Chapter 37: Forging Links
Deo dragged his eyes from the scenes of devastation in front of him to review the notifications that had appeared:
[Quest Update: Embercore’s Last Light]
The denizens of Embercore Hold find themselves under siege by corrupted beasts. Rescue them from their predicament by any means necessary.
Progress: Complete!
[Quest Complete!]
[Complete quest and receive rewards from your status page]
Navigating through his status panel, Deo completed his quest and was soon greeted with more notifications:
[Assessing quest contribution and determining suitable rewards…]
[Congratulations! You've earned a new title: "Stoneheart Champion" for saving the dwarven town of Embercore Hold. With this title, you are recognised as a revered ally of the dwarves, greatly amplifying your standing and reputation among all dwarf clans.]
[XP Gained: 10000]
[Congratulations! You've levelled up! You are now level 20!]
[Upon reaching level 20 you have been given an additional 22 stat points to attribute as you wish. Allocate them in your status page.]
[Congratulations! You've levelled up! You are now level 21!]
Deo blinked, taking a moment to absorb the influx of notifications. The weight of his new title settled on him. "Stoneheart Champion" was not merely an accolade; it was a responsibility, a bond of trust that had been forged between him and the entire dwarven race. He hoped that this honour would help him build closer ties between Harmony’s Refuge, Willowdale Village and Embercore Hold.
Moreover, the rapid gain in levels gave him pause. He realized that level 20 must be a significant milestone in this world. The additional stat points could be pivotal. As he contemplated how best to allocate them, a thought occurred: should he bolster his areas of weakness or double down on his strengths? The decision would shape his path forward.
With these thoughts swirling in his mind, Deo opened his status page:
[Status Page]
Name: Deo Mitchell
Race: Human (Outworlder)
Class: Green Mage (Uncommon)
Level: 21
Experience: 47514/48510
Titles: Whisked by Fate's Winds, Cosmic Newcomer (Temporary), Ironbark’s Kin, Giant Slayer, Daring Pioneer, Settlement Shaper, Guardian’s Pact, Greenfield Guardian, Legendary Synergy, Hellhound’s Kin, Stoneheart Champion
Stats:
* Agility: 31
* Endurance: 37
* Intelligence: 74
* Strength: 30
* Vitality: 57
* Wisdom: 76
* HP: 285/285
* Mana: 103/370
22 points remaining for allocation.
Skills:
Botanical Knowledge (Level 13), Flora Communication (Level 7), Verdant Growth (Level 10), Nature’s Essence (Level 4), Ironbark Armour (Level 6), Leaf in the Wind (Level 14), Sylvanus' Grasp (Level 5), Fauna Communication (Level 5), Wildlife Insight (Level 9), Nature’s Symphony (Level 4), Inferno Pulse (Level 6), Shadowmeld Mantle (Level 3)
Territories:
* Harmony’s Refuge
* System Points: 5095
Quests:
* Champion of the Wilds
* In the desolate wilds, life clings to existence, struggling to flourish amidst oppressive forces that hinder its expansion. As a guardian of growth, confront and neutralise these challenges to revitalise this troubled dominion.
* Progress: 2/5.
* From Hamlet to Village
* Upgrade your hamlet to the level of a village.
* Progress: 0/5.
Bonded Partner: Pyro
Upon opening his status page, Deo scanned his attributes thoughtfully. Intelligence and Wisdom were his attributes with the main growth for a reason – all the encounters he’d survived so far were down to his ability to exploit mana. With a decisive nod, he invested 12 points into Intelligence and 10 into Wisdom, bringing them both up to a solid 86.
Satisfied with his allocation, Deo paused to consider his skills. A bemused smile played on his lips as he noted that Leaf in the Wind had become his most advanced skill. He had kept it active almost subconsciously, and its proficiency had silently surged ahead. When exactly had it outpaced the others? Deo mused. His attention then shifted to Nature’s Essence, reminding him of the need to discover and bond with intriguing new specimens. Despite these contemplations, one thought remained clear: his skills were advancing steadily, and that brought a warm, contented smile to his face.
Deo blinked as he exited his status page, the vividness of Embercore Hold rushing back to him. The ethereal glow of his status window faded, replaced by the vibrant and chaotic remnants of the recent battle. The hum of conversations and the clink of equipment filled the air, drawing Deo's attention to his group.
Mira, her eyes sparkling with excitement, animatedly discussed her newfound abilities with Torin. "You won't believe the power boost I got," she exclaimed, a hint of pride apparent in her voice. Torin, intrigued, responded with a raised eyebrow, "Really? Show me."
