“What the heck is a goblin card?” Joe asked, holding a game card reminiscent of an MTG token card. It was larger, scaled the same size as a tarot card. There was an image of a goblin on it and a copper-colored border around the edge.
Cards can be used in a number of ways.
Using a card allows for the summoning of the creature on the card but without requiring any additional resources. Summoners can use them as focus for their summoning, layering on buffs to the summoned creature.
They can be used to enhance effects. For example, Troll cards can make defensive abilities tougher and Panther cards can be used to enhance Stealth abilities.
They can be used in crafting as well. They can add effects similar to the above. Additionally, Inscribers can merge cards together to create more powerful cards or Chimeric cards.
They can also be used in gambling houses as part of a game called Foretuin’s Wheel.
“Are they common?”
Cards are a standard drop item. Common creatures, such as goblins and animals, generate common cards which are ranked as uncommon drops. Cards from uncommon creatures, such as centaurs or trolls, would be considered rare drops, and so forth.
“So basically one level up. OK,” Joe said, slipping the card into one of the inside pockets on his gambeson for safekeeping. He then picked up the knife. “What does keen do?”
Due to the inherent sharpness of the weapon, the [Keen] modifier indicates this weapon will bypass some degree of character armor or item toughness.
“Nice. It’s in terrible shape but it might come in handy.”
Joe looked over at Kaid who was picking coins out of the grass. Watching the caustic gnome searching through the weeds gave Joe a warm feeling. He had no real ill will towards the little man, but considering his whole body felt like it had just been used for knife practice, he did not mind seeing Kaid inconvenienced at all. He might even go so far as to wish for a few thorns or stinging nettles.
The gnome's deft fingers plucked up his last coin and turned to Joe. “Did you buy that garbage [Coin-Catcher] skill from the General Store?”
“Yeah. What’s the matter with it?”
“No wonder you suck so badly in combat. You could have picked up something to keep you alive and you waste a slot on something to save you a few seconds of searching,” Kaid scoffs.
“Maybe so but there is no chance I am going to lose anything in the weeds.”
“That is what an exceptional Perception score is for, Rube. And you can use your Perception for everything, not just picking up loot, unlike that skill of yours.”
“Whatever. It’s done now and I am not regretting it.”
“You know you can retrain skills?” Kaid asked as he slid out of the grass and back up onto the road. “Next time you get a chance at a useful perception skill dump that piece of garbage.”
“Really? I didn’t know that. What about attributes? Can I get points back to spend them on something else?”
Kaid looked at Joe and shook his head. “You really don’t know squat.” Kaid unsheathed a long wide dagger and ran his finger along the blade feeling for any damage to the edge. “That’s not so easy,” he said paying attention to a specific spot for a second. “There are a couple of big ceremonies and rituals you can use if you screwed up your assignments. They ain’t cheap.” Seeming satisfied enough with the knife he stowed and pulled out another one to check. “Why? Did you already bungle your build?”
“I don’t think so. I was just asking.”
“I bet you did but it’s early. You should be able to fix it,” Kaid snorted smugly as he resheathed the second dagger. “Just be careful with attributes. Most folks go their whole life with the dumb choices they made when they were young 'cause it’s too expensive or too damn much work to undo even one bad assignment.”
“Good to know. So what is star iron?” Joe asked, changing the subject.
“Ooh! Did you get some? It’s pretty cool stuff. It sticks to metal. Well not all metals but a bunch of them.”
“Like iron and steel? Not copper, silver, or gold?”
Kaid looked side-eyed at Joe as he finished checking his last dagger. “Yeah, how did you know that but not what Star-Iron is?”
“It means they are magnetic. We call them lodestones.”
‘That’s a dumb name,” the gnome scoffed. “Whatever. Yah want it? I’ll trade ya for it. I have a couple already that are really handy.”
“You want it? You can have it.”
“What’s the catch?” Kaid asked leaning away from Joe suspiciously.
“It’s a chunk of magnet. I don’t care. You can have it.”
“Just like that? The guy with nuthin’ is just gonna give loot away? I ain’t gonna owe ya for it, just so you know.”
“Oh, for crying out loud. Here just take it. I was going to offer you the poison too, but not if it’s this much work to give it away.”
Kaid looked up at Joe. “Uh. What kind of poison are we talking about?”
“Oh for the love of Pete! I cannot figure you out. Here. Take them both. How far is it to the lake?”
“Just over that hill,” the short ruffian replied, snatching the two tossed items out of the air.
Joe marched past the annoying little man.
