Ding!
Congratulations! You have reached Level 3.
Your Class Power Rating has reached 9
You have gained 5 [Archwizard Ability Points]
You have gained 1 point in all [Statistics] and 1 free [Statistic point]
I was so happy! The contents of the last Acid Slime emptied into the calf deep pool of its brethren soaking into my socks. After months, I had finally Leveled up! I jumped for joy! And made a splash! The flying slime innards landed on the two Adventurers behind me. They squawked in outrage as they tried and failed to avoid the wave of acid landing on their clothes.
You have gained 12 [Evil Karma Points], 2 for damaging the property of 2 separate people and 10 for aligning the values of your [Acumen] Virtue with an [Evil] purpose
You have gained 12 [Chaos Karma Points], 2 for damaging the property of 2 separate people and 10 for aligning the values of your [Acumen] Virtue with an [Chaotic] purpose
You have made a dastardly decision that harms you or those around with decisiveness.
You lose all temporary Virtue Points in [Acumen] for aligning the values of [Acumen] to a [Chaotic Evil] purpose. You will be unable to gain Virtue Points in [Acumen] for twenty-four hours.
You have 1 Virtue Point for Acumen out of a maximum possible of 2.
I expected 1 [Evil Karma Point] not 12. I knew it was wrong, but I felt like I could relieve some tension with a practical joke. I ended up earning enough [Evil] Karma to think of it as a Quest. I was going to have to do better. I was definitely going to have to learn how to use [Acumen].
I started walking towards the next Level of the Dungeon. Behind me, one of the Adventurers was cursing me for ruining her clothes and the other was thanking me for saving their bacon. I had gotten better at understanding High Common and even better at pretending I couldn't understand what people were saying.
This was the third time this had happened since I had been back in the Dungeon today. Some [Lawful Good] noobs pulled too many monsters and had to run to me for help. It was the way not cool side effect of my Virtue broadcasting my location to everybody who also had a Virtue. The actual effect of my Virtue right now? I could spend 10 Chi to gain a bonus of 1 or 2 Points to Willpower for less than a minute. This was my reward for playing nursemaid to everybody too incompetent to survive in Level 2 of a Dungeon!
I got to a safe spot and changed out of the acid soaked socks. I wiped down my boots and put the socks and the towel into their own slots in [Inventory], because I had plenty to spare with five new spaces. That much was worth celebrating.
All of my Statistics were at 32. My new Statistics Level Limit was 40. The difference between the average creatures in Level 2 and me was not great enough to send the monsters running in terror like they were in the last Level. I had to fight my way through all the monsters on the road to the Level 3 Boss Chamber. I discovered I wasn't earning Karma for the monsters in this Level anymore. Right before I got the chamber I had to face a litter of Horned Devil Bunnies. It wasn't as bad as I had feared. They were too fast for [Local Portal], but I was fast enough to [Dodge] them. I had to dance around and be patient with setting up my attacks but [Force Punch] did the job. My Luck held out and the Boss Chamber was empty.
The first set of creatures on Level 3 were Giant Spiders. I was prepared for them because I had stopped by the Guild and bought all the maps and guides down to Level 10. My job as a Stamina battery wasn't glamorous but it paid well. The trick to the spiders was to use grappling lines and my staff to knock down their webbing. [Create Flame] was fun too. Without webs to walk around on, they were quite timid. They would hole up on the ceiling trying to stay away from me. My new ranged weapon was [Force Punch]. I had cast it enough to times earn the [Forces] School. The bonus power to the Spell allowed for an extra stride of range. Combining the Spell with my extension ladder made it easy to reach those crunchy little spiders.
Level 3 was a floor full of insects and arachnids. I avoided those that poisoned, ambushed, or trapped. The strategy was the same for a lot of the creatures on this level. A good number were heavily armored, but slower than me. [Local Portal] got a workout. There were no XP or Karma bonanzas like the ant eggs on Level 2, but the pace was steadier. I was earning as much or more XP per hour. To bad I needed twice as much XP for the next Level. Level 3 of the Dungeon was twice the size of Level 2. There were a few more Adventurers on this Level, but the added space reduced my contact with others. I fired off [A Chance at Greatness] a few times, but not enough to get a [Limit Break] before I had leave the Dungeon.