As they exchanged stories, Brevin approached Deo with a steady stride. "I've been in touch with Elron," he began, his expression composed despite the whirlwind of events. "Told him all about our little encounter here." Brevin paused, ensuring Deo's understanding. "I suggested that they should head straight down to the welcome atrium. From there, we can all move to the hold proper together. It should be safe now."
Before Deo could respond, a jubilant Braldin grabbed both his and Brevin's arms, pulling them with surprising strength for a dwarf. "You two!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with a mixture of gratitude and excitement. "You won't believe the relief in the air. My kin are singing praises, ecstatic that our home has been saved! The Thane messaged me herself!" Without waiting for a reply, the overwhelmed dwarf dragged them forward, eager to join his people in their newfound joy.
The group, reinvigorated by their recent successes, made their way back up the passageways towards the atrium. As they trekked, they were once again surrounded by the distinct dwarven architecture. This return journey seemed less treacherous, even though the pathway was just as narrow and intimate as the side passages they had previously traversed. The fungi on the walls, now more of a comforting presence than a novelty, lent their soft blue glow to the path, allowing them to see without being overwhelmingly bright. Even so, every footstep seemed quieter now, less of an intruder in these old halls.
Before they knew it, the passageway expanded out in the large atrium, where they could hear muffled sounds of distinct conversations and footsteps. As they approached, familiar faces became visible: Elron, Serin, and Lena awaited them, their expressions a mixture of relief and anticipation for the tales to be told.
Emerging into the atrium, Deo and his group were promptly greeted by the waiting trio. Elron, with his discerning eyes, gave a subtle nod in acknowledgment, his gaze lingering on each member of the returning group to gauge their state.
Lena, her voice tinged with curiosity, remarked, "It seems you've had an eventful day from the tales Elron shared. And who's this you've brought along?"
Stepping forward with a newfound vibrancy, the dwarf said, "Braldin, at your service. An apprentice smith of Embercore Hold. It's a pleasure." The transformation in Braldin was palpable. The dwarf, once subdued by fear, now stood tall and proud.
The three greeted Braldin in return, with Elron and Serin exchanging a brief, knowing glance. But just as the group was about to delve into deeper conversation, Braldin, animatedly and with a touch of urgency, interrupted, "The Thane herself awaits our presence. She's eager to extend her personal welcome, so we mustn't dawdle!"
With Braldin leading the way, the expanded group began their descent through the main causeway leading to Embercore Hold. As they progressed, the weight and intricacy of dwarven architecture surrounded them. Grand stone pillars lined the walkway, their thick girth supporting the immense weight of the mountain overhead. Each column was etched with scenes of dwarves at work, whether in battle, at the forge, or in deep communion with the earth.
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As they progressed, they could feel the age and gravitas of the Hold — an edifice shaped by countless generations of skilled dwarven hands. The air grew cooler, infused with a subtle aroma of molten metal and earth as they walked downwards.
As they continued their journey, turning the final bend in the causeway, the full sight of the devastated Embercore Hold came into view. Elron, Lena, and Serin, seeing this for the first time, were left breathless. Their gasps resonated in the vast space, a poignant sound amidst the silent testament of a town that had faced nature's fury and stood resilient.
Where once cobblestone streets wound gracefully through the hold, there now lay an expanse of hardened magma, its surface irregular and glossy, showing where it had rapidly cooled. The sporadic patches of street that peeked out were like isolated islands in a frozen sea.
The buildings, especially those closer to the town's perimeter, were partially or wholly encased in the solidified rock. Some structures seemed to emerge halfway through the magma, their upper sections presenting eerie silhouettes against the ambient light. Others were mere mounds, their essence concealed beneath the dark crust. The metallic shingles, once an architectural highlight, now bore a dull sheen, transformed by the intense heat. Canals that previously sparkled with clear waters were now solid pathways, a blend of cooled magma, stone and ash. The once-lively magma aqueducts lay empty, though curious formations akin to stalactites hung from underneath, remnants of their erstwhile fiery contents.
But amidst this bleak tableau, the central keep stood pristine. Constructed of a contrasting dark stone, it was an unyielding fortress amidst the ruins. The faint luminescence of protective arcane glyphs on its surface hinted at the magic that had likely kept it unscathed.
As they journeyed closer, they could hear the occasional crunch of fragile, glass-like fragments of the cooled magma breaking underfoot. Navigating towards the keep became an exercise in cautious deliberation. The terrain had transformed from the once even cobblestone pathways to a jagged, unpredictable landscape of cooled magma. Its surface, a meld of glossy obsidian-like textures and porous, rough patches, varied with every few steps they took.
