Quest to Become a Hero

[Mount. Elements]

Alright, so, the Herb gathering Quest was the one that was most lucrative for us, netting John a total of 2.9 Silvers, 145 GP, 5 RAP, and 25 EXP (10 of which was given to Velvet). That took one day. Let's say that the Skeleton Quest takes 15 days. 15 Herb Gathering Quests averages out to 43.5 Silver, 2175 GP, 75 RAP, and 375 EXP. But I'm guessing we won't just be able to farm one Quest for multiple weeks on end, so let's try and average the rewards.

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However, that's just the base value. Even if we just show up for one day, do the bare minimum, and then everyone dies, we'll still earn that much.

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The thing is, the Skeleton Quest seems to involve travel to a different region, possibly for however long it takes to beat back the undead army. Since the undead army hasn't been beaten yet, and it's being referred to as "the Disaster in the North", I suspect that it's going to be a long, grueling fight. So it'll take time to travel to the front, time to fight, and then time to get to the closest Guild Hall. At MINIMUM, I'm guessing it'll take a month. It wouldn't surprise me if it takes even longer.

 

[Wysteria]

We should ask if in the big adventurer group challenges you can play to your strengths. Going and punching skeletons in the face is very different from playing assistant quartermaster and helping with army logistics, in terms of how soon it would be appropriate for John to volunteer.

 

[Zaealix]

I'm for not fighting undead-we're still mostly a newb as far as combat goes, and it sounds like they want combatants.
Admittedly I ALSO think we will get pulled in via it turning into an epic alert and whatnot BUT given that's the case I'd rather build our skills up to something worthwhile first- it sounded like they've got the scribe support positions we'd be best at filled and thus we're going to be mostly fodder.
...Might be able to Dominate those Undead away from that Lich though...

 

[Mount. Elements]

...Might be able to Dominate those Undead away from that Lich though...

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The Lich is probably the God of Death and another Vessel for the Heroic Spirits. I would not want to get into a Domination contest with him.

We should probably look up Undead Beings in the library at some point. I prefer to focus on research that will help us with quests right now, but at some point, we should take a day off just to knock topics off the reading list.

Also, "Check out the Guild Store" seems to be winning, but I thought people wanted to save up all of our GP for the Meditation class? We can't spend our Silver in the Guild Store, and we're still 35 GP from being able to purchase the Meditation class. Plus, my impression from the 2 dwarves we've met so far is that how much they like you depends on how much money they can make off of you. If we check out the store and don't purchase anything, then we'll probably annoy the dwarf in charge.

Finally, camping out is probably a bad idea now that we know an undead army is heading this way. I just want to point this out before we buy equipment purely for camping.

 

[Yosarian]

Maybe it's time to do that golden leaf request?

 

[Wysteria]

I just want to look at the store, not buy anything. I'm fully on board saving up for meditation. I want to review all known rank unlocks, store and library.

 

[Mount. Elements]

I just want to look at the store, not buy anything. I'm fully on board saving up for meditation. I want to review all known rank unlocks, store and library.

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I suspect that most people just want to look at the store, but I just think that would annoy the dwarf in charge because he would think it's wasting his time. I'd prefer to wait until we either have enough GP for the class or have something else in mind that we're willing to spend GP on.

 

[Wysteria]

As I understand it we don't have to talk to the dwarf at all to use the store, though? Just pull up the interface.

Anyway, just because he doesn't like his job doesn't mean it's our job to avoid his store to make it easier.

 

[veekie]

We really should at least check what weapons we can buy now before committing to a training plan.

 

[NaanContributor]

I suspect that most people just want to look at the store, but I just think that would annoy the dwarf in charge because he would think it's wasting his time. I'd prefer to wait until we either have enough GP for the class or have something else in mind that we're willing to spend GP on.

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Shouldn't it be expected for a newly promoted adventurer to want to see what new stuff is unlocked for them, even if they can't buy it immediately due to not knowing the prices before hand? That just means they'll be back for the cool stuff later when they can afford it. It really shouldn't be as big of a deal as you're making it out to be.

 

[Wysteria]

I'm thinking this for after checking the store?

[]Go to the library
-[]Pop your head outside and check the time.
-[]Quickly check the categories of books available to Porcelain adventurers.
-[]Check if there are books on monster taming in the new shelves.
-[]Copy a page about shield usage for later.

 

[KidFromPallet]

Just gonna put in my two cents for a future action:

[] Talk to Liara
-[] What's up with the High Priority Quest? Do you think I should do it? How long do you think it'd take? Are their roles besides combat? When's the deadline to sign up?
-[] Ask if she might be able to give you hints on who to talk to to unlock other Guild features.

 

[adwarf]

[X] Visit the Guild Store, time to check out their new stock.

You spend a few minutes pondering over the newly available quests, a certain sense of dread weighing on you over the implications the Disaster request holds if things truly take a turn for the worse, before shaking your head. Taking a moment to gently place Velvet on the ground, the vicious rabbit beginning to grow annoyed with her inability to move about despite the obvious comfort, you make your way to the Guild Store to check out what else has been made available.

