporarily nullify magic in ~30 meters radius or in a 45 meters-long 30' cone a few times a day, or emit an anti-magic field up to ~15 meters radius a few times a day.
you can temporarily amplify the aspects power around you once a day
you can temporarily amplify or suppress the aspects power of a target up to two times a day
You can try to scan surrounding areas for traces of planar breaching with very high odds to succeed and sense the short residue of extraplanar entities.
You can conjure light on the basic level (sparks, flashes, rays)
You can shape light on the basic level (flash explosions, molding into orbs, luminal barriers, luminal domes, wedges of solidified light, sparks strike)
You passively gain +1 to arcane skill when exposed to the sun but also get -1 to arcane skill at night AND in dark places.

#2) Spirit level 7:

You are able of an advanced Nether-realm vision
You can assess the memory traces of objects and entities via nether-realm vision and tactile contact
You can sense soul sparks in ~75 meters radius
You can sense the sparks of the living, undead, minor spiritual beings, bound spirits, phantasms, genius loci, and some other spirits
You can sense concentrations of the Limbus energies, the thickness of the barrier, and traces of spirits from the material plane
You have gained the permanent +1 bonus to perception
You have gained the permanent +1 bonus to wisdom
You can scan the target's soul characteristics and receive advanced-depth results
You can try to smite a spirit
You can try to disperse a spirit
You can try to temporarily bind or scare off a singular lesser spiritual being
You can communicate with discovered spiritual beings

#3) ~Open affinity slot~

Your journal, a comfortable set of clothes, a plain dress, a custom-made set of lightened composite armor, an arming sword ("Holly"), a high-quality rondel ("Mercy"), a decorative blue ribbon, a silver necktie with a bounded spirit, superb leather harness.

Capable of crudely repairing clothes, making basic tailoring items like belts and patches, and producing low-effort/cost items like stuffed toys. Capable of applying first aid to prevent bleeding. Knows how to make and disinfect bandageware.

Ulren Kyres (aka Ren, aka Mountain boy)

Race: Bhiroth
Gender: Male
Age: 68
Background: mercenary, former soldier, outcast
Status: Healthy

Perk(s):
"Not on my watch, not again" - shields Lucy from considerable harm in combat situations at own expense.

"I promise you that" - when in the same group as Lucifina, will make the second set of saving rolls to avoid critical health conditions.

"Odd kind of friendship" - when Ulren and Sephorah are fighting crowd-controllable enemies (not giants, flying creatures, etc.) in the same team, the one who makes the lowest total offensive or defensive score out of two can reroll that offensive or defensive roll set (only the highest score counts).

Attributes	Base value	Modified value	Total value	Dice bonus
Strength	21	+1	22	17
Constitution	21	+1	22	17
Mobility	14	-1	13	8
Perception	12		12	7
Coordination	15		15	10
Micromotorics	13		13	8
Intellect	14		14	9
Wisdom	18		18	13
Charisma	9		9	4
Luck	2		2	2
Misfortune	2		2	2

Skill	Attribute value	Learned value	Modified value	Total value / Dice bonus
Melee combat	9	9		18
Ranged combat	5	5		10
Arcane skill	6			6
Defense	10	10		20
Objects usage	6	3		9
Mounted combat	8			8
Willpower	6		-3	3
Balance	7			7
Sneaking	4		-5	-1
Reconnaissance	5	4		9
Persuasion	4			4
Intimidation	9			9
Haggle	3			3
Performance	3			3
Seduction	5			5
Geography lore	6	5		11
Nature lore	6	3		9
Arcane lore	6			6
Social and cultural lore	5			5
Craft lore	6	6		12
Lingual lore	5			5
Daily craft	6	4		10
Pharma and treatment	5	2		7
Weaponsmithing	6	6		12
Armorsmithing	6	6		12
Tailoring	3			3
Art	4			4
Artificery	5	7		12
Burglary	4			4
Huntsmanship	5	2		7
Alchemy	6			6
Sorcery	6			6

Unknown, but he demonstrated feats of great balance, stability, and hardiness. Perhaps, he might have an undiscovered arcane aspect bound.

A very worn half-plate armor set, worn set of clothes, a glaive, mechanical mace with spare heads, heater shield, hand crossbow, one quiver of bolts, enchanted amulet (+1 STR +1 CON - MOB)

Semi-proficient in the daily craft. Adept in smithing (martial-level weapons and armor). Proficient in artificiery (lesser contraptions). Expert in picking/maintaining war gear, and capable of minor mechanical upgrades of such. Knows the basics of hunting and skinning.

Sephorah of house Terphor (aka Seph, aka Sephie, aka Princess)

Race: Daeva
Gender: Female
Age: Adult
Background: Rosaline's agent, former slave, voluntary expatriate.
Status: Healthy

Perk(s):

"Odd kind of friendship" - when Ulren and Sephorah are fighting crowd-controllable enemies (not giants, flying creatures, etc.) in the same team, the one who makes the lowest total offensive or defensive score out of two can reroll that offensive or defensive roll set (only the highest score counts).

