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Quest to Become a Hero

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A familiar teacher, using a meal as a threat
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    • [X] Practice in the Guild Training Hall.
    - [X] Attend your Stealth, Beginner Class

    After finishing your breakfast you head out towards the Guid once more, Velvet in tow, as today you'd actually take that stealth course you bought and hopefully manage to pick up enough of it to put the thing to use in your upcoming work should the need arise. Once there, you weave your way through the usual early morning crowd of Adventurers who gather in the Hall and make your way towards the Training Hall once more, the lengthy stairwell taking a little longer than usual to traverse as many have chosen to make use of it today.

    Arriving in the large cavern that houses it you find half a dozen of the guide golems standing around and processing new arrivals forcing you to wait in line for a few minutes until finally one of them opens up for you to use. Sliding the card in you quickly navigate the menu and choose your remaining course, the golem immediately walking away as it leads you to the location of your course, 'Course Field D', which wouldn't be as worrying if it wasn't for the familiar black haired woman sitting silently beside another group of golems. The dagger in her hand spinning rapidly between her fingers making you much more aware of just how much skill the act would require given your own knowledge.

    Hesitantly you walk over to the few other Adventurers gathered not far from your likely teacher, the majority of them wearing loose fitting clothing and armed with either daggers or bows you note. Several long minutes pass in silence until you feel a heated gaze focused on you, swallowing you turn and find your soon to be teacher staring at you with a rather hostile gaze. A few moments pass as you stare at each other and then she finally speaks.

    "I noticed the beast last time, surprised it learned as well. Impressed, so I'll let these two classes slide. Next time its paid for too or..."

    She pauses, the dagger in her hand beginning to glow a faint red as you begin to get the feeling of something being placed on your neck.

    "I eat it."

    You slowly nod and the feeling passes as her weapon returns to normal, still spinning around in her hands. Satisfied she smiles before turning to the guide now bringing another student to the field.

    "Starting today's course, reject further students."

    Her dagger finally falls still as she addresses all the students gathered in the field, a total of five including yourself.

    "I'm going to give you all a rather simple task for the first fifteen minutes. Sneak up on these puppets while they stand facing away from you. Enjoy~

    Course puppets, basic standby mode facing away from field, detection set to low."

    You easily notice the smirk she has, the exact same one from when you took her evasion course and you begin to get a rather sinking feeling as the golems set themselves up facing away with about fifteen feet in between each of them. You watch as several of the Adventurers nearby half crouch and begin to slink towards the golems in front of them, it doesn't take long for one of them to mess up as the golem before it spins around to throw a punch. It slams it straight into the crouched figure sending them sprawling onto the ground coughing.

    Well this is going to be great...

    What do you do?
    [] Approach the nearest golem carefully and as slowly as possible, that should be the right method right?
    [] Approach quickly while trying to keep yourself as quiet as you can, it'll likely make the golem aware of you quickly but you just need to close the distance before it knows right?
    [] Write-in

    Gained 7 Experience for discussion in the thread.

    Status
    Health: Perfect
    Stamina: Energetic

    Status Effects: None

    Level: 3
    Experience: 134/400

    Guild Rank:     Porcelain (0/40)
    Hidden Features: Unlocked Instructors in the Guild Store
    Current Booked Courses: Stealth, Beginner (1 Day)

    G.P.: 215
    Money: 2 Silver, 55 Copper
    Heroic Legacy Points: 0

    Estimated Time of Day:     Early Morning last you remember
    Titles
    They Who Seek the Crown (Level One, 14/25) - A title earned by gaining the blessing of the God of War in a chance encounter with his will. It is a boon granted to those who seek to become like Lords, towering above the world with every action and word capable of bringing great waves of change. Currently it is weak and only grants you the power of Domination, but if you grow stronger and perform in a way that meshes with this Boon then perhaps its strength can grow.

    Heroes can be Thieves Right? - In the name of Heroism you stole classified information from the Church of War without being caught. Now no innocent souls shall be ended with this dangerous knife, but ... yours might be if you mess up? Slightly increased chance of learning stealth and thievery related skills until discovered, lost if the Sealed Scroll is destroyed.

    Ethical Scholar - A scholar's duty is that of facts, numbers, honesty, and boundaries. You have a devotion to the work of the written word that few would follow in the face of potential benefits. You seek simply to perform your work to the best of your ability and stand within the morals of your scholar code, even find yourself compelled to do so. Established personal Scholarly Code, sticking to it makes your work easier and better while going against it more difficult and with worse results.
    • Scholar Code I - No work is better than hasty work. {Provides +2 to scholarly rolls when you take your time, take -2 to scholarly rolls when you attempt to work with haste.}
    • Scholar Code II - Provide the facts to those that hire you, nothing more and nothing less. {Provides 2 bonus experience when followed, lose 2 experience when ignored.}
    • Scholar Code III - Judgement is the employer's job. {Provides 2 bonus experience when followed, lose 2 experience when ignored.}
    • Scholar Code IV - There is satisfaction in learning that which is known and that which is not. {Provides 2 bonus experience when learning new knowledge skills and advancing skill ranks in them.}
    Traits
    Sturdy Physique - You come to possess a body that is much more resilient than your original form allowing you to withstand roughly twice as much damage before your body gives out resulting in death.
    Quick to Act - You are fast to respond in dangerous situations, where others are still confused about changing events you have already begun to move in response to them.
    Iron Clad Mind - Your will is strengthened considerably under the guidance of the Spirit as if your mind has created the foundations of a fortress around it. With it's backing you are capable of putting up greater resistance against mental influences.

    Aspire to Sagehood - You've come to find yourself a seeker of all forms of knowledge and find it easy to learn those skills a scholar finds most useful. Perhaps with enough work you may achieve acknowledgement as a Sage, a master of countless fields of knowledge. Increased skill gains for scholar related skills.
    Forbidden Scholar - You are more likely to notice lore and knowledge regarding those topics considered forbidden to the general populace. Of course, your affinity for these subjects does not create that knowledge where none exists.
    Studious - You've become well acquainted with book learning and, while it will never be a good replacement for a teacher, have learned how to make the most of it. Increased skill gains when learning a skill from a book.

    Swift Growth I - With enough power the Heroic Spirit can even help you grow, increasing the rate at which you earn experience by twenty-five percent permanently.
    Skills
    Mathematics (Beginner, 15%) - +4 to rolls requiring use of mathematics.
    Local Administration (Beginner, 10%) - +4 to rolls involving administration of businesses and small land holdings.
    Geography of Relgar Township Region (Beginner) - Capable of recalling information related to areas in the Relgar area that could be of use. Such as the size of a specific forest, important landmarks, etc.
    Monster Knowledge (Relgar Township, Beginner, 45%) - You've memorized basic information provided on Vicious Rabbits, Giant Rats, Slimes, Monstrous Corn, Green-pelt Wolves, and Forest Bears.
    Knowledge of the Undead (Beginner) - You've memorized the basic information and understanding of the Church of Death on Mindless Walkers, Animated Remains, and Wisps.
    Plant Knowledge (Relgar Township, Beginner) - You've memorized basic information provided on Red-Shelled Warmths, Blue Bells, Golden Leaf, and common herbs like thyme or poppies.
    Copying Writing (Adept, 2%) - You've experienced copying countless documents, books, and records to such an extent that it's almost an ingrained instinct in you. Time required to copy any form of writing is reduced and chance of wrongly copying something is greatly decreased.
    Evasion (Beginner, 19%) - You've learned the basics of positioning, and movement enabling you to react well to attacks sent you way. It's rather simple now, but even a slight advantage could save your life. Increases your Difficulty to Hit by 4.
    Dagger Mastery (Beginner, 9%) - Through sparring and practice you have grasped the basics of fighting with a dagger. How to grip it so as not to lose the weapon in combat, basic and effective methods of attack from stabbing to slicing, etc. +4 to attack rolls when wielding a dagger.

    Harvesting (Learning Beginner, 45%) - You are slowly obtaining experience in the act of harvesting plants and herbs. With some more work experience you are certain you'd be at least somewhat skilled in the act.
    Skinning (Learning Beginner, 40%) - You have learned the basic knowledge one should know to begin skinning and harvesting the corpses of monsters, but to really come to understand it and it's uses you will need actual experience.
    Haggling (Learning Beginner, 89%) - You have obtained a lot of insight into the act of haggling varying from the dos to the don'ts and you are certain with a bit more knowledge and actual practice you can put it to work helping you.
    Identification (Learning Beginner, 10%) - After reading the book on Identification you have a vague idea of how the power works, but without a teacher to guide you in the absolute specifics you are unsure if you can learn to utilize this power.
    Survival (Learning Beginner, 40%) - You are quickly becoming used to most basic of the basics when it comes to surviving outdoors, and with the help of some of your research materials you believe you have a decent grasp of it all. Only actively performing the actions and experience will tell.
    Trapping (Learning Beginner, 20%) - Trapping is a rather simple subject, but the specifics are somewhat confusing to you with your rather limited life experiences. You have a decent grasp of theoretical knowledge, but will need to use it in the field to confirm.
    Shield Mastery (Learning Beginner, 11%) - Utilizing a shield in battle is an incredibly useful tool that may well prevent incredibly lethal blows, but as it stands most of the concept has flown over your head.
    Monster Taming (Learning Beginner, 3%) - Needless to say that taming slimes by feeding them mana and utilizing mana to communicate with them was pretty distant from what most of monster taming was (with what little you know). Still, the book did give you some small grasp of what the trade's core needs might be.
    Abilities
    Domination (Level One, 5/25) - Allows you to bind creatures/monsters that are one level below you (to a minimum of level 1) to your will permanently. Unless the creature in question has a particularly strong will then the power is bound to succeed. Does not work on humans. [Dominated Beings: 1/2]
    + Dominate Writing (Level One, 7/25) - You've obtained a new power derived from your blessing from the God of War. It grants you the ability to draw strength from the written word though... You are utterly uncertain what that actually means. [Dominated Writings: 0/1]

    Backstab - You force an opening in your opponent's guard and shift yourself into place to deliver a well timed, well placed reverse grip stab to the foe's back with great force. Such a move is straining on you, but has incredible effects when successfully performed. Make a single attack that deals four times damage to the enemy if it lands, uses a moderate amount of Stamina.
    Inventory
    Equipment
    Main Hand -     Simple Iron Dagger [Damage: ???, Attack Speed: 2, Slashing]
    Off Hand - Empty

    Armor - Plain Scholar's Robes [???]

    Easily Accessed Items
    Iron Kite Shield [???]
    Iron Hand-Axe [???]
    Simple Wooden Club [Damage: 3, Blunt]
    Scholar's Writing Instruments [1/4 sheets of paper]

    Canvas Backpack [8/10]
    - Ten Foot Rope
    - Bundle of Clean Rags [10/10]
    - Archbishop Julian Vandamule's Sealed Scroll
    - Wooden Storage Box [Can hold up to twenty herbs (varies based on size) | 0/20]
    - Paper with copied contents from a Book on Skinning
    - Paper with copied contents about Trapping.
    - Papers copied from the Book of Academia (Contain basic descriptions of numerous scholarly branches of study)
    - Paper with copied contents about the basics of Blunt Mastery
    -
    -

    Belt Pouch [3/4]
    - Flask of Oil [3 Units of Oil Remaining]
    - Container with Six Vials [0/6 Filled]
    - Flint & Steel
    -
    Health: 8/8

    Status Effects: None

    Level: 2
    Experience: 0/40

    Attacks:
    Bite -     [Damage: 3, Slashing]

    Traits:
    Sensitive Nose -     +5 to finding herbs
    Natural Gatherer - +5 to harvesting herbs
    Soul Linked - Can be given up to 2 Experience from their Master's kills.

    Skills:
    Evasion (Beginner,     14%) - Increases the Difficulty to Hit by 4.

    Fighting (Learning Beginner, 49%)

    Abilities:
    Cannibalize (Level One, 0/10) - Capable of devouring their kin to quickly heal from injuries. Regains 1 Health per pound of Vicious Rabbit meat consumed.


    Wood Rank Requests
    Payment: Thirty Coppers, 15 GP, 1 Rank Advancement Point, 10 Experience
    Description: I need an extra set of hands or two to help bring in the harvest, if you're willing then please take this request and come to * Farm.

    Payment: 25 Coppers, 10 GP, 1 Rank Advancement Point, 10 Experience per day
    Description: Relgar has experienced a great influx of merchants, Adventurers passing through, mercenaries, and more due to activity in the north which has brought forth a great chance for profit. The Town Guard is currently struggling to deal with all the newcomers and a newly born rise in crime and has asked the Guild for Adventurers willing to patrol the town as well. Those seeking to take up the offer will need to work with the Guard for at least four days, or until the situation has stabilized.

    Payment: 50 Copper per 3 Golden Leaf (Quality does matter), Variable GP, Variable Rank Advancement Points, Variable Experience
    Description: I have need of as many Golden Leaf as you can get your hands on, quality is important so insure proper storage. You can find me at the apothecary on the south side of the town, Gerald's Apothecary. I've provided drawings for those who've never seen Golden leaf and they can be found on the outskirts of Relgar's Northern Woods. Please only come when you have Golden leaf to deliver, I am a busy man.

    Payment: 10 Copper for every pair of Vicious Rabbit ears, 5 GP for every pair of Vicious Rabbit Ears, 1 Rank Advancement Point for every ten pairs of ears, 1 Experience per every pair of rabbit ears.
    Description: A rather ridiculous number of Vicious Rabbits have taken to destroying the eastern fields and after the death of several farmers Relgar's Lord has set down a bounty for the little bastards. After accepting the request bring proof of your slain foes back to the Guild to earn your reward. Also, don't damage the fields. Those who wantonly destroy the Lord's land in search of profit will find themselves at the end of his Knights swords.

    Payment: 5 Coppers per Monstrous Corn corpse, 2 GP per corpse, 1 Rank Advancement Point for every fifteen corpse, 1 Experience per every two corpses
    Description: Due to the increased traffic through town we've been running low on our supply of a local delicacy - Monstrous Corn. An fine mixture of sweet and salty that can survive months in the open air before rotting. If you could hunt down some for us it would be much appreciated, the more you get the better! We've left instructions to a good spot with the receptionist.

    Payment: 15 Coppers per pair of fangs, 7 GP per pair of fangs, 1 Rank Advancement Point for every four pair of fangs, 2 Experience per every pair of fangs
    Description: Many farmers and travelers have reported the Green-pelt Wolf population have been restless in the forests nearby, this announcement has been posted to deal with the issue before it can get out of hand. All we need is the fangs for confirmation, the rest you may do with as you will.

    Porcelain Rank Requests
    Payment: 2 Silver, 100 GP, 4 Rank Advancement Points, and 45 Experience for successful Completion.
    Description: Several Farmers have recently noticed a few Slimes intruding on their properties on the southwest side of Town, these strays were easily handled with fire but the continued appearances have many worried. By order of the Lord, any Adventurer of discovering the source of these Slimes and bringing relevant information back to the Guild will be rewarded greatly.

    Payment: 25 Silver, 1,250 GP, 10 Rank Advancement Points, and 125 Experience base payment. Exact pay will change based on performance, duration of your service, and the final outcome of the event.
    Description: Many of you have likely noticed the incredible increase in traffic through the Township, word has long reached Relgar of a sudden uprising of the undead several weeks travel to the North that has begun to plague the land. It is the Clergy of the God of Death who hold dominion of ensuring the peaceful rest of all those who die within the Kingdom, and it is they who have issued a request to the Guilds in the regions nearby for able bodied Adventurers to support their, and the local forces in this disaster. Rewards will be great for those who can contribute.

    Payment: 5 Silver, 250 GP, 5 Rank Advancement Points, and 55 Experience for successful Completion.
    Description: We, the Telediar Merchant Company are in great need of additional members to guard our caravan as it travels east to the city of Blackstone, we do not expect any dangers but a recent increase in the carried cargo requires the additional steps. For anyone interested please accept this notice and come to the Merchant Guild before the week's end.
     
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    • Almost Succeeding and At Last Beating the Rabbit
  • View content
    • [X] Start off by approaching the nearest golem slowly and carefully. Try to move whenever something else is occurring in hopes that the golem will be distracted.
    -[X] When the distance has been reduced by half, approach quickly while trying to keep yourself as quiet as you can, it'll likely make the golem aware of you quickly but you just need to close the distance before it knows right?

    You don't move right away, watching the others attempt to sneak up on the golems with varying degrees of success as many simply get punched as the golems notice and spin to attack though a few surprisingly manage to dodge. Eventually, after struggling with the idea of having Velvet assist only to shoot it down in case it would upset your teacher, you settle on cautiously advancing while taking advantage of the mild chaos on the training field. With all the noise and movement the others are causing if you can just time your movements to it then the sounds should be obscured.

    A difficult task, but then again when has going up against one of these damn things been easy?

    'Never, the Guild really doesn't pull their punches when it comes to training. Worryingly brutal at times.'

    You think as you advance several steps matching it to one of your fellow students getting pummeled into the ground where they lay groaning and coughing for a while. It's slow going, but surprisingly the golem doesn't even react as you draw quite close, your heart beating rapidly as you grin and realize it's just a few more steps before you can get past the wooden puppet in front. Crouched slightly, you wait for the next student to fail before making your break for it as you run full speed at the right side of the golem as the commotion had come from the left.

    For an instant you are filled with satisfaction at the thought of success, only to have it crushed as the golem spins towards you with an arm outstretched to slam directly across your torso. Pain is obvious, but compared to the Advancement Exam it's honestly quite mild so you manage to ignore it as you throw yourself backwards away from the now still golem.

    It's only as you get back to your feet that you find your course mates collapsed on the ground for the most part, only one besides yourself able to stand reliably as the black haired lady's voice carries through the field.

    "Alright, times up. Not as bad as I expected, a few of you even surprised me honestly. Now, let me point out where a few of went wrong and what a few of you did right!"

    With that she stood up and walked over in front of your group before beginning to explain the importance of paying attention to your steps, a stray stick snapping a rather real threat to any would-be assassin or ambusher, and of easy footsteps. Placing the heel down first before the rest of the foot allowing you to muffle what little sound you should be making with likely leather boots, though she goes on to mention that is not entirely necessary as some places (such as woodlands) will do the same for far less effort.