“This too shall pass,” Joe muttered to himself. That mantra had been his go-to means of dealing with his illness over the year. Ellen had been his nurse navigator when his cancer was first diagnosed. She had taught him that he had to let the little stuff slide by in order to save his fight for staying alive. She told him he was not going to have the strength to tackle every annoyance or conflict. So unless it was a life-altering issue, it would pass in time.
This is probably why the race choice had thrown him so badly. That was the one choice that had felt utterly permanent and so it slipped past his mantra, kicking off that surprising panic attack.
Kaid, on the other hand, was a temporary aggravation. One that Joe was not going to get worked up over. At least he hoped not. The gnome seemed to have a Ph.D. in irritation.
Even with a stride almost twice as long, Kaid effortlessly zipped in front once again. Joe did not know how speed was calculated but Kaid was clearly faster than he was. On a hunch, Joe tried his [Assess Creature] skill. A small window appeared over Kaid that read:
Kaid Ward: Gnome
Your skill [Assess Creature] has increased to rank 10.
Suddenly the window changed and Joe could now see:
Kaid Ward: Gnome: Thief 17
“You know I can feel you doing that?”
“People can tell when someone is assessing them?” Joe stammered, feeling embarrassed like he had just been caught looking through someone’s cabinets.
“Depends. If your assess beats their perception, then no but your assess is crap, so yeah.”
“I was assessing townsfolk all day. Why didn’t anyone tell me I was being rude?”
“Ain’t so much as rude with common folk. Most folks expect it. But ya gotta be careful. Nobles get really bitchy about being assessed,” Kaid said over his shoulder. “A lot a town guards hate it too. The Crowfielders probably figured it was part of your healing thing. You know, looking at the wound and all.”
Kaid stopped and spun back to Joe. “What I can’t figure out is why I can’t tell it’s you doing it. I mean I know it’s you 'cause you’re the only one here but normally my perception tells me exactly who is assessin’ me. I know I was just assessed but my pages didn’t say it was you, just that someone was assessin’ me. How are you doin’ that? What skill are you using? It ain’t [Deception]. I got that one.”
Joe was pretty sure it was his [No-one] racial ability but he did not want to share that bit of information with Kaid. “Well my skill is [Assess Wounds] so I don't think it will work for you.”
If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
Kaid looked Joe square in the eye and barked out a laugh. “You are such a bad liar. Fine, keep your secrets. No skin off my back.”
The pair walked for a few more minutes before they stepped out of the trees. Joe stopped short. In front of him lay a stunningly beautiful lake. The water was not deep; brightly colored wading birds could be seen standing in the middle of the massive pool. The birds looked like orange and yellow herons with spikey crests of feathers on their heads. Looking at the birds nearest to the far shore, they almost seemed like bobbing flames floating on the water. In the center of the mere, a trio of grass-covered mounds rose up out of the water. Each one had some form of decoration or building on it. One had a gazebo with a large brass telescope pointed at the heavens. Another had a beautiful tree with scarlet leaves, adorned with hanging lanterns. White wicker chairs and a table were placed beneath the red boughs.
On the largest of the mounds was a house. It looked a bit like a cute little Victorian home, except for the fact it was almost completely covered in brambles and ivy. Whole walls only gave peeks of bright lavender clapboards beneath the sheets of dark-leafed vines. A covered porch broke out of the thorny jungle, the only large area where the ivy’s rampant growth had been curtailed. A few of the tall windows looked like they had been cleared as well. It presented the oddest combination of quaint and sinister at the same time. The sinister was greatly enhanced when Joe spotted things moving and scuttling among the dense foliage. Joe knew that, in his old life, his phobia of spiders, even the most common house spiders, was irrational. Here in Illuminaria, he was pretty sure it was no longer an unfounded fear. One of the skittering forms he caught a glimpse of was the size of an english bulldog.
Vine-Cloak Leapers: Level 9: Beast: Skirmisher: Perception: 72/72
Joe’s improved [Assess Creature] told him far more than he wanted to know about the horrifying shapes crawling among the leaves. He knew their creature type and combat role. He also knew their dominant attribute and hitpoints. He also knew, as a shudder ran down his spine, that he didn't want to be any closer to that house.
“Come on,” Kaid called, standing on a raft by the shore. “I’m sure she has spotted us. Let’s go meet Granny Growlbee.”
“Are we going there?” Joe asked, pointing at the overgrown house.
“Yeah, Why not?” Kaid replied until he noted the trepidatious look Joe was directing at the infested vines. “Oh don’t be such a baby. I’ve been here plenty of times and they have never bothered me once.”
