A/N- heads up that he can't see the blue boxes, in a sense you the reader are the 'player'. So in a way its like a game. (Also the reason for the reader interactivity) The boxes are solely for you all. Anyways I hope you enjoy the beginning of Dark Souls 4: Trials of the Forgotten One
Also I am definitely going to need an editor or at least someone to bounce ideas off of, pm if interested.
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In the land of Aros sat a forgotten keep far beneath the dirt and soil. Its purpose, to serve as a gateway to the land of trial, Mourdinia. In the entrance of this crumbling, buried keep, sat a women. Her age uncertain, her red robes tattered and worn. This woman was a tender of flames, the very last of her kind, a fire keeper. She kept her head down, slowing rocking back and forth in an ancient chair. Before her sat a fading fire that was more like smoldering ashes. In the flame sat a strange sword slightly askew, as if it was haphazardly placed into the ground then promptly forgotten by its master.
From the passage was a cave, a path untraveled since a time before the king took the throne. From this cave came the first sound in a long, long time. A simple but steady ‘tap’ like footsteps came. The sound slowly increasing in volume for what seemed an age. As it seemed to be right upon the old hag, it stopped and silence returned. The woman smiled, however not looking up to that which approached.
“Thou who was cast out by he who was once Lord, shall you seek redemption? In the spiraled and broken lands of Mourdinia, shall you take the trials?” The aged fire keeper slunk back in her ancient chair, creaking both bones and wood “Ah, but of course you will, you always have, haven’t you?.” She cackled, before her dry throat erupted her in a coughing fit.
“Heh…I suppose I shall play my part as I always have, and always shall, for it is part of our binding curse dearest forgotten one.” From her fading and moth eaten red robes, the hag pulled out what seemed to be an eye, except this eye was like a cat slit, the orb a white and swirling black, yet their was no pupil. “Stare into it once more, to see that which you once were.” The being took the orb and began to stare at it. A wolfish grin appeared on the fire keepers face “And so it begins anew.”
Suddenly ‘he’ appeared. A man without definitive features. His sudden appearance would startle anyone normal, but this fire keeper was anything but. She held out a hand, a finger pointing towards the inner of the keep. “Go forth dear forgotten one. Choose the path you shall take. At the end of this first trial, you shall be rewarded.”
Without a word, the man simply walked forward, however he was stopped by the woman
“Ah, I had forgotten, take these.”
Souls Essence x5
Broken Estus Flask
“You must keep yourself grounded somehow after all, keh keh keh…”
The man studied the swirling mass of clear light, a tint of interest in his formless eyes.
Soul EssenceGrounds the strength of those broken in time. Prevents the weakening of those who were cast out, however upon death its effects lost and need to be used again to reground the user.
He then looked towards the glass in his hand,.
Broken Estus FlaskA green glass of unknown origin, carrying a golden liquid of unknown origin. Legends say Estus Flasks were great aid for those of the ancient tales, but how they work is a mystery. Current max uses 0. Must be repaired before use.
"Now go, yee who seeks return. I wish you luck and may you find which you seek, even if you who was forgotten, has forgot." She cackled, and the man continued forth, the laughter getting quieter and quieter with each step.
The man was stark naked with only a simple cloth upon his lower half. The cold air of the cave sent the occasional shiver down his spine, but little changed. He was determined, but for what he truly did not remember. What he was doing here, who he was, all he could remember was a name, his name. The name Rohan. Maybe it wasn't his name? Maybe it was simply a memory he retained? Little did it matter though, in lands such as these. Who you once were did not matter. Only your strength could prove your existence, and of course the legacy you leave. Both of these were stripped from him, how he knew, he was unsure. The only thing he could receive was a deep feeling of regret. However these were pushed back from his mind, for he had reached a room. The long empty corridor led to a large circular room. The room held ten massive archways, a peculiar symbol above each. He looked around a bit, his eyes passing from symbol to symbol before he landed on the tenth. The symbol was a simple circle, complete but empty. He felt his very existence pulled towards it, thus he walked through its archway without hesitation.