I went through the rest of the day distracted. I had to learn how use my [Acumen] Virtue. I had royally screwed up with a momentary lapse in judgment. I had to figure out why it gave me so many [Evil Karma Points]. After dinner I asked Aern'Lenninisal about it. Unfortunately, since he had been following the Path of [Lawful Neutral] he hadn't kept up with finer details of the Virtues that were powered by [Lawful Good]. That left my least favorite, but probably best option, Nellamon.
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“Stop Fighting! Heal up! Clean up,” Forna Shouted.
The mock combat between the elves ended swiftly. Nellamon was fighting against Emearia and moved to use a [Lesser Heal] and [Purify] on her first, before moving down the line to help the others. I finished topping up Selenia with Chi and darted over to follow behind Nellamon. He had a bad habit of just expecting people to assist him, rarely giving notice of what he wanted you to do, unless it was to issue an imperious command.
I alternated between charging Nellamon and Selenia as they used [Purify] and [Lesser Heal] on everyone to clean up their scratches and bruises from the training. [Resist Crushing Damage] was a Skill I wish I could train because I couldn't afford to take damage in the Dungeon as a solo delver. It was just another reminder that was only the hired help. They started storing the training weapons the inn kept in the dojo. In this world, a weapons training facility was the equivalent a room filled with exercise bikes in a hotel back on Earth.
I walked up to Nellamon as he was finishing up casting the last [Purify] and asked, “Nellamon, could I talk to you?”
He nodded to the Knight that was the target of his Spirit Art and then turned to me, “Of course Pilgrim.”
“I was wondering about the Virtues. How to use them, or more specifically how to not use them. I got a big chunk [Evil] Karma from having [Acumen]. I don't know why.”
He grimaced at the mention of [Evil] Karma. He asked with some heat, “What [Evil] did you do?”
“I was frustrated with some noobs who ran to me for help in the Dungeon. I may have accidentally on purpose splashed them with acid,” I answered.
He raised one his blond eyebrows and asked, “When were you in the Dungeon?”
'Uh oh,' I thought, better get this right the first time. “I know you don't get 'spiritual not religious.' I have something I think Celestium wants me to do. I need to be in the Dungeon on Celestiumday, not in the church worshiping. It's part of being a Pilgrim.”
“Would not it be better to go to the Dungeon another day,” he asked.
“I'm with you guys. I think that's part of it too. What Celestium wants me to do. The only time I have to go to the Dungeon is on Celestiumday,” I replied.
He visibly leaned back as he considered what he was going to say next. When he finally did speak, he asked, “What about being with us is in [Service] to [Divinity]?”
“I'm not exactly sure. I'm still working it out. Part of it is I think you need be more aggressive in how you act. I think you need to get into the Dungeon yourselves. All the elves. Be more proactive. Training you guys like this does that. Recharging you when you and Selenia [Heal] during Quests gives you more Karma for Boons. More Boons makes it easier for you in the Dungeon. It's not just about that. Remember when Master Tindal tried to tell us the answer is not always in getting more power and Abilities. I guess I'm trying to say that I think the elves need to be more involved in life.”
He digested my words before he spoke. “I can hear the [Divinity] ringing in your words Pilgrim. I do not know why it is so strong, but I will accept it for now. As to the Dungeon, that is a dangerous place. It requires a proper party. Who is going with you?”
“Nobody. I go by myself,” I answered.
He was irritated, “Pilgrim, that is dangerous! I do not know what Level you are, but I have used [Consider] on you. You are best a middling Level 5 or a talented Level 4. You have demonstrated no effective combat Skills. I have trained against monsters found in Dungeons. I cannot imagine how you are surviving with out help.”
I gloated as I answered, “I'm Level 3. Just Leveled up yesterday. I don't have combat Skills, because everything dies to my Magic before I have to fight it.”
You have made an impactful statement that benefits you and those around with decisiveness.
You gain one temporary Virtue Point toward [Acumen]. You will retain this Point for twenty-four hours.
You have 2 Virtue Points for [Acumen] out of a maximum possible of 2.
I'm glad I waited out the twenty-four hour penalty on my [Acumen] Virtue before talking with Nellamon, but I understood this less than the penalty for what I did in the Dungeon. When I got over my shock at the Virtue point, I noticed Nellamon was also shocked. His jaw was hanging open.
“But, how? Every Statistic must have a [Limit Break],” he muttered to himself.
