Justin woke up to the first rays of sunlight falling through the broken roof of the tower. As soon as he had his first conscious thought—that the fire was low—the System’s voice entered his mind.
You have reached Level Six. Setbacks are inevitable, but by keeping your eyes on the horizon, you’ll find that each step becomes easier.
Justin thought that was an apt way to describe things. The System seemed to change its little “encouraging notes” to him based on what was going on in his life. It was sentient, then, or at least self-adapting.
Or maybe Kargan had the right of it, and the System was the Creator.
As a Level Six Socialite, you have one Attribute Point to distribute.
It was even a thought anymore. He locked it into Charisma without hesitation.
Your Charisma Attribute is now: 17.
With the Attribute boost, the effects were becoming more subtle. Each point gained was less of an overall percentage of his total Charisma stat. Though he no longer felt anything had changed, he knew he was getting better, more socially adept.
Onward, Brave Adventurer. Never give up hope.
With that message, the System departed. No class skill this time, being a non-prime number and not a multiple of five.
As with every level up, Justin summoned his character sheet, if only to figure out how much experience was required to reach Level 7:
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Justin Talemaker
Class: Socialite
Level: 6
Experience to Level 7: 639/720
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Attributes:
Power: 10
Coordination: 11 (10 +1)
Endurance: 11 (10 +1)
Intellect: 10
Perception: 11 (10 +1)
Charisma: 19 (17 +2)
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For the first time since Silverton, Justin didn’t have enough banked experience to get a level up on his next sleep. Just short of unlocking his Level 7 Class Skill. It was a little annoying, especially given he was so close, but the experience requirements were already getting much larger.
His quick rise to Level 6, however, was all because of running into two Vaults and having Alistair and Eldrin do most of the legwork. True, he’d found pivotal ways to contribute that had earned him the experience, but he knew Vaults were dangerous places usually not suited to characters with his class.
Most Socialites probably had to level up the old-fashioned way: schmoozing, manipulating, lying, bargaining, charming, networking, flattering, and persuading. Justin had done little of that upon entering Eyrth, but he had the feeling that more of that would be in his future.
With a beefy base 17 in Charisma, modified to 19 with the Cane of Valoria and his Refined Presence skill, with a possible 21 when activating Dandy’s Swagger, he would be a massive social force, at least among unclassed individuals, and even among classes who had invested little in their own Charisma Attribute.
Of course, most of that was useless out here in the wilds, but it wouldn’t be that way forever.
Lila was next to wake up, taking on a look of silent rumination. If she was anything like Justin, she’d have her own last level up to process.
Once done, she turned to face him. “No skills. Level 6 sucks.”
“What did you put the point in?” Justin asked.
She smiled. “Charisma this time. I’m a Bard. Time to do Bardic things.”
Justin cracked a smile back. “About time!”
He summoned her character sheet, something he hadn’t done it quite a while:
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Character: Lila Fairwind
Class: Bard
Level: 6
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Attributes:
Power: 10
Coordination: 14
Endurance: 11
Intellect: 10
Perception: 10
Charisma: 12 (11+1)
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Skills:
(Class Skill) Bardic Inspiration: Once a day, start a melody that can enhance the morale and capabilities of your party and allies, providing a +2 boost to a selected attribute for the duration of the song. Length of buff scales with your Charisma Level.
(Level 1) Knife Thrower: Become a skilled knife-thrower, gaining a ranged attack that can damage or distract foes with deadly precision. Competency with knives improves at Levels 5, 10, and 20.
(Level 2) Rhythmic Attack: Unleash a flurry of knife throws in a precise rhythmic sequence, with each successive hit increasing damage based on a percentage of your Coordination stat, up to six hits.
(Level 3) Acrobatic Tumble: Perform an adroit tumble, increasing evasion by fifty percent for three seconds, and by one hundred percent when targeted by characters, creatures, or monsters of equal or lower level.
(Level 5) Harmonic Amplification: Doubles the Attribute boost of Bardic Inspiration.
(Item Skill) Eagle Strike: Increases attack speed by 20% when using throwing knives.
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Equipment:
Weapon: Basic Throwing Knives.