The moment he stepped through the archway a loud boom resounded and suddenly a wall closed the archway. He reacted with indifference. However when he looked back, he noticed a corpse laying against the wall, a bright but subtle light emitting from its chest. Curious, he approached and reached out to touch it.
Acquired: Wooden Club
Acquired: Plank Shield
His eyes flickered, in his mind he felt two items inside of his soul essence. He closed his eyes and reached out to them. Opening his eyes, he found himself armed with the two newly acquired gear. He then promptly turned and continued on the path. Nothing mattered but the trials.
The corridor eventually led into a room, inside the room sat a man with a sword, his eyes hallow and lifeless. His form adorned ancient rusted chain mail-like armor. Several huge gaps were visible, he bore no helm, showing his rotting face, its teeth sporadic. The heavily damaged short sword in his hand jerked side to side, his body twisting, almost convulsing before it jumped towards Rohan.
Undead Low Ranking Knight
Rohan timed the monsters slash with a timely parry, then instantly smashing his club into its chest, then bashing down on its head. It fell back, unmoving from the counter attack. A faint mist enveloped Rohan, a strange feeling entering him
+25 Souls
He then walked passed the dead creature without a second glance, let alone thought about it. On the other side of the room were two ancient wooden doors with cracks all around them. Without a second thought, he pushed open the rightmost door to be greeted by a faint flame in an otherwise empty room with no other passageways. He approached the flame and sat before it, a feeling of peace and respite overtook him as he did. His eyes stared at the flames as they danced around the coiled sword. Time passed, and the flames continued the crackling whip-like motions. How long he sat there, simply staring at the flames was unknown. Finally, Rohan got up and left the fire and returned to the previous room, only to find the undead knight he had slain previously standing before him unharmed. As if he had never attack him in the first place. The creature repeated the same motions as before, as if it was a strange sort of ritual and once again lunged at him. Rohan this time side stepped the oncoming attack and slammed his club into it back, knocking it to the ground. Once on the ground, he once again smashed his weapon into its rotting skull, killing it.
+25 Souls
He grunted and got up, opening the door on the left this time. Inside he was greeted by two more undead. One similar to the previous, the other holding a bow
Undead Low Ranking Knight
Undead Low Ranking Archer
Immediately Rohan charged the archer, better to remove any supportive fire than allow it a chance to provide openings for its undead ally. The archer loosed an arrow as the knight lunged. Rohan rolled, causing the arrow to pass by peacefully, and the lunge attack to slam onto the ground. Upon getting nearly on his feet, Rohan spun his body, smashing the club into the archer killing it.
+30 Souls
The knight was not idle and managed to sneak up behind him, stabbing its blade into his back. Rohan screamed as life left his body. He fell to the ground and knew no more.
...
His eyes opened and he sat up, his gaze turning to his left to a low crackling flame. Realization overcame him as to what happened. He had died and returned. He didn't think about it too hard and simply connected it as a part of the trials. He stood up and found himself feeling weaker than before. Rohan suddenly remembered the old hags words, “You must keep yourself grounded somehow after all, keh keh keh…” He felt out for the orbs he had been given by the fire keeper, and it materialized in his hand. As if upon natural instinct, he crushed it in his hand and he returned to a state of 'normalcy'. When he had 'returned' the world had become monochrome in color, either pure black or pure white. However, the moment he 'used' the soul essence, color returned as did his strength. He stared at his hand, mist fizzed from his palm before disappearing entirely. He then turned towards the flame and once more sat before it. He closed his eyes meditating on a good strategy against the cursed undead the slayed him. More time passed, but time was not a problem. For in Mourdinia, time flowed...differently. For example, let us say at one point Rohan picked up in apple. A ripple effect would occur where Rohan had never picked the apple, as well realities where he never noticed the apple or maybe chucked it suddenly or even ate it right after. How Rohan new this was a mystery, just like his name and his wanting to, no his needing to take the trials and succeed. However mulling over such peculiarities would surmount to nothing. For now he needed to reach the first trial. The trial of worth, where one must prove their worthiness to take the others. In a sense it was more a pretest than an actual trial. Beyond this trial he knew none of which would await him afterwards.
