Kalydren – Year 1344, Dagour, Day 6. Spring
Olea Munroe
“Dammit” casting a quick glance about I see no one in the alley, nothing to be afraid of down here, up above was different. I had just been awakened by the sounds of screaming, annoyingly loud, unending screaming. How the hell did I end up in someone else’s bed? I swear I had just dozed off in the chair with an enjoyable book, moments later I am being startled awake by a teenage scream-queen shouting for their father because a strange boy is sleeping in their bed, “I did nothing wrong!” I shouted this last to the windowed balcony above. Why I did this, no idea. It seemed I was only inviting trouble as I reminded them that I was still here.
I turned to run off down the alley as a man appeared in the window above, his eyes flashed a distinct red for the briefest of moments, an odd trick of the light maybe. Jumping small crates and piles of who-the-hell-knows I sprinted away into the night.
It was early afternoon when I started my nap, how did so much time pass, and more to the point how did I end up in someone else’s home, let alone the room of a teenage girl. What was with that guy, her dad, he must have been her father, he nearly ripped through the house, he was so fast! I found myself backing away quickly when he ran into the room shouting for answers I did not have. Luckily, or not, for me the window was open to the night as I backed away, tripping over the balcony and landing in a pile of I-have-no-idea-what that cushioned my fall.
“Oy, you! Stop!” shouted a gruff voice from off to my left, they made it sound like I would just love to stop and obey. Nope-train for that idea.
My thoughts were confirmed by the squawking of a large black raven as it cawed loudly overhead, flying into the night. Are those birds nocturnal here?
“Maybe later man. Long night.” I said into the air, maybe they heard me. I saw no reason to stop and answer questions when I had so many of my own, never talk to the authorities when you do not know the facts, even then get yourself a lawyer. How was I going to explain having a nap in some random girl’s bedroom and having her say I should not have been there; I am no Romeo.
Where was I? Yes, running! I ducked down another small alley, it was very dark they should get some streetlights up around here, a girl is likely to be accosted. I saw a wide variety of dark slushy puddles; it is not cold tonight so I am betting that is not snow and I should not be thinking about alternatives. I am not judging, I just cannot see myself dropping luggage in an alley, even one without lights!
Crossing another street into the next set of alleys, this one was set between two brick buildings, one a ruddy brown of earth, the other a dark red of properly baked clay, maybe with a higher iron content.
I paused to take stock. I found it odd that I was breathing so heavily, I was never a slouch and though I did no long-distance running, or any running really, I should not have been this winded.
Blah, no socks, what happened to my socks. I looked down at my new leather shoes, tan homespun pants, top it all off with a deep brown shirt with weird sleeves; yep, no idea. I can work with this, must be a dream or something, unless maybe I was sucked to an alternate reality by some hero summoning ritual trope and they got me instead of the dashing young lad with a drive to be the best, most impressive hero ever. Poor saps, wrong girl.
I heard more footsteps behind me, down the alley. I got my breathing slowed through the careful act of standing still and hugging my knees, not an athlete. I took off down the row and ducked into a small corner alcove, still no light.
“Psst!” comes a whistle-whisper in the dark.
“Huh?” I retorted with not a hint of surprise. Nope, I was not totally shocked or frightened to discover I was not alone.
“Get back here, you not hear the guard? They are headed this way, what in the hells did you do at the captain’s house?” questioned the voice in the dark, they sounded a little mousy, and nervous, that last part I could say I shared. Where was that voice coming from?
The sound of boots echo from across the street, “This way men!” A trio of rough looking men, fine matching tabards or not, they did not appear friendly, came crashing through the alley I had left before ducking in here. The jingle of their belts could be heard bouncing from the brick walls. Were those swords at their hips, yes, yes, they were. I must have died and been snatched away to RPG dreamland. They looked like pumped up mall cops, sure they might be scary, but I doubt they would hold up to real pressure. The leader though, seemed to be a little scarier. I did not understand why, but he felt dangerous. A man best avoided.
“Where are you, it is not easy to see in here.” I say in not quite a frantic whisper.
“Over here, hurry!” The nervous voice said from my right. I saw a small child, maybe fifteen or sixteen, holding open a wooden panel covering a small hole in the side of another brown brick building. They were wearing a dirty gray tunic, tied at the waist with a rough knot of hemp rope, tattered pants, and no shoes to cover their grimy feet. From under the rags, I could just barely see a thin frame, even for what must be someone barely in the double digits. I was thinking they looked to be an underfed sixteen-year-old. “Over here I said. The Guard will not find us, not tonight at least.” The kid dropped down and bolted into the hole, they just knew I would follow right after. My own little white rabbit.
“Neat.” I muttered as I followed quickly down the rabbit hole.
