《Summoned! To an RPG world (LitRPG)》 Chapter 1: The World of the Twenty-Five Kingdoms I was lying on the couch, in front of the TV, which was displaying my maxed out Storm Wars warrior. Drowsy, I had to blink twice when a line of text began to flash before my eyes. Strangely, it seemed to float about half way between myself and the screen.
You have an invitation to join the World of the Twenty-Five Kingdoms. Do you accept? Yes / No
Amazing. Some sort of new 3D advert? Alert now, I sat up and I was surprised to see the text moving to keep its prominent position in the middle of my vision. That was strange. It was like I was wearing 3D glasses. And, for a second, I caught myself reaching up to my face to check whether I really was. How the hell did they manage that? It was annoying now, intrusive. Plus, I wasn¡¯t going to start a new game, no matter how smart the technology. Not after becoming the most indestructible warrior in Storm Wars. Two years and pretty much non-stop play during COVID lockdown had equipped me to be the most sought-after tank in the game. Only yesterday, I had been the main tank for a raid of three guilds, nearly two hundred players, against Warwrath, the mightiest dragon in the game. After attempting to get rid of the message with a finger movement, I discovered I could focus on the ¡®no¡¯ button with my eyes, getting it to glow, before a blink sent it away. Lying back on the couch, I felt tired. Of course, late hours playing Storm Wars made me tired. But it wasn¡¯t just that. It ran deeper. It was two years since my parents had died in a car crash and since then, I¡¯d felt cut adrift from the world. There were friends whom I cared about and who cared for me. But since COVID restrictions, I hadn¡¯t seen them. Then too, my college course in Occupation Therapy had been moved online and I¡¯d lost a lot of interest in that as a result. It was all biology now and the practical side of the course, with the opportunity to help people, was on hold. No, it wasn¡¯t lack of sleep. It was despair that made my energy levels low. The popup came back.
You have an invitation from the World of the Twenty-Five Kingdoms. Do you accept? Yes / No
This time, more from curiosity to find out how this technology was working than any desire to try a new game I concentrated on the ¡®yes¡¯. A huge lurch seemed to shake the house, like an earthquake. It was unpleasant and something dark crossed my vision. A feeling of nausea swelled up in my throat, which I was just able to quash. And then I could see again. I was in room with three other people: a silver-haired woman in fancy dress, like a medieval LARPer; a grey-bearded, slender man, dressed like a medieval noble; and a clean-shaven, stocky man in chainmail armour, scabbarded sword at his side. All three of them were staring at me with extraordinary intensity. ¡®Who are you?¡¯ asked the woman. ¡®Sean de Courcy.¡¯ Astonishingly, there were smells; this wasn¡¯t a normal game: burning candles; incense; sweat; and that sharp tang you get when racing with electric cars. How did the game-makers achieve such realism? I looked around. It was a dim room, with a wooden floor, bare stone walls, with arrow slits in them. Like the inside of a castle tower. Across the floor was a complicated design, with unrecognisable, fanciful letters and candles distributed in an uneven way, like a constellation. And a slight haze of purple-tinged mist was everywhere. The warrior took a step towards me, then hesitated. ¡®Sire? Are you well?¡¯ Sire? Apart from that strange term, it was a good question. I felt disorientated but no longer sick. In fact, I was hungry. Looking down, I had a shock. My body was that of a very fat man. My fingers ¨C I held them up ¨C were stocky. My vast stomach blocked my view of my feet. There was a weight on my head. Reaching up, I felt a band of metal. A moment later I held it in my hands. A crown of gold with diamonds and rubies. ¡®Where am I?¡¯ My voice was different too. Deeper, somewhat older than my own. The three people looked at each other and the concern on their faces shifted to becoming signs of excitement. The woman smiled and stepped over to offer her hand, which I shook. Perhaps I was supposed to kiss the back of it as for a moment she looked surprised. Then she spoke with a gentle voice, ¡®welcome Sean, I am Carlena and you are in my tower, in the town of Carrick, in the kingdom of Greyland, in the world of the Twenty-Five Kingdoms. You have been summoned to replace a king who was leading us to disaster. Please forgive us if this is undesired on your part. We will make it worth your while.¡¯ The bearded man fidgeted anxiously at my side. ¡®Now, sire. My name is Chancellor Parrin. If you would, please look up at the roof and raise your right arm, what do you see?¡¯ Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. The roof was a dull, near-black set of planks and I was about to say so when I reached up and a menu of tables filled with silver words cascaded down to hover about three feet away from me.
Greyland Economy Military People Currently building: granary level 2 Monthly trade income: 0 Monthly tax income: 54 Research: steel pickaxes
And a lot more that I didn¡¯t take in. ¡®What was that?¡¯ I blurted out in surprise. ¡®Those messages in the air?¡¯ ¡®Oh, how marvellous,¡¯ the elderly man ¨C Chancellor Parrin ¨C brought his hands together in front of his chest: half a prayer, half a clap. ¡®You can access the kingdom¡¯s menu. We had very much been afraid that you would not be able to do so. And that would have been catastrophic. But matters are so desperate, we had to take the risk that bringing you here, into the king¡¯s body, would not cut us off from the realm controls.¡¯ ¡®So this is a game? But it¡¯s so real.¡¯ ¡®A game? To you, perhaps, but this is our world.¡¯ The woman looked intently at me through startling indigo eyes, ¡®our lives are at stake.¡¯ ¡®Sire,¡¯ touching my arm, Chancellor Parrin gave me a grin that was probably supposed to be encouraging. It wasn¡¯t. ¡®If our spell located you correctly, you are the foremost warrior and strategist of your own world?¡¯ I had been experiencing some anger at the thought that if this was true ¨C and it certainly felt completely real ¨C these people were effectively kidnappers. But at this I had to laugh. ¡®I¡¯m a student of Occupational Therapy not¡­ oh¡­ wait. In Storm Wars, maybe I am. My warrior was maxed at level one hundred.¡¯ For once, it was their turn to look puzzled. ¡®You can fight, sire?¡¯ The man in chainmail came closer, speaking with urgency. ¡®You can lead us to victory in war?¡¯ ¡®Sure. No problem.¡¯ The relief in the room was palpable. Everyone was distinctly more relaxed and their smiles were genuine. Probably mine was too. Admittedly, I knew very little about military command, but I was good at RPGs and assuming this was an RPG, they¡¯d gotten hold of the right guy. ¡®Then,¡¯ said the chancellor, ¡®let us go somewhere more comfortable and explain the dire crisis faced by our kingdom.¡¯ *** By the time we reached a large room with a huge map spread out on a table in the centre of it, I¡¯d learned the name of the soldier ¨C Lord Arval ¨C and reached several conclusions. First, I absolutely hated this body. It was immensely fat and slow and made even walking up five steps a task that sapped my energy and made me breathless. It was also useless for fighting. Yes, probably this guy I was inhabiting was stronger than me and probably too, he had an ability to soak up blows, but he was so ponderous and lumbering that no opponent would have any trouble killing him. I wouldn¡¯t back myself against the kid I¡¯d seen sweeping the halls. Plus, he reeked of stale body odour; his hair was greasy (I made the mistake of touching it); and he had sores and bites on his globular skin that I felt as incessant itches. Second, this definitely was real. No game could get you to sweat and feel the signals of discomfort that this body was giving me. The ambient sounds alone, or the subtle scents, were too much for a game. Just possibly, I had somehow been hypnotised. But when Carlena -had said that she had cast a spell to exchange my consciousness with the previous owner of this body, well, that had resonated with everything my senses were telling me. Thirdly, these people really needed me and feck it, I was going to embrace the challenge. Not only because at heart I was a decent guy and always responded to a call for help, but also because I was up for this. Having the task of saving this kingdom from its enemies energised me; motivated me in a way I hadn¡¯t felt for months. I needed this just as much as they needed me. ¡®This is our kingdom, Greyland,¡¯ Lord Arval placed a finger on the lower left part of the map. ¡®Three days ago, having lost a battle against a united army of two of our neighbours, we forfeited control of all this region,¡¯ he moved his finger, ¡®leaving us with just the capital and the territory around these mountains.¡¯ I came to stand beside the soldier and studied the map for some time. It was detailed enough to give me a pretty good idea of the situation. We were easily the smallest kingdom of twenty-five in the bottom corner of a five-by-five grid. Worse, the region we had lost was farmland. The tiny patch labelled Greyland only consisted of hills, valleys and a mountain. ¡®Is the world a sphere?¡¯ Lord Arval looked shocked; Carlena snorted with what might have been derision; and Chancellor Parrin raised his eyebrows in a pretty good expression of surprise. When Carlena saw that I was serious, she shook her head. ¡®No. It¡¯s as you see here.¡¯ There was a small section of sea around the entire world. I gestured to it. ¡®What happens if you sail off the edge?¡¯ It was the sorceress who answered, ¡®some say there are other realms beyond the mist. But no ship can survive the thundering torrents.¡¯ ¡®Well, at least we have one flank secure.¡¯ ¡®Indeed, sire.¡¯ Lord Arval gave me a nod. ¡®Although sea invasion is possible. There is enough sea room for an enemy fleet to avoid the current that draws you to the edge.¡¯ I lifted my fleshy right arm and pointed up. Immediately the silver menus cascaded in front of my vision.
Greyland Economy Military People
I didn¡¯t open any of the three sub-menus. Instead, I swept them away with a gesture and raised my left arm. A new menu appeared.
Sean de Courcy, king of Greyland Str 7 Dex 4 Con 8 Int 16 Wis 16 Cha 3 Please choose a character archetype: Fighter; Wizard; Healer; Scout
Interesting. Charisma 3 though. I waved it away. ¡®Can I improve my stats by exercise?¡¯ ¡®Sire?¡¯ Chancellor Parrin had wrinkles in his face that fell naturally into an expression of uncertainty. ¡®I¡¯ve just called up my character sheet. My Strength is seven. Can I get it to eight by working out with weights?¡¯ Lord Arval looked to Carlena, who shook her head. Not so much as to answer me but to say she didn¡¯t know. ¡®King Carlos kept his powers secret.¡¯ It was Chancellor Parrin who answered me. ¡®We know he had access to menus for himself and for the realm, but he never, ever spoke about them. He was¡­ He feared¡­¡¯ ¡®He was a useless tyrant who bullied us all, knowing we couldn¡¯t replace him because he was the only one with the power to make decisions for the kingdom.¡¯ Carlena gave a bitter smile, ¡®but I found a way to get rid of him and still allow planning for our realm. I found you.¡¯ ¡®Can you see your own levels and stats?¡¯ While I was interested in learning about my predecessor, I didn¡¯t want to change the subject. My focus right now had to be on understanding whether this world was like RPGs I was familiar with. In particular, if I was stuck with those starting stats, I¡¯d have to choose Wizard or Healer archetypes. If, however, I could get my Strength and Constitution to rise somehow, I¡¯d opt for Fighter. I wanted to be a Fighter, but if I was stuck with this body and those stats, choosing Fighter would be a complete disaster. ¡®No, but I believe the king could. I know from my spells that I''m level seven Paladin,¡¯ said Lord Arval, ''but he never told me my stats and skills.'' Carlena nodded, ¡®King Carlos was a liar, but I know that when he said I was a level nine Sorceress, he was telling the truth. I get one new spell per level and I have nine spells.¡¯ ¡®And that I¡¯m a level five Scout,¡¯ Chancellor Parrin gave a shrug. ''I certain I''m above that, however.'' ¡®Interesting.¡¯ I tried pointing at Chancellor Parrin in the hope of calling up some information about him. Then simply concentrating, looking into his eyes. Nothing changed. ¡®Oh well. I need to conduct an experiment. Can you assign me a trainer to work on my Strength?¡¯ ¡®Now sire?¡¯ asked the chancellor, ¡®it¡¯s late.¡¯ ¡®In the morning then.¡¯ This body certainly felt tired. ¡®For now can I get a bath, fresh sheets on my bed and a clean set of clothes?¡¯ This request caused Lord Arval to chuckle and soon Chancellor Parrin and Carlena were doing their best not to grin. ¡®What?¡¯ ¡®Whoever you are, Sean de Courcy, you are certainly not King Carlos.¡¯ Chapter 2: Town Planning Luxuriating in a ¨C necessarily large ¨C wooden bath, I got a good view of my enormous body. Well, at least as far as the vast stomach. From there, my lower half was completely out of view. Maybe Carlos felt at home like this and I wasn¡¯t judging him from the point of beauty or shame. My dismay at the body I was in was a practical one. As it was, I couldn¡¯t possibly help these people in battle. And I was so used to my own, fairly fit shape that for me, this was like being an imprisoning shell. I had an idea of who I was that was at odds with this person. It would take some serious work but I was determined to get in shape, not least for the sake of the battles to come. At least he was tall, taller than me, at about 6'' 4" I''d guess. That was promising for the long term, if I could get the body into fighting condition. While I didn¡¯t want to make any important decisions about my character sheet until I had tested if I could improve my stats, I took some time to properly study the kingdom menus.
Greyland Economy Military People Currently building: granary level 2 Monthly trade income: 0 Monthly tax income: 54 gold Daily food consumption: 13 units Grain yield: 0 due in 17 days Vegetable yield: 35 food units due in 21 days Wool yield: 3 bales due in 34 days Meat yield: 4 units daily Timber yield: 17 planks daily Iron yield: 2 ingots daily Quarry yield: 6 blocks daily Smithy yield: no production set Weaving yield: 4 bolts daily Research: steel pickaxes Resources: Wheat: 19 food units Vegetables: 32 food units Meat: 5 food units Wool: 7 bales Timber: 134 planks Iron: 11 ingots Stone: 33 blocks Cloth: 0 bolts
All of these points of information could be opened for more detail, so I focused on the ¡®currently building¡¯ tab. There, I could see a graphic of a partly constructed wooden tower. The granary, presumably. In a timer that was counting down, there were two days and several hours left on a bar that was about half filled with green. I had other options, currently greyed out: farm buildings, level 2; hunting lodge, level 2; sawmill level 2; watermill; mine level 3; quarry level 2; smithy level 2; library level 2. There was an obvious contradiction between the fact the kingdom was working on a new granary and there was no grain yield. Presumably, this was a legacy of losing the recent battle and the farmland. I should almost certainly swap the construction project to something else. Long term, it was often a good idea in strategy games to invest in research, which might be what the library was good for. But I had a real worry about the food situation. So without making any changes, and after shifting my hulky figure to swirl some warm water around, I looked at the Military sub-menu.
The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. Military Light infantry: 32 Heavy infantry: 12 Archers: 18 Light cavalry: 24 Heavy cavalry: 3 Ballista: 1 Hospital: 17 Military upkeep cost: 42 gold, 5 silver Currently training: 2 heavy cavalry Buildings: keep level 2; curtain walls level 1; towers level 1; town walls level 1 Currently building: tower machicolations, 3 days
I had no idea how big the armies in this world were, but with just a hundred troops the situation here was certainly dire. I suddenly had a dark thought. What if we were overrun? Slaughtered. What would happen to me? Would I get home? Respawn? Or just die, forever? Although they were fundamentally important questions, there was nothing I could do to find answers to them, so I returned my focus to the menus. Each of these entries had options to drill down into more specific information, such as about the stats on the troops, but I just skimmed through them, wanting to understand the big picture items first.
People Citizens: 485 Happiness: 14 Tax Level: High Health: 89 Specialist roles General: Lord Arval, Paladin Level 7 Royal Wizard: Carlena, Sorceress Level 9 Steward: Chancellor Parrin, Scout Level 9 Ambassador: Figus, Bard Level 3
Looking at the Citizens menu I saw a more detailed breakdown: Soldiers 110; Farmers 38; Builders 40; Shepherds 34; Hunters 48; Miners 84; Clothmakers 23; Bakers 23; Brewers 16; Carpenters 21; Stonemasons 14; Smiths 4; Researchers 4; Idle 26. It was strange how few were the numbers here. Was this because I had found myself at an early stage of whatever game-like system this world was based on? Or was there some other explanation? This was interesting. For a start, the king had been lying to Chancellor Parrin for some reason. Far from being a Level 5 Scout, the thin man was 9. Then I found I could open up their character sheets and I did so for Lord Arval.
Lord Arval: Paladin Level 7 HP 64 AC 18 XP 19,663 (28,800) Str 17 (18), Dex 12, Con 15, Int 8, Wis 9, Cha 9. Shield of Defence +1, Trueblade +2, Ring of Strength +1, Potion of Haste, Potion of Healing.
Very interesting. I had to close my eyes for a moment, ducking down to soak my hair, but the character sheet was still there when I came back up out of the water. Firstly, I noted that Lord Arval had an XP bar. He could level up. That was encouraging for me, because it suggested that stats might evolve too. Secondly: magic items. Everybody loves magic items, but again I was particularly excited to see they could be used to change stats, as in Lord Arval¡¯s Strength. Time to check the others.
Carlena, Sorceress Level 9 HP 34 AC 5 XP 72,102 (86,400) Str 5, Dex 11, Con 9, Int 17, Wis 7, Cha 8. Brooch of Protection from Magical Missiles; Wand of Channelling; Potion of Transformation.
Chancellor Parrin, Scout Level 9 HP 53 AC 12 XP 71,043 (86,400) Str 9, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 6, Cha 9 Dagger +1; leather jerkin +1; Ring of Silent Movement.