Finally, he once again stood. He turned and exited, immediately dashing towards who, or rather what, he knew would be there. The undead knight. Before it could react, he already had bashed his club into it thrice, killing it. He looked over to the left door to find it still swung open from before, he passed through and this time charged the knight, he would risk a petty attack from it like before again. Just the knight in the previous room, the undead was unable to act before dying. An arrow sunk into his flesh, he grunted in pain, he turned towards the archer and rolled forward, an arrow sailing uselessly above. Just like last time, he spun his body smashing his club into the archer, knocking it away killing it instantly from the sheer blunt force. He huffed a bit at the exertion. He looked around the now cleared room, and noticed a green light glowing faintly from where he died, upon approach it absorbed into him, he felt the souls he had lost return to him, an interesting occurrence. However he only thought about this for a moment, for he noticed in the corner to his right a chest. He approached the chest and opened it quickly, strangely eager, and inside he found a mask.
Ancient Iron MaskType:HelmDurability:50/ 80Reinforcement:Requirements: NoneMakes it slightly easier to sneak behind unsuspecting foesAn old stone metal mask slightly covered with rust with a single crack towards the top. Most likely used by a mage wishing to stay unidentifiable. The knowledge of who this person was is lost to the fires of an ancient kings greed.
Rohan put on the mask, feeling a near immediate sense of attachment to it strangely enough. He got up from the chest, and looked towards the only unopened door in the room, walking up a small stair case he opened it
Fellglow Keep
Rohan walked forward, immediately greeted by a second bonfire. He closed the door behind him and sat at the fire. As he did, he felt a strange pulling sensation. Curious he followed the sensation and the flames consumed him. He blinked and reasserted his surroundings. He was back in the previous bonfire room!
Caves under Argos
Once again, he felt a pulling sensation, and he followed it, once again he was transported, this time to the new fire. He stood up understanding what was happening. It was likely to aid the challenger for ease of taking on the trials and get around to any 'cleared' zone he had been. He then looked around the room, he finally notice a man in white armor sitting in the room, beside him lay a helm adorned with wings, the man was asleep, his eyes shut and a soft snoring was heard. Rohan approached the man and stood before him before lightly kicking him a few times.
The man shook awake "Who-what? Oh! I hand't realized someone else was going to take the trials! Forgive me, I didn't think there would be anyone else, my name is Azorath the White, I hail from Vaonu you see, I've come to seek the redemption of my families honor! We were a merchant family and a few of our competitors used some bribes and tricks to well, sully our good name. So I seek a chance to erase that from the annuls of time! What about you?"
Rohan responded with silence "Ah ha, don't worry. I know most wouldn't dare share. I just feel rather glad to see a friendly face after all the...undead ones, ha ha ha." He stood up "Well, I must go on ahead, I have rested far too long, you take care and maybe we shall see each other again eh?" He began to walk away before tossing back something. "Take that, a symbol of our meeting, for I sense fate had a hand in this."
The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
Strange RingType:RingDurability:999 / 999A strange ring with the mark of the Soare merchant family upon it. A strange energy can be felt from it
Rohan placed the ring on his right hand and looked back towards the white armored warrior only to find he was gone. Behind his mask Rohan slightly frowned, a tinge of unease in his gut. However the feeling passed quickly and he too left the room to continue on with his journey. However he decided to sit and meditate at the fire first. He felt tired and wanted a short rest. Like the warrior there before him, he took a short, peaceful rest near the flames of the fire.
...
He awoke slowly and stood up, shaking himself awake. After a few moments passed his full mind returned to full attentiveness. He then approached the still open doorway the white knight passed through and quickly went. Before him was a winding downwards staircase, following the staircase for several rotations before coming to its abrupt end at the bottom leading to another long hallway. Stepping through he was immediately greeted by four knights and two archers charging at him. Quickly rolling out the way, he spun smashing two of the knights away, their flying bodies catching the soaring arrows as they went, barely stopping before hitting the archers. Rolling to his right, he dodged an oncoming swipe from another of the four, by the point the two knights that fell got back up, they were stronger than the previous knight. However no matter how much he rolled and swung, he grew tired and they landed several blows on him, killing him. Rohan screamed in agony as his body turned into bloody mist.