    "So long as you don't act like a complete idiot and stomp your foot down full force."

    She quips before launching into managing your sight and the enemies, namely keep track of exactly what whoever you are sneaking up on is looking at so you can avoid their sight. Much of what feels like an hour passes as she goes into further detail complete with actual demonstrations as she sneaks up effortlessly on the golems before wrapping herself around them and bringing them slamming down against the ground.

    All in all an incredibly useful class though you feel you aren't quite ready to put it into practice in a way that could benefit you, and neither was Velvet for that matter. In spite of her beast attempts to mimic your instructor though something tells you that a tiny rabbit is probably a good deal harder to spot than a fully grown man. Stretching, your mind turns to picking out what to do next from your rapidly growing mental list though you do manage a sigh as you long for enough wealth to really relax and study in the Library.

    What do you do?
    [] Study in the library.
    - [] Write-in what else you want to read.

    [] It's about time you contributed something to the Guild beyond labor, to the Scribing Stations!
    - [] Write-in for what you want to try to write and sell to the Guild.

    [] Purchase something from the Guild Store.
    - [] Write-in for what to buy.

    [] Copy from a book in the Library.
    - [] Write-in for what to copy.

    [] Practice in the Guild Training Hall.
    - [] Write-in what you want to practice.

    [] Accept one of the requests.
    - [] Write-in for which one.

    [] Use Dominate Writing on...
    - [] Copy about Skinning
    - [] Copy about Trapping
    - [] Copy about the Book of Academia
    - [] Copy about the Basics of Blunt Mastery

    [] Write-in.

    Gained 5 Experience from discussion in the thread.

    Status
    Health: Perfect
    Stamina: Energetic

    Status Effects: None

    Level: 3
    Experience: 139/400

    Guild Rank:     Porcelain (0/40)
    Hidden Features: Unlocked Instructors in the Guild Store
    Current Booked Courses: None

    G.P.: 215
    Money: 2 Silver, 55 Copper
    Heroic Legacy Points: 0

    Estimated Time of Day:     Early Morning last you remember
    Titles
    They Who Seek the Crown (Level One, 14/25) - A title earned by gaining the blessing of the God of War in a chance encounter with his will. It is a boon granted to those who seek to become like Lords, towering above the world with every action and word capable of bringing great waves of change. Currently it is weak and only grants you the power of Domination, but if you grow stronger and perform in a way that meshes with this Boon then perhaps its strength can grow.

    Heroes can be Thieves Right? - In the name of Heroism you stole classified information from the Church of War without being caught. Now no innocent souls shall be ended with this dangerous knife, but ... yours might be if you mess up? Slightly increased chance of learning stealth and thievery related skills until discovered, lost if the Sealed Scroll is destroyed.

    Ethical Scholar - A scholar's duty is that of facts, numbers, honesty, and boundaries. You have a devotion to the work of the written word that few would follow in the face of potential benefits. You seek simply to perform your work to the best of your ability and stand within the morals of your scholar code, even find yourself compelled to do so. Established personal Scholarly Code, sticking to it makes your work easier and better while going against it more difficult and with worse results.
    • Scholar Code I - No work is better than hasty work. {Provides +2 to scholarly rolls when you take your time, take -2 to scholarly rolls when you attempt to work with haste.}
    • Scholar Code II - Provide the facts to those that hire you, nothing more and nothing less. {Provides 2 bonus experience when followed, lose 2 experience when ignored.}
    • Scholar Code III - Judgement is the employer's job. {Provides 2 bonus experience when followed, lose 2 experience when ignored.}
    • Scholar Code IV - There is satisfaction in learning that which is known and that which is not. {Provides 2 bonus experience when learning new knowledge skills and advancing skill ranks in them.}
    Traits
    Sturdy Physique - You come to possess a body that is much more resilient than your original form allowing you to withstand roughly twice as much damage before your body gives out resulting in death.
    Quick to Act - You are fast to respond in dangerous situations, where others are still confused about changing events you have already begun to move in response to them.
    Iron Clad Mind - Your will is strengthened considerably under the guidance of the Spirit as if your mind has created the foundations of a fortress around it. With it's backing you are capable of putting up greater resistance against mental influences.

    Aspire to Sagehood - You've come to find yourself a seeker of all forms of knowledge and find it easy to learn those skills a scholar finds most useful. Perhaps with enough work you may achieve acknowledgement as a Sage, a master of countless fields of knowledge. Increased skill gains for scholar related skills.
    Forbidden Scholar - You are more likely to notice lore and knowledge regarding those topics considered forbidden to the general populace. Of course, your affinity for these subjects does not create that knowledge where none exists.
    Studious - You've become well acquainted with book learning and, while it will never be a good replacement for a teacher, have learned how to make the most of it. Increased skill gains when learning a skill from a book.

    Swift Growth I - With enough power the Heroic Spirit can even help you grow, increasing the rate at which you earn experience by twenty-five percent permanently.
    Skills
    Mathematics (Beginner, 15%) - +4 to rolls requiring use of mathematics.
    Local Administration (Beginner, 10%) - +4 to rolls involving administration of businesses and small land holdings.
    Geography of Relgar Township Region (Beginner) - Capable of recalling information related to areas in the Relgar area that could be of use. Such as the size of a specific forest, important landmarks, etc.
    Monster Knowledge (Relgar Township, Beginner, 45%) - You've memorized basic information provided on Vicious Rabbits, Giant Rats, Slimes, Monstrous Corn, Green-pelt Wolves, and Forest Bears.
    Knowledge of the Undead (Beginner) - You've memorized the basic information and understanding of the Church of Death on Mindless Walkers, Animated Remains, and Wisps.
    Plant Knowledge (Relgar Township, Beginner) - You've memorized basic information provided on Red-Shelled Warmths, Blue Bells, Golden Leaf, and common herbs like thyme or poppies.
    Copying Writing (Adept, 2%) - You've experienced copying countless documents, books, and records to such an extent that it's almost an ingrained instinct in you. Time required to copy any form of writing is reduced and chance of wrongly copying something is greatly decreased.
    Evasion (Beginner, 19%) - You've learned the basics of positioning, and movement enabling you to react well to attacks sent you way. It's rather simple now, but even a slight advantage could save your life. Increases your Difficulty to Hit by 4.
    Dagger Mastery (Beginner, 9%) - Through sparring and practice you have grasped the basics of fighting with a dagger. How to grip it so as not to lose the weapon in combat, basic and effective methods of attack from stabbing to slicing, etc. +4 to attack rolls when wielding a dagger.

    Harvesting (Learning Beginner, 45%) - You are slowly obtaining experience in the act of harvesting plants and herbs. With some more work experience you are certain you'd be at least somewhat skilled in the act.
    Skinning (Learning Beginner, 40%) - You have learned the basic knowledge one should know to begin skinning and harvesting the corpses of monsters, but to really come to understand it and it's uses you will need actual experience.
    Haggling (Learning Beginner, 89%) - You have obtained a lot of insight into the act of haggling varying from the dos to the don'ts and you are certain with a bit more knowledge and actual practice you can put it to work helping you.
    Identification (Learning Beginner, 10%) - After reading the book on Identification you have a vague idea of how the power works, but without a teacher to guide you in the absolute specifics you are unsure if you can learn to utilize this power.
    Survival (Learning Beginner, 40%) - You are quickly becoming used to most basic of the basics when it comes to surviving outdoors, and with the help of some of your research materials you believe you have a decent grasp of it all. Only actively performing the actions and experience will tell.
    Trapping (Learning Beginner, 20%) - Trapping is a rather simple subject, but the specifics are somewhat confusing to you with your rather limited life experiences. You have a decent grasp of theoretical knowledge, but will need to use it in the field to confirm.
    Shield Mastery (Learning Beginner, 11%) - Utilizing a shield in battle is an incredibly useful tool that may well prevent incredibly lethal blows, but as it stands most of the concept has flown over your head.
    Monster Taming (Learning Beginner, 3%) - Needless to say that taming slimes by feeding them mana and utilizing mana to communicate with them was pretty distant from what most of monster taming was (with what little you know). Still, the book did give you some small grasp of what the trade's core needs might be.
    Stealth (Learning Beginner, 85%) - You have begun to grasp the simplest aspects of being stealthy, mainly softening your footsteps and avoiding a target's sight. You're quite close to putting this to effective use in the field, but need a bit more training or practical experience.
    Abilities
    Domination (Level One, 5/25) - Allows you to bind creatures/monsters that are one level below you (to a minimum of level 1) to your will permanently. Unless the creature in question has a particularly strong will then the power is bound to succeed. Does not work on humans. [Dominated Beings: 1/2]
    + Dominate Writing (Level One, 7/25) - You've obtained a new power derived from your blessing from the God of War. It grants you the ability to draw strength from the written word though... You are utterly uncertain what that actually means. [Dominated Writings: 0/1]

    Backstab - You force an opening in your opponent's guard and shift yourself into place to deliver a well timed, well placed reverse grip stab to the foe's back with great force. Such a move is straining on you, but has incredible effects when successfully performed. Make a single attack that deals four times damage to the enemy if it lands, uses a moderate amount of Stamina.
    Inventory
    Equipment
    Main Hand -     Simple Iron Dagger [Damage: ???, Attack Speed: 2, Slashing]
    Off Hand - Empty

    Armor - Plain Scholar's Robes [???]

    Easily Accessed Items
    Iron Kite Shield [???]
    Iron Hand-Axe [???]
    Simple Wooden Club [Damage: 3, Blunt]
    Scholar's Writing Instruments [1/4 sheets of paper]

    Canvas Backpack [8/10]
    - Ten Foot Rope
    - Bundle of Clean Rags [10/10]
    - Archbishop Julian Vandamule's Sealed Scroll
    - Wooden Storage Box [Can hold up to twenty herbs (varies based on size) | 0/20]
    - Paper with copied contents from a Book on Skinning
    - Paper with copied contents about Trapping.
    - Papers copied from the Book of Academia (Contain basic descriptions of numerous scholarly branches of study)
    - Paper with copied contents about the basics of Blunt Mastery
    -
    -

    Belt Pouch [3/4]
    - Flask of Oil [3 Units of Oil Remaining]
    - Container with Six Vials [0/6 Filled]
    - Flint & Steel
    -
    Health: 8/8

    Status Effects: None

    Level: 2
    Experience: 0/40

    Attacks:
    Bite -     [Damage: 3, Slashing]

    Traits:
    Sensitive Nose -     +5 to finding herbs
    Natural Gatherer - +5 to harvesting herbs
    Soul Linked - Can be given up to 2 Experience from their Master's kills.

    Skills:
    Evasion (Beginner,     14%) - Increases the Difficulty to Hit by 4.

    Fighting (Learning Beginner, 49%)
    Stealth (Learning Beginner, 65%)

    Abilities:
    Cannibalize (Level One, 0/10) - Capable of devouring their kin to quickly heal from injuries. Regains 1 Health per pound of Vicious Rabbit meat consumed.


    Wood Rank Requests
    Payment: Thirty Coppers, 15 GP, 1 Rank Advancement Point, 10 Experience
    Description: I need an extra set of hands or two to help bring in the harvest, if you're willing then please take this request and come to * Farm.

    Payment: 25 Coppers, 10 GP, 1 Rank Advancement Point, 10 Experience per day
    Description: Relgar has experienced a great influx of merchants, Adventurers passing through, mercenaries, and more due to activity in the north which has brought forth a great chance for profit. The Town Guard is currently struggling to deal with all the newcomers and a newly born rise in crime and has asked the Guild for Adventurers willing to patrol the town as well. Those seeking to take up the offer will need to work with the Guard for at least four days, or until the situation has stabilized.

    Payment: 50 Copper per 3 Golden Leaf (Quality does matter), Variable GP, Variable Rank Advancement Points, Variable Experience
    Description: I have need of as many Golden Leaf as you can get your hands on, quality is important so insure proper storage. You can find me at the apothecary on the south side of the town, Gerald's Apothecary. I've provided drawings for those who've never seen Golden leaf and they can be found on the outskirts of Relgar's Northern Woods. Please only come when you have Golden leaf to deliver, I am a busy man.

    Payment: 10 Copper for every pair of Vicious Rabbit ears, 5 GP for every pair of Vicious Rabbit Ears, 1 Rank Advancement Point for every ten pairs of ears, 1 Experience per every pair of rabbit ears.
    Description: A rather ridiculous number of Vicious Rabbits have taken to destroying the eastern fields and after the death of several farmers Relgar's Lord has set down a bounty for the little bastards. After accepting the request bring proof of your slain foes back to the Guild to earn your reward. Also, don't damage the fields. Those who wantonly destroy the Lord's land in search of profit will find themselves at the end of his Knights swords.

    Payment: 5 Coppers per Monstrous Corn corpse, 2 GP per corpse, 1 Rank Advancement Point for every fifteen corpse, 1 Experience per every two corpses
    Description: Due to the increased traffic through town we've been running low on our supply of a local delicacy - Monstrous Corn. An fine mixture of sweet and salty that can survive months in the open air before rotting. If you could hunt down some for us it would be much appreciated, the more you get the better! We've left instructions to a good spot with the receptionist.

    Payment: 15 Coppers per pair of fangs, 7 GP per pair of fangs, 1 Rank Advancement Point for every four pair of fangs, 2 Experience per every pair of fangs
    Description: Many farmers and travelers have reported the Green-pelt Wolf population have been restless in the forests nearby, this announcement has been posted to deal with the issue before it can get out of hand. All we need is the fangs for confirmation, the rest you may do with as you will.

    Porcelain Rank Requests
    Payment: 2 Silver, 100 GP, 4 Rank Advancement Points, and 45 Experience for successful Completion.
    Description: Several Farmers have recently noticed a few Slimes intruding on their properties on the southwest side of Town, these strays were easily handled with fire but the continued appearances have many worried. By order of the Lord, any Adventurer of discovering the source of these Slimes and bringing relevant information back to the Guild will be rewarded greatly.

    Payment: 25 Silver, 1,250 GP, 10 Rank Advancement Points, and 125 Experience base payment. Exact pay will change based on performance, duration of your service, and the final outcome of the event.
    Description: Many of you have likely noticed the incredible increase in traffic through the Township, word has long reached Relgar of a sudden uprising of the undead several weeks travel to the North that has begun to plague the land. It is the Clergy of the God of Death who hold dominion of ensuring the peaceful rest of all those who die within the Kingdom, and it is they who have issued a request to the Guilds in the regions nearby for able bodied Adventurers to support their, and the local forces in this disaster. Rewards will be great for those who can contribute.

    Payment: 5 Silver, 250 GP, 5 Rank Advancement Points, and 55 Experience for successful Completion.
    Description: We, the Telediar Merchant Company are in great need of additional members to guard our caravan as it travels east to the city of Blackstone, we do not expect any dangers but a recent increase in the carried cargo requires the additional steps. For anyone interested please accept this notice and come to the Merchant Guild before the week's end.
     
  • View discussion
    • Getting Some Answers, Preparing, and a Chance Encounter Angers the Furry Friend
  • View content
    • [X] Ask the Receptionist some questions.
    - [X] How long do we have to decide whether to join the Disaster in the North quest?
    - [X] Ask if the guild has a system for finding partners/parties for requests.
    - [X] Ask how bounty requests work- is there a time limit, how do you fail, can you turn in bounties over multiple days for the same request?
    [X] Shop at the General Store
    - [X] Skinning Knife (75 Coppers)
    - [X] Water-Skin (35 Coppers)
    -- [X] Fill Water-Skin and vials with water for Herb Harvesting.
    - [X] Look for cordage or other simple trap making material.
    - [X] Piece of Leather (15 Coppers)
    -- [X] Cut a long strip to wrap around the "handle" of your club for a proper grip and end it in a wrist loop so it can't be dropped or jarred from your hand.
    [X] Accept two of the requests.
    - [X] In Need of Corn, unless the Receptionist says we'd risk failing it if we don't focus on it.
    -- [X] Dominate Blunt Mastery copy, and equip club and shield.
    -- [X] Keep an eye out for a Greenpelt Wolf to Dominate.
    - [X] Harvest Golden Leaf
    -- [X] Keep an eye out for other valuable plants too.

    After what is likely several minutes of brainstorming, you finally put together a mental outline for the work you seek to finish today, a fair amount compared to your usual workload. However, the Heroic Spirit wanted progress and you desire to amass enough wealth that secluding yourself into the Guild Library for a day or two won't leave you on the street starving. Focusing on that goal, you begin the walk back up to the Guild Hall with Velvet in tow, a sense of excitement coming from her as she seems greatly intrigued by your sudden determination.

    Surprisingly you find the Hall largely cleared out by the time you arrive, only a few people in line across from the six or so receptionists, and you take the chance to go grab the "In Need of Corn" and "Harvest Gold Leaf" requests. Afterwards, you unhesitatingly step in Liara's line since she seems to make sure she handles you regardless.

    She smiles when it is at last your turn, her hand out stretched to take the requests, but you instead place them down with your hand firmly over them.

    "Hope you don't mind, but I have a few questions to ask before I take these since, after all, a scholar's duty is to gather the knowledge needed for their work. First, how long do I have to take the request for the undead uprising disaster?"

    Surprisingly, Liara's smile turns into a grin as she leans forward onto the counter.

    "Oh, thinking of taking it? Our second group is set to leave in at the end of this week, so you've got about three days if you include the rest of today. We have twelve who have signed up for that in this batch and there were around twenty in the first one as well. If you were to join this group will be traveling with as well as assisting the Lord of Relgar's recently gathered Militia.

    What was your second question?"

    As she prompts you for the next one her hand moves to cup her face, the grin still plastered on her face a little uncomfortable for you though whether it is simply your lack of social skills or something else entirely you aren't sure. Clearing your throat first, you continue.

    "Second, does the Guild have a system in place for finding a partner, or party to take requests with? I've found it rather odd that pretty much no one has approached me to join a team, or something of the sort."

    You are fairly annoyed when the question is met with a rather long laugh, several of the Adventurers in the Hall, and even a few receptionists, looking over with a mixture of confusion and pity. When she finally stops she looks at you with a far more subdued smile before answering.