Figus, Bard Level 3 HP 17 AC 14 XP 684 (800) Str 13, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 12, Wis 9, Cha 15 Scroll of Charm Ambassador feats: Speak Language; Swift Travel
Pretty decent, or so it seemed. But everything was relative. What special roles did our opponents have? Maybe Chancellor Parrin would know. By this time my bath was only lukewarm and so, with some difficulty, I stood up. Water dripping from me, I took a towel and when as dry as I could manage, a robe that a servant had brought me that looked clean enough. Outside the door of the bathroom was a young servant, who ducked his head when I left rather than make eye contact. After I was past him, he ran into the bathroom, to tidy up perhaps. Lying in a comfortable four-poster bed, in clean sheets, I considered that I was blessed. Almost certainly, there were gods in this world. And if one of them had played a role in bringing me here, well, fair dues to him, her, or it. I sent a silent prayer of gratitude. This is what I needed. Not the trappings of being a king but the challenge. A kingdom under threat and an RPG system to wield to the best of my ability. I really wanted to get stuck into my own character sheet, but most of my decisions would have to wait until I had more information. And I was too tired to explore the menus much further. There were two tasks, however, that shouldn¡¯t wait until morning. I called up Greyland/Economy/Currently Building. There I switched the granary out and from the other options, dragged in hunting lodge, level 2. We were losing about 7 food units a day, with reserves of just 56. Obviously, I needed to resolve that, before planning on building something more strategic. The other assignment I wanted to make was for the Smithy, which was not producing anything. The sub-menu, however, was complex, full of possible items like horse shoes, swords, shields and arrow heads that all looked extremely useful. There were tools I could create too, including hoes, which I was tempted by, as these would surely help my food output. Or were they limited to use in the kind of fields we had recently lost? Wondering why my predecessor had left such an important building idle, I had a thought and checked the research queue. There was only four hours left on the countdown for steel pickaxes. Maybe he had planned on completing that research and then getting the smith to work on producing them. If so, it wasn¡¯t a bad idea, all we really had going for us were the mountains around the town. If we could use sources of iron to build up tradeable reserves of iron and steel, that might be another way to solve the food crisis. So that decision could also wait until morning. My head filling again with images of the town planning interface, I was asleep before I knew it. Chapter 3: Getting Fit Morning arrived with a lot of cries from cockerels and the scents of food cooking. It was probably very early, but I couldn¡¯t wait to get started. Rolling out of bed, I dressed myself in a long, loose tunic and a very fine cloak, it was a real struggle, though, sitting on the edge of the bed, to bring my foot up to a position where I could get a sandal on it. Should I wear my crown? For now, I just carried it in my hand. On leaving my room, a guard outside looked at me in astonishment before composing his face into a neutral expression. It suddenly occurred to me that I had no idea of my way around this castle, yet it would be very strange if I were to ask the guard. So I just followed my nose and again, was met with looks of disbelief and alarm by servants and soldiers until I found my way down and around some wide stairs to a hall big enough for a feast, though all the tables were bare. ¡®Ah, sire, we weren¡¯t expecting you for many an hour yet. I¡¯ll hurry the cooks.¡¯ A female servant came over as I sat myself at the top table in what was obviously the king¡¯s large, padded chair. ¡®Just two poached eggs please and an apple and an orange.¡¯ ¡®We have apples, sire. Not the other.¡¯ ¡®Ahh right. Two apples then. And if you can press a few more to get juice out of them, I¡¯ll drink that.¡¯ ¡®Yes sire.¡¯ The servant, a middle-aged woman, had worry lines across her forehead. ¡®So no roast pork?¡¯ She gestured towards a door that I presumed led to the kitchen, judging by the concentration of cooking scents from that direction. ¡®No.¡¯ ¡®Er¡­ forgive me, but just to avoid error, sire, no beef slices in horseradish sauce?¡¯ ¡®No.¡¯ ¡®Nor the chicken breast in garlic? The bread-and-butter pudding? The¡­¡¯ I caught the servant¡¯s eye and with a gulp she stopped speaking. ¡®Nothing,¡¯ I said firmly, ¡®other than the eggs, apples and the juice.¡¯ ¡®Certainly sire,¡¯ the woman backed away with an anxious bow. It would have been interesting to chat with someone and learn something about the world, but none of the guards and servants would dare look at me. The large dining hall was silent as though empty, even though I could count six guards and four servants. Oh well. I raised my right arm and cascaded some menus. Good, steel pickaxes had been researched, my town now had the knowledge of how to produce them. So I opened up the smithy and planned for a build of 84 new pickaxes, one for every miner. That left my research queue empty and I crunched on one of the hastily delivered apples as I eyed my options, there were hundreds of possibilities, grouped into three core categories: economic, cultural and military. Currently, the food crisis was my biggest concern and my plan to solve it was via exporting ores. Assuming all my neighbours were hostile (and even if they weren¡¯t, I wouldn¡¯t want any of them to have extra iron supplies), I needed to get my ores further afield. And that meant¡­ Navigation. A six-day research project. Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. After breakfast, with the help of a servant, I changed into tunic and trousers and good boots, then sent for my trainer. Carradock Goblinbane was missing an arm at the elbow. I didn¡¯t ask; maybe the king knew his story already. On the short walk from the castle to the barracks training ground, I briefed him. I needed strength training as rapidly as possible. I didn¡¯t voice it aloud, but I knew that I just could not risk progressing my character until I understood the issue of stats better and, in particular, whether I could push them up through training. ¡®Strength it is, sire, and all-round fitness.¡¯ He looked at me longer than most people did. In fact, most people here didn¡¯t look me in the eyes at all. ¡®It will take a while. We must not rush. You¡¯re too big and too ¨C excuse me ¨C soft. You¡¯ll hurt yourself. For the first day, I just want to you walk around this ground fifty times. ¡®Fifty?¡¯ How hard could it be to walk fifty laps of a square whose sides were only about a hundred metres? It was very hard. After one lap I was sweating. After the second my thighs began to ache and I found myself slowing down from my fast initial pace. After the third, I was panting and my huge body was complaining pretty much everywhere. On ten, Carradock handed me a tankard with cool water in it and I gulped it down. Then he offered me a sword hilt. It was a practice weapon, a rod of iron with no sharp edges. I reached out for it. ¡®Are you sure?¡¯ Carradock looked sceptical. ¡®Of course. I can do this.¡¯ ¡®No, I mean, your left hand.¡¯ I had grasped the sword and raised it in my left hand. I tried it then with my right, shook my head, and shifted it back. ¡®This is better.¡¯ Back on Earth, I was left-handed. Had the king been right-handed? Was this a sign to everyone I wasn¡¯t their old ruler? ¡®Carry it as often as you can. It will make your sword arm stronger.¡¯ ¡®Now?¡¯ Carradock nodded, perhaps with a hint of a smile on his narrow, fox-like face. Then off I went again, with a new source of pain slowly moving up from my left wrist, my arm and along my left shoulder. At twenty I took another breather. One side of the barracks square was a two-story, grey stone building. The other three were enclosed by a low, wooden fence. And at the fence were gathered a dozen people, looking in at me. On their faces were expressions of dislike but also astonishment. All this walking had been good for my thinking. ¡®You,¡¯ I pointed to a woman with dressed in a tunic whose design matched that of the other castle servants. ¡®Get me the ambassador, Figus.¡¯ ¡®Yes, sire.¡¯ She curtsied, but I could tell from her body language she didn¡¯t like the duty. ¡®And the rest of you, get along with your business.¡¯ No one spoke, but they all immediately hurried away. It was another two laps before my ambassador came to the square around which I was walking. No doubt I was red-faced and quite a sight, but that didn¡¯t excuse the smirk on his face. Figus was quite the rock star. Unlike everyone else here, his hair was not a natural colour, rather it was bleached somehow and stood up in clusters of spikes. With a grace in his walk and a cynical smile in his bright blue eyes, I could see his Charisma of 15 was definitely in play. What was mine again, 3? I suddenly felt very conscious of my frown lines and a posture that was sagging at every point, including my face. The ambassador drew up close, took in a breath and then bowed. ¡®Sire?¡¯ This was a welcome excuse for a break, though I was aware that Carradok was watching and probably disapproved. ¡®We need to trade ore for food, what¡¯s the best way to go about it?¡¯ Figus looked up with some surprise on his face. ¡®You are seeking my advice?¡¯ ¡®Uh huh,¡¯ I was still catching my breath or I¡¯d have pointed out that he was our ambassador after all. ¡®Well, as you know, we are at war with Southway and Trolland, our nearest neighbours. So they are out. That also blocks the inland routes. By sea, we could trade with Cantreth, the Kingdom of Lost Souls and Rockguard¡­¡¯ he paused in thought. I paused in tiredness. ¡®Your majesty has no scruples dealing with a necromancer?¡¯ ¡®Not at all, some of my best friends are necromancers.¡¯ I was thinking of Storm Wars of course, but the look of consternation on the face of Figus made me feel like laughing. To be fair to him, the ambassador recovered his poise quickly, ¡®in that case, I think the best deal we could make would be with the Kingdom of Lost Souls.¡¯ ¡®Right so, off you go and make that arrangement.¡¯ ¡®Now sire?¡¯ I nodded. He hesitated. ¡®How much ore and of what kind and quality will we be offering?¡¯ I didn¡¯t have to call down the menu for the mines, we were currently producing 2 ingots of standard iron ore per day. Assuming that would rise with the new pickaxes¡­ ¡®Fifteen standard iron ingots a week.¡¯ Figus nodded and then with a temerity that was unusual in the people around me caught my eye. ¡®One more question, sire, if I may?¡¯ ¡®Yes?¡¯ ¡®We don¡¯t have a trading vessel, but we would get much better terms if this exchange happened in our ship.¡¯ ¡®I¡¯ll make that a priority.¡¯ ¡®Right so, I¡¯ll be off then.¡¯ There was a jauntiness to the man¡¯s step as he left me to my circuits. Had he deliberately just parodied my turn of phrase? If so, I rather admired him for it. Chapter 4: The Enemy After forty-two laps, I was beyond exhausted, my large body drenched in sweat, my left arm on fire. Every time a citizen came through they stopped in complete astonishment, sometimes gathering in groups to stare, until a frown sent them scurrying about their work. I lived for the nod of approval from Carradock each time I arrived back at the gate against which he leaned, often in conversation with other soldiers. Also, for the thought of a long, long warm bath. A castle servant, the one from breakfast, was ahead of me, twisting her apron in her hands and looking everywhere but into my face. ¡®Wha¡¯?¡¯ I wheezed out. ¡®Chef¨C¡¯ she flung her hand out in a gesture towards the keep, where a short man in what looked like a grey baker¡¯s outfit ¡®¨Cwants to know what to prepare for dinner.¡¯ ¡®Dear lord.¡¯ I came to a stop, worried my aching legs would not want to resume. ¡®It¡¯s not important. But keep it simple.¡¯ My predecessor had obviously enjoyed eating extensive meals with several courses. ¡®Just a couple of slices of roast meat and ¡­¡¯ What would an athlete eat? Food with plenty of protein and vitamins. ¡®Wait. Grilled fish. Nuts. Fresh vegetables, like tomatoes and carrot, that don¡¯t need much, if any, cooking.¡¯ I wasn¡¯t really hungry just now, my body was too stressed, but no doubt my appetite would revive later. ¡®Ahh¡­¡¯ ¡®What?¡¯ ¡®Chef won¡¯t be pleased.¡¯ I stared at her. ¡®Hands up if you are king.¡¯ I put my own hand up. ¡®That puts me in charge.¡¯ Once she had turned away, alarmed, I returned my focus back into my final few laps. Although it was distracting I when I turned a corner and was facing the keep: there I could see the chef remonstrating with the servant. He kept looking over at me, as though in appeal, but I wasn¡¯t having any of it and focused on moving one leg, then the next, and on keeping hold of that enormously heavy sword. I wasn¡¯t allowed to settle into my rhythm again though, for with a clatter of metal-hooves on cobblestone, a small group of riders came into the barracks yard. Some were soldiers of mine but one was carrying a green pennant (deep green, with a golden wolf¡¯s head) and dressed in expensive-looking clothes. ¡®King Carlos?¡¯ Either I looked dumb, having forgotten my name here, or else the new arrival was dismayed by my appearance. ¡®King Carlos?¡¯ he tried again. ¡®Yes?¡¯ My impression that this was a man who was attentive to his looks was reinforced as he dismounted and made his bow. No one had a beard as neat his without some effort. ¡®Lord Oseso, ambassador to his majesty King Wace of Southway.¡¯ ¡®Pleased to meet you.¡¯ My politeness was automatic. I felt no warmth towards this man. Quite apart from the fact his rich, fur-lined cloak and black, oiled hair alienated me, this was the enemy. A crowd was gathering as soldiers and civilians moved closer to hear the ambassador¡¯s words. ¡®Perhaps we can take some refreshment in private?¡¯ Lord Oseso suggested. I shook my head. ¡®There¡¯s nothing you can say that I would hide from my people. Why are you here?¡¯ ¡®Are you sure?¡¯ There was a knowing sneer in his gaze, inviting some kind of complicity from me. ¡®Get on with it. I¡¯m busy.¡¯ Supressing a smile, the ambassador from Southland shrugged, as if to pass off any blame. ¡®King Wace, in his generosity, offers to make Greyland a dependency of Southway. You,¡¯ he gestured to everyone, ¡®are spared conquest. And you personally, sire, will be given a comfortable retirement, dining on the finest food of our realm in the company of delightful personal companionship, in return for implementing the decisions of his highness on your interface.¡¯ If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. A silence fell over the square and even the crows stilled their caws, as if to listen to my answer. I let my heart and breath settle. ¡®Firstly, we are not conquered yet. Secondly, we all know what it would mean for our kingdom to be run by an invader¡­¡¯ I raised my voice for all to hear. ¡®People dragged off to work wherever your ruler wanted; our soldiers used up in his battles to spare his own troops; our wealth drained into your coffers; starvation and ruin here.¡¯ I knew what I was talking about, it¡¯s what I intended to do to them. Lord Oseso shook his head. ¡®Careful what you say next, this offer won¡¯t come again.¡¯ ¡®Good. If we see you again, you¡¯ll be executed as a spy. Greyland will never surrender and you can tell King Wace that unless he withdraws from our territory, it is he who will suffer conquest.¡¯ ¡®I¡¯ll tell him of your empty threat and he will laugh. And he will remind you of it when you are in chains at his feet.¡¯ ¡®That is disrespectful.¡¯ I was furious and at least a part my anger was drawn from the uncomfortable feeling, fear even, that he was going to be proven right. I walked over to him, using my height and bulk to lean down and snarl. ¡®Vincit qui patitur, he who endures conquers. And Greyland will endure.¡¯ Perhaps he saw the determination in my eyes. Perhaps he understood how close I was to striking him with the sword in my left hand, which no longer felt heavy. In any case, the ambassador¡¯s head dropped and he stepped back, then turned away to find his horse and remount. ¡®Blindfold him and lead his horse. Don¡¯t let him look around as he leaves.¡¯ ¡®Yes sir.¡¯ ¡®Right, then everyone, back to work. We¡¯re going to have to work extremely hard, myself included, to endure and escape conquest.¡¯ Muttering broke out among the people and it was hard to judge the tone. Certainly, it was not the cheering enthusiasm of a people rallying to their king. But among the soldiers especially there were several faces that looked brighter and more supportive than they had. ¡®Now, Carradock. I was on lap forty-four, was I not?¡¯ ¡®Forty-three sire.¡¯ ¡®Damn pedant.¡¯ The last few laps were painful. It did help, however, that I could study the town menus and take my mind from the constant complaints of my body. That gave me one measure of the effect of my responses to the ambassador from Southway, which was that the score for Happiness under the people menu had risen from 14 to 16. At least it hadn¡¯t gone down, so on the whole, they seemed to approve of resistance rather than surrender. It was the military menu that got me thinking again.
Military Light infantry: 32 Heavy infantry: 12 Archers: 18 Light cavalry: 24 Heavy cavalry: 4 Ballista: 1 Hospital: 17 Military upkeep cost: 42 gold, 5 silver Currently training: 1 heavy cavalry Buildings: keep level 2; curtain walls level 1; towers level 1; town walls level 1 Currently building: tower machicolations, 3 days
Why was I training heavy cavalry? They were costly in terms of iron and tactically useless. We would be holding defensive positions for the foreseeable future and while I hoped the day would come when I rode at the head of a line of formidable heavy cavalry, that was a long way off. Although it meant losing whatever raw materials my predecessor had invested in the project, I cancelled the heavy cavalry from the training queue and instead added fifteen archers to it, at a cost of 10 iron ingots and 15 gold and 15 of the unassigned townspeople. That left me 12 unassigned townspeople to think about. Before setting them to various tasks, I needed to know about building a trading vessel. When I tried to call up information about ships, I got a frustrating message.
Shipbuilding Unknown. Create a Shipwright to unlock this option.
¡®Hey, you!¡¯ I called out to a skinny youth, who was hanging around near the steps of the keep watching me with earnest eyes as though I was last man in for a cricket team that was over a hundred runs behind. And I couldn¡¯t tell if he wanted me to fail or succeed. ¡®Sire?¡¯ ¡®Get the Chief Carpenter for me.¡¯ ¡®Yes, sire.¡¯ The lad got up without any urgency and strolled down a shadow-filled street. I was on lap forty-six when the carpenter arrived, he was a bald, confident looking man, with intelligent brown eyes. ¡®Walk with me,¡¯ I grunted. ¡®Sire.¡¯ ¡®Can you make us a trading ship?¡¯ The question came as a surprise but he took it well, hardly faltering in his step. ¡®No sire.¡¯ ¡®What if I researched Shipbuilding One?¡¯ The man looked at me, surprised, then down at the ground. ¡®As you know, sire, I only have access to a limited menu in order that I can view my tasks... I couldn''t be sure about research, but Shipbuilding does sound like it will make the role of Shipbuilder available to you.¡¯ ¡®And I can then assign someone to it?¡¯ ¡®If it becomes an option sire.¡¯ ¡®Would you like to do it?¡¯ ¡®Me? It¡¯s up to you sire.¡¯ ¡®Yes,¡¯ I said, a little impatiently. ¡®I know that. But I¡¯d rather people enjoyed their work than hated it.¡¯ This wasn¡¯t just coming from my innate sense of politeness, it was practical too. I wanted that town happiness score to rise and surely by assigning the right people to the right jobs, at least when it came to specialist roles, that was going to help? We walked the entire length of the barracks square and turned back towards Carradock before the carpenter answered. ¡®I think I would like that sire.¡¯ ¡®Right so, find someone in your workshop who wants to be the Chief Carpenter and I¡¯ll make you Shipbuilder in¡­¡¯ I checked the research menu, dropped Navigation (there was no penalty, but I risked having to restart it again from the beginning), as it still had five days to go, and swapped to Shipbuilding 1, ¡®four days.¡¯ ¡®Thank you sire.¡¯ ''Now tell me this. I see a lot of people in the town. But not very many on the menus. Why is that?'' Again, the carpenter looked astonished. Then a little wary, as if I''d set a trap. ''People want to join the menu, sire, to serve the goddess... and you. But it''s limited, isn''t it? They can''t get on unless you''ve been able to make room.'' That wasn''t an answer that clarified very much, but I gave him a grunt to signal he could go back to work. It was as much as I could manage. As for the twelve unassigned people in the town, I decided to leave them for now. Soon I¡¯d want shipbuilders and sailors. Forty-seven. Forty-eight. Forty-nine. Fifty. ¡®That¡¯s me done for the day.¡¯ I spoke to Carradock with as much nonchalance as I could muster. As if I could do another fifty, although every muscle was groaning. ¡®Well done Sire.¡¯ That acknowledgement lifted me all the way back to the keep. Chapter 5: Fine Dining A long bath helped, but afterwards, as I made my way down to dinner, every step was a painful one. My muscles were already stiffening. It would be even worse in the morning. Still, I was determined. And that encounter with the ambassador of Southway just made me even more so. A long, polished wooden table had been laid out with what looked like a banquet to me, despite my instructions. Silver candelabra held our source of light, light which glittered off a wide array of polished trays and bowls. There were grapes; cherries, apples and peaches stacked high; there were at least four kinds of fish, filleted and laid out with herbs and lemon on trays decorated with fishing net designs; bowls of peas, green beans, tomatoes and carrots were full to the brim, at least four different kinds of bread had been prepared, with slices and rolls displayed on yet more silver trays; while goblets of cut glass sparkled, ready to receive wine from a choice of six decanters. The table was laid for four people but the placings were spaced so far apart that it was like a socially distanced event during the COVID pandemic back home. Much to the consternation of a servant who was standing by the wall and hurriedly came over to help, I started re-arranging the plates and cutlery, bringing all the places up to the top end. No sooner than I¡¯d taken my own seat, than Lord Arval, my Paladin General came in with a brisk march. Even for dinner, it seemed, he wore his chainmail and carried his sword. With a gesture that was nearly a smile, he took the seat to my right after I pointed to it. ¡®I heard about your training today sire. It gave encouragement to the troops.¡¯ ¡®There¡¯s a long way to go.¡¯ I glanced at my fleshy arms, so different to my previous body. ¡®I also heard that you scorned the ambassador of Southway.¡¯ ¡®Oh did you? What did your sources say, exactly?¡¯ ¡®That you were offered wine and women for the rest of your life if you¡¯d do the bidding of their king and you refused, telling him that it was him who would be grovelling in chains before you.¡¯ ¡®Did I though?¡¯ I laughed. ¡®The story has grown. Good. They have the spirit right at least. That guy was so smug, I wanted to punch him in the face.¡¯ We were interrupted by the arrival of Chancellor Parrin and the sorceress Carlena. Although they were not arm in arm, there was something about them that suggested to me they might be a couple. They were the right ages ¨C she with silver hair and he with the grey and sliver of his beard ¨C and they moved towards me with an ease in each other¡¯s company. ¡®Another innovation I see,¡¯ said the Chancellor with a glance at the place settings and then at the servants. I got the message: careful, go easy on the changes. I repeated my story of meeting the ambassador of Southway, to the approval of Parrin and Carlena but they were surprisingly taciturn. Only when we had eaten did Carlena lean towards me, so that I caught the full intensity of her stunning purple eyes, and whisper, ¡®send the servants away please, so we can talk properly.¡¯ I nodded. And after the next time my glass was refilled, I slapped the table with my heavy palm (it was effective for that at least). ¡®Out! Servants out and don¡¯t disturb us until you are called for.¡¯ I spoke with unnecessary volume as they jumped to respond. ¡®Spoken like the old Carlos,¡¯ said Parrin with a smile when we had the room to ourselves. The two of them then began an interrogation that would have never have been allowed by the previous king. What was I researching? What was I building? How would we cope with the loss of our grain-generating lands? What other information was in the menus? On the whole they were cautiously positive about my decisions and plans. At least, they didn¡¯t propose I make any changes to it. I was warned that my popularity, already very low, would drop further if we did start trading iron to the necromancer king, but they could see the necessity of this. By the end of their questions, I was totally clear about one thing. Carlena, Parrin and (to a lesser extent) Lord Arval saw me as their instrument. I was accountable to them and had to take their instruction. In business terms, this was a board meeting and I was the CEO, not a king with absolute power. This didn¡¯t upset me. I could totally see their point of view: the kingdom was on the ropes and everything they owned, including their lives, was in jeopardy. They couldn¡¯t afford any mistakes from me. Also, while I quite enjoyed the authority of being king and the way all the people were quick to obey me, I didn¡¯t like the barrier that the role created. At least here, with these three, I could be myself. ''I have a question about the menus,'' I looked from one to the other. ''How is it there are so few people on them compared to the size of Carrick?'' It was Carlena who answered. ''I believe the numbers allowed on the menu are capped in some way by the overall happiness of the realm.'' That made sense and exporing how to raise happiness was yet another goal for me to add to the ''to do'' list. ¡®How goes your personal progress?¡¯ asked Parrin. This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it ¡®I don¡¯t know yet.¡¯ I patted the rolls of stomach fat that were resting on the table top. ¡®I¡¯ve made a start on shedding these. But I haven¡¯t seen any change to my character sheet yet.¡¯ Carlena frowned. ¡®What level Fighter are you?¡¯ ¡®I¡¯m not even a Fighter yet,¡¯ I confessed. ''In fact I was thinking my character sheet meant I should be a Sorcerer or Cleric.'' All three of them turned pale faces towards me, eyes glistening in the candlelight. ''Oh no,'' said Carlena. ''Not a Sorcerer. You won''t have any spells. To obtain spells you have to build a scriptorium of the spell level and then research them, getting a random result It would take you forever. And it''s not what we need on the battlefield.'' ¡®I believe King Wace is level twelve,¡¯ muttered the Chancellor pointedly. ¡®And Queen Rorgesta of Trolland is eleven at least.¡¯ I caught the Scout''s eyes and said, ¡®I¡¯ll start levelling up soon. But with my current stats, I¡¯d be a hopeless warrior of any sort. I have to find out can I improve my Strength before starting my personal progression. And I also need to know how to level. Do I fight monsters? Complete quests?¡¯ ¡®I suppose you are right to wait,¡¯ Lord Arval spoke after a short interval. ¡®But every day that you are not progressing is a day more for them to get ahead. You could easily reach level two or even three by performing task quests in the town itself.¡¯ ¡®And we can bring you to areas nearby where there are monsters you can fight and kill for experience,¡¯ offered Lord Parrin. That sounded promising and exactly like the RPGs I was used to. I took a deep breath. ¡®I will progress soon then. For now though, my body is a mass of aches and pain. I can barely lift this fork with my left hand, my shoulder is so sore. There¡¯s nothing more I could have done today to advance this body towards where it should be.¡¯ ¡®True.¡¯ Lord Arval nodded. ¡®Don¡¯t push so hard you damage yourself.¡¯ ¡®We need time. Time to fix the kingdom¡¯s economy and time for me to level up.'' ¡®Indeed. And in that light, provoking the king of Southway might not have been wise.¡¯ Carlena spoke tentatively, as if exploring the idea. ¡®It was right to refute him so publicly and so firmly,¡¯ Arval came in, ¡®the message to the soldiers and people was clear. We will endure.¡¯ Chancellor Parrin nodded. ¡®I think so too. But still, there is a real danger of the two armies continuing their advance together and overcoming our defences.¡¯ ¡®Speaking of which, I¡¯d like to see them. We have a fort at the head of the valley that leads here, right? I might be able to upgrade it.¡¯ ¡®You can¡¯t get there, it is thirty miles away and no horse can carry you.¡¯ It was Arval who made this depressing, if practical, point. ¡®I can show you on the map at least,¡¯ offering Parrin, ¡®and you should be able to find a menu for it. It¡¯s called Three-Ways Fort.¡¯ ¡®I¡¯ll check later. And if it¡¯s all right with you, I¡¯ll move any remaining troops from here down to it, including the new archers.¡¯ Everyone greeted my proposal with approval. I had been thinking about Carlena¡¯s point about unnecessarily provoking King Wace. ¡®Could we maybe divide them? By talking with Queen Rorg¡­ whatever ¡­ the Trolland queen. By suggesting that we might be willing to be a protectorate under her?¡¯ ¡®Perhaps,¡¯ the Chancellor nodded. ¡®It would be a mission for Figus.¡¯ ¡®When he gets back,¡¯ I said. ¡®When he gets back,¡¯ Parrin repeated. ¡®In the meantime, I think you need to go down to the lowlands and monitor the enemy''s movements, to give us notice if they are advancing.¡¯ ¡®Me?¡¯ Parrin looked surprised. ¡®We have scouts, of course.¡¯ ¡®Yes, but they are all level zero, right? Whereas you are level nine.¡¯ ¡®It¡¯s been a while since I dusted off my scout skills, but you know what, I¡¯ll do it!¡¯ Parrin rubbed his beard around his mouth, where a smile was forming. ¡®I¡¯ll set out in the morning.¡¯ ¡®Just don¡¯t take any risks.¡¯ When our strategizing was at an end, Lord Arval called the servants back in and we resumed a more formal tone, until I was ready for my bed. Well, not quite ready. ¡®Can the king ask for a massage?¡¯ I leaned in towards the General. ¡®Of course. I¡¯ll send someone.¡¯ ¡®Good, I¡¯ll go on up to my bed.¡¯ It was an effort, I was almost tempted to ask for help and a push, but my groaning legs carried me up two flights of stairs until I collapsed on the bed. Not long after I did so, a heavy knock came on the door and after I called for the person to come in. It was the masseur I was expecting. Well, not quite. A tall, muscular man in a soldier¡¯s tunic came in. ¡®Massage sire?¡¯ he asked gruffly. ¡®Please.¡¯ ¡®Saw you walking today sire. You¡¯ll want the legs looked at.¡¯ ¡®Left shoulder too, from carrying that sword.¡¯ He nodded. ¡®Too right. You know they make the dummy out of lead, deliberate like? So when you pick up your first real blade, it feels light.¡¯ I didn¡¯t reply and soon I felt his hands on the backs of my thighs, through my clothes. I wasn¡¯t going to remove them, even if that limited his access. Before long, I was getting some serious work done, loosening my cramped and tight muscles and while it was borderline painful, it was effective. What with the wine and the exercise, I¡¯d sleep well. There was one thought still nagging me though, arising from the questions that the sorceress and the chancellor had raised with me. Oh yes. The hunting lodge, level 2 had been due for completion earlier this evening. I paused the massage long enough to call down the town menu, then got back into position while I studied it.