Once through the opening, the panel was put back in place by the same kid from the alley, though no longer alone. Several children were arrayed around me, ages hard to tell but their sizes cover quite the range. Most wore similar clothing to my rabbit, rags almost. Some of the children had slightly better clothing, a few even had hats, a couple of scarves. Almost no one had shoes. I saw a few smaller children huddled back near the rear of the warehouse, for we were in a warehouse, a large building with a ceiling some twenty feet up, the building may have been fifty feet from front to back. A narrow catwalk circled the building maybe ten feet up the wall, accessed by small metal rungs bolted into the wall at each corner.
One of the larger boys, not quite the tallest, but fitting into the boss category for classic child gangs, you know the ones in old English novels, I wonder if his name was. He looks at me up and down a few times, I hope he does not plan to take my shoes, this girl will draw blood for shoes, even if my shoes are not quite the quality kind, they are still mine. “What you got for us, Len?" I turned to Len, the name of my rabbit, they were gone. Seemingly not a fan of the attention.
"Clear out, I would like to talk with the new boy.” There it was again, why all these mistakes, I was a girl! These bastards, I took a few deep breaths; I suppose there is little harm in being underestimated. They would learn.
It also did not hurt that I was no longer out of breath.
Smiling brightly in the dark, I looked up and said, "Right-o Dodger, me boy, what's this all about?" I chuckled at this last, I could not help myself, maybe Len could be my Oliver for this skit.
I was also starting to think I may have somehow scored a concussion.
“Now, what is your name new boy? I am Keen, and I am the one in charge," he makes a wide circling motion with his hands to indicate the room, "I help keep these kids safe at night.” He sneers at me just a bit as he says, “You like staying safe?" Watching me watch him he continues, "You have to contribute if you want to stay, being as it is almost sunrise, I can let it go tonight. Do some work today, make some coin, score some food, or help the others find something useful.” He rattled off a list of things a boy like me could do to make some small copper, did he mean pennies, “If you want a place to stay tomorrow night, you bring something useful, we all have to contribute here.” I was beginning to think that I would eventually learn what it was like to be making references to things no one would ever understand.
"Just passing the night then, the name is Olea." I put off trying to offend this lot for tonight any more than I thought I had, for my troubles Keen just nodded at my name and gestured for his crew to follow him as he headed for the far corner, near the front bay doors. A name was enough so long as I did not try to cause a fight. Low food, few prospects; no one wanted to expend energy.
Looking at the small forms lying near the crates, I could not bring myself to blame them, they looked underfed, surely under clothed, and certainly not well cared for. It reminded me of some of my less than stellar foster families. With nothing to do but sit here, was there no furniture? Argh, back on track. I saw something earlier, and a voice matched it.
“One Hundred Percent” it had said, it being a disembodied almost sing-song voice. Almost like an old Mickey Mouse narration.
Let us get back to that, it happened when that man’s eyes flashed at me, just after I fell through the window and saw that bright flash of light, it splintered as I passed through some translucent barrier that was not there until I happened to fall out from it. Magic? Possibly. Was I committed to believing this was now an ‘Isekai Event’ I had been abducted by mad cultist somewhere and brought here to plague the lives of ne’er-do-wells everywhere.
After several moments of thinking and shouting nonsense words into the darkness, I startled the children. I grumped to myself and headed for a small alcove created by stack of cabinets and tools near the door. Now think, what is it that all those people do in the anime and light novels… They say Status, Menu, Class, Options, and a slew of other things… none of those are working. As I sat there thinking about everything, about my problems and predicaments I heard a small ‘ding.’ And then this.
[Calculating; one hundred percent, threshold reached.]
[Initializing System, Integration Complete]
Welcome to Kalydren!
As a new citizen allow this humble entity to greet you in place of great one above, I have been tasked with helping guide you in the world. I will be here for a time to assist you. If you find yourself in need of my aid, you merely need think upon the question …
Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.
“Nope, sorry. I have a lot to process, please give me a minute?” I asked, and I swore I felt a small sense of indignation hovering in the air directly in front of me.
“Have I the knowledge to assist-”
“Nope. Again, I was having a moment, could we work on timing?” I said, cutting him off again. I did not mean to be rude, but I needed a little time to myself to figure things out.” It was a few moments before my mind slowed down from its frantic flight and I realized the voice had said it was here to help.
“I was trying to help you!” shouted a voice into my mind, I knew it was not audible now, my ears did not register any vibrations.
I think back at it, “Basics, just give me the basics. I have things I want to do. Not intending to be rude but I want to get started already. I am sorry, I mean it, rough nights are no reason to be rude, I was just excited.” Clear, concise, and polite, me all over.
