Chapter 6
New Schools And New Clothes
Surprisingly we land without many more hassles. There was a part where I had to register with the city, but Captain Redgrave herself took care of that. Joe, the mechanic, personally enrolled me with the Engineering guild and handed me my own set of steam punk goggles.
Holding them I felt a slight tremble, as I felt them become soulbound to me. Now soulbonding items in this world are a bit different than other places. Here only status items that needed to be maintained at all times could be soulbound, meaning thieves could take said item, but they would always return to you after a day. This meant that while someone could theoretically steal the soulbound item from you to impersonate you, they could only do so for a day. Meaning such heists would have to be planned well out ahead of time, to add a bit more flare for the dramatics.
Of course, like all systems there are workarounds. Want to constantly pose as an Engineering Guild member, kidnap an Engineering Guild member and constantly steal their goggles from them once it returns the next day. Again, not a fool proof plan, but one that definitely tries to put in limitations to what people can do and get away with.
Also since these are my goggles, the way they evolve is entirely up to me. What that means is that as I grow in skill and prestige within the Engineering Guild, the bonuses I gain from my goggles will increase. For now, I have the basic two. Though it did cost me my Fly Before You can walk (50) badge to have my reputation with the Engineering guild raise from Dubious to Apprehensive, the bare minimum needed with a sponsor to join.
Soulbound Item:
Item Type Eyewear: Engineering Guild Goggles
Effect: (+1 Perception, +1 Focus)
Yes, that’s right, even though I am blind, even though I couldn’t have unlocked the Focus skill on my own, I now have that as a Skill. I should note that it is not an Engineer only skill, but Engineers are the only ones who offer it at the very start. In fact, all Guilds have something similar. Soulbound gear that offers a special skill starting off that is mostly unique to that profession.
“Nice EGGs.” Golum says, as I show off my new goggles.
EGGs, yep that is the name for the Engineering Guild Goggles. Not only does it have that unfortunate acronym due to the shortening of its name, but some of them do end up looking like eggs. Particularly the higher guild members who have used the personal growth aspect of these goggles to constantly improve Perception and Focus, versus branching out.
As for me, I am just happy with the base model, especially for now. Anything to hide my eyes that seem to instantly out me as a Shade Touched. There are other signs, my skin is apparently purpler, I know that isn’t a word, but that is the word Golum used. My hair is also a giveaway, as I have silver streaks forming, I know getting old so young. I still have thousands of years left before me and already growing silver, tsk tsk.
Hector and Golum have offered to personally escort me to the different guilds. They get experience with each guild I join, and each rank I climb within the guild, but there is also a second bonus to walking me to all the different guilds. As my sponsor, or at least as the person delivering me to each Guild, they gain a portion of my reputation with the guild the higher up in the guild I go. Meaning that by just signing me up with the Engineering guild and being there in person they gained reputation with the Engineering Guild. And they would continue to gain reputation and experience with he guild the higher up the guild’s ladders I went.
“I have to say, you look a little less creepy with the goggles.” Hector added.
“Thanks.” I say, trying to keep a bit of the edge from my voice.
“No, what he is trying to say is that you look good.” Golum said.
I am now wearing a black shirt, pants, and boots for a little girl. Why the city had black boots in elven girl sizes I didn’t know, but the entire thing apparently didn’t come across as a weird order. Instead, we went to a cobbler’s shop, I stepped in a mold. Then poof, shoes were made with wear away insoles. At least that was what the game mechanics called my type of shoes and clothing. This meant that the game knew I was growing and that everything would have to be relatively cheap. As I would have to buy new clothing at least once a year, due to my character’s growth in game. The clothes also had similar things applied, stitches would wear away in time, allowing me to grow. Basically, all that is a long way to say, I had a year before the clothing I had today would no longer fit, at which time I would have to find replacement clothing.
“Thanks again for the clothes.” I say to Golum and Hector both as we make our way across the city to the Magical Academy.
Wonderly City, the capital of the Maltese empire was considered to be a true city in that it had all four major guilds represented. That means, it had a main guildhall for the Engineers, The Magicians, The Adventurers, and the Apothecary Guild. Of course, there was a fifth guild hall that always came with a city like this, the thieves guild but that one was by invitation only.
As for me, I intended to join each guild. Why? Well different materials were available to each.
Wizards offered the cloak that tied around the torso, rather than the neck, making it more of a harness than a choking hazard. The Adventurers Guild offered a soulbound necklace that allowed for free travel into dungeons and towers. While the Apothecary guild gave gloves that would constantly be cleansed. If I joined the thieves guild, I would have a soulbound face guard that would normally blend in with the hem of my shirt, but it would be able to be pulled up in a moment to obscure my face, or to protect me from poison gasses and other attacks.