Greyland Economy Military People Currently building: Monthly trade income: 0 Monthly tax income: 54 gold Treasury: 2 gold Daily food consumption: 13 units Grain yield: 0 due in 17 days Vegetable yield: 35 food units due in 20 days Wool yield: 3 bales due in 33 days Meat yield: 5 units daily Timber yield: 17 planks daily Iron yield: 2 ingots daily Quarry yield: 6 blocks daily Smithy yield: steel pickaxes on hold. Awaiting iron. Weaving yield: 4 bolts daily Research: Shipbuilding One Resources: Wheat: 14 food units Vegetables: 25 food units Meat: 8 food units Wool: 7 bales Timber: 150 planks Iron: 0 ingots Stone: 39 blocks Cloth: 4 bolts
The meat yield had gone up by one. I had hoped for two but I couldn¡¯t argue with a 25% increase. That still left us losing about 6 food units a day, with reserves of 47. I winced, and not from the pain of the knuckles digging into my shoulder. I had to set a new town building project and the attractive options were hunting lodge level 3 or mine level 3. Both would take two days to upgrade. In trying to figure out which of the two would work best for solving the food crisis, I realised that something was wrong. The Smithy should have made me eighty-four steel pickaxes. If they significantly improved iron output, I would build the next level of hunting lodge. Yet the Smithy was on hold. The problem was iron. I had made a mistake. I blushed at the thought of talking about this with the others. If I had waited to create the new archers, I would have had plenty of iron for the pickaxes. Scrolling deeper into the menus, I could see that the Smithy had built a stock of 12 pickaxes before I had assigned the remaining iron to training the archers. Then it had come to a halt. Oh well, I allocated the twelve new pickaxes to the miners and given that at least two iron would come in tomorrow, the Smithy would be able to make 24 steel pickaxes, which would surely improve the daily output of iron? Three days would see me with a mining workforce fully equipped with the new pickaxes. Three days though. When I should have been using those days in building up a surplus ready to trade for food if Figus came back from the necromancer with a decent deal. This was discouraging, but more positive was the discovery that the hunting lodge level 2 had the capacity for four more workers. That was a must. I assigned the new hunters from the reserves of workers (now only 8 strong) and went for the hunting lodge level 3 as the next build. While iron was vital, food was even more so and there was no guaranteeing that my ambassador would even return, let alone with a trade agreement. Chapter 6: Personal Progress My first thought on waking, was that I was happy. Not so much because I was living the life of a king (although I wasn¡¯t complaining about that), but because I had a reason for living: a mission. It was such a different feeling, having a purpose in life, to waiting around for the COVID restrictions to end. While Greyland was starting in a very difficult situation, I believed I could turn it around. For a start, I had to ramp up iron production and correct my earlier mistake. As my first action, I assigned the realm¡¯s three iron ingots to the Smithy for more steel pickaxes. Crucial to my success in this world would be my personal character progression. With some anxiety I called up my character sheet to see if I¡¯d managed to improve it by my efforts of the previous day.
Sean de Courcy, king of Greyland Str 7 Dex 4 Con 8 Int 16 Wis 16 Cha 4 Please choose a character archetype: Fighter; Wizard; Healer; Scout
Of course, neither my Strength of Constitution had shifted. I sighed to myself. How many more days of exercise would it take to test whether those stats would rise? Should I give it a week and then give in and choose a Wizard or Healer path? The people who had summoned me here wanted a battlefield leader and my own desire led me to want to be a martial class of some sort. But it would be idiotic to aim for that if I was stuck with these stats. Then I noticed the final attribute, Charisma. It had gone from 3 to 4. Yes! Yes! And again Yes! Stats could be worked on. A glow of pleasure rushed through me. Okay, so it wasn¡¯t a Fighter stat that had moved, but really, after one day, even if I had focused on Strength, I could hardly have expected to see progress. I had a hunch that the reason I¡¯d seen Charisma move was that it was a lot easier to raise a 3 to a 4 than a 7 to an 8. Following that last thought, I had to admit to myself that it might take months to move Strength to something useful in battle, but even so I decided to take the risk and commit to Fighter. It was time to get going. I missed being the most bad-ass warrior in Storm Wars and couldn¡¯t even imagine what it would feel like to be on top of the game be like in a world where it really mattered? Still, it was pointless, counterproductive even, to daydream. There was a mountain to climb. And I hadn¡¯t even taken one step yet towards the summit. I selected Fighter and got a message:
Welcome Sean de Courcy, to the path of the Fighter. You have chosen to stand toe to toe with your foes, dealing blows to them and evading their own attempts to harm you. It is a path for the brave and for the resolute. If you are fortunate and progress, in due course you will unlock specialisations within the Fighter class. You will also unlock new skills by discovering them through action. For now, you have 10 skill points to assign among the following: Bash: action, shield users only, additional attack with shield Block: passive, shield users only, wards melee attacks if successful Deflect: passive, shield users only, wards missile attacks if successful Defensive Stance: passive, reduces damage of hits received if successful Dodge: passive, avoid an opponent¡¯s attack Grapple: action, unarmed attack that restricts opponent if successful Lunge: action, pointed weapons only, additional attack at up to +1m range Parry: passive, intercept your opponent¡¯s attack with your main hand weapon Quick draw: action, produce hidden or sheathed weapon
Quite a lot to think about there. And I had to make my choice right away, as the screen couldn¡¯t be flicked away in the usual fashion. Generally, I preferred a min-max approach to RPG gaming. It was usually better to be really good at one skill and adapt your strategy to that skill than to have no particular specialism and be somewhat competent at everything. Ideally, I would have had a taste of fighting before make my choice, so as to get a feel for what would be the best skill to invest in. Here, though, there was going to be a lot of guesswork. On the assumption I¡¯d have the support of the high level people who had summoned me, I decided I should focus on attack rather than defence. Back in Storm Wars defence was crucial but here, at the low levels at least, I felt it best to try to rack up experience fast through killing mobs. Lunge appealed most, surely an extra attack and a bit more range on an attack was going to prove useful? When I tried to put my ten points into the skill, however, I got a message. Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Skills are capped at Level x 5
Adding 5 points to Lunge worked. So for my other choice? Was I going to use a shield? Probably but not necessarily. I didn¡¯t know what weapons were going to be available to me here. Parry then. While Quick draw had its appeal, it was very situational. Whereas pretty much every fight I was in would involve the opportunity to parry. My character sheet now had my class and skills, also, an EXP bar, showing that I needed 100 to get to Level 2 and HP. I had hit points! Not many though. And an armour class that at 0 probably reflected the fact that I had no armour on at all. Even if I did, that poor Dexterity score probably carried a penalty.
Sean de Courcy, king of Greyland Fighter, Level 1 HP 8 AC 0 Str 7 Dex 4 Con 8 Int 16 Wis 16 Cha 4 Lunge 5 Parry 5 Exp 5/100
With the help of the PCs in Greyland, I should be able to level up fast. If it wasn¡¯t for my heavy body, I¡¯d have leapt out of bed with a spring in my step and an eager desire to get going. As it was, I had to lever myself up and then struggle with every single garment before managing to get dressed. It didn¡¯t help that I ached all over from yesterday¡¯s marching around the barracks square. At last, I was presentable and down I went to breakfast. Today, the castle servants were ready for me and along with a glass of apple juice was a bowl with more apples and a plate with two poached eggs. I felt desperately hungry and was tempted, when a new servant tentatively approached, to ask for more. But I had to get down to a size where armour could fit me and a horse could carry me. So I had to diet. End of. Back home, I had sometimes tried to cut out unhealthy snacks, and managed for a while, before invariably returning to them and sometimes bingeing while hooked up to Storm Wars. Here, I felt differently. Here, getting the king¡¯s body into shape was just as important as levelling up and sorting out Greyland¡¯s food supply. There was no ¡®Will I? Won¡¯t I?¡¯ discussion to be had with myself. It had to be done. After breakfast, I left the keep and walked slowly in the direction of the barracks. The citizens of the town hurried away from me or redoubled their efforts if they were working. For the first time, I noticed that stored away in the shadowy corner of a large cobbled square was a gibbet and a chopping block. Had my predecessor really executed people by hanging and beheadings? It was not a question I could ask anyone except one of the three who had been there at the summoning. The soldiers were already drilling when I got to the barracks and I was pleased to see archers firing at straw scarecrows. Thirteen, fourteen¡­ yet fifteen. Those were my new recruits. It might have been a dumb move using up all my iron before the steel pickaxes were completed but I was glad to see the archers all the same. Carradock was there, marching some foot soldiers back and forth. He passed the duty to one of the men and came over at a brisk walk on seeing me. ¡®How are you today sire? Able to continue?¡¯ ¡®Stiff, but yes.¡¯ ¡®I suggest another march then. Sixty circuits.¡¯ ¡®Right so. Before I set off, I¡¯ve a question you might know the answer to.¡¯ He looked at me expectantly. ¡®I just learned the Lunge skill. Do you know how I utilise it?¡¯ Surprise, then caution crossed the trainer¡¯s face. ¡®Not I sire. Skills like what you¡¯re talking about are special. You need to talk to someone like Lord Arval.¡¯ ¡®Good idea. Send someone to fetch him will you.¡¯ As was my nature, I almost added ¡®please¡¯, but no doubt that would be taking my change in character too far. On lap six, Lord Arval fell in step. ¡®Sire?¡¯ ¡®Two questions.¡¯ I already felt the need to be economical with my breath. ¡®Active skills like Lunge, how do I use them? And what¡¯s the quickest way for me to level up? Got some giant bats I can kill?¡¯ ¡®Skills? You¡¯ll see them as selectable icons when the right conditions are met. I mean when timers are ready; or the right weapon is in hand; or you¡¯ve moved yourself into the right position. Skills are very experiential. You get to discover them and advance them mostly by practice.¡¯ I nodded, hands swinging like pendulum weights as I strode determinedly around the square. Lord Arval kept pace effortlessly. ¡®For levelling up, I think quests. Without access to the menus I can''t be exact, but I felt that just by performing chores for the townspeople I became significantly stronger. Perhaps reaching level three or four.¡¯ He gave me a sharp look. ¡®It helps with your reputation with them too.¡¯ ¡®Good. I¡¯ll be done here by midday, come with me this afternoon and show me these quests.¡¯ First checking no one was close enough to overhear us, Lord Arval leaned closer and dropped his voice. ¡®I¡¯d never disagree with a command of yours, but I was intending to take the new archers down to Three-Ways Fort and check on our defences. I could ask Carlena to show you the easiest town quests?¡¯ I caught his ¨C grey ¨C eyes and gave the slightest of nods. ¡®Very good sire,¡¯ Lord Arval spoke loudly and deferentially. ¡®As you ask, so it will be.¡¯ The laps today were a little easier and even a soft rain didn¡¯t deter me. Walking was good for studying the menus too and I drilled down into the kingdom¡¯s various options, reading up on descriptions of buildings and balancing their various benefits against the immediate need to solve our food problem and be able to resist an attack if Southway and Trolland continued their alliance. After I finally completed my sixty laps, I took a salute from Carradock and went back to the keep for a bath and change of clothes. Then I sat in the very large throne in the large hall on the second floor, the solar they called it. Outside, beyond the lead crosses that contained the window glass, the day was still grey. I could have rested there, alone, for some time, but Carlena arrived and waving away the servants who had brought her to me, came over. ¡®You wanted me to help with quests?¡¯ ¡®Yes please. I¡¯ve started as a Fighter but, honestly, I¡¯m not in the shape to hit things yet. So quests are perfect. And Lord Arval said they would level me fast.¡¯ ¡®Yes, they will. At least, they got me to my third spell. After that, you¡¯ll need to battle monsters. Also, your combat skills won¡¯t increase unless you do.¡¯ ¡®Right so, let¡¯s go and do some quests.¡¯ It was painful, moving again after being seated for a while. But pain meant gain, right? And I had the incentive of levelling up to encourage me. ¡®It¡¯s been a while since I did these¡­¡¯ She looked thoughtful, long, silver hair tied back so I could see her severe face clearly. ¡®And try to be more like King Carlos. Everyone is talking about you. About how you¡¯ve changed.¡¯ ¡®He was a thug, right?¡¯ ¡®More of a sly creature, like a fox. Watching and waiting ¡­ then punishing. Never trusting anyone. You didn¡¯t know where you were with him. Not even me, who ¨C forgive the lack of modesty-- -¨C is the most important person in the kingdom. There was a time when I thought he was going to hang me for treason. Even though that would mean no sorcerer for our battles.¡¯ Having reached the large, double doors Carlena went silent and waited for me to lead her out. From just behind my right shoulder, she muttered directions as we walked down narrow cobbled streets until we came to a bakery. ¡®In there is a female baker who needs a large rat killed.¡¯ I barged in, under the swinging sign of a loaf of bread. My bulky body made a small room feel even smaller: counter with several loaves; bare planks for floors; whitewashed walls; back room with an aroma of newly baked bread that made my mouth water. A boy, about ten years old, was sweeping dust. His mouth dropped open. A thin woman behind the counter looked at me with pure horror, then said quietly, ¡®Miya bless me!¡¯ ¡®I believe you have a problem with a rat?¡¯ No one moved or spoke, until the boy dropped his brush and ran. Then the woman did the same. ¡®Guards!¡¯ yelled Carlena. When two soldiers came running, she instructed them to bring the baker back. Feeling impatient, I tried to strum my thick fingers on the wooden counter top, but couldn¡¯t, they just thumped down in a group. My crappy Dexterity? Or simply lack of practice with this body? At last the guards returned, holding the woman between them. She was clearly terrified and I would have said something comforting, except that Carlena wanted me to stay in character. ¡®You have a task?¡¯ I asked. ¡®But¡­¡¯ she was looking at the floor. ¡®But¡­ you¡¯ve already done it.¡¯ I shot a glance of alarm at Carlena who remained perfectly impassive. No doubt for the benefit of the guards. ¡®Give it to me again.¡¯ ¡®I can¡¯t sire, I really can¡¯t. Please don¡¯t kill me, I have three children.¡¯ ''Just try. Just say the words. I''m sure it will work. Go ahead!'' But she couldn''t. Her mouth opened and closed without a sound coming out. Tears ran down her face. Exasperated and not wanting to cause the baker to suffer any further, I strode back outside, took a second to orientate myself, and set off back toward the keep. Levelling up was going to require a rethink. Chapter 7: One of Those Good News, Bad News Things ¡®What now?¡¯ Carlena had caught up with me at the solar of the keep, where I sat glumly on the throne. Once again, she had ushered all the servants out before speaking to me. Her face, usually pale and thoughtful, was flushed. ¡®Can you find other quests for me?¡¯ The sorceress shook her head, silver hair swinging to emphasise the negative response. ¡®I no longer think questing is wise. I¡­ we can¡¯t risk further aggravating the people. Already, they hate you. If they also thought you were not the legitimate king, that would be extremely dangerous. It seems that Carlos did all the introductory quests. If you were able to repeat them, well, the people aren¡¯t stupid.¡¯ After a moment she sighed. ¡®We are going to have to risk battle.¡¯ ¡®Risk?¡¯ ¡®You could die.¡¯ Neither of us spoke. For my part, I was thinking back to my gaming experience. Obviously, when it wasn¡¯t real, I¡¯d taken risks and died many times as a result. No biggie. Here, it seemed, the PCs didn¡¯t respawn. First of all I confirmed that. ¡®No one returns after death?¡¯ ¡®As a vampire?¡¯ ¡®No, as themselves, just back at a spawn point like this keep, but without their gear.¡¯ With a somewhat feline look of contempt, Carlena said, ¡®what a strange world you have come from. No, of course not.¡¯ I didn¡¯t bother to correct her. ¡®Can you change my shape, so that I can fit in armour?¡¯ ¡®I don¡¯t have the Polymorph spell; there¡¯s my Potion of Transformation which would last for eight minutes.¡¯ There was a reluctance in her answer. ¡®Could I turn into a dragon with that?¡¯ ¡®A creature approximating your current size, sire. But we should save that for emergencies, such as a critical battle.¡¯ ¡®True.¡¯ Her comment about the potion reminded me of the other magic items that were in possession of the PCs of the kingdom. I checked under the town menu, people sub-menu and looked at the items again. Lord Arval had Shield of Defence +1; Trueblade +2; and Ring of Strength +1 which could all be of use. His Potion of Haste sounded good too, but that clearly had to be saved for war. Chancellor Parrin owned a Dagger +1; leather jerkin +1; Ring of Silent Movement. Nice too. Unfortunately, both were away just now or I would have borrowed those items. ¡®Sire?¡¯ I blinked away the menus. ¡®Yes?¡¯ I suggest we obtain the services of the cleric at the Church of Miya, for healing, and then the three of us go towards Mount Djace. There are monsters and dangerous wild animals for you to fight there, not too far from the city walls.¡¯ ¡®Not too likely to kill me?¡¯ There was no trace of a smile on Carlena¡¯s face. ¡®I don¡¯t think so. I have Freeze as one of my spells and if necessary, will destroy any challenge too hard for you with Fire Darts.¡¯ ¡®Right so.¡¯ I felt more cheerful. If Carlena and the cleric could power level me for the rest of this afternoon, then with the borrowed magic items I could hope to steam along later in the week. We parted ways: me to the armoury in the keep; her to change to her travelling clothes, as she put it. There were no pieces of armour that could fit me. And in any case, I needed to travel light. This body wouldn¡¯t go more than a couple of miles without being exhausted. I selected a simple rapier, mainly for its sharp point, and a light wooden shield. Then, at the last moment I had an inspiration. If Carlena could freeze mobs, I needed missile weapons. So I took a bow and a quiver of arrows. Carlena equipped for action was quite a different woman to the one I¡¯d seen around the town. Gone was the long hair for a start, it was gathered at the back of her head and tied up very tightly, with a blue headband to keep stray hairs from her eyes. Instead of the robes that had earlier swayed around her with a certain aristocratic grace, she now wore high leather boots, leggings and a sand-coloured waistcoat over a dark brown blouse. Two bandoliers of small purses criss-crossed her chest and back, while another belt at her waist also had several pouches. In addition she had a backpack that seemed half full. After looking me over, the sorceress simply nodded. ¡®Sire, you need water.¡¯ Already feeling encumbered ¨C not in the sense of any game penalty, just with the clutter of my gear ¨C I felt even more so when we finally left the keep, having ordered servants to bring me an empty backpack and a large skin of water. There was no need for Carlena to discreetly guide me to the church, a tall wooden spire acted as my route marker. As we walked, I checked the timers on all my projects, so that I could react promptly as soon as they were complete. Figus was out on a trade negotiation, time to complete unknown. Chancellor Parrin, similarly, was scouting with an unknown completion time. There were four hours to go until the smithy used up the iron I¡¯d assigned this morning, at which point I would have twenty-four more steel pickaxes for the miners. Three days and six hours remained on my Shipbuilding 1 research countdown; exactly one day on the hunting lodge 3; and, from the military menu, just over two days for tower machicolations. As far as planning the kingdom went, I just had to allocate the new pickaxes when they were ready and I was good until the morning, when I would have at least 3 ¨C hopefully 4 ¨C iron ingots to assign. Although the spire of the church stood out above the low roofs of the shops and houses of the town, the building itself was a simple wooden hexagon shape. It was more roof than room. Each of the six sides had a window that was simply a circular hole in the wall. Since we were experiencing a mild, if dull, day (late summer perhaps?) it wasn¡¯t uncomfortable, but surely winter assemblies here would be cold? The d¨¦cor consisted of carvings in the wooden walls, some of them quite impressive interlacing. If there was a message, it was probably about fertility, given all the flowers and plants that were depicted. Looking through the town menu and buildings submenu, I found the church.