Attributes	Base value	Modified value	Total value	Dice bonus
Strength	15		15	10
Constitution	15		15	10
Mobility	16		16	11
Perception	14		14	9
Coordination	18		18	13
Micromotorics	12		12	7
Intellect	14		14	9
Wisdom	12		12	7
Charisma	18		18	13
Luck	2		2	2
Misfortune	2		2	2

Skill	Attribute value	Learned value	Modified value	Total value / Dice bonus
Melee combat	7	6	1	14
Ranged combat	4			4
Arcane skill	4			4
Defense	6	5	2	13
Objects usage	4	5		9
Mounted combat	7			7
Willpower	4			4
Balance	8	8		16
Sneaking	7	8		15
Reconnaissance	4	4		8
Persuasion	6	5		11
Intimidation	7			7
Haggle	6	2		8
Performance	6	7		13
Seduction	8	7		15
Geography lore	4			4
Nature lore	4			4
Arcane lore	4			4
Social and cultural lore	5	6		11
Craft lore	3			3
Lingual lore	5			5
Daily craft	3	2		5
Pharma and treatment	4			4
Weaponsmithing	4			4
Armorsmithing	4			4
Tailoring	5			5
Art	5			5
Artificery	3			3
Burglary	4	6		10
Huntsmanship	6			6
Alchemy	4			4
Sorcery	4			4

Unknown if any. No signs of her having seeds of arcane aspects bound so far.

A set of clothes and undergarments, a superb set of compositive medium armor (manticore materials), a superb leather harness for bags and tools, a qualitative longsword "Ember", a parrying dagger, a quiver of tossing knives, a kit with burglar's tools.

You suspect she's incapable of legal manual labor aside from the bare basics of daily routines.

Karl Norskov (aka Mage, aka 'that' mage)

Race: Human (unknown heritage)
Gender: Male
Age: appears to be in the late thirties to early forties
Background: elementalist mage, major arcane enthusiast, disowned son of a noble family.
Status: Healthy

Perk(s):

"Old habits die hard" - when making an offensive arcane skill roll in combat and getting less or equal to four, reroll it (only the highest score counts). This perk also applies to combat rounds where Karl makes an arcane skill roll only for the defensive score.

Attributes	Base value	Modified value	Total value	Dice bonus
Strength	11		11	6
Constitution	11		11	6
Mobility	11		11	6
Perception	13		13	8
Coordination	10		10	5
Micromotorics	16		16	11
Intellect	20		20	15
Wisdom	16		16	11
Charisma	14		14	9
Luck	2		2	2
Misfortune	2		2	2

Skill	Attribute value	Learned value	Modified value	Total value / Dice bonus
Melee combat	1			1
Ranged combat	4			4
Arcane skill	8	9		17
Defense	1	2		3
Objects usage	5	5		10
Mounted combat	2			2
Willpower	7	6	-2	11
Balance	1			1
Sneaking	2			2
Reconnaissance	6			6
Persuation	7			7
Intimidation	2			2
Haggle	5	1		6
Performance	6			6
Seduction	3			3
Geography lore	7			7
Nature lore	7			7
Arcane lore	7	9		16
Social and cultural lore	8	5		13
Craft lore	8			8
Lingual lore	8	7		15
Daily craft	8			8
Pharma and treatment	9			9
Weaponsmithing	7			7
Armorsmithing	7			7
Tailorng	8			8
Art	6			6
Artificery	8			8
Burglary	7			7
Huntsmanship	3			3
Alchemy	9			9
Sorcery	8	3		11

#1) Conflagration and radiation level 7:

You have gained the permanent +1 bonus to strength.
You have gained the permanent +1 bonus to intellect.
Your casting in dry weather or nearby fire sources amplifies pyromancy.
You can regain mental strengths faster near the heat sources.
You can sense and read the heat sources in a vast area.
You can channel the arcane powers to temporarily amplify own physical strength.
Your spellcasting uses both mental and physical strengths or the varying proportions of such.
You can temporarily infuse objects (including tools and weapons) with pyromancy powers.
You can conjure heat on the intermediate level (sufficient to melt iron)
You can suppress and channel heat on the intermediate level (rays, waves, charges, orbs, tactile)
You passively gain +1 to arcane skill for every 3 points of STR above 10. This trait also applies -1 penalty to arcane skill for every 2 points of STR below 10. Does not apply in the case of arcane self-empowerment.

A worn set of travel clothes, a backpack, a grimoire (or a diary), an old pocket chornometer with a chain, an intricate smoking pipe

None you know about

Amalia Brant (aka Lia)

Race: Human (Eastlander)
Gender: Female
Age: Young adult
Background: Former maidservant
Status: Healthy

Perk(s):
"Shipper on deck" - +3 To all social skill rolls against the companions with positive affection levels (neutrality affection level excluded). If previously gossiped with about other characters that she knows, can provide a one-time boost of +3 to all types of social interaction skill rolls to the requester.

Attributes	Base value	Modified value	Total value	Dice bonus
Strength	12		12	7
Constitution	15		15	10
Mobility	11		11	6
Perception	16		16	11
Coordination	12		12	7
Micromotorics	18		18	13
Intellect	12		12	7
Wisdom	20		20	15
Charisma	11		11	6
Luck	2		2	2
Misfortune	2		2	2

Skill	Attribute value	Learned value	Modified value	Total value / Dice bonus
Melee combat	2			2
Ranged combat	7	3		10
Arcane skill	5			5
Defense	4	1		5
Objects usage	7	3		10
Mounted combat	4			4
Willpower	8	3		11
Balance	2			2
Sneaking	4			4
Reconnaissance	7			7
Persuasion	5			5
Intimidation	4			4
Haggle	5	4		9
Performance	6			6
Seduction	3			3
Geography lore	8	2		10
Nature lore	8			8
Arcane lore	8			8
Social and cultural lore	6	2		8
Craft lore	8	3		11
Lingual lore	6			6
Daily craft	8	10		18
Pharma and treatment	7			7
Weaponsmithing	6			6
Armorsmithing	6			6
Tailoring	5	9		14
Art	7	3		10
Artificery	8			8
Burglary	7			7
Huntsmanship	7			7
Alchemy	7			7
Sorcery	6			6

Uknown if any

Leather camisole of fair quality, compositive crossbow, a quiver of bolts, a bag of small tools, a rucksack, a set of road clothes, a plain cloak, a knife, a belt water bag.