“Will you keep a secret,” I asked. I had been a too trusting when I told Aern'Lenninisal about my Boon, but Nellamon tended go around telling everybody about how things should be.
Nellamon puffed up his chest, “Of course. I am [Incorruptible].”
“I have a Boon called [A Chance at Greatness]. It lets me exchange XP to increase any Statistic,” I divulged.
“I have heard of it. It must be acquired before reaching Level 1. It is very rare. It explains why you are only Level 3, and how you can survive by on your own in a Dungeon.” He changed subjects and tone, “What of this [Evil] you did. Why did you throw acid on those seeking aid? That seems a vile thing to do!”
I deflated, embarrassed about what I had done. “It was the third time people had come for help that day. I guess they tracked me by my Virtue when they got overwhelmed. They dragged two groups of Acid Slimes down on top of me. One at time they're not a problem. I was running around so much I had to recharge my own Stamina. And I didn't throw acid on them. I jumped into a puddle of it and it splashed on them.”
“That does not seem so bad. I might have done that myself. In seeking [Justice] it would have been and appropriate punishment for risking the lives of others by bringing monsters,” he said.
“Then why did I get 12 [Evil Karma Points],” I exclaimed, failing miserably to hide my frustration.
He though for a moment, and then his eyes lit up, “Of course! It is not what you did, but why and how you did it. You must not have been thinking about [Justice], only wanting to make them suffer. Because it was a very appropriate thing to do in the moment, it aligned with [Acumen], and with an [Evil] motive, your action violated your Virtue. A sad lesson to learn, but I hope you know better now.”
“I get the [Evil] motive part, but what about aligning with my Virtue. What made that happen?”
“Do you not know what the Virtue of [Acumen] is,” he asked seemingly very perplexed.
“Not really. I haven't been hiding that I'm an offworlder. I wasn't raised here, so I don't have a lot of experience with this world.”
He shook his head and said, “What you did, choosing a Virtue without consideration to your goals or temperament is dangerous. You should not choose another Virtue, or even pursue this one, until you have consulted the temple.”
He continued with the answer I was after, “[Acumen] is the Virtue of teachers, scholars, and judges. Is making an insightful and correct judgment in the moment. It is the foundation of [Justice]. Avoiding harm with [Acumen] is a constant Path to [Justice]. The judicial process is a continuous chain of [Good] judgments to correct [Evil]. [Acumen] is a Principle underlying all the Practices. [Sagacity] with its slow plodding nature may seem to be the opposite of [Acumen], but [Sagacity] is built up from from individual, learned choices. [Acumen] is fickle and momentary. It is the hardest Virtue to use reliably, but can be the most versatile. A moment of moral clarity, the right turn of phrase, the best choice of an improvised musical note, a stinging insult to distract an enemy, capitalizing on an opening in an opponents defenses, or even the appropriate timing and delivery to a joke. These are all moments when [Acumen] may be useful.”
The only word that would come to mind was 'Snark.' “Are you telling me I got the Virtue of being a smart ass,” I snapped.
You have decisively made an insightful statement that benefits you and those around you.
You have replaced one temporary Virtue Point toward Acumen, since you already have the maximum amount you cannot gain anymore at this time. You have extended the time you will possess the maximum amount of Virtue Points in Acumen for twenty-four hours.
You have 2 Virtue Points for Acumen out of a maximum possible of 2.
Nellamon smiled and said, “Yes. That is an insightful way to put it.”
“Do you have any suggestions on what Virtues I should take,” I asked.
“No. I only have [Virtue Battle Tactics] at Level 9. You should visit the Saints in the temple. I might comment on their advice, but I would not seek to supplant it,” he said. He bowed and walked out of the dojo.
Had I made a mistake? I rejected the Spiritual Classes because of the moral codes of conduct and other baggage that came with the gods. Could I get rid of the [Acumen] Virtue? I stood there a few minutes, thinking about what do.
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Suddenly an ghostly figure took form before me. The large muscular man was transparent and blue tinged. He wore the blue robes of the clergy of Celestium. He had the wrinkles and white hair of an elderly man. I could feel the spiritual pressure of Chi rolling off of him. His Virtues were very clear. One was [Acumen]! In a solemn voice he said. “Eric, come to the temple of Celestium tomorrow morning. You will learn from the Virtue Master who trained me. Ask the ushers for Elder Mel. Do you understand? Elder Mel?”