Church level 1 Priest: cleric level 1 Benefits: heals one person per day of minor wounds (cannot cure diseases, heal victims of poison or remove magical curses). Increases town Happiness by 1.
Well, that was interesting. It made me ambitious to have a high level church building, one that could heal a full range of injuries and improve the town¡¯s Happiness considerably. But then, probably every building had its uses. I needed to read up on them all. The cleric was a female, her dress a simple tunic, but with a wreath of vine holding back her hair from a plain and nervous-looking face. ¡®Sire?¡¯ ¡®Come with us. I need you to assist while I fight.¡¯ ¡®Get your armour,¡¯ added Carlena. I took a seat. The bench was too narrow for my body, but at least it faced directly into the wide space in the centre of the church and I could stretch my legs out and keep my balance. While we waited for the cleric to put her fighting gear on, I asked Carlena about how magic worked. The short version was that spell casters had a mana bar that depleted according to the level of the spell they cast. It sounded familiar enough, although as she talked I got the impression that mana came back so slowly that she rarely cast more than four spells a day, which was stricter than most games I was used to. The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. With every level up, Carlena gained the capacity to cast a new spell and a new spell for her spell book. You assigned a spell from the book to a place on what was effectively a UI (she said a set of runes appeared at the edge of her vision) and in theory, you had to make a choice each morning. In Carlena¡¯s case there was no choice because she had only nine spells for her nine slots. ¡®I believe it is possible for you to research more for me. Also for me to find scrolls and other spell books from expeditions and quests. Carlos never told me he could do it; he didn¡¯t trust me enough.¡¯ ¡®Let me see if spells are in the town research menu.¡¯ There was indeed a sub-menu for spells: it seemed that you researched a spell by level and class and got a random result. This menu, however, was all greyed out and would only be available when Carrick had a scriptorium. I told her so. ¡®What are you building now?¡¯ she asked. ¡®Hunting lodge three. Which is only a two-day build, whereas a scriptorium level one would take three days. What''s the logic here, do you know? What makes some buildings longer than others?¡¯ Although it was obvious that Carlena didn''t have a ready answer, she seemed reluctant to admit it and after a moment said, ''materials, importance, lots of factors. A scriptorium, even level one, could lift us into the first rank of kingdoms. Magic is key to winning battles. If you discovered Fireball for me, for example, that would make all the difference.¡¯ ¡®I don¡¯t know. If the people are starving, that¡¯s us defeated before we even get to battle. I have to solve that first.¡¯ ¡®We. We have to solve this. You are not really king, Sean de Courcy. Remember that.¡¯ Something about her tone made me look carefully at the sorceress. What could I see in her face and those extraordinary indigo eyes? Determination, authority and¡­ ambition perhaps. Given that she needed me to access the menus for the realm, I had nothing to fear from her, did I? This was, however, a new universe, I reminded myself and I should take nothing for granted. At last our cleric returned, looking completely different. Now she was wearing a chainmail suit of armour that included a coif, so she was glittering iron from head to toe. In one hand was a fierce-looking mace, in the other a shield and there was a pack on her back. Carlena stood up, adjusting her headband. ¡®Good, let¡¯s go. We might manage two hours of hunting before sunset.¡¯ Walking out of the west gate of the castle, the journey was a dull and tiring affair. I could no longer talk candidly to Carlena and learn more about the rules of the world; we had to stay in character. While I could call down menus, I was self-conscious about that too, given it involved arm gestures. Perhaps, though the cleric was used to the king waving in the air. About an hour into the journey, I began to falter. My thighs were sore from chafing against each other and my shoulders ached from carrying the sword and the shield. It helped that Carlena had ordered the cleric to carry my bow and quiver. I was curious about the cleric; what manner of person was she? What was her name even? But quite apart from the fact I needed every breath for the walk, I didn¡¯t ask. It wouldn¡¯t be true to the old King Carlos. After what felt like ten miles, but was probably only two, we were on gorse-covered, sloping ground that led up to a skyline of rounded hills. Nearby, a lively-sounding stream ran through the gorse and wild grass. ¡®Ready?¡¯ asked Carlena, eyes on the slopes. ¡®Wait. Let me get my breath. Tell me the plan.¡¯ ¡®I flush something out and bring it here, you kill it. If I have to cast Freeze use your bow.¡¯ After a couple of minutes I stood up. ¡®Right so.¡¯ I took my bow from the cleric and put it on the ground at my feet, the quiver of arrows alongside it. Then I gripped my rapier in my left hand and hefted my shield in the right. Just behind me was the cleric, a glance showed her looking determined: in her right hand was her mace but her left was touching a circle of bronze that rested on her chest, hanging from a necklace. I gave her a nod, which I hoped was encouraging, but she just looked away fearfully. ¡®Here!¡¯ Carlena was hurrying back towards me, with a brown creature chasing her that looked somewhat like a small ostrich or a baby tyrannosaurus. It was sprinting on two legs in an impressively fast waddle, its head swaying on a thin neck with the weight of a sharp-looking beak. It was feathered, but unlike an ostrich had two small arms with claws. Feet thumping on the path, Carlena swept past me and I launched into the monster. Or at least I tried. Instead of being able to adjust my feet and bring my rapier point between me and the creature, I stumbled slightly and the creature was inside my reach, landing a vicious whack onto my ribs on the left hand side with that chisel-like beak. The stone-hard bone tore through my tunic and when the beak pulled back, blood should have sprayed everywhere. Good news. The pain was mild, nothing like that of a real wound. And there was no blood, no exposed ribs, only a patch of red. Bad news.
You have been hit by a Ciatern for 6 points of damage!
¡®Freeze!¡¯ I staggered back, just before the monster lashed into me again. With a screech of outrage, the Ciatern ¨C as I¡¯d just learned it was called ¨C strained its utmost to finish me off but thrashed impotently with its two feet fastened to the ground. ¡®Quickly!¡¯ shouted Carlena. Shaking lose my shield and dropping the rapier, I gathered up the bow and grabbed an arrow, only to pull it back too far and somehow get the point jammed into the frame of the bow. My low Dexterity was really punishing me. From behind came the reassuring sounds of the cleric chanting. Finally, I got the arrow set properly, but when I released the bowstring, the arrow shattered on a rock well wide of the monster.
You have unlocked the Wield Shortbow proficiency
That was progress at least. My next shot went wide and high.
You have become better at Wield Shortbow: 1
For the third shot I really concentrated. I took my time, drew the arrow well, held my breath to steady my aim and fired. Miss again! It¡¯d gotten closer but the arrow flew past to the right.
You have become better at Wield Shortbow: 2
A heal landed.
You have been healed of 5 points of damage.
¡®Last chance,¡¯ said Carlena. I missed.
You have become better at Wield Shortbow proficiency: 3
The screeching monster broke free and leapt at me again and I had nothing but the bow to interpose between me and that swift-moving, sharp beak. A flurry of orange darts smacked into the creature, knocking it over, smoke trails rising from the twitching body. ¡®Not the start we hoped for,¡¯ I muttered apologetically. It had been years since I had played a low level tank. I¡¯d forgotten how weak they were. ¡®We all have to start somewhere, sire,¡¯ said Carlena. ¡®Unfortunately, that¡¯s nearly half my mana gone.¡¯ ¡®And all of mine,¡¯ reported the cleric. ¡®All?¡¯ ¡®Sorry sire.¡¯ Damn me, but this world was harsh. A day¡¯s mana on a 5 hit point heal. Admittedly, she was only a first level cleric, but still. ¡®Want to try again?¡¯ I asked, ¡®at least my shortbow skill went up a few times.¡¯ ¡®Oh, did it?¡¯ Carlena looked at me with a quizzical expression, but she had a question she didn¡¯t voice it, perhaps holding back because of the presence of the cleric. The cleric went forward off the path and it took me a moment to realise she was looking for my arrows. That was a good idea and picking up my rapier and shield just in case, I went after the one that had gone high. There were several large boulders in the landscape and one of them had been close to where the arrow had travelled, so I used it as a landmark. As I was looking at it though, I had a sense that something had moved, some shadow in the wrong place. ¡®Carlena, cleric, come here quick!¡¯ Maybe it was my royal authority or maybe the urgency in my voice but both ran over at once. ¡®I think there is something at that rock.¡¯ ¡®Stay here¡­ sire, please. Cleric, you circle to the right.¡¯ With that the sorceress began moving to see around the back of the boulder by walking to my left, keeping her distance. Her hands, I noticed, were picking items out of her pouches. Did spells require components? It looked like it. Before either the cleric or Carlena had taken twenty steps a man in leather armour sprinted away from the rock. ¡®Freeze!¡¯ I was already running at him, as fast as my heavy body would go, which was a frustratingly slow waddle. Still, I was in a good position this time. Twist and turn as he might, the man¡¯s feet were locked on the ground and I could line up my rapier point with his back. As I did so, a green box flickered into existence, then out as the blade moved on. By pointing the weapon precisely, I could get the target box to stay and I gave a mental command, go! Lunge! Activate! It wasn¡¯t the word, but the intent that seemed to work and suddenly I jerked forward and stabbed hard into the man¡¯s spine.
You have hit a rogue for 7 hit points. You have unlocked the Wield Rapier proficiency. You cannot become better at Lunge.
The cleric was beside me, mace raised. ¡®Spare me! Spare me and I¡¯ll help you.¡¯ The man was pale and faltering. I¡¯d probably wounded him half to death. ¡®Who are you?¡¯ ¡®I¡¯m a scout for King Wace.¡¯ ¡®Of Southway?¡¯ ¡®Aye.¡¯ ¡®Kill him,¡¯ said Carlena, heartlessly. ¡®You need to level.¡¯ She was right and moving myself and the rapier until I could manifest the green box again, I triggered Lunge.
You have hit a rogue for 4 hit points. You have killed a rogue! You cannot become better at Lunge. You have become better at Wield Rapier: 1 You have gained 35 Experience.
Pretty good. I was most of the way to Level 2. With an impulse honed by years of gaming, I reached down and touched the rogue¡¯s body.
Dagger Take? YES / NO Leather armour (damaged), human Take? YES / NO 2 gp, 7 sp Take? YES / NO
I took the coins, why not? But the junk I left. ¡®Should we hide the body?¡¯ I wondered aloud. Carlena answered. ¡®Leave it for the monsters. There won¡¯t be a trace of it by tomorrow.¡¯ ¡®What next?¡¯ ¡®I have one more Freeze left and it seems that you have a useful attack with your sword. If I freeze something, you can get behind it and deal your damage that way, rather than try to use the bow.¡¯ ¡®I agree.¡¯ And I did feel confident about this strategy. It was only a shame that Carlena was so short of mana, because I reckoned we¡¯d now discovered a way I could grind up several levels: Freeze and me Lunge from behind. The sorceress stooped by the body of the rogue and came up with the dagger in her hand, then tossed it and caught it. ¡®This will do to attract attention.¡¯ With that she moved slowly through the heather, but again, it was me who saw a movement. A possible target, another Ciatern. I gave a low whistle and pointed. Without responding, Carlena walked towards the monster until she was about twenty yards away. The creature looked up. Neither moved until Carlena flung the dagger. The spinning blade missed, but it galvanised the Ciatern into a dash towards her. There was something comical about the way it ran but nothing at all humorous about the hammer head and sharp beak. ¡®Freeze!¡¯ Again, that awful screeching began and I had to hurry closer to it, cleric at my side, and skirt around until I could line up my lunge at the creature¡¯s back. It was a surprisingly long fight and I was getting anxious about the timer on Freeze when the mob finally died, after my fifth hit. With a delicious golden rush of light, I got the message I had been anticipating: I had levelled up!
You have hit a Ciatern for 6 hit points. You have killed a Ciatern! You cannot become better at Lunge. You have become better at Wield Rapier: 5 You have gained 75 Experience. You have gained a level! Your hit points are restored and your timers on skills and feats have reset. Please view your character sheet for other benefits.
This was more like it. I was delighted with myself. Yes, there was still a mountain to climb, but at least I was properly on the path now. Chapter 8: The Drums of War The walk back to the town ¨C Carrick ¨C was slow but satisfying. Naturally, I had my character sheet before me:
Sean de Courcy, king of Greyland Fighter, Level 2 HP 16 AC 0 Str 7 Dex 4 Con 8 Int 16 Wis 16 Cha 4 Skills Lunge 5 Parry 5 Wield Shortbow 3 Wield Rapier 5 You have 1 attribute point to assign. You have 5 skill points to assign. XP 110/200
I was heartened that the system awarded a new attribute point on levelling: one that further justified my decision to be a Fighter. The immediate question was not what attribute to increase but whether to spend it at all. If it proved relatively easy to get attributes to move up from very low scores, but very hard to say, train Strength from 17 to 18, then I should save all my level points until I¡¯d achieved as much as I could from exercise. Then there was the question of skill points. From the speed at which skills increased, I might have made a mistake in my Min-Max approach. I tapped Carlena on the back and asked that she wait with me while I took a breather. The cleric, however, I gestured to continue towards the town walls, which were less than a mile away. ¡®Can you tell me about how to improve skills?¡¯ ¡®I don¡¯t have access to the menus that you do, so anything I can tell you is conjecture.¡¯ ¡®I understand.¡¯ ¡®I believe that every time where you are in a situation where you have a chance to use a skill in earnest, there¡¯s the possibility you will increase your expertise in it. But you have to use a skill many times before you will be successful.¡¯ ¡®Mine seemed to go up fairly rapidly.¡¯ Carlena looked at me thoughtfully. ¡®Tell me my stats.¡¯ It took a moment to find the right menu, then I reported them to her: ¡®Strength five; Dexterity eleven; Constitution nine; Intelligence seventeen; Wisdom seven; Charisma eight.¡¯ ¡®Much as I thought. Although my Intelligence is slightly disappointing. Now, what are yours?¡¯ Although I felt reluctant to share this information for some reason, I reminded myself she was on my side after all. ¡®Strength seven; Dexterity four; Constitution eight; Intelligence sixteen; Wisdom sixteen; Charisma four.¡¯ ¡®By Miya¡¯s breath! Sixteen Intelligence and Wisdom? I never would have believed it!¡¯ Then she laughed. ¡®No offence, Sean, but I see the body of King Carlos and I see a very slow-witted man. It affects my perception of you.¡¯ ¡®None taken,¡¯ I smiled. It was the first time I¡¯d seen the sorceress laugh and it all of a sudden, my doubts about her retreated. ¡®That¡¯s the explanation: you will learn fast with those two attributes so high. They are extraordinary, I doubt there are more than a handful of people in the world with both Intelligence and Wisdom over fifteen.¡¯ ¡®What¡¯s the maximum an attribute can be at? ¡®Again, this is conjecture, but I think for a human, twenty.¡¯ I resumed my slow walk back to the safety of the town walls. It was hard to force my thick legs into motion, but my morale was high and the aches didn¡¯t trouble me. If I could get my core fighting attributes to increase, to at least to around eleven or twelve, then I could bump them up with my level gains. Meanwhile, I had a very advantageous situation in regard to skills. Obviously, I should spread my points widely, trusting to my Intelligence and Wisdom to bring them up fast. In time, I would be a very versatile warrior, capable of using a wide variety of weapons and actions at a high level, instead of a specialist in just one or two. I put a skill point into each of Bash, Block, Deflect, Defensive Stance and Dodge, which would get me started in those. And I saved my attribute point for now. By the time we reached the eastern gate of the town (a large metal portcullis that was already mostly down, I had to duck to go through), nearly four hours had passed. I hadn¡¯t forgotten the fact that the smithy was turning out pickaxes and as soon as the iron was all used up and I had twenty-four new pickaxes, I assigned them to the miners. The cleric was just beyond the gate, waiting for us. My instinct was to thank her, but conscious of the looks of the guards and the townspeople, I simply said, ¡®be ready to do the same tomorrow.¡¯ ¡®Yes, sire.¡¯ With a promise she would join me for dinner, Carlena bid me farewell soon after and set off towards her tower, the one I had arrived at just two days ago (though it felt like I¡¯d been here a week at least). As I entered the keep, my thoughts were entirely on a bath and even a nap before dinner, when they were jolted into focus by the presence of Chancellor Parrin. My scout had been waiting in one of several chairs that were set outside of the solar for that purpose. My heart leapt. So much depended on his report. What did his face convey? Bad news, I thought, there was unease in the way his eyes caught mine. After taking my throne and ordering the servants to leave, I called the chancellor close. ¡®Well?¡¯ ¡®They are moving an army towards us.¡¯ ¡®How many troops?¡¯ ¡®Sixty spearmen, twenty axemen, forty archers, thirty light cavalry, ten heavy cavalry¡­¡¯ he paused, ¡®with them are two commanders, one from each faction, and a shaman with a sabre-tooth tiger pet, I couldn¡¯t determine their levels.¡¯ They had about twice the number of troops we did. And strangely that gave me some hope. Given Greyland¡¯s tiny army, it could have been a lot worse. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. ¡®How long have we got?¡¯ ¡®They will arrive at Three-Ways tomorrow, probably near enough to noon.¡¯ This was happening too fast. If I could have even had just a couple more personal levels, I could make a real difference to what happened in the melee. It was unfortunate too that the tower machicolations wouldn¡¯t be in place for this battle, one day and eighteen hours remained on that timer. Perhaps I was looking worried, because Parrin asked, ¡®can we stop them?¡¯ I smiled. ¡®Of course we can. In fact, I think they¡¯ve made a mistake. They didn¡¯t bring their full army?¡¯ ¡®No, this is about half.¡¯ That really did feel like a mistake. If they had risked everything on overwhelming us, that would have been far more dangerous. Perhaps they were worried about losing control of our farmland in the event of being thrown back. Or perhaps the two rulers were not entirely of the same mind. Whatever the reason, the encouragement I offered the chancellor was not at all bluster. ¡®A lot will depend on how you, Lord Arval and Carlena perform, but this will be a battle we can win. We have a ballista, they don¡¯t have anything with the same range?¡¯ ¡®No.¡¯ ¡®Because of that, they won¡¯t be able to mass their archers to eliminate ours and then drive us from the walls. They will have to come on fast and try to storm the fort while we are on top of them. And that¡¯s a big advantage to us.¡¯ ¡®True enough sire.¡¯ ¡®Send a messenger on a fast horse with those figures to Lord Arval and tell him I¡¯m coming; order a horse and cart big enough to carry me; let Carlena know to meet us at the fort tomorrow, early, and the cleric too, and any of the archers in the hospital able to fire a bow.¡¯ We shared a look ¨C for my part I tried to convey confidence and determination ¨C and then he was striding out of the hall, his rapid footsteps echoing in the empty room. One day I would lead my armies from the front. If we survived this attack. But even if I couldn¡¯t fight in a battle effectively, I could be there to encourage the soldiers and give orders. After a wash and change and a meal (fish again) I went outside the keep to where a man sat on a long cart, which was drawn by two horses. I was going to have to travel through an uncomfortable night on those bare planks and over a bumpy road. It really was a painful journey, several times I was jolted so badly even my bulky body rose off the planks. As best I could, I distracted myself by reading up on the game menus, giving particular attention to the stats on the soldiers. It was possible to get details on each soldier type, so our 33 archers, for example, read as follows:
Greyland Archer Fighter level 0 Ranged attack: 15 Melee attack: 8 Armour Class: 2 Hit Points: 5 Skills: Wield Longbow variable, according to experience Wield Shortsword variable, according to experience Monthly Upkeep: 2sp