“All the same, do you think she would mind if we met her at either of the other two islands?”
Kaid stopped and gave Joe an odd look as if he did not understand the question. “ Uhh, I guess so. Should be fine. Who knows? I’m not really great with people, so …” he finished with a shrug.
“I think I’ll chance it. I think fainting or shrieking on her doorstep would probably be even worse than presenting the expectation for her to come meet us outside. Let's head for the tree. It looks like there are more chairs there.”
Kaid had a long pole but the water was shallow enough Joe could help with his quarterstaff. As they were about halfway there, a woman stepped out of the house and looked at them. Seeing where they were headed, she walked out onto the lake to meet the pair. Joe could not tell if she had a path that was right at the very edge of the surface or if she was actually walking on the water. She was wearing a bright yellow sundress and a long black and green scarf floated in the wind behind her. Her hair flowed back in the breeze as well, long black tresses with highlights of violet weaving through the locks. Her skin was so pale that Joe wondered if she had albinism, or just a serious aversion to sunlight. She was younger than Joe expected too. He had been anticipating an older woman due to the name ‘Granny’. The winsome young lady stepping onto the little isle ahead of them looked barely enough to be someone’s mother let alone grandmother.
“Ohh it looks like she likes you,” Kaid said with a leer in his voice. “She got all gussied up for ya.”
A dulcet voice flitted from out of the air around them. “Don’t spoil my amusement, Kaid. What is the fun in being a witch if one cannot dress the part.” The maiden stood at the edge of the mound looking at them, hand on hip, her hair floating in the breeze. Suddenly Joe realized that there was not a single breath of wind moving through the air and yet here she was, with her dress and dark black tresses being stirred by some unfelt breeze.
‘Is it all an illusion?’ Joe asked himself. ‘Is she really an old grandmother instead of the lovely young maiden waiting for us on the shore?’
Joe had no hard feelings about the glamour if there was one. Like the lady said, if you had such magic, why not enjoy it? It seemed no different than makeup from his world, just more encompassing. Joe decided to accept what he saw for the basis of this interaction, not caring if what his eyes were telling him was false or not. He was the one who came to her seeking favors. Playing along would surely get him further than being rude and trying to call a bluff.
“Not to worry, Madam Growlbee. I take very little of what Kaid says to heart. It is nice to meet you. My name is Joe Morris.”
“That is an odd name for a newcomer. So conventional. Most newcomers have such overblown appellations, such as Darksyd or Indominus.”
“Yeah, I am getting the feeling I missed some of the choices when I came to your world. There was a minor hiccup in the transfer. Though I have to admit I think I’m happier being Joe than my old gamer handle. I’d feel a little silly running around under the name MadMortigan.”
“Well, I am happy to welcome you to Illuminria whether it be Joe Morris or MadMortigan,” she stated with a bright smile as the raft slid up to the small hill.
“Just Joe, please,” he replied, stepping onto the grass. “How is it that you know I am a newcomer? Is there something about me that gives it away?”
The young woman laid her hand gently on his arm and led him to the seats. “Well in my case, my morning omen told me a newcomer would come and ask a favor of me when the sun was high in the sky. Since we are getting close to midday, and I know Kaid, I made the assumption that you were my newcomer.”
Her smile was utterly captivating. When she asked “Tea?” Joe could not process that simple word through the distracting elegance of her features. It was Kaid’s snicker that broke his captivation. Joe shook his head and saw that the table, which had been empty a minute ago, now bore a trio of cups and a steaming teapot. There was a plate of pink wafers and another bearing a couple of freshly sliced apples. The chairs had acquired red cushions that Joe had not noticed on his way across the water. Joe pushed down on the cushion and felt the soft pressure one would expect from a pillow. Granny Growlbee’s smile grew a tad wider as she watched him test the veracity of what his eye saw.
“Your magic is amazingly subtle,” Joe flattered. “I didn’t even see them appear.”
“Why thank you. Such a clever compliment. You acknowledge my manipulation but with generosity instead of apprehension. I think I like you, Joe Morris,” she stated, giving him a radiant look. “I will admit to wearing a minor glamour, and yet your praise was given all on its own, not influenced by my charm in the least. What have you brought me, Kaid?”
“Don’t know him all that well, Granny, but I doubt he is all that special. He's got crap for skills, zero awareness, and not a whole lot going for self-preservation either. Unfortunately, that nice guy thing of his got me in trouble with Rhiley, so now I gotta make it right. I wanna cash in my favor.”