Accessory 1: The Amulet of Everblade: Return knives to you ten seconds after being thrown.
Accessory 2: The Ring of Eagle Strike: Increases attack speed by 20% when using throwing knives. Confers additional nimbleness with playing stringed instruments, such as lutes, guitars, harps, or dulcimers.
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That was all he could see, but it was an excellent review of her abilities.
Kargan continued sleeping, snoring softly by the fire. Clearly, the young mage had become more comfortable with them. Justin and Lila prepped breakfast, something hot for the road, but not even the smell was enough to wake up the orc.
“Teenagers,” Justin said.
The word seemed to wake Kargan, who rolled over and blinked his eyes drearily. “Huh?”
“Time to eat,” Justin said. “Do you like oatmeal?”
“Sure, I do,” Kargan said.
He immediately tucked in, clearly still ravenous. He would have eaten more, but at least he left some for Justin and Lila.
After eating, Justin looked the orc up and down. “So, have you thought about our offer?”
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Kargan grunted. “Yes. I’ll go with you. At least as far as Windfall.”
“Yay!” Lila said. “You’ve made the right choice.”
“Not much of a future here, anyway. The food is tough enough to forage already, and it’ll get even worse come winter. I was thinking about what you said, Justin. Maybe there is a place for me in Windfall. Never hurts to try, right?”
Justin mentally invited Kargan to join their party.
Kargan has joined the Party. He is edified by Justin’s Refined Presence, gaining +1 to Charisma.
“Whoa,” Kargan said. “Very nice.”
“We should all have a look at each other’s skills,” Justin said. “It’ll come in handy to know what we’re all capable of if we run into trouble.”
“Sensible,” Kargan said. “I’m an open book.”
Even as Justin sensed Kargan inspecting his stats, he set his focus on Kargan:
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Character: Kargan Durzag
Class: Blood Warden
Level: 2
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Attributes:
Power: 10
Coordination: 10
Endurance: 13 (12+1)
Intellect: 11 (10 +1)
Perception: 10
Charisma: 11 (10+1)
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Skills:
(Class Skill) Forge of Life: Increases Life Force regeneration.
(Level 1) Ward of Aegis: Create a circular ward that protects your immediate surroundings. Provides a minor healing and defense bonus to allies within it. Repels and stuns creatures, monsters, and characters that try to cross it. Power scales with Endurance Attribute.
(Level 2) Sacrificial Armor: Create Armor that makes you impervious to damage until the armor dies out. Strength of armor scales to your Endurance Attribute.
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Equipment:
Weapon: Staff of Focus: + 1 to Intellect.
Clothing: Travel Robes: + 1 to Endurance.
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Active Effects:
Ward of Aegis: Wounds heal more quickly, and sleep is more restful. Increases Stealth of party.
Refined Presence: + 1 to Charisma.
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“Interesting,” Justin said. “It’s rare you see a mage that takes on the role of the tank.”
“I’m not sure what my role is yet, to be honest,” Kargan said. “Just learning as I go. I’m confused about your skills though, Justin. Lila seems is a standard damage-dealer, but it doesn’t seem your class gives you much combat-related skills.”
“I have my cane for that,” Justin said, giving it a flourish. “You’d be surprised how much damage this can do.”
“Hmm.” The orc didn’t seem convinced.
“What’s Life Force, anyway?” Justin asked. “Is it like HP or something?”
“HP?” Kargan asked.
“Your health,” Justin said.
“Ah, I think I know what you mean. Life Force can best be described as the spark of the Creator that lives within us all. We all have it, and if we lose some of it—through injury or sickness, for example—it’ll regenerate on its own. Sometimes, of course, the loss is too great, or old age weakens it, which causes us to die. Blood Wardens get the ability to regenerate Life Force more quickly than other classes, allowing us to heal our wounds. It’s kind of our thing. But the flip side is, all our magic requires us to use Life Force.”
“So, you hurt yourself to create defenses and healing magic?” Lila said.
“Yes,” Kargan said. “Again, that’s why it's called Blood Magic.”
“Do you get any offensive spells?” Justin asked.
“I’m not sure. I suppose I might down the line. The focus of the class is defensive.”