    "Of course not, building contacts is an important part of being an Adventurer, we could offer such a system with ease. However, the issue is think of how effective that would really be. A lot of it would basically end up as slapping people with utterly no clue about each other together for requests that, more often than not, involve combat of a dangerous nature. Fighting something on your own can already be pretty deadly. Fighting something already deadly with unknown people that haven't cultivated even a bit of teamwork?

    A massacre waiting to happen. Adventuring is different than being a soldier, while drilling teamwork into a group might be effective it won't offer the same results as Adventurers forming tight nit groups who operate with near perfect understanding of each other. Basically, my dear John..."

    She leans closer at the end, her face maybe an inch from your face as you notice a weird fragrance like... Burnt strawberries? You are brought back to the conversation when she uses her free hand to poke your face.

    "Make some friends, hang out in a bar. Talk to Adventurers you find in the Guild. Find some Wood Ranks and take them under your guiding wing. How you do it doesn't matter, but socializing is important for an Adventurer as well. Not to mention a living person. Now, what else did you want to ask?"

    She straightens her posture again as she seems to return to the regular, receptionist persona you've noticed to be her default. Frowning, annoyed and slightly grumpy you snort.

    "Last question. How do these bounty quests work? I understand the rewards well enough since it's written on the notices as well as what I'm supposed to be getting, but are there time constraints? Can I turn stuff in across several days and it add together, or do I need to turn in everything at once?"

    Liara takes the requests from under your hand, the papers easily sliding from beneath your grasp despite all the force you were fairly sure was holding them down.

    "Bounty quests can't be failed by running out of time really, as long as you turn in a few of the requested item or corpses within two days of taking it then it's considered passed. As for rewards, you can keep turning them in repeatedly over several days, or even weeks in some cases, and simply claim the rewards all at once by stating your finished with the bounty when you turn them in. Now, I'll add these requests for you Mr. Stitch since that is all the time we really have for questions.

    Others need to be processed after all."

    She throws you another smile before processing the notices and you thank her before leaving. However, as you leave the Guild, you find yourself thinking about the smile as you've started to notice something ever since that first change of hers.

    'She acts like two completely different people, it's incredibly odd. One's a mild mannered and rather dedicated receptionist while the other is... well, I can't really place it. Honestly seems pretty erratic, definitely prideful, and overly interested in me for whatever reason.

    Eh, not worth too much thought for now. i got work to do af-'

    Your thoughts are cut off by Velvet smacking her head against your leg several times, looking down you find the vicious rabbit clutching a folded paper gently in her mouth and staring up at you. Furrowing your brows, you reach down and take the paper before unfolding it.

    'If you take that request, keep an eye out for a necromancer. Bring it's staff back and you can consider the debt you owe me cleared.'

    Immediately you crumple it, jam the paper into a pocket on your robe, and leave for the market. Really, such a frustrating annoyance you have manage to attract somehow, but at least this one isn't nearly killing you like the others.

    ---

    It is nearing noon by the time you are done preparing, from getting to the General Store to the act of haggling and even your rather inexperienced attempts at improving upon your rather crude club you had spent quite a long time readying yourself.

    Your time at the General Store was well spent of course as you manage to purchase a skinning knife, waterskin, and a piece of leather for a silver and twenty coppers. While a five copper discount might not seem like much to most folk, considering your current financial circumstances every little bit could make a rather large difference to how you spend the next day. Not to mention that, while the store didn't have anything you'd call useful for trap making, the clerk did mention local hunters might be willing to part with some for the right price and you could seek out Gunnerson if you were willing to spend a decent amount of coin for some metal cordage.

    As for your attempt to improve the club, well... You look down at the utterly horrific cuts you'd made in the leather and the horrifically uneven leather grip you'd made with a mixture of pride and mild disgust. You had wasted almost half of the leather hide you'd bought getting this acceptable enough to use as a weapon, having taken several tries to get the size right as well as leave enough length for a wrist-strap to actually work. It wouldn't have been so bad if the leather you'd wasted could at least be salvaged for some crude cordage, but...

    You snort, kicking the leather scraps scattered in front of the boulder you were resting on before standing up and setting off. Several groups move along the road, some heading towards the gate of Relgar just up ahead while the rest head for whatever lay in the distance, you yourself rather uncertain of where it leads as your grasp of geography extends solely to the township itself.

    Ignoring the chattering of travelers, you keep an eye out for any wayward monsters or beasts with Velvet begrudgingly huddled in your arms, an unlikely event considering the amount of people on the road today but one could never be too careful.

    ---

    It's funny really, you had been planning to keep an eye out for a Greenpelt Wolf to dominate, but you never quite expected for it to find you.

    You had left the road after walking a long way, journeying off the road to head towards the area you had last gathered herbs in thus leading you through several fields filled to the brim with common corn and wheat. Just as the road had became a sight in the far distance, barely visible through the fields spread out in well regulated blocks, you felt a sudden urgent fear coming from your connection to Velvet as your head instinctively turned to the left in time to see it. A large wolf springing forth from a field of wheat, green leaf patterns adorning it's fur and rather notably white, pointed teeth visible.

    Before you can react it crashes into you, it's mouth latching onto your arm before jerking back causing your world to become a blurry and agony filled hell for a few moments as a bit of your robes and flesh is literally torn free from your arm. Velvet reacts first, anger incredibly clear in your mind as the white ball of fur (incredibly small in comparison) literally throws herself at the Green-pelt Wolf's throat.

    You are astonished as the tiny creature rips apart the much larger wolf's throat, blood gushing forth and staining her previously flawless fur even as the Greenpelt-wolf lets out a horrifying pain filled whimper. It tries it's best to smack the Vicious Rabbit clinging to it aside, but does little more than fall to the ground as it ineffectually swats it's paws at the bloody furball driven by sheer anger. Even through all the blood covering her you can still faintly make out the crude crown upon her head.

    Standing up, club grasped tightly in your hand as the experience taken from the copy you had made the day before tries to guide you in the best method to kill the already heavily injured wolf, you pause briefly. Your mind thinking rapidly as you weigh whether to dominate the creature before you, even as more blood gushes from it's mangled throat.

    What do you do?
    [] Dominate it, perhaps it'll save the creature from death. If not then you will at least understand a little more about your power with it's death.
    [] Just finish it off, a beast on the verge of death is of little value aside from the wealth it's pelt can bring.
    [] Write-in.

    Gained 8 Experience from discussion in the thread.

    Status
    Health: Slightly Injured (Bite wound on left arm, minimal bleeding)
    Stamina: Energetic

    Status Effects: None

    Dominate Writing - Blunt Mastery Basics - Using a copy you made of the basics required to wield a blunt weapon in battle effectively you have gained the knowledge and experience required exactly for that. When using a blunt weapon you will be more capable of striking the enemy with ease. +5 to Attack Rolls made with Blunt weaponry equipped.
    Lasts until end of the day.

    Level: 3
    Experience: 147/400

    Guild Rank:     Porcelain (0/40)
    Hidden Features: Unlocked Instructors in the Guild Store
    Current Booked Courses: None

    G.P.: 215
    Money: 1 Silver, 35 Copper
    Heroic Legacy Points: 0

    Estimated Time of Day:     Around Noon
    Titles
    They Who Seek the Crown (Level One, 14/25) - A title earned by gaining the blessing of the God of War in a chance encounter with his will. It is a boon granted to those who seek to become like Lords, towering above the world with every action and word capable of bringing great waves of change. Currently it is weak and only grants you the power of Domination, but if you grow stronger and perform in a way that meshes with this Boon then perhaps its strength can grow.

    Heroes can be Thieves Right? - In the name of Heroism you stole classified information from the Church of War without being caught. Now no innocent souls shall be ended with this dangerous knife, but ... yours might be if you mess up? Slightly increased chance of learning stealth and thievery related skills until discovered, lost if the Sealed Scroll is destroyed.

    Ethical Scholar - A scholar's duty is that of facts, numbers, honesty, and boundaries. You have a devotion to the work of the written word that few would follow in the face of potential benefits. You seek simply to perform your work to the best of your ability and stand within the morals of your scholar code, even find yourself compelled to do so. Established personal Scholarly Code, sticking to it makes your work easier and better while going against it more difficult and with worse results.
    • Scholar Code I - No work is better than hasty work. {Provides +2 to scholarly rolls when you take your time, take -2 to scholarly rolls when you attempt to work with haste.}
    • Scholar Code II - Provide the facts to those that hire you, nothing more and nothing less. {Provides 2 bonus experience when followed, lose 2 experience when ignored.}
    • Scholar Code III - Judgement is the employer's job. {Provides 2 bonus experience when followed, lose 2 experience when ignored.}
    • Scholar Code IV - There is satisfaction in learning that which is known and that which is not. {Provides 2 bonus experience when learning new knowledge skills and advancing skill ranks in them.}
    Traits
    Sturdy Physique - You come to possess a body that is much more resilient than your original form allowing you to withstand roughly twice as much damage before your body gives out resulting in death.
    Quick to Act - You are fast to respond in dangerous situations, where others are still confused about changing events you have already begun to move in response to them.
    Iron Clad Mind - Your will is strengthened considerably under the guidance of the Spirit as if your mind has created the foundations of a fortress around it. With it's backing you are capable of putting up greater resistance against mental influences.

    Aspire to Sagehood - You've come to find yourself a seeker of all forms of knowledge and find it easy to learn those skills a scholar finds most useful. Perhaps with enough work you may achieve acknowledgement as a Sage, a master of countless fields of knowledge. Increased skill gains for scholar related skills.
    Forbidden Scholar - You are more likely to notice lore and knowledge regarding those topics considered forbidden to the general populace. Of course, your affinity for these subjects does not create that knowledge where none exists.
    Studious - You've become well acquainted with book learning and, while it will never be a good replacement for a teacher, have learned how to make the most of it. Increased skill gains when learning a skill from a book.

    Swift Growth I - With enough power the Heroic Spirit can even help you grow, increasing the rate at which you earn experience by twenty-five percent permanently.
    Skills
    Mathematics (Beginner, 15%) - +4 to rolls requiring use of mathematics.
    Local Administration (Beginner, 10%) - +4 to rolls involving administration of businesses and small land holdings.
    Geography of Relgar Township Region (Beginner) - Capable of recalling information related to areas in the Relgar area that could be of use. Such as the size of a specific forest, important landmarks, etc.
    Monster Knowledge (Relgar Township, Beginner, 45%) - You've memorized basic information provided on Vicious Rabbits, Giant Rats, Slimes, Monstrous Corn, Green-pelt Wolves, and Forest Bears.
    Knowledge of the Undead (Beginner) - You've memorized the basic information and understanding of the Church of Death on Mindless Walkers, Animated Remains, and Wisps.
    Plant Knowledge (Relgar Township, Beginner) - You've memorized basic information provided on Red-Shelled Warmths, Blue Bells, Golden Leaf, and common herbs like thyme or poppies.
    Copying Writing (Adept, 2%) - You've experienced copying countless documents, books, and records to such an extent that it's almost an ingrained instinct in you. Time required to copy any form of writing is reduced and chance of wrongly copying something is greatly decreased.
    Evasion (Beginner, 19%) - You've learned the basics of positioning, and movement enabling you to react well to attacks sent you way. It's rather simple now, but even a slight advantage could save your life. Increases your Difficulty to Hit by 4.
    Dagger Mastery (Beginner, 9%) - Through sparring and practice you have grasped the basics of fighting with a dagger. How to grip it so as not to lose the weapon in combat, basic and effective methods of attack from stabbing to slicing, etc. +4 to attack rolls when wielding a dagger.

    Harvesting (Learning Beginner, 45%) - You are slowly obtaining experience in the act of harvesting plants and herbs. With some more work experience you are certain you'd be at least somewhat skilled in the act.
    Skinning (Learning Beginner, 40%) - You have learned the basic knowledge one should know to begin skinning and harvesting the corpses of monsters, but to really come to understand it and it's uses you will need actual experience.
    Haggling (Learning Beginner, 92%) - You have obtained a lot of insight into the act of haggling varying from the dos to the don'ts and you are certain with a bit more knowledge and actual practice you can put it to work helping you.
    Identification (Learning Beginner, 10%) - After reading the book on Identification you have a vague idea of how the power works, but without a teacher to guide you in the absolute specifics you are unsure if you can learn to utilize this power.
    Survival (Learning Beginner, 40%) - You are quickly becoming used to most basic of the basics when it comes to surviving outdoors, and with the help of some of your research materials you believe you have a decent grasp of it all. Only actively performing the actions and experience will tell.
    Trapping (Learning Beginner, 20%) - Trapping is a rather simple subject, but the specifics are somewhat confusing to you with your rather limited life experiences. You have a decent grasp of theoretical knowledge, but will need to use it in the field to confirm.
    Shield Mastery (Learning Beginner, 11%) - Utilizing a shield in battle is an incredibly useful tool that may well prevent incredibly lethal blows, but as it stands most of the concept has flown over your head.
    Monster Taming (Learning Beginner, 3%) - Needless to say that taming slimes by feeding them mana and utilizing mana to communicate with them was pretty distant from what most of monster taming was (with what little you know). Still, the book did give you some small grasp of what the trade's core needs might be.
    Stealth (Learning Beginner, 85%) - You have begun to grasp the simplest aspects of being stealthy, mainly softening your footsteps and avoiding a target's sight. You're quite close to putting this to effective use in the field, but need a bit more training or practical experience.
    Abilities
    Domination (Level One, 5/25) - Allows you to bind creatures/monsters that are one level below you (to a minimum of level 1) to your will permanently. Unless the creature in question has a particularly strong will then the power is bound to succeed. Does not work on humans. [Dominated Beings: 1/2]
    + Dominate Writing (Level One, 7/25) - You've obtained a new power derived from your blessing from the God of War. It grants you the ability to draw strength from the written word though... You are utterly uncertain what that actually means. [Dominated Writings: 1/1]

    Backstab - You force an opening in your opponent's guard and shift yourself into place to deliver a well timed, well placed reverse grip stab to the foe's back with great force. Such a move is straining on you, but has incredible effects when successfully performed. Make a single attack that deals four times damage to the enemy if it lands, uses a moderate amount of Stamina.
    Inventory
    Equipment
    Main Hand -     Simple Wooden Club [Damage: 3, Blunt, Grip and Wrist Strap (Harder to Disarm)]
    Off Hand - Iron Kite Shield [???]

    Armor - Plain Scholar's Robes [???, Tear on left sleeve]

    Easily Accessed Items
    Iron Hand-Axe [???]
    Simple Iron Dagger [Damage: ???, Attack Speed: 2, Slashing]

    Skinning Knife

    Scholar's Writing Instruments [1/4 sheets of paper]

    Canvas Backpack [8/10]
    - Ten Foot Rope
    - Bundle of Clean Rags [10/10]
    - Archbishop Julian Vandamule's Sealed Scroll
    - Wooden Storage Box [Can hold up to twenty herbs (varies based on size) | 0/20]
    - Paper with copied contents from a Book on Skinning
    - Paper with copied contents about Trapping.
    - Papers copied from the Book of Academia (Contain basic descriptions of numerous scholarly branches of study)
    - Piece of Leather [5/10 Units left]
    -
    -

    Belt Pouch [4/4]
    - Flask of Oil [3 Units of Oil Remaining]
    - Container with Six Vials [0/6 Filled]
    - Flint & Steel
    - Waterskin [6/6, Water]
    Health: 8/8

    Status Effects: None

    Level: 2
    Experience: 0/40

    Attacks:
    Bite -     [Damage: 3, Slashing]

    Traits:
    Sensitive Nose -     +5 to finding herbs
    Natural Gatherer - +5 to harvesting herbs
    Soul Linked - Can be given up to 2 Experience from their Master's kills.

    Skills:
    Evasion (Beginner,     14%) - Increases the Difficulty to Hit by 4.

    Fighting (Learning Beginner, 49%)
    Stealth (Learning Beginner, 65%)

    Abilities:
    Cannibalize (Level One, 0/10) - Capable of devouring their kin to quickly heal from injuries. Regains 1 Health per pound of Vicious Rabbit meat consumed.


    Wood Rank Requests
    Payment: Thirty Coppers, 15 GP, 1 Rank Advancement Point, 10 Experience
    Description: I need an extra set of hands or two to help bring in the harvest, if you're willing then please take this request and come to * Farm.

    Payment: 25 Coppers, 10 GP, 1 Rank Advancement Point, 10 Experience per day
    Description: Relgar has experienced a great influx of merchants, Adventurers passing through, mercenaries, and more due to activity in the north which has brought forth a great chance for profit. The Town Guard is currently struggling to deal with all the newcomers and a newly born rise in crime and has asked the Guild for Adventurers willing to patrol the town as well. Those seeking to take up the offer will need to work with the Guard for at least four days, or until the situation has stabilized.

    Payment: 50 Copper per 3 Golden Leaf (Quality does matter), Variable GP, Variable Rank Advancement Points, Variable Experience
    Description: I have need of as many Golden Leaf as you can get your hands on, quality is important so insure proper storage. You can find me at the apothecary on the south side of the town, Gerald's Apothecary. I've provided drawings for those who've never seen Golden leaf and they can be found on the outskirts of Relgar's Northern Woods. Please only come when you have Golden leaf to deliver, I am a busy man.

    Payment: 10 Copper for every pair of Vicious Rabbit ears, 5 GP for every pair of Vicious Rabbit Ears, 1 Rank Advancement Point for every ten pairs of ears, 1 Experience per every pair of rabbit ears.
    Description: A rather ridiculous number of Vicious Rabbits have taken to destroying the eastern fields and after the death of several farmers Relgar's Lord has set down a bounty for the little bastards. After accepting the request bring proof of your slain foes back to the Guild to earn your reward. Also, don't damage the fields. Those who wantonly destroy the Lord's land in search of profit will find themselves at the end of his Knights swords.

    Payment: 5 Coppers per Monstrous Corn corpse, 2 GP per corpse, 1 Rank Advancement Point for every fifteen corpse, 1 Experience per every two corpses
    Description: Due to the increased traffic through town we've been running low on our supply of a local delicacy - Monstrous Corn. An fine mixture of sweet and salty that can survive months in the open air before rotting. If you could hunt down some for us it would be much appreciated, the more you get the better! We've left instructions to a good spot with the receptionist.