Upon entering you find the same dwarf fiddling with the same golden coin though now it is resting on the counter and heavily tilted to one side, the dwarf staring at it in consternation and completely ignoring your arrival. Shrugging, you mutter the phrase to open the store interface before leaning against a wall as you browse the new options...

Current Balance: 210 GP

Available Purchases:
Flask of Oil - 25 GP
Flask of Quick Sealant - 50 GP
Ten Foot Rope - 45 GP
Grappling Hook - 50 GP
Bundle of Clean Rags (10) - 20GP
Collapsible Eight Foot Pole - 75 GP
Simple Map of Relgar Township - 250 GP
Lesser Mana Compass - 250 GP
Bag of Lesser Monster Repellent - 100 GP
Case of Empty Vials (6) - 20 GP
Wooden Storage Box - 40 GP
Stone Storage Box - 150 GP
Containment Jar - 225 GP
Canvas Backpack - 90 GP
Large Traveling Pack - 175 GP
Signal Flare - 15 GP

Simple Iron Dagger - 140 GP
Reinforced Wooden Spear - 160 GP
Crude Iron Sword - 220 GP
Iron Hand-Axe - 160 GP
Oak Shortbow - 150 GP
Iron Bodkin Arrows - 15 GP for 5 Arrows

Weak Healing Poultice - 120 GP
Weak Stimulant - 175 GP
Pouch of Mana Tea Leaves - 300 GP

Shopkeeper Note: Increase your Guild rank to access more of the store. No further information provided without additional cost, an adventurer should learn to appraise goods for a successful career.

Available Courses:
Swordsmanship, Beginner - 80 GP per day
Swordsmanship, Novice - 160 GP per day

Dagger Mastery, Beginner - 75 GP per day
Dagger Mastery, Novice - 150 GP per day

Spearmanship, Beginner - 100 GP per day

Axe Combat, Beginner - 80 GP per day
Axe Combat, Novice - 220 GP per day

Brawling, Beginner - 40 GP per day
Brawling, Novice - 100 GP per day
Brawling, Adept - 220 GP per day

Shield Use, Beginner - 50 GP per day

Stealth, Beginner - 80 GP per day

Evasion, Beginner - 60 GP per day
Evasion, Novice - 120 GP per day

Parrying, Beginner - 75 GP per day
Parrying, Novice - 175 GP per day

Harvesting, Beginner - 50 GP per day

Dismantling, Beginner - 50 GP per day

Identification, Beginner - 125 GP per day
Identification, Novice - 300 GP per day

Magic Item Use, Beginner - 100 GP per day

Power Strike - 80 GP per day
Shield Bash - 60 GP per day
Backstab - 120 GP per day
Lacerate - 135 GP per day
Cleave - 95 GP per day
Rapid Jab - 125 GP per day
Haymaker - 125 GP per day
Uppercut - 150 GP per day

Meditation, Beginner - 250 GP per day
Meditation, Novice - 500 GP per day

Pyromancy, Beginner - 450 GP per day

Aeromancy, Beginner - 450 GP per day

Runic Magic, Beginner - 850 GP per day

Shopkeeper Note: Once a course is purchased the days will be added to your Card and you will be able to use the Card to show days the course is open. Days will not be removed until you actually partake in the class.

Click to shrink...

When you finish reading everything you can't help, but to let out a long sigh. It's honestly incredibly underwhelming, some of the new items and classes were interesting sure, but considering the sheer cost it was quite disheartening. Not to mention the incredible lack of real variety when it comes to the courses, but you're not sure what to expect there given all of them are supposedly courses taught by other Adventurers in the Guild, with this being a township you think maybe this could already be quite good.

Still, the question remains on whether this is really all that they have to show, or if you have simply not found the right questions to ask to reveal more. You can feel yourself growing more annoyed with the Guild's incredible fascination with mystique nearly by the second, so you shift to pondering your next action before your head decides to explode...

What do you do?
[] Go study in the library.
- [] Write-in what else you want to read.
- [] Check out the Porcelain Rank area.

[] 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.

[] Visit the Guild Store, time to check out their new stock.

[] Use Dominate Writing on...
- [] Copy about Skinning
- [] Copy about Trapping

[] Write-in.

Spoiler: Character Sheet

Status

Health: Perfect
Stamina: Energetic

Status Effects: None

Dominate Writing - Dagger Mastery Basics, Incomplete - Using a copy of some of the contents found within a treatise on dagger usage as your target you gained a small fountain of information. Most of it useless to your current skill level, but still you manage to grasp some little bit of assistance from it. +1 to attack rolls when wielding a dagger.

Level: 3
Experience: 107/400

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, 90 Copper
Heroic Legacy Points: 0

Estimated Time of Day: Noon 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.
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.

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 [2/4 sheets of paper]

Canvas Backpack [7/10]
- 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)
-
-
-

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

Spoiler: Velvet the Vicious Rabbit

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.