“I suppose… of course, this must be the impatience of being mortal... Ugh your fellows are not nearly as bad.” Countered the voice, “Look, just think about your perceived self, your potential and such if you have any, you will figure it out, maybe. It will become somewhat self-explanatory as you work.” It sounded a bit dismissive and maybe a slight bit irate, “I will be going now, enjoy.”
“Thanks!” I think back in cheerful appreciation, I hope I did not upset the little AI subroutine or whatnot that runs the world.
Thinking of my potential self, my score, a video game stat sheet, the personification of my soul and all that, I just let my mind go dead the same way I did when plugged into my Rig at home.
Name: Olea
Archetype: None
Attributes:
Strength: 9
Dexterity: 13
Constitution: 9
Charisma: 16
Intelligence: 13
Wisdom: 7
Skills:
Five skill points remaining.
None.
You have multiple skills available. View skills? [Y/N]
Experience Till Next Level: 0/1000
Well, drat, I have an attributes screen, RPG of the year! Seeing the nine next to strength filled me with dread. I leaned forward, trying to pry a board free of the crate, it looked flimsy if not a little thick. I pulled, and pulled, and still I pulled. No dice, double-drat. Nine must still be child-like levels of strength, my arms are smaller than I remember, I would have to fix that. Sixteen Charisma? Did that make me charming, I wonder, could I have talked my way out of that problem with the old man and his daughter. Nope, no chance, he had been MAD.
It also seemed as if there was a leveling system, one thousand experience points to reach the next level. Fantastic. Wait a minute, right there. Skills, I found the golden ticket! Yes please, I think the word yes repeatedly, mentally smashing the skills choice.
Available Skills:
Would you like to see General Skills or Specialist Skills options?
I looked at general skills first; it contained page after page of everyday trade skills and even simple things like Jumping and Painting. Off to the Specialist course!
Specialist Skills Available:
Arcana
Combat
Necromancy
Piety
Stealth
Woodcraft
Promising choices! What do they do, hmm. “Help Stealth” Not sure why I am still talking aloud when this is all so obviously in my head, but hey it is my life.
Stealth: This skill serves as the foundation for all things related to stealth, having it is essential for learning the finer arts of surviving and thriving in the shadows, or in broad daylight if you are confident enough. Skills in this category include Sneak, Hide, Backstab, Steal, Misdirect, Dodge, and many others associated with the rogue personages of this world. Embrace the shadows and master the night.
I knew what I wanted to use if I planned any more of these late-night strolls. Time to check the rest all at once.
Arcana: This skill defines the underlying concepts of Arcana, the force of the cosmos. By utilizing this knowledge many would-be mages have gone on to master spells like: Magic Missile, Meteor Shower, Lightning Bolt, Charm Person, Water Breath, and yes, even Fireball. Learn to manipulate the Mana of the world for your benefit, we are in no way responsible for lost hair, skin, or limbs. Be responsible when wielding great cosmic forces.
Woodcraft: This skill embodies the knowledge of the forest and dale. Traverse the wood without concern as you are borne of the Wilds, grants an understanding needed to effectively use skills such as: Campfire, Tame Beast, Control Weather, Detect Weather, Snare, Earth Shaping, and even Forest Stride.
Piety: With this skill you are granted the knowledge required to work miracles in the world, from healing wounds to banishing evil. This knowledge will aid any who wishes to seek solace in serving a higher calling. Come join the ranks of Healers across the world, you will unlock skills such as: Cure Wounds, Heal, Major Heal, Dispel Evil, Cure Sickness, and maybe someday the fabled Resurrection skill will be yours, who does not want to revive the recently deceased and gain their undying loyalty!
Necromancy: With this skill you gain knowledge of the forbidden arts of necromancy, learn to raise the dead to serve beyond life, hone your skills and become a zombie master, or even an economic fertilizer transporter. This Skill allow you to learn others such as: Animate Dead, Raise Zombie, Curse, Blindness, Poison, and Mind Flay. Drive the opposition into insanity to win the day, or least to keep those darned kids off your lawn.
Combat: This Skills is the fountain for all things related to physical defense and offense. Has a small influence on the effectiveness of all fighting styles. With this base skill you will gain access to more advanced skills such as: Kick, Headbutt, Swordsmanship, Weapon Finesse, Hand to Hand, Parry, and Shield Block. Do not disregard the ability to improve your martial prowess, all things can be kung-f... err combat related!
That is a bit much. Oh well, Stealth, I choose you!
Stealth - Rank 1
New skill choices unlocked.
Pierce
Sneak
What does the all-powerful help-chan have for me on these.
Sneak: By gaining this skill you tap into the knowledge of the world adding a small correction to successful sneak attempts based on Dexterity and skill level.
Pierce: This skill allows the citizen to use piercing weapons, daggers, stilettos, and other small hand blades more effectively. A bonus is applied to damage and wielded proficiency based largely on Dexterity with a moderate benefit from Strength.
