Edwin was quite enjoying the view he had over his new domain. Looking down over them like a god; it felt surreal; but cool all the same. Think of games like Sim City and you'd have an idea of what it feels like.
But Jottenhiem's question catches him off guard, and for a moment he stands still and silent before letting out a sigh.
“I have some plans, but I'm really not sure how to start.” He says then, actually admitting it. It can take years for a monarch to learn how to lead an entire kingdom, after all. He'd been in Eternia little more than a week at this point. It was a big step.
“What Jottenhiem needs right now is food, building materials, and security. The number of unemployed is outrageous.” He mutters, pulling back the view with a motion of his hand until he's once more looking down at the city and its environs from the tower itself.
“Ah, I understand. The previous Demon Lords rose up from what could be considered humble beginnings. Step by step, they took over their tribes and then villages and progressively larger territories. You've started at the top, so it may be a tad overwhelming.” Jottenhiem finally says after a moments though, and Edwin could just imagine the being inside the crystal nodding.
“We shall bring in Lucien. Please wait a moment.” Jottenhiem suddenly says, and the sound of the large doors opening can be heard, even though Edwin couldn't see anything inside of the room itself, still being within the projection of the crystal.
And then out of nowhere, Lucien appears; although even he appears ruffled.
“Ah, my lord. It was unnecessary to yank me in here in such a manner. I could have walked.” The old man says pointedly, although his gaze is set around him, just like Edwin's had been when the projection first came up.
“Don't look at me, Lucien. Jottenhiem decided I needed a tutor.” Edwin says, although his tone is rather wry. It didn't surprise him that Jottenhiem could pull people into this space once given permission.
“Ah, just so. I am Jottenhiem. Its a pleasure to finally meet you, Lucien! I've been watching you for centuries!” The crystal finally speaks up, flashing with a light glow; followed by something that could almost be considered a giggle.
Yep, if Jottenhiem had to be anything, it was a woman. And probably a young one at that.
“Ah, excuse me. The previous Demon Lords were very strict about my presence. Others besides themselves weren't allowed in this room; but they're long gone, so the order has been lifted. I hope you don't mind, Edwin.” The crystal suddenly sounds skittish, as if it had forgotten something.
No wonder, really. Heart Crystals are extremely rare, and their users gain immense power over their surroundings. Edwin could just imagine the havoc that could be wrecked if others learned about them.
“Its okay, Jottenhiem. I trust Lucien, and at this point, I need help anyway.” Edwin says, although admitting such probably cost him a bit.
Lucien though barely bats an eye on all of this, and after checking the glowing outlines of several buildings around Jottenhiem and at the nearby village, can just imagine what the thought behind Edwin's plans were.
“Ah, so it isn't just setting up new work. You also plan to overhaul the economy, my Lord?” Lucien asks after a couple of moments of thought, to which Edwin nods.
“Yes. Jottenhiem needs more of just about everything. There are too many unemployed people. Too many mouths to feed, and not enough people doing anything about it. The local farmland is in almost utter disuse and banditry is at an all time high.” Edwin says, motioning to the great stretches of almost completely barren farmland outside the cities walls; and at the forest where the cross-swords of the bandit symbols float about chaotically.
“Jottenhiem can allow me to plan just about anything out here; but actually implementing them is another thing entirely. With Cormic's Patrol only now being set up, we have no way to police enough land that needs to be cultivated. A single spoiled harvest could destroy everything we're trying to build here.” Edwin explains; although for him its as close to complaining as he's ever come.
It really is too much. Edwin actually grinds his teeth.
Lucien though simply looks thoughtful, and after a moment a slight grin has spread across his lips.
“Ahem... My lord, why don't we think of this in a different way? You still need more training yourself, and this could be the perfect way to go about it.” Lucien says, although his own tone had turned enigmatic. Apparently the man had an idea of his own.
Edwin actually raises an eyebrow before chuckling ruefully.
“I walked right into that one, I guess. Very well, lets hear what you have to say, Lucien.” Edwin submits with a slight nod of his head.
Jottenhiem simply remains silent, watching them for now.