Near immediately he awoke again, in the bonfire room at the top of the stairs. Rohan unceremoniously rose from the fire, quickly used a soul essence and immediately went down the staircase, only to once again die a similar way. Once more, he opened his eyes in the bonfire room. Once again he rose, but due to irritation forgot to use soul essence, which was good because Rohan for the third time found himself back in the bonfire room. Slightly fuming at the event, Rohan remembered to use an essence, leaving him with two, before charging down. This time he wanted to try and bait the bastards out. He walked in to the room before retreating back towards the staircase, in an attempt to force the knights to come one at a time. He received mixed results. He managed to kill the first one that came, however by that time two of them were there behind it. Rolling between them, he used his tactic against the archers. One of the two was already damaged and upon getting knocked back died. The other got back up and kept attack, the archers were now at the doorway firing in, the idea was seemingly backfiring on him. He jumped back just in time to dodge a slash and arrow before jumping forward slamming his club onto the two remaining knights, killing both. Now for the archers. He rolled in a zig-zag fashion before swinging his body and hitting both. Like the knights, these archers survived the blow but Rohan rushed forth before the could recover, slaying them.On of the archers bodies gained a faint glow, similar to the mysterious corpse from before. Rohan reached towards the light.
Old Chain mail LeggingsType:LeggingsDurability:16/ 30Reinforcement:NoneRequirements:NoneA piece of armor common for squires or newly ranked knights. This ancient piece may have a few gaps in it, but it will do its job admirably
He put the leggings on his body and continued on his way. Several broken doors lined the hallways, Rohan attempted each one. Six of the doors wouldn't budge, and when broken down, only revealed a cave-in. The final two however opened to small rooms, one completely empty, the other simply held a single archer which was quickly dispatched. Rohan walked back into the room and instantly headed towards the opposite side, opening the closed door there.
Stepping through he was greeted to what seemed to be an old library. Shelves lined the walls and only a few books remained, scattered upon the stone floor. Rohan carefully walked over the massive mess as to not trip, turning down one of the aisles he found himself staring at the back of a new undead monster
Undead Knight
The monster armor was of a definite better quality of those before, and in his right hand was a menacing long sword, and in his left a kite shield. Rohan quietly approached from behind hoping to not be detected, not knowing the effect his mask held. He slammed his weapon into its back, knocking it away. He lunged at it, bashing his club on its downed form killing it.
+1000 Souls
A faint glow appeared on the corpse and Rohan immediately reached for it
Acquired: Jagged Long sword
Jagged Long swordType:Straight SwordDurability:70 / 70Reinforcement: NoneRequirements: 5 STR 11 DEX+10 Bleeding DamageThe favorite weapon of an old hero knight. The blade gained a jagged edge after witnessing many battlefields.
Rohan felt the new blade within him, however he still would rather use the club for the time being. He continued through the library, coming across a few more knights, however though they were stronger then the low ranking knights they weren't as...unusual as the knight he had slain with the jagged long sword. Thus the rest of the room was cleaned uneventfully, no chests were around however he did find a chest that was empty and broken, looking like a large hammer smashed it. He left the library coming to another hallway, however it was empty, no undead in sight. The hallway curved to the left and he followed it, in front of him another knight holding a jagged blade. However, this knight was facing his direction and noticed him, instantly rushing forth, slicing its blade down towards Rohan. Rohan blocked the attack and attempted to swing his club into the undead. The knight jumped back from the attack then coming back with a forward thrust. Rohan, unable to completely dodge the sudden attack, was grazed on his side. He grimaced, ignoring the pain rolling towards the knight and attempted to dispatch it with a swing around. The knight surprised Rohan but rolling to the side and charging him again. Rohan had yet to fully recover from his roll, however the knight had misjudged the ending of where Rohan would roll and barely sliced his back instead of piercing him through. Rohan returned to his feet, his shield up as he slowly circled his opponent, eyeing him wearily. The undead was the first to reengage combat. He swung and Rohan attempted a parry, however the undead was feinting and in the newly opened gap, swung hard against his chest. Rohan felt himself near deaths door for the fourth time, he began feeling a bit panicked. He switched his club for his new sword, hoping the quicker swing would be a life saver. He rolled to the undead knights right swinging to his side, only to meet the kite shield. The undead returned the blow with its own, only to receive a similar response. The two began circling again, the bones of the knight creaking, its teeth clattering menacingly. Rohan breathed heavily, trying to find a way around this damnable corpse. At one point he thought of trying to run past it, but that would sully his honor and pride as a warrior.