Master of daily craft and inventory management. Fairly good cook (specializes in fried snacks) and knows how to correctly ration different foods. Good tailor, capable of qualitative repair of clothes and production of professional effort/materials goods like suits and dresses. Her designs lean towards practicality rather than fanciness.

Isaac

Race: Human (unknown heritage)
Gender: Male
Age: Young adult
Background: Healer apprentice
Status: Healthy

Perk(s):
"We are of one blood" - Any non-hostile actions towards animals or beast folk have +4 bonus to attributes or skill rolls. Can use WIS instead of CHA for interactions with animals and beast folk (aka empathetic approach).

Attributes	Base value	Modified value	Total value	Dice bonus
Strength	13		13	8
Constitution	15		15	10
Mobility	12		12	7
Perception	14		14	9
Coordination	10		10	5
Micromotorics	17		17	12
Intellect	15		15	10
Wisdom	14		14	9
Charisma	7		7	2
Luck	2		2	2
Misfortune	2		2	2

Skill	Attribute value	Learned value	Modified value	Total value / Dice bonus
Melee combat	2		-5	-3
Ranged combat	5		-5	0
Arcane skill	6	6		12
Defense	4	1		5
Objects usage	6		-5	1
Mounted combat	3		-7	-4
Willpower	5	7		12
Balance	2			2
Sneaking	2			2
Reconnaissance	5			5
Persuasion	1			1
Intimidation	3			3
Haggle	1			1
Performance	2			2
Seduction	1			1
Geography lore	5			5
Nature lore	5	2		7
Arcane lore	5	5		10
Social and cultural lore	3			3
Craft lore	6			6
Lingual lore	3			3
Daily craft	6	3		9
Pharma and treatment	6	7		13
Weaponsmithing	6			6
Armorsmithing	7			7
Tailoring	5			5
Art	4			4
Artificery	7			7
Burglary	7			7
Huntsmanship	3			3
Alchemy	6			6
Sorcery	5			5

#1) Body level 5:

You can sense breathing and blood pulse of living entities in ~100 meters radius.
You gain the permanent +1 bonus to constitution.
You gain the permanent +1 bonus to charisma
You can scan the detailed physiological state of a target in many details including sicknesses, inflammations, as well as the state of physical integrity.
You can make an attempt for a minuscule boost of the physical performance of oneself or a target at the cost of own mental strengths.
You can accelerate the metabolism (and so, often times, the recovery from ailments or traumas) of living creatures at the cost of own mental and physical strengths.
You can try to numb the minor pain of a target living creature at the cost of both mental and physical strengths or share it with yourself with the low transference loss ratio

A robe with a hood, a bag with bandages and medications, an old iron amulet, a belt with tincures

Good at applying and synthesizing remedies. Capable of providing first and complex medical aid. Has some skills in inventory management.

Jorgen Ostgard (aka Jory, aka Craven)

Race: Human (Lyflander?)
Gender: Male
Age: Young adult
Background: Alchemist assistant
Status: Healthy


Attributes	Base value	Modified value	Total value	Dice bonus
Strength	11		11	6
Constitution	11		11	6
Mobility	12		12	7
Perception	18		18	13
Coordination	12		12	7
Micromotorics	15		15	10
Intellect	16		16	11
Wisdom	13		13	8
Charisma	9		9	4
Luck	2		2	2
Misfortune	2		2	2

Skill	Attribute value	Learned value	Modified value	Total value / Dice bonus
Melee combat	2			2
Ranged combat	6	1		7
Arcane skill	5			5
Defense	2			2
Objects usage	6	4		10
Mounted combat	3			3
Willpower	6			6
Balance	2			2
Sneaking	5	4		9
Reconnaissance	7	5		12
Persuation	2			2
Intimidation	1			1
Haggle	3			3
Performance	2			2
Seduction	1			1
Geography lore	6			6
Nature lore	6	4		10
Arcane lore	6	3		9
Social and cultural lore	4			4
Craft lore	5	6		11
Lingual lore	4			4
Daily craft	5	3		8
Pharma and treatment	6			6
Weaponsmithing	5			5
Armorsmithing	5			5
Tailoring	5			5
Art	3			3
Artificery	6			6
Burglary	7			7
Huntsmanship	6			6
Alchemy	6	6		12
Sorcery	6			6

Unknown if any

A robe with a hood, a traveling cane, a bag with small instruments, a belt with glasses, a rucksack

Good at synthesizing remedies or other compounds from both organic and inorganic ingredients. Fairly good at understanding how chemistry works and has an eye for experimentation. Capable of locating and recognizing substances. Has basic skills in inventory management and knows a thing or two about craftworks.

General condition: High morale, everyone's healthy, two weeks worth of food supplies, sufficiently-budgeted, low on alchemic reagents.
Money: 1081 Talers
Food: 82 food units (9 full days of sustenance on Bloom 28)
Food consumption: 8.5 food units per day

Lucifina - 1
Ulren - 2
Sephorah - 1.5
Karl - 1
Amalia - 1
Isaac -1
Jory - 1
Mount(s) - n/a (pasturing season)

Medication: 5 medicine units
Alchemy stash: 4 reagent units, 5 blank alchemical basis compounds (crafting boosters & subsidizes)

Free stash space: up to 130 kg

1 Incindiary bomb (great)
1 Regeneration potion (superb)
1 Regeneration potion (weak)
1 Stimulator/painkiller potion (weak)
1 Potion of momentum (Temp: +3 STR +3 SPD +3 COOR - 1 INT - 1 WIS - 1 CHA) (standard)

A bundle of books from Dalgaard's library, Yvie's ulchaar (Morinth's parcel)

Mounts: 1 workhorse (Softie)
Team's reputation:
Kheree hunters (Tevon-Talab militia) - CELEBRATED
The Lyf Kingdom (Lyflanders) - WELCOMED
Eastern Freelanders (Baathorians) - CELEBRATED
Central Freelanders (Tevons) - UNKNOWN
Western Freelanders (Ertanghalians) - UNKNOWN
Nyth-Rhathon (Bhiroths) - UNKNOWN?
Olfadir (Westlanders) - UNKNOWN?