“Yes. Go to the temple and ask for Elder Mel tomorrow. Who are you,” I asked.
He screwed up his face and angrily barked, “I am Elder Mel you nitwit. Don't screw this up. This is your Dagobah moment kid. And bring your gold. My time is not free.”
He winked out of existence.
'Dagobah.' He knew about Star Wars. He was from Earth!
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The next morning I woke Aern'Lenninisal and had him cast [Tongues] on me. I got to the temple as quickly as I could. I spent a gold at the porter station to be flown. The temple had it's own landing pad.
I went to the first usher by the door. “Excuse me. Elder Mel told me to come see him this morning. Do you know where I'm suppose to go?”
The tall man in the blue robes replied in deep voice, “Yes. Follow me, please.”
We passed the altar and went to a side door, in the same relative place as it was in the temple in Neral City. There was another blue robed man guarding the door.
“A visitor for Elder Mel,” the first usher said.
Without a word the guard opened the door for us and we went in. We followed the hallway straight ahead for a few strides and then turned left to go under where the main altar was. After a few more strides we entered a stairwell that was nine strides in diameter. A set of stairs spiraled down, connected to the wall of the stairwell. I looked down the open well in the middle of the stairs. At least two hundred and fifty strides. Maybe three hundred.
There were landings in front of the doors that opened into the stairwell. The different floors were separated by twenty-five or thirty strides. We walked in silence until we hit the ninth and final floor. The man opened the door and silently gestured for me to enter. After I did he led me down a long hall. He opened a double door at the end hall and entered ahead of me. After I followed him he closed the door. The quiet was starting to get to me.
The room was round. It had 4 large double doors exiting from the cardinal directions and eight smaller single doors, with two doors in between each of the double doors. They were arranged so the centers of all twelve doorways were equally spaced. He opened one of the smaller doors and it led into a bare room. The physical form of Elder Mel was sitting in chair in the middle of the room. His old body looked even more aged in person. His eyes were closed. His hands rested upturned on his thighs. There were warm toned recessed lights in the ceiling, but the dark stone of the building ate up the light, making the place feel like a cave.
“Two gold. Pay the man,” a voice behind me said.
I turned to find Elder Mel's transparent form pointing toward the usher who had brought me in. He wasn't blue tinged anymore. He was full color, if slightly see through.
When I hesitated he said, “You can pay now or go sit in the lobby, wait two hours, and pay later.”
I pulled two gold from [Inventory] and paid the usher. The tall man walked out the room and closed the door behind him.
Elder Mel gave me smirk and said, “I've got good news and bad news. The good news is you didn't screw up by picking the [Acumen] Virtue. It suits you. Better than most. The bad news is you wanted a Constitution buff. Neither [Purity] or [Incorruptibility] fit you. The best you can do is [Integrity]. It's only a Standard, not a Principle or Practice, but its very reliable and will be easy for you. Just be honest with yourself and others and you'll be fine.”
When he stopped for a breath I interjected, “Are you from Earth?”
He shook his head. “No. I asked one of your potential future selves what would get you down here the fastest. That Dagobah shtick did the trick. Just so you know it was one of your selves, they said to remember it was one of your other future selves that recommended you burn a [Chaotic Evil] Boon into your soul. So be careful what advice you take, even when you know it's from yourself.”
“I really did do it myself,” I muttered. “Did I say anything else,” I asked.
“Yeah. I liked some of what that Yoda guy said, but he kept having people trained under his supervision go [Evil]. All talk and no action. That and ask Aern'Lenninisal what clothes you need to buy to live in Aeseiriral.”
He shook his head and changed topics, “The best advice on Virtues is don't take too many of them. Doing that can put you in situations where one Virtue will conflict with another. If you can, take at least nine, one to boost each Statistic. You want to mix up the Colleges. Too many closely related Virtues in the same College are going to conflict on a regular basis.”
He jabbed a finger at my chest emphasizing what he said next. “Unless your looking to force yourself to grow, don't take a Virtue that doesn't resonate with who you are. Any questions before I give my advice on what Virtues you should take?”
“How do I use [Acumen],” I asked.
“If you have an idea that will make the world a better place, do or say something quickly to make it happen. Any other questions?”
“Is there a book I could read, or maybe somebody to teach me more about Virtues and their use?”