Time passed as neither wanted to move first. A sense of foreboding came, they both knew this would be the final attack. Both of the warriors lunged simultaneously. Their blades gleaming in the faint torch light of the ruined keep. A single tang of metal clashing reverberated throughout the hallway. Wind blew and the torches went out. Silence overtook. A door creaked open, a bonfire gleamed slightly into the dark hallway. Someone sat down wearing a mask and ancient looking leggings and chest armor. Rohan had won, even if it was barely able to considered a victory. When the two blades clashed, the undead knight was winning the strength contest, however as he kept putting pressure on it, the blade snapped and Rohan's sword sailed through its neck, severing it. The head rolled onto the ground and body slunk down. The knight was dead. Mentally, Rohan was rather glad he had killed the first he met without resistance due to being able to sneak behind it.
Of course Rohan still had no clue the sole reason the knight didn't sense him was part of the mask, nor did he realize another even more hidden property of it. It was cursed. The curse would make it irremovable till he passed the 5th true trial, for the trial of worth wasn't considered one. That trail was the trial of Will, but of course Rohan had no knowledge of the trial, nor did it matter it was cursed for he likely would wear it for a long time. It was strangely quite comfy on his face after all. Rohan stared into the bonfires flames when he had an idea. For no real reason he took out one of his two remaining Soul Essences and cast it into the flame. Suddenly it blew up, revealing a slightly stronger and sturdier flame. He felt something else as well. Looking at his hip sat the broken Estus Flask, before it was empty and half of it was missing. Now, however it was whole and a golden liquid was inside it.
[tr]
Estus FlaskA green glass of unknown origin, carrying a golden liquid of unknown origin. Legends say Estus Flasks were great aid for those of the ancient tales, but how they work is a mystery. Current max uses 3. Can only be improved by a certain places help....
He looked at it with wonder before quickly losing interest. At least now he had a way to heal himself. How he knew that is what Estus did, was a mystery he didn't bother with.
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Thus ends the first chapter, and the longest chapter I have written ever. I hope you enjoyed and also note that chapters will likely be only 1 or 2 times a week due to me working 6 days a week at 12 hours per. So please forgive for slow releases. Anyways I hope you enjoyed!
Current Stats:
Status WindowName:RohanRace:UnknownLevel:6Class:DeprivedCovenant:N/AGender:MaleSouls:2160Required Souls:500-Trials Passed:None-Health:400 / 400Item Discovery:80Poise:4Equip load:19.3 / 50Stamina:90 / 90Stamina Regen:10 / Sec-Strength:11Dexterity:11Vigor:11Vitality:11Intelligence:11Wisdom:11Faith:11Luck:11Attunement:11Endurance:11-Physical ResistancesSlash:6Strike:4Thrust:7Counter:2-Elemental ResistancesFire:10Bleed:0Lightning:0Magic:0Poison:0Dark:10Frost:0Curse:9-RingsRing 1:Strange RingRing 2:NoneRing 3:NoneRing 4:None-ArmorHead:Ancient Iron MaskChest:NoneGauntlets:NoneLeggings:Ancient Chain mail Leggings-WeaponsL Weapon 1:Plank ShieldL Weapon 2:NoneL Weapon 3:NoneR Weapon 1:Wooden ClubR weapon 2:Jagged Long SwordR Weapon 3:NoneAttack PowerL Weapon 1:57(resistance)L Weapon 2:N/AL Weapon 3:N/AR Weapon 1:87R weapon 2:71R Weapon 3:N/A