“We could use a tank,” Lila said. “Either way, it’s high time we got going.”
“Right,” Kargan said. “Well, there’s an old path that leads north from here. I actually followed it down from the mountains. It’s rough going at points, but it beats going into the bush. I remember there being a fork in the road, so when we find it, we can choose the path that leads north to Windfall. From there, it’s just a matter of heading for the Northway, and then to Windfall from there.”
Justin remembered seeing the path. “Any towns on the way? We need to resupply.”
“There are none in the Darkwood itself. There’s Darkstream Crossing on the eastern side of the forest, about twenty miles northeast. If you’re being chased, and they know you’re up here, that’s the next natural spot for them to check.”
“No, thanks,” Lila said. “Is the Darkwood dangerous?”
“This area has always been pretty wild at least by human standards,” Kargan said. “Plenty of lower level monsters, but they get tougher closer to the Umber Range toward the west. There’s also Greenhollow on the northern side. More of a farming hamlet, really, but we can probably trade for food there with the locals. It’s about thirty-five miles north, at a guess. Next big town after that is Windfall, and of course, a few smaller towns in between.”
“Lead the way,” Lila said.
They stepped out the front threshold, the day bright. Kargan looked at the tower he’d spent the last month in, regarding it for a moment.
He then turned to face north, his gray mage’s robes swirling in the breeze.
Silently, the trio set off down the path. Justin wondered at Eldrin’s fate. He struggled to imagine anything happening to the Ranger. He was too wily for that.
Alistair, however…
He pushed the thought from his mind as they hiked into the hills covered by the Darkwood, following the path cut by the overgrown road.
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As morning gave way to afternoon, and afternoon to early evening, the forest grew thicker, the air filled with the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves. The trees loomed larger, their ancient trunks gnarled and as big as buildings. The sunlight struggled to penetrate the dense canopy, casting the forest floor in an eerie twilight.
“I can see why they call this the Darkwood,” Lila said.
Her voice came out muffled, the surrounding trees and foliage seeming to absorb her voice.
“It’s an old forest,” Kargan said. “Part of Aranthia, technically. It hasn’t been maintained in well over a hundred years or more.”
“No monsters yet at least," Justin said.
Lila eyed the sides of the trail warily. "Let's hope it stays that way."
The trio walked in silence. The road was somewhat overgrown, but it was surprisingly clear given its age. Every time Justin checked his map, they were still heading north.
“How is this trail even here?” Justin asked. “It hasn’t been maintained in over a hundred years, right?”
“That’s easy,” Kargan said. He pointed to a worn, smooth stone covered in ivy on the side of the trail. It stood about four feet tall. “See that?”
“Sure. I’ve seen several of them.”
“They’re Shield Stones. Ten per mile. And each one has been heavily enchanted to keep nature and animals from disturbing the path. Of course, the magic weakens. Eventually, this path will get taken over by the forest.”
“Interesting,” Justin said.
The forest became silent again. Just minutes ago, there had been birdsong and the usual chirps of small mammals. All that was gone now. Justin gripped his cane tightly, while Lila reached for her knives and Kargan held his staff with both hands. He couldn’t help but notice how deep the shadows were on the sides of the path. Anything could be lurking in there.
That’s when Kargan came to a sudden stop, grunting in pain as he created his Ward of Aegis. A circle, about twenty feet across, surrounded the trio as they took stock of their surroundings.
Justin was about to ask what was going on when, from the darkness, a low growl rumbled, reverberating through the air. Justin strained his eyes, trying to pinpoint the source.
That was when Justin saw it—two glowing red eyes glaring at them from the shadows.
“I knew I saw something,” Kargan said.
“I saw nothing at all,” Lila replied, her voice thin.
“Orcs have excellent night vision,” Kargan explained.
Justin swallowed. Without their new ally, he and Lila would have been caught by surprise.
It crawled forward, to the edge of the ward and into the dim light of the path. Justin could only describe it as an oversized badger, its fur a dark, mottled gray that perfectly blended into the forest floor. Muscles rippled beneath its pelt while sharp, curved claws dug into the forest floor. Its mouth hung slightly open, revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth. A faint, malevolent glow emanated from its eyes.