“Sure. I'll give you a list later, or ask the attendant upstairs in the sanctuary. Anything else?”
“I guess not,” I said.
“What Classes do you plan on having,” he asked.
“Archwizard,” I answered.
His next question was “Alignment?”
“[Lawful Good].”
He smiled and then launched into his analysis, “I'm going to recommend [Kindness]. It pairs well with [Acumen]. Do you remember, when I called you a nitwit for not being able to figure out I was Elder Mel?”
I nodded.
“That was a [Kindness]. I was pointing out something you should have been able to figure out on your own. I did something that helped you in some way. That was also me using [Acumen] to see that you needed correcting”
“An insult is a [Kindness]? It doesn't seem very kind to me,” I said.
“I didn't say be nice to people you nitwit, I said do something that helps them. Pulling a spear out of man's belly hurts, but it's still a [Kindness] that you have to give him before you can heal him. Got it?”
I nodded.
“Say you see that someone is tired from walking all day. You take their pack and carry it for them. [Kindness] and [Acumen]. [Kindness] is what you can do for others because you're strong. The other Virtues for Strength don't fit you well. [Service] might, but I don't think you would be happy scheduling your life around the needs of others.”
“You're right about that,” I said.
“We already talked about Constitution. You should take [Integrity]. That Statistics buff maxes out at 128, instead of 200 for [Purity], but [Purity] is horrible with [Acumen]. People with [Purity] are already zealots. Add [Acumen] and they'll be starting wars over the smallest flaws in people. Anyone taking [Purity] should take [Compassion] or [Fairness] or both. [Incorruptibility] is almost as bad for people with [Acumen].
When it comes to Dexterity, [Hopefulness] won't work well for you. It's mainly for crafters seeking masterworks, ranged attackers, or people who can't take a hit. With your emphasis on Constitution, you won't need that Principle for Dexterity. The Practice of [Motive] works really well with [Acumen]. Very good synergy there.
Charisma is something you will be short on as an Archwizard. Don't be so temped to increase your Casting Power that you cripple yourself with a ill fitting Virtue. The top [Charisma] Virtues are bad with [Acumen]. [Unity] is not something that fits you. [Fellowship] fits you, but it's easy to conflict with [Acumen]. [Community] is a safe choice.
For Wisdom, only the Principle of [Truth] will do. [Sagacity] is counterproductive with [Acumen] and everything else doesn't fit you.
For Intelligence, [Honor] is your best choice. The overlap with [Integrity] works well. [Compassion] is also acceptable, but it doesn't work well with [Acumen]. You'd be would criticizing people all the time. [Compassion] also makes you weak to interpersonal conflict.
Your choices for Luck are complicated. Only [Humility] is bad with [Acumen] and it doesn't suit you. Nothing in Luck synergizes well with the other choices I'm recommending. The best two choices are [Faith] and [Fairness]. If you take [Fairness] it will significantly hamper your ability to negotiate with other people. I does make people like you more. The problem with [Faith] is how it combines with [Acumen].
[Acumen] requires you trust your impulsive, immediate decisions. [Faith] requires to trust whatever you have [Faith] in. You can trust your friends, your weapons, your god, or even your Luck. You can also have [Faith] in yourself. If you use [Acumen] and [Faith] in yourself together, it can be incredibly powerful. Until it isn't and you end up dead because you got overconfident. I'm recommending you take [Faith], but with a warning, 'Be careful.'
Your future self seemed confident that you would have a high Luck Statistic. He wouldn't say why. Luck is one of the hardest Statistics to increase. Almost no one has high Luck. That's one of the thing that makes [Faith] so powerful. If you have a high natural Luck, any Luck bonus is going to be an advantage against everyone. The thing to remember about [Faith] is that only affects your Luck against an opponent. Getting the maximum Statistic bonus in Luck is not going to let you safely walk through traps or over dangerous ground. Don't make that mistake.
If have you a high Luck Statistic, look into highly variable and random damaging weapons, like flails and chain weapons. Ask about trainers for Luck based weapons and attacks with the attendant in the Sanctuary. Spells like [Summon Tornado], [Minefield], and [Fate's Guidance] are improved by Luck.