Joe started to argue that Kaid got himself in trouble but the lady began to speak so Joe held his tongue “Manners, young man. Even though you brought him, he is now my guest and will be granted the courtesy my table is due. As for your favor, I am in your debt,” she stated before turning to Joe. “I had a band of vodyanoy try to drive me from Brandy Mere. They were maddeningly resistant to my hexes and poisons. Kaid was so kind as to remove them for me.” Turning back to the gnome she asks, “What would you like in exchange for the service you did me?”
“Actually, I’m giving the favor to him, Granny,” the small man stated, jabbing a thumb at the newcomer.
“Another surprise. You giving something away. I am even more intrigued. Very well. Joe? What can I do for you to repay my obligation?”
Her eyes seemed to slide gently through hues of rich color. One moment they were the deep purple of amethysts, the next they had the aqua green of a tropical ocean. It took Joe a second to stammer out “Rhiley’s mother is very sick….”
“Rhiley’s mother. You mean Sarsa Haydall?”
“Well technically Sarsa Dellham, but yes it is the same person.” The image of Sarsa, hurt and confused, appeared in Joe’s mind. He grabbed hold of that sight and made it his focus. Suddenly he knew what he wanted to say. “I can only assume you are no more fond of her than I have been told she is of you. Regardless, I only have Kaid’s favor because of that illness, and it would have been rude to omit it from the discussion. Your feud notwithstanding, she is my patient. I am looking to learn Cure Disease or something of that nature.”
“You are making it very hard for me to decline, Joe. You have shown respect to my craft and now respect to me with your honesty,” she pouted, batting her long lashes. “Still,” she exclaimed sharply, sitting up straight and pouring herself a cup of tea. “Great Gran Growlbee would skin my feet should I give such a gift to a Haydall without stacking the scales in our favor. So how do I balance such welcome manners and an old debt with just enough spitefulness to keep my great-grandmother from turning me into a dun-cow? How about this? I do need SaddleLeaf,” she stated tapping a long glossy black nail against her cheek. “To the north of the lake begins the forest known as the Dourfore. There you will find a plant with broad dark-green leathery leaves. Get me a dozen good-sized leaves and I will provide you with a skill from our Restoration tree.”
“I get the feeling there is more to this than you are saying, Madam. What’s the catch that gets you off the hook with your great-grandmother?”
“The Dourfore is a dangerous stretch of wood. All manner of fell creatures lurk there. The task I am giving you is hazardous enough to appease my callous kin but since I like you, Joe, I have a hint that should lessen your danger greatly,” she stated leaning in close to whisper almost conspiratorially. “SaddleLeaf likes the light and so will grow on the outer edge of the forest. You will not need to venture into the dark depth of the woodland. Nor should you. While even the perimeter of the Dourfore has its perils, they are far fewer and more surmountable than those that lurk in darker depths of the forest.”
Joe was still a bit uncertain but every time he looked at the charming young maiden, he felt his composure fall apart. He had to accept that he was in no frame of mind to tell if there was a better option available to him, let alone be able to negotiate for it with this woman. He focused on the image of Rhiley’s mother again and saw one wrinkle in the bargaining.
“Thank you then. As for my reward, you did not say I would get Cure Disease. Why the hazy answer?”
“Well you are asking for a Healer skill and I am a Witch. Our Restoration talent tree has many comparable skills but they are not exactly the same. Our [Pestilence Purge] is quite similar to a Healer’s [Cure Disease] but if you wish for a spell that targets infections then you may want [Dispel Rot] instead. I can only copy a skill I have access to.”
“That makes sense. Ok. You have a deal.”
NEW QUEST [HAZARDOUS HARVEST]
GATHER 12 SADDLELEAF LEAVES FROM THE DOURFORE.
REWARD: 1 NEW SKILL
Joe accepted the quest and turned to the gnome beside him before he lost his focus again. “So what about you, Kaid? Are you coming with or heading back?”
“You getting yourself killed out there is only going to make things worse between Rhiley and me. I’ll cover your back since you clearly can't.”
“Gee thanks,” Joe scoffed, though to be honest, he was grateful he would not be heading to the sinister-sounding forest on his own.
The pair returned to the raft and pushed off towards the northern shore. Joe kept finding his eyes turning back toward the small, low island and the enchanting young woman watching them go. When Kaid’s foot stomped down on his toes, Joe snapped his gaze downward. He met a pair of frustrated eyes glaring back at him. Joe realized he was just standing there with his staff in his hands while Kaid was doing all the poling by himself. Joe dropped his eyes to the lashed logs and from then on did his share of the work, feeling like an embarrassed schoolboy with a crush on his teacher.