A month has passed since I arrived in Port Zoon. A LOT has happened. I was introduced to the captain of the Zhelezo in Zoon. When he and Alamad learned of my abilities they immediately put me to work. Scouting over towns, across forests, over the ocean, you name it. I was also brought in to discuss the list of criminals in the journal. I couldn't offer much except my experiences with Feolinn's Zho. Alamad said it was best that I stayed in Port Zoon. Word had gotten around that I had been kidnapped by the Myriad. Zoon's Captain said this was a perfect cover. I could move through the town as an animal and most people wouldn't think it was me because I was supposed to be missing. Eventually, Alamad led a company of loyal Zhelezo to capture as many of the criminals listed in the journal as possible. I even helped track down Harris. He was in a cellar under a farmhouse half a day away from Feolinn. Everything was going great. That was until the dust settled and I returned to the barracks. The Marquis of Feolinn was rather embarrassed about Alamad coming into town and fucking a lot of things up. He couldn't touch Alamad, couldn't find the party, but he could get to me and so I was fired from the Zho. Alamad immediately offered to have me reinstated in Port Zoon but I declined. I needed to actually go out into the world. He said he respected that.

For all my efforts I was awarded 400 gold. Hell yea. But I ended up spending a lot of it. I bought armor. A chain shirt. Better Padded armor. Boots and leg protections. Most of that cost me around a 100. I had my tent, bed roll, and fishing pole back so I got a fire-starting kit and some different clothes. I got a bunch of rations and some other supplies. I no longer had the Zho spear so back to my quarterstaff. I decided to have that be upgraded a bit and purchased a rounded head for it. That should give it some power when I smack it.

But none of these other purchases matter more than my last. It was a difficult decision but I found the benefits won out over my hesitation. I bought a horse. A draft horse to be specific. I found the biggest and strongest draft horse I could find. This guy was taller than me. I could barely reach his head to pet him. I felt bad. I had bought him not to keep him but because I wanted his power. Trying to be as humane as possible I purchased a lot of tranquilizers and when he was knocked out I slit his throat. That all cost me about 100 gold. I killed him today after I brought him outside of town.

Back in an inn that cost me 2 gold per night I laid down and prepared for the dream. I haven't been focusing on that world at all much the past month. The raven, cat, dog, and eat had given up on trying to get to my memories after I secured them but tonight will be different. All of them are going to be awakened, including my newest resident. It's time I figured out what to do with that place from now on. I am going to start by helping those animals.

…….

"Rubert buddy. Feels like we haven't spoken in ages." I said.

"Well, we haven't done much of that in the last month. You have been busy boss, I understand but it's nice you are finally making time for us." Rubert said.

"Yes and now let's go great the soul," I said leaving the warehouse. I reached out and felt the draft horse running through a grassy field between here and the mountains to the north. I reached out to the others and felt them near as well.

"Rubert I am going to send out the orbs in hopes the others see them and follow. I will get the horse myself." I said.

"Sure thing boss. I will keep an eye out." Rubert said.

Walked toward the mountains. Walking here felt weird. Distance didn't matter as it could take as long or short as I wanted. I took my time reaching him. The man I bought him from said he was a thoroughbred they had raised on giant blood. Now I don't believe that but he was still massive. He had a solid coat of black fur and his muscles were visible everywhere. The former owner has said he fed him meat and steroids. I would have believed that. The muscles were why I bought him. I don't plan on spending a lot of time as a horse but to instead create a sort of half-horse form. No need to hit the gym and we are skipping leg day. Sorry guys but I love cheating.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

I created a memory orb of a day at the beach. While my mom didn't have money, the beach was free. We didn't live too far from the ocean. It was a happy memory and I hoped this would ease him into it.

"Hey, boy over here. I got something for you." I said. The horse slowed. Yes come on over and get this weird apple. You will love it.

He trotted along toward me. When he was close I held the orb to him. It was a nice warm orange color. I noticed most of the happy memories were that color. He sniffed it and then gave it a lick. His eyes glazed over as I knew he was in the memory. I created a dozen more of these orbs for him to enjoy. While he was distracted I willed my eyes to see through all illusions, falsehoods, and into a creature's true form. I could see the amalgam of lights that was the horse's soul. I reached out and touched it, creating the silver mound that would link him to me and allow me the use of my powers. He didn't notice because he was watching a memory of some horse movie I watched because nothing else was on.