I had also been keeping an eye on the town menu and just after dawn, 4 iron ingots appeared in the resources area. That was excellent, it showed that applying steel pickaxes to mining really was an effective way to increase production. I allocated the ingots to the smithy, meaning I would have 48 new pickaxes in due course. Assuming we survived the day ahead. Lively birdsong accompanied the spread of grey light across the sky. Because we were making our way down a valley, I didn¡¯t see the rising sun, only a pink glow that became a bright yellow sun by the time it rose high enough to cross the shadows of the horizon. It was a beautiful day and I was struck by the realisation that it might be my last. Unlike a game, this could be the end for me. I was placing myself in proximity to 160 or so enemy soldiers who wouldn¡¯t hesitate to kill me if they could. And there was no possibility of escape if it all went wrong, not with this body. Did every soldier feel the same, the morning before battle? A heightening of all the senses? An appreciation of the sky, the breeze, the birdsong? Even of the breaths I was taking. Yes, I felt a certain amount of fear, but it was very much in the background. I had to do what I had to do. Three Ways was the area at meeting of two valleys at the confluence of two small mountain rivers with a bridge over the emerging river. The fort was a wooden tower on a rocky outcrop to my right, the river I was following was on my left. Extending from the tower and all the way to the riverbank where there was another, much smaller, tower was a wooden palisade. There was a gate where the road passed through the wall. My first impression was positive. We had control of the main route up towards Carrick. In theory, you could march along the other side of the river, in the narrow strip of rocky ground before the hill began to rise steeply. That would let you bypass the fort, but it would be slow going and we could harass the enemy from our side of the river. The walls of the hillside were even steeper near the main fort tower, including slaps of sheer rock in places. There was no way an army could skirt around us. A picket of a dozen light infantry called on the cart to stop and as soon as they saw me, they stiffened to attention. With some difficulty I got myself out of the cart and over to the soldiers who looked at me with solemn expressions. ¡®Show me to Lord Arval.¡¯ A guard saluted and led the way towards the main fort tower; before we were half way there, a cluster of soldiers came out of it, Lord Arval at their head, body armour shining silver in the morning light. ¡®Well met, sir, well met!¡¯ Lord Arval offered his hand and shook mine earnestly. ¡®I have made my dispositions, but I¡¯m glad you are here to check them and lead us in the battle.¡¯ ¡®Thank you, Lord Arval. I don¡¯t suppose this world has invented coffee? No. Some hot water then if you can, while you explain your set up.¡¯ ¡®Certainly sire.¡¯ He gestured an aide to obtain my drink, then began his account. ¡®Our light cavalry, twenty-four of them, are scouting further down the road. They will bring us word of the enemy advance.¡¯ I nodded. ¡®The ballista is on top of the main tower.¡¯ ¡®What¡¯s the maximum range for it?¡¯ ¡®I can show you, if you¡¯ll come up to the palisade walkway.¡¯ It took some effort, and I nearly had to ask for a push from behind, but I got up a narrow wooden staircase and stood with the paladin above the gate. Ahead of me, the road turned left to cross the bridge and then follow the river downstream on its left bank. That valley was where our opponents would arrive from. From here I could see the other stream and the mouth of the other valley, which was around the corner to the right of our main tower, with the stream running across the ground ahead of us to the main river about four hundred yards from where I was standing. ¡®See that reddish rock beyond the bridge?¡¯ ¡®Yes?¡¯ ¡®The ballista can hit that. I know, I had them fire at it.¡¯ While it was good that we could be shooting at the enemy as they crossed the bridge, I wasn¡¯t sure about placing the ballista crew in a position where they could be fired upon once the enemy was over the crossing. Not at all. ¡®All along the palisade will be our light infantry. They have been hauling rocks up ever since we heard the news. Also about half the archers. Only fifteen can fit alongside the ballista crew on the top of the tower.¡¯ Lord Arval looked at me and then continued. ¡®I was thinking that the twelve heavy infantry and four heavy cavalry should be there on that rise, as our reserve.¡¯ He pointed back the way I had come from. ¡®And what about you and the sorceress?¡¯ ¡®It seems to me, she should be on the small tower, nearest the bridge, and myself with the reserve.¡¯ For a while I studied the position and everyone waited silently, the only sound that of our flags flapping in a light breeze. ¡®Suppose you were their general, what would you do?¡¯ Lord Arval looked thoughtful and rubbed his bald head slowly as he considered the ground ahead of us. ¡®I¡¯d probably rush my archers to the main tower and try to silence the ballista, maybe having prepared screens first, so as to protect from incoming arrows from the walls. If I succeeded, I¡¯d clear the palisade next, as much as I could.¡¯ ¡®I think the same. So would you consider putting our ballista with the reserve? Too far for their arrows to reach but within range of them?¡¯ ¡®We¡¯d lose the opportunity to fire when they are crowding the bridge.¡¯ ¡®If they are smart, they will cross in single file.¡¯ ¡®What if they stand close to our walls? We might not have the elevation for the ballista to see them?¡¯ ¡®We could put Carlena here, she has a fire dart spell that would do a great deal of damage or drive them off if they come close.¡¯ ¡®Aye.¡¯ He had a distant look, probably I did too. We were trying to imagine what the battle might look like. Though as any writer on warfare would tell you, no plan survives contact with the enemy. ¡®Aye,¡¯ he said again, more decisively, ¡®I think you are right.¡¯ ¡®And the advantage of my idea is that we keep everyone under cover for the duel between ballista and their archers. Your way, we might win, but are likely to lose a lot of troops.¡¯ ¡®Very good sire. Shall I order it moved now, we need time.¡¯ ¡®Go ahead.¡¯ It took over an hour before the ballista was set up on the rise behind the palisade, even with a pulley to lower the equipment down the side of the tower. Not long afterwards Carlena arrived with Chancellor Parrin, the cleric and two more archers, who had recovered enough in the hospital to participate. The cleric was put in the reserve and then the four of us: Arval, Parrin, Carlena and myself went to the small tower while we talked over the plan. In short, it was to win the artillery duel and therefore be able to have the infantry throw rocks and spears from the palisade without fearing incoming arrows. Time moves slowly before battle. It was still early in the morning and I wondered if it was worth feeding our soldiers in the near future or not. I asked Lord Arval. ¡®Does a soldier fight better on an empty or full stomach?¡¯ ¡®No one knows sire. There is a story of an emperor who had the same question. So he took two groups of twelve soldiers and had them fight. One group did so after a hearty meal, the others with no food inside them.¡¯ ¡®And?¡¯ ¡®Inconclusive, sire, I believe the no-food side won, but only by a man. Personally, I find a small amount of food, especially fruit, optimum.¡¯ ¡®Very good, distribute it now, in case the enemy are making good speed.¡¯ Our opponents did not, however, arrive until after a long, long wait, the sun well past midday. Then time began to move rapidly, beginning with the return of our light cavalry: a distant dust rising into the clear blue sky, then the sounds of their hooves and finally the sight of them clattering across the bridge. When they were drawn up beside the four heavy cavalrymen, Lord Arval had the gates closed and barred. ¡®Ready sire?¡¯ ¡®Not quite, gather the soldiers, I¡¯ll speak to them.¡¯ Lord Arval nodded approvingly, while Chancellor Parrin¡¯s long, bearded face was inscrutable. He probably had years of practice at hiding his feelings from Carlos. Carlena, however, was clearly sceptical. From a rock on the rise, with a good view of the cavalry to my left and the infantry below, whose faces were tipped up towards me, I tried to remember some of the rousing speeches I¡¯d heard in films. ¡®What day is it?¡¯ I asked Chancellor Parrin in a low voice. ¡®Twenty-fourth of the month of Abya.¡¯ ¡®Soldiers of Greyland!¡¯ I began, my big body proving good for this purpose, with my voice strong and echoing from the rocks. The men looked at me with hopeful expressions. ¡®This day, the twenty-fourth of the month of Abya, is forever going to be remembered in the history of our realm. For it is on this day that we will turn the course of this war.¡¯ Lord Arval gave a roar and shook a spear, which encouraged many of the men to do the same. ¡®And you are the lucky ones. There will come a time when vast armies under my command will conquer the twenty-five kingdoms. And they will all know that it began here, with just a few of us, a lucky few. A band of warring brothers. ¡®You will be able to say, with pride, I was there that day. With King Carlos, with Lord Arval, Chancellor Parrin and Sorceress Carlena, when we smashed the army that tried to invade our mountains and sent them fleeing back down the valley. ¡®It will be a tough battle, they have more soldiers; but we have much the better position and the advantage of the ballista. Let no one think of retreat. Either we hold this fort or the enemy capture Carrick and enslave your families. ¡®This is where we make our stand. This is where they will break. Fight for yourself, your comrades and your families at home. ¡®Those recruits in years to come who were not here will think themselves cursed. And listen in silence when any of you speak. You who fought at the battle of Three Ways!¡¯ Lord Arval gave another roar and this time there was a really satisfying response, one that resounded all around us. ¡®Positions!¡¯ Our paladin, now on his horse, led the troops back to the palisade. Before she left, I called Carlena over. ¡®I think today might be the day for your potion.¡¯ ¡®You might be right.¡¯ She looked at me with an expression I¡¯d never seen before from her: respect. ¡®You spoke well.¡¯ Passing me a small bottle of turquoise liquid, she said, ¡®just drink and name the creature. Make it one around your size or it might fail. You will have eight minutes.¡¯ ¡®Good luck.¡¯ ¡®And to you.¡¯ She walked towards the gate and her position. Before Lord Arval had returned, a new sound came from the valley beyond the bridge, an ominous deep series of thuds. The enemy were coming, marching to drums of war. Chapter 9: The Battle of Three Ways From out of a haze of dust, at the point where the descending valley turned rightwards, out of view, came the first ranks of enemy soldiers, chainmail clad axemen, leaning their weapons against their shoulders. They had a slow, steady pace, set by the beating of the distant drums. The effect was ominous and I felt my stomach tighten. Behind them came a large body of lightly-armed spearmen, the silver points of their upright weapons flickering in the sunlight. Then came their light cavalry, thirty of them, taking a long while to file into view; next the ten heavy cavalry. Their archers were not yet in sight, nor the drummers, nor their commanders or the shaman, yet the axemen were coming straight on to the bridge without pausing. Whether it was complacency or stupidity, they were going about this all wrong. ¡®Blood and Thunder, do you see the chance?¡¯ I looked a Lord Arval for confirmation. His face was grim. ¡®Order us on sire and we¡¯ll go to hell or glory.¡¯ I laughed. ¡®I can do better than that. Follow me. Open the gate!¡¯ I shouted. Then I took the potion bottle, uncorked it and gulped down the contents. ¡®Rhino!¡¯ For once my great bulk was valuable, I felt it stretch and stiffen as I fell forward onto all fours. Probably I was not a full adult rhino, but the weight and sharpness of the horn in front of my eyes was up to the job at hand. I set off, a lumber at first that was a trot, once through the gate I stepped up to a canter and finally hit my stride at a gallop. Being a rhino was intense. Although my vision was blurry, I could smell the sweat of my enemies and heard the loud thuds of their marching steps on the wooden bridge. Fifty yards and their shouts of alarm rang through the air. The axemen needed the spears in front of them, grounded. But my calculation was that we would get there first. It was intuition and it was the kind of decision that you make in an instant and have to commit to. Forty yards and I was throwing mud up from my hooves as I urged my heavy body to its upmost. This was living! No longer trapped in a body that couldn¡¯t walk up ten steps without having to pause for a rest, I was a raging storm; an unstoppable torrent; a tsunami about to crash on the shore. And I loved it. Thirty yards, some of the axemen were trying to run back through the spearman, who were massed too tight on the bridge to bring their weapons to bear. Twenty yards. Splashes either side of the bridge as men dived out of the way of the coming hell: me. Ten and I was the tip of an avalanche. From the scent of fear, they knew they were going to be engulfed. Impact! There was a green box flash and I took it, of course.
You have hit an axeman for 147 hit points. You have killed an axeman! You have gained 60 Experience. You have unlocked the Impale proficiency. You have bashed an axeman for 31 hit points. You have killed an axeman! You have gained 60 Experience. You have become better at Bash: 2 You have bashed an axeman for 34 hit points. You have killed an axeman! You have gained 60 Experience. You have become better at Bash: 3 You have bashed a spearman for 26 hit points. Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. You have killed a spearman! You have gained 40 Experience. You have become better at Bash: 4 You have bashed a spearman for 22 hit points. You have killed a spearman! You have gained 40 Experience. You have become better at Bash: 5
The notifications flew by and I ignored them as I pushed on, crushing soldiers under my hooves, impaling them and throwing their dead bodies to the side. Several axe blows struck home on my front shoulders, flanks and chest but twice I experienced the sweetness and glow of a level increase, each time completely healing my wounds. Screams of wounded and panicked men rang out all around. But through the cries, I could hear a voice like a howling wolf, it was Lord Arval, screaming, ¡®come on! Come on! For Greyland!¡¯ The crush on the bridge was intense, which favoured our side. While their axes and spears could not be brought into play, I could still smash my powerful head into faces ahead and either side, as well as break legs with stamps and kicks of my feet. Our horsemen, too, were nearly immobile, but they could still cut down with sword or stab with lance. Step by step, we pushed on, nearly clearing the bridge. My only concern now was the timing of the potion. How long had it been since I drank it? Surely only a few minutes, despite the massive carnage we¡¯d inflicted on their army. Then, with a sudden release, we were through, the remnants of the unit of spearmen running back down the narrow path in panic, which instantly disrupted the formation incoming light cavalry. Did I have time to keep going into them? I had to try. The fact that I¡¯d levelled up twice meant I experienced no fatigue and a quick check told me my hit points were at 32. Filled with confidence and energy, I used the room ahead of me to build up momentum again. ¡®Follow the king! For Carlos!¡¯ Behind me, Lord Arval was still going strong it seemed and the answering roar of our soldiers had a clear note of triumph. Again, I could smell the fear of men and horses even before I crashed among them, showing no mercy to the animals whom I gutted and whose delicate legs I crushed. Far louder than the cries of men and the clash of metal on metal were the high-pitched equine screams of injured horses. Unlike the heavy destriers behind me, these horses had not been trained for the press of the melee and they were frightened, some of them rearing up and throwing their riders to the ground. Even so, one or two lances managed to stab down and cut through my thick hide. My hit points dropped quickly from 32 to 19 following a third hit. But then I levelled up again, soaring up to 40 hit points. Their light cavalry unit was in full retreat. I was just preparing to launch myself again, with the intention of smashing right through the heavy cavalry and into their archers when I found myself staggering, once more in human form, completely without armour. Fortunately, there was no immediate threat. ¡®Get back sire!¡¯ Lord Arval urged his mount past me and ceased his own charge, guarding me by interposing his large destrier between me and the enemy. Our four other knights did the same. Either side of our little defensive knot, our light cavalry came past, cheering that they were scattering their foes. Even so, the tide of the battle was turning. The ten enemy heavy cavalry were drawn across the road and were not budging, even for their own fleeing infantry and light horsemen, some of whom risked going over the broken terrain of the rising hillside, others trying to squeeze past on the river bank, falling in as often as escaping. Beyond the line of horsemen, their officers must have gotten some order among the archers because arrows flited overhead with increasing frequency, some struck striking the plates of Lord Arval and his armoured horse. Our problem was that we couldn¡¯t easily reach their archers. Our light cavalry lunged ineffectually at the enemy knights but couldn¡¯t break their ranks. There was room for our archers on the other side of the river, but if I ordered them to go there, we would be outnumbered and lose in the exchanges with enemy fire. The ballista was far too slow to bring up. This could really hurt us. Our riders and horses were beginning to suffer. Another rousing cheer from behind me. It was the arrival of our twelve heavy infantry and a large body of light infantry with Carlena at their head. There were a good mix of spears, axes and swords among them. This was exactly what we needed! There was a fierce look on Carlena¡¯s face as she ran past me, pausing to raise her hands and then, with a flash, half a dozen fire darts splashed onto an enemy horse. The animal collapsed. Cheered by the success of this magic our newly arrived soldiers ran past and also cut and struck at the horses in front of them. We were winning again, a huge press of our soldiers climbing over the dead animals and past enemy knights who were still fighting, so as to get among the archers. I felt that we were on the brink of victory, when cries of consternation from our men made my heart sink. The very land was working against them: bushes and grasses reaching out to entwine their feet and immobilise everyone. The enemy archers, on the cusp of routing, took heart and through the chaos, I could hear an officer of theirs urging them to hold and fire at the immobilised targets. ¡®There,¡¯ screamed Carlena, pointing to a man in a bearskin, whose sabre-tooth tiger pet was walking in a circle around him, protecting him while he cast spells. It was their shaman, who had climbed up the hillside and come close enough to cast what to me seemed like an Entangle-type spell. ¡®He¡¯s out of my range.¡¯ ¡®Archers!¡¯ I called, but we only had a few men around us with bows. Carlena ran towards the enemy spell caster and I admired her, because that tiger was fierce looking. The enemy shaman had spotted her run too, and was clearly aiming a spell at her, his arms gesturing swiftly. Caster battles could be short and violent. I found myself clenching my fists anxiously as I watched, oblivious to arrows and screams and the movement of the people around me. Was Carlena going to be taken out by a powerful spell? It would be a disaster for us if this went wrong. Then the shaman was down and behind him was the chancellor. Parrin had backstabbed their caster and taken him out! Our men were free again, the enchantment of the plants dissolving with the death of its creator. ¡®On, on! We have them!¡¯ Lord Arval set off again, the other four knights moving with him. It left me unprotected, but it was right. Even though a few enemy archers saw me as their target and I did get hit twice, we had them. Archers were no match for heavy cavalry and they knew it. Soon bows were abandoned as most of their army fled for their lives, while dozens of men huddled in groups, hands in the air, trying to surrender. Up on the slope, our elderly scout was being savaged by the dead shaman¡¯s pet sabre-toothed tiger and was clearly wounded. Carlena, however, had not stopped running and was in range for a spell. ¡®Freeze!¡¯ The animal was checked and Parrin scrambled clear. ¡®You! You!¡¯ I got the attention of two of our archers with an urgent shout. ¡®Kill that tiger.¡¯ It took several hits, but Carlena had enough mana for a second Freeze and was able to keep the animal locked in place while the arrows thudded home. All at once, it was relatively quiet. Yes, there were still groans and the clank of weapons and armour but the sounds of fighting were in the distance now, down the road. All around me our soldiers were smiling and laughing. Some looked at me with frank delight, as if in this moment rank did not matter, that we had shared an experience that transcended the barrier between king and foot soldier. And we had. This was a victory to savour. Chapter 10: The Aftermath of Battle Although there were many smiles among our soldiers, there were others too who looked shocked: pale, slumped and tearful. ¡®Except those guarding prisoners, fall in to your units!¡¯ My order brought their training back and even the most wretched looking stiffened and hurried to find a place in the ranks. ¡®You fought well. Very well! And today will be the day I promised you. You will eat out on the story of the battle of Three Ways for the rest of your lives. But our work isn¡¯t yet done. Those of you on horseback¡­¡¯ I made my way to the light cavalry, half of whom were missing, chasing the retreating enemy, ¡®ride down the road, killing any enemy stragglers you find. Then, when our own soldiers return, scout beyond them until evening and report back here by dark¡­ On you go!¡¯ As the riders rode off, I turned to our archers. ¡®Sergeants, have your squads take the abandoned bows and quivers of the enemy; gather any unbroken arrows you can.¡¯ ¡®You heard the king!¡¯ shouted a sergeant, ¡®on me!¡¯ ¡®Sergeant of the swordsmen,¡¯ this to the squad leader of our twelve heavy infantry, ¡®take the prisoners and find a way to lock them in the small tower. They can be given food and water but make sure none of them is armed.¡¯ ¡®Yes sire!¡¯ ¡®You,¡¯ I pointed to the sergeant of a unit of twelve light infantry, ¡®are on the same task.¡¯ ¡®And you,¡¯ looking at the sergeant of my other infantry squad, ¡®get a cart and fill it with the abandoned weapons and any armour that is still useful. Also, tell the ballista crew to report to me at the bridge.¡¯ There was a bustle of activity now and the eagerness with which the soldiers set about their tasks was heartening. ¡®Sire?¡¯ It was the cleric. ¡®May I heal you?¡¯ I checked my hit points, 33 from 40. ¡®No.¡¯ Coming down the hillside was a weak-looking Parrin, being helped by Carlena. I gestured towards them. ¡®Go heal the chancellor.¡¯ By the time they reached me, the scout was looking a lot more cheerful. ¡®Sire, permission to shake your hand.¡¯ ¡®Granted.¡¯ I smiled at our scout as he took my heavy right hand in both of his and pumped it up and down. ¡®That¡­ that was magnificent. Your charge. I¡¯ll never forget it, ever. I don¡¯t have the words.¡¯ And indeed, I could see tears were welling up in the elderly man¡¯s dark eyes. ¡®Good man yourself, Chancellor, your backstab was an excellent initiative.¡¯ I gave him a slap with my free arm. ¡®The shaman might not have been able to save the battle for them, but we were about to lose a lot of men. It was brave too, with the sabre-toothed tiger at his side.¡¯ I turned to Carlena. ¡®You too. To face the shaman¡¯s spells and his pet without hesitation was impressive. I¡¯m proud to be working with such courageous comrades.¡¯ Carlena gave me the warmest smile I¡¯d yet seen from her, a sincere one, from the heart. ¡®A rhino was a good choice for the potion.¡¯ ¡®When you said to pick something the size of my body¡­ well, it came to mind.¡¯ ¡®Well done sire.¡¯ She dropped her voice to a whisper. ¡®Thank you Sean de Courcy. You really are the warrior we need. King Carlos would have stayed in Carrick. Yet that was a battle we might easily have lost and with it, the realm.¡¯ Our mutual fan club was broken up by the arrival of the ballista crew, who had come at the double, as if to make up for the fact they had missed out on the fighting. Their sergeant saluted. ¡®Hard luck, sergeant. You were to be the hero of the battle by the original plan.¡¯ Checking first that I wasn¡¯t looking too serious, the powerful-looking young man allowed himself a reply. ¡®We¡¯re very disappointed sire; next time I hope you¡¯ll leave some for us.¡¯ ¡®Good man. Well, I¡¯ve a task that will make you popular with the rest of the army. Are you honest?¡¯ ¡®As honest as a mirror sire.¡¯ ¡®That¡¯s what I hoped. I want you to search all the enemy bodies for coin. Then roll the corpses into the river along with any dead horses. We¡¯ll demoralise their army downstream as their dead comrades float past. Our own dead we¡¯ll bring home in carts for their families. When you¡¯ve all the coin, report to me and I¡¯ll share it equally with every soldier here. Even you lot.¡¯ ¡®You heard the king!¡¯ The sergeant gave me a salute and the crew immediately set to their somewhat morbid task as though it was a pleasure. Which perhaps it was. Loot was loot after all. Which gave me a thought. ¡®Do you have a Detect Magic spell?¡¯ I asked Carlena, who nodded. ¡®Can you use it and see if there are any magic items on the dead, perhaps on the shaman or their officers?'' ¡®Oh, I should have thought of that.¡¯ Carlena hurried back up the hill. ¡®Any orders for me sire?¡¯ asked Chancellor Parrin. ¡®Soon I¡¯ll want you to go scouting again, in case the rest of their army moves up towards us. I¡¯ve a feeling that they won¡¯t. For now though, if you could find some decent wine and tolerable bread, I could really use it. Being a rhino for eight minutes is a hell of a calorie burn¡­ I mean it gives you an appetite.¡¯ Slowly, I made my way back over the bridge and up to the gatehouse, bringing the cleric with me. On my way, busy soldiers glanced at me in an entirely different way than they had before the battle. There was respect and admiration in their eyes. Affection too even. I was becoming the king they wanted. And whenever my gaze rested on soldiers performing their duties, they hurried that bit faster, as though wanting to demonstrate their backing for me. This was a complete contrast to the sullen looks and slow responses when I had first gone to the barracks in Carrick. A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. Of course, I¡¯d been wanting to study the effects of the battle on my character sheet ever since the fighting had ended, but only now, after a deliberate pause to consider if I had overlooked any important orders, did I feel the time had come when I could open that menu.
