《An Evenings Honest Peril》 Session 0 – Character Creation – Paul The rain beat down on the glass window of the cubical farm Paul was in. He had an uneasy feeling with his job as of late. Too many people were going into one on one meetings and coming out with stiff expressions on their face. Probably alphabetical, he could be next. Times were tough in the world of IT. Which really shouldn¡¯t have been a surprise. With the advent of A.I. ¡®soon¡¯ approaching. It seemed that businesses were being proactive with layoffs to get ahead of things. Paul didn¡¯t think it would make a big difference, but he wasn¡¯t in charge of the budget or general direction of the company. Paul used to believe that studying hard, working hard, and putting forth his best effort for the company would lead to success. All this had gotten him was the yearly cost of living increase and a dead end job at a dead end company in a dead end industry. An email notification pops up in the corner of his monitor. Glancing at the text box, ¡°Paul ¨C Glenda, one on one¡± glared out of the screen like a portent of doom. The words stared at him with ominous intent. Paul couldn¡¯t even bring up enough energy to scowl. The normal amount of fear soaked adrenaline that would have shook his heart just wasn¡¯t there. The rain on his way into work had beaten his will down into sludge today and it didn¡¯t look like it was letting up any time soon either. It was a small miracle he had an hour until the meeting. With the vague wording, there was not much he could do to prepare. With what he assumed would happen though, it would be best to take this time to review the ol¡¯ resume. It was a sparse resume. Still had his high school in the education section even. A four year degree in computer science which he had never really used at his current work, two years in a local electronics repair shop which had been immensely helpful, then six where he currently was. Might as well pad that to seven by rounding up the current year. Paul was fairly certain he would be able to find another job, but with the way things were he was doubtful it was going to be good. ¡°Maybe the repair shop will still be around.¡± he mused to himself, ever the optimist. Time ground on relentlessly no matter how much Paul wished it wouldn¡¯t. The dreaded Glenda, his HR rep, and the electronic calendar would not be denied. Paul dragged his sorry carcass towards the meeting room a few minutes before the hour. As he arrived, one of his co-workers, Eric, was leaving the room with a sour expression on his face. Making eye contact and raising an inquisitive eyebrow was all Paul needed to do. Eric gave a defeated sigh. ¡°I¡¯ve just been told that I¡¯ll need to ¡®take on a bit more responsibility¡¯ and ¡®be a team player¡¯.¡± using air quotes for emphasis. ¡°Oh that doesn¡¯t sound so bad, at least you¡¯ve still got the job.¡± Said Paul as he leaned against the hallway wall. ¡°From what I¡¯ve seen the other people look like, I would have assumed they had been laid off.¡± ¡°Oh, yeah that does make things a bit better. Do you think I should have asked for a raise with the extra ¡®responsibility¡¯?¡± Eric gave that last word a bit of emphasis. ¡°HAH, if that were ever possible we¡¯d both be retired by now. What I wouldn¡¯t give for extra work to actually mean extra.¡± Paul eyed the door that held his meeting with Glenda inside. ¡°Good luck in there.¡± Eric gave Paul a pat on his shoulder as he moved pass. ¡°Enjoy your ¡®extra¡¯ as much as you can.¡± With a nod goodbye, Paul turned to face the door and gave himself one last steadying breath. He opened the door, stepped inside, and like a vulture about to feast sat Glenda the HR rep. ¡°Come in, close the door behind you, and have a seat.¡± her words filled Paul with dread like no other. ---------------- The meeting dragged on far longer than what it should have been considering how it ended. ¡°While you have been a helpful, productive, and useful employee, it is with great regret that I must tell you that we are terminating your employment with us.¡± Said Glenda with a slight sad frown that didn¡¯t reach her eyes. ¡°It is unfortunate for yourself, but upper management has had to make tough decisions regarding staffing levels. We¡¯ll keep your profile on file if we ever have need of your services in the future though.¡± This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. Paul had, through the whole process of the meeting, no doubt that they would never call, text, or email him about future employment. Contract work was unfortunately becoming more and more common these days. It would be an act of God, or perhaps a changing economic trend, before they would get in contact. Possibly both. ¡°I don¡¯t suppose that this is a two weeks notice kind of situation, is it?¡± Paul asked, fully confident in the actual answer. ¡°Unfortunately, it is not.¡± Glenda stated. ¡°You¡¯ll be given a short, supervised, amount of time to clear out your desk.¡± A quiet, tense moment passed between the two. The second hand of a clock would have ticked loudly, had there been one in the room. ¡°borrow a box?¡± Paul asked. ¡°Can¡¯t say I was expecting this to happen today.¡± Glenda reached down behind her side of the meeting room table and laid a fresh flat document box on the space between them. She pushes it towards Paul saying. ¡°Consider the box a gift. Best of luck in your future endeavours.¡± With this last dismissive statement, Paul exited the meeting room where his supervisor Frank was waiting in the hallway. Frank had the decency to at least actually look sad. ¡°I know what you just went through, you aren¡¯t the first person I¡¯ve had to do this to.¡± Frank approached. ¡°We don¡¯t have to do this immediately. Coffee? In the break room?¡± Feeling drained from the meeting, drained from the work day, and drained from the weather, Paul just shook his head. ¡°Thanks for the offer, but with the weather being what it is, I think it¡¯s better if I get this done now.¡± The pair walked back down the hallway to the cubicle Paul used to call his workstation. The heavy rain outside provided a dull thrum to offset the clack of keyboards and muffled voices of people on phones. When they arrived, Paul took in the place he used to spend 9 hours a day at. A computer, four years out of date, company property. Calendar, also four years old, came with the computer and not changed off of August once it was forgotten. Various pens and a notepad, unused because of the ticketing system, not needed because of a generally good memory. A drawer full of cough drops, the only thing of value Paul considered taking with him. Frank gave Paul a look and said ¡°This seems a bit sparse don¡¯t you think?¡± ¡°I never really put any thought into it.¡± Paul said in a tired voice as he put a few bits and bobs into the box. ¡°The desk just felt like I was here temporarily. It wasn¡¯t an office ya know?¡± ¡°I hear ya.¡± Frank nodded along. ¡°Hard to really put down roots in poor soil is what my grandpa used to say.¡± As Paul finished loading the box of all his office based worldly possessions, it felt too light in his hands. Maybe he should have put in a bit more effort for his desk? It was all moot now though. ¡°I¡¯ve got to walk you to the door Paul.¡± Frank motioned with his hands towards the exit. ¡°You¡¯ve got my email. Feel free to use me as a reference. Paul could only nod and took the lead as they walked. The harsh LED lighting was providing darker shadows than usual due to the storm outside not allowing much ambient light in through the windows. The other people, still employed, barely glanced up at Paul as he carried his box through the aisles of the cubicles. They had already run the gauntlet of Glenda, or were buckling down in a last ditch attempt to keep their job. They eventually reached the lobby and the front doors that led out into the parking lot. Rain was coming down hard but Paul had a rain coat. He was really only worried about the box in a minor way. Wouldn¡¯t want it to fall apart and spill it¡¯s contents in the parking lot. That would be insult to injury. ¡°See you around Frank.¡± Paul said to Frank. The goodbye forever lost in politeness and habit. Paul pushed the door open with his hip as he stepped out into the rain to head to his car. The rain hit his face and coat at the same time the realization hit that he was unemployed. The past few minutes of packing his desk seemed not unlike a dream. He knew there were a few things he would have to do as he walked across the parking lot using his body to shield the cardboard box he carried. Update the resume, job websites, were his savings enough? How long could he afford to spend on getting ¡®a good¡¯ job versus getting ¡®a¡¯ job? His foot stepped into a pool deeper than what he expected and soaked his socks. Cursing his luck he reached his car. He juggled the box and his keys to open the door. Slinging the box into the passenger seat, Paul sat in the drivers seat and closed the door. The rain outside was much louder in the car compared to his former office. He took a minute to just let the sound wash over him. The heavy droplets of rain were soothing in their cacophony but the wet socks put a damper on things. A flash, and almost immediately a clap of thunder broke Paul out of his reverie. Dreading the upcoming weeks of job searching, and with luck, interviews. He started his car and pulled out of the parking spot. Maybe things would improve. He could leverage his years of IT experience into a supervisor role. Just massage those job duties a little bit to be a little more impressive. Everyone does it these days. Leaving the parking lot, Paul mused about what his life was about to become. The rain beat down and really necessitated the full speed of his wiper blades. Head home first, or maybe stopping by a grocery store? Getting some comfort food wouldn¡¯t be terrible. A stoplight glared red as he made his decision to buck his normal trend and get some steaks for once. Not from a restaurant though, he wasn¡¯t crazy or employed anymore. The light turned green. Paul pulled his car into the intersection. A bright white light appeared on his left. Session 0 – Character Creation – Mark The hot sun beat down over the soybean field. Mark took a brief moment to look at the pods near his feet for any disease before standing back up and returning to his truck. This one check wouldn¡¯t really tell if there was something wrong. That would require a more in depth check throughout the field. Inspect the whole field for anything wrong. Add it to the list. It had been a dry Summer this year and he didn¡¯t think the harvest would be enough to have much extra. At least Mark still had the cattle. Twenty head, currently grazing in the fenced field. Bought most of them as calves this past winter. Should be able to sell them this upcoming fall. Most of the soybean harvest might have to go to feed instead of selling. Would have to do the math. Add it to the list. With the warm weather as of late, cattle hadn¡¯t been using the barn as much. They preferred the small wooded area on the south east corner of the land for it¡¯s shade. Might be the opportunity to clean out the barn. Cattle sure won¡¯t do it. Have to take care of the animals because they don¡¯t take care of themselves so said Pa. Get the bobcat, scrape the barn floor. Add it to the list. The trucks engine started with a growl and Mark put it into gear. As he made the three point turn to head back to the farm buildings he eyed the harvester next to most of the other large outdoor equipment. If he was to do his own harvest in the coming month, that harvester would need an oil change, carb clean, and more grease for bearings. Pretty standard maintenance that could wait for another day. Add it to the list. Mark finished his drive in from the field and reached his house. Small thing that used to be his parents. Powder blue for his mother, from Pa. Metal roof to cut down on maintenance for his Pa, from Mark. Looks like some of the paint was flaking. Have to head into town for paint. Add it to the list. Heading inside to check for messages on the answering machine and to eat lunch. Mark spotted a blinking light that there was a message. Pressing play and tuning out the automated, and always wrong, time and date of the message he rooted through the fridge for sandwich fixings. Foods low, grocery shop. Add it to the list, near the top. The answering machine let out a high pitched beep and the voice of his neighbour came out. ¡°Hey Mark, it¡¯s Patrick. I hoped you were in, but you weren¡¯t. I¡¯m planning on doing our wheat harvest next week and was wondering if you and your harvester would be willing to mosey on down this way to help out. Margret would be the one normally running the tractor, but you know how it is with the cast and all. Anyways, just calling to ask for some help. Hope the cows and your soybeans are working out. I¡¯m planning on getting to church for the fellowship so I suppose I¡¯ll see you there and we can hash out some schedule. Otherwise give me a wave and flag me down if you see me out in the field.¡± Visit Patrick, decide on a date, harvest wheat. Add it to the list. Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. The sandwich wasn¡¯t bad but there was still work to do. Washing his hands, Mark saw the slowly growing yet neatly stacked pile of dirty dishes. But he lived alone and there were plenty more clean at the moment. So he¡¯d have to do the dishes eventually, but not today. Dishes. Add it to the list, near the bottom. Mark considered the list he currently had. Groceries, Inspection, Math, Barn, Paint, Maintenance, Patrick, Dishes. Not to mention the hundred other chores required to keep a farm going. Something immediate, and something a bit more involved would be next. First to make sure the cattle water trough was topped up and second to head into town for a shopping trip. Walking out to the barn, Mark made sure to grab one of the tall sticks he kept at the fence gate between his home and the cattle area. The stick was what the cattle actually recognized when he was out there it seems. They get protective of any calves when something unknown shows up. As much as he considered himself their caretaker, the cattle never stayed long enough to get familiar with him. His farm wasn¡¯t a dairy farm. Stick in hand, Mark walked around to the water pipe and it¡¯s valve. Said pipe connected to a water tower nearby which had it¡¯s own ground water pump. There was a soft chuff chuff chuff in the air as the pump continuously pumped a tiny bit of water into the tower. Not enough for the fields, but enough for the animals and himself. Can¡¯t take too much from the ground, wouldn¡¯t be enough for every farmer to do that on this land. Opening the water valve, Mark waited patiently for the water to pour out into the trough, formerly a hot water heater he had cut in half. As it was filling, He picked up a sheet of nearby plywood and covered up a good portion of the trough to help a bit with evaporation. Cattle would smell the water and be willing to push the wood out of the way, But until then no sense wasting it. Soon enough it was full and Mark closed the valve. Looking out into the field he spotted the herd milling about as they were usually doing. Thankfully they didn¡¯t seem agitated so there probably wasn¡¯t anything that needed doing for them. Might have to consider keeping one for the meat. Stockyard butcher wasn¡¯t unreasonable. Meat grocery math. Can¡¯t do that in the field, only the store. Muddling up the list. Trip into town it is for sure then. Walking back to the house and leaving the stick next to the fence gate gave Mark a moment to think of a shopping list. Keys were still in his pocket so he walked to the truck directly. Getting into the drivers seat, he started the truck and pulled away from the house towards the dirt road that led to the highway. The trip into town was it¡¯s usual hour long affair. Highway was mostly empty but there was the occasional SUV with a top rack full of camping going the opposite direction. Seems the weekend was approaching and some people were heading out camping. Good weather for it at least. Not much time for it himself. Town was town. Big enough that some people never left after growing up there, but not so large as to really draw in people. It was big enough to have a couple of the more big name shops. Hardware, supermarkets, even something approaching a mall if you squinted hard enough. Mark pulled into the hardware store and started his shop. Paint for the house, Oil for the harvester, screws, nuts, bolts, and a dozen other small things for upcoming projects. Bagged, paid for, then deposited in the truck bed, He continued on to groceries. The supermarket had seen better days, but it was the closest one on the side of town nearest Marks farm. He took his time to walk up and down the aisles. Filling a cart was relatively easy this time. He didn¡¯t have to think about what to get as it had been a while since the last trip. Things were running low. Bagged, paid for, then deposited in the truck bed. The final in town errand. The ride back was much nicer than the ride in. The air was finally starting to cool down a small amount. Rolling the window down, Mark was resting his arm on the door allowing him to feel the full strength of highway speed wind rushing past. The weight and worry of the day was finally behind him. A small smile finally creased his face as the only thing he had left to do was to get his things inside from the truck. Put away the supplies and groceries. Add it to the list. Ahead of Mark, one of the many eighteen wheelers hauling innumerable goods was approaching from the opposite direction. A wheel comes loose. An axle snaps. The large truck lurches to its left into the oncoming lane. Session 0 – Character Creation – Francis It was a dark night in a city that knew how to keep it¡¯s secrets. Francis was giddy with anticipation as he stared at the art gallery ahead of him. He knew the place inside and out. Plenty of visits as a viewer and ¡®potential patron of the arts¡¯ were the disguise of choice this time. It would be a few moments more until the art within would be his, or more specifically, the easily roll-able and transferable pieces of canvas with paint on them that he could turn into money. He even already had a buyer lined up. Francis was not a particular lover of ¡®high art¡¯ as some people would call it. Sure there were pretty pictures. Some of the older works were fascinating in how much detail could be packed into a single brush stroke. But most of the art he was expecting to take tonight was a thing to brag with and tax dodge of rich people. Something that he would take advantage of tonight. The gallery was deserted, it was the middle of the night after all. The live security was only there for show during opening hours. There might be a person in a car driving by in three hours, but that seemed to be infrequent during his previous stake outs. Looking over the tools he had brought, he reminded himself what each thing was for. ¡°Key, borrowed from the security guard during the day. Needed to be friendly enough for that one to drink themselves unconscious so I could copy the key.¡± Thought Francis, looking at the standard Schlage house key. ¡°If they¡¯d had upgraded that back door to something more difficult, it would not have made a difference.¡± ¡°Lockpick set.¡± Francis patted his breast pocket. ¡°Get the interior managers office door open. Never leave home without them. Might need them to get back in.¡± The old joke made him quietly smirk. Next was a small low power flashlight. ¡°I know that the gallery uses motion activated lights. That and the current mood lighting, but I don¡¯t want those big lights to turn on and alert any nosy neighbours.¡± Francis grimaced. ¡°get inside, managers office, but move slow enough to stop the motion sensors from turning anything on. Not until I can get at the light switches in that office.¡± ¡°Bag of tubes and paper.¡± Francis¡¯s gaze travelled over the black duffle bag on the passenger seat. ¡°Cut the paintings out of the frames, pad them with the paper to protect them a little. Roll them up and store them in the tubes.¡± ¡°And finally, changing up the sleep schedule to work better at night.¡± Francis felt this was always the last step before completing a job. He was alert, and well rested. Exiting the van, it was time to make an entrance. Shouldering the duffle bag and stalking to the rear of the building which was down an alley way currently damp with yesterdays rain, Francis made his way to an unlabelled door and applied the copied key to the lock. Slipping inside he quickly moved to the beeping alarm panel. Six quick button presses later, the alarm shut itself off. The code, an additional ¡®gift¡¯ from that security guard. Keeping his movement slow from that moment on. Francis slid at a snails pace towards the back office. Motion activated lights were controlled by a panel in the office, and left perpetually on by the current manager. While it would be possible to move at this glacial pace the whole time, the stress would be much less with them fully off. Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. The back office key wasn¡¯t as easily accessible, unfortunately. The manager wasn¡¯t a big drinker. Lock picks were the tool of choice in this case. This lock was an interior door, as such, Francis quickly moved through the five pins inside the tumbler and had the door open in under twelve seconds. Agonizingly slow, Francis stood up and eased the door open just wide enough to slip his body inside. The small flashlight quickly confirmed the panel location and he started flipping down the switches. He mentally cursed himself as the mood lighting in the building flickered off before resetting that one switch. It wasn¡¯t likely that anyone saw, or cared, that the lights in the gallery flickered, but this was a mistake that could lead to complications. Time to work quickly and minimize risk. Francis removed the duffle bag of various size tubes he was carrying with him and removed the paper kept inside. Laying the paper on the ground in preparation for what was to come, he turned towards the first piece of tonight''s robbery. There was ¡®The Lady on Box¡¯, a lady, very realistically painted, standing on what Francis was assuming was a cube, barely a sketch. ¡°Probably attempting to comment on something like only human feelings matter in this material world. But this is the target of tonight.¡± He mused as the utility knife blade was pushed out the front. He quickly cut the painting out of it¡¯s frame. Laying the canvas artwork on a suitably sized paper he covered it with another sheet before moving on to the next piece of art. This one being a man thinking over a piece of cheese? Francis¡¯s desire to get into the mindset of the resident artist was rapidly draining. So the knife made short work of the art, which joined it¡¯s sibling between paper sheets. He assumed that most of these would be in the trash after tonight. The buyer really only cared about ¡®The Lady on Box¡¯ for some reason. Dozens more paintings met similar fates. When the utility knife became even the slightest bit dull Francis snapped off the end section to continue his work. Within the hour he had thick layers of paintings and papers on the floor. Taking as much care as was reasonable, He rolled them up and slotted them into the tubes. Those tubes then returned to his duffle bag which he slung across his back. It was time to make his escape. There was no doubt that any employee who turned up wouldn¡¯t notice the missing paintings, so Francis didn¡¯t bother with much cleanup on his way out. Gloves took care of fingerprints, the mask took care of any neighbouring building¡¯s cameras, and the general blas¨¦ nature of minimum wage security guards took care of the rest for the evening. Back into the alley, then out to his waiting van. Walking confidently, not like an escaping thief but more like a competent workman on his way home from a job, Francis took a moment to really breathe deep of the midnight air. The recent rain had done wonders and things smelt fresher than usual. Adding to this was the satisfaction of a job well done. The van opened on the passenger side and Francis gently off loaded the duffle into the vacant seat. Closing the door he hummed tunelessly to himself as he made his way into the drivers seat. A soft purr came from the engine as he started the vehicle and pulled away from the curb. Continuing to hum, Francis couldn¡¯t help but feel pleased with himself. The job went off without a hitch. Legwork had paid off. Things were where he expected them to be. Even the night itself was perfect. All he had left to do was meet with the buyer in a week or so. Where was the painting they wanted again? Francis reached over and started to open the duffle bag. Rifling through it he found the marked tube and tried to pop the cap off with one hand. But it was stuck fast. He let go of the wheel. The van drifted to the left. There was a reflection of headlights in a puddle. Session 0 – Character Creation – Tim Tim was truly happy. The weather was perfect. Not too hot, not too cold. He was working a job he loved as a park ranger. Outdoors, fresh air, a day of hiking, and inspecting the foot trail was ahead of him. Nothing could possibly ruin his good mood. The pack on his back felt light even with Tim¡¯s usual multi-day load out. He had enough food for three days of hiking. Water would be available in the streams that ran throughout the park, just needing a boil for drinking. A hammock and tarp for shelter is perfect with all the trees of this state park. Starting at the head of the trail Tim looked back over his shoulder towards the visitors centre. Giving a wave to his partner Sarah standing on the deck, he called out. ¡°Trail¡¯s good so far!¡± ¡°Course it¡¯s good ¡®so far¡¯. You haven¡¯t left the parking lot yet.¡± Sarah called back cupping one hand to her mouth. ¡°Just wanted to get a head start on the annual report. OK I¡¯m gone!¡±Tim gave a final wave as he started walking. The morning was just getting started, the trail was long, and Tim was looking forward to every second of it. ---------------- Diesel was not looking forward to a single second of the upcoming heist. The terrorist organization he and his team was working against had finally acquired their own hydrogen bomb. They were transporting it on a truck that was, right now, heading towards an abandoned military air base. The only thing that could possibly improve his mood was that this would allow him to finally be free of the life debt he owed his handler. The armoured vest Diesel wore felt stiff and heavy. It would probably only stop three bullets as the terrorists were rocking some pretty heavy firepower for this transport. Thankfully he had his trusty pistol. That pistol and the muscle car he was currently in had served him well in all the other battles he¡¯d been in. ¡°OK everyone check in.¡± Diesel spoke into the radio. Getting back half a dozen confirmations and snarky replies, He could only chuckle at the camaraderie evident. ¡°We got one shot at this. Those terrorists are transporting this bomb throughout the city as we speak.¡± Diesel¡¯s voice became a little strained. ¡°You all have the expected route. We hit them hard and fast. The family don¡¯t let up. The family don¡¯t quit. Punch it everyone!