I left him like that with a dozen more memories. If what happened to Rubert happens here then he will be up and talking in a few hours. Walking back I found Rubert surrounded by a pile of orbs twice my size. He was there with the other 4. They were each busy reliving pieces of my life while Rubert watched on.

"I am probably going to leave before they all fully wake up. Give them a day to figure themselves out and what happened to them. Let them know that if they need anything I can help them get it. I am using them for my gain so I can definitely pay back at least some karma. I don't think I can make them alive again." I said.

"Sure thing boss. So what now? You aren't going back to the Zho are you?" Rubert asked.

"Nope. I am thinking I will start hunting for real. I want those forms we talked about." I said and I found the orb that has a map of Exandria. I brought the map out of the memory and pointed at a forest west of Port Damali. “This is the Vezdaweald. A beautiful forest with many colorful flowers. It's nice to forage during the day but where it truly shines is at night. I mean that literally too. It has millions of bioluminescent insects. The explorer's guide even mentions weddings take place here at night. The trouble is that it is at night when the nocturnal animals come out. What caught my eye was the mention of dinosaurs. I would love to have a dinosaur or two.” I said.

“I saw something that said roosters evolved from them. I wouldn't mind meeting my ancestors.” Rubert said.

“Yup, it's going to be fun. There is one additional species that lives here. I am interested in getting it as a form but it is probably one of the scariest things I could face. The Swavian Basilisk.” I said and pulled out the page that contained its stat block. “They possess a secretion that turns anyone with flesh into a stone statue. If I fight this thing I run the risk of being a rocky lunch easily. You do not fight these things solo. I shouldn't be fighting many things solo but I haven't found a group.” I said.

“What about Zenix and friends? I bet they would love to have you.” Rubert said.

“I am not strong enough to work with them. Maybe in a few months when I get more experience and forms, I will ask to join them but for now, I need to learn how to do this myself. Now as for the serpent. This is an avoid at all costs if I can help it and if I can't I need to kill it quickly. There is mention of a herb from the town of Othemoor called Willowshade. Its oil is said to cure petrification. Othemoor is on the other side of the Plumgroove so we are headed there first. While in the groove I am going to look for wolves, bears, and giant spiders. Also while the draft horse is good I might see about a deer or an elk if only to get some antlers.” I said.

“Makes sense to me boss. Good luck.” Rubert said.

“Thanks. Take care of these guys. I hope you all can become good friends.” I said exiting the dream.

……

It is the first of Brussendar. I have 2 years and a month before they meet. I want to see that. I also need to make sure nothing I have done or will do won't fuck up their adventure. Some events need to happen the way they have happened. The group needs to get the beacon. Mollymauk Tealeaf needs to die or at least if he doesn’t Caduceus Clay still needs to join the party. They need to stop Uk’otoa and defeat Avantika. They need to give back the beacon to the Kryn and prevent war with the empire. Stop the unsealing of the chained oblivion. Go to TravelerCon. Free the people of Rumblecusp and stop Cognoza from entering the material plane. Lots of things need to happen or this world will get crazy. Man, the life of a hero is time-consuming.

But all of this is two years away and unless I live under a rock I risk sending ripples out that could change the way a blade gets swung in a fight and one of the Nein loses a head. Which means getting strong enough to help them through their adventure. So dinosaurs seem like a good place to start.

I leave the inn I am staying at. Tent, bedroll, and such on my back. Food and other survival equipment are in my backpack. Armor on my body and a quarterstaff in my hand. All set and ready for take off as I run down an alley and turn into a raven. I might not have a bag of holding but all the things I am wearing disappear into silver light when I fully turn into an animal.

Higher and higher I rise over the industrial metropolis of Port Zoon as I turn north towards Cryios mountains. I will pass over Feolinn but I won't be stopping till I reach the Plumgroove. I might fly lower then and look for interesting animals but my goal today is to reach Othemoor. It is said to be a spiritual town and I feel like something good might happen when I get there. I wouldn’t mind a little guidance.