“Very well, my lord. First off, like any other trade, Farming and Ranching have their own set of skills. The more work and the higher the skill levels, the better the produce and goods become. Like in crafting, it isn't an absolute; but provides a bonus to the quality of the goods; along with things like how much soil can be tilled.” Lucien explains, part of which Edwin already knew from his lessons on the other crafting skills.
He didn't have them at all at the moment though. Without a lot of time to prepare, Edwin never did actually learn to craft anything himself.
“I suggest, my lord, that you learn how to do everything you can. Farming, mining, prospecting and as many crafting skills as you can get your hand on. After seeing you fight just yesterday, I believe you could set up an Absolute Domain out in the fields and use it to practice without risk of anyone disturbing the field. You'll also gain experience in the Dungeoneering skills that way, too.”
Lucien's suggestion was actually rather brilliant. It was an idea based on Edwin's own; but he'd totally skipped over it as thinking it impractical. But it could really work. And given his ability to control the area within that space, he could easily set up things like irrigation and the like.
Edwin actually grins. He has never been afraid of hard work, and although farming isn't anything he'd done before; there's no reason not to go with it.
“Also, my lord, you can set up the Domain to allow other farmers in; but not thieves or miscreants. Setting up a guarded space is part of the battle in reestablishing working agriculture.” Lucien continues with his idea, and Edwin nods.
“That is true. My current Dungeoneering size should be enough to get a small sized farm up and going at the moment. Actually getting people to work within it shouldn't be a problem once they realize that those who'd do harm couldn't get in.” Edwin says, giving his assent to the plan.
Jottenhiem takes over then, and soon enough has them zoomed in at the land outside the gates, and has highlighted one of the few still active farms and the fields around it.
“This is probably the best place to start, Edwin. Its close to the gates, and within the patrol pattern we discussed before. The farmland is rather rundown, but the family who owns it has been diligent even with the troubles they've had. Originally they hired guards of their own; but as the damage kept piling up, they were unable to continue doing so. They eventually formed a local militia-like group with their neighbors; but many soon left as their own lands were disrupted.” Jottenhiem explains some of the details, and Edwin frowns a bit.
“Why were the...” Edwin starts, then stops as an idea comes to him. He curses under his breath.
“The nobles did it, didn't they? To keep the price of food high, so they could rake in larger profits by buying outside crops cheaply and then transporting them here.” Edwin is rather mad; and if he hadn't already killed those responsible, he would have done so now for sure. Food is one of the bare necessities that people need to survive. Without a steady supply, people turn into animals or die out like beasts.
“Not just agriculture either, Edwin. There were several large mines and quarries that suffered damages or the loss of workers and were eventually shut down. Logging camps and even several of the largest mills in Lotash were burned down by unknown perpetrators. Rather it was because of the lords wanting more money for themselves or various infightings, I do not know.” Jottenhiem explains, although her tone had become somewhat subdued.
Edwin has to take a moment to suppress his own feeling of anger, and after several deep breaths could finally think clearly again. Greed was something he'd seen even back on Earth, after all. It shouldn't be that hard to figure out the same would happen here without any sort of oversight. But he'd already killed them all, so there isn't anything he could do on that front.
“Very well. We have to start somewhere, so we might as well get to it.” Edwin eventually says, his words having returned to a somewhat normal tone; much to the relief of both Lucien and Jottenhiem.
“I have marked the details as required, Edwin. However, once you leave the chamber here in the tower, I will not be able to assist you further until you return.” Jottenhiem says then, sounding rather lonely again.
“You cannot leave this place?” Edwin asks, for a moment bewildered. But its easy to figure out why. Jottenhiem was a crystal after all. He'd have to carry it around with him everywhere in order to use it.
“Yes, Edwin. I was set here because it was the highest point in Jottenhiem (the city), but I can work from any other position as well. There is just no way to hide my presence though.” Jottenhiem says, giving for all the world would be a sigh.
Edwin frowns and walks back toward the crystal; reaching up with his right hand. For most things, the long trek back up the stairs would be too time consuming. If something critical came up, he'd have no way to get here in time to do anything about it from this standpoint.