Ship-o-meter

Lucifina

Ulren

Sephorah

Karl

Amalia

Isaac

Jorgen

Lucifina

X

Devotion (96)

Comradery (82)

Amiability (12)

Friendship (70)

Sympathy (44)

Neutrality (10)

Ulren

Devotion (96)

X

Friendship (58)

Amiability (13)

Sympathy (38)

Amiability (20)

Neutrality (4)

Sephorah

Comradery (82)

Friendship (58)

X

Suspicion (-11)

Sympathy (34)

Amiability (16)

Neutrality (0)

Karl

Amiability (12)

Amiability (13)

Suspicion (-11)

X

Neutrality (9)

Amiability (13)

Amiability (14)

Amalia

Friendship (70)

Sympathy (38)

Sympathy (34)

Neutrality (9)

X

Sympathy (47)

Sympathy (32)

Isaac

Sympathy (44)

Amiability (20)

Amiability (16)

Amiability (13)

Sympathy (47)

X

Friendship (51)

Jorgen

Neutrality (10)

Neutrality (4)

Neutrality (0)

Amiability (14)

Sympathy (32)

Friendship (51)

X

Tier	Relative numeric scale	Description
Devotion	91 to 100	You would likely self-sacrifice for each other if necessary
Comradery	71 to 90	You are deeply loyal to each other
Friendship	51 to 70	You have each other's trust
Sympathy	31 to 50	You have common interests, views, or simply find each other nice
Amiability	11 to 30	You are polite and good-willing toward each other
Neutrality	-10 to 10	You are strangers or largely indifferent towards each other
Suspicion	-11 to -30	You question each other's views and values
Distaste	-31 to -50	You avoid and distrust each other, but remain rational
Intolerance	-51 to -70	You dislike and disrespect each other
Scorn	-71 to -90	You avert and loathe each other, even if irrationally
Hatred	-91 to -100	You are at each other's throats

wingstrike96 · Oct 15, 2018

[X] Ask her if there's a chance you two can hang sometime in the future.

Thats all folks. Prepare for next meeting!

Martenzo · Oct 15, 2018

[X] Why does she think that exposing your traits to the wide public would cause a mass hysteria?

Mother Nyx · Oct 15, 2018

[X] Ask her if there's a chance you two can hang sometime in the near future

veekie · Oct 15, 2018

[X] Ask her if there's a chance you two can hang sometime in the near future

Nothing else super urgent. Set up.
Also much fluffy, wow

VagueZ · Oct 15, 2018

[X] Ask her if there's a chance you two can hang sometime in the near future

Varder · Oct 15, 2018

easy persuasion check (16)

So how do these work?

Do you roll a d20, add persuasion modifier (8) and int modifier(5)?

[X] Why does she think that exposing your traits to the wide public would cause a mass hysteria?

Teloch · Oct 15, 2018

Varder said:
So how do these work?

Do you roll a d20, add persuasion modifier (8) and int modifier(5)?

Attribute bonuses are already included to the skill values, so it is pretty much just a d20 + persuasion skill against certain check. Here is the math

Teloch · Oct 18, 2018

absorbed content

Teloch · Oct 18, 2018

If everything would be fine, the update gonna land this saturday. Also, this was the last interactive dialogue phase for this chapter. Regarding the interactive dialogues: if you would survive until those points in the story, you might have a chat with quite exotic people and not only Do you still remember the hints I gave you about what awaits you in the future and what you may want to do to secure it? I've hidden a lot of extra clues in Lucy's dreams.

Oh, and don't forget to thank Veekius: he pedaled some very good choices which I'll explain by the end of the chapter

Teloch · Oct 18, 2018

Oh my, some embarrassing typos >_<

Martenzo · Oct 18, 2018

Thanks @veekie! Also, evil, evil invisitext making me go read all the previous chapters over again, to see if I've forgotten anything invisible between the slow updates. This would be a lot less frustrating if I wasn't trying to follow the plots of like ten other quests as well.

Varder · Oct 19, 2018

@Teloch can you pls threadmark things? I want to be able to see what was before with a single click.

Also, what's with the colored text? I remember it meaning something like 'plot related' but with this amount of color it just looks messy and is hard to read imo. Maybe you can highlight only 1-2 words per paragraph?

Edit. I see that Rosalin didn't miss the opportunity to hire her own spymaster that sweet-heart-Lucy made contact with. She's growing on me.

Teloch · Oct 22, 2018

(Link to skip the dialog)

Maybe it was a part of your tactics, or maybe you sincerely wanted to make her know the progress in her wellbeing, but regardless of the reason, you demonstrating inspected her sitting on her bed.

"My, just look at your skin and hair! I think Amalia would love to do something nice with it. And your eyes - they seem to glow a bit brighter than I remember".

The subject of your observations slightly raised one of her brows, "Don't you mean that I looked bad earlier on, by any chance?" she was clearly playing with you.

"No, I'm just pointing out something that others would have no chance to - that you got better" you deflected her playful question with the samely-mannered answer, "I've read a book about your kind, and it said that Daevas are very reflective of their circumstances, so... you are holding duly now, don't you? I was worried about you after that evening".