¡± A muted roar came from the muscle cars engine as Diesel revved it before dumping the clutch and burning the tires. Screeching out of the parking spot he raced towards the convoy with only one thing on his mind. Stop that truck. ---------------- It was the start of day 2 on the trail. Tim had stopped by a creek last night to camp and was enjoying the relative peace and quiet of the forest. His small cook fire was boiling drinking water, birds were chirping, and the only thing he had left to do was break camp and hike. The perfect day. Tim¡¯s last glance at the weather report before he left had shown a storm about three days out, but that was almost certainly not going to hit him while on the trail. No need to rush so might as well work on that report. Tim¡¯s pencil scratched on the notepad he had brought. The graphite turning into messy handwriting that Sarah always called chicken scratch. Yellow pages noted everything he had observed as important the previous days hike. It was a fairly simple report for this first third of the trail. Not as much erosion as usual. A log had fallen across the path that he had already removed. No large predator tracks were using the trail, they usually kept much further north. Trail was safe as safe can be it seems. The notepad was put away in Tim¡¯s pack. The water had finished boiling. Tim decided on a final cup of coffee before pouring the rest of the water into his metal thermos. With this, the only thing keeping him at camp was a reluctance to move. However, that trail wouldn¡¯t inspect itself so he would have to do it. This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. Time to break camp. ---------------- It was the second hour of the danger fraught chase for Diesel. The vest had shredded. The pistol out of ammo and thrown to good effect long ago. His hearing had a ringing that wasn¡¯t going away due to all the explosions as of late. But worst of all was this last manoeuvre. The truck was getting away. The air bases bollards had risen. Diesel had to sacrifice his pride and joy, the muscle car. It wouldn¡¯t matter if the car was destroyed if the world ended the next day. So he had kicked out the windshield, gunned it into the bollards, then, using the momentum, flung himself through the air where he landed on the back of the truck. The wind had been knocked out of diesel. There wasn¡¯t anyone else of his team nearby to help. Radio went with the car. All he could do was cling to the back of the truck in desperation. The few moments of respite he could get were soon broken as the truck angled up. The truck had been driven up a ramp into a cargo transport plane. Diesel knew that this plane was headed towards the largest city around. If the bomb went off there, no one in the city would survive and the world would descend into chaos. He would have to act quickly. Diesel groaned as the cargo ramp closed and the planes engines spun up to a deafening roar. He had to steady himself as the plane shifted and ascended into the sky. The only thing that was between the safety of the world and devastation was himself. Time to break that bomb. ---------------- Tim was feeling the burn. The trail had gotten a little bit rougher, but he wanted to push through. It felt good to exert himself like this. Trying to reach his next planned camp site early was the goal. He¡¯d need a bit longer to make notes about the trail this time. There was a fallen log too big to move by hand. Tim knew he¡¯d need a chainsaw or axe to cut it into smaller chunks. This might also be a warning sign of general erosion on the hill. There were roots on that log, but no dirt on those roots. So it¡¯d been there at least a month, or at least one good rain storm. Not much further now. Tim huffed and puffed as he walked at an accelerated pace. Just focusing on putting one foot in front of the other. He still had that oatmeal packet, apple cinnamon, as a treat. Should probably save that for breakfast, but what was life if you followed the plan every time. Tim saw his camp site and reached it a few minutes later. He unlimbered his pack, a little lighter than when he started due to eating, and started setting up camp. Hammock strung up between two thicker trees that had clear ground between them. Tarp over that in case of rain. With that done, only thing left was to gather some fallen sticks and wood for a fire. Tim walked into the woods a short distance and started picking. Gathering the dry sticks and fallen branches, he soon had an arm full which would make a good fire. The calm day was getting on to late afternoon. He knew that by this time tomorrow he¡¯d be back at the visitors centre. ---------------- Diesel was feeling the burn as one of the terrorists lit up a spray can of something flammable. He¡¯d already fought through twenty others. Thankfully they didn¡¯t use any guns for fear of causing the plane to decompress. Diesel¡¯s fist rocketed out and smashed the terrorist in their face. The only person left between him and the cockpit was a truly large bastard. They squared up and, surprising to Diesel, the terrorist spoke. ¡°You¡¯re too late agent Diesel. Once I knew you were on the plane I started the timer.¡± Diesel glanced back into the cargo area where the truck was parked. A steely grimace crossed his face. The terrorist continued. ¡°I know that look. You think there is a chance yet. But the only thing left is your death, and the death of your people!¡± Diesel grinned and cracked his knuckles saying. ¡°You¡¯re forgetting one thing. I¡¯ve been hunting you for years now. I know how you fight!¡± Before rushing his opponent and tackling them to the ground. ¡°And it¡¯s too pretty for what we¡¯re about to do.¡± The knowledge of the terrorists fighting style gave Diesel enough strength to get on top of the terrorist. He rained blows down upon them when, with a resounding crack, landed a punch that rocked their head back causing their eyes to roll up, knocking them unconscious. His final obstacle out of the way. Diesel lurched up to the cockpit, his final bits of strength propelling him up to the door. Pushing it open the pilots were greeted with the hulking blood covered visage of a man who would not take no for an answer. ¡°Open the cargo bay door.¡± was all Diesel said as the pilots hastily complied. Diesel marched back to the truck with it¡¯s ticking hydrogen bomb payload. The open ramp let in a rush of air as well as a beautiful forest view. Diesel put the truck into neutral. Moved to the front and braced himself. Pushing with every last ounce of strength, the truck slowly inched its way to the open sky. As it moved ever closer to the edge, Diesel had one last moment to think about everything that led to this moment. ¡°It really was all about family.¡± Diesel thought as the truck gave way to gravity and sailed out into the sky. ---------------- Tim had finally gotten his fire going. He stretched his neck and looked up into the sky. ¡°That¡¯s odd.¡± Session 0 – Character Creation – New Suits Clap clap clap clap clap. The repeated and rapid sound of a single pair of hands clapping filled the ears of the formerly unconscious people. ¡°Wakey wakey! Time to get up! Rise and shine!¡± a feminine voice grates and forces eyes to pop open. ¡°Can¡¯t have you all sleeping the day away now. MOVE!¡± that last word filled with power that compels limbs to react and the five people scramble to their feet. Or at least what they consider feet. The five of them start glancing around a white-ish void and can only really feel the presence of other humans nearby. All at once they start babbling. ¡°What happened? I was driving home in the rain.¡± Spoke Paul. He tried patting himself and only got back a feeling of static interference. ¡°It wasn¡¯t raining. It hadn¡¯t rained since yesterday.¡± called out Francis. Who tried stretching his neck but didn¡¯t get the satisfying pop he was expecting. ¡°Is this really happening? Have my dreams come true?¡± Said Hugh, staring straight forward apparently dumbstruck. ¡°Ah, this is a dream. Makes sense¡± nodded Tim. Attempting to cross his arms which refused to lock into place. Mark was quiet and took the time to look around at his surroundings, trying to see anything of interest in the void. ¡°The light was green! I had the right of way!¡± Said Paul. His voice taking on a strained tone. ¡°I only looked away for a moment. That shouldn¡¯t have happened.¡± Francis muttered. ¡°Just like one of my Japanese anim¨¦¡¯s¡± Whispered Hugh, unable to stop himself. ¡°OK quiet down now.¡± said the feminine voice, who¡¯s controlling words made the general hubbub of the five die down. ¡°Yeeeesh, seems like the transition did a number on you guys. Four out of five not salvageable it seems. But you work with what you got is a motto. Lets ease into this a bit softer.¡± The five points of view that represented the humans were drawn towards a phenomenon of pink motes of light coalescing into a woman. Her hair, vibrant shining gold. Her skin, unblemished marble. Her features, perfectly symmetrical and terrifyingly beautiful. Her clothes, floating strips of pink silk. But most striking of all, her eyes, the same colour as the void as if looking through an empty mask. The woman, the goddess, seemed to float down towards the five. Her foot alighted on nothing, which quickly became the ground as her feet took up weight. The goddess was a giant who towered over everyone there. She gracefully knelt and stretched forward getting down on hands and knees, then elbows, before finally getting low enough to rest her head on her hands and her hands flat on the newly created floor. Bringing her face close to the five humans on the floor. ¡°You guys are just so adorable. Happy to have you all here.¡± Her gaze flew over all of them as they were trapped in place. ¡°...¡± the tiniest murmur of noise escaped from Hugh. ¡°eh? What was that?¡± The goddess cocked her head to the side bringing a perfect ear towards the five. ¡°Oh right! Told you guys to quiet down, that and I have ears for the moment. Ahem, speak normally, I command you.¡± Like a volume knob going from 1 to 5, Hugh finished his question. ¡°Oh goddess, why have you brought us here?¡± He sounded eager. The other four turned their attention to this man called Hugh. He seemed to know what was going on. ¡°So glad at least one of you has a head on their shoulders.¡± The goddess got a far away look in her eyes for a moment. ¡°Hah, in more ways than one.¡± She eyed Hugh directly. ¡°OK you¡¯re the leader then. This is a pretty simple thing. You gotta kill God. That¡¯s why I brought you here.¡± There was a pause as the five of them took a moment. Paul was first to react. ¡°We can¡¯t do that! You¡¯re too big!¡± The goddess shot Paul an annoyed look. ¡°Not me. The other God. The god of the place I¡¯m going to send you to.¡± Tim was the next person to speak up. ¡°I¡¯m not sure I can do that. I¡¯ve never killed anyone before.¡± ¡°Not sure you can kill God.¡± Rumbled Mark. His voice measured and steady. ¡°Yeah I agree with that!¡± Francis interjected. ¡°Ain¡¯t that some kind of philosophical quandary? Some real Nietzsche type thing?¡± A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. ¡°Send us to?¡± Tim felt the question get smoothed over. ¡°Shsssshhhhh.¡± the goddess leaned over a bit and flapped her hand. ¡°Such inconsequential questions. I¡¯m certain you¡¯ll figure it out.¡± ¡°Wait, what was that you said about four of five?¡± questioned Paul. The goddess blinked. ¡°Oh right, you mortals are all about those flesh suits. OK let me just rip that bandage off.¡± Her gaze focused on them intensely. ¡°Plant what you think are your feet firmly on the ground. Then twist what you think is your body to look over what you think is your shoulder.¡± For four of the humans, following her specific instructions, twisted their forms. The featureless white-ish void shifting darker in gradient as their point of view rotated behind. To each they see a mangled and bloody corpse. The horrific result of vehicular impacts. Where unfeeling steel met yielding flesh in an uncaring and violent manner. Hugh, had a slightly different reaction by saying ¡°Oh god, I really did let myself go, didn¡¯t I?¡± Tim tore his vision away from the impact crater. ¡°Let yourself go?¡± ¡°Ah yeah...¡± Hugh felt embarrassed. ¡°It¡¯s uh... an Elvis situation.¡± If any of the other four had teeth, they would have sucked air in through them. ¡°so uh... how about you guys? I only see myself back there.¡± Hugh asked. ¡°Car accident.¡± Paul ¡°Truck accident.¡± Mark ¡°Distracted driving.¡± Francis ¡°Flying truck.¡± Paul. Which caused the rest of them to stare. ¡°I looked up and there it was.¡± The goddess gave a tiny golf clap that dragged everyone''s attention back to her. ¡°As you can tell, things didn¡¯t really end well. So here¡¯s how its going to go. One Rejuvenation and Remake, the rest get replacements. Got it?¡± ¡°Not in the slightest.¡± Said Mark. ¡°Too bad! Lets see what we got for you four!¡± as the goddess reached far to her left and pinched some of the white-ish nothing which formed into a standing coat rack. Pulling to the right, the empty rack rocketed past before slowing until the end comes to a stop with a single empty hanger swinging on it. ¡°Ah, well. That rack gets used pretty often. I¡¯ll have it restocked for next time. Let¡¯s try another!¡± A second pull, and a second empty rack. A frown crosses the goddesses face. A third pull rockets a third empty rack which crashes into the first two sending them careening off into the void. The fourth, fifth, and sixth racks met similar fates due to an increasingly frustrated goddess. But the seventh had a bit of weight attached. This one came out with a wobble that wasn¡¯t present in the previous six racks. As it slowed to a stop there was a squeaky creak coming from a bad wheel that increased in volume over time. As The rack finally finished moving it proudly displayed four wildly different skin suits. ¡°Aha! I knew there were a few leftover. Lets see what we got to work with.¡± The goddess poked and prodded the four suits which caused a luminescent moth to flutter out and up. ¡°We got a set of mark five suits, a human, a halfling, a dwarf, and an elf. Who wants what?¡± The goddesses expectant face was met with stunned silence. ¡°OK what the hell is going on with all this?¡± exclaimed Francis. ¡°Everything here is moving too fast!¡± ¡°Yeah! We need more information to make good decisions!¡± Agreed Paul. ¡°Listen.¡± Hugh motioned for their attention. ¡°I¡¯ve read all about this situation.¡± ¡°You¡¯ve ¡®read¡¯ about this? This specific situation we find ourselves in? This is NORMAL for you?¡± an increasingly frantic Tim almost shouted. ¡°Yeah, the gist of it is this. We died, goddess over there is bringing our souls?¡± Hugh looked for confirmation from the goddess who nodded. ¡°To a new world of fantasy and magic, you heard the names for those suits. Where we need to gain the power to kill god, as she said before.¡± ¡°So first we get a suit, then we get the power, then we kill god.¡± Mark listed. ¡°I don¡¯t particularly like this.¡± ¡°Oh getting the power will probably be the easy part.¡± Mark continued. ¡°I bet there¡¯s a system of some kind that¡¯ll smooth out gaining power. Not going to need to hit the gym for months on end to build muscle, that kind of thing.¡± ¡°I knew making you the leader would be the correct choice.¡± The goddess smiled. ¡°You¡¯ve got the gist of it. So to make it simple, a body and a class, which is the [Power] by the way, for each of you. Transport to the new world, and then you kill God. Easy peasy right?¡± ¡°What classes oh magnificent goddess?¡± Hugh appeased. With a grin at the compliment which quickly turned into a look of contemplation. ¡°For you there, I will bestow upon you something custom. Something that will mesh well with your newly rejuvenated body. The [Power] down there is at mark 23 in general, so I¡¯ll give you a sneak peak at the mark 24 power set. I bestow upon you the [Spell Blade] class. A combination class that will give you many powerful options. With which to complete your mission.¡± The white-ish eyes of the goddess tracked to the other four. ¡°Unfortunately the mark five suits really can only make use of the mark five [Power]. So the four options I¡¯ve got are [Fighter], [Rogue], [Cleric], and [Wizard]. You¡¯ll be supporting Mark here for the most part. Those classes are ancient in comparison.¡± Paul got excited. ¡°a Wizard! I could be an elf Wizard! I call dibs!¡± ¡°You recognize those ¡®classes¡¯?¡± Asked Francis. ¡°Oh yeah, used to play it all the time in high school.¡± Nodded Paul. ¡°Wizard does magic, Fighter punches things with swords. Rogue is the sneaky beaky one, and Cleric is the healer.¡± ¡°Well, I suppose I should stick with what I know. Give me that Rogue class.¡± Francis said. ¡°Pair it with the halfling and you¡¯ll be golden.¡± Paul added and Francis nodded in agreement. ¡°I¡¯d prefer the healer if that¡¯s alright with you Mark?¡± Tim asked. ¡°I¡¯ve no real preference, and this Fighter sounds straight forward.¡± Mark intoned. ¡°One less thing to think about. Which of those suits would be best Paul?¡± ¡°Oh that¡¯s easy.¡± Paul pointed at the two in turn. ¡°Human for the Fighter, keeping it simple. And Dwarf for the Cleric, they¡¯re classics all of us will be.¡± The goddess interrupted them ¡°It sounds like you¡¯ve all made your choices. The only thing left is to put on your suits and you¡¯ll be on your way.¡± The four humans each moved towards the suits. Each of them looking like a hollowed out and flattened bag of skin. Paul grabbed the tallest its skin fair and covered entirely in a thin layer of hair. Francis took the shortest it¡¯s skin looking like parchment. Mark found his to be roughly the same height as he normally was. Tim felt his to be rough and coarse. ¡°This won¡¯t hurt, will it?¡± Hugh asked as the others took a moment find what appears to be zippers and started filling out the suits. The goddess chuckled before saying ¡°Oh sweetie, it¡¯s magic. Of course it¡¯s going to hurt.¡± Session 0 – Character Creation – Transformation and Seeding Mark felt each and every one of his nerves on fire. The suit closed over his incorporeal form causing lightning to shoot through his newly forming nervous system. Bones coalesce from shattered shards of calcium into a skeleton. Layering upon that skeleton are strings of red muscle that shiver with tension. The red meat connects with sinews that thrum like bow strings, snapping around and forcefully connecting joints. The organs forming out of a churning liquid inside the gut as they are rearranged over and over again. Finally settling down, the new form of Mark finished it¡¯s upheaval. What resulted was a human male. It¡¯s body muscled and broad, with freckles along the face and shoulder in abundance. Brown hair was roughly cut to about an inch long. With a classically handsome face and a cleft chin. Mark took his first breath in the new body and screamed. ------------- Francis stood in a black space. It¡¯s emptiness and darkness in stark contrast to the white-ish void of before. He hears the tapping feet of a person walking up behind him but cannot turn his head. ¡°Once upon a time.¡± The voice of the person behind Francis starts. ¡°There was a man who was cursed by a god to be a halfling.¡± ¡°Who said that?¡± Francis frantically asked. ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± ¡°Not to your liking? I¡¯ll start again.¡± The voice spoke. ¡°Once upon a time, there was a man who...¡± ¡°What are you talking about? What¡¯s this ¡®Once upon a time¡¯ bullshit?¡± Francis was starting to get angry. ¡°Cool it. I¡¯m your story you hear?¡± The voice soothed. ¡°We gotta work together to come up with something.¡± ¡°Some kid of story?¡± Francis was confused. ¡°Like my personal story? That¡¯d take ages to get right! I¡¯ve been plenty of places and done a lot of things!¡± ¡°It¡¯s more like that brief introduction people ask the ¡®what¡¯s your story¡¯ kind of thing.¡± The voice continued. ¡°So work with me here. It doesn¡¯t have to be perfect, it just has to be. Once upon a time...¡± A moment passed as Francis considered what he was supposed to do. He could continue to fight against what was happening, or he could go along with the mystery voice. Seemingly unable to move otherwise, He decided to play along. ¡°There was a man who died.¡± Francis picking up the thread. ¡°And while he was dead a goddess offered him another chance.¡± ¡°Now you¡¯re getting it.¡± The voice encouraged. ¡°She said ¡®you can come back to life as a halfling for half of your remaining life.¡¯¡± ¡°Little did I know what that deal would entail.¡± Francis started to slowly turn. ¡°I found myself in a strange land that I had never been to, with a body I wasn¡¯t used to.¡± ¡°There I built myself up into the halfling you see today.¡± The voice starting to sound more real. ¡°I¡¯m lucky to be alive.¡± Francis finished his turn and saw the voice. A halfling stood there. The short and thin body had a wide face and ears that stuck out. Red hair topped the head and hung down to the shoulder in a smoothly combed fashion. ¡°And who are you?¡± Francis asked. ¡°I¡¯m your story, and I¡¯m you.¡± Francis replied. ------------- Tim could not move. Tim could not see. Tim could not hear. Tim could not taste. Tim could not think. And yet, Tim was. After a time, an eon perhaps, a crack appeared. Rough fingers pulled at the opening and stones were lifted out of the way. ¡°Hematite, a good strong core.¡± said the dwarf. ¡°We got another dwarf in the making here!¡± it shouts out. The impeding stones were broken and the large piece of ore was lifted onto a cart by many dwarfs. The cart, ore, and entourage travelled along rails to a room. There it was lifted onto a slab and arranged precisely in the centre. The gathered dwarfs all stood around the ore. As a group they picked up various hammers and chisels hung about the room and started carving away what was not dwarf. The hammers rose and fell with a rhythm all their own. Over time a humanoid shape was formed. The entire body a base black with stripes of red flowing throughout. Accents were added. Eyes of marble and Teeth of quartz. Facial features such as eyebrows and a beard were inlaid with gold. With the main body formed, a smaller dwarf approached the handiwork. It inspected every inch before giving a nod of approval. This dwarf picked up small a small hammer and chisel. They began carving magic runes around the heart, spiralling outwards to cover the entire chest. Their work continued covering the form in these runes. Down each leg, across the stomach to the left arm, across the back to the right, then returning to the neck, finally they finished on the back of the head. The final chisel blow on the form caused a blue spark to fill the runes in the opposite order they were carved. Flowing down the back of the head, up across the arms and belly, up and down the legs, before spiralling finally into the heart. These runes fully lit up causing the body to shudder and flex. The small dwarf, satisfied at their success, placed a hand over the forehead of the dwarf on the table. Leaned down to it¡¯s ear. ¡°Welcome to the world young one.¡± Were the first words Tim heard. ------------- A small gray fox, on all fours, trotted along the forest path towards school. ¡°Be a man. Be man. a man.¡± the fox studiously thought. The words feeling a little alien in his head. Along the way it spotted other small animals heading in the same direction. There were the squirrels and sparrows. Like him, they were being educated today. The elfs had this school in the forest to allow others to become like them. ¡°Be a man. Be a man. Be a man.¡± the fox concentrated on getting the words right now that his fellow classmates were near. If the fox was good, tried hard, and played nice. He would keep getting treats and more education. A decade passes. The gray fox is no longer small. He is quite old now. The lessons are taking well. ¡°I will be a man. I will be a man. I will be a man.¡± The fox almost never had to consciously start the mantra. It¡¯s constant refrain a soothing murmur. The magical theory of the grand spell had been ingrained upon his very soul. All that is required is to build up the magical reserves to sustain it within his body. His first few transformations were well received, but fleeting. Barely lasting hours before reverting to four paws. Two more years pass. The gray fox, a fox no more, sits at a desk. His gray fur and pointed face were currently studiously focusing on a book in front of him. It¡¯s contents were about mana storage within an elf¡¯s body. Soon there would be enough to permanently sustain their humanoid form. After mastering this method of storage, another would have to be researched and implemented into the elf body he currently had. Not only would he have to sustain his own form, he would have to uphold the grand spell for the next generation of students. Perhaps he would be lucky and clever enough to improve upon it. 50 years swim by in the blink of an eye. Graduation is upon the gray fox elf. Him and his cohort are now about to head into the world outside of the school. Their task, to live well and learn. The fervent hope of everyone involved in their education that they would return with new knowledge for the grand spell. The gray fox elf walked down the aisle. On either side of them were the many students he had spent all of his time studying and learning with. In his mind the spell run continuously, it¡¯s gentle hum a constant background noise that he had acclimated to long ago. The gray fox elf ascended to the stage. Looking all around at the staring faces, he took a deep breath and smiled. Striding forward the most important piece of parchment in his life was presented to him. Paul saw his name along with many other unfamiliar symbols. ------------- The five people, once again physical, return to the white-ish void. Marks scream peters out into ragged breaths as he hunches over from standing. Hugh marvels at his new found form. Tim is standing stock still. Paul rubs his elongated face and nose. Only Francis looks comfortable in his new skin. Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Hugh steps forward towards the goddess and bows. His flawless bronzed statuesque human form brimming with vitality and energy turns the bow into art. ¡°Thank you, oh goddess, for what you have done.¡± ¡°Glad you like the results.¡± She winks at Hugh. ¡°How about the rest of you?¡± Mark gives a small keening noise as he curls up into the fetal position. Francis looks up at everyone. ¡°Different perspective I would say, could be better.¡± Paul breaks from staring into nothing to comment. ¡°I¡¯m so soft.¡± Tim grates as the sound of stone rubbing on stone emanates from his joints. ¡°I¡¯m surprisingly OK with this.¡± his voice deeper than it was before. ¡°Wonderful!¡± the goddess smiles. ¡°I¡¯m so glad it¡¯s working out. I recall that you all have the classes you want in mind already. So that makes this next step a breeze.¡± The goddess taps her chin in contemplation for a moment before pointing. ¡°Smallest to tallest.¡± A mote of dark energy leaves her finger and floats towards Francis who stiffens in anticipation. ¡°The [Power] of the [Rogue]. Dexterity and flexibility for you.¡± Francis¡¯s body ripples as the dark mote hits him in the chest. Every muscle cramps and he gives out a stifled grunt through clenched teeth. The moment passes and he relaxes. He inspects himself and gives an exploratory stretch. ¡°Hey I can touch my toes!¡± Francis bends at the waist. ¡°I mean they¡¯re so much closer now but still!¡± Pointing towards Tim a bright white mote makes its way to them. ¡°The [Power] of the [Cleric]. Healing magic and the fortitude to protect others for you.¡± The mote impacts the heart located rune on the dwarf body of Tim. It¡¯s white light spirals out through every rune infusing them in a brief glow. ¡°Oh.¡± Tim says and begins flexing his rough fingers, then tracing some of the runes on his body. His touch causing them to briefly glow white. Aiming at Mark, a red mote shoots out with speed and impacts his curled form. ¡°The [Power] of the [Fighter]. Strength of arm and knowledge of weapons for you.¡± Mark gives out a grunt as muscles bulge and writhe. He eventually stills and then uncurls. Sitting up from where he lay, He marvels at the new found mass on his frame. Flexing his arms, veins pop out in definition. With only one person remaining. A purple mote drifts towards Paul. ¡°The [Power] of the [Wizard]. Knowledge of spells, and the intelligence to wield them for you.¡± The purple mote enters Paul¡¯s forehead who immediately falls to his knees clutching his head. The purple energy crackles and snaps audibly beneath his fingers. As the colour disperses, Paul stands back up on shaky knees and says in his best imitation of Keanu Reeves. ¡°I know ma-gic.¡± Finally, the goddess extends a finger towards Hugh. Several motes of energy begin rotating around the tip each in a different colour of the rainbow. ¡°The [Power] of the [Spell Blade]. It¡¯s unmatched potential will be limited by only your wildest imagination.¡± The motes leapt from the goddesses finger. Each impacted in a different position on Hugh¡¯s body. With each mote a wave of energy flowed from the impact point to cover the rest of his body. Soon a rainbow coloured shell had coalesced around him which then sank into his skin. ¡°This feels amazing!¡± Hugh flexed his body and gave a few experimental hops in place. Eventually he got a slightly far away look in his eyes. ¡°Oh and there¡¯s the [Status] box!¡±
Status
Name: Hugh Class: Spell Blade Kill God
HP: 439/439 MP: 240/240 SP: 333/333
STR: 520 STM: 355 AGI: 396
INT: 270 DEX: 361 LCK: 66
¡°What¡¯s a status box?¡± Paul asked. ¡°I don¡¯t see anything like that.¡± ¡°Well you wouldn¡¯t. You all have the mark five [Power]. You need to say [Character Sheet].¡± The goddess spared a brief moment for the rest before refocusing on Hugh. ¡°[Character Sheet]¡± the four say in unison. ¡°What the fuck does any of this mean?¡± Francis gave the sheet a stare. ¡°What the fuck kind of basic build is this?¡± Paul objected. ¡°I¡¯ve owned and operated a farm for decades, I¡¯m not dumb.¡± Mark felt offended. ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯m ugly.¡± Tim lamented. As the four continue to read and inspect their character sheets. The goddess and Hugh have their own conversation. ¡°The journey ahead will be long and hard.¡± The goddess whispered to Hugh. ¡°You will face many hardships. But I believe that you will succeed. You must succeed.¡± She tilted her head towards the others. ¡°They are expendable.¡± ¡°I understand. I will try my best, but the mission comes first.¡± Hugh gave a grim nod in return. ¡°Then go forth and join your initial companions. It is time to journey to the new world.¡± The goddess shooed Hugh towards the four. Three of the four were being lectured to by Paul. ¡°I¡¯ve seen these sheets before. I¡¯ll be able to answer any of your questions. First off being that I don¡¯t think the attribute numbers accurately reflect who we are as people.¡± Hugh interrupted. ¡°Hey, it¡¯s time to go.¡± Paul started. ¡°Oh, yes, I suppose it is.¡± The five of them assembled in roughly a line. Hugh standing a half step in front. The goddess giving them a final look over. ¡°I¡¯m now seeing a couple of problems, that I will immediately remedy.¡± The goddess snaps her finger once. ¡°First off, clothes.¡± Simple tunics appear on the four with Hugh getting a full set of leather armour. ¡°We were naked?¡± Mark fingered the cotton garment. ¡°You couldn¡¯t tell? I could tell. Didn¡¯t want to say anything. New world could have been a nudist colony for all I knew.¡± Francis said from waist height. ¡°They were skin suits, not fully clothed suits.¡± The goddess snapped again. ¡°The more important thing is to protect your identities. Those mark five [Character Sheets] are incredibly out of date with the current [Power]. So you¡¯ll need these to show off if anyone asks.¡± Appearing before each of them was a blue box just floating in the centre of their vision.