'I need Jottenhiem', he thinks to himself; letting his fingers lightly brush the crystals neatly cut surface. Its cool to the touch, but still rather pleasing. 'She should come with me'.
At the thought, the glowing blueprint-like space they were in suddenly disappears, landing them back in the circular chamber at the top of the tower. Even more surprising, the crystal itself had disappeared, too.
Edwin feels a cold shiver goes down his spine; along with a sudden burning sensation from the mark on his chest, causing him to gasp and drop to his knees; almost tearing his shirt open to look at his own marked, red skin.
In the center of the black and purple-glowing tattoo that was there before, a single blue crystal facet could be seen surrounded by the tattoo on his flesh, and touching it he could 'feel' the hard surface of the crystal that's flat against his chest.
“What just happened?! Edwin, why am I in your chest!?” Jottenhiem's voice suddenly echoes out, surprising both Edwin and Lucien, who was still in shock.
“I don't know...” Edwin says after catching his breath; the pain slowly easing, although it has left him rather shaken and covered in sweat. He doesn't even notice that Lucien had rushed to him after only a moment, and was looking at Edwin's chest and the crystal now embedded within it.
“I... My lord, I've never seen such a thing. That tattoo... I can feel the Void in it.” Lucien says after a moment, having to open and close his mouth several times to get his words out. Edwin had previously been examined when he was summoned, and didn't have such a thing on his body before.
*DING*
Void Space Unlocked!Void Space is a unique ability granted only to the Voids' representative in the world of Eternia.
It is a direct connection back into the nothingness of the Void, and thus is capable of holding any object within itself.
Objects stored in the Void Space may be recalled at any time. Similar to the enchanted bags that Adventurers covert for their ability to store a great amount of items; Void Space can hold an unlimited number of things without weight, mass, or other restrictions.
Living things stored in the Void Space are put in stasis, thus preserving them until recalled.
Time does not affect things within the Void Space.
Special objects placed within the Void Space may still be able to interact with the world outside through the users body.
By activating the first Power of the Void, you have gained a greater affinity with the VoidVoid Affinity +20New information about the Power of the Void has been added to the Codex menu.The Mark of the Void has grown. A new Power of the Void may be unlocked.
Several new status messages pop up as Edwin regains his feet, and he makes sure to read them before giving a grunt of surprise.
“Void Space, huh. Ever heard of anything like this, Lucien?” Edwin asks after a moment, thinking that it reminds him of things like 'bags of holding' from the few games he'd played back on Earth. It was a surprisingly useful ability to have.
“No, my lord.” Lucien answers shortly, not quite sure what is going on or what Edwin is referring to.
“Oh, here.” Edwin says, having forgotten that he could show the status message to others. He soon opens it back up with a thought, and gives permission for Lucien to read it.
Lucien is surprised, but a thoughtful look crosses his face.
“I've never heard of the Power of the Void before, my lord. But it seems to act like it suggests.” Lucien says, giving a somewhat rueful smile. Edwin keeps surprising him. Since when did he gain such a power? It wasn't anything he'd ever heard before in his rather long life.
“Well, no matter. This way Jottenhiem can come with me and no one else would know.” Edwin says, flashing another one of his surprisingly boyish grins.
“EEEEH! You mean I can come with you, Edwin?!” Jottenhiem seems surprised herself, and Edwin actually chuckles.
“Yes, Jottenhiem. No more being left up here in the tower. You can come out with me and actually see the world from up close.” Edwin says, not at all taken aback by this sudden turn of events. It would definitely be useful to keep the Heart Crystal with him after all.
“Yay!” Jottenhiem is actually really surprised and happy, as well. She'd been locked in the tower, sometimes literally under lock and guard like some forbidden princess before. The other Demon Lords used her, but also feared her immense ability. In some cases they wouldn't even visit for years.
But Edwin was going to take her out! It was almost a wish come true.
With that confirmation, Edwin experiences another flash of heat from his chest; although not a painful one. He looks down only to find the crystal facet in his chest glowing brightly.