    Payment: 15 Coppers per pair of fangs, 7 GP per pair of fangs, 1 Rank Advancement Point for every four pair of fangs, 2 Experience per every pair of fangs
    Description: Many farmers and travelers have reported the Green-pelt Wolf population have been restless in the forests nearby, this announcement has been posted to deal with the issue before it can get out of hand. All we need is the fangs for confirmation, the rest you may do with as you will.

    Porcelain Rank Requests
    Payment: 2 Silver, 100 GP, 4 Rank Advancement Points, and 45 Experience for successful Completion.
    Description: Several Farmers have recently noticed a few Slimes intruding on their properties on the southwest side of Town, these strays were easily handled with fire but the continued appearances have many worried. By order of the Lord, any Adventurer of discovering the source of these Slimes and bringing relevant information back to the Guild will be rewarded greatly.

    Payment: 25 Silver, 1,250 GP, 10 Rank Advancement Points, and 125 Experience base payment. Exact pay will change based on performance, duration of your service, and the final outcome of the event.
    Description: Many of you have likely noticed the incredible increase in traffic through the Township, word has long reached Relgar of a sudden uprising of the undead several weeks travel to the North that has begun to plague the land. It is the Clergy of the God of Death who hold dominion of ensuring the peaceful rest of all those who die within the Kingdom, and it is they who have issued a request to the Guilds in the regions nearby for able bodied Adventurers to support their, and the local forces in this disaster. Rewards will be great for those who can contribute.

    Payment: 5 Silver, 250 GP, 5 Rank Advancement Points, and 55 Experience for successful Completion.
    Description: We, the Telediar Merchant Company are in great need of additional members to guard our caravan as it travels east to the city of Blackstone, we do not expect any dangers but a recent increase in the carried cargo requires the additional steps. For anyone interested please accept this notice and come to the Merchant Guild before the week's end.
     
    Last edited:
  • View discussion
    • Even an Iron Will Cannot Guard Against Such Loss
  • View content
    • [X] Dominate it, perhaps it'll save the creature from death. If not then you will at least understand a little more about your power with it's death.
    -[X] Either way, pet, praise and reward Velvet after that for being a good bunny
    [X] Tie off the injury on your arm with a Clean Rag. It's not a proper alchemical Bandage, but it should staunch the bleeding.

    It takes, but an instant for you to decide as you reach for the power hidden in you once more, your brow beginning to heat up as you focus on the creature dying upon the ground in front of you. A faint golden light pours forth from you for an instant before taking the shape of a a golden crown encased firmly within a book and pounces at the Greenpelt Wolf lying upon the ground. It enters the beast without any sign of resistance, the creature stopping it's flailing attacks and Velvet quickly releasing it before it begins to try and cry out desperately.

    A part of you can't help, but flinch as you watch the beast writhe on the ground, a crude image of a crown beginning to form upon it's head as you feel a link form between the two of you from which you immediately sense a tidal wave of emotions. Your will hardens in an instant, the wave of pain and utter fear battering against your mind as you look down at the wolf with the realization that it will die even after the bond was formed. Something inside of you seems to kick on as you stare impassively and ignore the emotions battering against your mind, the club being dropped as you grab your dagger and pull it out from one of your robe's pockets.

    Kneeling down in front of it, you look at it coldly before driving the dagger into and ending the beast's suffering. For a moment the wave of emotions attacking your mind turn into a maelstrom, you can feel a deep seated feeling of betrayal lingering there and trying to shatter the guard you've thrown up. It passes as quickly as it came, entirely ineffective as you stroke the wolf's head.

    "I could do nothing other than end your suffering, I...."

    You choke up, the barriers you built breaking down as you feel tears beginning to pour down your face. You had fought off the damage the emotions would've caused, but still you felt like your heart was wrenched from your chest as the thing tied so close to your very being simply ceased to exist. It's last moments little other than terror at your betrayal.

    With your power you made a creature bend their will, enslaved themselves to your will and forced them to follow you in the last moments of their life only to tear life away from them. It was a test seeking knowledge of your power, it was a mercy to ease their end... You understood, but why? Why did this hurt?

    "I'm sorry, run free in the after life."

    You mutter, ignoring the blood still pouring from it as you take the wolf's head in your lap and stroke it's head gingerly. Sobbing, you stare down at the crown upon it's head that marked a being as your subject and you think.

    'Knowledge, I seek to know more with every day, but... is knowing always worth the price?'

    In the end you decide...
    [] Yes, regardless of the price knowledge must be gained.
    [] No, sometimes it is better not to know. Sometimes the price is just too steep to pay...

    How do you deal with the corpse?
    [] Skin it and gather what you can.
    [] Leave it where it is.
    [] It was your subject, it deserves a proper burial. You might not have a shovel, but you'll make do...

    Gained 3 Experience for Domination for the first death of a minion.
    Gained 2 Experience for They Who Seek the Crown for the first death of a subject.

    Gained 10 Experience for killing a Greenpelt Wolf

    Do you give Velvet experience from the fight?
    [] Write-in the amount.
    [] No.

    Gained 5 Experience for Discussion in the thread.

    John is overcome with sorrow, gains the Sorrowful trait.

    Status
    Health: Slightly Injured (Bite wound on left arm, hastily bandaged)
    Stamina: Energetic

    Status Effects: None

    Dominate Writing - Blunt Mastery Basics - Using a copy you made of the basics required to wield a blunt weapon in battle effectively you have gained the knowledge and experience required exactly for that. When using a blunt weapon you will be more capable of striking the enemy with ease. +5 to Attack Rolls made with Blunt weaponry equipped.
    Lasts until end of the day.

    Level: 3
    Experience: 162/400

    Guild Rank:     Porcelain (0/40)
    Hidden Features: Unlocked Instructors in the Guild Store
    Current Booked Courses: None

    G.P.: 215
    Money: 1 Silver, 35 Copper
    Heroic Legacy Points: 0

    Estimated Time of Day:     Around Noon
    Titles
    They Who Seek the Crown (Level One, 16/25) - A title earned by gaining the blessing of the God of War in a chance encounter with his will. It is a boon granted to those who seek to become like Lords, towering above the world with every action and word capable of bringing great waves of change. Currently it is weak and only grants you the power of Domination, but if you grow stronger and perform in a way that meshes with this Boon then perhaps its strength can grow.

    Heroes can be Thieves Right? - In the name of Heroism you stole classified information from the Church of War without being caught. Now no innocent souls shall be ended with this dangerous knife, but ... yours might be if you mess up? Slightly increased chance of learning stealth and thievery related skills until discovered, lost if the Sealed Scroll is destroyed.

    Ethical Scholar - A scholar's duty is that of facts, numbers, honesty, and boundaries. You have a devotion to the work of the written word that few would follow in the face of potential benefits. You seek simply to perform your work to the best of your ability and stand within the morals of your scholar code, even find yourself compelled to do so. Established personal Scholarly Code, sticking to it makes your work easier and better while going against it more difficult and with worse results.
    • Scholar Code I - No work is better than hasty work. {Provides +2 to scholarly rolls when you take your time, take -2 to scholarly rolls when you attempt to work with haste.}
    • Scholar Code II - Provide the facts to those that hire you, nothing more and nothing less. {Provides 2 bonus experience when followed, lose 2 experience when ignored.}
    • Scholar Code III - Judgement is the employer's job. {Provides 2 bonus experience when followed, lose 2 experience when ignored.}
    • Scholar Code IV - There is satisfaction in learning that which is known and that which is not. {Provides 2 bonus experience when learning new knowledge skills and advancing skill ranks in them.}
    Traits
    Sturdy Physique - You come to possess a body that is much more resilient than your original form allowing you to withstand roughly twice as much damage before your body gives out resulting in death.
    Quick to Act - You are fast to respond in dangerous situations, where others are still confused about changing events you have already begun to move in response to them.
    Iron Clad Mind - Your will is strengthened considerably under the guidance of the Spirit as if your mind has created the foundations of a fortress around it. With it's backing you are capable of putting up greater resistance against mental influences.

    Aspire to Sagehood - You've come to find yourself a seeker of all forms of knowledge and find it easy to learn those skills a scholar finds most useful. Perhaps with enough work you may achieve acknowledgement as a Sage, a master of countless fields of knowledge. Increased skill gains for scholar related skills.
    Forbidden Scholar - You are more likely to notice lore and knowledge regarding those topics considered forbidden to the general populace. Of course, your affinity for these subjects does not create that knowledge where none exists.
    Studious - You've become well acquainted with book learning and, while it will never be a good replacement for a teacher, have learned how to make the most of it. Increased skill gains when learning a skill from a book.

    Swift Growth I - With enough power the Heroic Spirit can even help you grow, increasing the rate at which you earn experience by twenty-five percent permanently.

    Sorrowful - In your quest for knowledge you chose to use your power on a creature near death and in doing so formed a mental bond much as you did with Velvet, and for the first time you now understand death. The pain and the fear, you felt every moment of your subject's death and knew you could do nothing. To make it worse, when you gave it mercy you could sense the betrayal literally assaulting you through your connection and now you understand fully the power you've been given. Such a thing, you know it will haunt you for even now it tears at you and weakens your will, your certainty in your goals...
    Skills
    Mathematics (Beginner, 15%) - +4 to rolls requiring use of mathematics.
    Local Administration (Beginner, 10%) - +4 to rolls involving administration of businesses and small land holdings.
    Geography of Relgar Township Region (Beginner) - Capable of recalling information related to areas in the Relgar area that could be of use. Such as the size of a specific forest, important landmarks, etc.
    Monster Knowledge (Relgar Township, Beginner, 45%) - You've memorized basic information provided on Vicious Rabbits, Giant Rats, Slimes, Monstrous Corn, Green-pelt Wolves, and Forest Bears.
    Knowledge of the Undead (Beginner) - You've memorized the basic information and understanding of the Church of Death on Mindless Walkers, Animated Remains, and Wisps.
    Plant Knowledge (Relgar Township, Beginner) - You've memorized basic information provided on Red-Shelled Warmths, Blue Bells, Golden Leaf, and common herbs like thyme or poppies.
    Copying Writing (Adept, 2%) - You've experienced copying countless documents, books, and records to such an extent that it's almost an ingrained instinct in you. Time required to copy any form of writing is reduced and chance of wrongly copying something is greatly decreased.
    Evasion (Beginner, 19%) - You've learned the basics of positioning, and movement enabling you to react well to attacks sent you way. It's rather simple now, but even a slight advantage could save your life. Increases your Difficulty to Hit by 4.
    Dagger Mastery (Beginner, 9%) - Through sparring and practice you have grasped the basics of fighting with a dagger. How to grip it so as not to lose the weapon in combat, basic and effective methods of attack from stabbing to slicing, etc. +4 to attack rolls when wielding a dagger.

    Harvesting (Learning Beginner, 45%) - You are slowly obtaining experience in the act of harvesting plants and herbs. With some more work experience you are certain you'd be at least somewhat skilled in the act.
    Skinning (Learning Beginner, 40%) - You have learned the basic knowledge one should know to begin skinning and harvesting the corpses of monsters, but to really come to understand it and it's uses you will need actual experience.
    Haggling (Learning Beginner, 92%) - You have obtained a lot of insight into the act of haggling varying from the dos to the don'ts and you are certain with a bit more knowledge and actual practice you can put it to work helping you.
    Identification (Learning Beginner, 10%) - After reading the book on Identification you have a vague idea of how the power works, but without a teacher to guide you in the absolute specifics you are unsure if you can learn to utilize this power.
    Survival (Learning Beginner, 40%) - You are quickly becoming used to most basic of the basics when it comes to surviving outdoors, and with the help of some of your research materials you believe you have a decent grasp of it all. Only actively performing the actions and experience will tell.
    Trapping (Learning Beginner, 20%) - Trapping is a rather simple subject, but the specifics are somewhat confusing to you with your rather limited life experiences. You have a decent grasp of theoretical knowledge, but will need to use it in the field to confirm.
    Shield Mastery (Learning Beginner, 11%) - Utilizing a shield in battle is an incredibly useful tool that may well prevent incredibly lethal blows, but as it stands most of the concept has flown over your head.
    Monster Taming (Learning Beginner, 3%) - Needless to say that taming slimes by feeding them mana and utilizing mana to communicate with them was pretty distant from what most of monster taming was (with what little you know). Still, the book did give you some small grasp of what the trade's core needs might be.
    Stealth (Learning Beginner, 85%) - You have begun to grasp the simplest aspects of being stealthy, mainly softening your footsteps and avoiding a target's sight. You're quite close to putting this to effective use in the field, but need a bit more training or practical experience.
    Abilities
    Domination (Level One, 8/25) - Allows you to bind creatures/monsters that are one level below you (to a minimum of level 1) to your will permanently. Unless the creature in question has a particularly strong will then the power is bound to succeed. Does not work on humans. [Dominated Beings: 1/2]
    + Dominate Writing (Level One, 7/25) - You've obtained a new power derived from your blessing from the God of War. It grants you the ability to draw strength from the written word though... You are utterly uncertain what that actually means. [Dominated Writings: 1/1]

    Backstab - You force an opening in your opponent's guard and shift yourself into place to deliver a well timed, well placed reverse grip stab to the foe's back with great force. Such a move is straining on you, but has incredible effects when successfully performed. Make a single attack that deals four times damage to the enemy if it lands, uses a moderate amount of Stamina.
    Inventory
    Equipment
    Main Hand -     Simple Wooden Club [Damage: 3, Blunt, Grip and Wrist Strap (Harder to Disarm)]
    Off Hand - Iron Kite Shield [???]

    Armor - Plain Scholar's Robes [???, Tear on left sleeve]

    Easily Accessed Items
    Iron Hand-Axe [???]
    Simple Iron Dagger [Damage: ???, Attack Speed: 2, Slashing]

    Skinning Knife

    Scholar's Writing Instruments [1/4 sheets of paper]

    Canvas Backpack [8/10]
    - Ten Foot Rope
    - Bundle of Clean Rags [9/10]
    - Archbishop Julian Vandamule's Sealed Scroll
    - Wooden Storage Box [Can hold up to twenty herbs (varies based on size) | 0/20]
    - Paper with copied contents from a Book on Skinning
    - Paper with copied contents about Trapping.
    - Papers copied from the Book of Academia (Contain basic descriptions of numerous scholarly branches of study)
    - Piece of Leather [5/10 Units left]
    -
    -

    Belt Pouch [4/4]
    - Flask of Oil [3 Units of Oil Remaining]
    - Container with Six Vials [0/6 Filled]
    - Flint & Steel
    - Waterskin [6/6, Water]
    Health: 8/8

    Status Effects: None

    Level: 2
    Experience: 0/40

    Attacks:
    Bite -     [Damage: 3, Slashing]

    Traits:
    Sensitive Nose -     +5 to finding herbs
    Natural Gatherer - +5 to harvesting herbs
    Soul Linked - Can be given up to 2 Experience from their Master's kills.

    Skills:
    Evasion (Beginner,     14%) - Increases the Difficulty to Hit by 4.

    Fighting (Learning Beginner, 67%)
    Stealth (Learning Beginner, 65%)

    Abilities:
    Cannibalize (Level One, 0/10) - Capable of devouring their kin to quickly heal from injuries. Regains 1 Health per pound of Vicious Rabbit meat consumed.


    Payment: 5 Coppers per Monstrous Corn corpse, 2 GP per corpse, 1 Rank Advancement Point for every fifteen corpse, 1 Experience per every two corpses
    Description: Due to the increased traffic through town we've been running low on our supply of a local delicacy - Monstrous Corn. An fine mixture of sweet and salty that can survive months in the open air before rotting. If you could hunt down some for us it would be much appreciated, the more you get the better! We've left instructions to a good spot with the receptionist.
    Payment: 50 Copper per 3 Golden Leaf (Quality does matter), Variable GP, Variable Rank Advancement Points, Variable Experience
    Description: I have need of as many Golden Leaf as you can get your hands on, quality is important so insure proper storage. You can find me at the apothecary on the south side of the town, Gerald's Apothecary. I've provided drawings for those who've never seen Golden leaf and they can be found on the outskirts of Relgar's Northern Woods. Please only come when you have Golden leaf to deliver, I am a busy man.
     
    Last edited:
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    Daily Life of a Farmer
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    • I wake in the early morning to the cries of birds, the growing of my roosters, and the Gods awful racket of my husband cooking breakfast in the kitchen. A lovely man, a hard working and honorable if prideful man he was. Perhaps a bit prideful, maybe driven by his primary worship of the First King no doubt.

    'All of the true God of War followers are a rowdy bunch, ready to fight at the drop of a rake or hoe to prove themselves in his eyes. Or some such nonsense, truly he would be the perfect husband if he would just convert to the Lord of Libraries.

    Hmmm, at least it could be worst. After all the Lady of the Grave's followers tend to be a morbid, sulky lot.'

    Smiling, I ride from bed and get ready for the day. Donning simple hemp clothes, tough but cheap to repair, before heading out of the bedroom to the main room. Daniel is already laying out the wooden tableware and utensils, a large pot resting in the center of the table that shakes along with the lumbering oaf's every action.

    "Mornin, Danie. What did you make for me today?"

    I ask, the giant of a man with his fiery beard looking up with a brilliant grin.

    "Corn and Hen porridge, a new idea I had the other day. Thought they might compliment each other well. You planning to harvest the small field today?"

    I reply with a small nod as I scoop the food steaming in the pot into my bowl, the smell enough to make my stomach growl. Trusting in Daniel's cooking, I immediately begin shoveling the yellow porridge with bits of chicken into my mouth. Salty, sweet, and savoury mix together as I savor every bite, or at least try.

    It takes almost no time to down four bowls of it, Daniel slowly eating in the far side with a satisfied expression as he watches me.

    "Yeah, I think I know what I've been stuck on. Been striking the ground at a bad angle when I till, my cuts haven't been clean enough when taking down the stalks, and I'm using too much force to harvest it all. If I ain't wrong then I should be able to push our harvest up more by next harvest."

    Before I know it I'm rambling, to some farming was just a way to get by but it was a hobby I, and many others, took great joy in. It was a rather comprehensive task, so many parts needed to be taken into account of you wanted to do it well rather than just right.