Status
Name: Paul Class: Mage Kill God
HP: 7/7 MP: 2/2 SP: 1/1
STR: 8 STM: 12 AGI: 16
INT: 16 DEX: 16 LCK: 10
Status
Name: Mark Class: Warrior Kill God
HP: 12/12 MP: 0/0 SP: 1/1
STR: 16 STM: 14 AGI: 12
INT: 8 DEX: 12 LCK: 14
Status
Name: Tim Class: Healer Kill God
HP: 12/12 MP: 2/2 SP: 1/1
STR: 13 STM: 16 AGI: 10
INT: 12 DEX: 10 LCK: 8
Status
Name: Francis Class: Thief Kill God
HP: 9/9 MP: 0/0 SP: 1/1
STR: 8 STM: 12 AGI: 17
INT: 13 DEX: 17 LCK: 11
With all of them distracted. The goddess finishes by saying. ¡°With all of that out of the way. I hereby charge you officially with your duties. Kill God, and don¡¯t forget to bend your knees.¡± Only Tim had the awareness to get out. ¡°Wha..?¡± before the five of them suddenly found themselves in free fall. The white-ish void above them rapidly receding through a shrinking hole in the sky with the visage of the goddess waving goodbye. All five hit the ground with heavy thuds. Hugh being the only one to keep his feet. The other four slowly stood up to marvel at the forest they found themselves in. There was a vibrancy to the green that four of them had never seen before. The broad leaved trees allowed only a small amount of light to filter through the canopy giving everything a shadowy green tint. The air was clean and refreshing, filling the nose with a beguiling floral scent. The sounds of the forest birds singing were under cut by a rhythmic creaking of wood and the crunch of wheel on gravel. ¡°I hear a cart!¡± Hugh says and immediately heads off in the direction of the sound. Mark looks to the others. ¡°Stick together ya?¡± The rest give nods of agreement and they hurry after Hugh. With gigantic eager strides, Hugh leads the way through the forest. His nimble steps effortlessly finding purchase on sturdy stones, immobile roots, and flat ground. In contrast, Tim, Mark, and Paul were stumbling fools in comparison. Sticks breaking, slipping on leaves, and even finding the one puddle of mud around. Francis seemed to manage much better though, only earning scuffed knees from helping the others. Hugh burst out of the forest finding a cart path and a caravan rolling through. ¡°Hello there!¡± Hugh called out, waving his arms high and wide. ¡°I¡¯ve just arrived in this world and I¡¯m looking for directions to the nearest town!¡± A large grin split his face and excitement made his eyes shine. The remaining four clambered past the final trees. Mud and dirt covering their bodies and clothes from the brief unexpected trek through the forest. At Hugh¡¯s sudden declaration and appearance, the caravan guards aimed bows, crossbows, and javelins. Every man and woman riding carts also brought up a ranged weapon to point at Hugh. As one, they loosed their projectiles towards the man who just stood there, smiling face frozen in surprise. Dozens of arrows peppered the mans body like a reverse porcupine. The many coloured fletchings forming a scintillating pattern as each arrow and bolt adds an additional bit of motion. As the volley finished, Hugh¡¯s body stayed upright for a moment before finally falling backwards in a perfect arc. The four could only stare dumbfounded at the sudden and violent end of the one most favoured by the goddess. They looked up at the caravan to see everyone there reloading whatever weapon they were wielding. ¡°Thank God we were able to save those poor people from the transmigrator.¡± A man from near the front of the caravan spoke into the silence. ¡°He must have captured and robbed them of everything.¡± Session 1 – Welcome to the New World The man from the front of the caravan stepped down off of his cart. They were portly and wore colourful clothing with a travelling coat covered in pockets. As he advanced towards the group, one of the guards stepped near the man. ¡°Be careful caravan master. They could be with him.¡± The guard cautioned with a healthy grip on a spear. ¡°Nonsense, look at the state of them.¡± The titled caravan master flapped his hand in dismissal. ¡°They¡¯re obviously in distress from being kidnapped. The clothes they have, the lack of any adventuring gear, the odd armor the transmigrator is wearing.¡± The caravan master ticked off these ¡®facts¡¯ on his fingers. ¡°That transmigrator took everything they had into their dimensional space before threatening their lives. Its pure luck we were able to deal with him when we did.¡± ¡°If you say so caravan master.¡± The guard fell into step with the caravan master, his spear making a thud with every second step. ¡°But they still might be dangerous.¡± Paul eyed the others near him and whispered out the side of his mouth. ¡°Follow my lead.¡± The caravan master and guard came close. The guard eyed them warily but the caravan master was much more open. The caravan master spread his arms wide to say. ¡°You¡¯re safe now.¡± ¡°Thank ye kindly sire.¡± Paul got out. ¡°Me and mine friends here were waylaid most foul ere¡¯ these past few days. Tis¡¯ most fortunate you and yours happened upon us in our most needed hour.¡± The caravan master¡¯s face split into a grin. ¡°Always nice to be appreciated. Where were you all headed?¡± ¡°We can¡¯t rightly say sire.¡± Paul shuffled his feet. ¡°That transmigrator stole more than our things. We think they stole our memories and skills.¡± He glanced towards the others. The other three nodded with Tim adding. ¡°That¡¯s correct. I can¡¯t recall anything past this forest we came out of.¡± The caravan master gave a sad smile. ¡°Ah that¡¯s rough. I can only offer condolences for the hard stuff, but on a more practical side please let me offer you a ride into town. We¡¯re only a few hours away.¡± Paul nodded happily. ¡°That would do us a turn of good sire. We¡¯re quite lost at the moment. Getting our bearings is most welcome.¡± ¡°Then get yourselves to the rear most cart. That one should be most empty. We¡¯re heading to the town of West Green at the moment. Seek me out when we arrive and I¡¯ll set you on your ways.¡± The caravan master gestured to the guard. ¡°Bernard, if you would escort them.¡± ¡°Yes caravan master.¡± Bernard the spear wielding guard confirmed. With a wave, the caravan master turned away towards the head of the caravan. Bernard gestured with the spear for the group to walk ahead towards the rear. Paul in the lead, Tim, Mark, and finally Francis, walked towards the final cart. Before they arrived the command to move echoed into the air. This rearmost cart was mostly empty at the moment, a scant few sacks of some granular material within. Bernard and the man currently driving the cart had a quick discussion which ended with handshakes between them and Bernard jogging to the front of the caravan. ¡°Hop on up if you¡¯re hopping.¡± the cart driver said. ¡°We¡¯ll be moving soon. I hear the other horses stepping.¡± Paul and Mark hopped up to sitting on the end easily. Settling easily against the side boards. Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. Francis gave Mark an eyeful saying ¡°a bit of help?¡± To which Mark reached down and picked Francis up like a child. An indignant squawk was all Francis could do in the moment, before accepting the help. Tim placed both hands on the edge of the cart and hoisted his body in. The cart groaned and creaked under his weight. Paul got a far away look in his eyes before asking. ¡°What are you made of? I just got the feeling like you should be heavier.¡± Tim glanced over as he was settling in. ¡°Bit of a personal question, but it says Hematite, which I feel is a kind of iron ore.¡± Paul had the decency to look embarrassed. ¡°Ah right, we haven¡¯t had a moment to ourselves at all yet. I¡¯m Paul.¡± Tim replied. ¡°Nothing to worry about. My name is Tim. Why¡¯d you say I should be heavier?¡± ¡°I¡¯m imagining you as a statue made of stone, and a factoid about stone density just came to me. If you were solid I think this cart would have flipped.¡± Paul said. ¡°Are you hollow you think? That might explain things.¡± Tim thought for a moment, before rapping his knuckles on the side of his head. ¡°Don¡¯t think I¡¯m hollow, probably something to do with magic.¡± There was a lull in the conversation that Francis decided to fill in. ¡°Name¡¯s Francis, not Frank, not Francois, Francis.¡± He turned to stare at the last person to introduce themselves. ¡°I¡¯m Mark. I think I already mentioned that I was a farmer before all this happened.¡± Mark gestured towards everyone else. ¡°What about you all?¡± ¡°Yeah I was kind of curious about that.¡± Tim perked up. ¡°I was a park ranger, but the background says ¡®Wilderness Guide¡¯ which I suppose is mostly correct, but not perfectly accurate.¡± ¡°Probably attempting to reconcile something modern with something old.¡± Paul mused. ¡°Mine says ¡®Advisor¡¯ but I was IT support. I can somewhat see the connection. How about yourself Francis.¡± ¡°I want you all to know that I take offence at what it has labelled me.¡± Francis prefaced. ¡°It¡¯s called me a Scoundrel. But I was a... person who liberated worthless pieces of canvas and paint from unsuspecting people with more money than sense.¡± ¡°You were a thief.¡± Mark stated bluntly. ¡°I was a man of the people who robbed from the rich.¡± Francis sniffed in false outrage. ¡°Speaking of man of the people. What was up with that fancy talk back there Paul?¡± Paul blanched. ¡°I... uh... just felt that was the right thing to do at the time. What with where we were and how everyone looked.¡± Francis pressed. ¡°That from all your ¡®played it all the time¡¯ phase?¡± ¡°You might knock it now, but I¡¯m sure it¡¯ll come in handy in the future.¡± Paul defended his sinful past. ¡°Just you wait.¡± ¡°I think I¡¯d rather not wait right now.¡± Francis sat up a bit straighter. ¡°How about you take a moment and key us in to what you think will happen.¡± Paul sat there stock still as the cart bumped along the path. Tim reached over to give him a nudge when Paul broke out of his thoughts to say. ¡°OK, what I think will happen is fairly simple at this point. First, we finish this ride and talk to the head guy who gave us this ride, be thankful.¡± Mark muttered. ¡°Talk to the man in the pocket coat.¡± ¡°Second, we¡¯ll not have whatever papers they expect for identities.¡± Paul held up his fingers with the animal claws. ¡°So we¡¯ll have to get new ones made. Probably some kind of local government that can do that. You recall that goddess mentioning the blue boxes. Probably something to do with that.¡± ¡°Get papers.¡± From Mark. Paul opened up his thumb to join the other two fingers. ¡°Third, I think that¡¯s where things open up. We¡¯ll have to decide on what to do next. So that means jobs or work.¡± ¡°Talk, Papers, Work.¡± Mark listed. ¡°Seems straight forwards to me. I¡¯ve got the feeling that any farm around here could use extra hands.¡± Francis scoffed. ¡°Yeah you look like you¡¯d fit right in there, but me? I¡¯m no good for farm work. Maybe as a last resort.¡± Tim spoke up. ¡°I don¡¯t object to that kind of work. But have you guys not read that thing? I don¡¯t think we¡¯re expected to just do farm work.¡± Paul looked uneasy. ¡°Yes, that does seem to be the expected thing from us. I can see it in the blue box. It¡¯s just always there. ¡®Kill God¡¯. We may not be able to escape that geas.¡± ¡°Fancy word there Paul, explain it for us mere common folk.¡± Francis gave Paul a raised eyebrow. ¡°Oh ¡®geas¡¯ is just a fancy way of saying magically compelled quest. I think when the goddess said ¡®officially charge¡¯ there might have been a bit of power behind those words.¡± Paul crossed his arms and stared at the sky. ¡°If that¡¯s the case, then we might really have to try on that whole ¡®kill god¡¯ thing.¡± ¡°Could be worse.¡± Mark started. ¡°How?¡± Francis quickly asked. ¡°We could still be dead.¡± Mark rebutted. And with that, silence descends over the group. The bright sunny day and sound of rolling carts being the only other thing the group could focus on. Session 1 – Welcome to West Green All too soon the cart ride came to an end. The last few minutes when the caravan broke out of the forest showed the approaching town from afar. The town was encircled by a sturdy looking wooden wall and the gates were wide open. Leading up to those gates were fields of grain in various states of growth that lined the road. The caravan turned off the road early to settle into a wide open space outside the walls. People started unloading various goods in boxes and sacks, turning the carts into miniature storefronts. From inside the town came a small rush of people. Townsfolk and caravans-folk intermingled in the chaotic dance of market day. The four hopped off their cart and left in search of the caravan master. They wandered around as a group taking in the sights and sounds of the impromptu market. The townsfolk, human as far as they could tell, eyed the four with mild curiosity but never spared more than a moments attention. Tim was the first to spot the caravan master. ¡°I see him.¡± ¡°Thanks Tim.¡± Mark patted the dwarf on its shoulder. The four started walking over but Francis¡¯s attention was diverted by the smell of spices. He stepped away to investigate and came up upon a woman hanging cuts of dried meat on hooks. ¡°Hey there miss.¡± Francis approached the stall. ¡°How much for a bite? It¡¯s been a while since I¡¯ve eaten it seems.¡± The woman turned her head around initially missing the small Francis, but quickly corrected. ¡°Oh it¡¯s one of you lot. The folks what got taken advantage of.¡± ¡°The one and the same.¡± Francis gave a lopsided grin and small bow. ¡°Normally that¡¯d get you a whole rabbit leg, But I don¡¯t suppose you¡¯ve actually got that on you?¡± She gestured at one of the smaller pieces of meat. Francis got momentarily confused. ¡°I don¡¯t really have anything to pay with except the clothes on my back right now. Spare a little for a hungry traveller?¡± ¡°Well all right, I¡¯ll slice you off a piece.¡± The woman took a knife to one of the larger animal meats and cut off a piece roughly the size of her thumb. She handed it over to Francis. Francis took the piece and started chewing. The meat itself was tough and dry, with an incredibly strong taste of salt. ¡°My thanks kind lady. I must return to my friends, but I¡¯ll be sure to tell them about how delicious this is.¡± Francis waved farewell and jogged off to catch up. Francis found the other three as they approached the caravan master who was currently in conversation with Bernard. Catching only the end of their talks. ¡°We¡¯re here for two nights to allow everyone to rest and trade, then we move on towards West Red.¡± The caravan master spoke. ¡°See about getting more travelling information during this break. I¡¯ll be busy in meetings all tomorrow.¡± ¡°That will be done caravan master.¡± Bernard nodded. Paul took the lead ¡°Sire, we¡¯ve come as you asked.¡± ¡°Ah right! You lot. Terrible shame what happened.¡± The caravan master looked mildly startled. ¡°I¡¯ve got business in town, important people to meet, things to do and all that. Let myself and Bernard here escort you in. Get you settled as it were.¡± ¡°That¡¯s much appreciated sire.¡± Paul ingratiated. ¡°Where did you say this was again?¡± The caravan master started walking, allowing the group to fall in step. ¡°We are situated outside the great town of West Green!¡± The caravan master waved brightly towards what appears to be a town guard, before dropping his volume a couple of notches. ¡°A fine enough place if you enjoy farming and fields.¡± The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. The town guard, clad in dull chain mail and holding a long spear, stepped away from the wall where he was leaning to say. ¡°Welcome, ID please.¡± The caravan master and Bernard both took out thin plates of metal from around their necks. They held out the metal on strings of leather for the town guard to inspect. The town guard took each, one at a time, and used his finger to read the words on them. ¡°What about them?¡± the town guard returned the pieces of metal, gesturing with his head at the four. ¡°You know the rules.¡± ¡°Yes yes, no ID no entry unless accompanied by someone.¡± the caravan master dismissed the concern. ¡°They are in unfortunate circumstances and only have what you see there.¡± Mark was first on the uptake by patting down his hips as if searching for missing keys. ¡°You see, they¡¯re the result of transmigrator theft!¡± the caravan master exclaimed. ¡°Nothing left to their name except those clothes they¡¯re wearing. Show a little mercy?¡± he pleaded with large puppy dog eyes. ¡°Come now sir, it¡¯s just a nib each if you¡¯re keeping eye on them.¡± The town guard chided. ¡°Ah well, worth the try.¡± the caravan master sighed, pulling out a coin purse and rooting around inside. Tim nudged Paul to bring his ear down. ¡°a nib?¡± Paul could only shrug. ¡°I think it¡¯s the money.¡± Francis butted in. ¡°Talked with a lady, I think she confused me asking for a bite with me checking the price on something. I was wondering what was strange about that.¡± ¡°You had time to talk to a lady?¡± Paul looked gobsmacked. ¡°Nice one, selling dried meats. Bit salty though. Also, your predictions been correct so far.¡± Francis commented. ¡°There you go.¡± The caravan master deposited the small bronze coins in the town guards hand. ¡°On my promise that they will do no harm.¡± The guard waved them through and the six of them entered the town proper. The town itself was almost exactly as Paul would have expected. Wooden buildings, thatch roofs, dirt roads, and oddly empty, but that¡¯s most likely because of the market outside drawing people there. ¡°Where we¡¯re heading is to get you your own plates.¡± The caravan master said over his shoulder. ¡°Somewhat limited options here so we¡¯ll have to go through the guild.¡± They approached one of the few two story buildings in town. This one had a roof made of wooden shingles and off white plaster on the outside. Hanging on the outside of the building over the door was a sign with a relief cut into it of what appears to be a spyglass and sword crossed in an X shape. Pushing open the door reveals a somewhat barren room with a trio of tables with chairs near the front of the building. At the rear, a counter top and woman wearing a worn button up shirt with tassels that gave it a look of a marching band uniform. She appeared to be staring into space. Behind her, a set of stairs headed upwards with many cabinets built into the space beneath. It took a moment for the woman in uniform to gather her wits about her. She had light brown hair tied up in a bun and plump rosy cheeks that spoke of days spent indoors. ¡°Ah! Sorry about that. Welcome to the adventurers guild.¡± She straightened her uniform and posture at the same time. ¡°Everyone¡¯s out to market right now, but how can I help?¡± ¡°Two things miss!¡± the caravan master approached the counter. ¡°I¡¯ve need to set up a meeting with the guild master. Tell them caravan master Gil has news to spread and pass on as is our mandate.¡± ¡°Must have missed him then, he said he¡¯d be at market and that I was to mind the building.¡± The receptionist rolled her eyes. ¡°Can¡¯t expect him to be proactive like that.¡± ¡°More¡¯s the pity.¡± Gil the caravan master smoothed over. ¡°The other is that I¡¯ve these four to get plates for. Unfortunate souls that they are, transmigrator incident don¡¯t you know.¡± ¡°Ah, that¡¯s terrible!¡± The receptionist looked with pity on the four. Her gaze lingering on Mark for a moment longer though. ¡°I¡¯ll get things started. Do you have the bites for the plates?¡± ¡°I would be a poor saviour if I didn¡¯t get these people set out on the right foot.¡± Gil opened up his wallet once more. ¡°Their tormentor paid the final price, and this one as well when we get it¡¯s body to the nearest cathedral for the bounty.¡± Gil placed four iron coins on the counter top. ¡°Get them situated for me please. Busy man, many things to do and all that.¡± Gil turned away from the counter and motioned for Barnard to follow. ¡°Should we meet again, don¡¯t hesitate to ask after me!¡± Gil waved goodbye as he pushed the door open and exited. The receptionist had on the counter four pieces of paper and a crystal ball. ¡°I¡¯ll need you all to fill out this paper for our records, as well as display your [Status] through this ball to confirm it.¡± Paul picked up the paper nearest him. ¡°Happily Lady..?¡± ¡°Oh, It¡¯s Julia.¡± The receptionist Julia chuckled. ¡°I¡¯m no fancy lady, just getting by, waiting for the right person.¡± She leaned on the counter top. Tim grabbed his and Mark grabbed the last two, handing one down for Francis. ¡°So... In town for long?¡± Julia asked while looking up at Mark who was slightly taken aback. The rest had a different problem to contend with than casual conversation. While they could understand everything spoken. Staring at the pieces of paper in their hands, none of them could read. Session 1 – Bullies are the Same Everywhere Paul was panicking. Maybe he should have seen this coming. The dream graduation diploma couldn¡¯t be read either, but that was normal for dreams he thought. He recalled from his character sheet that it said ¡®Languages spoken: all¡¯ but figured that was a typo. ¡°A typo!¡± Paul shouted at himself in his mind. ¡°It¡¯s a thing of magic that a goddess made. How could it have a typo.¡± Tim and Francis were having similar existential crisis¡¯s. ¡°Should we ask for help?¡± Tim whispered to Francis. ¡°Maybe play it off as a health problem?¡± ¡°No way man.¡± Francis shook his head. ¡°We¡¯ve got to make a good first impression.¡± He inspected the paper and it¡¯s unfamiliar characters. ¡°It¡¯s a form, they¡¯re shaped like they are for a reason. Just scrawl something where you think things are supposed to go and say we¡¯ve got bad handwriting. Maybe she¡¯ll ask to clarify.¡± Tim nodded, then looking at Julia who was still attempting to flirt with Mark. ¡°Would you have a pen for us?¡± he asked. Julia dragged her attention away from Marks face with a small frown to say ¡°Nothing that fancy, we¡¯ve only got quills here so let me get you...¡± At this moment the front door to the adventurers guild was shoved open roughly and a group of people entered loudly. ¡°WORTHLESS traders this month. Barely had anything worth buying.¡± The obvious leader stated. ¡°Can¡¯t believe were still stuck here until the next one pulls through.¡± The man complaining about inadequate shopping opportunities was wearing leather armour with a long sword on his hip and a shield on his back. He removed the shield to take a seat at one of the tables in the room. Entering with the complainer were his companions. A bow wielding woman, and a man wearing gray robes and carrying a staff. The three looked like the kind of people who were in the wilderness regularly. Sitting down at the table, the bow woman continued the conversation. ¡°I know what you mean. This place is the pits. No good quests, nothing to do most nights.¡± It was the man in the gray robes who nudged the swordsman. ¡°Look what we got here, Newbies.¡± giving the four a side eye appraising look. The swordsman craned his neck to get a better look before grinning. ¡°Oh Julia! What do we have here? Fresh meat?¡± Julia looked annoyed at the interruption of her duties. ¡°Everett you lazy lout. I KNOW you got at least two quests you should be doing right now. What¡¯s keeping you?¡± ¡°Market day, as you can expect.¡± Everett waving his hand towards the outside. ¡°That, and you know those quests don¡¯t have time limits. But I am so very curious about these ¡®people¡¯ we¡¯ve got here.¡± giving the ¡®people¡¯ a decidedly off tone. Everett got up from his chair and stalked towards the counter. His companions watching from their seats with amusement. He got close and snatched the paper out of Mark¡¯s hands. ¡°Hah, haven¡¯t even filled it out I see.¡± Everett glanced at the paper. ¡°Have they done the orb yet?¡± Julia¡¯s mood continued to sour. ¡°Not yet Everett, I was about to get to that when you interrupted.¡± said through clenched teeth. ¡°Oh, well don¡¯t let me stop you.¡± Everett dropped the piece of paper on the counter top and looked towards Mark. ¡°You¡¯re the big man. Let¡¯s see your [Status].¡± ¡°Fine.¡± Mark stated flatly. ¡°Let¡¯s get this over with.¡± Julia moved the crystal ball near Mark and with an official rehersed voice. ¡°Please place your hand on the orb and say [Status].¡± Mark reached out with his right hand. As his fingers touched the orb, it lit up with a ghostly pale light in the centre. Mark flinched as a warmth came up his fingers. His palm came to rest making full contact which added a floating white ring of runes above hand and orb together. The feeling of pins and needles lanced through his palm. ¡°[Status]¡± Mark intoned.