“I hope he’s by himself,” Lila said.
“They’re solitary hunters,” Kargan replied. “It’s trying to size us up right now.”
Justin took his cane, waving it in a wide arc. “Go away! We’re big and scary predators.”
The monstrous badger’s response was to let out a low snarl, crouching as if preparing to pounce.
Lila, poised with her knives, watched the beast intently. “What’s the plan?”
“Hammer and anvil,” Kargan said. “If it breaks through the ward, let me get in between. Justin attacks from the left, Lila from the right.”
The badger lunged at them with a sound somewhere between a hiss and a growl. It struck the barrier, causing a ripple of blue energy. The beast recoiled, flipping over and snarling in frustration.
Lila unleashed a flurry of knives, each one finding its mark on the beast’s tough hide. The badger roared in pain, its red eyes burning with rage. It clawed at the ward, and at last, broke it.
Kargan advanced, giving a heavy grunt as he became surrounded by an aura of blue magic. Blood covered his gray skin, but already, the wounds were knitting themselves together. The beast lunged for Justin, but Kargan stepped into its path, knocking it back with his staff.
Lila had recalled her knives and was throwing them again. Black blood mottled the beast’s fur, and it slunk toward Lila was surprising speed. Kargan shifted his position, blocking it, taking the hit with his Sacrificial Armor.
But Justin knew that armor wouldn’t last forever. He approached from behind, extending the knife from his cane’s tip, stabbing the badger deeply. It whirled and extended its claws, slashing more quickly than Justin would have believed. With inhuman swiftness, Justin parried, knocking the creature back with a shriek.
Gentleman’s Rebuff has shielded his attack!
Kargan’s shield was petering out, and with another pained grunt, he created a new veil of armor. His very skin was dripping blood, his form hobbled and travel robes stained, but despite this, he stood directly in the beast’s path as it charged Lila again, who was once again preparing to throw her knives. The young orc’s concentration was intense, his eyes fixed on the beast. Lila continued her assault, each throw precise and deadly.
Justin, once again, came from behind, determined to end the badger. It was slowing, blood loss finally dampening its ferocity. Justin stabbed at it repeatedly, and the creature recoiled at each strike. Kargan beat it down with his staff, while Lila took two of her knives, now recalled, and buried them both in the badger’s neck from behind.
Only then did the beast grow still.
The three fought to catch their breath. Kargan lowered his staff, his breaths labored, his body drenched in both sweat and blood. Justin could see open wounds marring his skin. Wounds that, even now, were slowly knitting themselves together. The blue light of his armor faded, leaving them standing in the dim forest once more.
“Are you okay?” Lila asked Kargan.
The young orc nodded shakily. “Yeah. That’s my first proper fight, not counting the dire wolf attack.”
“You did great,” Justin said. “That badger was positively radioactive!”
“I’ve never heard that term,” Kargan said. “But sometimes, when a Vault is near, its magic will affect the local wildlife. It'll turn animals into monsters, or it might spawn monsters itself.”
“We’re not going into a Vault,” Lila said.
“No, it wouldn’t be wise,” Kargan said. “But an isolated forest like this would be the perfect place for one to spawn.” His gaze took in them both. “We should try to find a safe spot to set up for the night. My ward should allow us to sleep somewhat peacefully.”
“Unless another one of those things attacks,” Lila said, glancing nervously around the darkening forest. “That one broke your ward!”
“My ward will repel weaker creatures and monsters for sure,” Kargan said. “Against something like that, though…I need to get stronger.”
Justin glanced around warily. “We were probably better off going to Darkstream Crossing, huh?”
“Maybe,” Kargan replied. “Either way, Greenhollow is another twenty miles north. It might be safest to walk through the entire night.”
“I’m so tired,” Lila said. “But it doesn’t seem we have a choice.”
As they continued their journey through the Darkwood, Justin couldn’t help but feel a growing respect for the young orc. Kargan might still be unsure of himself, but he had proven his worth by protecting them from that monstrous badger.
But something told Justin that the horrors of the Darkwood weren’t through with them yet.