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*DING*
Crystal Vision has been learned!By assimilating the Heart Crystal Jottenhiem and gaining its approval, part of its unique power has been granted to the user.
Crystal Vision allows you to share the far-sight of the Heart Crystal within the territory it controls. Skills such as Sneak, Backstab, Ambush and others have become ineffective against the user.
Other applications have become available to Crystal Vision.
The Jottenhiem Control menus have been assimilated.
The Resource menus have been assimilated.
Other menus have been assimilated.
Crystal Vision is an Ability, and as such does not have an associated skill cost to use.
Crystal Vision cannot be used outside of the Heart Crystal's territory.
Expanding the Heart Crystal's territory will increase the range of Crystal Vision.New information on the Heart Crystal has been added to the Codex menu.New information about Crystal Vision has been added to the Codex menu.New information about Abilities has been added to the Codex menu.
Wow, another bunch of messages has come up, along with an actual Ability, and not just a skill. Lucien had explained to him that past week that abilities were innate things that other people could not learn as Skills. There were all sorts of Abilities, some even harmful to their users.
But the Crystal Vision was definitely useful, and Edwin actually laughs as he reads its description.
It seems like a personal-use version of the blueprint-like space that Jottenhiem had projected before. Except this time only in Edwin's mind.
He quickly activates it; and feeling another flush of heat from his chest, his green eyes start to shine brightly; his vision having been magnified several times. He can see the outline of everything, and with a thought his vision expands out in 360 degrees, before looking out over the whole of the citadel from his position.
“Whoah. That's cool.” He says, which draws Lucien's attention. Unlike before, there was no outward sign that anything had happened to him, since most status messages had to be shared before others recognized them. But he does notice the magic glow around Edwin's eyes.
“It seems that Allisa is waiting with lunch, and Cormic is already here.” Edwin says then, blinking his eyes and they turn to normal before he flashes another grin at Lucien.
“I can see that place where we were before, but without Jottenhiem projecting it.” Edwin says after catching Lucien's nonplussed gaze; to which the old man nods, but keeps his mouth firmly shut.
Edwin's new abilities were coming on too fast for him to make sense of. The old man was nervous.
“Its a good thing, Lucien. Don't fret so much.” Edwin says with a grin, causing even Jottenhiem to give a giggle from his chest as he buttons back up his shirt before leading them out.
The way back down the tower is thankfully swifter than walking up had been, and after arriving to the ground floor, Edwin spots one of the new maids and waves her over. He doesn't remember her name though.
“Please let Allisa know that we'll be taking lunch in the study. Herself and Cormic are to attend.” Edwin says easily, giving the woman a slight smile before leading Lucien to the study after making sure the maid had run off to the kitchen.
Once back in that comfortable place, Edwin sets down with a sigh, and looks up at Lucien who'd started to pace back and forth.
“What's eating you, Lucien?” Edwin finally asks after the third back and forth motion the old goblinoid had gone through on the carpet.
“Ah... I'm sorry, my lord. Its just... Some of these things you've learned, I've never heard of any of them. When you get to be as old as I am, surprises are not often good things.” Lucien finally admits after stopping his stride, turning to look at Edwin with something like chagrin on his face.
“Oh, I see. Well, it is understandable.” Edwin says, although he isn't really sure what to do or so about it.
But his response got another giggle from Jottenhiem, and she finally speaks up.
“Lucien has already forgotten that Edwin was summoned to this world. Like the human Heroes from before and during the Second Eternal War, Edwin has the same knack for gaining power and abilities that go beyond what we are able to do. Skills, abilities and even stats progress far more quickly for summoned beings. Some go so far as to bend or break the laws of the world. Edwin's 'Power of the Void' is an example.” Jottenhiem says, although thankfully her voice dies away shortly before there's a knock on the door, before Allisa comes in; this time rolling a cart with four sets of meals.
“Hello, Allisa. Come and join us. You too Cormic, we have much to discuss, I imagine.” Edwin says easily, waving to the other chairs as Lucien takes his customary seat.