    Thankfully, my husband is a wonderfully understandable man, as he smiles and responds.

    "Good, good. I'm going to count on you improving enough for us to get some proper bowls then, wood changes the taste of food too much while porcelain maintains it wonderfully.

    You've eaten your fill, go on hun, can't wait to see the look on Jerry's face when we bring in more than his entire family does next harvest."

    I snort and toss the spoon at him before getting up to leave the house, my hoe and scythe leaning next to the door ready for me to take as I stroll by and out of the house entirely. Throwing one over each shoulder and lounging my arms on the handles of each, I set out for a smaller field portioned off from the forest of wheat growing just across from the house, the stalks a lovely golden color and bearing lustrous grains signifying the time for harvest is near.

    It's not long before I am standing in front of a plot of neatly growing corn, the stalks beginning to turn a beautiful shade of green as the husks are beginning to split from the corn growing within. Smiling, I open my status screen with a smirk.

    Level: 5
    Experience: 253/1600

    Traits:
    Sturdy Physique
    Impressive Strength
    Enduring
    Voracious Appetite

    Skills:
    Farming (Skilled, 95%)
    - Harvesting (Adept, 92%)

    Hoe Mastery (Adept, 98%)
    Scythe Mastery (Adept, 77%)
    Haggling (Novice, 26%)
    Taming (Beginner, 12%)

    Abilities:
    Wide Cut
    Razor Edge
    Heavy Till

    I smile, it's a plain life for sure, but there was nothing else I would rather do.

    "Now, let's level this batch and start on the next."
     
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    • A Pragmatic Choice, A Successful Harvest, and A Welcome Surprise
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    • [X] Yes, regardless of the price knowledge must be gained.
    [X] Skin it and gather what you can.
    [X] 2 XP

    Slowly, you manage to reign in your emotions and with that the tears stop flowing as well. You understood it was odd, perhaps mad, to cry over the death of something that had sought to kill you merely moments before, but was Velvet not the same until you made her your subject? And how many others could understand that feeling, the deep connection through which every last moment of a creature's life could be felt and desperately sought for salvation from the one who was their ruler?

    It was an strange, utterly horrifying feeling and in it you sensed a great danger that was likely held at bay by the improvements you gained from the Heroic Spirit before it fell into whatever slumber it now rests in. Still, even with such a price there was knowledge to be found that could occupy the mind, if not truly ease the burden you feel beginning to weigh on you. With your second subject's death you have come to understand the outcome of those you have dominated dying, a difficult thing to handle though you are certain you could likely find ways to resist such maelstroms of emotion far better given time.

    Perhaps even learn to shrug off the the pain such would bring, though whether the results were worth what such would require... even you were unsure. Knowledge sometimes required a price be paid to learn, and at times perhaps the price would be worth paying though how far you are willing to go when the time comes is the question.

    'Could I bring myself to cast away my subjects, sacrifice the companions at my side for the knowledge that may yet be there to claim?'

    You feel something wet and yet soft bumping against you, looking down you find Velvet nestled up against you as she keenly watches the area around you. It is easy to feel concern through your connection to her, much like her other emotions it is vaguely... off but still you understand. Smiling faintly, you halt your action of petting the dead wolf to pet your first subject despite the copious amounts of blood covering her.

    'No, I doubt I ever could. Though what the future holds is unknown, I never would have believed that I would reach where I am now as a kid after all, and this world...'

    You sigh before gently placing the wolf's body upon the ground as you mutter to yourself.

    "This world is a harsh place, I learned that at the Academy, but I believe I am starting to understand just how deeply that runs. Sorry, you've taught me much and if...

    If I could have saved you, I would. Now that you are dead I hope you live well in whatever after life awaits you, may He Who Defied Death watch over you, the second of Mine. One must do somethings to help them step further, so I hope you can forgive this as well."

    You take a deep breath before exchanging your dagger for the skinning knife you bought, the large and sturdy blade a rather poor weapon for combat but well made for the purpose it was given. Despite all the will power you manage to muster, your hands still shake as you roll the wolf over and make the first cut. It was easy to imagine that something inside of your cracked slightly as the blade cut through the hide...

    ---

    By the time your work is finished both the knife and your hands are covered in blood, pieces of fur, and specks of meat while a somewhat blood covered, poorly cut hide is sat in front of you with a substantial amount of meat. By your estimates you've gathered around ten pounds of usable meat, surprisingly not even gagging once as you performed the work. Grabbing the pelt in your arms, you fold it as best you can to cover the meat within before casting one last glance at the beast's remains.

    A twitch in your face is all the tell you need as the sadness begins to emerge again only to be forced back down as you walk away in search of a place to wash the newly obtained goods.

    It takes a fair while to find a small creek, the farmland already giving way to grassland that is quickly beginning to be overcome itself by the thickets and brush of the forest. In the distance you can see the woodlands already, but you turn away from it to begin your work of washing the blood from your somewhat ill gotten gains. Quite a bit of effort is required to really remove the dried blood, both from the pelt and Velvet, as the trip had taken quite a while, but thankfully you manage to make everything look respectable.

    "Well, except my robes..."

    Frowning, you looks at the bloodstains on them and the tear in your sleeve for a short moment before setting everything out to dry, your focus turned towards gathering anything close by.

    ---

    Between you and Velvet it doesn't take long to find quite the harvest among the outskirts of the forest. Velvet manages to track down six of the plant herself, that incredibly keen nose of hers doing excellent work as it was quite genuinely meant to find such rare plants for her to eat when meat was unavailable. On the other hand you only manage to find two, but it is an easy fact to accept when you take into account your rather lacking senses in comparison to your furry companion.

    Returned to her previous color, aside from dirt now covering her paws, Velvet takes great joy in enjoying a few pats from you before hopping off to look around the area again. Before setting out you decide to roast some of the meat you gathered from the wolf earlier, a short twinge in your heart being somewhat difficultly settled as you remind yourself of the need for what you did. It takes a mere moment to get a fire started, dead branches and leaves being thrown on it in abundance before you cut the meat into smaller slices and begin skewering it onto a few prepared branches.

    After you pile rocks to hold the meat just above the flames you set about storing everything away neatly, it takes a considerable amount of effort to store the meat into your pack comfortably wrapped in the pelt as it is.

    'Didn't really have anything to store it properly with, but this should do... right?'

    When the food finishes cooking, a rather appetizing aroma aggravating your stomach into a growl, you take the branch and begin tossing Velvet her share before digging into your own. Despite today's events, you manage a small smile as you stare wistfully into the distance.

    "My life continues to change, the life of an Adventurer is a rather weird one, but it is enjoyable at times. Maybe I contemplated returning to the Academy a week ago, but now I am certain that there is little else I'd rather do. We did come this far, so we should see what awaits at the end right, Velvet?"

    Your furball of a minion takes a break from her food to stare at you with her head cocked to the side before turning back to the meal, a deep sense of satisfaction coming from the ravenous black hole as she tears into the meat. She displayed emotions, at least of a sort, but it really seems she's still very much a Vicious Rabbit.

    Letting out a small yawn, you return to your meal and begin to wonder if you'll find something interesting on the way back...

    ---

    Your return journey is a little bit more difficult as your pack is now a fair deal heavier, beads of sweat pouring down your face as you finally step foot on the road after traveling across the plains and through scattered fields. Looking at the sun in the sky you can't help, but to be stunned at how much time has really passed as you realize it is well into the afternoon with sunset fairly quickly drawing near. Hurrying your pace despite the burden you carry, you set off down the road towards town which proves much easier given the far fewer travelers upon it today.

    Not long after you begin traveling on the road you notice a large flurry of movement in a half harvested field off to the side, your head turning to find a group of Monstrous Corn hard at work pulling down stalks of corn. A quick count reveals about six of them clustered together as they...

    "Is the living corn actually... stealing corn?"

    You can't help, but ask as you stop to watch them go about whatever it is they are doing with morbid curiosity. Sunset was not far off, but you had time if you wanted to take them down and start gathering some of their bodies for the request. Or maybe simply watch them to try and understand whatever it is they're doing?

    What do you do?
    [] Head back to town and turn in the request, it's too close to night to risk stopping for these ones.
    [] Stand back and watch them do... whatever it is they're doing. You feel a deep seated curiosity to figure it out.
    [] Since they've placed themselves in the open you might as well get to work on the request you picked up.
    - [] Attempt to sneak up on them and attack.
    - [] Charge the group with Velvet in tow and try to take them down as quickly as possible.
    - [] Use Velvet to try and lure some over, attempt to separate them before fighting.
    - [] Write-in.
    [] Write-in.

    Gained 15 Experience from Discussion in the thread.

    Fifth Scholarly Code Established
    Ethical Scholar changes to Ethical Scribe, Pragmatic Scholar
    Gained 10 Experience for advancing your Title: Ethical Scholar.

    Gained the Trait: Pragmatic I
    Gained 5 Experience for earning Trait: Pragmatic I

    Status
    Health: Slightly Injured (Bite wound on left arm, hastily bandaged)
    Stamina: Energetic

    Status Effects: None

    Dominate Writing - Blunt Mastery Basics - Using a copy you made of the basics required to wield a blunt weapon in battle effectively you have gained the knowledge and experience required exactly for that. When using a blunt weapon you will be more capable of striking the enemy with ease. +5 to Attack Rolls made with Blunt weaponry equipped.
    Lasts until end of the day.

    Level: 3
    Experience: 190/400

    Guild Rank:     Porcelain (0/40)
    Hidden Features: Unlocked Instructors in the Guild Store
    Current Booked Courses: None

    G.P.: 215
    Money: 1 Silver, 35 Copper
    Heroic Legacy Points: 0

    Estimated Time of Day:     Late Afternoon, nearing sunset
    Titles
    They Who Seek the Crown (Level One, 16/25) - A title earned by gaining the blessing of the God of War in a chance encounter with his will. It is a boon granted to those who seek to become like Lords, towering above the world with every action and word capable of bringing great waves of change. Currently it is weak and only grants you the power of Domination, but if you grow stronger and perform in a way that meshes with this Boon then perhaps its strength can grow.

    Heroes can be Thieves Right? - In the name of Heroism you stole classified information from the Church of War without being caught. Now no innocent souls shall be ended with this dangerous knife, but ... yours might be if you mess up? Slightly increased chance of learning stealth and thievery related skills until discovered, lost if the Sealed Scroll is destroyed.

    Ethical Scribe, Pragmatic Scholar - A scribe's duty is that of facts, numbers, honesty, and boundaries. You have a devotion to the work of the written word that few would follow in the face of potential benefits. A scholar's duty is to learn. Obtain knowledge, study books, and understand the world around them so that they may use it to help themselves or the world at large. You seek simply to perform your work to the best of your ability, further your grasp of knowledge and stand within the morals of your scholar code, even find yourself compelled to do so. Established personal Scholarly Code, sticking to it makes your work easier and better while going against it more difficult and with worse results.
    • Scribe Code I - No work is better than hasty work. {Provides +2 to scholarly rolls when you take your time, take -2 to scholarly rolls when you attempt to work with haste.}
    • Scribe Code II - Provide the facts to those that hire you, nothing more and nothing less. {Provides 2 bonus experience when followed, lose 2 experience when ignored.}
    • Scribe Code III - Judgement is the employer's job. {Provides 2 bonus experience when followed, lose 2 experience when ignored.}
    • Scholar Code I - There is satisfaction in learning that which is known and that which is not. {Provides 2 bonus experience when learning new knowledge skills and advancing skill ranks in them.}
    • Scholar Code II - Sometimes a price is required to learn, that price must be weighed against the knowledge to be earned carefully for while some may be worth the cost, not everything is. {Gain 4 bonus experience when learning knowledge of acceptable price, lose all experience when learning knowledge whose price is too high. May be entirely unwilling to learn something if it comes at a great cost. Only applicable to certain information/skills/traits/abilities, will be noted when it is.}
    Traits
    Sturdy Physique - You come to possess a body that is much more resilient than your original form allowing you to withstand roughly twice as much damage before your body gives out resulting in death.
    Quick to Act - You are fast to respond in dangerous situations, where others are still confused about changing events you have already begun to move in response to them.
    Iron Clad Mind - Your will is strengthened considerably under the guidance of the Spirit as if your mind has created the foundations of a fortress around it. With it's backing you are capable of putting up greater resistance against mental influences.

    Aspire to Sagehood - You've come to find yourself a seeker of all forms of knowledge and find it easy to learn those skills a scholar finds most useful. Perhaps with enough work you may achieve acknowledgement as a Sage, a master of countless fields of knowledge. Increased skill gains for scholar related skills.
    Forbidden Scholar - You are more likely to notice lore and knowledge regarding those topics considered forbidden to the general populace. Of course, your affinity for these subjects does not create that knowledge where none exists.
    Studious - You've become well acquainted with book learning and, while it will never be a good replacement for a teacher, have learned how to make the most of it. Increased skill gains when learning a skill from a book.

    Swift Growth I - With enough power the Heroic Spirit can even help you grow, increasing the rate at which you earn experience by twenty-five percent permanently.

    Sorrowful I - In your quest for knowledge you chose to use your power on a creature near death and in doing so formed a mental bond much as you did with Velvet, and for the first time you now understand death. The pain and the fear, you felt every moment of your subject's death and knew you could do nothing. To make it worse, when you gave it mercy you could sense the betrayal literally assaulting you through your connection and now you understand fully the power you've been given. Such a thing, you know it will haunt you for even now it tears at you and weakens your will, your certainty in your goals...
    Pragmatic I - As your travel down the path of both Adventurer and Scholar you have come to understand more about the world. Of the kindness it contains, of the cruelty that lays hidden in it, and the things you may come to be asked in pursuit of your dream. A step towards pragmatism has been taken, a small one but still a step. Such pragmatism may assist you greatly, or it could drag you to an early grave. Only time and actions will tell.
    Skills
    Mathematics (Beginner, 15%) - +4 to rolls requiring use of mathematics.
    Local Administration (Beginner, 10%) - +4 to rolls involving administration of businesses and small land holdings.
    Geography of Relgar Township Region (Beginner) - Capable of recalling information related to areas in the Relgar area that could be of use. Such as the size of a specific forest, important landmarks, etc.
    Monster Knowledge (Relgar Township, Beginner, 45%) - You've memorized basic information provided on Vicious Rabbits, Giant Rats, Slimes, Monstrous Corn, Green-pelt Wolves, and Forest Bears.
    Knowledge of the Undead (Beginner) - You've memorized the basic information and understanding of the Church of Death on Mindless Walkers, Animated Remains, and Wisps.
    Plant Knowledge (Relgar Township, Beginner) - You've memorized basic information provided on Red-Shelled Warmths, Blue Bells, Golden Leaf, and common herbs like thyme or poppies.
    Copying Writing (Adept, 2%) - You've experienced copying countless documents, books, and records to such an extent that it's almost an ingrained instinct in you. Time required to copy any form of writing is reduced and chance of wrongly copying something is greatly decreased.
    Evasion (Beginner, 19%) - You've learned the basics of positioning, and movement enabling you to react well to attacks sent you way. It's rather simple now, but even a slight advantage could save your life. Increases your Difficulty to Hit by 4.
    Dagger Mastery (Beginner, 9%) - Through sparring and practice you have grasped the basics of fighting with a dagger. How to grip it so as not to lose the weapon in combat, basic and effective methods of attack from stabbing to slicing, etc. +4 to attack rolls when wielding a dagger.

    Harvesting (Learning Beginner, 88%) - You are slowly obtaining experience in the act of harvesting plants and herbs. With some more work experience you are certain you'd be at least somewhat skilled in the act.
    Skinning (Learning Beginner, 60%) - You have learned the basic knowledge one should know to begin skinning and harvesting the corpses of monsters, but to really come to understand it and it's uses you will need actual experience.
    Haggling (Learning Beginner, 92%) - You have obtained a lot of insight into the act of haggling varying from the dos to the don'ts and you are certain with a bit more knowledge and actual practice you can put it to work helping you.
    Identification (Learning Beginner, 10%) - After reading the book on Identification you have a vague idea of how the power works, but without a teacher to guide you in the absolute specifics you are unsure if you can learn to utilize this power.
    Survival (Learning Beginner, 67%) - You are quickly becoming used to most basic of the basics when it comes to surviving outdoors, and with the help of some of your research materials you believe you have a decent grasp of it all. Only actively performing the actions and experience will tell.
    Trapping (Learning Beginner, 20%) - Trapping is a rather simple subject, but the specifics are somewhat confusing to you with your rather limited life experiences. You have a decent grasp of theoretical knowledge, but will need to use it in the field to confirm.
    Shield Mastery (Learning Beginner, 11%) - Utilizing a shield in battle is an incredibly useful tool that may well prevent incredibly lethal blows, but as it stands most of the concept has flown over your head.
    Monster Taming (Learning Beginner, 3%) - Needless to say that taming slimes by feeding them mana and utilizing mana to communicate with them was pretty distant from what most of monster taming was (with what little you know). Still, the book did give you some small grasp of what the trade's core needs might be.
    Stealth (Learning Beginner, 85%) - You have begun to grasp the simplest aspects of being stealthy, mainly softening your footsteps and avoiding a target's sight. You're quite close to putting this to effective use in the field, but need a bit more training or practical experience.
    Abilities
    Domination (Level One, 8/25) - Allows you to bind creatures/monsters that are one level below you (to a minimum of level 1) to your will permanently. Unless the creature in question has a particularly strong will then the power is bound to succeed. Does not work on humans. [Dominated Beings: 1/2]
    + Dominate Writing (Level One, 7/25) - You've obtained a new power derived from your blessing from the God of War. It grants you the ability to draw strength from the written word though... You are utterly uncertain what that actually means. [Dominated Writings: 1/1]

    Backstab - You force an opening in your opponent's guard and shift yourself into place to deliver a well timed, well placed reverse grip stab to the foe's back with great force. Such a move is straining on you, but has incredible effects when successfully performed. Make a single attack that deals four times damage to the enemy if it lands, uses a moderate amount of Stamina.
    Inventory
    Equipment
    Main Hand -     Simple Wooden Club [Damage: 3, Blunt, Grip and Wrist Strap (Harder to Disarm)]
    Off Hand - Iron Kite Shield [???]