 

[veekie]

So...buy the spear and go on a quest? I think we could practice with that.

 

[Wysteria]

I don't want to buy anything, I'm still for saving up for meditation and then for an identify class. If we wanted a practice spear, we could make a simple wooden one out of a tree. For the corn and rabbits quests, all we need are a club - or the butt of a spear made out of a tree.

[X]Go visit the library.
-[X]Quickly check the time by poking your head out the door.
-[X]Check out the Porcelain ranked area.
-[X]Copy a page of basics from a book about shield usage.

 

[Mount. Elements]

[X] Go study in the library.
- [X] Shield Usage & Techniques
--[X] Create a copy for Dominate Writing
-[X] Magic, Mana, & Meditation
- [X] Check out the Porcelain Rank area.
-[X] Afterwards, look outside to see what time it is.

Learning magic will take quite a while so we should probably read up on it to decide if we really want to invest all of that GP, once we manage to earn it anyway. We'll probably take a combat quest next so I suggest that we make a copy of Shield Usage for Dominate Writing. I doubt we'll be able to do anything else today so I'm fine with the time it takes to research two topics, and we can check what time it is afterwards.

I know that someone suggested we talk to the receptionist about the Disaster quest, but I'd like to wait until we're already in line to take a short quest instead of waiting in line twice. I also suggest that we just ask her for more information about the quest instead of asking her whether she thinks that we should do the quest because it feels like the second goes against the Crown rules.

 

[veekie]

[X] Go ask the receptionist about the Disaster quest. Is participation combat based only or are there noncombat roles? If so, what are those?

 

[The Richmaster]

This makes sense to me, though I do wonder what the shopkeep is up to with that coin

[X] Go ask the receptionist about the Disaster quest. Is participation combat based only or are there noncombat roles? If so, what are those?

this is actually a pretty interesting idea not that it's been brought up

 

[Uhtread]

[X]Go visit the library.
-[X]Quickly check the time by poking your head out the door.
-[X]Check out the Porcelain ranked area.
-[X]Copy a page of basics from a book about blunt weapon usage

We need to get questing tomorrow and rabbit seem to be the best bet. Still opposed to learning shield use.

 

[Wysteria]

[X]Go visit the library.
-[X]Quickly check the time by poking your head out the door.
-[X]Check out the Porcelain ranked area.
-[X]Copy a page of basics from a book about blunt weapon usage

Actually, yeah, I'm fine with this. I don't really want to waste time on the shield either. Good call @Uhtread.

I'd rather talk to the receptionist during picking up our next quest tomorrow.

 

[Barondoctor]

[X]Go visit the library.
-[X]Quickly check the time by poking your head out the door.
-[X]Check out the Porcelain ranked area.
-[X]Copy a page of basics from a book about blunt weapon usage

 

[POTDL]

X] Go study in the library.
- [X] Shield Usage & Techniques
--[X] Create a copy for Dominate Writing
-[X] Magic, Mana, & Meditation
- [X] Check out the Porcelain Rank area.
-[X] Afterwards, look outside to see what time it is.

 

[Wysteria]

So, a bit of discussion about the new shopping options - nice to see we can get higher levels in the various classes if we want. I bet we could learn some of the skills like power strike and rapid jab if we had John try them out in training. Something to revisit once we've chosen a weapon. Brawling is the unarmed combat skill and I think it's worth practicing it with Velvet every day or two. Still no archery class, though we could buy a bow.

Pyromancy is fire magic, I'm guessing aeromancy is lightning. Runic magic continues to be a ?? regarding what effects it can have, I really want to see if the Porcelain area has something about that. I like the idea of enchanting weapons and maybe embroidering the scholar robes with mystical symbols.

 

[Uhtread]

So, a bit of discussion about the new shopping options - nice to see we can get higher levels in the various classes if we want. I bet we could learn some of the skills like power strike and rapid jab if we had John try them out in training. Something to revisit once we've chosen a weapon. Brawling is the unarmed combat skill and I think it's worth practicing it with Velvet every day or two. Still no archery class, though we could buy a bow.

Pyromancy is fire magic, I'm guessing aeromancy is lightning. Runic magic continues to be a ?? regarding what effects it can have, I really want to see if the Porcelain area has something about that. I like the idea of enchanting weapons and maybe embroidering the scholar robes with mystical symbols.

Click to shrink...

Yeah the classes are starting to seem like more of an "easy button" as opposed to the main way to learn new things. I imagine we will hit plenty of bottlenecks if we only try to dominate then experiment to learn things. It seems like meditation should come first. Especially if it is something we need to repeatedly do. Hopefully there is a book in the porcelain section. Enchanted gear is a solid goal. I assume golems are a thing in this setting too?

 

[Pandemonious Ivy]

[X] Go study in the library.
- [X] Shield Usage & Techniques
--[X] Create a copy for Dominate Writing
-[X] Magic, Mana, & Meditation
- [X] Check out the Porcelain Rank area.
-[X] Afterwards, look outside to see what time it is.

mmmm, magics