“Thank you, my lord.” Allisa says, smiling politely this time. Apparently with uncertain company, she isn't as bubbly or as outgoing. Edwin is fine with that for now; although they will be seeing quite a bit more of Cormic in the coming days.
“Hiya lad. How you feelin'? You looked dead on your feet yesterday before leaving after your fight!” Cormic, of course, is just as outgoing and loud as before, and Edwin simply nods and gives him a smile. Lucien's face had gone smooth again; although his eyes seemed merry.
“Pretty good, Cormic. Nothing a nights rest didn't solve.” Edwin says, motioning to the seat across from him.
“Lucien outlined your letter for me earlier. Did you get my reply?” Edwin asks, getting right down to business while Allisa moves around and hands out the plates and silverware for lunch.
“Aye. Its a good start, but I'm not sure its enough Patrollers though. We had some trouble simply keeping those houses in Upper Jottenhiem secure last night. None were broken into, but people surely tried.” Cormic says with a grunt, and Edwin glances a look at Lucien who nods after a moment.
“Very well. I thought a thousand would work for the time being, but if things are as bad as that... Jottenhiem, please pull up the City Status mode.” He says, to the surprise of the others in the room.
Lucien knew what to expect, but he never thought Edwin would use such a thing here!
Edwin simply smiles and watches as the space the four of them are in becomes nondescript and outlined in blue lines and glowing symbols. With a quick motion of his hand, the view zooms out, and there they are, sitting while looking down at the whole of the city.
“Agh! Don't go doing crazy things like that, lad! Dwarfs have no head for heights!” Cormic suddenly shouts, his hands like iron on the arms of his seat, although he never did feel anything when coming up so high.
“Hah. Sorry, Cormic. This is something I gained just a short while ago.” Edwin says, although he matches a smile with Lucien before settling back down.
“This place is still the study. We're simply in a magic projection provided by Jottenhiem. Don't worry, there's still solid stone and carpet under your feet.” Edwin says then, much to Cormic's immediate relief as he touches his booted feet to the floor.
“Oh lad... Scared me halfway to the voids door already.” Cormic mutters, pulling a little on his beard as he looks down at the city though.
“This is where you set up the Patrols' headquarters, Cormic. The green outline is my plan to take several of the neighboring buildings and tearing them down to make space for a proper barracks and training grounds for the Patrol. I'll take a couple more to enlarge the space.” Edwin explains to the dwarf, using his hands to outline the buildings he selects and then does away with them, growing the green-lined space, shifting the barracks a bit before pulling up a new workshop building on the new space.
Like police forces back on Earth, there's quite a bit of need for infrastructure. Workshops, armories, storage. He lines the entire Patrol with its own ten-meter tall walls and adds two fortified gates along the roadways that border the area and then a watch tower that'll also act as a signal beacon.
Cormic finally gets into it after a bit more, and starts pointing out things that Edwin didn't realize.
“Alright lad. That looks like a good start. Should be able to house and train about two thousand and five hundred patrollers there.” Cormic says with a nod; but Edwin shakes his head and pulls the view back.
“No. We're going with five thousand, Cormic.” Edwin says after a moments thought, before pointing out to several of the other green buildings.
“These are Patrol Stations I thought about earlier. Both in Upper Jottenhiem and Lower, and several spaced along the main roads out of the city gates. There's also going to be a fairly large on at the village of Lotash. They have a bandit problem that needs to be taken care of quickly.” Edwin explains then, leaving Cormic a little aghast, but he quickly nods with a thoughtful look.
“Aye, that'd be a bit help.” Cormic finally says, looking them over.
“As much as I could I want the Patrol Stations at the squares, near as many businesses and markets as possible. Security is really bad right now.” Edwin says with a sigh, leaning back in his chair. He hadn't even touched his lunch yet. Even Allisa was looking at him with a worried glance.
She hadn't said anything expect the look of surprise that happened when all of this started.
But Edwin was happy simply to have her close by.
“Next up, the situation in Lotash...” Edwin goes on to explain his plans there, with the food problems, the mills, and his plans with the forest. Most of it Cormic didn't have much to say about, but he was looking thoughtfully at the bandit symbols floating over top the forest.