    Armor - Plain Scholar's Robes [???, Tear on left sleeve, bloodstains]

    Easily Accessed Items
    Iron Hand-Axe [???]
    Simple Iron Dagger [Damage: ???, Attack Speed: 2, Slashing]

    Skinning Knife

    Scholar's Writing Instruments [1/4 sheets of paper]
    Dominated Greenpelt Wolf Fangs

    Canvas Backpack [9/10]
    - Ten Foot Rope
    - Bundle of Clean Rags [9/10]
    - Archbishop Julian Vandamule's Sealed Scroll
    - Wooden Storage Box [Can hold up to twenty herbs (varies based on size) | 3 Poor Quality Golden Leaf, 2 Average Quality Golden Leaf, 3 Perfect Quality Golden Leaf | 8/20]
    - Paper with copied contents from a Book on Skinning
    - Paper with copied contents about Trapping.
    - Papers copied from the Book of Academia (Contain basic descriptions of numerous scholarly branches of study)
    - Piece of Leather [5/10 Units left]
    - Six pounds of Greenpelt Wolf Meat [2 Days left until it spoils] wrapped in Greenpelt Wolf Pelt [Poor Quality, About 70% intact]
    -

    Belt Pouch [4/4]
    - Flask of Oil [3 Units of Oil Remaining]
    - Container with Six Vials [0/6 Filled]
    - Flint & Steel
    - Waterskin [4/6, Clean Water]
    Health: 8/8

    Status Effects: None

    Level: 2
    Experience: 2/40

    Attacks:
    Bite -     [Damage: 3, Slashing]

    Traits:
    Sensitive Nose -     +5 to finding herbs
    Natural Gatherer - +5 to harvesting herbs
    Soul Linked - Can be given up to 2 Experience from their Master's kills.

    Skills:
    Evasion (Beginner,     14%) - Increases the Difficulty to Hit by 4.

    Fighting (Learning Beginner, 67%)
    Stealth (Learning Beginner, 65%)
    Harvesting (Learning Beginner, 43%)

    Abilities:
    Cannibalize (Level One, 0/10) - Capable of devouring their kin to quickly heal from injuries. Regains 1 Health per pound of Vicious Rabbit meat consumed.


    Payment: 5 Coppers per Monstrous Corn corpse, 2 GP per corpse, 1 Rank Advancement Point for every fifteen corpse, 1 Experience per every two corpses
    Description: Due to the increased traffic through town we've been running low on our supply of a local delicacy - Monstrous Corn. An fine mixture of sweet and salty that can survive months in the open air before rotting. If you could hunt down some for us it would be much appreciated, the more you get the better! We've left instructions to a good spot with the receptionist.
    Payment: 50 Copper per 3 Golden Leaf (Quality does matter), Variable GP, Variable Rank Advancement Points, Variable Experience
    Description: I have need of as many Golden Leaf as you can get your hands on, quality is important so insure proper storage. You can find me at the apothecary on the south side of the town, Gerald's Apothecary. I've provided drawings for those who've never seen Golden leaf and they can be found on the outskirts of Relgar's Northern Woods. Please only come when you have Golden leaf to deliver, I am a busy man.

    GM Note: Alright, I think I got everything updated in the sheet this time around
     
    Last edited:
  • View discussion
    • Comical Monsters and a Surprise at the Thicket
  • View content
    • [X] Stand back and watch them do... whatever it is they're doing. You feel a deep seated curiosity to figure it out.

    Inevitably you cave to your own curiosity and stand back to watch them at work, hoping to understand something of the incredibly strange creatures. You spend a good while watching the comical things at work. Wiry arms of vine and plant material gathering on a single corn stalk before struggling to rip it out or pull it down for the others to reach upon which one of them tears off corn, a laughable struggle as it takes nigh on all their strength from the looks.

    Whenever a new piece of corn is gathered it is then stowed away in the baggy green husk encompassing the body of each Monstrous corn causing them to slowly turn into fat bundles of corn, magically enhanced and normal, that waddle away from the field. Of course, you follow them despite the late hour for you wish to understand more about these monsters you've been tasked with killing.

    Even with your incredible size in comparison the Monstrous Corn completely fail to notice as you and Velvet follow behind them, the monsters making their way through several fields of non-corn and across farmer made paths as they move into the distance. Eventually you come to a small thicket of trees separated from the farms around it by a series of hills that likely made too much work to till.

    In an instant, the over-sized plant creatures disappear into the brush and trees with their ill-gotten gains and you make to follow them in hoping to find whatever it is they are returning to. However, before you even step foot into the forest a number of them burst forth from the brush and begin charging you as their bodies vibrate slightly causing their husks to rustle loudly. It is easy to notice that these ones are not the same who were carrying the corn from earlier, a group of five likely standing guard for intruders like yourself.

    What do you do?
    [] Meet their charge, these things look incredibly weak so no reason not to just hack your way through.
    [] Try to pull them away from the thicket, hopefully you can delay any more that may come before you engage them.
    [] Unsure of the number actually in the woods you decide the best plan is simple. Run.
    [] Write-in.

    Status
    Health: Slightly Injured (Bite wound on left arm, hastily bandaged)
    Stamina: Energetic

    Status Effects: None

    Dominate Writing - Blunt Mastery Basics - Using a copy you made of the basics required to wield a blunt weapon in battle effectively you have gained the knowledge and experience required exactly for that. When using a blunt weapon you will be more capable of striking the enemy with ease. +5 to Attack Rolls made with Blunt weaponry equipped.
    Lasts until end of the day.

    Level: 3
    Experience: 190/400

    Guild Rank:     Porcelain (0/40)
    Hidden Features: Unlocked Instructors in the Guild Store
    Current Booked Courses: None

    G.P.: 215
    Money: 1 Silver, 35 Copper
    Heroic Legacy Points: 0

    Estimated Time of Day:     Late Afternoon, nearing sunset
    Titles
    They Who Seek the Crown (Level One, 16/25) - A title earned by gaining the blessing of the God of War in a chance encounter with his will. It is a boon granted to those who seek to become like Lords, towering above the world with every action and word capable of bringing great waves of change. Currently it is weak and only grants you the power of Domination, but if you grow stronger and perform in a way that meshes with this Boon then perhaps its strength can grow.

    Heroes can be Thieves Right? - In the name of Heroism you stole classified information from the Church of War without being caught. Now no innocent souls shall be ended with this dangerous knife, but ... yours might be if you mess up? Slightly increased chance of learning stealth and thievery related skills until discovered, lost if the Sealed Scroll is destroyed.

    Ethical Scribe, Pragmatic Scholar - A scribe's duty is that of facts, numbers, honesty, and boundaries. You have a devotion to the work of the written word that few would follow in the face of potential benefits. A scholar's duty is to learn. Obtain knowledge, study books, and understand the world around them so that they may use it to help themselves or the world at large. You seek simply to perform your work to the best of your ability, further your grasp of knowledge and stand within the morals of your scholar code, even find yourself compelled to do so. Established personal Scholarly Code, sticking to it makes your work easier and better while going against it more difficult and with worse results.
    • Scribe Code I - No work is better than hasty work. {Provides +2 to scholarly rolls when you take your time, take -2 to scholarly rolls when you attempt to work with haste.}
    • Scribe Code II - Provide the facts to those that hire you, nothing more and nothing less. {Provides 2 bonus experience when followed, lose 2 experience when ignored.}
    • Scribe Code III - Judgement is the employer's job. {Provides 2 bonus experience when followed, lose 2 experience when ignored.}
    • Scholar Code I - There is satisfaction in learning that which is known and that which is not. {Provides 2 bonus experience when learning new knowledge skills and advancing skill ranks in them.}
    • Scholar Code II - Sometimes a price is required to learn, that price must be weighed against the knowledge to be earned carefully for while some may be worth the cost, not everything is. {Gain 4 bonus experience when learning knowledge of acceptable price, lose all experience when learning knowledge whose price is too high. May be entirely unwilling to learn something if it comes at a great cost. Only applicable to certain information/skills/traits/abilities, will be noted when it is.}
    Traits
    Sturdy Physique - You come to possess a body that is much more resilient than your original form allowing you to withstand roughly twice as much damage before your body gives out resulting in death.
    Quick to Act - You are fast to respond in dangerous situations, where others are still confused about changing events you have already begun to move in response to them.
    Iron Clad Mind - Your will is strengthened considerably under the guidance of the Spirit as if your mind has created the foundations of a fortress around it. With it's backing you are capable of putting up greater resistance against mental influences.

    Aspire to Sagehood - You've come to find yourself a seeker of all forms of knowledge and find it easy to learn those skills a scholar finds most useful. Perhaps with enough work you may achieve acknowledgement as a Sage, a master of countless fields of knowledge. Increased skill gains for scholar related skills.
    Forbidden Scholar - You are more likely to notice lore and knowledge regarding those topics considered forbidden to the general populace. Of course, your affinity for these subjects does not create that knowledge where none exists.
    Studious - You've become well acquainted with book learning and, while it will never be a good replacement for a teacher, have learned how to make the most of it. Increased skill gains when learning a skill from a book.

    Swift Growth I - With enough power the Heroic Spirit can even help you grow, increasing the rate at which you earn experience by twenty-five percent permanently.

    Sorrowful I - In your quest for knowledge you chose to use your power on a creature near death and in doing so formed a mental bond much as you did with Velvet, and for the first time you now understand death. The pain and the fear, you felt every moment of your subject's death and knew you could do nothing. To make it worse, when you gave it mercy you could sense the betrayal literally assaulting you through your connection and now you understand fully the power you've been given. Such a thing, you know it will haunt you for even now it tears at you and weakens your will, your certainty in your goals...
    Pragmatic I - As your travel down the path of both Adventurer and Scholar you have come to understand more about the world. Of the kindness it contains, of the cruelty that lays hidden in it, and the things you may come to be asked in pursuit of your dream. A step towards pragmatism has been taken, a small one but still a step. Such pragmatism may assist you greatly, or it could drag you to an early grave. Only time and actions will tell.
    Skills
    Mathematics (Beginner, 15%) - +4 to rolls requiring use of mathematics.
    Local Administration (Beginner, 10%) - +4 to rolls involving administration of businesses and small land holdings.
    Geography of Relgar Township Region (Beginner) - Capable of recalling information related to areas in the Relgar area that could be of use. Such as the size of a specific forest, important landmarks, etc.
    Monster Knowledge (Relgar Township, Beginner, 45%) - You've memorized basic information provided on Vicious Rabbits, Giant Rats, Slimes, Monstrous Corn, Green-pelt Wolves, and Forest Bears.
    Knowledge of the Undead (Beginner) - You've memorized the basic information and understanding of the Church of Death on Mindless Walkers, Animated Remains, and Wisps.
    Plant Knowledge (Relgar Township, Beginner) - You've memorized basic information provided on Red-Shelled Warmths, Blue Bells, Golden Leaf, and common herbs like thyme or poppies.
    Copying Writing (Adept, 2%) - You've experienced copying countless documents, books, and records to such an extent that it's almost an ingrained instinct in you. Time required to copy any form of writing is reduced and chance of wrongly copying something is greatly decreased.
    Evasion (Beginner, 19%) - You've learned the basics of positioning, and movement enabling you to react well to attacks sent you way. It's rather simple now, but even a slight advantage could save your life. Increases your Difficulty to Hit by 4.
    Dagger Mastery (Beginner, 9%) - Through sparring and practice you have grasped the basics of fighting with a dagger. How to grip it so as not to lose the weapon in combat, basic and effective methods of attack from stabbing to slicing, etc. +4 to attack rolls when wielding a dagger.

    Harvesting (Learning Beginner, 88%) - You are slowly obtaining experience in the act of harvesting plants and herbs. With some more work experience you are certain you'd be at least somewhat skilled in the act.
    Skinning (Learning Beginner, 60%) - You have learned the basic knowledge one should know to begin skinning and harvesting the corpses of monsters, but to really come to understand it and it's uses you will need actual experience.
    Haggling (Learning Beginner, 92%) - You have obtained a lot of insight into the act of haggling varying from the dos to the don'ts and you are certain with a bit more knowledge and actual practice you can put it to work helping you.
    Identification (Learning Beginner, 10%) - After reading the book on Identification you have a vague idea of how the power works, but without a teacher to guide you in the absolute specifics you are unsure if you can learn to utilize this power.
    Survival (Learning Beginner, 67%) - You are quickly becoming used to most basic of the basics when it comes to surviving outdoors, and with the help of some of your research materials you believe you have a decent grasp of it all. Only actively performing the actions and experience will tell.
    Trapping (Learning Beginner, 20%) - Trapping is a rather simple subject, but the specifics are somewhat confusing to you with your rather limited life experiences. You have a decent grasp of theoretical knowledge, but will need to use it in the field to confirm.
    Shield Mastery (Learning Beginner, 11%) - Utilizing a shield in battle is an incredibly useful tool that may well prevent incredibly lethal blows, but as it stands most of the concept has flown over your head.
    Monster Taming (Learning Beginner, 3%) - Needless to say that taming slimes by feeding them mana and utilizing mana to communicate with them was pretty distant from what most of monster taming was (with what little you know). Still, the book did give you some small grasp of what the trade's core needs might be.
    Stealth (Learning Beginner, 85%) - You have begun to grasp the simplest aspects of being stealthy, mainly softening your footsteps and avoiding a target's sight. You're quite close to putting this to effective use in the field, but need a bit more training or practical experience.
    Abilities
    Domination (Level One, 8/25) - Allows you to bind creatures/monsters that are one level below you (to a minimum of level 1) to your will permanently. Unless the creature in question has a particularly strong will then the power is bound to succeed. Does not work on humans. [Dominated Beings: 1/2]
    + Dominate Writing (Level One, 7/25) - You've obtained a new power derived from your blessing from the God of War. It grants you the ability to draw strength from the written word though... You are utterly uncertain what that actually means. [Dominated Writings: 1/1]

    Backstab - You force an opening in your opponent's guard and shift yourself into place to deliver a well timed, well placed reverse grip stab to the foe's back with great force. Such a move is straining on you, but has incredible effects when successfully performed. Make a single attack that deals four times damage to the enemy if it lands, uses a moderate amount of Stamina.
    Inventory
    Equipment
    Main Hand -     Simple Wooden Club [Damage: 3, Blunt, Grip and Wrist Strap (Harder to Disarm)]
    Off Hand - Iron Kite Shield [???]

    Armor - Plain Scholar's Robes [???, Tear on left sleeve, bloodstains]

    Easily Accessed Items
    Iron Hand-Axe [???]
    Simple Iron Dagger [Damage: ???, Attack Speed: 2, Slashing]

    Skinning Knife

    Scholar's Writing Instruments [1/4 sheets of paper]
    Dominated Greenpelt Wolf Fangs

    Canvas Backpack [9/10]
    - Ten Foot Rope
    - Bundle of Clean Rags [9/10]
    - Archbishop Julian Vandamule's Sealed Scroll
    - Wooden Storage Box [Can hold up to twenty herbs (varies based on size) | 3 Poor Quality Golden Leaf, 2 Average Quality Golden Leaf, 3 Perfect Quality Golden Leaf | 8/20]
    - Paper with copied contents from a Book on Skinning
    - Paper with copied contents about Trapping.
    - Papers copied from the Book of Academia (Contain basic descriptions of numerous scholarly branches of study)
    - Piece of Leather [5/10 Units left]
    - Six pounds of Greenpelt Wolf Meat [2 Days left until it spoils] wrapped in Greenpelt Wolf Pelt [Poor Quality, About 70% intact]
    -

    Belt Pouch [4/4]
    - Flask of Oil [3 Units of Oil Remaining]
    - Container with Six Vials [0/6 Filled]
    - Flint & Steel
    - Waterskin [4/6, Clean Water]
    Health: 8/8

    Status Effects: None

    Level: 2
    Experience: 2/40

    Attacks:
    Bite -     [Damage: 3, Slashing]

    Traits:
    Sensitive Nose -     +5 to finding herbs
    Natural Gatherer - +5 to harvesting herbs
    Soul Linked - Can be given up to 2 Experience from their Master's kills.

    Skills:
    Evasion (Beginner,     14%) - Increases the Difficulty to Hit by 4.

    Fighting (Learning Beginner, 67%)
    Stealth (Learning Beginner, 65%)
    Harvesting (Learning Beginner, 43%)

    Abilities:
    Cannibalize (Level One, 0/10) - Capable of devouring their kin to quickly heal from injuries. Regains 1 Health per pound of Vicious Rabbit meat consumed.


    Payment: 5 Coppers per Monstrous Corn corpse, 2 GP per corpse, 1 Rank Advancement Point for every fifteen corpse, 1 Experience per every two corpses
    Description: Due to the increased traffic through town we've been running low on our supply of a local delicacy - Monstrous Corn. An fine mixture of sweet and salty that can survive months in the open air before rotting. If you could hunt down some for us it would be much appreciated, the more you get the better! We've left instructions to a good spot with the receptionist.
    Payment: 50 Copper per 3 Golden Leaf (Quality does matter), Variable GP, Variable Rank Advancement Points, Variable Experience
    Description: I have need of as many Golden Leaf as you can get your hands on, quality is important so insure proper storage. You can find me at the apothecary on the south side of the town, Gerald's Apothecary. I've provided drawings for those who've never seen Golden leaf and they can be found on the outskirts of Relgar's Northern Woods. Please only come when you have Golden leaf to deliver, I am a busy man.
     
  • View discussion
    • A Short Battle, Some Flying Corn
  • View content
    • [X] Try to pull them away from the thicket, hopefully you can delay any more that may come before you engage them.
    -[X] You don't want to be surrounded, so have Velvet pick off any that try to edge around you while you face the bulk of them.
    -[X] Whenever it looks like one is going to self-destruct, remember to crouch down with your shield up to protect as much of your body as possible while Velvet gets behind you.

    Immediately you decide to open some distance in the hopes of breaking up the incoming plant monsters, a mix of words and thought relaying the plan you've hastily put together to Velvet. Overall you don't manage to open that much distance before the first of them make it to you, just enough to divide the group for a short while and give Velvet the opportunity to launch the first attack. Of the three magically corrupted corn that catch up first there is one far enough to your side to make it a threat, Velvet throwing herself at it ineffectively as she misses the body and merely bites off a chunk of leafy husk.