Elron, with his tracker's instincts, led the way, his eyes scanning for stable footholds or dangerous pitfalls. He would occasionally pause, pressing his hand against a segment of the cooled magma, gauging its stability before signalling the others to proceed. Slowly, but surely the group made progress to the front of the keep, where the formidable gates now lay open and a small throng of dwarves awaited.
As the group neared the entrance of the keep, the collection of dwarves became more distinct. Standing at the forefront was a figure of unmistakable authority. She was of sturdy build, with braided silver hair that cascaded down her back, held in place by intricately designed pins that bore the emblem of the Embercore Hold. Her attire, a fusion of ceremonial and battle-worn armour, shimmered even in the dim light of the cavern. Proudly emblazoned on her chest was a vivid blue hammer.
The moment Braldin approached her, her eyes lit up with recognition and gratitude. She stepped forward, embracing him warmly. "Ah, Braldin! You've returned to us, and not just with your life, but with our heroic allies in tow. Your tales of courage will be sung in our halls for generations."
Drawing back from the embrace, she faced the newcomers, her gaze sweeping over each of them. "I am Thane Veldora of Embercore Hold. Our people are forever in your debt for your bravery and your role in saving one of our own. And who might you be, noble saviours?"
Captain Brevin stepped forward, offering a respectful salute. "Thane Veldora, I am Captain Brevin. With me are Torin, Mira, Elron, and Serin from Willowdale Village." Each gave a nod or a small gesture of acknowledgment as their names were mentioned. Brevin continued, "And accompanying us from Harmony's Refuge are Deo, Pyro, and Lena."
The Thane's eyes sparkled with a mixture of relief and admiration. "Your names shall be etched in our memories, and our stories will speak of your valour." She gestured towards the open gates of the keep, "Please, join us within our walls. There's a warm meal awaiting, and we have much to discuss."
The imposing gates of Embercore Hold slowly parted, revealing the vast courtyard beyond. As the group stepped within the keep's perimeter, the first thing that caught their attention was the radiant glow emanating from numerous torches, placed strategically along the walls. The flickering flames highlighted the stonework, which bore intricate carvings, a testament to the prowess of dwarven artisans. Legends of their forefathers, depictions of mythical creatures, and tales of epochal battles were immortalized on these stones, telling a silent saga of a rich heritage.
Yet, the historical grandeur of the place was momentarily overshadowed by the immediate situation. The courtyard, which might have once served as a training ground or a place of leisure, was now a haven for the town's populace. Dwarves of all ages were scattered about, some forming tight-knit clusters, while others engaged in hushed discussions.
A cacophony of murmurs filled the air, voices overlapping and echoing through the vast space. While the conversations were a mix of various tones, one could easily pick out the prevailing sentiments. The profound relief of survival was evident in the way many dwarves clung to one another, their faces lighting up as they shared tales of narrow escapes and heroics. Yet, interspersed with the joy was the unmistakable weight of trauma. Eyes that had witnessed too much too quickly looked out with a haunted expression. Some dwarves stared off into the distance, their gazes unfocused, lost in the memories of the devastation that had befallen their beloved town.
As the group moved deeper into the keep, they passed makeshift sleeping areas where the weariness of the past hours was evident. Dwarves slumbered soundly, their bodies curled into whatever space they could find, using packs or cloaks as pillows. Mothers comforted little ones with lullabies that resonated with both hope and melancholy, their voices soft and soothing amidst the surrounding tumult.
Further in, the scent of freshly prepared food wafted through the air, leading them to a vast dining area. Long tables, laden with an array of dishes, awaited them. While the meal was simpler than what one might expect in the Thane's keep, the sense of community was palpable. Clearly all the extravagant food had been shared amongst the town during the hardships of the siege, a demonstration of the dwarves' resilience and unity.
Noticing the group's observations, Thane Veldora stepped forward, her voice resonating with a blend of determination and melancholy. "Embercore might be scarred, but our spirit remains undaunted. This courtyard, these walls, stand as symbols of our tenacity and unity." She gestured expansively at the gathering, "Every dwarf you see will come back forged even stronger by our experience. Together, we shall rise once more”.
Thane Veldora motioned for the group to follow her. They weaved through the gathered dwarves, heading to a more secluded section of the keep. Here, an intricately crafted table made from dark oak stood, looking as though it had been crafted from the heart of a primeval forest.