Status
Name: Mark Class: Warrior
HP: 12/12 MP: 0/0 SP: 1/1
STR: 16 STM: 14 AGI: 12
INT: 8 DEX: 12 LCK: 14
Julia looked horrified. Everett however, bent in half laughing like a donkey. ¡°Oh shit, you guys gotta see this!¡± Everett motioned for his companions to approach before losing his composure a second time. ¡°He¡¯s like a little baby.¡± Mark released the ball and shook out his hand o release the phantom pain. He stared down at the laughing man and bit back his words. ¡°How about the rest of you?¡± Everett prompted the other three. Malicious glee spread across his face. Francis took the bait. ¡°Let me up there.¡± He snarled and climbed up the counters edge. Grasping the ball firmly and wincing slightly he almost shouted ¡°[Status].¡±
Status
Name: Francis Class: Thief
HP: 9/9 MP: 0/0 SP: 1/1
STR: 8 STM: 12 AGI: 17
INT: 13 DEX: 17 LCK: 11
¡°Oh man!¡± Everett rolled his smiling eyes. ¡°This is the best entertainment I¡¯ve had in weeks! This ones even weaker!¡± Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Francis hopped down and aimed for Everett¡¯s toes. Unfortunately, from Francis¡¯s perspective, he encountered a toe cap. ¡°You little shit. Watch where you¡¯re going.¡± Everett snapped. ¡°That could have hurt.¡± While Everett was distracted, Paul took the opportunity to grasp the orb. He gave out a small audible gasp as the magic took hold. ¡°[Status].¡±
Status
Name: Paul Class: Mage
HP: 7/7 MP: 2/2 SP: 1/1
STR: 8 STM: 12 AGI: 16
INT: 16 DEX: 16 LCK: 10
Julia gave Paul a look of pity. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I hear that MP grows over time. Maybe you¡¯ll have enough to cast a spell in a year or two?¡± Paul knew that he shouldn¡¯t feel ashamed. But it was hard not to with the look Julia gave him. ¡°Guess I¡¯m the only one left.¡± Tim announced. Everett looked forward to the latest bit of humiliation he was about to give. Tim lifted his black stone like hand to the orb and the runes on them glowed in sympathy with the orb. ¡°[Status].¡± Tim announced.
Status
Name: Tim Class: Healer
HP: 12/12 MP: 2/2 SP: 1/1
STR: 13 STM: 16 AGI: 10
INT: 12 DEX: 10 LCK: 8
The expected mocking died on Everett¡¯s lips. He stared at Tim for a moment, the other three, and back at his group, before wetting his lips to ask. ¡°So you¡¯re a healer?¡± Tim released the orb and rested his arm on the counter. ¡°That says I am, what¡¯s it to you?¡± ¡°My group could use a healer.¡± Everett launched into his offer. ¡°We can keep you safe while you level up for sure. Get you the right gear. You¡¯ll be rich enough to bite your own coins in no time, I promise.¡± Tim looked like he was considering it. Chin resting on his hand, arms crossed, foot tapping on the floor. ¡°Hmmmmmmm¡± he let the sound rumble out for a long moment. ¡°Let me sweeten the deal.¡± Everett started rubbing his hands together. ¡°You¡¯ll get a third of the rewards instead of a regular four way split.¡± ¡°While that does sound like a tempting offer.¡± Tim pointed at Everett. ¡°I couldn¡¯t possibly work with someone like yourself.¡± He thumbed towards Paul, Francis, and Mark. ¡°I¡¯m with them.¡± Everett looked incensed, but quickly tamped down on the angry emotion. ¡°I suspect you don¡¯t know what you¡¯re missing out on. But if you ever change your mind, you know where to find me.¡± Everett turned away from Tim and gave a murderous glare towards the other three before returning to his table. His companions quickly huddled around and they started a hasty whispered conversation. ¡°Unpleasant.¡± Tim stated. He turned towards Julia. ¡°If you would be so kind as to fill out those papers for us?¡± Julia gave Tim a warm smile. ¡°Sure, I can do that. While you¡¯re waiting, why not look at the quest board. You¡¯ll officially be adventurers after this.¡± She gestured to her right at a peg board with two pieces of paper attached. The four thanked her and wandered over to the board. Mark shot Everett a dark look at the back of his head on the way over. As they arrived, the four put their heads together to have their own whispered conversation. ¡°Quick thinking Tim.¡± Francis reached up to pat the dwarf on it¡¯s upper arm. ¡°One hurdle passed. Now what should we do next?¡± Mark spoke up. ¡°I do believe that those guys back there are planning something bad for us. They didn¡¯t take your refusal nicely Tim. We¡¯ll have to keep an eye out.¡± Paul nodded. ¡°That goes without saying. But now that we¡¯re here, penniless I must add.¡± ¡°Nibless.¡± Francis interrupted. ¡°We don¡¯t have any nibs.¡± ¡°Right, nibless.¡± Paul continued. ¡°We got to do something for work, especially if we want to eat...¡± Paul looked at Tim and raised an eyebrow. ¡°You do eat though, right?¡± Tim had to think for a moment longer than usual for this type of question. ¡°Yes, I think so at least.¡± ¡°OK so what does the board have, even if we can¡¯t read it.¡± Paul plucked one of the pieces of paper off the board, one that had a picture on it. ¡°The other one is pure writing, and this one has what I think is a goblin on it.¡± Drawn on the paper was a relatively well done drawing of an ugly humanoid with large bulbous nose and wide floppy pointed ears. ¡°Going off of what I think is happening.¡± Paul pointed at the picture. ¡°This is a quest to kill some goblins. Fairly standard stuff.¡± ¡°What¡¯s a goblin?¡± Mark asked, rubbing his chin in contemplation. ¡°Probably a small green guy, about Francis¡¯s height with this kind of face if my guess is correct.¡± Paul waved his hand around waist height. ¡°Most likely rove around in packs, enjoys caves, general menace, that sort of thing.¡± ¡°Ah, varmint hunting. Yeah I can see that being important.¡± Mark nodded. ¡°Remove some pests, get paid, then maybe pants.¡± Francis looked up at Mark. ¡°Especially pants for you.¡± Mark opened his mouth in mild scandalous shock. ¡°All set for you!¡± Julia called out, drawing their attention back to her. She had the four plates laid out on a tray. The four made their way back to the counter to inspect their new forms of identification. Etched on the plates were their names, surprisingly legible to them, along with a word they couldn¡¯t read. There was a space remaining that was still blank. ¡°We got your name, your class, and your adventurer rank.¡± Julia pointed out. ¡°Sorry I couldn¡¯t give you an easy in to rank one. I don¡¯t think that¡¯d be... safe.¡± She added nervously. Mark picked his up and inspected the neat writing. ¡°Thank you kindly Julia.¡± Julia fluttered her eyes. ¡°We also brought over a quest we¡¯d like to take on.¡± Mark gestured to Paul who laid the paper on the counter top. With a smile, Julia picked up the paper. ¡°Oh yes, the GOBLINS, that SOMEONE, should have TAKEN CARE OF ALREADY.¡± raising her voice for the offending trio in the room. ¡°I¡¯d be glad to mark you four down as working on it.¡± Paul butted in by saying ¡°Could you give us any additional details?¡± Julia blinked. ¡°I mean it¡¯s all there on the page. Goblins, to the west, making sex, harassing farmers, take them out and bring back proof.¡± Paul also blinked. ¡°Right, yes, we¡¯ll get right on that. Tomorrow perhaps, it¡¯s getting late. Can you suggest a place for us to stay the night?¡± Julia patted Paul on the hand. ¡°Not to worry, I would suggest the Cup and Crow just down the way. Can¡¯t miss it. Gosh you¡¯re soft.¡± Paul retracted his hand. ¡°Thank you miss. I suppose we¡¯ll be on our way.¡± The others gave Julia waves and nods and turned towards the front door. On the way there, Francis looked up at Paul and tugged him down to ask. ¡°¡¯Making sex¡¯?¡± Paul could only shrug. Session 1 – The Cup and Crow The walk to the Cup and Crow was uneventful. The streets were looking a little more lively. People were trickling back inside the walls from the caravan market outside them. One could imagine the hustle and bustle of small town life filling the streets. The sun was starting to set giving everything an amber glow. ¡°Ya know, I¡¯m feeling pretty lucky.¡± Francis said. ¡°How so?¡± Tim asked. ¡°I don¡¯t have shoes, and my feet don¡¯t hurt.¡± Francis took a hopping step to flex his dirt covered feet in front of him. ¡°Like, if this were Earth, I¡¯d swear I¡¯d be limping by now.¡± Paul looked over. ¡°I think these new bodies were ¡®suited¡¯ for our environment.¡± Francis looked up and cocked his head. ¡°Was that a joke? Does this man have jokes?¡± Tim gave an exhausted sigh. ¡°It was a pun, the worst kind of joke.¡± The front door of the Cup and Crow stood open and flickering light poured out. A faint aroma of spices greeted the four as they stepped in through the door. The back wall had a bar, large tapped barrels, and a doorway leading into another room. The fireplace currently had a lit fire providing light and warmth. A couple of square tables with long benches for seating were scattered about the room. As for the patrons. The four recognized Bernard currently seated at a table. Bernard was currently eating out of a bowl with half a loaf of bread next to him. A couple of other humans that they hadn¡¯t met before, but looked like labourers of some kind. And finally, the proprietress currently standing behind the bar wearing an apron with her hair up in a bun. ¡°Come in, grab a seat where¡¯er.¡± The proprietress called out. ¡°Mark, you¡¯re with me. We¡¯re begging, and you¡¯re the eye candy.¡± Francis spoke quickly in a low voice. ¡°Paul, Tim, you two are the backup plan. Go talk to Bernard there and get friendly.¡± Paul and Tim were surprised, but quickly composed themselves to give a smile and wave towards Bernard. They walked on over to commandeer a couple of seats. ¡°How am I the ¡®eye candy¡¯.¡± Mark bent over to whisper at Francis as they meandered towards the bar. Francis waved in a friendly manner at the proprietress while whispering through his teeth. ¡°Julia back at the guild was burning holes through your clothes with her eyes. How did you not notice?¡± ¡°She was just being friendly.¡± Mark said. ¡°It¡¯s her job.¡± ¡°She was about to make her ¡®job¡¯ all about you given half the chance.¡± Francis snapped back. ¡°Now let me work and follow my lead.¡± ¡°Hi there!¡± Francis¡¯s voice sparkled with enthusiasm. ¡°We got recommended this place from Julia down at the adventurers guild. She said this place would be a good spot to stay the night in, miss..?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t get your lot in here very often. Me names Greta.¡± The woman rested her arms on the bar top. Greta looked matronly and comfortably middle aged. Brown hair was starting to go gray at the temple and there was a plumpness to her that spoke of a habit of constantly tasting food to make sure it was properly done. ¡°A pleasure to meet you Greta. We¡¯re new in town and find ourselves in a bind.¡± Francis hauled himself up onto a stool. ¡°Perhaps you¡¯ve heard rumours about us? From Bernard there maybe?¡± Francis gestured towards Bernard at his table where the other two had engaged him in conversation. ¡°Oh roight. The four O¡¯ you had one of them accidents.¡± Greta nodded. ¡°I heard the talk what¡¯s been going round.¡± ¡°That¡¯s us.¡± Francis gave a saddened look. ¡°And it¡¯s left us in dire straits as it were. We¡¯re nibless the four of us so we¡¯re hoping for a bit of charity.¡± ¡°Wot kind of charity?¡± Greta¡¯s face hardened. ¡°Nothing much, Nothing much.¡± Francis raised his hands in surrender. ¡°We¡¯re just nibless at the moment. We¡¯ve taken on the goblin job from the guild, but it¡¯s too late to get to it right now. So we were hoping for a couple of things you can provide.¡± Francis ticked things off on his fingers. ¡°A bit to eat, a place to sleep, and most important of all.¡± Francis waggled his eyebrows. ¡°a bath. I don¡¯t feel ¡®half¡¯ a man without one.¡± Greta snorted. ¡°Adventurers who bathe. As I live and breathe, never thought I¡¯d see the day.¡± Mark took this opportunity to speak up. ¡°We¡¯d be happy to do some work if it¡¯s needed. Washing dishes, cleaning, that sort of thing.¡± ¡°You do talk.¡± Greta eyed up Mark. ¡°and that¡¯s quite kind O¡¯ ye. I¡¯ll be putting you to work then in a while.¡± She glanced back towards Francis. ¡°After you gets cleaned up.¡± Returning her gaze to Mark. ¡°Head on through the kitchen to the back yard there. You¡¯ll find a wash tub and a couple of buckets. Well¡¯s a ways off, but a straight shot, so you¡¯ll need to haul the water from there. No problem for a strapping lad like yourself.¡± She batted Marks arm playfully. ¡°Thank you kindly Ma¡¯am.¡± Mark nodded. ¡°We¡¯ll get right on that.¡± Mark pushed back from the bar and headed towards the kitchen. Francis watched him go. ¡°A saint, that man.¡± Mark turned around, walked back, and grabbed Francis by the arm. ¡°¡¯We¡¯ll¡¯ get right on that.¡± Emphasizing the ¡®we¡¯ll¡¯. Francis gave Greta a pained look. ¡°I tried.¡± as he was dragged off his stool to join Mark in fetching water. ---------------- a few minutes earlier. ---------------- Paul and Tim had made their way to Bernard''s table. The serious guard was eyeing them as they approached, resting his spoon on the lip of his bowl. Paul opened with. ¡°Tis luck that we meet again Bernard sire. Would you mind if we joined you this merry eve?¡± Bernard raised an eyebrow before nodding towards the empty space in front of him. ¡°I take it things went all right with the guild?¡± ¡°Nary a thing to worry about.¡± Paul sat. Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! ¡°Wouldn¡¯t say ¡®nary¡¯.¡± Tim joined him on the bench which creaked. ¡°Group of toughs were looking for trouble, had to turn them down.¡± ¡°Our Tim here was too enticing for his own good.¡± Paul smiled at Tim placing a hand on their shoulder. ¡°It speaks to our good fortune that he is still with us.¡± Bernard gave them a slow nod. ¡°Keeping your friends close is important.¡± and took another bite of his stew. A moment of awkward silence encompassed the group. Bernard chewed his food. Tim broke it by asking. ¡°So where¡¯s Gil at? Haven''t seen you two apart much.¡± ¡°We¡¯re not joined at the hip. It¡¯s a job. Me and mine are contracted to the caravan.¡± Bernard explained. ¡°Gil¡¯s probably out being wined and dined by the mayor or something.¡± ¡°Oh, so you and yours have been around a bit.¡± Tim began. ¡°Any advice for dealing with goblins? We¡¯ve taken on a job from the guild.¡± Bernard broke off a piece of bread and dipped it in the bowl of stew. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t worry too much. Strength like a child. Hit em hard enough and they go down easy. Haven¡¯t had to deal with them overly much on the caravan job. They mostly stick near settlements, caravan moves too often for them to setup.¡± ¡°That¡¯s a relief.¡± Tim nodded along. ¡°Anything else for the adventuring life? We¡¯ll be moving around a bit trying to get our bearings. Working on the ol¡¯ memory you know.¡± Bernard chewed his food in contemplation. ¡°Good straps.¡± ¡°Straps?¡± Paul asked. Bernard continued. ¡°Good straps. Good straps to keep your gear from shifting about. If anything moves, it clanks, it makes noise, you get heard. Get good straps and nothing moves, it sticks to your body like a second skin, makes things easy to carry. Get good straps.¡± At the back of the Inn Mark had just hauled Francis off into the kitchen. ¡°aha, I spy that mine good friends have struck some deal with the proprietress.¡± Paul stood up. ¡°twas a pleasure speaking with you Bernard. We will see about our friends now, and I wish you well.¡± Bernard gave a wave to Paul, and a handshake to Tim. ¡°Best of luck out there. We¡¯re in town for tomorrow as you know, but leaving the morning after. Stay safe.¡± Together, Paul and Tim walked to the kitchen and followed the sounds of Francis complaining. Stepping through the doorway they found a relatively primitive kitchen. Stone oven, wooden prep table, and pantry cabinets. A selection of metal tools hung on hooks within easy reach of anyone who would be working there. The two stepped out into the backyard to meet up with the other two. ¡°So what¡¯s the deal?¡± Paul looked towards Francis. ¡°I swear she woulda just given us it, but Mark here just had to volunteer us for cleaning duty.¡± Francis raised his hands in consternation. ¡°It was the right thing to do.¡± Mark pointed out. ¡°Just because we have nothing to our name doesn¡¯t mean we don¡¯t have hands that can work. Besides, you¡¯re just complaining because you were trying to get out of this part of it.¡± ¡°Do you have any idea what it would be like?¡± Francis crossed his arms. ¡°The buckets come up to your calves, but it¡¯s my waist. It¡¯ll be a nightmare for me to carry.¡± Mark looked over to the befuddled Paul and Tim. ¡°Couple of chores to do is all. We¡¯re getting water for cleaning ourselves from the well.¡± Mark pointed at the wash tub in the middle of the yard. ¡°Then we¡¯ll check in with Greta for the next thing.¡± Paul glanced down at his spindly arms and said. ¡°I think this is a point where we divide up duties as needed. I¡¯ll go to Greta and get started on dishes. Francis you join me and see about sweeping up or something.¡± Tim nodded in agreement. ¡°I¡¯ll go with Mark here and fetch some water.¡± The four split up for the second time that evening. Paul and Francis heading back inside while Mark and Tim picked up a pair of buckets each. Mark and Tim walked into the road and spotted the well at a crossroads down the way. Surrounding it were a number of people also fetching water. The pair started their walk in silence until Mark spoke up to ask. ¡°Food smells good in there don¡¯t you think?¡± ¡°Couldn¡¯t tell you really.¡± Tim plodded along. ¡°Sure I smell it, but it doesn¡¯t smell ¡®good¡¯ or ¡®bad¡¯ to me.¡± ¡°That something we need to be concerned about?¡± Mark matched him step for step. ¡°I mean, it¡¯s not like I hunger for human flesh, if that¡¯s what you were worrying about.¡± Tim chuckled. ¡°Just like that food didn¡¯t...¡± Tim sniffs the air. ¡°Entice...¡± Another deep nostril full. ¡°Me like that...¡± His head hunted with his nose leading. ¡°Alluring scent just now.¡± Mark also gave a sniff, but couldn¡¯t place any particular food scent around. ¡°Hang on, I gotta find this.¡± Tim continued sniffing. As Tim went in search of something, Mark stayed near the odd dwarf who was following his nose. Before too long, Tim found what they were searching for in the form of a blacksmith. The sounds of hammer hitting anvil rung out from the building. The cherry red glow of a forge open to the evening air. Standing over the anvil and working a piece of metal was a slightly lopsided man wearing a thick leather apron. His right arm, noticeably larger, was swinging the hammer with measured blows. Tim approached and made a throat noise to get the mans attention. The blacksmith looked up at the interruption frowning, but his expression changed upon seeing Tim. He set the piece of metal on the forge¡¯s edge to keep warm and laid his hammer on the anvil. ¡°Well well well. Not something you see every day. In town with the caravan perhaps? What can I do you for?¡± The blacksmith wiped his hands on his apron and put his hand forward to shake. Tim took the offered hand. ¡°Just out doing chores actually. Me and my friend were fetching some water when I just caught a whiff of whatever you¡¯re cooking up here.¡± ¡°Hah, cooking up.¡± The blacksmith laughed. ¡°Just making some parts for the caravan. Brackets mostly, that and nails.¡± ¡°Anything you can spare for a hungry dwarf?¡± Tim pleaded. ¡°Can¡¯t say no to a face like that.¡± The blacksmith grinned. ¡°I¡¯ve got a scraps bin you can have a handful from if you¡¯re not too picky.¡± They stepped away to fish out a wooden box filled with twisted bits of black metal. Tim took the box and gave it a sniff. Pushing pieces aside they stopped on one that was particularly dark, about the length and size of their pointer finger. Lifting it out they gave it a tentative lick. The flavour of iron was closest to a nosebleed dripping onto Tim¡¯s lips. A metallic sting that in Tim¡¯s mind was surprisingly good. The blackened carbon dust buildup on top gave it an almost sugary zing. Tim might have been hungry. A few appreciative smacks later. Tim asked. ¡°Piece of coal to go with it? We¡¯ve taken the goblin job from the guild. Going to be hungry work.¡± ¡°Yeah that¡¯s alright with me.¡± The blacksmith pointed at the coal pile next to their forge. Tim picked up a piece from atop the pile. ¡°Thanks for this Sir. We¡¯ll let you get back to it. Come find us at the Cup and Crow if we can repay the favour somehow.¡± ¡°Couldn¡¯t let a hungry dwarf starve now could I?¡± The blacksmith returned to his work with the once again red piece of metal. As Tim and Mark returned to the street. Mark had to ask. ¡°So you eat metal?¡± ¡°It¡¯s kind of like jerky if you think about it.¡± Tim bit into the metal, which deformed and snipped off to be chewed. ¡°I¡¯m made of hematite, so this is just cooked ¡®me¡¯ as I see it. The coal is more like a sweet.¡± ¡°At least you¡¯re going to be easy to feed.¡± Mark noted. ¡°Eh, maybe not.¡± Tim contemplated. ¡°Sure in town here, or at a coal mine, no problem. But coal and metal don¡¯t exactly spring up in the wilderness. Not too many wild coal bushes, or metal deer running around.¡± ¡°Could be.¡± Mark shrugged. ¡°We don¡¯t know that.¡± Tim raised their finger and opened their mouth to talk, but stopped before slowly resetting as the point made hit home. The well was their next stop. A number of people were currently in line operating the bucket and rope contraption to bring water up. Mark and Tim¡¯s turn took a bit longer than most because they had four buckets to fill. Mark had filled his while Tim was getting started. A group of older ladies called out to Mark. ¡°You¡¯re a new face in town. Been here long?¡± Mark stiffened and turned towards the speaker. ¡°Not too long ma¡¯am, came in with the caravan. Just getting some water for cleaning ourselves up.¡± The lady speaking looked surprised. ¡°Giving yourself a wash eh?¡± waggling her eyebrows ¡°Doing a public showing maybe?¡± ¡°Margret!¡± another one of the ladies spoke up. ¡°That¡¯s scandalous that is.¡± ¡°So what!¡± Margret turned. ¡°Can¡¯t have a bit of fun no more is that it?¡± ¡°You¡¯re married is what it is.¡± The lady spoke. ¡°Aye that I am.¡± Margret turned back to give Mark a long look up and down. ¡°Makes me more appreciative is all.¡± Quickly turning back to their friend. ¡°Of the bathing part, you see.¡± The two continued to bicker between themselves as Tim finished bringing up his last bucket of water. ¡°Got it, we should get going.¡± ¡°Yes, right.¡± Mark agreed and hauled up his own two buckets as the pair walked off. The final note on the ladies argument that reached Marks ears was. ¡°I¡¯ve got daughters you know! It¡¯s a mothers duty.