    You are unable to continue watching her fight as the remaining two charge you, flimsy looking vine arms turning into whips that come flying towards you. Despite your best efforts you fail to block even one of the blows though it matters little as the strikes themselves do little more than sting when they land upon you. You grasp the opening granted by their strikes and lash out at the nearest of the two with your club in hand, wood meeting large soft kernels with such strength that it shatters them. Corn juice splatters everywhere and the small creature is quite literally sent flying before coming to land motionlessly on the ground.

    On instinct you hunker behind your shield, Velvet leaping in your direction expecting a self destruction only for... nothing to happen. A part of you immediately begins questioning why, starting to contemplate theories as to why the creature didn't explode only to be stopped by the arrival of the remaining two. A sense of elation comes from Velvet as you ready yourself to combat the three Monstrous Corn in front, a weird crunching noise coming from off to your left as you weather a storm of vine whips.

    Each blow is light, but you know well enough that given enough piling onto you they could be as lethal as any wild beast you've fought before. A pair of blows are blocked with ease upon your shield, the metal ringing slightly as you bring your club collapsing down upon another of the animated vegetables. Bits of corn splattering everywhere as it drops to the ground, it's body shaking enough of a sign for you to move to block...

    Still, you are caught off guard by the sudden change and a number of fist sized kernels explode outward slamming indiscriminately into you and the fallen vegetables comrades. Winded, and with a distinctive stinging pain throughout most of your torso you still join Velvet in dispatching the remaining two Monstrous Corn with incredibly swiftness. Of the two only one manages to explode in the last moments of its life, your figure moving in front of a fleeing Velvet to bear the storm of kernels upon your shield.

    A few drops of sweat make their way down your face, your breaths are rapid and deep as you try to calm yourself and ease the fatigue starting bear down on you, and minors aches are noticeable on essentially the entirety of your torso. Of the five animated corn beings that assaulted you only three remain whole though the two that exploded have enough of their body left to be usable you think.

    Of course, the question at this point is do you brave the dense wooded thicket they came from seeking more or simply gather up what remains of the ones you fought?

    What do you do?
    [] Investigate the thicket the Monstrous Corn took their stolen corn cobs into.
    [] Leave, you can remember this place and return tomorrow.
    - [] You are weak and your backpack has little space remaining, but you think you should be able to bring the two exploded ones and two of the others back with you.
    - [] Leave the corpses where they are and simply leave.
    [] Write-in.

    Gained 2 Experience from Monstrous Corn 3
    Gained 2 Experience from Monstrous Corn 2
    Gained 2 Experience from Monstrous Corn 1

    Velvet gained 2 Experience from Monstrous Corn 5
    Velvet gained 2 Experience from Monstrous Corn 4

    Do you give Velvet any of your earned experience? (Can give up to 2 Experience from each of your kills)
    [] Write-in the amount given.

    Status
    Health: Battered and Bruised (Bite wound on left arm, hastily bandaged, stinging pain from exploding monstrous corn and several blows from their vine arms)
    Stamina: Fairly Energetic

    Status Effects: Minor fatigue (-1 to all rolls), Slightly Sleepy (-1 to all rolls)

    Dominate Writing - Blunt Mastery Basics - Using a copy you made of the basics required to wield a blunt weapon in battle effectively you have gained the knowledge and experience required exactly for that. When using a blunt weapon you will be more capable of striking the enemy with ease. +5 to Attack Rolls made with Blunt weaponry equipped.
    Lasts until end of the day.

    Level: 3
    Experience: 190/400

    Guild Rank:     Porcelain (0/40)
    Hidden Features: Unlocked Instructors in the Guild Store
    Current Booked Courses: None

    G.P.: 215
    Money: 1 Silver, 35 Copper
    Heroic Legacy Points: 0

    Estimated Time of Day:     Late Afternoon, nearing sunset
    Titles
    They Who Seek the Crown (Level One, 16/25) - A title earned by gaining the blessing of the God of War in a chance encounter with his will. It is a boon granted to those who seek to become like Lords, towering above the world with every action and word capable of bringing great waves of change. Currently it is weak and only grants you the power of Domination, but if you grow stronger and perform in a way that meshes with this Boon then perhaps its strength can grow.

    Heroes can be Thieves Right? - In the name of Heroism you stole classified information from the Church of War without being caught. Now no innocent souls shall be ended with this dangerous knife, but ... yours might be if you mess up? Slightly increased chance of learning stealth and thievery related skills until discovered, lost if the Sealed Scroll is destroyed.

    Ethical Scribe, Pragmatic Scholar - A scribe's duty is that of facts, numbers, honesty, and boundaries. You have a devotion to the work of the written word that few would follow in the face of potential benefits. A scholar's duty is to learn. Obtain knowledge, study books, and understand the world around them so that they may use it to help themselves or the world at large. You seek simply to perform your work to the best of your ability, further your grasp of knowledge and stand within the morals of your scholar code, even find yourself compelled to do so. Established personal Scholarly Code, sticking to it makes your work easier and better while going against it more difficult and with worse results.
    • Scribe Code I - No work is better than hasty work. {Provides +2 to scholarly rolls when you take your time, take -2 to scholarly rolls when you attempt to work with haste.}
    • Scribe Code II - Provide the facts to those that hire you, nothing more and nothing less. {Provides 2 bonus experience when followed, lose 2 experience when ignored.}
    • Scribe Code III - Judgement is the employer's job. {Provides 2 bonus experience when followed, lose 2 experience when ignored.}
    • Scholar Code I - There is satisfaction in learning that which is known and that which is not. {Provides 2 bonus experience when learning new knowledge skills and advancing skill ranks in them.}
    • Scholar Code II - Sometimes a price is required to learn, that price must be weighed against the knowledge to be earned carefully for while some may be worth the cost, not everything is. {Gain 4 bonus experience when learning knowledge of acceptable price, lose all experience when learning knowledge whose price is too high. May be entirely unwilling to learn something if it comes at a great cost. Only applicable to certain information/skills/traits/abilities, will be noted when it is.}
    Traits
    Sturdy Physique - You come to possess a body that is much more resilient than your original form allowing you to withstand roughly twice as much damage before your body gives out resulting in death.
    Quick to Act - You are fast to respond in dangerous situations, where others are still confused about changing events you have already begun to move in response to them.
    Iron Clad Mind - Your will is strengthened considerably under the guidance of the Spirit as if your mind has created the foundations of a fortress around it. With it's backing you are capable of putting up greater resistance against mental influences.

    Aspire to Sagehood - You've come to find yourself a seeker of all forms of knowledge and find it easy to learn those skills a scholar finds most useful. Perhaps with enough work you may achieve acknowledgement as a Sage, a master of countless fields of knowledge. Increased skill gains for scholar related skills.
    Forbidden Scholar - You are more likely to notice lore and knowledge regarding those topics considered forbidden to the general populace. Of course, your affinity for these subjects does not create that knowledge where none exists.
    Studious - You've become well acquainted with book learning and, while it will never be a good replacement for a teacher, have learned how to make the most of it. Increased skill gains when learning a skill from a book.

    Swift Growth I - With enough power the Heroic Spirit can even help you grow, increasing the rate at which you earn experience by twenty-five percent permanently.

    Sorrowful I - In your quest for knowledge you chose to use your power on a creature near death and in doing so formed a mental bond much as you did with Velvet, and for the first time you now understand death. The pain and the fear, you felt every moment of your subject's death and knew you could do nothing. To make it worse, when you gave it mercy you could sense the betrayal literally assaulting you through your connection and now you understand fully the power you've been given. Such a thing, you know it will haunt you for even now it tears at you and weakens your will, your certainty in your goals...
    Pragmatic I - As your travel down the path of both Adventurer and Scholar you have come to understand more about the world. Of the kindness it contains, of the cruelty that lays hidden in it, and the things you may come to be asked in pursuit of your dream. A step towards pragmatism has been taken, a small one but still a step. Such pragmatism may assist you greatly, or it could drag you to an early grave. Only time and actions will tell.
    Skills
    Mathematics (Beginner, 15%) - +4 to rolls requiring use of mathematics.
    Local Administration (Beginner, 10%) - +4 to rolls involving administration of businesses and small land holdings.
    Geography of Relgar Township Region (Beginner) - Capable of recalling information related to areas in the Relgar area that could be of use. Such as the size of a specific forest, important landmarks, etc.
    Monster Knowledge (Relgar Township, Beginner, 45%) - You've memorized basic information provided on Vicious Rabbits, Giant Rats, Slimes, Monstrous Corn, Green-pelt Wolves, and Forest Bears.
    Knowledge of the Undead (Beginner) - You've memorized the basic information and understanding of the Church of Death on Mindless Walkers, Animated Remains, and Wisps.
    Plant Knowledge (Relgar Township, Beginner) - You've memorized basic information provided on Red-Shelled Warmths, Blue Bells, Golden Leaf, and common herbs like thyme or poppies.
    Copying Writing (Adept, 2%) - You've experienced copying countless documents, books, and records to such an extent that it's almost an ingrained instinct in you. Time required to copy any form of writing is reduced and chance of wrongly copying something is greatly decreased.
    Evasion (Beginner, 20%) - You've learned the basics of positioning, and movement enabling you to react well to attacks sent you way. It's rather simple now, but even a slight advantage could save your life. Increases your Difficulty to Hit by 4.
    Dagger Mastery (Beginner, 9%) - Through sparring and practice you have grasped the basics of fighting with a dagger. How to grip it so as not to lose the weapon in combat, basic and effective methods of attack from stabbing to slicing, etc. +4 to attack rolls when wielding a dagger.

    Harvesting (Learning Beginner, 88%) - You are slowly obtaining experience in the act of harvesting plants and herbs. With some more work experience you are certain you'd be at least somewhat skilled in the act.
    Skinning (Learning Beginner, 60%) - You have learned the basic knowledge one should know to begin skinning and harvesting the corpses of monsters, but to really come to understand it and it's uses you will need actual experience.
    Haggling (Learning Beginner, 92%) - You have obtained a lot of insight into the act of haggling varying from the dos to the don'ts and you are certain with a bit more knowledge and actual practice you can put it to work helping you.
    Identification (Learning Beginner, 10%) - After reading the book on Identification you have a vague idea of how the power works, but without a teacher to guide you in the absolute specifics you are unsure if you can learn to utilize this power.
    Survival (Learning Beginner, 67%) - You are quickly becoming used to most basic of the basics when it comes to surviving outdoors, and with the help of some of your research materials you believe you have a decent grasp of it all. Only actively performing the actions and experience will tell.
    Trapping (Learning Beginner, 20%) - Trapping is a rather simple subject, but the specifics are somewhat confusing to you with your rather limited life experiences. You have a decent grasp of theoretical knowledge, but will need to use it in the field to confirm.
    Shield Mastery (Learning Beginner, 33%) - Utilizing a shield in battle is an incredibly useful tool that may well prevent incredibly lethal blows, but as it stands most of the concept has flown over your head.
    Monster Taming (Learning Beginner, 3%) - Needless to say that taming slimes by feeding them mana and utilizing mana to communicate with them was pretty distant from what most of monster taming was (with what little you know). Still, the book did give you some small grasp of what the trade's core needs might be.
    Stealth (Learning Beginner, 85%) - You have begun to grasp the simplest aspects of being stealthy, mainly softening your footsteps and avoiding a target's sight. You're quite close to putting this to effective use in the field, but need a bit more training or practical experience.
    Blunt Weapon Mastery (Learning Beginner, 47%) - Wielding a blunt weapon in a fight is a comparatively simple action, a combat style that is easy to learn the basics of from what you've experienced in combat and what you gained from the page you dominated.
    Abilities
    Domination (Level One, 8/25) - Allows you to bind creatures/monsters that are one level below you (to a minimum of level 1) to your will permanently. Unless the creature in question has a particularly strong will then the power is bound to succeed. Does not work on humans. [Dominated Beings: 1/2]
    + Dominate Writing (Level One, 7/25) - You've obtained a new power derived from your blessing from the God of War. It grants you the ability to draw strength from the written word though... You are utterly uncertain what that actually means. [Dominated Writings: 1/1]

    Backstab - You force an opening in your opponent's guard and shift yourself into place to deliver a well timed, well placed reverse grip stab to the foe's back with great force. Such a move is straining on you, but has incredible effects when successfully performed. Make a single attack that deals four times damage to the enemy if it lands, uses a moderate amount of Stamina.
    Inventory
    Equipment
    Main Hand -     Simple Wooden Club [Damage: 3, Blunt, Grip and Wrist Strap (Harder to Disarm)]
    Off Hand - Iron Kite Shield [???]

    Armor - Plain Scholar's Robes [???, Tear on left sleeve, bloodstains]

    Easily Accessed Items
    Iron Hand-Axe [???]
    Simple Iron Dagger [Damage: ???, Attack Speed: 2, Slashing]

    Skinning Knife

    Scholar's Writing Instruments [1/4 sheets of paper]
    Dominated Greenpelt Wolf Fangs

    Canvas Backpack [9/10]
    - Ten Foot Rope
    - Bundle of Clean Rags [9/10]
    - Archbishop Julian Vandamule's Sealed Scroll
    - Wooden Storage Box [Can hold up to twenty herbs (varies based on size) | 3 Poor Quality Golden Leaf, 2 Average Quality Golden Leaf, 3 Perfect Quality Golden Leaf | 8/20]
    - Paper with copied contents from a Book on Skinning
    - Paper with copied contents about Trapping.
    - Papers copied from the Book of Academia (Contain basic descriptions of numerous scholarly branches of study)
    - Piece of Leather [5/10 Units left]
    - Six pounds of Greenpelt Wolf Meat [2 Days left until it spoils] wrapped in Greenpelt Wolf Pelt [Poor Quality, About 70% intact]
    -

    Belt Pouch [4/4]
    - Flask of Oil [3 Units of Oil Remaining]
    - Container with Six Vials [0/6 Filled]
    - Flint & Steel
    - Waterskin [4/6, Clean Water]
    Health: 8/8

    Status Effects: None

    Level: 2
    Experience: 6/40

    Attacks:
    Bite -     [Damage: 3, Slashing]

    Traits:
    Sensitive Nose -     +5 to finding herbs
    Natural Gatherer - +5 to harvesting herbs
    Soul Linked - Can be given up to 2 Experience from their Master's kills.

    Skills:
    Evasion (Beginner,     16%) - Increases the Difficulty to Hit by 4.

    Fighting (Learning Beginner, 83%)
    Stealth (Learning Beginner, 65%)
    Harvesting (Learning Beginner, 43%)

    Abilities:
    Cannibalize (Level One, 0/10) - Capable of devouring their kin to quickly heal from injuries. Regains 1 Health per pound of Vicious Rabbit meat consumed.


    Payment: 5 Coppers per Monstrous Corn corpse, 2 GP per corpse, 1 Rank Advancement Point for every fifteen corpse, 1 Experience per every two corpses
    Description: Due to the increased traffic through town we've been running low on our supply of a local delicacy - Monstrous Corn. An fine mixture of sweet and salty that can survive months in the open air before rotting. If you could hunt down some for us it would be much appreciated, the more you get the better! We've left instructions to a good spot with the receptionist.
    Payment: 50 Copper per 3 Golden Leaf (Quality does matter), Variable GP, Variable Rank Advancement Points, Variable Experience
    Description: I have need of as many Golden Leaf as you can get your hands on, quality is important so insure proper storage. You can find me at the apothecary on the south side of the town, Gerald's Apothecary. I've provided drawings for those who've never seen Golden leaf and they can be found on the outskirts of Relgar's Northern Woods. Please only come when you have Golden leaf to deliver, I am a busy man.
     
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    • Memories of a Scholar's Youth
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    • Crying, that's what you remember of the first time you ever set foot within the Academy as they call it. You still remember that last conversation with Mother, her sickly form lying on the straw mat of the bed with scattered strands of hair matted to her face with sweat.

    ---

    "Your Father was a brave man, John. He was brave, but he was foolish and so he went off to war seeking good pay, and glory as hotblooded youths are often bent to do. You don't need to cling to bravery, my sweet little John. A brilliant mind can change the world as surely as a sword ever could, and you are most certainly a smart child, always getting into everything, aren't you?"

    You cried at that question, having watched the woman who brought you into the world wither away as sickness assaulted her and turned what was once a proud single mother into little other than bones.

    "Yes Ma."

    The words are painful to speak, your tears readily flowing even as you try to fight against the sadness digging at you knowing soon your mother would be gone. You would be left alone, thrust into the care of the Lord's people, but still you did your best to smile as she looked at you with adoration, love, and concern. A hand that looked like stretched leather shakily patting your hand as she smiled.

    "Good, keep that wonder close. Serve the Lord well, study well, and help the people of the Kingdom for me little John. Your father would be proud, and I always will be. Remember, though we may be gone we shall watch over you from the Lady of the Grave's domain for all your life, you will never be alone little one.

    Be strong, little John."

    Before you could react the Lord's man took you from the room, the Lady's priest to administer 'Her Mercy' they said, but no matter how hard you fought you couldn't free yourself from the man. Crying, screaming, and desperate. You were separated from your mother for all days to come.

    ---

    Even now, as you diligently look over the histories Sir Barriad assigned your class, you could still recall those events as they had haunted you for the years that past. Nigh on four years have you spent here in the Academy already, the history of the Kingdom as it stands and the legacy of Relgar drilled into by emotionless teachers who go about their craft with the fervor of a dead mouse.

    Frowning, you focus on the papers in front of you to drive away the loss as you had done for all these years before. Deep in the night, your small and barely adorned room lit only by the light of a candle, you carried on your studies with a passion driven by your mother's words.

    ---

    'We live in the Kingdom of Eldast, the last true bastion of Humanity that was forged by the hands of gods. The three Gods Humanity who safeguarded the realm in days long past and now watch over it eternally.

    First among the Gods, leader of the three, is the God of War himself. First Ruler of Eldast, the Divine King, and origin of Eldast's royal families. It is to Him we look for aid in times of War and strife, His power that which aids the legions of the Mortal Races in our never ending war against demon-kind.

    Beside Him stands the God of Knowledge. The Lord of Libraries, Patron of Scholars, and Master of Magical Arts. His guidance is ever present, passed forth from the Heavenly Records to the minds of mortal beings in times of need.