Basically, each guild offered their own unique items to help identify members and their standings within each guild.
With each item being soulbound, they were considered free items and therefore didn’t count against my maximum 100 gold limit. This was invaluable to those who like me took the Broke flaw. Also, oddly enough it all but ensured I would have employment, even though I would effectively be living from paycheck to paycheck, despite having four career paths. Well five, but the thieves guild also offered a secret benefit to its members, even if you took the flaw Broke, you could have items worth hundreds of gold or platinum coins, you just had to immediately sell, or use said item. Yes, stolen items were effectively free, at least as far as the flaw was concerned. So long as you didn’t try to keep an insanely expensive item, you could have a vault room of precious stolen artifacts that could be kept or sold, after your seven-year curse was removed. Of course, stealing items for a day and keeping them hidden for seven or more years were two entirely different spectrums.
“Welcome to the Magic Guild, how may I help you?” A receptionist asks.
“My young ward here would like to register as a guild member.” Golum states.
“Very good, are you already a member?”
“I am.” Golum states, there is a rustling second as a cloak appears draped over his shoulders.
“Ah, a light mage, very good, and you…” She trails off as she looks at me. “One second, I will have to get my manager.” The receptionist states, then goes off to the back.
“Who would have thought a seven-year-old girl would be too scary for a Mage guild receptionist.” Golum said, half-jokingly.
A short time later the receptionist reappears with a man who appears to all but glow with magic items and power. Seeing the brightly glowing man, I can’t help but take a half step backwards.
Hahaha.
Seeing this, the man chuckles. “Oh, wow, you can sense my presences from there?” He asks. Only then did I realize he was at the far distance of my 360-degree viewing range, and I still reacted to his presence.
I nod.
“Very good. I can sense that you are going to be powerful when you become of age.”
“Good morning, before this goes any further. With these two acting as my guarantors to join the guild, I would like to offer this accomplishment of my past deeds to the guild. I wish to offer up my Behemoth Slayer Accomplishment to the guild” I say as I hold up and mentally call out my Behemoth Slayer (500) badge.
At that, I am offered a prompt.
Do you wish to give badge: Behemoth Slayer (500). To the Magician Guild?
I mentally select ‘yes’ and am met with multiple system messages.
Your reputation with the Magician Guild has risen by 500, from Dubious to Welcoming. Your reputation with the Maltese Empire has risen by 100.
Apparently the 100 points was not enough to raise my reputation with the Maltese Empire again, but that was fine as I had time to improve my standing with them.
“Oh, well that is quite the accomplishment, now isn’t it. Let’s just get a magic potential readout, to make sure you can even use magic.” The glowing man states, as he pulls out a magic item from his magic robe. Honestly, he is so saturated in magical effects that I am surprised the magical effects don’t cancel each other out.
Static, VRRTTTT, VRRTT!
Still, he held out the device and instantly it started letting out a high-pitched squeal.
“My my, I have to say you are one of the most promising students we have seen come along in quite some time. Yes, with the sponsorship, your accomplishments, and your potential, I am prepared to advance you to the rank of an Adept in training this very moment.
At that my heart began to beat quickly. This was a dream come true, and honestly one you might expect with such an accomplishment, but honestly it so rarely happens that you get to jump ranks within any guild that this type of attention is nearly unprecedented.
“SWAG?” Golum asks.
At that, I can’t help but almost bounce in excitement.
The wizard in charge seems to disregard the random word that means nothing to him, as he continues. “By the power and authority as local Guild Hall leader, I pronounce you Wizard Adept in all that entails.”
SWAG, short for Standard Wizard Adept Gear is the gear that begins to truly separate a Mage Guild initiate from a true practitioner. The reason for this is simple, you move from gaining one point in Intelligence and Arcane Understanding the standard Skill used by Mage guild members only, but you also get the skill Latens Manifesta, which literally means hiding in plain sight. This is the game’s way of saying, how can powerful mages just blend in with the world around them and not be needed until there is a great calamity, simple they are hiding in plain sight. Basically, it is the ultimate thieves guild equipment, but contradictory, it is gear you couldn’t get if you were part of said thieves guild. There is a check that the gear would do on you, to ensure you don’t have a duplicitous nature. Fortunately for me, I haven’t even had a chance to meet up with the Thieves guild, which is why I wanted to come here first. Honestly, I was prepared to spend more of my badges on unlocking this accomplishment, but fortunately that was not necessary.