"Missed me so much that even read a book about my race, didn't you?" she clicked with her tongue and leaned back on the bed. "I myself still surprised about the fortunate way everything unfolded. Back in time to the events in Beilford, I was not even hoping to get out with my life, but here we are, talking about it like some damsels over a tea party. I'm still adjusting to this land, this bloody cold, locals, and the necessity to work at day. In this order, I guess, since my inner clocks were royally screwed over ever since... eh, let's just say it was a long time. But hey, I didn't have such degree of stability and freedom for almost a decade, so I'm enjoying it while it lasts".

You non-verbally inquired about the permission to sit nearby via throwing a glance at the spot on the bed, to which she "answered" with an innocent shrug, as if asking why would you be so mannerly around her.

"And thank you for the holiday nudge to our boss. If there was anything that I desperately needed back then, it was a pair of tailored footwear; I still don't get how do you - the flat-feeters - move around with legs like that".

You grimaced wonderingly, which was immediately perceived by Sephorah, who subsequently unbend her left leg from under herself, demonstrating feet with prominent metatarsal bones, short, predator-like pointy fingers, and vertically-lifted small heel. Apparently, daevas don't normally step on their heels and have much more springy stance compared to humans.

"Right..." you mumbled, thinking about your next move and of how it may bring some clarity.

"You said that lady Rosaline is your superior now. What exactly are you doing for her?"

Sephorah tilted her head slightly, releasing an innocent lopsided grin, "Ain't nothing that fancy: go here and there, deliver that, speak to someone, hear or look over something. As said - trivial matters for which our iron lady doesn't have time, patience, or status to spare".

If so, Rosaline sure has a thing for the exotic kind of couriers. Couriers whom you witnessed to be able of nothing less than fighting and performing physical feats beyond any regular handmaiden. She was clearly keeping bits of context away from you, and thus you decided to poke her a bit in hopes of some disclosures.

"You... you said that you're enjoying where you are at right now and, based on what I heard and read, you left Kathor..." unexpectedly to yourself, the intended punchline slipped out of your mind, putting you into the position of forced improvisation, "... umm. There are not that many people with awareness such as yours around, so can you...".

At your consecutive stumble, Sephorah slightly raised her brow, clearly registering your attempt at witting something out of her. Oh well, you had no other choice but to push the lane of subtlety you stepped into: "can you tell me something from the experience? Some advice regarding freedom and security, perhaps?" you lowered your eyes artistically, "Everything around is still so new to me".

With an amused sigh, she answered: "A youngster asking for an advice? You do realize how old are you making me feel right now, right?" saying that she brushed her long hair, throwing a cunning glance at you, "But if you wish to know more about what life can throw at you, then it won't hurt to acknowledge that most of the time you would either have security but next to no freedom to have a reason to wake up or all the freedom in the world but as secure as a merchant ferrying fine boozer and snuff through the brigands-ridden roads. In either case, should you only let your spirit and awareness down, and this world will jump at the first chance to bend you over and have its way with you".

While saying the last sentence, she grimaced unconsciously for the shortest of the moment. Not short enough to avoid you noticing, though.

"So, yes, if there is a moment where ain't no one is out there after your life and nothing commands you to toil your rear off, don't lose your head and keep the eyes peeled at all times, because you never know what comes," she concluded on the philosophical note. It almost felt like she recognized your not-so-perfect attempt at subtly nudging her to disclose more of her background and not even having to invent anything to dodge. Although, maybe she did give you some hints.

"That's the best life lesson I can give you, but if you somehow manage to stick around, I may teach you some kinks and tricks of getting things your way. The tongue of yours can be polished silver, you know".

The yet another idiom flight past you, but her offer mentioned in the previous statement provided the context regardless. And yes, she certainly noticed your oratory maneuvers.

"Uhm... thank you" your last phrase sounded more like a question.

"But what about you? I hope you didn't ask me the last question because of some issues that you're having but feel uncomfortable to ask out loud?".

Uh-oh...

"Me? Oh, I'm doing very good. Been learning how to use that thaumaturgy magic that I have. Sir Norskov says that I have a very rare set of arcane talents. Though, he says that I have to earn how to use them effectively".

"Well, I can tell after that case in the fort. Not as much from jump scaring me with the flash as from dispelling that rabid pile of bones... Hey, what are you doing?"

While she was replying, you conjured a trio of light spheres and molded them into a compact luminal dome, grinning to the notion of how easy it became for you to perform.

"Quit that now, Sparkling! There's a lot of people downstairs, and we don't want any of them to sense you doing this magic spivvery and stalk to inspect it".

With the unspoken "aw" on your face, you dispelled it. After all, Rosaline told you to not do your magic tricks publically; not that Sephorah was a part of the general public, though, or haven't seen you doing things like this before, but oh well.

"I'm also being taught by Ulren how to defend myself. He also made me a sword and advice on how to use magic in conjecture with simple fighting. He and Karl are so funny when arguing whether should I augment fighting with spellcasting or vice versa. I'm not that good at finesse yet, but he says that I have the potential to defend myself from all that harm we've been through before..."

When you mentioned the name, Sephorah frowned, listening first and then interrupting your excited tirade in its winding phase.

"Tell me, how the two of you even met?"

You stubbed for a moment, thinking over her question. It is not like you did not know what to answer, but the fact of her paying so much interest to his person. "How we met? He found me in the forest". At that phrase, she raised an eyebrow either suspicious or disbelieving. "I woke up in the forest, not remembering anything at all except some very odd dream even compared to those I'm having from time to time. I got scared by the loud roar afar and tried to hide somewhere, and then he found me and picked up. It was five or six days prior Beilford and what happened there," while mentioning Beilford events, you subconsciously scratched the place over your healed abdominal scar, "On the way there, we fought wargs, dead walkers and frost feinds, and even were caught by Ulren's angry kinsmen. As for the rest, you may pretty well know yourself". Seeing how your short version of the tale chiseled a very skeptical expression on Sephorah's face, you inquired: "Why though?"