    Last among them, though far from least, is the God of Death. They who bear two faces, known both as God of Death and Lady of the Grave. It is the God of Death that guards the realm from the predation of darker powers while the Lady of the Grave is she who rules over the After-Life.

    Watched over by the three Gods of Humanity, the Kingdom of Eldast has flourished beyond compare, home to uncountable numbers of the Mortal Races.

    At the heart of the Kingdom rests the capital, once it held a name though now it has come to be known to all as the Divine City. Playing host to the royal families who bear the bloodline of the God of War, the God of Knowledge's Crystal Tower, and the Lady of the Grave's Unending Mausoleum it truly deserves such a name.

    Beneath the Divine City are over a hundred lesser cities, each incredible feats of creation to within which millions reside. Each city rules over dozens of hundreds of towns and so on and so forth until the great scale of the Kingdom is covered.

    ---

    Years would come to pass, countless books crammed into your hands and a dozen teachers beating into you the most basic understanding of the realm as well as the knowledge of a scribe to be. Through it all you found purpose, a reason to live driven by your mother's own words those long years ago when you were little more than a child lost in an unfair world. To know brought joy, to work with your hands and pour out the contents of your mind's labors in the hopes of one day assisting the Lord in his ruling of the Relgar Township which you call home.

    Yet, as you grew closer to the coming of age you began to understand that your purpose was... lacking. Devoted you were, but your work lacked passion for it all just seemed so utterly unsatisfying. Like something was missing despite all the reasons you had to truly enjoy your work.

    As that feeling grew stronger, as you neared graduation from the Academy with each passing year, you began to dream. In those dreams you entered battle against demons straight from the paintings, diminutive things with horns and tails and bathed in red-black fire. You would wield a sword at times, at others a spear, or even the brilliant wonders of magic itself you had seen only in stories and histories.

    From the first dream a thread of a desire was left and each that followed only served to grow that desire until you found yourself unable to sit still any longer.

    Studying. Learning. Those had defined your life up to this point, the Academy and the Lord has shown you great care over the years for an orphan with no wealth to his name. However, you could not stay any longer for you knew that no satisfaction would be found in the Lord's service, your heart once more guiding you towards a different calling.

    You would become a Hero, a sign to those in despair to look towards a brighter future no matter how dark the days. You would succeed, perhaps it was a fit of madness for a small scribe to believe such, but some deep part of you knew it was so.

    Weeks would come to pass as you set about freeing yourself from the confines of the Academy, for the Lord bound no one to his service that did not wish to serve. You were free to set forth in your journey, the end unknown to even the Gods you would guess.


    GM Note: A bit more backstory and world establishment, hopefully not too lore dumpy. I'll probably start writing up a pure lore section for people to look over containing stuff John would know, if there's anything specific you all want to know about (basic knowledge style stuff) then let me know. I'll do my best to provide info when possible.

    Probably a few mistakes here, typed this on a tablet so I'll give it a once over when I get to my computer in a few hours.
     
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  • View discussion
    • ... Alright, You Have No Idea What That Is
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    • [X] Investigate the thicket the Monstrous Corn took their stolen corn cobs into.
    [X] Give Velvet all 6 EXP

    You take a short moment to catch your breath, your mind in the midst of a struggle between the caution you've held to for so much of your adventuring career and the curiosity to understand just what these things are doing. In the end your curiosity wins out and, sidestepping the plant corpses in front of you, you decide to head into the thicket with shield raised to the ready along with your masterfully crafted club.

    'Pretty sure every dead craftsman is attempting to strangle me from the after-life at that one...'

    A stray thought comments as you try your best to ease your worries, your body crouching down as you do your best to follow the thief-teacher's instructions to sneak up on the Monstrous Corn within. Every sane part of you reasons that an utter newbie sneaking through a brush filled thicket of trees is perhaps only less notable than an entire army crashing through. However, despite your own worries you manage to slip through the branches and brush with nary a sound, feet deftly dodging stray branches and dry shrubs with ease.

    In moments you find yourself through the densest of it and standing at the edge of a clearing in the midst of it all, one that seemingly has quite literally withered into existence. Rotted and decaying remains of trees are scattered about the clearing, grass barely clinging to life as it stands a strange mix of green and brown, and at the heart of it all is something you really were not expecting.

    From the ground grows what you can only describe as a tree sized corn stalk, the base bearing a striking resemblance to a Monstrous Corn though the kernels that made up the body have turned to weird roots that stab down into the ground. Around it is gathered ten Monstrous Corn, several of them stuffing stolen corn cobs into vine husks that bend down from the massive sentient corn stalk's trunk.

    It's easy to sense Velvet's unease through your connection, but thankfully the things seem either to trust in their kin which you've slain or are too ignorantly intent upon the task of...

    'I genuinely have no idea what they're doing here, one could make assumptions about it being the creation of other Monstrous Corn, but given the mutative nature of monsters to begin with... It's hard to say.'

    How do you proceed?
    [] You are decently far from the fields and with these surrounding hills... maybe it's safe enough to improvise a firebomb and use it to burn the lot of them? Then again it's hard telling if burnt corpses will sell.
    [] Draw their attention and pull back out of the thicket in attempt to reduce the amount you fight at once, you've came this far and you'll be damned if you don't at least kill whatever that is.
    [] They don't know you're here, you dispatched five with relative ease when they were already aware of you after and so an ambush would leave the odds weighted in your favor. Right?
    [] Write-in.

    Status
    Health: Battered and Bruised (Bite wound on left arm, hastily bandaged, stinging pain from exploding monstrous corn and several blows from their vine arms)
    Stamina: Fairly Energetic

    Status Effects: Minor fatigue (-1 to all rolls), Slightly Sleepy (-1 to all rolls)

    Dominate Writing - Blunt Mastery Basics - Using a copy you made of the basics required to wield a blunt weapon in battle effectively you have gained the knowledge and experience required exactly for that. When using a blunt weapon you will be more capable of striking the enemy with ease. +5 to Attack Rolls made with Blunt weaponry equipped.
    Lasts until end of the day.

    Level: 3
    Experience: 190/400

    Guild Rank:     Porcelain (0/40)
    Hidden Features: Unlocked Instructors in the Guild Store
    Current Booked Courses: None

    G.P.: 215
    Money: 1 Silver, 35 Copper
    Heroic Legacy Points: 0

    Estimated Time of Day:     Late Afternoon, nearing sunset
    Titles
    They Who Seek the Crown (Level One, 16/25) - A title earned by gaining the blessing of the God of War in a chance encounter with his will. It is a boon granted to those who seek to become like Lords, towering above the world with every action and word capable of bringing great waves of change. Currently it is weak and only grants you the power of Domination, but if you grow stronger and perform in a way that meshes with this Boon then perhaps its strength can grow.

    Heroes can be Thieves Right? - In the name of Heroism you stole classified information from the Church of War without being caught. Now no innocent souls shall be ended with this dangerous knife, but ... yours might be if you mess up? Slightly increased chance of learning stealth and thievery related skills until discovered, lost if the Sealed Scroll is destroyed.

    Ethical Scribe, Pragmatic Scholar - A scribe's duty is that of facts, numbers, honesty, and boundaries. You have a devotion to the work of the written word that few would follow in the face of potential benefits. A scholar's duty is to learn. Obtain knowledge, study books, and understand the world around them so that they may use it to help themselves or the world at large. You seek simply to perform your work to the best of your ability, further your grasp of knowledge and stand within the morals of your scholar code, even find yourself compelled to do so. Established personal Scholarly Code, sticking to it makes your work easier and better while going against it more difficult and with worse results.
    • Scribe Code I - No work is better than hasty work. {Provides +2 to scholarly rolls when you take your time, take -2 to scholarly rolls when you attempt to work with haste.}
    • Scribe Code II - Provide the facts to those that hire you, nothing more and nothing less. {Provides 2 bonus experience when followed, lose 2 experience when ignored.}
    • Scribe Code III - Judgement is the employer's job. {Provides 2 bonus experience when followed, lose 2 experience when ignored.}
    • Scholar Code I - There is satisfaction in learning that which is known and that which is not. {Provides 2 bonus experience when learning new knowledge skills and advancing skill ranks in them.}
    • Scholar Code II - Sometimes a price is required to learn, that price must be weighed against the knowledge to be earned carefully for while some may be worth the cost, not everything is. {Gain 4 bonus experience when learning knowledge of acceptable price, lose all experience when learning knowledge whose price is too high. May be entirely unwilling to learn something if it comes at a great cost. Only applicable to certain information/skills/traits/abilities, will be noted when it is.}
    Traits
    Sturdy Physique - You come to possess a body that is much more resilient than your original form allowing you to withstand roughly twice as much damage before your body gives out resulting in death.
    Quick to Act - You are fast to respond in dangerous situations, where others are still confused about changing events you have already begun to move in response to them.
    Iron Clad Mind - Your will is strengthened considerably under the guidance of the Spirit as if your mind has created the foundations of a fortress around it. With it's backing you are capable of putting up greater resistance against mental influences.

    Aspire to Sagehood - You've come to find yourself a seeker of all forms of knowledge and find it easy to learn those skills a scholar finds most useful. Perhaps with enough work you may achieve acknowledgement as a Sage, a master of countless fields of knowledge. Increased skill gains for scholar related skills.
    Forbidden Scholar - You are more likely to notice lore and knowledge regarding those topics considered forbidden to the general populace. Of course, your affinity for these subjects does not create that knowledge where none exists.
    Studious - You've become well acquainted with book learning and, while it will never be a good replacement for a teacher, have learned how to make the most of it. Increased skill gains when learning a skill from a book.

    Swift Growth I - With enough power the Heroic Spirit can even help you grow, increasing the rate at which you earn experience by twenty-five percent permanently.

    Sorrowful I - In your quest for knowledge you chose to use your power on a creature near death and in doing so formed a mental bond much as you did with Velvet, and for the first time you now understand death. The pain and the fear, you felt every moment of your subject's death and knew you could do nothing. To make it worse, when you gave it mercy you could sense the betrayal literally assaulting you through your connection and now you understand fully the power you've been given. Such a thing, you know it will haunt you for even now it tears at you and weakens your will, your certainty in your goals...
    Pragmatic I - As your travel down the path of both Adventurer and Scholar you have come to understand more about the world. Of the kindness it contains, of the cruelty that lays hidden in it, and the things you may come to be asked in pursuit of your dream. A step towards pragmatism has been taken, a small one but still a step. Such pragmatism may assist you greatly, or it could drag you to an early grave. Only time and actions will tell.
    Skills
    Mathematics (Beginner, 15%) - +4 to rolls requiring use of mathematics.
    Local Administration (Beginner, 10%) - +4 to rolls involving administration of businesses and small land holdings.
    Geography of Relgar Township Region (Beginner) - Capable of recalling information related to areas in the Relgar area that could be of use. Such as the size of a specific forest, important landmarks, etc.
    Monster Knowledge (Relgar Township, Beginner, 45%) - You've memorized basic information provided on Vicious Rabbits, Giant Rats, Slimes, Monstrous Corn, Green-pelt Wolves, and Forest Bears.
    Knowledge of the Undead (Beginner) - You've memorized the basic information and understanding of the Church of Death on Mindless Walkers, Animated Remains, and Wisps.
    Plant Knowledge (Relgar Township, Beginner) - You've memorized basic information provided on Red-Shelled Warmths, Blue Bells, Golden Leaf, and common herbs like thyme or poppies.
    Copying Writing (Adept, 2%) - You've experienced copying countless documents, books, and records to such an extent that it's almost an ingrained instinct in you. Time required to copy any form of writing is reduced and chance of wrongly copying something is greatly decreased.
    Evasion (Beginner, 20%) - You've learned the basics of positioning, and movement enabling you to react well to attacks sent you way. It's rather simple now, but even a slight advantage could save your life. Increases your Difficulty to Hit by 4.
    Dagger Mastery (Beginner, 9%) - Through sparring and practice you have grasped the basics of fighting with a dagger. How to grip it so as not to lose the weapon in combat, basic and effective methods of attack from stabbing to slicing, etc. +4 to attack rolls when wielding a dagger.

    Harvesting (Learning Beginner, 88%) - You are slowly obtaining experience in the act of harvesting plants and herbs. With some more work experience you are certain you'd be at least somewhat skilled in the act.
    Skinning (Learning Beginner, 60%) - You have learned the basic knowledge one should know to begin skinning and harvesting the corpses of monsters, but to really come to understand it and it's uses you will need actual experience.
    Haggling (Learning Beginner, 92%) - You have obtained a lot of insight into the act of haggling varying from the dos to the don'ts and you are certain with a bit more knowledge and actual practice you can put it to work helping you.
    Identification (Learning Beginner, 10%) - After reading the book on Identification you have a vague idea of how the power works, but without a teacher to guide you in the absolute specifics you are unsure if you can learn to utilize this power.
    Survival (Learning Beginner, 67%) - You are quickly becoming used to most basic of the basics when it comes to surviving outdoors, and with the help of some of your research materials you believe you have a decent grasp of it all. Only actively performing the actions and experience will tell.
    Trapping (Learning Beginner, 20%) - Trapping is a rather simple subject, but the specifics are somewhat confusing to you with your rather limited life experiences. You have a decent grasp of theoretical knowledge, but will need to use it in the field to confirm.
    Shield Mastery (Learning Beginner, 33%) - Utilizing a shield in battle is an incredibly useful tool that may well prevent incredibly lethal blows, but as it stands most of the concept has flown over your head.
    Monster Taming (Learning Beginner, 3%) - Needless to say that taming slimes by feeding them mana and utilizing mana to communicate with them was pretty distant from what most of monster taming was (with what little you know). Still, the book did give you some small grasp of what the trade's core needs might be.
    Stealth (Learning Beginner, 95%) - You have begun to grasp the simplest aspects of being stealthy, mainly softening your footsteps and avoiding a target's sight. You're quite close to putting this to effective use in the field, but need a bit more training or practical experience.
    Blunt Weapon Mastery (Learning Beginner, 47%) - Wielding a blunt weapon in a fight is a comparatively simple action, a combat style that is easy to learn the basics of from what you've experienced in combat and what you gained from the page you dominated.
    Abilities
    Domination (Level One, 8/25) - Allows you to bind creatures/monsters that are one level below you (to a minimum of level 1) to your will permanently. Unless the creature in question has a particularly strong will then the power is bound to succeed. Does not work on humans. [Dominated Beings: 1/2]
    + Dominate Writing (Level One, 7/25) - You've obtained a new power derived from your blessing from the God of War. It grants you the ability to draw strength from the written word though... You are utterly uncertain what that actually means. [Dominated Writings: 1/1]

    Backstab - You force an opening in your opponent's guard and shift yourself into place to deliver a well timed, well placed reverse grip stab to the foe's back with great force. Such a move is straining on you, but has incredible effects when successfully performed. Make a single attack that deals four times damage to the enemy if it lands, uses a moderate amount of Stamina.
    Inventory
    Equipment
    Main Hand -     Simple Wooden Club [Damage: 3, Blunt, Grip and Wrist Strap (Harder to Disarm)]
    Off Hand - Iron Kite Shield [???]

    Armor - Plain Scholar's Robes [???, Tear on left sleeve, bloodstains]

    Easily Accessed Items
    Iron Hand-Axe [???]
    Simple Iron Dagger [Damage: ???, Attack Speed: 2, Slashing]

    Skinning Knife

    Scholar's Writing Instruments [1/4 sheets of paper]
    Dominated Greenpelt Wolf Fangs

    Canvas Backpack [9/10]
    - Ten Foot Rope
    - Bundle of Clean Rags [9/10]
    - Archbishop Julian Vandamule's Sealed Scroll
    - Wooden Storage Box [Can hold up to twenty herbs (varies based on size) | 3 Poor Quality Golden Leaf, 2 Average Quality Golden Leaf, 3 Perfect Quality Golden Leaf | 8/20]
    - Paper with copied contents from a Book on Skinning
    - Paper with copied contents about Trapping.
    - Papers copied from the Book of Academia (Contain basic descriptions of numerous scholarly branches of study)
    - Piece of Leather [5/10 Units left]
    - Six pounds of Greenpelt Wolf Meat [2 Days left until it spoils] wrapped in Greenpelt Wolf Pelt [Poor Quality, About 70% intact]
    -

    Belt Pouch [4/4]
    - Flask of Oil [3 Units of Oil Remaining]
    - Container with Six Vials [0/6 Filled]
    - Flint & Steel
    - Waterskin [4/6, Clean Water]
    Health: 8/8

    Status Effects: None

    Level: 2
    Experience: 12/40

    Attacks:
    Bite -     [Damage: 3, Slashing]

    Traits:
    Sensitive Nose -     +5 to finding herbs
    Natural Gatherer - +5 to harvesting herbs
    Soul Linked - Can be given up to 2 Experience from their Master's kills.

    Skills:
    Evasion (Beginner,     16%) - Increases the Difficulty to Hit by 4.

    Fighting (Learning Beginner, 83%)
    Stealth (Learning Beginner, 75%)
    Harvesting (Learning Beginner, 43%)

    Abilities:
    Cannibalize (Level One, 0/10) - Capable of devouring their kin to quickly heal from injuries. Regains 1 Health per pound of Vicious Rabbit meat consumed.


    Payment: 5 Coppers per Monstrous Corn corpse, 2 GP per corpse, 1 Rank Advancement Point for every fifteen corpse, 1 Experience per every two corpses
    Description: Due to the increased traffic through town we've been running low on our supply of a local delicacy - Monstrous Corn. An fine mixture of sweet and salty that can survive months in the open air before rotting. If you could hunt down some for us it would be much appreciated, the more you get the better! We've left instructions to a good spot with the receptionist.
    Payment: 50 Copper per 3 Golden Leaf (Quality does matter), Variable GP, Variable Rank Advancement Points, Variable Experience
    Description: I have need of as many Golden Leaf as you can get your hands on, quality is important so insure proper storage. You can find me at the apothecary on the south side of the town, Gerald's Apothecary. I've provided drawings for those who've never seen Golden leaf and they can be found on the outskirts of Relgar's Northern Woods. Please only come when you have Golden leaf to deliver, I am a busy man.
     
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