“Ugh, fine. Bring it on,” said Roh.
With all the commotion with the Grimy Goon, Roh and Lorne had forgotten about the remaining henchman.
The Drunkard, with his face twisted in a sneer, stumbled back to his feet and slurred at Roh, "Yer jushh an orphn, ain't got no fam'ly or home t' call yer own."
Roh corrected the henchman, "You're mistaken, I am not actually an orphan in the real world. I have a family and a home, but my character in this virtual world is an orphan. It adds depth and complexity to the role I play and makes it more interesting and engaging."
The henchman's expression faltered as Roh spoke, clearly taken aback by the distinction between the real and virtual world.
The Drunkard, looking confused, responded by asking, "What're ya shayin' mate? Can't und'rstand ya."
Roh, you've been hit with a roleplaying penalty for stepping out of character.
Temporary penalty: You will be rewarded less XP for the next 30 minutes.
Fuck!
Lorne remarked to Roh, "You're on quite a roll today, aren't you?"
Roh, sporting a mischievous smile, shot back, “I was under the impression you preferred the rebels.”
Caught off guard by Roh's clever retort, Lorne responded, a smile playing on her lips, "Well, well, well, I didn't know you had it in you to come back with a quip like that. I kind of like it."
While they were too busy reading the prompt and discussing it. The Drunkard was looking to escape.
Roh noticed just in time and was able to grapple him and use the terrain to his advantage. He lunged forward, using his strength to push the henchman off balance and then grappled him around the waist, pulling him to the ground.
He expertly pinned the Drunkard prone, immobilizing him and rendering him unable to defend himself. The henchman lay at Roh's mercy, Roh's knife hovering dangerously close to his throat as Roh interrogated him. The prone position, with the henchman's body rendered vulnerable, added an element of fear and urgency to the situation, making it clear that Roh was in control.
With the Drunkard prone, Roh straddled him, pressing the blade of his knife to the henchman's throat. "Who sent you?" Roh growled, his voice filled with anger and menace.
The henchman's eyes widened in fear, he knew he was no match for Roh and Lorne and that he had to comply. "Morrkayn," he spat out, his voice trembling with fear.
Roh tilted his head in confusion. "Morrkayn?" he asked, the name foreign to him.
He glanced at Lorne, asking, "Do you know who he's talking about?"
Lorne shrugged in response, just as clueless as Roh.
"Is that some kind of discount store Morpheus? Like a knockoff who sells second-rate prophecies from the back of his van?" Roh chuckled.
The henchman stared at him, unsure whether to be more afraid of the knife or Roh's sudden shift to levity. "Morrkayn, the Abhorrent Supreme Necromancer! Father of Necromancy!" he clarified, his voice now steady and urgent, as if his drunken slur had been wiped away by sheer terror.
"Oh, that Morrkayn!" Roh exclaimed, feigning realization. "Why didn't you say so in the first place? I mean, I was just about to offer you a coupon for half off on 'Morrkayn's Mystical Mortuary Services!'"
As the henchman continued to look bewildered, Roh sighed and winked at Lorne. "Alright, buddy, we'll go pay this 'Morrkayn' a visit. But you have to admit," he said, poking the henchman in the chest with the tip of his knife, "that 'Morrkayn's Mystical Mortuary Services' has a nice ring to it. Maybe suggest it to him as a side gig?"
Roh looked at Lorne and said, “Of the three henchmen, trust me to pick the drunk for information. He is clearly off his rocket.”
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Lorne couldn't help but chuckle at Roh's remark, but she maintained a concerned expression. "Well, regardless of his inebriated state, it's worth looking into. Remember what they say: even a broken clock is right twice a day."
The henchman, still trembling with fear, looked incredulously at Roh's amused expression. "How are you not scared?" he stammered. "Morrkayn is to be feared by all! He has slaughtered your kind, your entire family… he’s your nemesis!"
Roh blinked.. "Really? My nemesis? I mean, with all you villains running around, it's so hard to keep track. Are you sure you're not confusing me with some other dashing, knife wielding barbarian?"