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There is a bit of politicking, as the mage goes through a long diatribe that I watched hundreds of times as a citizen, but now as a player I can’t help but wish for this part to end.
“Now we must place you into one of the four main classifications of Magic. They are Dark, Light, Neutral, and Elemental.” The guild master said.
At that, I paused. The school of magic I chose now was nothing and I could always change it later. The only difference was the color of my cloak provided by the guild. White for Light, Black for Dark, Gray for Neutral, and Green for Elemental.
“At this time, I ask that you choose a field of magic that you see yourself following.”
You have been asked to pick which field of Magic Studies you will pursue.
They were all great choices; I mean who didn’t want to cast magic. I didn’t want Light, as I felt a white cloak would make me stand out a lot. While I wanted to go into the Healing Guild that was mostly as a profession, not magic. I also had Regeneration which made my personal need for healing magic all but pointless.
There was also the elephant in the room, and something that had been haunting me, ever since I realized my race. As a Shade Touched dark elf, I would be doing myself a disservice if I went for anything other than dark magic, that 5% was huge. Especially at end game levels, that 5% would be massive. Also, there were defensive ways to use Dark Magic. The easiest way to dispel Dark Magic, like the curse that had been in Golum would be to take control of it with more powerful dark magic and force it to dissipate. Basically, there were many things I could do with Dark Magic affinity. Also, the black cloak would help me with my later plans.
“Dark.” I say.
At that, the wizard has a slightly crestfallen look cross his face, but nods in understanding.
“Then it shall be. Receptionist Sue, please take our Adept’s information and provide her the appropriate attire for an adept.”
“Yes sir.”
With that the Mage Guild Leader left the room, and I couldn’t help but feel I had made him upset in some way.
I am about to retract my statement, when the receptionist, Sue, comes to me.
“Here, on behalf of the guild, I welcome you amongst our own. Welcome Wizard Adept Cassiopeia.”
Then I am handed my second piece of soulbound gear and can’t help but do an excited little dance at the item.
Item Type Cloak: Standard Wizard Adept Gear
Effect: (+1 Intelligence, +1 Arcane Understanding, +1 Latens Manifesta)
Putting it on, I feel it instantly adjust to me. Also, it should be noted that this cloak has several loops and hooks that tie into a vest that is made to go over the outer shirt. There are multiple different styles to choose from, and I customize mine to be a chest harness of sorts. This means that if someone grabbed my cloak, they could spin me about, but it also meant that this was firmly fastened to me.
From there we go to the Adventurer’s guild, where I turn in the last of my 500 badges.
Monster Slayer (500) has been turned into the Adventurers Guild.
Your reputation with the Adventurers Guild has risen by 500, from Dubious to Welcoming. Your reputation with the Maltese Empire has risen by 100.
With that I was granted my third soulbound item.
Item Type Necklace: Silver Level Adventurer’s Card
Effect: (+1 Strength, +1 Survival, +1 Polyglot)
That was a major burden removed. Silver level adventurer’s badges meant I was able to take higher level tasks for the guild, not that I wanted to go on monster slaying missions, but herb gathering and others would be essential, especially now that I was joining the Apothecary Guild as well. Survival made sense as it helped to make sure we could survive out in the wilderness, but Polyglot, that was key. Part of being an Adventurer of course meant you would have to travel far and wide to meet new people, Polyglot as the name implied let you learn new languages easily. This was huge, especially for me as Polyglot was also a social trait, meaning that by improving it, I would shore up what was quickly becoming my most glaring weakness, social interactions.
For the Apothecary Guild, I went through the motions rather quickly, the whole thing getting a bit tedious at the moment.
I didn’t even pay much attention to the moment the guild leader came out, nor did I pay too much attention when I used my Legendary First Kill (50) badge to gain Apprehensive status with the Guild.
Item Type Gloves: Apothecary Generic Equipment
Effect: (+1 Dexterity, +1 Medical Healing)
That was everything that I was offered for joining the four main factions of both the city and the world. That’s right, these guilds had representation around the world. Meaning that so long as I was in good standing with each, I could theoretically go to the guild halls in any city and be safe. Of course, I would have to make it past the guards in each city to get to said guild halls, but once there I would be safe. Just getting out would also be a challenge.
Basically, while I had theoretical guild access in every city, this access did not grant me access to every city. Now that I was registered as a citizen of the Maltese empire, I would have to improve my reputation with the other cities as well.
“All right, that was awesome. I actually gained a level from all of that.” Golum said before continuing, “not bad for an escort quest.”