¡± ---------------- A few minutes earlier, again. ---------------- ¡°I hate washing dishes.¡± Francis took a proffered dish and dried it with the rag he was holding. ¡°Yeah, well, not every chore gets to be earth shatteringly important ya know.¡± As Paul picked up another dirty bowl to scrub food from. And the two washed dishes. Session 1 – The Cup and Crow After Dark. Water had been fetched, dishes had been washed, The floor swept, and a very chilly bath had been taken by all. They were all huddled around the fire and were chewing on bread and stew. Tim had taken the bowl graciously, but tipped it out into the others instead of eating it themselves. ¡°I never knew how much I loved hot water until that bath.¡± Francis said through mouthfuls of stew. ¡°Could have been worse.¡± Tim mused. ¡°At least we had soap.¡± ¡°Yeah well, you only scrubbed. I was in there up to my neck. Standing mind you!¡± Francis replied. ¡°I have to say Paul.¡± Mark looked over at the matted damp fur covered elf. ¡°Maybe you should have gone first, towel wouldn¡¯t have been so damp by then.¡± Paul was chattering through his teeth and holding his hands up to the fire. ¡°Couldn¡¯t be helped. Live and learn and all that.¡± The crackle of the fire and the scrape of spoon on bowl were the only sounds for a few minutes. The other patrons of the evening had been and gone already. Greta was wiping down tables and setting the chairs upside down on top. ¡°You boys don¡¯ stay up too late now.¡± Greta chided them. ¡°You¡¯ve got work tomorrow.¡± Mark looked over his shoulder to call back. ¡°Won¡¯t be too much longer ma¡¯am. Just have to have a talk about tomorrow then we¡¯ll take that room you¡¯ve got set for us.¡± Greta gave him a smile and made her own way to her room. Tim nodded at Mark. ¡°That¡¯s a good point. What¡¯s your plan for tomorrow?¡± Mark resettled his bowl on his lap. ¡°Way I see it. Get up and clean our room.¡± Francis scoffed. ¡°Part of the deal, remember.¡± Mark glared at Francis before continuing. ¡°Head into the forest, find those goblins. Deal with them as best we can. Head on back for payment.¡± ¡°Sounds solid to me.¡± Tim said. ¡°Anyone else got some insight?¡± Paul, still chattering his teeth. ¡°They probably live in groups. So do our best to not get surrounded.¡± Francis spoke up. ¡°Would hit and run tactics work?¡± Paul turned a shivering eye to Francis. ¡°Didn¡¯t think you were a military man.¡± Francis looked insulted. ¡°I would never! But that doesn¡¯t mean I haven¡¯t played a video game in my life.¡± ¡°Figured as much, but never hurts to check.¡± Paul rubbed his furred arms, getting a brief mist of water for his trouble. ¡°Speaking of military stuff.¡± Francis laid his spoon into the empty bowl. ¡°What will we do about weapons? I¡¯m not too confident in that punch I saw on the sheet.¡± ¡°The forest shall provide.¡± Tim perked up for a moment. ¡°Specifically, we can probably find some good sized tree branches to function as clubs for us.¡± ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± Mark had also finished his food. ¡°Tonight''s charity was enough. I somewhat doubt that anyone would be willing to lend a sword to someone who might not come back with it. There¡¯s plenty of tools that I¡¯ve lent out that never made it home.¡± The others gave Mark a sidelong glance. ¡°Wrenches and ten millimetre socket heads for the most part.¡± Mark coughed into his fist. ¡°Maybe a jack stand.¡± Tim clacked their hands on their knees. Paused at the sound it made, then said ¡°Welp, time to be getting to bed.¡± Getting up off the bench they were sharing causing it to unbend. Mark and Francis joined Tim but Paul stayed put. ¡°You going to be alright Paul?¡± Tim asked, concern apparent on his face. ¡°Oh yeah, no problem.¡± Paul shivered. ¡°Just going to watch the fire for a bit longer, warm up, get some thinking done.¡± ¡°OK, but don¡¯t stay up too late.¡± Tim gave Paul a pat on the back. ¡°And put the fire out fully when you head to bed. Remember, only you...¡± ¡°Yes yes... forest fires.¡± Paul waved them away. The three of them made their way to the room set aside. Paul was left on his own to contemplate the fireplace. An hour passed surprisingly quickly for Paul. The stirrings of the grand spell and dancing crackle of flame lulled him into a meditative state quickly. The murmured magic words performing a sonorous litany of ¡°be a man.¡± on repeat in his mind. A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. Paul¡¯s thoughts drifted from the grand spell to everything else that had happened. With what he knew about elfs, he supposed this was the closest to dreaming he would get. Dead after losing his job and getting into a car accident. Maybe should have waited a bit longer for the rain to subside. Headed a different route home perhaps? That goddess might have rushed us into accepting. Could we have taken a different route? Waited for more options to be available? Not sure there was anything else available besides accepting. A fantasy come true at least. Dropped into the world, literally. Could that other guy have been saved? They were very... enthusiastic about the situation. Might have had an easier time of things if they kept their mouth shut. A cart ride, the adventurers guild. Was I in shock the whole time? Tried my best for the situation I was in at least. Goblin thing too. Wonder what the other quest was. The inn and chores. Those weren¡¯t bad. Francis seems to have a firm grasp on things. Mark sounds like a stand up guy too. Tim is probably going to be worth his weight in gold with the healer thing. And myself. What am I supposed to do now? I¡¯ve got an idea as to what will happen, but I¡¯ve been wrong before, probably be wrong again. I¡¯m a Wizard for God¡¯s sake. I should at least be able to do SOME magic. With that thought, Paul snapped out of his own mind in time to notice the logs were ash white and the fire had been reduced to embers. He was dry and feeling refreshed but it was pitch black outside and not much brighter inside. Paul searched around for a log to place on the fire and blew on the embers to get it going once more. As the log took flame, he gazed around at the darkened room. ¡°The price of mastery is to first look like a fool.¡± Paul mumbled the quote. ¡°At least no one is going to see the first attempts here.¡± .¡± Paul announced to the darkness. Skipping to the third page. Paul looked at the four Cantrips he ¡®knew¡¯. He also ¡®knew¡¯ them from his time playing and settled on Prestidigitation for his first spell. ¡°OK, something small. How about a sparkler?¡± Paul limbered up his arms and flexed his fingers. Paul waved his hands for a moment ending with a point and saying in a whisper so as to not wake anyone up. ¡°[Prestidigitation].¡± No sparks, no magic, nothing. ¡°I attack the darkness! [Prestidigitation].¡± Paul quietly speaks with a throwing motion. No pungent stench of mildew, no elf suddenly appearing. Paul stood up for this next one. Got into a low stance and held his cupped hands by his right hip. ¡°KaaaaaMeeeeeHaaaaaaMeeeeeeeHaaaaa. [Prestidigitation].¡± He shout whispered while thrusting his hands forward. Not a single energy blast. ¡°Wishful thinking on that last one really.¡± Paul felt momentary shame. Paul continued experimenting until the log he had added to the fire burnt itself out. Another log was quickly found but Paul hesitated on adding it to the embers. One of the possible effects was lighting fires. Paul switched from trying to make sparks to lighting the fire. ¡°If I fail this, I¡¯ll be cold. That might be the ticket, consequences. [Prestidigitation].¡± The whispered words directed at the fireplace. The pointed finger stubbornly refused to ignite the log. Frustration was evident on Paul¡¯s face. Canine teeth were revealed in a snarl. ¡°[Prestidigitation], [Prestidigitation], [Prestidigitation].¡± Each word increasing in volume with a matching thrust of his pointed finger. ¡°Light on fire you piece of shit log! [Prestidigitation]!¡± the words came out at almost a shout that reverberated in the stifling darkness. A jolt of lightning raced up from Pauls solar plexus deep within his torso to his brain. From his brain it then shot down his arm forming a ring of red runes floating around his bicep. The ring tightened to his furred skin before sliding forward to his outstretched finger where it shot off towards the log. Alighting on a rough piece of bark, the red runes spun in place for an instant and left behind a piece of burning lit flame about the size of a candle. Paul stood there, gobsmacked. He¡¯d just done magic. The sting of magic hit Paul then. His right arm and finger experienced a cramp that caused him to flinch and shake out the limb. Yet he could not take his eyes off the small flame that was currently spreading on the log in front of him, the proof of his first successful spell. ¡°Once just happens, twice is a coincidence, three times is a pattern.¡± Paul thought. ¡°I want sparkles to shoot up out of my palm. [Prestidigitation].¡± in a firm voice as Paul held his hand up in front of his face. The lightning raced along similar pathways, but this time the rune ring was white. It flowed down his arm and around his outstretched fingers to rest in the middle of his palm. There the sparkles shot up like sparkler firework. Paul concentrated with a squint as the sudden bright light mere inches from his eyes materialized. A growing pain started in his arm, but he held off for a few seconds until it became unbearable. Paul clenched his fist and the sparkles stopped. What would be next? He felt giddy with the new found power. ¡°I need to see. So lets turn on a [Light]!¡± Paul pointed at the ceiling, but nothing happened. ¡°Oh come on!¡± Paul thought vindictively as he thought deeper on the [Light] spell. ¡°It has a material component! And I¡¯m fresh out of... fireflys or phosphorescent moss.¡± Glancing around the room for a small object. Paul settled on a mug near the bar across the room. ¡°I¡¯ll pick that mug up and move it around the room. [Mage Hand]!¡± Paul¡¯s hand was held out in a claw shape as a blue rune ring flowed down his arm. It stopped at his wrist before rotating and a ghostly blue copy of Paul¡¯s hand floated quickly to clutch the mug from above in the same manner as his hand. Paul could still feel the mug as if it were in his hand. The stinging sensation was there, but muted. There was nothing but delight on his face as he flew the mug with ghostly blue hand around the room. ¡°What are you shouting about so early in the morn...!¡± Francis stumbled into the common room rubbing his eyes just in time for the mug to impact with his head. The mug fell out of the ghostly hands grip which promptly dissipated and hit the ground with a clatter. ¡°The heck was that?!¡± Francis rubbed the bump on his forehead. Paul didn¡¯t say a word as he stepped towards Francis. He got down on one knee in front of the halfling. Held out his hand then said. ¡°I can make sparks come out of my fingers. [Prestidigitation].¡± The familiar white rune ring and sparks formed in front of the two of them. Delight spread across Francis¡¯s features. ¡°Yer a wizard Paulie.¡± Francis quoted. Session 1 – Sticks and Stones May... The bright rays of the morning sun peaked in through the curtains of Mark¡¯s room. He raised his arm to cover his eyes in the crook of his elbow, blocking out the sun. A brief moment of calm passed by allowing him to almost slip back into slumber. Panic gripped Mark¡¯s chest. ¡°The cattle!¡± he thought as he threw the blanket off of himself before quickly getting on his feet. Disorientation hit Mark as nothing was in the right place. His dresser, the nightstand, the alarm clock, all missing. He quickly looked under his bed for his boots. There, on hands and knees, face pressed against the wooden floor, the events of the past day came back to Mark. Car crash, a deal, new people, new job, chores, food, sleep. The list of yesterday was surprisingly short. With a groan, he got up off his knees and made his way into the common room. Sitting at one of the tables was Paul, Tim, and Francis. The sounds of Greta humming to herself as she kneaded bread dough emanated from the kitchen. Tim was the one facing Mark¡¯s direction so they called out. ¡°Look who¡¯s finally awake.¡± Mark sheepishly scratched the back of his head. ¡°Yeah, sorry about that, I¡¯m usually an early riser.¡± ¡°Just messing with ya.¡± Tim smiled. ¡°You looked like you could use the rest after last night. Come join us. Greta says she¡¯ll have some bread for us in a bit.¡± Mark took a seat and the other two looked excited about something. ¡°What¡¯s got you two so full of energy?¡± Tim butted in before they could reply. ¡°They wouldn¡¯t tell me, kept being all smug about it. Said they¡¯d wait until you showed your face.¡± ¡°Just wanted to deepen the suspense.¡± Francis grinned. ¡°But now that he¡¯s here! Show em Paul!¡± ¡°Ladies and gentlemen.¡± Paul ran his hands up and down his arms. ¡°Nothing up my sleeves as you can see.¡± The Sleeveless tunic was indeed without sleeves. ¡°I can make sparks pop out of my fingers. [Prestidigitation].¡± Paul popped open his hand and the white rune ring made its trip down his arm to the tips of his fingers where the sparks did pop out of his fingers. Mark and Tim stared at the sparks, dumbfounded. The white bits of light popping off in little arcs to disappear a moment later. Tim broke fascination first to say. ¡°Yer a wiz...¡± ¡°Already did that one.¡± Francis cut in. ¡°Steal all my fun why don¡¯t ya.¡± Tim grumbled. The sparks stopped and Paul quickly shook out his hand. ¡°Stings a bit, but it isn¡¯t too bad.¡± ¡°Well don¡¯t make the sparks then.¡± Mark advised. Paul had to think it through for a moment. ¡°No, it¡¯s not just the sparks. It¡¯s the whole magic deal. When the magic travels through me, that¡¯s what stings. You saw that ring right?¡± ¡°Ah, yes, right.¡± Mark nodded. ¡°Good on you for figuring that out then. Any changes to the plan for today?¡± The others all shook their heads and a silence fell over the group. Paul was the first one to speak up. ¡°I think I¡¯d kill for a coffee.¡± Francis and Mark both perked up. ¡°Think they¡¯d have some here?¡± Francis craned his neck towards the kitchen and Greta. Tim asked for clarification. ¡°Here in town, or here in general?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll ask.¡± Paul stood up from the table and walked to the kitchen. ¡°Hey Greta?¡± Paul leaned against the doorway. ¡°Would you happen to have coffee on hand?¡± ¡°¡¯Fraid not.¡± Greta was portioning out dough into loaves. ¡°Too expensive for me pantry. That and what comes through ends up wit¡¯ the mayor.¡± Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road. Catching himself, Paul straightened up. ¡°Tis a pity my lady. Thank you all the same.¡± ¡°¡¯old on a mo.¡± Greta stepped to the oven and pulled out a half dozen loaves of bread. ¡°Take these with me thanks. Them goblins won¡¯ know what hit them.¡± Greta juggled three loaves onto a cloth that she tied up into a bundle. She passed the steaming package to Paul who took them with a smile. ¡°With this bounty in hand, you have naught to fear.¡± Paul returned with the bread to the group. ¡°Good news bad news.¡± Paul rested the bundle on the table. ¡°Coffee exists, just not here.¡± ¡°A damn shame.¡± Francis lamented. ¡°Well pitter patter lets get at er.¡± Mark stood up. ¡°Days a wastin¡¯ and we don¡¯t know how far we have to go.¡± Tim stood without issue, but Francis complained. ¡°What about breakfast?¡± Tim chided Francis by saying. ¡°Eat on your feet. We¡¯ll get walking¡± With that, the four of them left the Cup and Crow. ------------- The trip through town was uneventful. They reached the western gate and the road to the forest stretched before them. Farm land ringed the whole town as far as they could tell. Paul took a deep breathe. ¡°The first step of adventure!¡± Mark started walking. ¡°I hope you can keep that enthusiasm all the way through.¡± Tim took up a measured pace. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t worry about it guys. Steady pace and conserve your energy.¡± ¡°Steady pace he says.¡± Francis kept up with the others. ¡°I¡¯m taking two steps for each one of yours.¡± Tim looked over and down at Francis. ¡°Just let your body get loose. Alternate the left foot forward with the right arm forward, then switch. Keeps you balanced. You¡¯ll set our pace, don¡¯t worry.¡± With a final grumble from Francis, the group set off. The miles of the road disappeared under their feet as they continued to walk. Farm field turned to grass, turned to bush, turned to trees, and finally the thick trunks and limbs of trees obscured their vision of the sky. ¡°I know Julia said ¡®to the west¡¯, but how were we supposed to find those goblins?¡± Paul asked the others. ¡°Not exactly any ¡®quest markers¡¯ or neon signs saying ¡®goblins this way¡¯.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve had to deal with a few pests in my time.¡± Mark took a look around. ¡°She¡¯d said that they were harassing farmers, so I suspect that they¡¯ve got paths straight towards the farms. I think we¡¯re probably a bit past where they¡¯d come out of the forest.¡± ¡°Then it¡¯s time to search for a few proper branches to work with.¡± Tim clapped their hands together with a click. ¡°Looks like we¡¯ve got a bunch of softwood trees here. So thing¡¯s will be a little lighter than you¡¯d probably like. We¡¯ve not got much in the way of cutting tools either, so the best bet is to find something on the ground. Hopefully freshly fallen so it¡¯ll still be heavy and green. Otherwise find something that feels good in the hand.¡± Mark and Paul nodded however Francis raised his hand. ¡°I¡¯m kinda looking for something pokey. That ¡®feels¡¯ like the right kind of thing for me.¡± ¡°Since we can¡¯t sharpen anything.¡± Tim started. ¡°I can only suggest grabbing a handful or two of sticks about the thickness of your thumb. They probably won¡¯t last more than a single... use. Gahd this feels weird don¡¯t it?¡± ¡°I know what you mean.¡± Paul rubbed the fur on the back of his neck. ¡°Never thought I¡¯d be hunting goblins in real life. Video games sure, staple enemy even, but this feels different.¡± ¡°They¡¯re vermin in the end.¡± Mark pointed at Tim and Paul. ¡°They¡¯re hurting the people who grow the food for the town. ¡°Get over it because we have a job to do.¡± Mark strode into the forest. Francis scurried after. Tim and Paul shared a look and Paul gave a resigned sigh. ¡°Stick together Paul.¡± Tim stepped after Mark and Francis. ¡°He makes a good point.¡± ¡°Right, I¡¯ll keep my head on straight.¡± Paul moved to join the others. The four of them hunted through the forest for good sticks and branches. The trees looked healthy in general so there weren¡¯t as many large branches littering the forest floor. It took them a while but in the end they were successful. Mark had found the one large branch that he hefted onto his shoulder. Paul and Tim both came away with arm length logs that fit their hands. Francis, true to his desire, had a veritable arm load of relatively pointed sticks. With ¡®weapons¡¯ in hand, they had switched tasks to finding the goblins. Trudging through the forest had yet to reveal any special game paths or obvious goblin trails. The sun through the trees had noticeably shifted. ¡°Ugh, I¡¯m tired.¡± Francis complained. ¡°We¡¯ve been walking all morning, hunting for sticks, HUNTING for goblins, and not much to show for it.¡± Mark wiped some sweat off his brow. ¡°I know this is frustrating.¡± He gave a low hum and rubbed his chin. ¡°But a break for lunch might not be bad.¡± ¡°Finally!¡± Francis dropped his sticks with a clatter. ¡°Break out the bread!¡± Paul laid down his branch and undid the cloth bundle of bread. He handed out a loaf each to Mark and Francis before staring apologetically at Tim who waved him off. Tim got out his piece of coal and crunched into it quite happily. The four munched on their respective meals. The fresh bread had formed a thick crust and was still soft on the inside. Mark was eating his whole, while Paul and Francis were picking out the soft inside first. ¡°Ya know, this is actually very nice bread.¡± Francis said between bites. ¡°Pity about the smell though.¡± ¡°Smell?¡± Paul looked over. ¡°I can¡¯t say I smell anything in particular.¡± Giving a few sniffs. ¡°You don¡¯t smell that?¡± Francis raised an eyebrow. ¡°Smells like sweat, musk, and it¡¯s particularly rank. Like people have been...¡± Francis lowered his hollow loaf of bread and picked up one of his favourite sticks. He motioned with his free hand to keep quiet and stalked off in the direction of the scent. A quiet minute passed as he left the group in a tense silence. Francis returned quietly, put his finger to his lips in a shushing sign and picked up his sticks. The others all hefted their logs and branches. Francis then led the group through the trees and brush and motioned to get low before a particularly leafy bush. He crawled through the bush and the others joined him. There, in a clearing, were a gaggle of goblins lounging around a massive steaming pot. Session 1 – It’s Just Goblins, Easy Right? Peering through the bushes revealed an odd scene. There were thirty goblins in various forms of rest and relaxation scattered about the clearing. Most of them had some form of implement nearby. Crude tools, and sharpened sticks were the most common items they could see. Located in the centre, a large cauldron spewed out a green mist that fell onto the ground. There was what could only be described as a shaman stirring the pot. The distinctive scent was overpowering in its abundance. The four stared for a minute until Francis took the lead in reversing out of their hiding spot. Slowly they all crept back to their lunch spot and huddled up. ¡°Any ideas other than bum rush them?¡± Mark whispered. Francis thought for a moment. ¡°Do any of you know which direction is the town?¡± Mark and Tim both pointed in an easterly direction. ¡°OK, then I got an idea.¡± Francis started drawing in the dirt. ¡°They¡¯ll hopefully send out a group to do another attack today. I didn¡¯t see any food in that clearing. So we move to intercept that group here to the east.¡± He pointed to a dirt line in between two circles for goblins and town. ¡°Hopefully they go down easy. If the noise we make draws others, it¡¯ll probably only be a second group, not all of them. Deal with THAT group. Finally, we head in to finish off the rest of them.