If Luck Virtues are dangerous for you, Spirit Virtues are down right stupid. The Principle of Spirit is [Valor]. [Valor] is about being an ideal person as an inspiration to others. [Acumen] with [Valor] means you are going to be motivated to believe you're correct, and also motivated to appear correct to others. [Acumen] will make you believe you can win every fight with a trick, and [Valor] will make you believe you should win every fight to look cool. [Acumen] and [Valor] together is way to glorious but quick death. Even the lesser Virtues of Spirit are dangerous. Don't take [Courage] or [Bravery]. The best choice for you is [Confidence].
Lastly is [Divinity]. I don't recommend it for you. [Divinity] will let you listen to the will of Celestium. Don't take it unless want to give over your life to becoming his instrument. The bonus [Divinity] gives to Statistics is to whichever Statistic Celestium wants to add it to in that moment.
My recommendations for you are the Principles of [Kindness], [Truth], [Honor], [Faith] and you already have [Acumen]. For Practices, I recommend [Motive]. For Standards, I recommend [Integrity] and [Community]. For Morals, I recommend [Confidence].”
With a flourish of hands he gestured toward his body in the chair. A stack of papers appeared in his lap. The papers floated off his lap and into my hands.
“A physical copy of my recommendations for your records, with a list of books and trainers if you are interested. Any questions,” he asked.
“Plenty, just not any I can think of right now. How do you know you're right? You hadn't even met me when you wrote down your recommendations. How can you be so...so...”
He interrupted with, “The polite word you are looking for is 'confident.' What you want to ask is, 'How can I be so sanctimonious?' The real question is, 'How can I not be so sanctimonious?' People who haven't earned the right to be sanctimonious, haven't earned the right to give advice. Anyone else is just passing on recommendations gleaned by other people. While you're here, would you like me Soulburn a Boon for you? At the regular price of course.”
“Actually I need some advice. I want to get a Karma Quest, so I can get two Boons. The first Boon I want is [Armor of Justice]. But I'm not sure about the second Boon. I liked to get a Boon that increases the amount of Karma I get. Any ideas?”
He looked at me suspiciously. “It depends. Will you tell me what [Evil] Boon you Soulburned?”
“I used the [Acquire Class Abilities] Boon to get Abilities from the Royal Parasite Class. I got ten Class Abilities but the important ones were, “Carnal Cultivation, Expel Carnal, Carnal Inoculation, and Destroy Carnal Spores.” They offer immunity to Carnals, the ability to use Carnals without side effects, and Ability to destroy the Carnal Spores produced by me and my enemies,” I answered.
“Ooohhhh,” he said with a satisfied smile. “I would pay a mythril piece or two to see the faces of the Blood Hexers that have to fight you.” He laughed heartily at his own imagined scenario.
He finally told me what Boon I should get. “It requires burning some [Chaos] but it's called [Cry of Souls]. It lets you hear the suffering of souls around you so you can help them. Being able to know where you're needed will greatly increase the opportunities to earn Karma.”
I nodded slowly, “I like it. Can you give me the Karma Quests for those two Boons”
His flippant demeanor disappeared, “You need to understand that when you take a Karma Quest, you do not get the Boon unless you complete the Quest in one year's time. If you fail, you'll have wasted the Karma. Do you understand?”
“I understand,” I answered.
“I can't promise what Celestium will assign as Quests. It will be random. Do you accept that risk?”
“I do,” I told him with a nod.
“What Tier are you?”
“I'm Tier 1,” I replied.
“It will cost 10,000 Karma, either of [Good], or [Law] and ten gold,” he said.
“I have Karma for both, How do I pay,” I asked.
“Just drop the gold on the floor,” he said.
I did.
“How will you assign the amount of Karma burned,” he asked.
I informed him and then a confirmation box appeared. I accepted.
After my experience in the temple of Enches I was worried it would be painful again. It was not. The spiritual ecstasy I was used to had returned.
You have received a Karma Quest to acquire the Boon [Armor of Justice].
Quest Goal: Take a total of 10,000 damage from the first strikes to damage you from at least 1,000 monsters located in any Dungeon.
You have one year to complete this Quest.
You have received a Karma Quest to acquire the Boon [Cry of Souls].
Quest Goal: Be the only person responsible for saving the life of a Sapient creature.
You have one year to complete this Quest.
The first Quest I could finish in day or two in the Dungeon. The second Quest probably would require joining a team.
In the end I knew I had a new weapon. I could now effectively wield the word, 'nitwit.'