"What you have told me about this man clashes with what I know, especially in the part of a bhiroth doing favors for the sake of strangers and not to their own benefit," after saying that, she waved her hand, gesturing you not to listen to her ramblings, "Nevermind. You were telling me about your recent doings and I interrupted you, if I reckon correctly".

"Y-yes" you answered, looking at your interlocutor's encouraging nod to continue, "I have also learned how to... fly" you spoke after holding a dramatic pause.

"To fly?"

"Yes, with these very wings!" you began to unfold them from under the heavy cape.

"What are you doing?! Do you realize what sort of theatrics would kick in if someone would see this?"

"Aw, don't worry that much. I just want you to see them," you relented, finally liberating your fluffy appendages from under concealment and unfolding one of them up to Sephorah's hands, tempting to touch the fluff, "aren't they amazing?"

"If this going to end up in trouble..." she began to rant while still daring to carefully stroke the ivory feathers, "... I don't even know what sort of a crazy scene will I have to..." her ramblings slowed down while her hand glided across the smooth and soft surface of ivory, "... my word! I recall them being smaller..." her rant drowned in excitement, she obviously enjoyed the sensation, "... sooo soft~" she proceeded with cuddling your wing, almost purring with satisfaction. As amusing as it was to watch, you had to take away your treasure from her before she could start drooling and cooing to you as if you were a fancy pet; she even jokingly resisted your attempt at saving everyone's dignity by playfully clutching to the wing.

You didn't expect that reducing an adult woman to a carefree child would be that easy, but there you were, having nothing better in store in order to break the awkward silence than to bring up the topic of logistics.

"Hey, Sephorah, can we, perhaps, hang out later? In the town, I mean. I've been told that there's plenty of things to see like Paxton theater and artisan quarters. So, maybe you could join lady Rosaline and me for the next stroll?"

"Maybe or maybe not. But seeing how relaxed she grew regarding letting you to the public, the odds are fine".

"What do you mean by letting me to the public?"

Sephorah's look conveyed a genuine surprise: "It has to do about you and the fact ain't no one ever seen winged folk. Definitely not across Eucad and most likely neither in Pheotor. Soo... you are quite special and new, and people often fear what's new. Our dear mistress wants to keep your persona incognito from the public eye to avoid complications, and I think it is the main reason why she hired me at the first place: much better to hire someone who knows your secret than to silence them," she shrugged innocently, "especially if the person in question has their way around some of the worldly matters".

You did not know what to say to that and so she snatched the initiative: "But I digress. Hitting the town would be nice if you are up for some evening adventures and out lady feels fine with that. I only wish the situation in the city would've been better. Namely, no panic around the Olfadir zealots encamping by the South-Western border with obviously no good intentions, causing division and conflicts among local highfather cultists and all other citizen groups with their mere presence. And if that wasn't bad, it looks like the royal authorities do not wish to take an active part in resolving the refugee crisis, which drives the latter to such desperate means as troublemaking, thievery, and even landgrab attempts"

"Are the wider matters so grim?"

"I'd say it's even worse: with the fall and decay of the border kingdom and its cities, the trade slowed down mightily, plummeting the riches, which causes..."

Sephorah did not finish her thought as the short series of knocks carried from the room's doors and, with next to no delay, Rosaline entered the premises.

"Good evening, ladies. I see you've finally got some time to intermingle, haven't you?" after saying that, she turned her head towards you, "Don't you mind if I steal the attention of our exotic friend?"

The exotic friend herself lightly nudged you and whispered into the ear: "And here comes my bunch of tasks for this week. I think we'll return to your idea of hanging out at another date".

"Why don't you come down to the main hall and watch over the boys so they won't feel way too lax and get drunk or worse while I'm busy? You may also find the local public quite pertaining to your curiosity about the races of this realm if nothing else."

Even though intended as a question, this latest phrase of your mentor sounded like a directive, not an offer. With a discreet smile, you glanced at Rosaline and Sephorah once again, registering the latter giving you that very same type of grin with which she left your abode weeks ago and via which she appreciated your company and concern. And after this small reassurance, you came down to the main hall.

________________________

Contrary to Rosaline's expectations or hastily-invented legend to get you out of the room, both of the guards were comparatively idle to what their boss expected them to be doing: one of them was peacefully snoozing near the hearth, paying absolutely zero attention to the loud music and rowdy atmosphere while his companion was munching a sweet bagel, served to him by Afra. The girl was scampering from one table to another with the pacing of a bee, observing which many of the visitors, including those of the non-Lander races, generally found amusing.

With nothing better to do, your focus naturally shifted towards ~~staring at strangers~~ continuing to study the visitors. For example, there was an exotic kind of a man sitting on a rug by the hearth - wrapped in what looked like a few long, thick bedsheets with rich and colorful tracery. You needn't even register his uncommonly dark skin to assume that he's from some really exotic and possibly remote branches of Landers. Another "case study" was sitting in the poorly-lit corner far from the center of revelry. She bared some similarities in looks with those odd red-eyed twins that messed with a male lander earlier: sharp chin, comparatively prominent forehead and nose bridge, and a big set of eyes, which, however, were amber-orange instead of red. She generally behaved and looked reclusive and suspicious, with no second seat by her table signifying that she does not expect any company. You even had to emergently divert your gaze and pretend you weren't staring when she caught you at doing exactly so.