Around this table, five chairs were positioned — a grand, ornate chair at the head for the Thane, and two pairs of chairs on either side. The Thane's central seat was not only distinguished by its design but also by the emblem she bore — a vibrant blue hammer emblazoned on her armour, a symbol of unparalleled authority and legacy within Embercore Hold. The same symbol was mirrored on the chest plates of the two seated forgemasters, representing their esteemed positions within the dwarven community.
Seated already in two of the chairs were figures, each with an aura of seasoned experience and knowledge. "As you already know," Veldora began, her voice imbued with gravity, "one of our forgemasters is missing. That is Orik," she said, her voice trailing off momentarily. The weight of Orik's absence seemed to press down on the surroundings. After a brief pause, she continued, "This, however, is Forgemaster Dornik," she indicated towards the older dwarf with a thick, grey-streaked beard. "He was in close contact with Braldin during these troubling events."
Dornik gave a slight nod, his keen eyes surveying the newcomers. "It's an honour," he said, his voice echoing deep resonance.
"And these," Veldora gestured to the other seated figure and an empty chair, "are Forgemaster Lorna, our master of metallurgy, and the seat of Forgemaster Joren, our stonecutter supreme. Joren is currently overseeing some essential work in the lower chambers."
Lorna, a stocky dwarf with a braid that reached her waist, gave a curt nod, her piercing eyes momentarily making contact with each member of the group.
As Veldora took her central seat, she gestured for the group to occupy the remaining chairs. They seemed to adjust and mould to their occupants, providing comfort tailored to each individual.
"I cannot convey in mere words the extent of our gratitude for your timely assistance," Veldora began, her gaze steady and sincere. "Such acts of bravery and courage deserve commendation and reward. I ask you, champions of Embercore, how can we repay this monumental debt to you?"
As Thane Veldora awaited their responses, Captain Brevin, the leader of the group, was the first to speak up, "Thane Veldora," he began with a respectful nod, "our initial aim in seeking out Embercore Hold was to establish regular contact and perhaps forge a trade agreement. Serin here," he gestured towards the shrewd merchant, "represents the interests of Willowdale Village."
Serin's eyes sharpened, and she nodded, a subtle glint of interest flashing across her face. It was clear she was already assessing the lucrative potential of such an agreement. Before Veldora could respond, Deo stepped up, his voice firm yet filled with a sense of urgency. "I share in that hope for Harmony's Refuge," he said. "But my primary concern is the whereabouts of Forgemaster Orik and discovering the location of the Heart of Abyssal Corruption."
Thane Veldora, after a moment of contemplation, responded, "The trade agreements you seek shall be established. Our community would benefit from new alliances." The commitment in her voice was unmistakable.
[Quest Update: Champion of the Wilds]
Quest: Champion of the Wilds
In the desolate wilds, life clings to existence, struggling to flourish amidst oppressive forces that hinder its expansion. As a guardian of growth, confront and neutralise these challenges to revitalise this troubled dominion.
Progress:
1. Defeat the Obsidian Prowler: Completed
2. Carnivorous plants have proliferated across the wilds. Discover the root cause for this proliferation and restore equilibrium to the ecosystem: Ongoing
3. Discover, unite and grow the disparate people of the wilds. Foster alliances and cooperation amongst the various inhabitants to create a thriving community, encouraging growth in numbers and harmony amongst diverse groups: Completed
4. Investigate the fate of Embercore Hold: Completed
5. Destroy or disrupt the Heart of Abyssal Corruption to cease the spread of corruption: Ongoing.
She then locked eyes with Deo, the depths of her gaze revealing a tapestry of knowledge and burdens. "As for Orik and the Heart, I might possess more information on this matter. However, it's something I'd prefer to discuss privately."
She turned her attention back to the gathering, "Forgemaster Dornik will handle the trade negotiations on behalf of Embercore Hold. Serin, I assume you will be representing Willowdale in these talks."
Deo, seizing the moment, added, "Lena will stand for Harmony's Refuge."
As Thane Veldora laid out the plans for the negotiations, and Deo mentioned Lena's role, Lena blinked in surprise. The weight of the responsibility momentarily caught her off-guard. She cast a glance towards Deo, her eyes widening slightly.
"You believe in me that much?" the unspoken question shimmered in her gaze.
Deo merely gave her a reassuring nod, silently conveying his trust in her capabilities. She straightened up, her initial surprise giving way to determination.
With a nod of acknowledgment from the Thane, and a final glance exchanged between Deo and Veldora, the two made their way towards the Thane's office. The ornate doors closed behind them, sealing away their conversation from prying ears.