Sean de Courcy, king of Greyland Fighter, Level 5 HP 40 AC 0 Str 7 Dex 4 Con 8 Int 16 Wis 16 Cha 4 Skills Bash 25 Block 1 Defensive Stance 1 Deflect 1 Dodge 1 Impale 25 Lunge 5 Parry 5 Wield Rapier 5 Wield Shortbow 3 You have 4 attribute points to assign. You have 15 skill points to assign. XP 2,860 (3,200)
My attribute points I decided to save, again, tempting though it was to put a point in Dexterity. Assuming I could train up the low stats, I¡¯d want those points for later. There was also a new notification attached to my character sheet, which I opened.
Congratulations Sean de Courcy on reaching Level 5 in Fighter. You have unlocked the following specialisations within the Fighter class. Please choose one: Berserker Champion Paladin Shadow Knight Warlord
Each had a description, which corresponded to fighter sub-types I was familiar with from Storm Wars: the berserker specialised in speed, high DPS and was a master of improvisation, downside, medium armour only; the champion was a duellist, a weapons specialist perfect for one-on-one fights, downside, all the benefits were individual only; the paladin had holy spells as well as combat skills, downside incompatible with evil troops and creatures; the shadow knight was the opposite to the paladin, with unholy spells and an incompatibility with good; the warlord was the opposite to the champion, a tactical specialist, all the benefits were group ones. Obviously, with Lord Arval being a paladin, the shadow knight was out. And it wasn¡¯t smart to replicate his spells and skill bonuses when I could gain new ones for our realm. Even if I got this body into reasonable shape, I was never going to be a berserker. So that left Champion and Warlord. Rereading the description of both, the Champion appealed to my pride. Following that path would ultimately lead to a character who could defeat anyone else in the world in a face-to-face encounter. I could visualise myself using Lightning Draw to bring a sword into my hands faster than my opponent anticipated and cutting them down with Critical Strike before they¡¯d even drawn breath. It was clear though, that in this world of twenty-five kingdoms battling for mastery, the Warlord was going to be the right option. As a Warlord I¡¯d get feats that could rally shaken troops, that could heighten the combat skills of those nearby and at high level could identify unfamiliar enemy troop types. I selected it and immediately got twenty or so new skill options and my first Warlord feat, Charge! All friendly units in the vicinity got a 20% increase to base movement and a temporary 5 hit point increase. As for the skills, since I knew I would learn fast from practice, I would simply put one point in each to unlock them. With 15 skill points to assign, I could get all but five. My exact choices, however, could wait. Closing my character sheet, I had a look at the state of Greyland¡¯s army on the military menu:
Military Light infantry: 26* Heavy infantry: 11* Archers: 34* Light cavalry: 18* Heavy cavalry: 4* Ballista: 1 (*veterans) Hospital: 18 Military upkeep cost: 43 gold, 6 silver Currently training: Buildings: keep level 2; curtain walls level 1; towers level 1; town walls level 1 Currently building: tower machicolations, 23 hours
Not at all bad. In fact, considering my original plan, which would have been costly in terms of archers and probably infantry, it was a fantastic result. Greyland¡¯s army was small, but it was still intact, a viable force with which to face the other half of the army of our enemies, should they dare advance. If anything, we were actually stronger than when the day had begun, since a new veteran tag had appeared over most of the troops. There were rooms in the larger tower and although I struggled to get up the wooden stairs, which creaked loudly beneath me, I found a bench on the first level that could accommodate my bulk. The cleric stood uncertainly by the door. ¡®Take a seat.¡¯ She obeyed me. ¡®What¡¯s your name?¡¯ ¡®Anthea Greyford, sire.¡¯ ¡®Anthea, you know I have menus for the running of this realm?¡¯ ¡®Yes sire.¡¯ ¡®Well, you aren¡¯t¡­¡¯ I struggled for the words that she might understand. ¡®You are listed under the church menu but you aren¡¯t a special person. You can¡¯t level up, or can you?¡¯ ¡®Apologies, sire. I don¡¯t really know. If you were to upgrade the church perhaps?¡¯ ¡®I was reading about the various levels of church earlier and while it¡¯s not a priority ¡­¡¯ I held back from expressing my concern about the food supply, ¡®that upgrade will happen. But it wasn¡¯t clear if you would gain a level. I learned only that the town would gain a second cleric and those attending the church would be able to obtain cures for moderate wounds and the delay of poisons and disease.¡¯ ¡®I think it likely I would become second level sire, since those prayers are available to those who have reached it.¡¯ ¡®Let¡¯s hope so. And let¡¯s hope you can join me progressing. Because we are going to need a strong healer, both to level me up as fast as possible and for future battles.¡¯ It was hard to see her response: in her full chainmail armour the coif put most of her face in shade. Her mouth looked determined enough though and she gave a nod. Footsteps from below announced the arrival of the chancellor, bearing the very welcome load of two bottles of wine and four tin goblets. Behind him, a soldier had a basket with bread rolls and apples. ¡®Well done Chancellor.¡¯ ¡®Thank you sire.¡¯ One of the joys of a high Dexterity, it seemed, was the ability to draw a cork from a bottle with just a narrow blade from his scout¡¯s tool kit and it was only a moment¡¯s work before the comforting gurgle of wine being poured was heard. ¡®To Greyland!¡¯ I offered the toast and my two companions responded. I asked Parrin about his sneak attack on the shaman and was listening to his account ¨C it reminded me that the scout had an extremely important Ring of Silent Movement ¨C when Carlena joined us, a look of quiet pleasure on her face that made me hopeful. That and the finely made rapier she carried. ¡®Four magic items sire.¡¯ She emptied a bag onto the bare wooden floor with a satisfying clatter from the three items that fell out. ¡®I¡¯ve used the rest of my mana for the day casting Insight to discover their properties, but I thought you¡¯d want to know.¡¯ I nodded. ¡®Their shaman had a scroll of Hold Animal and an amulet with the spell Hide from Animals stored in it; one of their officers had Bracers of Archery; and the other had this: a plus-two rapier.¡¯ ¡®Excellent, what do the bracers do?¡¯ ¡®Give you five skill points in your wield skill for all bows; a slightly faster rate of fire; and fifty-percent increase in all ranges.¡¯ ¡®Very nice. I¡¯ll keep them and the rapier. Can you use the scroll and the amulet?¡¯ ¡®The pity is that I can¡¯t add them to my spell book, with their being shaman spells not those of a sorceress, but as a once off, I can cast those spells.¡¯ ¡®Very good, they are yours. Sorry Chancellor, nothing for you it seems, though you deserved it.¡¯ Parrin smiled and spread his hands. ¡®What¡¯s good for us all is good for me.¡¯ We were well into the second bottle of wine and nothing but crumbs and apple cores remained in the basket when Lord Arval bounded up the stairs and into the room. A glance, then he stepped over to me, knelt and clasped my hands in his. ¡®By Miya! What a day. What a day. When I rose this morning, I could not dare hope for such an outcome.¡¯ ¡®Nor I Lord Arval, now take a seat and a drink.¡¯ I freed my hands from the warrior, picked up my goblet and passed it to him. ¡®I¡¯m only sorry we ate all the bread.¡¯ Our general was clearly exhausted, his face was wan and he sat with obvious relief. Yet his eyes were darting to check we all shared his happiness. And watching him, I had another thought. Perhaps the PCs had levelled too? I raised my arm. Carlena and Parrin were both still level 9. But Lord Arval had reached level 8.
Lord Arval: Paladin Level 8 HP 79 AC 18 XP 30,124 (64,200) Str 17 (18), Dex 12, Con 16, Int 8, Wis 9, Cha 9. Shield of Defence +1, Trueblade +2, Ring of Strength +1, Potion of Healing.
¡®Another toast!¡¯ I declared, though I no longer had a goblet and had to raise just my hand. ¡®To Lord Arval, our level eight Paladin!¡¯ ¡®Congratulations!¡¯ ¡®To Lord Arval!¡¯ Our general acknowledged the goodwill in the room with a cheerful wave. Then Carlena told him about the magic items we had gained and he told us about the rout of the enemy, whom he pursued for miles down the valley. After that we fell into a comfortable silence, the silence of those who had been through battle together and who were reflecting on the day''s events. At least, that¡¯s what I thought they were doing. Lord Arval, however, looked over at the cleric and spoke: ''Can you leave us some privacy, please.'' ''Of course.'' She got up at once and descended the stairs. I looked at Lord Arval and no doubt my expression was curious. He smiled. ''It''s nothing urgent. But I wanted to know: how did this day compare to the battles you experienced in your world? You must have had other victories like this?¡¯ How, I wondered, should I reply to that question? I could hardly say that the only battles I had fought in had been games. Chapter 11: The Necromancer’s Offer When Lord Arval asked me about my past victories, the others in the room ¨C Carlena and Parrin -¨C looked at me expectantly and I realised that this was a pivotal moment. Part of my mind scrambled to put together a story about being a real general. Perhaps I could remember enough about the campaigns of Alexander the Great or Julius Caesar from my games of Classic War to reconstruct convincing episodes? This part of my mind saw my companions as being in need of reassurance and justified making up a history for myself as a great general on the grounds of the value of inspiring confidence in their commander. On the other hand, if I lied now, I would be stuck with having to remember my backstory for my entire time here and inevitably the fake history would have to grow and grow. Even thinking about that made me feel tired. Moreover, these people were no fools, none of them. Probably, they would be able to detect my bullshit and evasions. If we were to turn the fortunes of the realm around and conquer the twenty-five kingdoms, Arval, Carlena and Parrin needed to become heroes in their own right and be utterly dependable too. You didn¡¯t lay the foundation of a victorious team on lies. Then too, I knew that if there was ever a time to explain that I was not, in fact, an experienced general it was now, when they had no qualms at all about my leadership. ¡®I¡¯ll answer that question, Lord Arval, but first I have to explain something about the world I come from. ¡®In my old world, there are no menus for planning the realm, no magic at all and no levels to be obtained by specialist characters like us.¡¯ ¡®No menus?¡¯ Lord Arval shook his bald head. ¡®It must be chaos. How does anything get done? What would stop everyone from making their own plans?¡¯ ¡®Staying on the topic of my battles¡­¡¯ I really didn¡¯t want to be deflected into the politics I¡¯d left behind, ¡®we have games¡­ tournaments¡­ that are very much like what¡¯s happening in this world, Regnia. And it is in these tournaments that I have fought and won battles like this one: much bigger battles, with thousands of troops.¡¯ I wanted to try and express that my game playing experience was a transferable skill to their world. That no commander in real life participated in battles with enemy magic and monsters coming into action, whereas as a gamer I had fought in hundreds. But as I struggled with how to phrase this point, Lord Arval spoke. ¡®Tournaments?¡¯ he looked puzzled. ¡®Of thousands?¡¯ ¡®Yes, indeed.¡¯ ¡®Did the soldiers die though?¡¯ asked Carlena. ¡®They died as if they were soldiers, but most were only¡­ models.¡¯ ¡®Golems?¡¯ she offered. ¡®Yes. That¡¯s quite a good comparison.¡¯ No one spoke and I could not judge the mood of the room until Lord Arval said, ¡®well sire, if you would, can you tell us about one of your battles in a tournament?¡¯ This was greeted by looks of interest from Parrin and Carlena. ¡®Happily.¡¯ Whether it was the flush of victory that was still upon me, or the wine, or the sense that these people were still with me, despite my confession, I really did feel happy and I enjoyed recounting the final battle of the Crown of the Frost Giant Kings quest in Storm Wars. There, I¡¯d led a raid of over two hundred PCs as we fought alongside a dwarven army in a battle with frost giants. I was just explaining how we broke through the shield wall of the bodyguard of the frost giant king when the sergeant of the ballista crew came up the stairs. ¡®Apologies for the interruption sire, we have the coin.¡¯ ¡®How much.¡¯ ¡®Ten gold, a hundred and seventy-two silver and a thousand one hundred and eighteen copper. Plus a few bent and clipped ones.¡¯ I knew from the economy menus that a gold was ten silver and a silver was ten copper, so the total was 3,838 copper. Arriving at that figure was manageable in my head but to divide it by our 114 soldiers wasn¡¯t possible without a calculator. Or maybe I could come at this a different way. If each soldier got 30, that would be 3,420. Then that left 418 divided by 114, which was somewhere between 3 and 4. ¡®Right so, give every soldier thirty-three copper, including our dead. The families can have it. There will be about eighty left over. That can go in the castle coffers.¡¯ ¡®Very good sir.¡¯ The soldiers were getting about a month¡¯s pay. Not a bad reward and surely one that would help with my popularity. The sergeant left and I stood up, feeling the aches of my tired muscles. ¡®I¡¯ll tell you about the rest of that encounter another time, if you are still interested. ¡®Lord Arval, any thoughts on our dispositions before I go?¡¯ You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. ¡®Keep the light cavalry here to scout and half the archers and the ballista, give the rest two days leave. Then give the other half their two days and station most of the army here after that.¡¯ ¡®Make it so,¡¯ I did the best to keep a smile from my face as I uttered the words. ¡®I¡¯ll return to the castle. I¡¯ll be needing a cart.¡¯ ¡®Wait. Shouldn¡¯t we consider going on the offensive?¡¯ Carlena asked. ¡®Their morale must be shaken right now.¡¯ The three of them looked at me. ¡®I thought about it but let¡¯s suppose we march down the valley and engage the other half of their army. What¡¯s the best possible outcome? We regain our farmland. What¡¯s the worst possible outcome? We lose everything, the realm and perhaps our lives. So even if there is an advantage with us, it¡¯s a mistake to take the gamble. Especially as this is an excellent defensive position.¡¯ The sorceress nodded and I continued on to the top of the stairs. ¡®What about the prisoners, sire?¡¯ asked Chancellor Parrin, bringing me to a halt. ¡®What¡¯s the usual practice?¡¯ The chancellor shrugged, ¡®keep them locked up and perhaps arrange an exchange or include them in truce negotiations?¡¯ ¡®The problem there is food. We are desperately short. There¡¯s no tradition of killing prisoners then?¡¯ ¡®Only among evil kingdoms,¡¯ said Lord Arval pointedly. ¡®Or putting them to work in the mines?¡¯ ¡®That¡¯s possible,¡¯ observed Carlena, ¡®but it has consequences. Since they will hate you, it will lower your popularity among the people, which is critically low as it is.¡¯ ¡®Right. Oh well. Keep them under guard here for now, minimal rations. Chancellor, as soon as you feel up to it, I¡¯d appreciate you scouting the enemy again.¡¯ ¡®Certainly sire, I¡¯ll set out shortly.¡¯ I checked his character sheet, he was only on 32 from 53 hit points. ¡®Rest until you are healed.'' ¡®I can scout while wounded. I will recover.¡¯ ¡®No. Please order the cleric to remain here and don''t set out until you¡¯ve had at least two of her heals.¡¯ He nodded and still poised to descend the stairs ¨C impatient as I was to get back to Carrick ¨C I addressed the paladin. ¡®Lord Arval, you¡¯ll want to remain here and see to our army.¡¯ ¡®Indeed sire.¡¯ ''And do you have a heal spell?'' He nodded. ''Although I am out of mana for now.'' ¡®Then please use it on Parrin when you can. And how about you sorceress?¡¯ ¡®I¡¯ll accompany you back to Carrick, if I may? I recover mana quicker resting properly in my tower.¡¯ ¡®With pleasure.¡¯ With a final nod to them all and a farewell to those who were staying, I managed the staircase with care, then called for a cart. *** On arrival at Carrick after an extremely bumpy journey (during which I searched and discovered I could upgrade the road, which when I had completed more urgent upgrades would be useful for swift movement as well as a more comfortable journey), I bid goodbye to Carlena. On entering the keep I found Figus, my charismatic ambassador, seated outside the solar, waiting for me. He was eating an apple and this caused him some embarrassment as he stood up to greet me and couldn¡¯t find a place to put it. Eventually, he just gave a twitch of apology, put it on the arm of the chair and made his bow. ¡®I hear congratulations are in order, sire.¡¯ ¡®You know about the battle at Three Ways?¡¯ ¡®Lord Arval sent a rider with the good news. That¡¯s why the bell of the church is ringing.¡¯ Now he drew my attention to it, I could hear the faint peal of a bell. ¡®Could I trouble your highness for an account of the battle?¡¯ ¡®Soon enough, but first tell me about your mission.¡¯ I strode up to the throne and took my seat, waving away the guards and servants, so that just the two of us occupied the large room. It was late and the setting sun turned the roof and the far wall scarlet. ¡®Well sire, I rode through Trolland while there was light, skirting their villages and sleeping in the barn of a farmer whose wife took a liking to me. On the morning of the second day I crossed the river Everwald and into the territory of the necromancer. By afternoon I met the man himself, holding court in a large tent among his troops. And I have to say, I didn¡¯t care for the stench of his troops. There must have been a hundred zombies among them.¡¯ ¡®So he is on the march?¡¯ ¡®Possibly, that wasn¡¯t clear from anything that was said. They could have been training or patrolling. ¡®And what was he like?¡¯ ¡®A human male in his forties, maybe, you can never tell with spellcasters. Short black hair, grey hair at the temples. Frown lines. He didn¡¯t look like a man who had a lot of laughs. He was dressed in silks, black and purple. Several impressive rings, two gem-covered bracelets and a silver necklace.¡¯ ¡®Magic?¡¯ ¡®I couldn¡¯t use Detect Magic, obviously, so I can¡¯t be sure, but I¡¯d say the bracelets could be.¡¯ ¡®Go on.¡¯ ¡®Well, I introduced myself and explained my mission and it startled him. I don¡¯t know what he was expecting, but it wasn¡¯t a trade deal. We talked it over and when he realised it was an iron for food agreement, he grabbed my arm, stared into my eyes and said I had to tell you the following: ¡°King Carlos. You are the first of any rulers to send an ambassador to me. I appreciate that. And I appreciate the opportunity to send you our excess food in return for iron. Here¡¯s my offer: for each cargo of fifteen iron ingots that arrives to our docks, I¡¯ll provide you with a hundred-and-fifty units of food in the form of sacks of grain and rice.¡±¡¯ I let out a whistle. My intuition was that this was a good enough rate to solve the food crisis and with room to spare; I¡¯d do some detailed calculations later. ¡®It sounds like a good offer to me too sire. And he also said to tell you this: ¡°Despite my reputation, I¡¯m an honourable man and I make for a dependable ally.¡±¡¯ ¡®Interesting. He was suggesting a military alliance?¡¯ ¡®I think so.¡¯ ¡®And did you believe him, about being dependable?¡¯ ¡®He sounded sincere,¡¯ Figus shrugged, ¡®but you know what they say: promises made out of necessity are made to be broken.¡¯ ¡®That¡¯s very wise, Figus, but what do you mean by necessity?¡¯ ¡®No trading partners; no one even sending communications; no allies. He must be desperate to avoid complete isolation.¡¯ ¡®You are very wise Figus. I shall be careful. Even so, I¡¯m very pleased with the results of your mission.¡¯ My ambassador glanced at me, perhaps to confirm I was being sincere. I doubted King Carlos ever gave thanks or compliments. Then Figus nodded. ¡®And now, sire, if I may, can I trouble you for the details of the battle.¡¯ It was no trouble at all recounting our victory at Three Ways and Figus made for a particularly attentive audience, encouraging me to provide specific details, such as of the sounds and smells. Only when a servant came to light the lamps and inform me that dinner was ready did I stop. And even then, having invited him to join me, our conversation was entirely about the battle. At last, I retired to my bed, wanting to check on the high-level economic menus before sleep and think through the offer from the necromancer.