Yoink, and double-yoink! Grabbing them both might help me live a little longer out here.
Sneak - Rank 1, Pierce - Rank 1
New skill choices unlocked.
Hide
Hmm, nah. Let us have a look-see at that other option. Piety, I am not at all religious but performing healing miracles seems like a sure way to win, have I ever played a game where I could use healing magic as a rogue!? Piety skill coming up, and fabulous!
Piety - Rank 1
New skill choices unlocked.
Armor
Bless
Cure Wounds
Vigor
Illuminate
Help-chan, show me the skills! I know this is silly, but I cannot not get excited about this all being real, granted being an orphan on the streets again will suck, but I never had magical powers the first time around! Never would have feared the dark alleys as a child if I had some Paul Hogan style “This is a knife.” Line to deliver as I pull my blade.
Bless: This spell allows you to bless a person, creature, or object with the protection of your patron god[s]. You need not worry as all peoples of Kalidren have at least one patron god, whether they want one or not. Blessings on living creatures can last as long as several days, a blessing bestowed on objects is permanent unless blessed by a being stronger than yourself, at which time their blessing shall overwrite yours. Gives a small boost to all protections, resistances, armor, and a percentage correction to all skills used. [Hammers hit nails more accurately, spells are easier to successfully cast, pockets easier to pick, overall, you have a much better day.]
Vigor: This spell allows the user to bestow a boost to the target’s stamina, increasing their ability to push through tough tasks with more ease as they are lifted out of exhaustion. Walk further and be refreshed.
Armor: This spell temporarily imbues the target with an increase in physical damage resistance. Used on existing armor it will give a small increase to durability, this effect is permanent.
Cure Wounds: This spell at its base proficiency can heal minor wounds, referred to by the priests as ‘cure light’ it will not remove poison, curses, or blindness and is limited to minor healing. Multiple casts have an accumulative effect.
Illuminate: This spell will allow the caster to create a small orb of light. The orb may be held aloft with your will or with your hand. The light consists of pure mana and can be considered illusory as it cannot be physically interacted with by anyone but the caster. Duration controlled by a mix of Wisdom and Intelligence. Other effects unlock with Rank.
Well, that was informative, thank you Help-chan! I did my best to hide a huge grin on my face, I swear I was not planning world domination. The choices all seemed to be quite beneficial, but I need a right-now spell. I decided to go with Cure Wounds, thank you very much System-sama. Now how do I use magic, let us try guided practice, visualize the spell. Visualize. Visualize.
Well crud, maybe it just would not work without having wounds to heal. I really did not want to cut myself on a nail to figure this out, Help-chan said it will not cure poisons and the like. I had no doubt that there were diseases just waiting to eat me in here.
I cast another look around, no one had wandered over yet and most of the forms on the other side of the warehouse seem to be asleep, or at least very still. Keen was still looking out the windows in front, maybe he really did protect this collection of vagabonds.
With all my skill choices made I decided to have a good look at my list, going blank face again I concentrated on the space where my mind goes to observe my potential, odd method that.
Name: Olea
Archetype: Merciful Blade
Attributes:
* Strength: 9
* Dexterity: 13
* Constitution: 9
* Charisma: 16
* Intelligence: 13
* Wisdom: 7
Skills:
Zero skill points remaining.
* Stealth – Rank 1
* Pierce - Rank 1
* Sneak - Rank 1
Piety - Rank 1
* Cure Wounds - Rank 1
Experience Till Next Level: 0/1000
That is progress right there. I might be ready to see what daylight had to offer. It also seemed like I had been given an Archetype, I wondered what Merciful Blade meant.
Merciful Blade: A basic archetype consisting of at least minor healing and some bladed skill, whether sword or dagger. Most citizens of this rare archetype type are found in rural or suburban areas where access to Temple healing is more limited or controlled as few people are desperate enough to spread their skills across more than one path so early in their lives.
“Desperate?” I asked, ripe with not-quite-feigned indignation, whatever you say System-sama. I thought I had done well enough after surviving my first night in the town, though it was a bit less than it could have been, I was sure. I was going to need to get some rest and get ready for what the day would bring.
After sparing a few moments to wonder at whether my Constitution was to blame for my being overly tired I took another quick look around for suspicious characters, no one seemed to be anything but watchful in here, maybe they just respected the needs of others, or at least the communities need for a safe place to sleep, a cease fire while resting or some such.
Not the trusting type in this new world I decided to just climb up on the catwalk for a small nap, maybe I can get a well-rested bonus for sleeping in a warehouse. I made myself somewhat comfortable as I leaned up against the wall of brick, I closed my eyes, smiling at all the thoughts of adventure that may lie ahead, and as I faded into the embrace of sleep, I think I may have chuckled just a bit into the night.
Evil villain vibes: check.