¡± Mark and Tim were nodding, but Paul had a question. ¡°What do you think is the ¡®proof¡¯ that Julia needs from them? Normally I¡¯d say ears, but that¡¯s just RPG¡¯s talking there.¡± ¡°Probably that cauldron if I had to guess.¡± Francis scratched his neck. ¡°They look pretty scrawny, so I bet it¡¯s not as heavy as it looks. Especially if we empty it out.¡± ¡°Could we not just get that cauldron then?¡± Paul asked. ¡°Seems like another way about this.¡± ¡°There¡¯s still like thirty of them there.¡± Francis raised his eyebrows and motioned with his arms back towards the goblins. ¡°I doubt they¡¯ll take kindly to us stealing their fancy pot.¡± Mark cleared his throat. ¡°I agree with Francis on this one. Big task, break it up into smaller parts.¡± Tim touched Paul¡¯s elbow. ¡°Maybe the next one will have an easy lateral thinking answer.¡± Paul could only sigh as the huddle was broken up. They moved as a group to the east. Eyeballing and smelling the general direction of the goblin camp. Once out of nose range. They decided to set their ambush. Tim pointed out a game trail that went between the town and the clearing, So along this path was where they were waiting. After fifteen minutes of tense silence, Francis started getting fidgety. ¡°I can¡¯t take this much longer.¡± Francis whispered to Mark. ¡°It was your plan.¡± Mark tersely whispered back. ¡°Yes, and I hate it now that we¡¯re doing it.¡± Francis peeked around the tree they were behind. ¡°I don¡¯t see anything coming. I¡¯m going to do some scouting.¡± He stepped out. ¡°If they haven¡¯t moved at all. I¡¯ll do some bait things and drag a group this way.¡± Mark didn¡¯t think this was the greatest of plans, but even he could stand still for only so long. ¡°Scream if things go wrong.¡± Francis gave him a wink, the others a wave, and slunk away into the forest. Creeping along like the first time he snuck up on the goblin camp, Francis was delighted to be moving again. He soon reached the clearing for the second time. The new angle revealed no additional goblins, but what he did see was interesting. The goblin shaman, dressed in various bits of strung together bone and colourful feathers, was currently adding some small animal carcass to the boiling mixture. The furred creature entered with a plop and hissing steam billowed from the top. Giving it a few quick stirs, the shaman removed the stick it was using to stir with and picked up what can only be described as an industrial sized strainer spoon. The spoon barely fit into the cauldrons opening. dipping it in deep, the shaman then used the entire weight of its small body to leverage out a glowing green sack from the liquid. ¡°Come family!¡± The words grated on Francis¡¯s ears. ¡°We have new member to welcome.¡± The ¡®family¡¯ of goblins all crowded around the spoon and carefully laid the sack onto the ground. A knife was produced to cut open the fleshy lump. The resulting squeal from the new body caused all of the goblins to dance with joy. ¡°Joy for later for some!¡± The shaman decreed. ¡°More is needed for the sex. You, you, you, you, you, you, you, and you, go gather more from the humans.¡± Pointing at individual goblins on the eastern side of the group. Francis took this as his queue to leave. He made his way back to the ambush spot and found everyone slightly more relaxed and learning against their assigned trees. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. ¡°Good news, great news.¡± Francis shout whispered. ¡°We got a group of eight on their way here, and I¡¯m a genius at prediction.¡± Paul rolled his eyes at the wide smiling halfling, but quickly got back into position as the sound of movement through bushes came to his ear. Moving without a care in the world. The Goblins marched their way through the forest. What could only charitably be called a song rose from their throats. ¡°one, two, eeEEee ,four. On our way to get some more. Five, nmememm, eight. Gonna make some mates.¡± Tensed, and with weapons held high, The four lay in wait. Closer and closer the throaty song wafted through the trees. Until the first of the goblin group came into view. It¡¯s back was towards the group as it was walking backwards and conducting the song. The goblins were in a tight group and holding their implements and tools on their shoulders. Mark swung first with a grunt. The log came in with a horizontal swing that barrelled through the goblin gang like a bowling ball. Sending most of the goblins hurtling through the air to impact trees with a sickening crunch. Two remained standing in stunned silence. Tim rushed forward and clobbered one standing in the back of the head. It dropped like a sack of potatoes. Francis slid up to the remaining goblin and stabbed down with his stick into its neck. A gurgle came out of it¡¯s throat before falling to its knees. Paul stood stock still clutching his log in both hands. He was hyperventilating with short sharp breaths but noticed movement from one of the goblins Mark initial hit hadn¡¯t finished off. Leaping over he brought his log down in an overhead swing that stilled the moving goblin permanently. The four were breathing hard from the momentary exertion and adrenaline. For a few seconds, all that could be heard was the rustle of wind through the trees and their laboured breathing. Mark cocked his head and looked around. ¡°Do you think the rest heard any of that?¡± Mark lifted his log once more. A green ichor was stuck on the impact site. Francis perked up. ¡°I¡¯ll go check. Be right back.¡± Then slipped away towards the goblin camp. Tim started looking over the goblin corpses. ¡°looks like we got loin cloths, animal pelts, and sticks.¡± Tim poked the corpses. ¡°Oh and one of them had a knife.¡± The blade looked like a hunting knife. Bare steel roughly four inches long with a curved point at the end. ¡°No sheathe though, but I bet Francis could use this.¡± Tim picked up the knife. Francis returned. ¡°We¡¯re in the clear as far as I can tell.¡± Tim passed Francis the knife. ¡°So we continue with your plan? Draw out a second group?¡± Francis took the tool. ¡°Seems like that¡¯s the thing to do. Get closer, make some noise, they send out a second group to investigate. Probably be a bit more alert than this lot though.¡± Mark nodded. ¡°Take the lead on this one. Set us up to knock them down again.¡± Francis gave a cocky grin. ¡°Follow me boys.¡± Waving his hand in a circle to follow, Francis lead the group closer to the goblins. The route was familiar to Francis after traversing it three times now. He set the three others near each other with a couple of large trees as cover. Reaching down to the ground he picked up some rocks and other bits of debris then throwing them with as much force as he could towards the goblin camp. All too soon there was an uproar from the goblin camp. Voices were indistinct but raised. The bushes started shaking and out burst six more goblins looking wary. Francis let the first one pass by him on their way towards the other three. Paul started shaking in nervousness. Tim gripped his log in anticipation. Mark stepped out in full view and hefted his log in a batting stance. The goblins pointed and sent up a cry. ¡°There it is!¡± Time froze. ¡°Uh guys, what¡¯s happening?¡± Francis called out. Paul looked around in wonder. ¡°I uh, think it¡¯s your turn Francis?¡± ¡°My turn?¡± Francis looked stupefied. ¡°I didn¡¯t think they were being so nice.¡± ¡°No like... this is a battle, with rounds.¡± Paul looked panicked. ¡°Just poke a goblin then hide again, quickly.¡± Taking Paul¡¯s advice. Francis jogged forward towards the back of the pack. As he got within arms reach he noticed a glowing spot on it¡¯s right torso near the stomach. A tingle went up his knife arm and he reached out to push the blade into the glowing spot. The goblin clutched at the knife entering it¡¯s body, but couldn¡¯t do anything else other than fall to the ground. Francis looked around perplexed before continuing to jog past and into another bush. Paul felt different. He looked around the tree trunk and considered his options. Gauging the distance he stepped forward fifteen feet and then hurled his branch at the lead goblin. The branch soared forward to smack into the goblins face, but it raised its arm in partial defence, leaving a number of green bleeding scratches behind. ¡°Oh god this is really happening.¡± Paul looked at Tim and Mark. ¡°Tim you go to the left side, Mark you go to the right and flank them.¡± Tim gave a nod and jogged towards the goblin group. They settled into position and swung their branch at the injured goblin which was unable to bring anything in the way of defence. The branch smacked into it¡¯s face and crumpled to the forest floor. Mark felt the odd sensation and hustled at the goblin group, now down to four members. He posted up and swung his log which connected solidly against a goblin causing it to faceplant. Feeling the odd sensation a second time, Mark swung at a second goblin within reach, but this one ducked under his log. Things happened quickly for six seconds. One goblin swung their pointed stick spear at Tim who barely bent to the side in time, avoiding the dangerous end. The other two rushed quickly to surround Mark on two sides and both swung at the large man. The blunt sticks smacked into Marks unprotected legs causing him to grunt in pain as skin split and blood flowed. Francis called out. ¡°You OK Mark?¡± ¡°FUCK.¡± Mark did not sound OK. ¡°Get these bastards off of me.¡± ¡°On it.¡± Francis left his bush and approached one of the pair that had attacked Mark. Spotting a similar bright spot on the goblins back, Francis sunk his knife deep into the ribcage of the goblin which seized up and fell to the ground. Paul moved to threaten and flank the other goblin next to Mark. ¡°I think this will help you hit it in a moment.¡± Tim swung his log and hit his goblin, but not killing it outright. They looked with concern at Mark¡¯s bleeding legs. Mark turned towards the flanked goblin and swung his log with anger. The large branch came up, over, then down on the green things head causing a splatter. The final goblin, injured and alone, turned to flee. Freezing in place with a running stance. Tim felt the sensation, swung with their branch, and connected with the goblins side. The final goblin was dispatched. Time unfroze. ¡°OK what the hell was all that?¡± Francis pointed at Paul. ¡°That, was an encounter.¡± Paul stated with a thousand yard stare. Session 1 – A Hundred Herbs and Spices Francis gave a hard glare to Paul. ¡°Of course that was an encounter, we encountered them in the forest. We encountered them on the trail. We encountered them all over that pile over there.¡± Paul worked his jaw for a moment thinking of the best way to explain this. ¡°Like, yes, but no? It was a fight, a special kind of fight.¡± ¡°Not the time to discuss this.¡± Mark grunted. ¡°Tim, you think you can do anything about my legs?¡± Tim bent down to inspect the cuts and contusions on Mark. ¡°I¡¯ve not got any bandages, but I¡¯m supposedly a healer.¡± Tim started poking and prodding the wounds as Mark grimaced in pain. Francis kept a wary eye at the spot where the goblins came out of. ¡°Might want to do something quick Tim. They may send another group.¡± ¡°I¡¯m trying here.¡± Tim snapped. ¡°But it¡¯s my first time trying magic.¡± ¡°Here, try doing what I did.¡± Paul joined Tim. ¡°In a clear loud voice you say what you want to happen, then the name of the spell. Which I think for you will be [Cure Wounds].¡± ¡°I want these wounds on Marks legs to heal! [Cure Wounds]!¡± Tim almost shouted. But the wounds refused to close. ¡°What did I do wrong?¡± ¡°Think real hard on what the spell is on your character sheet.¡± Paul said. ¡°I was missing a component .¡± Tim got a far away look in his eyes. Tim¡¯s eyes were darting left and right as if reading. ¡°Says I need a V and an S and to touch a creature.¡± Paul explained. ¡°V for Vocal, S for Somatic which is like hand gestures. Try again.¡± ¡°I want these wounds on Marks legs to heal! [Cure Wounds]!¡± Tim repeated while waving his hands over the injured leg before touching it. The expected magic rings didn¡¯t show up. However, Paul did notice a green glow coming from inside Tim¡¯s tunic. ¡°Did you feel something near your chest Tim?¡± Paul continued to stare at the faded glow. Tim glanced down his tunic and tried once more. ¡°I want these wounds on Marks legs to heal! [Cure Wounds]!¡± From the carved runes along what could only be called Tim¡¯s skin, a number of rune shone with a green hue. Tim traced those glowing symbols with a stony finger through the cloth of their tunic. ¡°I feel it. I know what I need to do now.¡± Tim whispered. ¡°Hurry it up then.¡± Mark frowned. ¡°This doesn¡¯t feel like a spring picnic here.¡± Tim traced the previously glowing runes on their chest. A power started to build over their heart. ¡°I want these wounds on Marks legs to heal!¡± Dragging the finger across their chest towards their arm. A green runic circle formed along Tim¡¯s left bicep just ahead of their right index finger. Pushing the circle down their arm, Tim hissed with the exertion as the rune circle reached their palm. ¡°[Cure Wounds]!¡± Tim shouted and put the glowing green circle on Marks leg. Mark let out a sharp inhalation of breath as tears formed in the corner of his eyes. The wounds instantly scabbed over and closed with a sound like skin rubbing on skin. ¡°It feels like I went through a week of pain all at once.¡± Mark got out through clenched teeth. ¡°But I suppose that¡¯s better than bleeding everywhere.¡± He got to his feet. Tim was also breathing hard. ¡°That really stung.¡± Shaking out their left arm. ¡°How do you deal with that Paul?¡± ¡°Honestly, just powered through.¡± Paul commiserated. ¡°Come on guys!¡± Francis hissed. ¡°Before they get more organized.¡± Mark and Tim both grabbed their respective log and branch. Paul shook out his hands and held up finger guns. ¡°Gonna try something.¡± Paul smirked. The four plowed through the bushes into the clearing. The goblins were all gathered around the cauldron and having a heated discussion. Standing over them in their position of authority was the shaman. As soon as they were in the clearing, Paul started things off by shouting. ¡°Geek the mage! I will shoot that one with [Ray of Frost]!¡± A red ring forming along Paul¡¯s right arm which ended up at the tip of his pointed right finger gun. The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. The cold blue beam lanced out towards the shaman. It¡¯s eyes widened in surprise for a moment before reaching down into the crowd to pull up a goblin shield. The beam shot into the goblin body shield leaving behind a shiny patch of skin and causing the target to shiver. Screeching the words, the shaman shouted. ¡°Protect the recipe!¡± ¡°Protect the recipe!¡± the crowd of goblins echoed. As a mass, the goblins overturned the cauldron. The contents spilled onto the ground causing a green cloud of noxious fumes to obscure the vision of everyone involved. The three tall ones immediately bent over in an irritated coughing fit. The cloud of green gas causing them to feel like bringing up a lung or two. Francis however was spared the worst of it and saw under the cloud a number of scurrying goblin feet. As the floating smoking wisps dissipated, what was revealed was an empty cauldron, green stained wet ground, and no goblins in sight. Francis, the only one not to be affected by the gas, spoke up to say. ¡°I think we scared them off.¡± Mark gave a last couple of strained coughs and hocked up a loogie. ¡°I can still taste it. Yuck.¡± ¡°I¡¯m going to smell like this for a week!¡± Paul coughed into his fist. ¡°Yeah but...¡± Tim cleared their throat. ¡°At least it¡¯s done, and no one else got hurt.¡± ¡°So we carry that back to town now?¡± Francis pointed at the cauldron. ¡°Yeah, I suppose we do.¡± Mark sized up the job ahead of him. ------------- It took them hours. The remainder of the day was spent hauling, lugging, dragging, and even rolling the cauldron towards town. The four of them had quickly, and thankfully, become nose blind to the stench. They were not sure they would have had the strength to continue if the smell was noticeable. Soon enough the walls of the town came into view. The sun was starting to set as they approached the gates. The closed gates. The gates that were not open. Francis, tired on behalf of the others who did most of the lifting, shouted at the shut door. ¡°HEY, the returning triumphant heroes return triumphantly!¡± Adding a couple bangs with his fist for good measure. In the still of approaching night, there was a clatter of wood and some muffled grunts. Appearing over the top of the wall was the top of a ladder. It clacked and clattered as someone climbed on up. A helmeted head peeked over the top and looked down. ¡°Who goes th...¡± They took a number of deeps sniffs. ¡°What is that stench? Is it you guys down there?¡± Francis called up. ¡°Yeah it¡¯s us, and this thing.¡± He kicked the metal pot. ¡°Why you bringing that thing here then?¡± the head questioned. ¡°We were on the goblin job for the guild.¡± Francis thumped his chest. ¡°This is the proof we did it. No more goblins. So let us in will ya?¡± ¡°OK ya you guys can come in, but that pot stays outside!¡± The helmet disappeared from the wall top. A couple of grunts later and the door swung open a small amount. Mark loomed over and rested a hand on the gate. ¡°We need this as proof for the quest.¡± ¡°Trust me when I say, no one is going to touch that tonight. Or maybe tomorrow either.¡± The guard nodded towards the cauldron. ¡°But anyways, ID?¡± The four of them, exhausted from the fight and cauldron transport, let the giant pot lay where it was on the side of the road. They grabbed the ID¡¯s of yesterday and flashed them for the guard. As a group they passed through the gate and into the evening dusk of the town. ¡°To the Cup and Crow for a bath?¡± Paul asked. ¡°Julia needs proof.¡± Mark grunted, raised an arm and sniffed at his pits. ¡°I think this smell will count.¡± Marching through the town, noses turned to follow the group. The green blood of the goblins had long since dried but left their clothes stained. Their bedraggled state drew further stares all the way up until the adventurers guild door. Pushing open the door. Francis entered first followed by the rest. ¡°We have returned!¡± Marching half way into the room before coming to a halt. Everett and his group were lounging at the same table as before. Julia was tidying up the counter top and she glanced up to see everyone there in the middle of the room. ¡°Oh! How good.¡± Julia clapped her hands together. ¡°Why are you staying way over there?¡± Tim coughed into their hand. ¡°Trying to be merciful is all.¡± Everett scrunched his nose and reached for a handkerchief. The others of his group leaned away from the source of the smell. ¡°Thine quest was most indirect.¡± Paul spoke a bit louder to cover the distance. ¡°Our task required proof, and nothing was specified. So, being the resourceful adventurers that we are, it was decided best to bring back the cauldron.¡± ¡°You brought the cauldron?¡± Julia raised a skeptical eyebrow. Everett spoke up. ¡°Sure smells like they did.¡± giving a retch. ¡°Smells like they..?¡± Julia gave a single sniff which caused her eyes to bulge out of her head. ¡°nonononono. OUT, OUT, OUT!¡± she screamed and pointed towards the door. Not wanting to anger Julia any more, the four retreated to the street. Julia followed waving a sheet of some sort as a makeshift fan in an attempt to remove the lingering stench. Staring at the group hard. ¡°That¡¯s going to take ages to air out.¡± Her face softened a small amount. ¡°But I suppose the jobs as good as completed. Where¡¯s the cauldron?¡± Mark thumbed the way they came in. ¡°Outside the west gate. Guard said it¡¯d be good for the night at least.¡± ¡°Probably for the best.¡± Julia blew out a held breath. ¡°Listen, it¡¯s late. Go get cleaned up and we¡¯ll talk in the morning. I¡¯ll go check on that cauldron now though. It¡¯s on my way home.¡± ¡°That¡¯s mighty kind of you Julia.¡± Mark nodded with a smile which caused Julia to blush. ¡°We¡¯ll head on back to the Cup and Crow, by way of the well.¡± Julia gave her head a shake. ¡°See that you do.¡± As she turned back into the guild. ¡°That¡¯s how you get work done around here.¡± Her muffled words directed at Everett¡¯s group. The four of them waved Julia goodbye and left to get water for the bath. ------------- With buckets of water in hand, they stood next to the bathtub in the Cup and Crow yard. ¡°Don¡¯t toss it in there just yet.¡± Paul cautioned the others. ¡°I want to try something. Something that we I think we deserve after today.¡± Paul had the others line up the full buckets next to the tub. Pointed to the first and said. ¡°This bucket of water will be very warm. [Prestidigitation]!¡± The ring of runes shot down Paul¡¯s arm and sank into the bucket of well water. A small amount of steam now wafted off the top. Francis dipped his finger into the water and exclaimed. ¡°Warm water!¡± Looking up at Paul. ¡°I love you, marry me.¡± ¡°I got five more of these to do.¡± Paul¡¯s eye twitched and he pointed at the second bucket. ¡°If you ever want me to do this again, I¡¯m first today.¡± Mark lifted the warm bucket of water and poured it into the tub. ¡°Deal.¡± Session 1 – We Survived The next morning found all four of the group bright eyed and bushy tailed outside the adventurers guild. They were watching with anticipation down the street for Julia¡¯s eventual approach. There was a special kind of energy going through them, the kind of energy people get every two weeks or so, it was payday. ¡°Any guesses how much we¡¯re going to get paid?¡± Francis was bouncing on the balls of his feet. ¡°I¡¯d like to think taking out that group of goblins would be worth a lot.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll get paid what we¡¯re owed.¡± Marks steady gaze focused down the street. ¡°I¡¯m sure Julia will be fair about it.¡± ¡°I think there might have been information about that on the quest paper.¡± Paul was leaning against the wall. ¡°But I couldn¡¯t make anything out.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t beat yourself up about that.¡± Tim patted Paul on the shoulder. ¡°It couldn¡¯t be helped.¡± ¡°Well well well. Look who we have here.¡± The mocking tone of Everett had snuck up on the group. ¡°Looks like the cheaters have decided to show their faces.¡± Turning to stare Everett down, Mark let a scowl cross his face. ¡°I don¡¯t see how we could be ¡®cheaters¡¯. We did the job.¡± ¡°HAH.¡± Everett elbowed the gray robed mage he was with. ¡°Get a load of this guy. Thinking a bunch of weaklings like them could even possibly take out an entire goblin camp.