Greyland Economy Military People Currently building: hunting lodge, level 3 Monthly trade income: 0 Monthly tax income: 54 gold Treasury: 5 gold, 5 silver Daily food consumption: 15 units Grain yield: 0 due in 17 days Vegetable yield: 35 food units due in 19 days Wool yield: 3 bales due in 32 days Meat yield: 6 units daily Timber yield: 17 planks daily Iron yield: 3 ingots daily Quarry yield: 6 blocks daily Smithy yield: steel pickaxes on hold. Awaiting iron. Weaving yield: 4 bolts daily Research: Shipbuilding One Resources: Wheat: 12 food units Vegetables: 20 food units Meat: 6 food units Wool: 6 bales Timber: 150 planks Iron: 0 ingots Stone: 39 blocks Cloth: 4 bolts
During the day, iron and meat production had edged up, as I had anticipated, and that was very welcome. Iron output should go up again after I assigned the waiting 24 steel pickaxes from the smithy, which I did right away. Food consumption, however, had gone up to 15 from 13, perhaps the result of capturing around 30 enemy soldiers. Even on minimal rations, that was a noticeable drain. It left me only four days away from running out. I felt a chill all over my body, even though I was under warm covers. All the good of the today¡¯s victory could be undone unless I solved this issue. Once I had a ship making a weekly journey to the necromancer, I¡¯d have another 21 units a day. Enough to feed everyone and build up stores against hard times. Obviously, I had to accept the necromancer¡¯s offer. I fell asleep while looking at the timer on Shipbuilding 1: two days and fifteen hours. Chapter 12: Another Day, Another Negotiation During the night I must have been dreaming about the food crisis, because I woke up having made two decisions. As soon as I was dressed and sat in the great hall, eating my breakfast, I acted on them. Firstly, I sent a messenger to amend Chancellor Parrin¡¯s mission. He was not simply to scout for the enemy dispositions, he was to obtain information about when and how the ripened grain from our former lands was to be transported. Then he was to liaise with Lord Arval in using our light cavalry to intercept it. Assuming we had cleared the enemy from the valley that descended to the farmlands, the way should be open for such a raiding operation. If so, I¡¯d leave the details in Lord Arval¡¯s capable hands. Secondly, I would ask the necromancer for a delivery of food on account. I hated having to beg, but couldn¡¯t see an alternative. This was a job for Figus, which was a shame, because I also wanted the charismatic bard to negotiate for the release of the prisoners. They were a burden and as soon as I could get them off my hands for any kind of recompense, the better. While drinking a mint tea (thinking that I¡¯d give a chest of gold for a bag of coffee), I checked for the new supply of ingots. The menu showed me I had 4 now in the stores. The new picks were making a difference but I was slightly disappointed that the daily yield wasn¡¯t 5. I allocated 3 to the smithy, to finish off upgrading all the miners and was glad to put aside 1 towards my first trade with the necromancer. Next, I called up my character sheet.
Sean de Courcy, king of Greyland Fighter, Level 5 HP 40 AC 0 Str 7 Dex 5 Con 8 Int 16 Wis 16 Cha 5 Skills Bash 25 Block 1 Defensive Stance 1 Deflect 1 Dodge 1 Impale 25 Lunge 5 Parry 5 Wield Rapier 5 Wield Shortbow 3 Feats Charge! (Wis) You have 4 attribute points to assign. You have 15 skill points to assign. XP 2,860 (3,200)
It was heartening to see that my Dexterity and Charisma had both improved a point. That gave me an insight into the process, in that I¡¯d been exerting myself to the utmost the previous day both to use the Rhino form effectively and to encourage the army. Probably, I¡¯d performed actions that tested them repeatedly or under very great stress. And both were moving from extremely low starting points. There was almost certainly some non-linear progression at work here in that I¡¯d have to do more than one day¡¯s activity to increase the higher stats. While it was probable that weight training was the likely way to improve Strength, how could I exert myself enough to trigger a Constitution increase? Perhaps Carradock Goblinbane would know. In any event, I wasn¡¯t going to spend my four attribute points yet. I still had to understand the system better. It was time to choose my fifteen new skills and after placing one point in each of the following I felt a real sense of progress: Grapple: action, unarmed attack that restricts opponent if successful; Heavy armour mastery: passive, allows the use of heavy armour; Kick: action, attack enemy with a kick; Medium armour mastery: passive, allows the use of medium armour; Quick draw: action, produce hidden or sheathed weapon; Ride Warhorse: passive, necessary requirement for the use of other skills from horseback; Riposte: action, counter-attack enemy (can only be triggered after a successful Parry); Shield mastery: passive, allows use of all sizes of shield; Wield espadon: passive, allows the use of a double-edged, two-handed sword; Wield longbow: passive, allows the use of longbows; Wield polearm: passive, allows the use of all polearms and spears (not thrown); Wield war axe: passive, allows use of a heavy, two-handed axe. Most of the Warlord skills clearly overlapped with other fighter classes as they were all pretty standard, generic ones, but my progression as Warlord had unlocked three eye-catching skills that were likely unique to this path. Battle Cry: action, raises the morale of allies within earshot; Detect Enemy Weakness: action, gain insight as to the extent to which the morale of the target is wavering; Stonewall: action, gain increased AC in proportion to skill level (this skill cannot be higher than Defensive Stance). Of course I unlocked these with a point in each. Someday on the battlefield, they could make all the difference. I noticed too that (Wis) had appeared beside my first Feat, and I opened that sub-menu.
Charge! All friendly units in the vicinity get a 20% increase to base movement and a temporary 5 hit point increase. Charge! is a Wisdom based feat and each point of Wisdom above 15 increases the buff by an additional 1 hit point and 1% move. A Wisdom of 18 therefore leads to a Charge! with the effect of +8 temporary hit points and +23% movement for all those who hear the call.
Now that was interesting and gave me pause for a long thought. The attribute points I¡¯d been storing up could make this a powerful area-of-effect buff. If I put all four in Wisdom and hit 20, that would be plus 25% movement and plus 10 hit points to my nearby troops. Considering the basic, level 0 archer had only 5 hit points, that was very appealing. Before I committed myself to this idea though, I needed to test the Feat to see what the reset timer was and how many soldiers it could affect. Very pleased indeed with these set of skills, that reminded me of my Storm Wars days when I had the skills and feats to tank major bosses, I made my way over to the barracks. There was something odd about the behaviour of the people that I passed. A quick check on the people menu told me that an increased happiness score ¨C now up to 21 -¨C might have had something to do with it. But there was something else going on. Furtive smiles. Little whispers to each other and looks at me that were almost sniggers. It felt like I was in fancy dress. The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. Carradock Goblinbane was alone at the barracks and on my arrival he saluted me eagerly and said, ¡®well done sire! Very well done.¡¯ ¡®Thank you.¡¯ ¡®And sire. I may only have one arm, but next time I hope you¡¯ll take me with you. I can haul on a rope, or help the soldiers get into formation.¡¯ His look was earnest, almost pleading. ¡®Consider yourself so instructed, Carradock. You can be my aide-de-camp when we are in battle.¡¯ ¡®Thank you sire.¡¯ His words were heartfelt and the tears in his eyes sincere. Good man. ¡®Now, let¡¯s continue with my personal training. I want to get stronger,¡¯ I said, ¡®and I also want my Constitution to increase.¡¯ ¡®The first I can help with. The second too, but not so much.¡¯ He glanced at me and must have seen a query in my expression, because he continued, ¡®if you assign soldiers to survival training, it takes three months for them to become hardier.¡¯ ¡®Three months.¡¯ I sighed. ¡®In your case, it might go quicker; you can dedicate yourself to it. As much as your duties allow.¡¯ ¡®What does survival training involve?¡¯ ¡®We go into the mountains and live off the land, building a lean-to, hunting and climbing every day.¡¯ ¡®Living off the land you say?¡¯ It occurred to me I might make a small saving in food requirements to assign some soldiers to this training. And I would end up with better troops. But with the army so tiny, I could hardly afford this measure, could I? ¡®Yes sire, it¡¯s not the comfortable life a king is used to, no, not by a long way. We¡¯ll be hungry most nights. But I believe I see in you a determination that will meet the challenge.¡¯ I caught Carradock¡¯s eye and nodded. All the same, there was so much to do here. ¡®What about the strength training?¡¯ ¡®Much more straightforward, sire. I¡¯ll teach you the lifts and you practice them over and over until you are at your limit.¡¯ ¡®Let¡¯s begin with that then.¡¯ I literally rolled up my sleeves. Soon, I was performing a variety of exercises, aimed at strengthening my arms and shoulders mostly, but Carradock also had me work on my legs with simple squats that very quickly became a challenge. When I took a break for water, I noticed again the presence of onlooking townspeople, who still had the furtive smiles and almost expectant expressions. Before driving them away to get on with their tasks, I leaned in towards Carradock. ¡®What¡¯s with the smirks?¡¯ ¡®Oh,¡¯ Carradock had a thin, weasel-like face, more used to scowling than smiling to judge from the lines on it. But now it broke into a broad grin. ¡®Why sire, it¡¯s our new flag.¡¯ He pointed with his one hand. The flagpole at the corner of the barracks had a green flag that I¡¯d thought I¡¯d seen previously. When the wind picked up enough to lift it fully open, however, I could see that it had indeed changed. The previous symbol had been a white circle of some sort. That was gone. Instead, it showed a galloping white rhino. It was probably out of character as King Carlos but I couldn¡¯t help smile. I looked around the square and shared the moment with the people who were there, letting them see I was pleased. Then called out, trying to sound gruff. ¡®All right, I¡¯ve seen it. I approve. Now get about your tasks.¡¯ *** A couple of hours later, when I was panting from the weight training and sweat was pouring from my body, despite the cool autumn day, a messenger came hurrying to find me. It was a gangly teenage boy who I¡¯d seen around the keep. ¡®Sire, sire! A ship is making for our harbour.¡¯ ¡®What kind of ship?¡¯ ¡®A Viking ship!¡¯ His eyes were wide with alarm. And my heart lurched too. We had no troops at all in Carrick. Well, a one-armed sergeant, a level three bard, an over-weight fighter who couldn¡¯t fit into any of the town¡¯s armour, and a sorceress. At least we had Carlena, I hoped her mana was fully restored. ¡®Go fetch the sorceress. Tell her to meet me at the quays. Get someone else to find Figus, the ambassador.¡¯ ¡®Yes sire.¡¯ ¡®Carradock, come with me and bring your sword.¡¯ ¡®Spear, sire. I can still stick ¡®em with it.¡¯ ¡®Right so.¡¯ The quayside of the town of Carrick was a simple affair. One pier of stone stretched out into a grey sea for about thirty yards. In the protection of the lee of the wall bobbed two rowboats that were moored to buoys. It really needed a tower here, to help against invasion. At least we were outside the town walls and could fall back through a portcullis. Shading my hand from the reddish sun, I could see the ship clearly enough. A bank of oars on each side; a large, square-rigged sail with a black and white stripe; and the ominous dragon head, facing us, rising up and down as they worked their oars and drove their ship towards us. ¡®What do you know of these people, Carradock?¡¯ ¡®Dangerous, sire. Fierce fighters. Robbers. Their land ¨C Jomskar ¨C is north, beyond the Kingdom of Lost Souls. We have a saying, ¡°never turn your back on a Jomsviking¡±, because they¡¯d do you sire. Give you a knock on the head and you¡¯d wake up a slave of theirs.¡¯ A clatter of boots on cobbles heralded the arrival of Carlena, the boy with her. The sorceress was in her fighting outfit of trousers and tunic and as she gave me a nod of greeting, she tied her hair up tightly into a bun. I addressed the lad, ¡®get everyone you can from the town and take whatever helmets and shields we have in the armoury in the keep and hurry to the walls. Try to make it seem like we have plenty of soldiers in the town. And get some people to the portcullis.¡¯ The boy¡¯s large Adam¡¯s apple bobbed up and down as he swallowed heavily. Then he was off, almost slipping on the cobbles as he scrambled over-eagerly back towards town. This really was a lesson for me. Never to leave the town completely without troops. Hopefully, the infantry that Lord Arval was sending on leave would arrive before nightfall but for now, we were desperately weak. Even this one ship posed a significant threat. ¡®How¡¯s the mana?¡¯ I asked Carlena. ¡®Full.¡¯ ¡®You¡¯re all we¡¯ve got.¡¯ ¡®This I can see.¡¯ I was hoping she¡¯d add something reassuring to that comment. She didn¡¯t. In contrast to the tension of Carlena¡¯s stance, the arrival of Figus was almost nonchalant in the confidence of his stride. He was well-dressed in good quality cloth, which was embroidered with intricate patterns based on the interweaving of wild flowers. ¡®Sire.¡¯ ¡®Ambassador.¡¯ The four of us moved part way along the pier and stood in silence as the ship drew closer and closer. Seagulls swooped and squabbled and the scent of the ocean was as salty as on Earth. There was an extraordinary difference with my experience of the sea back home though. Here, on the horizon was a line of white mist that sparkled under the midday sun. The edge of the world, presumably. As the ship came around the head of the pier, I could see the men ¨C and women ¨C aboard. They were long-haired, tall and sturdy. How I envied them their fitness. And to my great relief, they were not brandishing weapons and helmeted up. At the front of the ship, one arm on the fabulously carved prow, was a red-haired woman whose dark green cloak fluttered around her. She caught my eye and gave a shout. ¡®Hail King Carlos, permission to enter your lands?¡¯ ¡®Just you.¡¯ With that their spokeswoman threw out a coiled rope with considerable dexterity and it was Carradock, despite only having one arm, who caught it and tied it off on a bollard. With an impressively uniform response to a command barked from the man at the tiller, the oars came in and the ship lay easy just a few yards from the pier. The crew were looking at us frankly, with curiosity, and were clearly unafraid. Two planks were found to bridge the gap to us and without hesitation the woman ran across. She was in her thirties; had a wide, attractive face; and brown eyes that shone with amusement, or was it cunning? ¡®I am Jarl Injeborg the Red, here to speak to you on behalf of King Olgrim Beartooth of Jomskar.¡¯ ¡®Go on.¡¯ She laughed. ¡®In my land, we greet ambassadors with generous hospitality. No wonder this place is called Greyland. Will we not go to your castle? A room? Some wine? Or mead if you like.¡¯ She turned to her crew. ¡®Ragnald, throw over a bottle of mead.¡¯ One of the Vikings rummaged up a bottle, threw it accurately and Injeborg caught it effortlessly. Again it was an impressive display of skill and the whole crew knew it too, there were grins on all their faces. ¡®Here¡¯s just fine.¡¯ ¡®Suspicious?¡¯ She opened her arms wide, throwing back her cloak to show that the only weapon on her was a small knife in a decorated leather scabbard on her belt. Then she dropped the smile. ¡®If we wanted to, we could cut you down right now.¡¯ ¡®Perhaps, if you and your ship could survive a level eleven Fireball.¡¯ My heart was beating fast, but my voice was steady. A quick flick of her eyes towards Carlena. ¡®We are here in peace and I am to offer you an alliance.¡¯ She paused, expecting perhaps that I would now bring her to a room in the keep for our negotiations. ¡®I¡¯m listening.¡¯ And I really was. ¡®Very well, we¡¯ll talk out here, in the wind.¡¯ Injeborg¡¯s long, red hair had several braids, but even so often streamed across her face. ¡®Recently, King Olgrim had a meeting with King Cillian mac Gille Coemg¨¢in of Rockguard and it did not go well. Knowing he has the stronger army, mac Gille Coemg¨¢in tried to impose tribute on us. And due to adversity and the recent loss of our mines to the frost giants, our king would have agreed. Except that when it came to shaking hands on the agreement, mac Gille Coemg¨¢in instead demanded King Olgrim kiss his foot. ¡®This was in front of the courts of both realms. I was there. And our king said, ¡°are you sure?¡± Mac Gille Coemg¨¢in just laughed and said, ¡°kiss it¡±, holding his foot out. ¡°Well,¡± said King Olgrim, ¡°it was your request.¡± And with that he grabbed the royal foot and being a big, strong bear of a man, turned Mac Gille Coemg¨¢in upside down. While the ruler of Rockguard wriggled like a frog, King Olgrim kissed his foot, then dropped him on his head.¡¯ ¡®As you can imagine, their courtiers did not take this well. And, to be brief, we are at war.¡¯ I laughed. ¡®I like the sound of King Olgrim. Very well. What do you want from us?¡¯ ¡®Iron. We know you have mines.¡¯ Iron again. I had been ramping production up as quickly as I could but perhaps I could do more. It clearly was a vital resource. Should I reassign people from other jobs? I¡¯d ask Carlena about this later. It seemed that the power of the menus, whether divine or magic, gave the workers the appropriate skills in response to my decisions. But perhaps there would be a cost to reassigning someone, rather than using someone who was currently without a task. ¡®And in return?¡¯ ¡®Fish. Salted fish. Five units for each ingot of iron.¡¯ Not as good an offer as from the necromancer but, still, food was food and I wanted it badly. Deliberately slowing down my heart, looking into the distance and the slow movements of the sea, I tried to make my next words as unconcerned as possible. ¡®Using your own trading vessels?¡¯ ¡®Yes.¡¯ ¡®I¡¯ll speak directly and to the point. For every seven units of fish, I¡¯ll send you an ingot of iron. Right now, however, I¡¯m very short of iron myself. In two weeks, though, I promise I¡¯ll give you twenty if you return with a hundred and forty barrels of fish.¡¯ She looked thoughtful. ¡®I can shake hands with you now at six for one. Seven would need me to sail back to King Olgrim. And have you any iron to hand at all? We have barrels of fish with us now. Thirty of them.¡¯ ¡®You use slaves up in Jomskar?¡¯ ¡®We do.¡¯ ¡®Then I can give you two iron ingots and about fifteen slaves for those thirty barrels.¡¯ I was thinking of the four new iron ingots (possibly five) that I would have at dawn but even better of the chance to rid myself of some of the unwanted prisoners. The ones from Southway. I was still hoping to achieve peace with Trolland and their prisoners might be useful. For a moment, there was a silence but for the waves, the seagulls and the creaking of their ship. I tried not to let my tension show, nor stare at the holds of their ship. We really needed those fish. ¡®I will agree if our agreement is six units of fish for each iron ingot after this.¡¯ I held out my hand and the jarl shook it with a very firm grip. Then she gave me a fierce look. ¡®This trade is only the start. I can see you are a man who despite appearances is strong at heart. Soon, we will be comrades on the battlefield.¡¯ ¡®Perhaps. I am already at war with two kingdoms, however, I make no promises about fighting Rockguard.¡¯ ¡®I understand. Let¡¯s drink all the same, to the trade agreement.¡¯ Injeborg drew her knife and cut away the wax seal on the bottle. Then she offered the drink to me. ¡®After you.¡¯ With a laugh she took a large swig from the bottle, making sure I saw her swallow it. After which I did the same. It was fiery and sweet. Delicious. ¡®Put one of those bottles into the trade will you,¡¯ I said, passing it to Figus who held it for a moment distastefully, then took a modest mouthful and passed it on to Carlena. Injeborg laughed again, white teeth flashing. She laughed easily and while aware that I might have been affected by her obviously high charisma, I had the thought that these people might indeed make good allies. Chapter 13: The Song of King Carlos the Rhino Confident that they were not here to raid, I gave permission for Jarl Injeborg¡¯s crew to disembark and make camp. Outside the walls of course. Whatever their intentions, if they could see how weak were our defences, they might well be tempted to sack the town. I took Carradock¡¯s comment on their piratical nature perfectly seriously. Back among my people, I organised a rota of pretend guards to face the Vikings, sent Carradock off to separate the prisoners and bring back the ones from Southway, then took Figus and Carlena with me to the keep. There, in privacy, I explained the food situation and how important those 30 units of food in the ship were to us. We were up to 6 units of meat daily, with consumption at 15 (hopefully 14 when I got rid of the prisoners). Reserves were at 38. That gave us 4 days and then people would be on short rations. Unless we had the fish in the longship, which give us 8 days before the stores were empty. Even then, we¡¯d have plenty of iron but I had no idea how long it would take to build a ship, crew it and make a return journey to the Kingdom of Lost Souls. More than 8 days surely? ¡®Which is why,¡¯ I concluded, ¡®I think Figus will have to go to the necromancer and ask for an advance.¡¯ ¡®Tonight sire?¡¯ Figus looked carefully at me. ¡®Right away.¡¯ ¡®Perhaps the morning would be better, it is Moon Day and I have been working on entertainment that might raise the morale of the people.¡¯ ¡®What¡¯s the significance of Moon Day?¡¯ I wondered aloud. ¡®What¡¯s going on?¡¯ Immediately Figus turned to Carlena with a face of pure suspicion. Feeling a flush of embarrassment, I realised I¡¯d asked a question that King Carlos would not have. I had been too caught up in the menus and had dropped my concentration. ¡®Well?¡¯ now he turned his startling blue eyes on mine, expression hard and suspicious. ¡®Well what?¡¯ ¡®You¡¯re not King Carlos, are you?¡¯ ¡®What do you mean?¡¯ ¡®You don¡¯t talk like him. You don¡¯t think like him. And you don¡¯t know that on Moon Day the burghers of the town attend you in the evening.¡¯ ¡®Listen carefully, Figus,¡¯ Carlena didn¡¯t move but her sharp, clipped words leaned over the bard. ¡®If you go around talking like that, you¡¯ll bring ruin on us all. If his popularity gets any lower, no one will work or fight. And they¡¯ll abandon the realm.¡¯ ¡®I¡¯m no fool Carlena, even though you think me one. Just tell me.¡¯ ¡®My real name is Sean de Courcy,¡¯ I said quietly, ¡®I was summoned here by Carlena to replace King Carlos.¡¯ ¡®Summoned?¡¯ Figus looked at the sorceress. ¡®That ignorant slob was a fool. All he cared about was his dinner menu. And he thought we could do nothing about his ruin of the kingdom. That we couldn¡¯t lift a hand against him without the realm losing its menus.¡¯ Carlena was becoming impassioned, her normal pale face flushed and her words coming fast. ¡®He underestimated me though, and Miya, our goddess. She didn¡¯t want her realm to be destroyed. She came to me in a dream and guided me in a ritual to replace King Carlos with a hero from another plane.¡¯ This was the first time I¡¯d heard that a goddess had been involved in the summons. The role of gods and goddesses was clearly another aspect of this world that I needed to understand better. ¡®Pause there, please Carlena. Can you tell me more about Miya and the other gods? Can we get her help? Does everyone have the help of a god? How can I talk to her?¡¯ ¡®I¡¯m a sorcerer. All I can tell you is what everyone knows, that the gods created this world. Each has one kingdom and they are all rivals to each other.¡¯ ¡®But how much do they intervene? How can we -¨C or our enemies - ¨C draw on the powers of our gods?¡¯ ¡®They provide divine spells to their priests daily: clerics, druids, paladins and bards.¡¯ The sorceress waved a hand towards Figus. ¡®Otherwise, hardly at all. I had never seen or heard from Miya before my dream.¡¯ Figus nodded, then spoke, still with a tense and clipped voice. ¡®I believe¡­ Sean de Courcy¡­ that if you were to build the church up to a cathedral, and have very large numbers of worshippers for her, that Miya might be able to intervene more and provide significant benefits to the realm. Her attributes being those of fertility and renewal, they would most likely involve crops and healing.¡¯ ¡®Interesting.¡¯ And it really was. I was already thinking that upgrading the church was an attractive option and this information reinforced that idea. ¡®There you have it, Figus. I¡¯m a newcomer. I don¡¯t know the name of the days of the week here, let alone the rituals around them. But I¡¯m confident I can save the kingdom and, in time, go on the offensive.¡¯ Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. ¡®This makes sense of everything that¡¯s happened in the last four days.¡¯ After my last words, the tension in Figus seemed to melt and all at once he was his usual devil-may-care self. ¡®Hello Sean,¡¯ he offered his hand. ¡®Welcome to our world. I¡¯m sincerely glad you are here. We need someone like you.¡¯ ¡®Thank you.¡¯ ¡®This is exciting news. I feel hope again. And you know what? I think most of the people of the town would too, knowing the old King Carlos has gone...¡¯ Figus gave the sorceress a rueful expression, as though apologising in advance for what he was about to say. ¡®You might consider telling them all. Especially if the goddess approves.