Things were going well; they’d beaten Twrch without casualties, Gabrielle’s claim of a quest had been all but confirmed when they found the golden altar in the saferoom, and those who had defeated Twrch for the first time gained a small bonus to Vitality. It wasn’t quite as much as the first clear bonus, but if it could be applied to all the combatants in Timberhollow, Jenny let out a slow breath as she considered the difference that could make. Of course, the next floor offered even more benefits and with conversations beginning to bloom around her as the group recovered from their exhaustion, it seemed like the time had come to make some decisions.
“Alright everyone, this has been great work so far but it’s time to plan for the next floor.” Jenny looked to Gabrielle, “You’d said your quest was to reach and give an offering on the altar, are you willing to accompany us further, or would you rather return now that you’ve found it?”
Jenny really hoped the woman would choose to continue. While her healing might be very limited, preventing infections and dealing with poison were skills that would give a great deal of reassurance to any group. However, she was a priestess not a fighter primarily, it was only fair to give her the option.
“If I wouldn’t be too much of a burden, I would be glad to see the floor consecrated to Lady Pamyel.”
“We’d be happy to have you.”
Jenny tried not to think about why a dungeon floor of all things was consecrated. Though as she absent-mindedly fiddled with the wooden symbol of Semyaza under her gambeson, she supposed it made more sense for some deities than others. The little icons were becoming increasingly popular with members of the guard as more and more got the [training] skill from the first floor.
“From now on nothing said here leaves this room,” She pointedly met the eyes of each of the group as the silence deepened like the very chamber was holding its breath. “We have reason to believe that completing the challenges associated with your affinity on the next floor is likely to provide improved class options for that element.”
The reactions varied, knowing looks from those who had been part of the last expedition, gasps of surprise from the others, Gabrielle following hers with a beaming pride in her patron while greed or comprehension flashed across the faces of others.
“However, the challenges are extremely dangerous.” Jenny was pleased to see the weightiness of the undertaking slip back into their expressions again, the last thing they needed were people counting their gold before they’d played the hand. “No one undertakes a challenge without my say so. There will always be at least one person at the entrance to the challenge observing it being undertaken.” Seeing Lydia looking slightly conflicted she decided to cut to her issue before her orders were questioned, “Lydia have you prepared spells for the water trial?”
A look of relief washed across her face, “Yes, given the well that was described I’ve prepared spells which are effective underwater.”
“One of the advantages of spellcasters is they can choose from spells they’ve learned for their skill slots.” Farad explained to a confused looking Jeremy, “Isn’t that right miss Lydia?”
“Strictly speaking it’s only certain spellcasting classes that gain that feature, generally [wizard]s, while others have other benefits.”
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“But that’s just so…”
“Every class has its own strengths. We can still relearn skills if we forget them, though we need to relevel them,” Farad hastily cut the lad off before he said something tactless.
“[Guard] classes benefit from not only physical skills but also a variety of useful social skills,” Jenny supplied.
“Aye, and don’t forget the physical stats,” Balrem added flexing, “Not likely to see a wizard with muscles like THESE. No offense miss.”
Thankfully Lydia seemed more amused than offended, “There’s no easy path to power, though some paths do come with more muscles than others. If you still feel like wizardry is unfair, you’re welcome to take a look at one of the tomes we have to memorise to learn a spell some time.”
Blushing furiously, and clearly uncomfortable about being the centre of attention, Jeremy frantically waved off the offer. “No, no thank you. It’s fine…”
Saving the flustered recruit, Jenny refocused the group, “Well then, Lydia will tackle the water. Vidan, I believe you are prepared to try light?” A nod. “Balrem are you still fit to attempt earth?”
The half-orc looked rough, covered in dried mud and blood with flecks of rotting boar flesh scattered here and there despite his best efforts. Not that Jenny was much better as she idly scratched an itch, sending flakes of dried mud spiralling to the floor.
“Yeah, yeah, I’ll be grand.”
She paused a moment trying to discern if it was just bravado. She trusted him, but he was much more willing to take risks if it was just himself on the line. She’d just have to keep an eye on him.
“Fine. We stick to the plan and pair up. I’m with Balrem, Jeremy watch Vidan, Gerrard you’re with Lydia. Finally, Gabrielle stick with Farad, you two keep an eye out in case the big skeleton gets up or one of the observers signals help is needed. Farad, are you going to be okay with that spear?”
Farad twirled the bone spear he’d picked up after his own had broken, “I can make it work.”
“Are we not going to try fire or air?”
Jenny couldn’t help but give Gerrard an annoyed look. So much for keeping some of their affinities from Gabrielle. It was probably fine given how much they’d shared already but she wasn’t wildly impressed at him questioning orders.
“We will reevaluate once we have attempted those three. Anything else recruit?”
“I don’t understand, why have a bunch of us just standing around watching when Jeremy and I…”
“Because those are your orders recruit.” Jenny pitched her voice low and dangerous; she wanted them to speak up if they saw a problem but couldn’t afford a loose cannon.
Judging by the thunderous looks on Balrem, Vidan and Lydia’s faces they’d have likely given him a dressing down in her place. Frankly the fact that Gerrard hadn’t noticed showed his threat assessment was way off.
“If we don’t bring back information or we lose people this mission was a failure. This is a dungeon; the next floor is more dangerous than the one before. If you think we can take the dangers lightly you need to leave now.” He was about to respond but she cut him off. “I’m not about to let you be the brick around the neck of this team that gets us all killed, so you’re either taking this seriously or you’re gone. Are we clear?”
She liked the man. He'd given up a comfortable life as a baker to serve his city, and since he joined the morning shift had occasionally been brightened with the smell of freshly baked bread coming from the mess. If she sent him back now not only would they be shorthanded, it would be a black mark on the otherwise positive reputation he was building. He had a little more life experience than the other recruits, which generally meant he was a bit more sensible, but also meant he was the most likely to forget that he wasn't a civilian anymore. She steeled herself, if he still didn't get it she'd do what she must.
"Yes Ma'am!"
Her scrutiny caught the moment that finally the weight of realisation dropped into his eyes. He was a soldier, she was NCOIC and this was a mission in dangerous, barely known territory. She could trust him to obey orders and have a quiet word with him later about information security. It was enough. Now she just needed to make sure her orders didn't get everyone killed.