¡± ¡°Probably stole that pot.¡± Gray robes nodded along. ¡°Some family out there is missing their only cooking pot I bet.¡± ¡°And the smell.¡± Bow lady interjected. ¡°Only one way to get THAT kind of smell.¡± She glared hard at Francis¡¯s diminutive form. ¡°What? Why me?¡± Francis looking shocked. Before Bow lady could elaborate, Julia arrived. ¡°Oh good, you¡¯re here.¡± She looked over the two tense groups. ¡°Just let me get set up inside. You¡¯re all welcome to sit at the tables though.¡± Julia opened the door and left it swinging after stepping through. Everett and his group quickly moved to get in the doorway first. Giving a sneer to the others like cutting in line and knowing the people behind would be too polite to object. ¡°What¡¯s got their panties in a bunch?¡± Francis asked. ¡°I think I¡¯ve seen this before.¡± Paul glanced at the others. ¡°I think they¡¯re jealous of us.¡± ¡°What would they have to be jealous of?¡± Tim raised a golden eyebrow. ¡°We literally only have the shirts on our backs.¡± ¡°You remember how Julia said something along the lines of how they could be working but aren¡¯t?¡± Paul gestured to where the other group was likely sitting. ¡°We come in here, with nothing, and get a job done they couldn¡¯t or wouldn¡¯t. Yeah I can see us being a threat to whatever they have going on.¡± ¡°Something to think about.¡± Mark added while walking towards the door. ¡°But lets go sit down.¡± Mark led the way to one of the tables and sat with his back to Everetts group. The other three joined him at the table. Francis started up a conversation with. ¡°So, what are you guys going to buy first?¡± All three in unison said. ¡°Clothes.¡± and paused. ¡°Yeah well, I mean after that.¡± Francis rolled his hand in a ¡®go on¡¯ motion. ¡°Personally, I¡¯m thinking cool sword, like a rapier.¡± Paul nodded. ¡°I think that would work for you.¡± ¡°I just figured it would help with the poking up thing, ya know?¡± Francis mimed a stabbing motion over his head. Paul chuckled at Francis¡¯s antics. ¡°What I¡¯m needing is a spell book of some kind. Or at least something to write in.¡± ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡± Tim asked while rubbing his finger on the table top in a pattern. ¡°If things are shaping up like how I think they¡¯re shaping up.¡± Paul tapped the side of his head. ¡°Then I¡¯ve got to write down what I know up here before I cast something big. Otherwise I¡¯ll forget it once I do.¡± If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°I figured your memory was actually pretty good.¡± Tim stopped rubbing the table. ¡°Do you think I¡¯d need one of those as well?¡± ¡°Probably not?¡± Paul cocked his head to think. ¡°I¡¯m fairly certain you¡¯ve got your book on you if you think about it. That, and from what I recall your magic is different than my magic.¡± ¡°In that case, I¡¯m going to want something different.¡± Tim mimed some shapes. ¡°First off, a big walking stick. A properly sized one that¡¯s going to be solid. Second, a backpack for carrying stuff.¡± ¡°Good choices. Useful choices.¡± Mark held up his hand and ticked off fingers. ¡°For me, considering what we¡¯ve done, I¡¯ve got a bit of a shopping list. The two most important things though are some Armour, hopefully metal, and a weapon, a big one that I can use with two hands.¡± ¡°The traditional option is a great sword, or claymore if you want to put a name to it.¡± Paul suggested. Mark rubbed his chin in contemplation. ¡°While that might be good. I think what would be better is an axe of some kind. We really could have used one yesterday.¡± ¡°That would have a bit more utility, sure.¡± Paul admitted. ¡°I¡¯d be willing to chip in a bit if it keeps you and us safe.¡± ¡°oooOOOooooHHhh, how touching.¡± Everett spoke up from the other table. ¡°Delusions of grandeur. Promises of friendship. Just the right kind of ACT you lot would put on.¡± The four turned to scowl at Everett¡¯s mocking speech. ¡°Already taking bites even before the food is cooked huh?¡± Everett continued. ¡°Just sitting there in your stew of lies. Not even a nibble between you all. Trying to figure out more ways to get honest hard working people like Julia to believe you.¡± ¡°Do you have a problem with us?¡± Mark said in an even tone. ¡°I have a problem with people who don¡¯t know their place!¡± Everett smacked their table with his fist. ¡°When trash like you try to beat the system with a meagre [Power] like yours.¡± ¡°Meagre power like ours?¡± Mark repeated. ¡°Yeah there¡¯s no WAY you could have possibly beat those goblins.¡± Everett pointed directly at Mark. ¡°A mere 16 [STR]? Those muscles I see are all fakes. Probably had that [Mage] over there cast an illusion.¡± The pointed finger shifted to Paul. Francis leaned in close to Paul to whisper. ¡°What was that thing you shouted at the goblins yesterday?¡± Paul bent his head down. ¡°Geek the mage?¡± ¡°Yeah that was it. I see where this is going.¡± Francis slipped off his chair and under the table. ¡°And another thing!¡± Everett rose out of his chair. ¡°If you guys weren¡¯t so intent on holding back an actual USEFUL member of your party.¡± Looking directly at Tim. ¡°We¡¯d all be better off out here.¡± Mark also stood up to square off against Everett. ¡°I¡¯m not liking your tone boy.¡± Everett moved around their table and got face to face with Mark. ¡°Liars never liked the truth now do they?¡± Mark gritted his teeth and squeezed his fists into tight balls. ¡°What you going to do about that?¡± Everett poked Mark in his chest. ¡°Liar.¡± Mark swung his fist into the side of Everett¡¯s Face. The blow catching their chin and smug grinning face which pushed Everett back and caused him to stumble. Everett raised his hand to his face and brought away a drop of blood. With a snarl he shouted. ¡°Get em.¡± Time froze. Francis rose up, knife in hand and gripped the hair of the gray mage to put his knife to their throat. ¡°Easy now, no sudden moves.¡± Bow lady leapt across their table to send a flying kick at Paul who barely ducked to the side in time. Gray mage stiffened in place. Everett threw a punch at Mark who casually stepped to the side. Tim moved to the bow lady and tried to grab and restrain her, but was unable to grab hold. Mark landed a second punch on Everett striking the other side of the mans face. Paul stood up from the dive he took and moved around to flank the bow lady. Francis kept the gray mage in place. Bow lady sent another kick at paul, this time connecting with his leg and causing him to stumble. Gray mage continued to not move a muscle. Everett punched out another time and struck Mark on the chin. Only to clutch their hand in pain. Tim took advantage of the distraction and grabbed the bow lady around her waist and held on tight. Mark landed a haymaker on Everett which knocked the man to the floor. Time unfroze. ¡°WHAT¡¯S ALL THIS THEN?¡± Julia shouted. Everyone froze in place. Francis quickly removed the knife and hid it behind his back. Everett moaned from the floor. ¡°All you had to do was sit quietly for a few minutes.¡± Julia shook her head. Mark looked apologetic. ¡°This would be my fault ma¡¯am. I shouldn¡¯t have acted the way I did.¡± Everett got up off the floor holding a hand to his tender face. ¡°These animals were trying to rob you and the guild Julia.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t think I can¡¯t hear what goes on in this room.¡± Julia narrowed her eyes at Everett. ¡°You were looking for a fight, and you got one.¡± ¡°One that they lost, handily.¡± A new voice spoke up. ¡°Guild master!¡± Julia stiffened. ¡°You¡¯re back, and on time!¡± ¡°That last one was uncalled for.¡± The guild master stood up from a chair behind the counter. His Gray hair was cropped short and weathered face was wearing a smile at the gentle ribbing Julia gave him. The uniform he was wearing matched Julias but with an additional set of tassels that gave it more ostentation. ¡°I saw that fight brewing and had to see the new ones in action.¡± The guild masters eyes twinkled. ¡°I take it they did a good job, Julia?¡± ¡°That they did sir.¡± Julia moved over to the counter top and laid some papers in front of the guild master. ¡°Took on the goblin quest, came back with their cauldron. Above and beyond rating.¡± The guild master glanced over the papers. ¡°Above and beyond huh.¡± He looked up at the four, now shuffling in place near each other. ¡°How¡¯d you do it?¡± Mark stepped forward. ¡°Ambush, lured a bunch away, then scared off the rest. They said they had to ¡®protect the recipe¡¯.¡± The guild master stared hard at Mark. ¡°Protect the recipe.¡± Seemingly mulling those words over inside their head. ¡°Where did you guys say you were from again?¡± their tone accusatory. Session 1 – Money Makes the World go Round. The steely gaze of the guild master bore down on the four. The kind of gaze that had seen it all, done it all, and wasn¡¯t impressed. When no one spoke up, they asked again. ¡°Where did you all come from?¡± Paul broke out of the pause first. ¡°I¡¯m afraid sire that we don¡¯t quite recall.¡± The guild master tilted their head to the side and kept their frown but didn¡¯t say anything. Paul cleared his throat and pushed on. ¡°I do recall that you might have met with Gil the caravan master. He found us by the wayside under the thrall of a transmigrator. We have no recollection of who we are or possessions to our name.¡± The guild master nodded their head. ¡°Ah so that¡¯s you guys. Gil did indeed mention how he picked up a poor group.¡± ¡°Therefore, we, being nibless and with naught but these simple garments.¡± Paul gestured to the dirty tunics on their bodies. ¡°Sought a place of employment so that we could regain our footing. Gil, kind soul that he is, brought us here for identification and work most suitable to us.¡± Paul finished with a bow. Francis started a slow clap. No one joined in. ¡°Right. That does seem to match what I know.¡± The guild master rubbed his chin in contemplation. ¡°Who am I to get in the way of hard working people. God only knows how much we need more people like that.¡± The guild master gestured to Julia. ¡°Pay them what we owe them.¡± Julia went behind the counter to stand besides the guild master. The guild master continued to stare at the group. Julia pointedly cleared her throat which caused the guild master to flinch and step out of her way. Julia flashed him a stiff smile and bent under the counter to pick up a small pouch on a tray. ¡°Ahem. For the SWIFT.¡± Julia glanced at Everett who was still nursing his swollen face. ¡°Dispatch of the quest duties. We award your group with four bit coins. And, for bringing back the goblin cauldron, going above and beyond what the quest detailed, the adventurers guild awards an additional fifty nibs.¡± Julia pushed the tray and pouch slightly forward on the counter top. Mark, being the person closest, stepped forward to take the pouch. Julia reached out and laid her hand on Marks as he picked up the money. ¡°And on a more personal note.¡± Julia tickled the back of Marks hand. ¡°It is a true delight to have you in our town.¡± Mark stared at the hand for a moment, and allowed it to stay. ¡°Mighty kind of you to say that. If you heard us talking earlier, we were looking for a place to get some clothes. Would you have a place in mind?¡± Julia¡¯s eyes flashed. ¡°I have the perfect place in mind.¡± ------------- ¡°Julia said this was the place.¡± Mark and the rest were standing in front of a storefront with the gaudiest curtains they had ever seen. The patterns, the frills, the colours, were all an assault on the senses. Paul gave a sidelong glance at Mark. ¡°She must really like you if you¡¯re already at the prank pulling stage.¡± ¡°Nah, not like that.¡± Francis dismissed the words. ¡°Girl clothes and boy clothes are two different things. This is just her tailor is all.¡± He got a thoughtful look on his face. ¡°Or maybe it¡¯s the guild¡¯s tailor?¡± ¡°It¡¯s our tailor now.¡± Tim ended the conversation. ¡°Let¡¯s go in.¡± They pushed past the drapes on the doorway making a rustling noise. The interior, like the exterior, was a riot of colour and fabrics. Some were haphazardly thrown about, many were still in rolls or folded on tables. Yards and yards of fabric littered every possible space. The general volume of sound instantly quieted. ¡°Be with you in a minute!¡± came the muffled yell of a woman. The four meandered around the shop, mostly inspecting and feeling fabrics. There was a rustle and a voice. ¡°Coming coming... on my way!¡± as the lady shop keep made her way to the shop floor. ¡°Oh, new customers!¡± and clapped her hands in an excited flutter. She was robed in robes upon robes. Perhaps as a walking advertising board for her shop. Thin pale hands smoothed out her clothing while striking green eyes shone out from under curly black hair. ¡°It has been too long!¡± The lady straightened up her posture. ¡°You must call me Esmeralda. For I am the mistress of the seams!¡± Esmeralda raised one hand in a flourish. The four were taken aback by the strong personality she gave off. Esmeralda seemed to falter and lose a bit of her imposing demeanour. ¡°Was that too much?¡± ¡°Maybe a bit for someone¡¯s first time.¡± Tim broke the news gently. ¡°We¡¯re here because Julia from the guild recommended this is the place for clothes.¡± Regaining some of her original spark, Esmeralda almost shouted. ¡°Of course you are! For my clothes are the best around. Especially better than anything you could get in West Red.¡± ¡°Well we are looking for something... hard wearing might be the best most apt descriptor.¡± Tim gestured at the surrounding materials. ¡°We¡¯re new to the adventuring life and need something practical.¡± ¡°Practical you say?¡± Esmeralda stalked around Tim like a hyena. ¡°Hard wearing, tough, can be patched up easily. I have just the fabrics for you.¡± Esmeralda¡¯s eyes flowed over to Francis. ¡°Yourself, much the same?¡± ¡°I hear black is all the rage these days.¡± Francis held a stray bit of cloth across the bottom half of his face. ¡°BAH!¡± Esmeralda waved her hand. ¡°Black is not what you want. You want midnight blue. Something that is smooth and silent. Black stands out under the moonlight. Blue will blend in better.¡± Francis pouted. ¡°But the style.¡± ¡°Style is for society and socialites.¡± Esmeralda bore down on the diminutive halfling. ¡°A working halflings clothes needs to be functional first.¡± ¡°I think Julia was right to send us to you.¡± Paul fingered a cloth not unlike silk. ¡°You¡¯ve really got a sense of our needs.¡± Esmeralda beamed with pride. ¡°Never have my clothes failed to live up to expectations. Julia sends many people my way for a reason. What about yourself my elf friend?¡± ¡°I direct the magical aethers.¡± Paul wiggled his fingers. ¡°mine needs are something loose that will not impede my movements.¡± Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. ¡°For you, I¡¯ve got plenty of robes just begging to be worn.¡± Esmeralda shrugged. ¡°I¡¯ll let you look through what I¡¯ve got available, but if you want a different fabric, let me know.¡± Then, like a person dying of thirst looking at an oasis. ¡°But you my good sir.¡± Esmeralda bit her lip at Mark. ¡°You will need a delicate touch. Nothing less than my best will suffice.¡± ¡°I really don¡¯t...¡± Mark took a step back. ¡°Really, nothing special...¡± He bumped into a rack of fabrics behind him.¡± ¡°Yesssss, I see it now.¡± Esmeralda moved in close to Mark. ¡°Lines here, embroidery here.¡± She traced lines across Marks frame. ¡°Tuck in here, open up here.¡± Squeezing a muscular bicep. ¡°Oh honey, if you got it, you flaunt it.¡± Mark looked over Esmeralda¡¯s head in a silent scream for help. Paul took pity on the man and cleared his throat with a cough. ¡°Pardon my interruption, could you show me those robes you mentioned?¡± Esmeralda broke out of her intense focus. ¡°Ah yes, let us take care of the practical before the art. Right this way my good people. Let us settle on what will work best.¡± She snapped her fingers at Mark. ¡°But you will not escape me just yet.¡± Mark groaned and Tim patted him on the shoulder. ------------ The results cost them an entire bite. Paul was staring at the iron coin in his hand. The thing was roughly two inches in diameter and made of the blackened metal. There was an imprint of teeth marks across the whole thing. As if someone stuck it far back in their mouth and bit down with their molars. ¡°For the sin of this currency, the world muse be destroyed.¡± Paul dropped the bit coin into their money pouch. Tim was looking at a smaller nibble coin. It¡¯s bronze face had the dental imprints of someone¡¯s incisors across it¡¯s face. ¡°Could be worse I suppose. Could be something like pure barter.¡± ¡°That would be a nightmare to deal with.¡± Paul stuffed the pouch into a pocket of his new robes. He had to begrudgingly admit that the yellow colour did contrast well with his gray fur. The garment fell down to his calves and felt light. Tim¡¯s clothes had a squarish look to them. Brown pants and a green shirt, at their own insistence. ¡°She was quite suggestive with the white colour, but I knew I would never be able to keep them clean.¡± Francis was sulking. ¡°But it¡¯s the cool guy colour.¡± Their own outfit was midnight blue as suggested. A cross between functional and sleek. Loose at the joints but with fabric strips to tie down the ends tightly. ¡°And these will be a nightmare to tie up every day.¡± ¡°I think you¡¯re meant to tuck the ends in for the arm bits. Or you can just ask us for help.¡± Paul looked over. ¡°And she did have a good point to make about the colour choices.¡± ¡°Yeah yeah, I¡¯m just salty is all.¡± Francis looked back at the shop. ¡°What¡¯s taking him so long?¡± ¡°I¡¯m sure he¡¯s undergoing an arduous trial.¡± Paul stared at the drapes of the store. ¡°One that is testing his very mettle.¡± The doorways curtains rustled and out stepped Mark. White shirt with a deep V opening currently loose with strings, black pants stretched tight revealed hard carved muscles, and to cap it all off a belt with a gold buckle. Francis stomped away and threw up his hands. ¡°So she DID have black!¡± ¡°Looks nice Mark.¡± Paul nodded. ¡°I feel naked.¡± Mark plucked at the shirt for the pants had no extra material to give. ¡°Well you aren¡¯t naked, thankfully.¡± Paul smacked his fist into his palm. ¡°So where to next? We got three bites and fifty nibs just burning a hole in my pocket here.¡± ¡°Boots.¡± Mark stepped with everyone else. ¡°Then armour, then the axe.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sure there¡¯s a cobbler or leather worker in town here somewhere.¡± Paul scanned the street. ¡°Look for a giant shoe shaped house.¡± Tim snapped their fingers. ¡°Hah, good one.¡± ¡°But really, we¡¯ll ask.¡± Paul smiled. ¡°Someone like that lady over there!¡± Pointing towards a woman currently walking by with a basket. ¡°Excuse me, miss!¡± The woman turned her head and opened her mouth to respond but couldn¡¯t get a word out upon seeing Mark in his clothes. She continued to walk with her face focused on Mark all the way until she impacted with an awning pole which caused her to break out of the stupor. Her basket slipped out of her grasp and thumped onto the ground. ¡°Oh my, I¡¯m so sorry.¡± The woman gathered her wits and her basket. ¡°I don¡¯t know what came over me. How can I help?¡± ¡°We were looking for a cobbler.¡± Mark looked at Paul for confirmation, who nodded. ¡°I¡¯m needing a good pair of boots. Could you point the way?¡± ¡°I, uh, bwuh, would be delighted to show you.¡± The lady started off with a stiff gait. ¡°I¡¯m sure Cole would be happy to help.¡± The lady, who later introduced herself as Mary, left them in front of Cole¡¯s leather works. Stepping inside caused a little bell to ring. Seated in a corner next to many tools and working on some leather piece was the eponymous Cole. Cole looked up from his work and gave a grunt of acknowledgement. Paul spoke up. ¡°We were hoping that we might procure some proper footwear here.¡± Glancing around at the shop Paul noticed a satchel. ¡°And perhaps a bag or two if they are available.¡± ¡°What you see is what¡¯s available for the bags.¡± Cole gestured with the tool he was holding. ¡°And whoever wants their boots should come over here for tracing.¡± Francis rushed over and wiggled his toes with a grin. Cole leaned over the look the halfling in their eye. ¡°This a joke?¡± Francis was concerned for a moment, but gave a quick laugh. ¡°hah, yes. Good one, no?¡± Cole only stared. ¡°Ah well, let me move out of your way.¡± Francis stepped back. Taking a deep breath, Cole looked over the others. ¡°I don¡¯t do slippers.¡± Pointing at Paul. ¡°I don¡¯t do cleats.¡± Pointing at Tim. ¡°And I don¡¯t do foppish points.¡± Pointing at Mark. ¡°I was hoping for high boots actually.¡± Mark walked over to the cobbler. ¡°Ones that come up to here, just below the calf to support my ankle. With a thick sole that¡¯ll last me a while on the road. And laces all the way up.¡± Cole got a slow smile. ¡°At least someone knows their boots. That¡¯ll be fifty nibs.¡± Paul jingled their coin pouch. ¡°how much for sandals and this satchel?¡± ¡°thirty nibs.¡± Cole immediately answered. ¡°Got a frame to go with this backpack?¡± Tim fingered a bag. ¡°That¡¯ll be twenty nibs then. But I¡¯ll have to refer you to Cutter for the woodwork.¡± Cole shook his head. ¡°He¡¯s over on the west side of town.¡± Feet were measured, coins were exchanged, and promises to return the next day for pickup were made. Not needing anything from the woodworker, Mark and Francis split off from Tim and Paul. Tim and Paul visited the man named Cutter who was an easygoing fellow. Their conversation was short and ended with ten nibs for the frame and staff of hardwood that Tim desired. ¡°You¡¯ll take good care of that right?¡± Cutter asked. ¡°I ain¡¯t never seen a dwarf care about a piece of wood if it weren¡¯t a handle.¡± ¡°I assure you, this will be my constant walking companion.¡± Tim thumped the staff on the ground, and gave a wave as the pair turned back to town. Mark and Francis made their way to the blacksmith. ¡°This is the guy who gave Tim the coal?¡± Francis asked on the way. ¡°That he is.¡± Mark nodded down to Francis. ¡°Seemed a busy guy. But I think he¡¯ll be more free now. He was working on a caravan order.¡± Mark scratched his growing stubble. ¡°Maybe he has a razor to spare.¡± Francis rubbed his smooth chin. ¡°Oh, didn¡¯t notice this part of it.¡± Frowning slightly. ¡°Kinda always thought I¡¯d look good with a beard.¡± Mark reached down to ruffle the red hair of the halfling. ¡°It¡¯ll come with age.