At this point, Lorne leaned in and whispered to Roh, "Maybe you should check your backstory in your character sheet. Might be in there or at least something to jog your memory."
Roh raised an eyebrow but did as Lorne suggested. After a moment of scanning the sheet, his eyes widened, and his composure faded. "Well, I'll be damned," he muttered under his breath. "You're right, henchman. Morrkayn is my nemesis, and he DID slaughter my family. Now I’m pissed!"
Shaking off his previous levity, Roh's expression grew serious, and his voice became more menacing. "I appreciate the reminder. Now, let's go pay Morrkayn a visit and introduce him to the sharp end of my blade."
Roh stood up, pulling the henchman to his feet. "You can tell Morrkayn that I'm coming for him," Roh said, his voice cold and filled with determination.
The henchman nodded, fear evident in his eyes. Roh released him and he quickly ran away, not daring to look back. Roh and Lorne shared a look, both of them were out of breath but victorious.
A prompt displayed on the party log:
Congratulations, Roh! The Drunkard will remember your deed. You have earned the following boon:
Boon Name: Liquid Courage
Description: Empowered by the boldness that comes from imbibing their preferred libation, the player's character is able to tap into a surge of confidence and bravado, allowing them to harness the full potential of an ability.
Effect: When Liquid Courage is activated, the player's character can use one of their abilities or skills twice before triggering a cooldown.
Restrictions: This boon can only be used once per encounter,
Additionally, the Drunkard has pledged his loyalty to you and will aid you in battle.
Roh subtly nodded. Finally, I’ve done something right in this battle.
Level Up!
Level 5
Title: Human Hunter
Hunting humans now are we?
Max HP +40
Max Stamina +20
Two stat points gained.
Unlocked Subclass: Druidic Barbarian
Unlocked Ability: [Nature's Whisper]
This ability channels the power of the surrounding natural world and enables the caster to harness, manipulate and command the natural elements, flora and fauna.
Roh bounced on the balls of his feet, his whole body seeming to vibrate with excitement. Yes, I’ve unlocked my subclass! Can’t wait to try out that ability. Now where to place my points? The points I placed in agility really helped me in this battle, but I guess I will put both in Strength as I don’t want that lagging behind. I am a barbarian afterall.
"Good job, you're already improving. Just don't forget to loot that battleaxe before we leave," Lorne reminded Roh.
"But it's your kill, so it's your loot," Roh pointed out.
"I know, but I can't carry that thing. And even if I could, I'm not proficient enough to use it," Lorne explained.
Roh suggested, "You could always sell it."
Lorne grew impatient and commanded, "Roh, just pick it up already."
"Alright, alright. Thanks, by the way," Roh said as he picked up the battleaxe.
Weapon: Brute’s Two-handed Battle Axe - Common
The Brute's Battleaxe is a massive, two-handed axe that appears to be too heavy for a mere mortal to wield. It is designed for brute force and raw power.
Item Level 5
Physical Damage: 30 – 36
Critical Strike Chance: +7.0%
Attacks per second: 0.8
Range: 13 ft
Weight: +30
Durability: 6/10
Roh's eyes lit up as he gripped the handle of the battleaxe, feeling its weight and balance in his hands. With a broad grin on his face, he swung the weapon in an arc, slashing the air with a satisfying whoosh. "Feels good to wield an axe again!" he exclaimed, the joy in his voice evident as he continued to test out his new weapon.
The group of unlikely allies took a moment to catch their breath. Taro, peeked out from behind Noona, grateful for her protective presence during the skirmish. Roh wiped the sweat from his brow, while Lorne surveyed the surrounding forest.
"We need to keep moving," Lorne said, looking up at the sky. Dark clouds were beginning to gather, casting a shadow over the treetops. "The nearest town, Cazador, is still quite far, and we don't want to be caught out here when the storm hits."
Roh nodded, sheathing his weapons. "You're right. Let's go."