¡¯ ¡®It¡¯s too soon. He¡¯s doing well but we need to come on a lot more before we can risk a collapse in authority. I think his popularity has to be able to take a much bigger drop than it currently can.¡¯ ¡®I might be able to help with that.¡¯ Figus grinned and turned to me. ¡®If I have permission not to depart until morning.¡¯ ¡®Permission granted.¡¯ ¡®In that case,¡¯ he stood up and bowed to us both. ¡®I¡¯ll take my leave and make my preparations.¡¯ When he had left, I looked over at Carlena. ¡®I like him.¡¯ ¡®I am a difficult person, Sean, because I¡¯m uncompromising. Figus was at King Carlos¡¯s right hand most of the time. I understand that he had to play the lackey to avoid punishment. But still, he used his skills to mock other people for the king¡¯s entertainment.¡¯ ¡®I see. Including yourself, no doubt. But you can still work with him in our joint enterprise?¡¯ ¡®Of course.¡¯ ¡®What¡¯s the Moon Day event he¡¯s planning for?¡¯ Carlena looked tired at the thought. ¡®The town has burghers.¡¯ ¡®Burgers?¡¯ ¡®Yes. Each guild has a representative: the chief baker, the chief butcher, the supervisor of the mines and so on¡­. These are the burghers of the town, they have a committee to govern all matters in Carrick that are outside of your menus, such as holding court on property disputes, and they have the right to a seating with the king on Moon Day.¡¯ ¡®A seating?¡¯ ¡®They come to a grim and dull evening meal in the castle. Where you sit at the top of the table, hear any complaints they have and resist the urge to hang the lot of them. At least, that¡¯s what I think King Carlos usually does, to judge from his expressions.¡¯ ¡®I see.¡¯ I didn¡¯t really but I could manage to sit at the table and listen. It might even be useful, teaching me something about the way in which the orders I made through the menus resulted in changes in the town. ¡®Carlena.¡¯ ¡®Yes?¡¯ ¡®Are you happy?¡¯ ¡®Happy? Of course not. We are on the cusp of destruction. I¡¯m a sorceress with the minimum number of spells and few prospects to change that¡­¡¯ she shot me a penetrating glance. ¡®Worse, this is a miserable kingdom with a cultural level not much higher than that of the barbarians outside the walls. My existence is incredibly boring.¡¯ ¡®What would make you happy?¡¯ ¡®I¡¯ll be honest with you Sean, although many would feel revulsion at my answer. It¡¯s power. Power over magic. Power over the other kingdoms. Power not for the sake of it, but to live free from the fear of capture or death.¡¯ ¡®I understand.¡¯ ¡®Do you though?¡¯ Again that appraising look. ¡®I think you do, Sean. I think you understand everything.¡¯ There was a weight on the word everything that was important, as though she were letting me in on a conspiracy. I couldn¡¯t grasp her meaning though, nor did I want to reveal my ignorance by asking. ¡®What about you Sean, are you happy?¡¯ ¡®Very. Before you summoned me, I needed a purpose to my life. A cause. And that moment when I thundered down on the enemy as a rhino?¡¯ ¡®Yes?¡¯ ¡®I¡¯ve never been happier in my life.¡¯ Carlena laughed. ¡®I think you share something with the old King Carlos then. He would have been content to live his whole life as a rhino.¡¯ *** That afternoon I¡¯d made sure to keep on top of all my town management choices, namely, assigning the completed steel pickaxes to the mines and deciding what to build, now that hunting lodge 3 had been completed. Barracks 2 had its appeal, as it unlocked ballista crew training, and with just one more ballista on the large tower (therefore covering the bridge at the same time as the first ballista stopped groups of archers from congregating under the tower), I could hold Three Ways even against much larger armies. A scriptorium was attractive too. When I had stood before the Vikings and made my bluff about Fireball, it had really struck home to me how disproportionately important was magic here. If we had a research option that led to the discovery of more spells and really did obtain Fireball, Carlena would make our army ten times more threatening. Upgrading the mine to level 3 would work as well. Given how important iron was becoming to our trading and diplomatic negotiations, I obviously couldn¡¯t have too much of it. Also, the description of the level 3 mine said that I would have a chance at discovering seams of silver and gold. Yet while I certainly would push up mining production as a priority, I¡¯d run into the problem that I had no unassigned people after putting the last into the new hunting lodge. It was during my investigation of the question of how quickly new people would become available that I discovered to my dismay that this was proportional to the realm¡¯s happiness score. Greyland¡¯s happiness had to be above 25 to even attract one new adult a week. Which is why I used 110 planks of wood to set about the upgrade of the church. A bigger, more noteable church increased overall happiness, improved healing rates and attracted a new cleric to the town. Then too, it strengthened Miya, our goddess, and even though I wasn¡¯t sure how to quantify this, it was surely an important consideration? The timer on the upgrade was 2 days and 14 hours. During the afternoon, I¡¯d also worked on my core muscles, although training wasn¡¯t at all the same on my own as when Carradock had been present. In the evening, I¡¯d bathed and, on dressing for dinner, had been provided with furs and impressive jewelled rings to wear for the Moon Day dinner. The castle hall looked splendid, with silver places laid out for a dozen guests, glittering in the light of candles and a huge open fire. Banners and tapestries covered large areas of the stone walls and again I saw one of a white rhino on a green background. The people present included the chief carpenter, to whom I had promised the role of shipbuilder, and a dozen other men and women, wearing their finest clothes and bronze chains of office clasping emblems with the symbols of their guilds. These were middle-aged people; there was a dull emptiness in their eyes that made me wonder at first whether they were fully human or some kind of limited NPC. It soon became clear to me that the dullness of their faces was a reflection of their interests rather than their intellect. Insofar as it was fair to generalise across them all, the issue was that their horizons were narrow. One after the other, they made the same kind of speech when their opportunity came to address me: the need to upgrade their factories or premises or equipment. The ¡®factor¡¯ of the hunters, as she called herself, was rather less given to whinging, after all, she¡¯d had two upgrades recently and twelve new hunters to lead. But even she wanted upgraded bows and knives. I couldn¡¯t ask directly about how my choices in the menu options affected their work: it would reveal me to be an imposter. But I did get the impression from their remarks that they had free will, that they had ambition, rivalry, and passion even, somewhere beneath their solid exteriors. It also became clear that my instructions appeared to them as menus that the office holders could open, albeit that they couldn¡¯t make any amendments. Once or twice the burghers expressed thanks to our goddess, Miya, in a way that indicated that the divine power of the gods lay behind the menu system. One question I thought would not be entirely out of character was that of reallocating workers. ¡®Ladies¡¯ ¨C the baker, the brewer, the huntress, the seamstress and the scholar were female ¨C ¡®and gentlemen. Today, we reached the maximum capacity of workforce in our town. Until such time as we attract new residents or the young come of age, I can only reassign workers. Tell me, is there any penalty for doing so?¡¯ All their faces were turned towards me, orange tinted in the light of the large fire. Then factor of the hunters spoke. ¡®I believe sire, that while the gods allow this and the workers will immediately know the relevant skill, those reassigned are very likely to be discontented and that will reflect in the overall happiness score for our community.¡¯ Something to be avoided then. Raising the population had become a problem almost as urgent as that of the food supply. When the meal was done and all the goblets refilled, Figus took the floor. His dress, as always, was smart. Tonight a leather waistcoat lay on a silk shirt, unbuttoned at the neck, that appeared purple in the candlelight but which may well have been blue by day. Chapter 14: A New Quest I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Chapter 15: The Legend of the Lance I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Chapter 16: The Battle of the Glade I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Chapter 17: Chancellor Parrin’s Report I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Chapter 18: Out to Sea I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Chapter 19: The Island of Shadows I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Chapter 20: A Visitor in the Night I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Chapter 21: The Test of the Lance I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Chapter 22: A Rising Tide I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Chapter 23: Allies and Enemies I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Chapter 24: Means and Ends I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Chapter 25: Robert the Trooper I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Chapter 26: The Battle of Adelaide’s Crossing I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Chapter 27: Escape I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Chapter 28: Bodies Among the Heather I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Chapter 29: Any Port in a Storm I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 1: A Game of Chess I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 2: The Black Knight I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 3: The Duel I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 4: The Second Battle of Three Ways I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 5: Raising the Flag I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 6: Rebel Tactics I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 7: The Rider on the Bridge I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. Stolen novel; please report. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 8: The Spoils of Victory I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 9: The Prisoner’s Account I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 10: The Gatehouse of Montrose I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 11: Jailbreak I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 12: Friends Reunited I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 13: The Necromancer’s Letter I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 14: The Bard’s Return I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 15: Revenge is a Dish Best Served I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 16: Lord Oseso’s Plea I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 17: The Storming of Montrose I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 18: For Whom the Bell Tolls I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 19: The Gryphon’s Obelisk I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. Stolen story; please report. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 20: The Plains of Cantreth I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 21: The Second Battle of Arkad I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 22: The Middle Game I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 23: A Slave No More I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 24: Out of the Ashes I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 25: The Prisoner in the Tower I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 26: Friends Reunited I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 27: The Bridge on the River Sigrit I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 28: Flow, River, Flow I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 29: An Oath I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 30: Decisions and Dreams I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 31: Oracles and Omens I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 32: Provocation I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 33: Hold Fast, Keep the Gate I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 34: A Parting I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 35: Planning for the Endgame I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 36: There’s No Place Like Home I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 37: Teambuilding I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 38: The Song of the Siege of Montrose I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 39: The Two-Headed Serpent I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 40: Arrows of Fortune I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 41: Darkness on the Plains of Cantreth I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 42: A Night-time Ambush I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 43: Fort Two I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 44: Storm and Siege I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 45: How to Supply Rations I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 46: The Value of Spying I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 47: Snowfalls on the Besieged I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 48: Fine Dining I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 49: The Retreat I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 50: For Whom the Storm Rages I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin
You have hit Kadal Khan for 74 hit points. You have killed Kadal Khan You cannot become better at Ride Warhorse. You cannot become better at Wield Lance. You have gained 15,700 Experience. You have gained a level! Your hit points are restored and your timers on skills and feats have reset. Please view your character sheet for other benefits.
Part II: Chapter 51: Medium… High… Exorbitant! I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 52: Macabre, for a Corpse to Move I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 53: When it’s Spring Again, I’ll Bring Again… I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 54: Patricide I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 55: Leave is Cancelled I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 56: A Friend in Need I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 57: Ents Versus Trebuchets I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 58: The Coldness of Death Stills My Limbs I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 59: The High Priest of Langia I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 60: The Fan of the Four Winds I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 61: On Love and Dexterity ¡® I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 62: Hearts and Heads I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 63: The Demon’s Prophecy I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 64: Light Dispels the Forest Shadows I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. Stolen story; please report. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 65: Flowers for an Assassin I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 66: Even Timber Can Thirst for Blood I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 67: Epitaph for a Zombie General I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 68: My Girlfriend Wants to be a Vampire I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 69: The Demon Bridge Builder I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 70: When Soldiers Sing I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 71: The Castle of a Master Strategist I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 72: A Good Man; A Sorry End I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 73: Preparing for the Attack of the Zombie Army I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 74: When a Demon Calls You, Come Running I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 75: The Duel of the Two Artefacts I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 76: Black Knight Shoulder to Shoulder with the Black King I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 77: Forth the Banners Go I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 78: The Goddess in My Dreams I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. Stolen story; please report. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 79: Training My Army: RPG Style I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 80: On the Interpretation of Dreams I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 81: Happy in Love; Happy in War I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 82: Questions for a Demon God I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 83: Dragon Hunting I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 84: To Enter the Mind of a Dragon I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 85: You Have Become Better at Ride Flying Mount I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 86: It’s not an Easy Thing to Meet your God P I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. Stolen novel; please report. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 87: The Feat Options of a Level 15 Warlord I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Part II: Chapter 88: The Judgement of a Paladin I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin Epilogue I''ve had to take the story offline as I''ve enrolled it in Kindle Unlimited and need to comply with their 10% only online rule. Apologies if anyone was interrupted mid read. If you want to read the book version or simply want to show support for my writing, it''s available here. For those of you who like audiobooks, you''ll be glad to learn that there''s one in production. This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. I''ve also got a couple of stories still running on Royal Road. Summoned! To Grimworld is another LitRPG basebuilding story, this time inspired by the game of Rimworld and the efforts of a 92-year-old artist and an 18-year-old Finnish princess to survive and prosper in a world of many hostile tribes and creatures, having been swapped into new bodies on Grimworld. The White Dragon is a alternate history fantasy, set in Roman times, where the Romans are intent on an invasion of Farie, or as they call it, Tartarus. Cheers, Oisin My Next Project Thanks everyone who followed this story and especially for the encouraging comments along the way. I''m starting a new story you might like, Summoned! To Grimworld. It''s not a sequel as it has completely different characters. I also won''t be able to update anywhere near as often as I did with Summoned! To an RPG as I''m going to do well to write a chapter a week for this story and for The White Dragon. But all the same, I''d be very glad if you''d read along and give your feedback as we go. Here''s the blurb: Planet Earth''s greatest - but unrecognised - artist, Marcus Korol, is mind swapped into a crashing spacecraft. Ejected to the surface of Grimworld, a planet with a base-building system, Marcus has to master the system in order to survive and prosper. Even if he can cope with the monsters and environmental dangers, there are warlike tribes to consider, twenty of them, in a complex arrangements of alliances. Staying alive, let alone prospering, is a daunting challenge that even a battle-hardened general would find daunting. Yet Marcus treats the situation with relish. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Marcus''s one companion is another person summoned from Earth, a former princess, Duchess Sina Koskina: Sina is a young woman who has never done a serious day''s work in her life. Having previously had servants for every task, Sina has no idea of her real abilities or talents, but she is keen to find out. Marcus and Sina must find a way to work together, build a settlement, and master the strange system of the planet. If they can do so, they might even find and solve the Ultima quest that Grimworld is reputed to be host to. Coming to Kindle and KU I''ve polished the book and prepared it for release on Amazon. https://www.royalroad.com/amazon/B09VX8BK2Y The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. I hope if you''ve enjoyed the book you''d consider supporting me by posting a review when it goes live on 5 April. Reviews make a big difference to Amazon''s algorithm of recommending similar reads. In order to make the book available in KU, I''ll have to take down 90% of it. So if you wanted another binge read for free, now''s the time to do so! There will be an audio version in due course (with most of the tables taken out), I''m going to take it to Audible and audition for narrators. This is all very exciting and thanks again for following my journey with this book. Out today on Amazon and KU! Out today on Amazon (KU enrolled)! https://www.royalroad.com/amazon/B09VX8BK2Y The journey of this book reaches a new milestone. Thanks again for everyone who has encouraged me along the way. If you have enjoyed the book, I''ve a favour to ask. All the other people who have published their RR stories tell me that ratings on Amazon are critical for triggering the algorithm so that it will recommend the book to people browsing for this kind of read. If you could take a moment to visit the website and hit the rating button, I''d really appreciate it (for UK/Ireland https://www.amazon.co.uk/Summoned-RPG-World-Isekai-LitRPG-ebook/dp/B09VX8BK2Y/). This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Also, I invite you to remain as followers of the book here on Royal Road, because I''ve taken it to audible and found a narrator I really like. It''s going to be a massive task narrating the book but when it''s ready, I''ll make another post here to let you know. Thanks again! Oisin Fan Art: 8 Bit Character Sheets Sean de Courcy, king of Greyland Lord Arval, general of Greyland Figus, ambassador of Greyland Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. Leonora, Senior Cleric of Greyland Jacintha, Royal Wizard of Greyland Isabelle, lieutentant of archer company 1 Hern¨¢n, captain swords company 1 Valaria, lead scout Brother Raymond, Summoner Abbot Hugues, Greyland Templar Summoned! Out on Audible! Well, it was a very long time in the making, but the audio version is finally live and on Audible here: https://www.audible.com/pd/Summoned-Audiobook/B0BSRCQBVR Apologies if you''ve been waiting for it all this time. I had a few offers from established LitRPG audio companies, but I decided to continue this journey myself. So I auditioned many possible narrators via Audible''s share scheme and settled on Ryan Krichbaum. Not only has Ryan a high quality studio sound, he made a real effort to act the parts, distinguishing the voices clearly. It took him a year to narrate the book, as it''s so long, but it was really worth his taking the time to do it right. There are some lovely touches, such as Nurbolat''s slightly Russian accent, which is completely appropriate to evoke a horserider of the steppes. The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. I enjoyed catching up with this story again and hearing it through Ryan''s narration and I hope those of you who are fans of audio books will appreciate this production. Invitation to Follow Summoned! To a Prawn Cocktail Crisp If you''ve enjoyed this story, then you might like to follow my new project, Summoned! To a Prawn Cocktail Crisp: https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/77418/summoned-to-a-prawn-cocktail-crisp-isekai-litrpg. It''s a much lighter story as you can tell from the blurb: If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Demon Lord Azanth was one of the greatest demons of the planes of wickedness. Sean Hughes is just your averge first year student mage. Azanth is evil. Sean is good. An unlikely parternship comes about when Azanth''s enemies overthrow him and force him into the weakest, most flimsy and impossible-to-comeback form they can think of on the Plane of Life: a crisp (also known as a potato chip). Like Mephistopheles and Faust, the Master and Marguerite, Bert and Ernie, one can''t help being evil and the other... wavers. Summoned! To GrimWorld In case you missed my other webserial, Summoned! To GrimWorld, it''s coming out on Amazon on 12 December so if you wanted to read it for free, now''s the time to binge away. https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/52200/summoned-to-grimworld-becoming-a-stub-11-december Since RR requires at least 500 words for a chapter, I''ll repost the thank you page here:

Thank You

This book was written as a serial on Royal Road. Over the course of that journey I had lots of help from readers, whether pointing out typos, asking interesting questions, or making suggestions. Plus, the sense that I was writing for a community of interested readers was hugely motivating. Thanks to everyone who followed the story there and especially to the following: This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. A Nony Mouse, Acrinoe, AndrewSherman, Barj, Cielineri, coldpyr0, Critical starburst98, Destinyzz, DuchLord, EmpireofTrust, Geek, General Peaceful, HiEv, Hollow Shel, JasonFantastico, Koralina, KorenTiquar, Lightwing Duck, LithosLethe, Mad Archmage, MagnoliaVerre, Maudib, Monkeybae, Poko, Porkstew, Pion, Soybean492, Srayan, StrongLead, The_Eternal_Palace, Unatreeable 2, Underland, YonEye. Most of all, thanks to Rainbow Connection, who accompanied the story with Encyclopedia Grimworldia entries, illustrating some of the creatures and aspects of Grimworld, which was much appreciated by those following the story. Rainbow Connection also admins a discord group for my various stories, which you are welcome to join: https://discord.gg/q4aKmZA5KC.