Having a glance at all these different people slightly broadened your idea of what sorts of folks live in this world, and you even vaguely classified them into three groups: landers, roths, and all these alvizian species about the existence of which you barely brushed in books. Contrary to the opinion written in those books that stated a huge degree of mistrust between these three main groups of species, the attendees of this place seemed to get along just fine, generating an atmosphere of comfort and acceptance. Unlike most of the natives, they did not seem to be so visually concerned about the wider state of matters elaborated to you by Sephorah some minutes ago. If nothing else, this place felt like an oasis of escapism from the outside cold and problems. And, just like with all oases, the time to leave came shortly enough, with Rosaline's descend to the main hall. You threw a lamentable gaze at the doors - you didn't feel very enthusiastic about leaving. But hey, your trip to the town did allay the shock from the midnight adventures, and you caught yourself on the thought that you hadn't even recalled those after sharing about them with Rosaline.

________________________

The outdoors welcomed you with darkness and cold winds, which was frankly expectable but not any less dissatisfying. Your entire entourage picked up the pace on the way back - Rosaline confirmed that it was all the stroll for today and that sticking out late might not be the best idea. She did not specify why did she think so, but on the way back you managed to chat her up about your racial observations at the tavern, being told that the variegated twins are alviz sub-species from the Westward-bound Ison isles, that odd man was likely from either Northern Eucad shore, and that another alviz female most likely hales from the heartland branch of her species, having to act low and unassertive because of the reputation her kind has among the landers ever since the latest huge war.

The city was cold, dark, and empty, with Rosaline's lecturing chatter and the warm glow of the lanterns being arguably the main two factors discerning the reality from the Limbus-like impressions. You felt relieved when you spotted some living souls near the valley leading to the old city district with all of its rich houses. Everyone including yourself was enthusiastic about taking a shortcut through the street and ending up home in a matter of twenty minutes or so, but one of the guards scouting ahead reported the alleyway being blocked by a cart for some nefarious reason, so you would have to make a detour. After five more minutes of walk, your group ended up in a street with a narrow path leading to the district entrance that was often used by the servitude of the rich families. Few men were standing near the entrance, minding their own business, which you found particularly strange given the harshness of weather. Your suspicions proved correct when, at the moment when your escort was passing by them, two men suddenly took clubs and throw themselves at one of the guards, failing to tackle him but managing to beat his sword out of his grip, so the man had to resort to literal brawling. The second guardsman was faster and lowered his shield in time to intercept a glass and a pair of rocks before they hit him, entering a defensive stance against three offenders at the same time and thus being soft-locked. The last of the nearby ambushers took a daring chance by jostling towards Rosaline with a makeshift club in his hand and who-knows-what on his mind. Due to the sudden shock and all the adrenaline, it felt like the time slowed down for you to witness your mentor unsheathing a long dagger hidden somewhere in her dress' sleeve with a furious grin and you making a decision. The type of decision you had to make while fleeing Beilford...

[] Try to scare the hell out of the attackers or at least destroy their focus to assist the guards
-[] With magic (1/2 intimidation + 1/2 arcane skill check against easy challenge (17), supernatural exposure)
-[] With magic and wings (1/2 intimidation + 1/4 arcane skill + 1/4 wings skill check against very easy challenge (14), supernatural and wings exposure)
Words won't work here, but if what you've been told about people fearing new and strange is correct, you have more options up your sleeve. However, they all come at the price of exposing your nature to these particular men and possible onlookers, which is something Rosaline was trying to conceal. Also, your arcane skill is numbed (-1) when the Sun is set.

[] Fight
-[] Fight them physically
--[] Grab the guardsman's sword and go lethal (melee skill check against elementary challenge (11), defense check against very easy challenge (14), no supernatural exposure)
--[] Use the guardsman's sword to injure but not lethally (melee skill check against below very easy challenge (12), defense check against below easy challenge (15), no supernatural exposure)
--[] Pick up the sword and employ what you have learned in hopes of disarming and ideally capturing one of the ambushers (melee skill check against below easy challenge (14), defense check against below easy challenge (16), no supernatural exposure)
-[] Mixed style*
--[] Grab the sword, summon the lights, paint the street red (1/2 melee skill check + 1/2 arcane skill check against elementary challenge (8), 1/2 defense check + 1/2 arcane skill check against trivial challenge (11), supernatural exposure)
--[] Take the dropped sword as an insurance, rely on magic to do the job (1/2 melee skill check + 1/2 arcane skill check against below trivial challenge (9), 1/2 defense check + 1/2 arcane skill check against below very easy challenge (12), supernatural exposure)
--[] Try to outdo the attackers with your maneuvers to capture some of them (1/2 melee skill check + 1/2 arcane skill check against trivial challenge (11), 1/2 defense check + 1/2 arcane skill check against very easy challenge (14), supernatural exposure)
-[] Magic style*
--[] Arcane onslaught with no quarter (arcane skill check against elementary challenge (11), 1/2 arcane skill check against very easy challenge (14), lots of supernatural exposure)
--[] Ward yourself and those dear with thaumaturgy (1/2 arcane skill check against elementary challenge (11), arcane skill check against very easy challenge (14), lots of supernatural exposure)
You wish there was another way, but it seems Sephorah was right about saying how dangerous and changing this world really is.
* note that your magic skill is numbed at nights (-1)

[] Run. Deploy your wing and fly away, hoping to summon help from home and that it won't be too late. (wings exposure)
Cowardice, or is it rationality?

Teloch · Oct 22, 2018

Varder said:
@Teloch can you pls threadmark things? I want to be able to see what was before with a single click.

Also, what's with the colored text? I remember it meaning something like 'plot related' but with this amount of color it just looks messy and is hard to read imo. Maybe you can highlight only 1-2 words per paragraph?