¡± The two stood in front of the blacksmith. The goblin cauldron was also there, currently bent and crumpled into only a vaguely recognizable shape, but the smell still lingered. ¡°Yo!¡± Mark called out, causing the blacksmith to make their way to the front of the building. ¡°Ah it¡¯s the dwarf¡¯s friend, and with another smaller companion.¡± The smith greeted. ¡°What can I do you for?¡± ¡°We need some tools to do our work.¡± Mark held his arms out miming shapes. ¡°I¡¯m looking for an axe about this big. Something a bit wider than a wood cutting axe.¡± ¡°And I¡¯m looking for a graceful weapon, a rapier!¡± Francis mimed a fencers stance and danced forward and back while thrusting the imaginary weapon. ¡°While I¡¯m happy to make the axe. I¡¯m not so good with more delicate work.¡± The smith gave a sad smile. ¡°Those caravan folks would have been the people to ask for something like that, but they packed up an hour ago.¡± ¡°Another thing I would like is a set of armour.¡± Mark gestured at his body. ¡°Took a few hits on the goblin job.¡± Nodding towards the remains of the cauldron. The smith raised their eyebrows. ¡°That was you guys? Well today¡¯s your lucky day my friends. I normally charge five bites for a ¡®tool¡¯ like the ones your asking for. But that¡¯s mostly because I have to order in all my materials.¡± The smith nudged the cauldron pieces. ¡°This things been a real boon to my work because I was able to pick it up for cheap. So I think I can happily do you the axe for a bite, and hammer out a breastplate for a second.¡± Mark looked towards Francis. ¡°Sound good to you?¡± ¡°While I¡¯m highly disappointed, yes that sounds just fine to me.¡± Francis pointed at the former cauldron. ¡°Just make sure to work out the stench. I¡¯ve had enough of that smell for a lifetime.¡± ¡°No worries there.¡± The smith chuckled. ¡°Now let me take your measurements, and get this made to fit.¡± ------------- Meeting up at the end of the day back at the Cup and Crow. The four were sitting at a table counting the couple dozen nibs they had remaining. Mark had insisted on paying back Greta for their meals. ¡°we¡¯re broke, again.¡± Francis moaned. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it.¡± Tim murmured. ¡°Hit up the guild tomorrow, find another quest. Easy.¡± ------------- The quest board was empty. ¡°I have to thank you for getting Everett to start moving.¡± Julia looked up from the card game laid out in front of her. ¡°We¡¯d had those quests sitting for weeks until you guys came through.¡± ¡°So what would you suggest we do until the next one?¡± Mark asked. ¡°I¡¯m sure the other people in town need help doing one thing or another. Ask around?¡± Julia turned back to the card game with a look of concentration. This could only mean the single worst thing any of them could possibly imagine. Part time labour. Session 2 – Part Time Labour Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. Session 2 – It’s a hunt This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. Session 2 – Life on the Road Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. Session 2 – Interference Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Session 2 – The Hunter is now the Hunted If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Session 2 – Almost Dead Paul awoke in pain. The entire left side of his body was a tingling mass of pins and needles. Each breath hurt to take. He was certain something was broken, multiple somethings. ¡°euuuugh.¡± Paul moaned. ¡°Oh good, you¡¯re awake.¡± Francis gently touched the uninjured side of Paul¡¯s body. ¡°And still soft.¡± Paul raised his head in agony to take in the campsite that was setup. They were near the river again and a fire was going. Tents had been set and some pieces of meat were cooking on a spit. A kettle was boiling water. ¡°Didn¡¯t think we had a kettle.¡± Paul gave up looking around and his head fell back with a thump. ¡°It¡¯s been a while since I¡¯ve had a hot drink.¡± ¡°You¡¯ll have to thank Gary for that one.¡± Francis sat near Paul¡¯s head. ¡°Apparently a real fiend for tea.¡± Gary the gray mage was sat near the fire. The man was poking the flames and adjusting the logs in an idle way that made them look deep in thought. Nelly, the bow woman, had her arm in a makeshift sling. She was inspecting the remains of her bow. The bits and pieces of wood were not in great shape. It seemed as if she was contemplating throwing the pieces in the fire or to hang onto a keepsake. Mark was chopping some wood. The heavy axe was making short work of the logs. Each strike leaving a crack and thud sounding through the air which caused the split wood to fly away into two separate piles. Tim had their shirt off and was inspecting their chest. The delicate rune work that was etched into what they would call skin was scratched. Tim was gingerly pushing and prodding the affected area. The stone like skin weirdly pliable under their fingers. ¡°I¡¯m really glad we all survived that bear.¡± Paul grunted out from their bedroll. ¡°That could have definitely gone much worse.¡± ¡°Yeah well, if plans always worked out like you expected then we¡¯d all be rich.¡± Francis idly drew in the dirt. ¡°What were your plans before all this happened?¡± Paul raised an eyebrow, the only thing that didn¡¯t hurt it seemed. Francis looked surprised. ¡°Oh man, nothing much really. Art thievery is not as lucrative as you would think. It was going to be a couple of months of down time though. I was aiming for a bit of vacation after that one.¡± ¡°Ah well, plans often fall through. But do we got a plan for today though?¡± Paul questioned and looked over towards Francis. ¡°Rest up here for the day, make our way back tomorrow.¡± Francis looked out over the campsite. ¡°Make up a stretcher for yourself. Tim isn¡¯t all that confident about dealing with broken bones.¡± ¡°That sounds just fine.¡± Paul attempted to relax. ¡°Just gonna lay here for a while. Take it all in as it were.¡± Francis patted Paul¡¯s hand. ¡°We¡¯ll take care of you. You want some bear, or some Deer?¡± ¡°Tim did warn us about the bear, so just a little bit of that, thoroughly cooked.¡± Paul grinned. ¡°Trying new things is good for you.¡± Francis got up off the ground. ¡°Get some rest buddy.¡± This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. Francis wandered over to Tim. ¡°You doing OK?¡± Tim grunted. ¡°Could be better. Not sure how this will affect me going forward.¡± ¡°You all were lucky!¡± Nelly stood up to loom over Francis and Tim. ¡°I¡¯ll be out for months, and never really have the same strength again.¡± She had a stiff upper lip kind of look to her face. ¡°But I shouldn¡¯t be ungrateful. A chance to recover is better than being dead. Thank you.¡± Tim stared at the woman. ¡°I think you had a clean break there. I wouldn¡¯t worry too much about the lost strength.¡± Tim turned back to navel gazing. ¡°But the thanks is appreciated all the same.¡± Nelly stood there awkwardly for a moment chewing on her inner cheek. She turned back to Gary and the Fire. But marched past them both towards Mark. ¡°I wanted to say thanks, again.¡± Nelly stood a short distance away from the axe wielding wood chopper, Mark. ¡°Heard it from over here.¡± Mark set up another log. ¡°Couldn¡¯t leave you and them to that bear.¡± ¡°Yeah well.¡± Nelly shifted from foot to foot. ¡°It would mean a lot to me if we could make it up somehow.¡± Mark paused before swinging their axe. Bringing it down he rested his upper body on the haft. ¡°Right now, all we need is to get back to town. But I¡¯ll keep that promise in mind. Go on and keep resting up.¡± Nelly nodded and moved back to the fire. After a time, the crunch and snap of leaves and twigs broke through the stillness of the evening air. The hermit had come by for a visit. ¡°Hey there!¡± The hermit waved. ¡°I heard the commotion and figured I would stop by.¡± They joined Nelly and Gary by the fire. ¡°And I see you¡¯ve picked up a few friends along the way.¡± Gary spoke up for the first time in a long time. ¡°They saved our lives.¡± ¡°Figured as much.¡± The hermit warmed their hands. ¡°How¡¯d the bear end up?¡± ¡°Bears, plural.¡± Mark tossed a log onto the burning fire. ¡°Kiva had a mate.¡± ¡°Yeah bears tend to do that.¡± The hermit scratched at their beard. ¡°So you¡¯ve got two bears for me now?¡± Mark threw a thumb over their shoulder. ¡°Back that way, both of them are out in the open. It¡¯s pretty smelly though.¡± ¡°Oh a little stink never hurt anyone.¡± The hermit chuckled. ¡°I¡¯ll go get on those bears now. You all stay safe.¡± The hermit left them to their campsite whistling a little tune as he walked through the brush. ¡°What a strange man.¡± Gary spoke to the retreating back of the hermit. ¡°I¡¯ve been here for a year now and never met him.¡± ¡°Seems nice enough to me.¡± Mark said. ¡°Bit starved for conversation perhaps. Came right up to us on our first night out.¡± ¡°So I need to ask.¡± Gary turned towards Mark. ¡°Why did you come save us? Everett would have held off, calling it ¡®too dangerous¡¯ to help.¡± ¡°It was the right thing to do.¡± Mark immediately answered. The fire crackled and popped. Smoke rose up into the evening air. ¡°That and you guys were ruining our plan.¡± Mark poked a stick into the fire. ¡°Yeah we did kind of go into that head first.¡± Gary scratched their head. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t worry about it much more. Nelly already did offer to make it up later.¡± Mark nodded towards the woman in question. ¡°How about you two get to bed early. You¡¯ve had a rough time lately.¡± Gary got to their feet slowly. ¡°I¡¯ll take you up on that offer.¡± He winced and held their stomach. ¡°A good nights rest will do me good.¡± Gary made their way towards one of the tents. Nelly also did the same, although into a different tent. Mark and Francis sat around the fire for a while. Tim had retired earlier as they complained of a phantom pain. ¡°We need to do anything else?¡± Francis asked Mark. ¡°We¡¯ve got the spears for poles.¡± Mark kept their gaze on the crackling fire. ¡°So really the only thing left is for us to stay up until someone else wakes. In case another animal gets close.¡± ¡°Yeah, I can do that.¡± Francis took a seat. The fire got low, they added a log, the fire rose once again. Tea was drank, blankets were worn, water was boiled. This cycle continued all through the night. The morning light broke through the trees and gave everything a clean feeling. Birds were singing and the river was especially burbly it seemed. Paul awoke from sleep for the first time in weeks and stretched. Scratched their bed fur and rolled over to get a piece of sunlight out of their eyes. Paul¡¯s eyes popped open and they shot bolt upright. ¡°Holy shit I¡¯m cured!¡± Paul stood up and patted himself down. He did a little jig and made enough of a racket that the rest of the camp started waking up. ¡°I¡¯m cured, I¡¯m cured!¡± Paul shouted. ¡°Did you do this Tim?¡± Tim crawled from the shared tent. They were also marveling at their chest. Their rune work was unmarred by any disfigurement. ¡°It wasn¡¯t me. I feel great too though.¡± Francis and Mark made their way over, bleary eyed, but becoming more and more alert. It was Nelly and Gary who put a damper on things as their pained grunts echoed across the campsite. ¡°How the fuck are you walking?¡± Nelly looked furious. Session 2 – All Hail the Conquering Heroes If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Session 3 – What have we gotten into? Winter had come. White snowflakes littered the land of West Green. Pastures were blanketed in the soft stillness of snow. Forest trees were barren and harsh winds had caked one side of most trees with their own layer of frozen water. Smoke and warmth curled up from most homes in West green sending gray tendrils into the sky. Chores were needed to be done at the Cup and Crow. More chores than Greta had been used to. It seems that even with the weather outside, or despite it, her Inn was livelier than ever. Most days, and every evening, had someone from the town make their way through her doors. A warm bowl of stew and the fireplace were quite the draw during the depths of winter. Greta would like to think she and her cooking were the main draw, but she knew it was the four more permanent residents that were bringing in people these days. Francis was as helpful as ever he was. The small redheaded halfling was more help than he realized. She often didn¡¯t have to leave her kitchen, or even have the time to do so, because of how smoothly Francis was handling the crowds. Ah, but if she were a little bit shorter, and much younger, then maybe something could be done. Paul was still around regularly as well. His ¡®lawn drough maht¡¯. what with the funny way of saying, was quite the hit with the local housewives. Greta had taken advantage of his services more than once herself. Even some of the older stains that she thought were permanent got taken out with a flash of light. Tim was a bit of a rarer sight. The dwarf did stop by every now and then to catch a story or check in on things. They tended to spend a bit more time in the forest as of late. Greta had heard that the dwarf was intent on ¡®managing¡¯ the forest, whatever that meant. It seemed that a number of the children in town would follow them out to learn some forest tricks as the dwarf would call it. Oh that Mark, tempting as he was, really was too standoffish for his own good. The man woke early, left with that giant axe of his, and always returned with a bundle of firewood for lunch. Greta knew that the man was serious in his work. Checking the guild daily, doing repairs around the village, Quite the handyman. It wasn¡¯t a rare thing to see all four of them huddled up in a corner. However they seemed to hunch a little bit more than usual. Perhaps something was going on with them? ------------- .¡± They all whispered one after another. ¡°So it¡¯s different for you guys as well?¡± Paul kept their voice low. ¡°I just want to check.¡± ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s different.¡± Mark had a far away look in their eyes. ¡°I¡¯m apparently a Champion it seems.¡± ¡°The Martial Archetype, yes.¡± Paul clenched the mug he was holding. ¡°I don¡¯t see much difference, but I do have access to those level two spells.¡± Tim was rubbing their chin. ¡°They seem a bit ¡®more¡¯ if you know what I mean.¡± ¡°Oh yeah, those things are a step up for sure.¡± Paul said. ¡°Tried any of them yet?¡± ¡°I did an [Enhance Ability] on myself while out in the forest.¡± Tim nodded towards the north. ¡°There was this like, rhyme or something that I had to focus on running through my head the entire time. Gave me a dull headache the entire time, but I could see for miles even through the dense forest.¡± ¡°So it enhanced your vision?¡± Mark looked over their shoulder in apprehension of being over heard. ¡°Do you think other people have something similar, like for hearing?¡± Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. ¡°Funny thing that, I didn¡¯t have the option of ¡®vision¡¯ or the five senses. I could only choose one of the six attributes. The words were ¡®Owl¡¯s Wisdom¡¯ as I recall.¡± Tim tapped the side of their head. ¡°Yeah yeah, but are we gonna talk about the elephant in the room?¡± Francis tapped the table as he stood on his chair. ¡°Those red words in the top left. ¡®Kill God¡¯¡± again. Seven red letters that weren¡¯t there a month ago stood out prominently on the white background. ¡°I know that goddess put a little bit of oomph into her orders. Is this the results of it?¡± Francis leaned over to get their head closer. ¡°What happens when we run out of room on those things?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s something we need to worry about right this moment.¡± Paul hastily whispered. ¡°But besides that, you know how I got that notebook a while back?¡± ¡°Yeah, the caravan came through finally.¡± Mark nodded. ¡°You were over the moon for a week straight just filling it with notes.¡± ¡°Spells.¡± Paul corrected. ¡°But that¡¯s the thing. I was doing a practice spell, [Identify], On one of the logs just to test it out.¡± ¡°Thought you said you needed a ¡®Pearl worth one hundred GP¡¯ for that?¡± Tim pointed out. ¡°Surprisingly one of my customers had one as a button, but it fell off and I couldn¡¯t find who it belonged to.¡± Paul looked concerned. ¡°I¡¯m not sure what a gold piece is here, considering the money is bronze and iron. But this tiny thing counts it seems.¡± Paul glanced around the room before returning to the huddled conversation. ¡°Anyways, I used [Identify] on the log, and one of those blue boxes told me the name of the log just like the status from the guild. Interestingly I could read that box, and the thing was, those ¡®Kill God¡¯ words were there, just sort of floating in the background.¡± ¡°That don¡¯t sound good.¡± Francis grimaced. ¡°Sure doesn¡¯t. But at least it¡¯ll keep us on task. Constant reminders tend to do that.¡± Paul became thoughtful. ¡°I¡¯ve got notions as to how we accomplish it. But it¡¯s pure speculation.¡± ¡°Go on.¡± Francis rolled his hand. ¡°a bit of story time never hurt.¡± ¡°So I¡¯m making this up based on a couple dozen stories I¡¯ve read.¡± Paul relaxed a little and crossed his hands on the table in front of him. ¡°So we¡¯ve been in the world a bit. I would like to think we¡¯re settled in fairly well.¡± ¡°If by settled in you mean not destitute and have a place to stay, yeah we¡¯re settled.¡± Francis interrupted. ¡°Yeah yeah, moving on.¡± Paul waved their hand. ¡°So as these things go, the next step is usually getting a bunch of power. Many different ways of doing that, and I kind of think it¡¯s being handled. I feel a lot stronger than I did from when we first arrived, more solid if you know what I mean.¡± Mark was nodding. ¡°Yes, there are times when I¡¯m working that just feel, easier than the day before.¡± ¡°Exactly.¡± Paul pointed at Mark. ¡°So I think our next step is probably to learn about the world a bit more. Like I know this is West Green, and there¡¯s West Red down the way, but like which kingdom are we in? Is this even a kingdom? Continent? World?¡± Paul started hyperventilating a little bit. ¡°I¡¯m not sure we can really ask anyone here for this kind of information, considering what they did to the last guy.¡± Recalling the arrow studded and filled body of the fifth guy gave each of them a small shudder. ¡°Right, so to deal with that aspect of things I think we can solve that by going through the guild.¡± Paul tapped the table with their clawed finger nail. ¡°We rank up in the guild and get sent ¡®higher up the chain¡¯ so to speak. Find a bigger town, where we aren¡¯t so noticeable, and we can ask around. Especially about that Church or Cathedral thing the body got sent to.¡± ¡°Saying to ¡®rank up¡¯ is easier said than done.¡± Tim leaned on the table causing it to creak. ¡°But you know what happened to Everett. He¡¯s still got four quests left, and is essentially confined to the guild office. Kind of getting in the way of taking a quest or two.¡± ¡°Something will show up, something that he can¡¯t handle on his own.¡± Paul didn¡¯t look worried. The door to the Cup and Crow opened as it usually did then. A man walking in brought with him a flurry of snowflakes and a gust of cold wind. They were covered in animal furs as well as a heavy amount of snow. Shaking themselves off it was the hermit the four had met earlier last month. ¡°Ah, friendly faces!¡± the hermit had spotted the group instantly and made his way over to plop himself down at the table. ¡°It is good that I have found you. I have terrible news.¡± the hermit opened with excitedly. ¡°Or not so terrible depending on how you look at it I suppose.¡± ¡°If it¡¯s dangerous, you were right to come find us.¡± Mark pushed a half eaten loaf of bread to the hermit. ¡°Oh I think it¡¯s terrible.¡± the hermit started chewing the bread. ¡°You remember that Kiva last time we met?¡± Everyone nodded. ¡°Well turns out that bear was moving so close for a reason. Turns out there¡¯s a dungeon opening nearby and it¡¯s throwing all the wildlife into a frenzy to move away.¡± ¡°A dungeon?¡± Francis asked. Paul got a smug look on their fox face. ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s all coming together.¡± Session 3 – It’s a dungeon Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. Session 3 – The Walk Out Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. Session 3 – Welcoming Committee Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Session 3 – Delve The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
Kill God
Session 3 – Clearing Out If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Session 3 – It’s a cycle This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. Session 3 – Dog fight Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Session 3 – Cooldown Period Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. Session 4 – Picking up the (Gold)Pieces This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Session 4 – Bones in the Mist This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Session 4 – Fortifying Calcium If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. ? Gah! Session 4 – Hit Them in the Ribs You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. Session 4 – Toppling a Pile A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
Kill God Kill God
Kill God. Out of Place. Not right. Get back. Summon protector. Light is bad. Go home. Out of Place. Not right. Get back. Summon protector. Light is bad. Go home. Out of Place. Not right. Get back. Summon protector. Light is bad. Go home. Kill God. Out of Place. Not right. Get back. Summon protector. Light is bad. Go home. Out of Place. Not right. Get back. Summon protector. Light is bad. Go home. Out of Place. Not right. Get back. Summon protector. Kill God. Light is bad. Go home. Out of Place. Not right. Get back. Summon protector. Light is bad. Go home. Out of Place. Not right. Get back. Summon protector. Light is bad. Go home. Kill God. Kill God. Out of Place. Not right. Get back. Summon protector. Light is bad. Go home. Out of Place. Not right. Get back. Summon protector. Light is bad. Go home. Out of Place. Not right. Get back. Summon protector. Light is bad. Go home. Kill God. Out of Place. Not right. Get back. Summon protector. Light is bad. Go home. Out of Place. Not right. Get back. Summon protector. Light is bad. Go home. Out of Place. Not right. Get back. Summon protector. Kill God. Light is bad. Go home. Out of Place. Not right. Get back. Summon protector. Light is bad. Go home. Out of Place. Not right. Get back. Summon protector. Light is bad. Go home.