“Aye, and my reputation with the Maltese Empire also improved to Friendly.” Hector said.
At that I raised an eyebrow. I had thought his reputation would be higher, but then again, he didn’t start off at Friendly as I had.
“See you tomorrow Hector, later Cass, I wish you well.” Golum said, as he waved at the two of us.
I paused, as I could tell by Hector’s body language that he was waiting for something. Then sure enough once Golum was around the corner Hector relaxed slightly, then turned to me.
“So, are you interest in another guild?”
At that I smile, “yeah. But I understand that one is by invitation only.””
“It is, but if you are interested, I could get you in. Particularly now that you have passed the checks.” He said, gesturing to my cloak and necklace.
He was of course referring to the fact that I passed the initial screening test for the Mage and Adventurer’s Guild. With my already being at the Silver and Adept ranks, I proved myself worthy of acceptance. So long as I didn’t get caught doing a crime from this point onward, I would be free of most prejudices. This of course meant I would have to take precautions if I wanted to Advance my rank in the Mechanics or Apothecary guilds, but I had already gotten what I wanted.
Soulbound gloves were perfect, as they helped me keep my fingerprints from being over items. Soulbound items also had a self-repair function so if they took damage, they would still be back to normal by the next day, just as if they were stolen.
“Let’s go.” I say.
With that he nods to himself and takes me down a number of shady areas.
Finally, we enter the sewers, or rather a ledge that leads by the sewers. Instantly I can tell there are open walls all around us and people watching our very approach.
I can also sense multiple traps hidden all around us. Instantly I begin trying to deactivate the traps with my Telekinesis while moving, a process that is easier said than done.
Click.
A trap behind us fires off, causing Hector to turn to me. I shrug and decide that maybe trying to disarm traps while moving is not the best career path. Particularly when my current career path is trying to join the group that likely set up said traps to begin with.
Finally, we get to the seedy underbelly of the city, only to find that it is immaculate. Seriously, spotless, at least according to my senses. Smooth marble flooring begins just feet away from a crumbling stone walkway. I can also tell that the door is supposed to be hidden in some way, but it doesn’t hold up well to my sight.
As we enter, I see dozens of people all reading letters before burning them. People sneaking about in obstacle courses behind hidden walls.
“Ah Hector, I see you’ve brought us another urchin.” A woman who all but radiates with hidden magical powers says as she saunters over.
“Yes, I have. This here sprout is Cassiopeia, and she has quite the story to tell.”
With that as my cue, I decide to offer up all of my previously used badges.
The great thing about the Thieves guild, and something that goes unnoticed by many is that you can use your previously spent Accomplishment badges at full price. Rather than the half price one would normally get by using the same badge over and over. There was just one problem, doing so meant you could never use the badge again for reputation gains, so if you wanted to improve your reputation with others keep the badges and use them.
For me, I just want to gain acceptance here first. This is one of those groups that I want to earn my way up in, the reason why is simple, each level allows me access to different trainers. If I just jump myself to the final level, then I will miss out on a lot of free training that is offered to fledgling thieves. With that in mind, I offer up my previously used Fly before you can Walk (50), giving me an Apprehensive rating with the guild.
From there I get my last piece of soulbound equipment.
Item type mask: Basic Thieves Mask
Effect: (+ 1 Nature Resistance, +1 Stealth)
That was it, no attributes as the Thieves were all about improving your skills to make it so you could survive. Need to be faster? Well work on skills that will level your Dexterity. Need to be tougher, then work on skills that level your Endurance. Need to be smarter, read.
That was the mentality of the Thieves Guild and I couldn’t wait to try out my new skills. Tomorrow I would go Dungeon Delving.