“Hmm... Perhaps a bounty? Get more people involved and willing to do something about it, and we can sweep the forest clean pretty easily.” Cormic suggestions, and Edwin nods with another thoughtful look.
“That could work. We could also use it as a test of sorts. I want as many bandits captured alive, and those that prove themselves could be trained as Patrollers themselves.” Edwin says, causing Cormic to grunt; but he nods soon after.
“That'll work, my lord.” The dwarf says, before grinning into his beard.
“Hm. And with convict labor, it'll be easier and cheaper to open up the old mines or quarries nearby.” Edwin says with his own grin. It was a pretty good idea, so long as they can make it work.
“Now then, the last part of business. We've decided to have an experiment at this farm just outside the city walls. I'm sure you know just how bad and unused the farmland has become lately, so there's no reason to get into that. But Lucien made the suggestion of using my Dungeoneering skills to help out there. I want to set up a patrol there as quickly as possible.” Edwin says, causing Cormic to grunt again.
There's a lot of work, and not enough hands to go around at this point.
Edwin doesn't go into his full plan at the farm though. “Also, I'm going to station about fifty patrollers here at the Citadel, in the guards barracks. With everything going on in the city, the security here needs to be as topnotch as everywhere else.”
Cormic takes this one with a pinch of salt and simply strokes his beard; thoughtful again with all of this. It was a lot bigger than what he was originally thinking. The previous Demon Lord had simply stationed his armies troops in the city and let them keep the peace.
But Edwin wasn't doing that. He wanted an absolutely local, loyal police force. It was a notion that wasn't well regarded in Eternal. Too 'modern'.
But Cormic's eyes are bright, and he's soon nodding his own head.
“Okay then. Now to draw up the charter. With the state of the treasury as it is, we aren't going to be able to pay anything resembling a full wage at the moment. Instead, we'll be setting up a kitchen and offering two full meals a day along with a minimum of pay. We'll work out the idea of a badge and a uniform for later; but actually getting enough equipment is going to be a problem right now.
Those who can bring their own arms would be a great help. Think of it as setting up a militia and getting them trained first.” Edwin lays down the last of the plan, and once Cormic approves he has Lucien write it up properly and notarized with several copies.
Edwin signs as best he could, and so does Cormic. Once done, Lucien takes a copy and folds it neatly into a leather folder that he puts away for safe keeping.
“Congratulations, Cormic. Commander of the Jottenhiem Patrol.” Edwin says, shaking the dwarfs' large hand, almost flinching at the tightness.
“I'll serve as best I can, my Lord.” The dwarf actually says, choking a little on his words. It isn't surprising. Cormic had just claimed the first appointed position in the city. By the end of the day, everyone would know it, too.
The news spreads quickly, and by the time Edwin has climbed back up to his own chambers, he could see the large gathering outside of his window. He actually stops and steps out onto the balcony. The sun was bright and red, slowly sinking behind the mountains; and the city of Jottenhiem was out in mass. He could hear the cheering and could see the torch-holding citizens that'd gathered in Upper Jottenhiem.
It was a party going on, and Edwin could simply chuckle. Who would have thought that the creation of a police force would actually bring about a celebration? But for people who've been downtrodden for so long... maybe it shouldn't be so surprising.
“It is quite something, Edwin.” Jottenhiem's voice comes from his chest, and Edwin can only nod.
“Yes. Things are going to change. They need to change.” Edwin says softly, although he sounds weary again after a long day.
“And we still have more work tomorrow.”
-|- -|- -|-
Sorry for the long wait guys! Real life kept taking my attention, but here's Chapter 6! I hope you guys enjoy!
I'm going to try to push out Chapter 7 later today as well, to make up for some lost time!
I actually had to do a bit of research to work through some of these things. Its quite hard actually learning how to rule! Haha.
As always, feel free to leave comments or the like!
I'm not going to post updated stats this time around, because Chapter 7 is going to a big mess of them!
Also I'm going to have to start writing up more Codex entries too! That's going to be a hassle, so I'll work on it one at a time.
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