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Aern'Lenninisal and I were sitting next to each other on a bench in the shopping center in front of the inn.
“My future self said I should ask you what clothes I'm suppose to wear in Aeseiriral,” I said. “Why did you decide to invite Selenia and Emearia on this shopping trip?”
“They have a better sense of fashion than me,” he replied.
“What if they dress me up in lace like a doll. I won't forgive you,” I said.
“There will be lace. That is how elves dress. It will be tasteful. It will be heard they helped you pick your wardrobe. It would bring them shameful gossip if they make you look foolish,” he explained.
“That's a lot of pressure. Why would they take a chance? They might fail,” I asked.
“It will be heard that you are training them. If your attire is embarrassing it will reflect badly upon them for failing to offer comment. Would not it be better to try and fail than to fail from not trying?”
“You seem awfully formal today. Is that because we're meeting with two pretty girls,” I waggled my eyebrows as I laid my insinuation on him.
He panicked for a moment. When he composed himself he said, “You must comport yourself with greater reservation. Aeseiriral is not as informal has the human lands. You will offend if you continue with rude speculation.”
I was going to have be careful with the Virtue of smart-ass then. Out loud I said, “I can hold my tongue if I have to. My [Notice] Skill has picked up how you look at Selenia when no one is watching. I can be your wingman if you want.”
Now he was horrified. “'There is a word for man who distracts the friends of a woman so that another man can have his way with that woman! What kind of world do you come from!”
The [Tongues] Spell was working. Too well.
Nonchalantly I said, “One where women can choose to be with who she wants, without to much social pressure.”
That set him back. His eyes lost the fire of indignation.
“If you like her, why not ask her out...or court her, or whatever it is you do here,” I asked.
The fear was back in his eyes. “I cannot Eric. I am not normal. I do not want a normal kind of relationship with girls.” He looked down at the ground. His eyes unable to meet mine. “My desire is very shameful in elven culture. It is not considered family friendly.”
He looked up with hope in eyes. “Eric, we have only known he each for a few months, but you stood against Nellamon on my behalf. No one has ever defended me in public like that.” He paused as hope turned to caution. “Eric, What does our relationship mean to you.”
Whoa! How did I miss that. Got let him down gently. “I consider you a friend. A good friend. The kind your wife complains about year after year but you won't give him up.” Hint-hint.
He let out the breath he was holding, “Oh, thank goodness! I knew you would not betray what I want to share with you!”
I said 'wife' and he got hooking up on the down-low out of that! I needed to-
“Eric, I want to marry a female. Just one female. My people require our males to take many wives, because there are so few males. The Dungeon kills them. Our females stay behind to raise children. There are never enough males to go around. We are pushed into horrible marriages. I cannot accept that. I just want to be free of my mother's influence.”
“You cannot tell anyone about my infatuation with Selenia. If my mother knew she would marry me off to one her friends immediately. Whatever happens, word of my secret desire cannot reach her. You must guard what you say around everyone.”
“OK. I can keep a secret,” I said.
He immediately relaxed, leaning against the back of the bench. “Thank you my friend.”
“Is it really that bad? Why does your mother get to decide who you marry,” I asked.
“The females outnumber the males. They control elections. They decide how to manage the Quests and the Dungeon. Males who do not comply with the order they have established are prevented from Leveling. Once a male has reached a very high Level he is beyond the control of our culture. Until then he will be burdened with the wives assigned to him. My mother is very influential with marriage committee.”
“You make it sound horrible. Don't you have a choice,” I asked.
“Of course you have a choice. Your first wife will be much older and higher level than you. You may choose to marry her or be denied access to Quests. If you do marry her, she gets a vote in who the next wife is. Once you take a second wife, you will always be outvoted. Powerful females control the faction that controls Aeseiriral. All our males can do is put up with it.”
“Isn't there anything you could do? What about going to a Dungeon?”
He shook his head, “You must reach Level 20 with a Boon for every Level to be admitted as a citizen. After that, it does not matter how much Karma you have. Leveling by Dungeon will not provide enough Karma for twenty Boons by Level 20. No male is allowed reach Level 20 without two wives.”
A smile unexpectedly lit up his face. I followed his gaze to see Selenia and Emearia coming out of the inn.
I couldn't do anything to help him right now, except keep his secret. At Tier 2 that would be a different story.