Name: (Cassie Cruise) Cassiopeia Age (flaw): 7 Race (flaw): Shade Touched Dark Elf
Physical Social Mental Strength 7 (+1) Personality 7 Perception 24 (+1) Dexterity 13 Sociability 6 Intelligence 28 (+1) Endurance 13 Attractiveness 7 Willpower 27
Skill Key Total Alertness: (Perception) 50 Magical Awareness: (Perception and Intelligence) 50 Daggers (Dexterity) 7 Athletics (Strength, Dexterity, and Endurance) 11 Teleportation (Personal): (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower) 66 Telekinesis (Intelligence and Willpower) 93 Multitasking (Intelligence and Willpower) 69 Dual Casting (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower) 48 Dual Wielding (Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence and Willpower) 5 Analyze (Perception and Intelligence) 19 Second Wind (Endurance and Willpower) 42 Weightlifting (Strength and Endurance) 7 Juggling (Dexterity, Personality, and Perception) 4 Calisthenics (Strength, Dexterity, and Endurance) 5 Mental Resistance (Willpower) 34 Free Falling (Dexterity) 16 Applied Physics (Intelligence) 1 Trap Detection (Perception and Intelligence) 7 Disarm Trap (Dexterity, Perception, and Intelligence) 10 Blind Eidetic Speed Reading (Unique) (Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Perception, Intelligence, Willpower) 21 Climbing (Strength and Endurance) 3 Deductive Reasoning (Perception and Intelligence) 1 Courtly Etiquette (Personality, Sociability, and Attractiveness) 1 Mechanical Engineering (Perception and Intelligence) 3 Arcane Understanding (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower) 2 (+1) Medical Healing (Perception and Intelligence) 1 (+1) Focus (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower) 1 (+1) Latens Manifesta (Dexterity, Perception, Personality, Sociability, Intelligence) 1 (+1) Survival (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Intelligence, Willpower) 1 (+1) Polyglot (Sociability, Personality, Appearance, Perception, Intelligence) 1 (+1) Nature Resistance (Endurance) 1 (+1) Stealth (Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, Willpower 1 (+1)
Traits: Personal Teleportation, Telekinesis.
Starting Point Tally: (157) Base 52 (50 years of work, followed by two legacy points for following your parents). Flaws: 0 Restarts (70) Child (7): You are 7 years old, all attributes start at 1 Second Class Citizen (7): Random race and faction based on starting location Bad Starting Location (7): You will begin your new life in a location that will likely mean your death. Dark Horse (7): You can never gain a sponsorship. Orphan (7): This is automatically applied as both your parents have passed away. Blind (7) (Forced for free). You cannot see with your eyes.
Merits: (157) Precocious (7): Learn Skills Twice as quickly. (Only available at character creation) Unbound (7): Attributes and Skill levels are not defined by level. (Only available at character creation) Magic Tier VII (Max Tier): Magic Potential (7). When you are old enough to awaken magical potential, your magic tier will be maximum. Currently assigned: None. (Only available at character creation) Regeneration (7): You heal at an exceptional rate. In time even the most grievous of injuries will heal. (Only available at character creation) Legendary Item (7): First Kill dagger. You have in your possession a legendary dagger meant to help you level quickly and gain your first kill bonus quickly. Can only be used once. Can only be used in first 24 hours upon entering server. (2) Two additional charges have been purchased for this item; additional charges are only good for first 24 hours. Note: after first 24 hours, or when charge(s) have been used, dagger will revert to being a normal dagger. (Only available at character creation) Trait: Personal Teleportation (50) (Only available at character creation) Trait: Extra (25) This opens up a second slot that can hold an additional Trait (Only available at character creation) Trait: Random (20)- (Telekinesis) (Only available at character creation) Angel's Sight (5/5) (25): A mysterious blessing that allows the user to see the world in a 360-degree view. Allows user to see through illusions, can see magical enchantments and effects all around the individual. Instantly able to identify monsters, even those hidden via stealth or supernatural means. Range of sight equal rating times Perception. Requirements: user must take the flaw Blind. (Only available at character creation)
Soulbound Items
Engineering Guild Goggles "EGGs": (+1 Perception, +1 Focus) Standard Wizard Adept Gear "SWAG" (Cloak): (+1 Intelligence, +1 Arcane Understanding, +1 Latens Manifest) Silver Level Adventurer’s Card (Necklace): (+1 Strength, +1 Survival, +1 Polyglot) Apothecary Generic Equipment (Gloves): (+1 Dexterity, +1 Medical Healing) Basic Thieves Mask (+ 1 Nature Resistance, +1 Stealth)
New Feat Recorded: First Kill. You managed to kill your first monster. 1 New Feat Recorded: Starting Zone Cleanser (25). You single handedly lowered the danger rating of a maximum tier Starter Zone by one level. 25 New Feat Recorded: Fly before you can walk (50). You flew for over a mile, before you took your first step. (Fully Used) 50 (Gone) New Feat Recorded: Legendary First Kill (50). Your first monster killed was a monster 50 levels above your own. Used (1) New Feat Recorded: Gardogazon Slayer (500). You managed to kill the legendary Gardogazon. Used (1) New Feat Recorded: Behemoth Slayer (500). You killed a Behemoth monster 500 levels above your own. Used (1) New Feat Recorded: Monster Slayer (500). You managed to kill a monster 500 levels above your own. Used (1)