Edit. I see that Rosalin didn't miss the opportunity to hire her own spymaster that sweet-heart-Lucy made contact with. She's growing on me.

Interactive dialog phases end up incorporated into an update for the convenience of those catching up. That why I provide skip links for those who have read them before incorporation.

Colored text? About a year ago, I asked readers to vote on whether to color the main cast speech or not. You see how it went.

Varder · Oct 22, 2018

Teloch said:
Interactive dialog phases end up incorporated into an update for the convenience of those catching up. That why I provide skip links who have read them before incorporation.

Oh, I see.

VagueZ · Oct 22, 2018

[X] Try to scare the hell out of the attackers or at least destroy their focus to assist the guards
-[X] With magic and wings (1/2 intimidation + 1/4 arcane skill + 1/4 wings skill check against very easy challenge (14), supernatural and wings exposure)

Don't worry about what happens next! Protect our friends!

veekie · Oct 22, 2018

Okay lets see...running the numbers pure magic offense is the easiest route, but high exposure(well no exposure if we kill them all).

Lethal Melee and Intimidation are equally difficult, but Intimidation has high exposure as well. So theres little reason to intimidate.

Capture is only really practical if we use magic

[X] Fight
-[X] Mixed style*
--[X] Try to outdo the attackers with your maneuvers to capture some of them (1/2 melee skill check + 1/2 arcane skill check against trivial challenge (11), 1/2 defense check + 1/2 arcane skill check against very easy challenge (14), supernatural exposure)

angelofwhim · Oct 23, 2018

[X] Fight
-[X] Mixed style*
--[X] Try to outdo the attackers with your maneuvers to capture some of them (1/2 melee skill check + 1/2 arcane skill check against trivial challenge (11), 1/2 defense check + 1/2 arcane skill check against very easy challenge (14), supernatural exposure)

Teloch · Oct 23, 2018

veekie said:
Okay lets see...running the numbers pure magic offense is the easiest route, but high exposure(well no exposure if we kill them all).

Lethal Melee and Intimidation are equally difficult, but Intimidation has high exposure as well. So theres little reason to intimidate.

Capture is only really practical if we use magic

Going mixed style murderistic (or murderistic in general) is the easiest among fighting options. Intimidation has also very high odds to work if you check the character sheet.

Anyway, a day and a half for this vote

wingstrike96 · Oct 23, 2018

[X] Fight
-[X] Mixed style*
--[X] Try to outdo the attackers with your maneuvers to capture some of them (1/2 melee skill check + 1/2 arcane skill check against trivial challenge (11), 1/2 defense check + 1/2 arcane skill check against very easy challenge (14), supernatural exposure)

Teloch · Oct 23, 2018

One day to vote

Razios · Oct 23, 2018

[X] Fight
-[X] Mixed style*
--[X] Try to outdo the attackers with your maneuvers to capture some of them (1/2 melee skill check + 1/2 arcane skill check against trivial challenge (11), 1/2 defense check + 1/2 arcane skill check against very easy challenge (14), supernatural exposure)

Martenzo · Oct 24, 2018

[X] Fight
-[X] Magic style*
--[X] Ward yourself and those dear with thaumaturgy (1/2 arcane skill check against elementary challenge (11), arcane skill check against very easy challenge (14), lots of supernatural exposure)

Teloch · Oct 24, 2018

Inserted tally

Adhoc vote count started by Teloch on Oct 24, 2018 at 1:19 PM, finished with 10 posts and 6 votes.

4 people have voted
[X] Fight
-[X] Mixed style*
--[X] Try to outdo the attackers with your maneuvers to capture some of them (1/2 melee skill check + 1/2 arcane skill check against trivial challenge (11), 1/2 defense check + 1/2 arcane skill check against very easy challenge (14), supernatural exposure)
1 people have voted
[X] Try to scare the hell out of the attackers or at least destroy their focus to assist the guards
-[X] With magic and wings (1/2 intimidation + 1/4 arcane skill + 1/4 wings skill check against very easy challenge (14), supernatural and wings exposure)
- VagueZ
1 people have voted
[X] Fight
-[X] Magic style*
--[X] Ward yourself and those dear with thaumaturgy (1/2 arcane skill check against elementary challenge (11), arcane skill check against very easy challenge (14), lots of supernatural exposure)
- Martenzo

Teloch · Oct 24, 2018

Rolling time, as it seems. One melee, one def, two arcane, + luck roll

Math time.
Attack actions:
(11+4)/2 + (8+7-1)/2 VS 11 = 14 (tails down) VS 11
Passed
Defense actions:
(20+5)/2 + (13+7-1)/2 VS 14 = 22 VS 14
Confidently Passed
Luck influence:
2<35<36
No influence

Verdict: our girl gonna whoop some butts and even help to capture an attacker for further interrogation at the cost of starting the rumor across the town that Rosaline hosts a thaumaturgist. But in general, this is the ~~first~~ second time she "saves the day" Boy, this was one very important decision

Heimurn Chronicles (No, SV, you're a young valkyrie in the middle of a bizarre and dangerous journey)

Who is the bae? (Yes, we know that it's Lucy, but still - who's your favorite character)

Ulren, because he's a big bro I never had

Sephorah, because of the floor-chair-face dance

Karl, because smug

Amalia, because a cinnamon roll determinator

Isaac, because kuudere

Jory, becuase...

Rosaline, because I miss her

Mia (the ghost cat), because smug^2

Dunno - I need more party members

Dunno - I want more character interactions

Dunno - Where are the shipping battles, QM?

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Tired Cultist

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Tired Cultist

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Tired Cultist

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