Cerebral Palsy
Debuff Type: Physical and Cognitive Impairment - Stage 3
Duration: 89 Days - 22 hours - 16 minutes
Cerebral palsy debuff is a brain injury that significantly affects your motor skills, muscle control, and coordination. Physically, you may experience difficulties in walking, balance, and fine motor tasks. It may manifest as muscle stiffness, involuntary movements, and challenges in precise muscle control.
In addition to the physical aspects, this debuff may also influence your cognitive abilities. You might encounter difficulties with attention, concentration, and information processing speed. Please be aware that these cognitive effects can vary in intensity and may impact your daily functioning.
As Charlie's eyes locked onto the countdown next to his cerebral palsy debuff, he was sucker-punched by a whirlwind of emotions. His eyes welled up, and he blinked against the threatening tears. For the past 16 years, his condition had been his constant companion, a part of his identity that had shaped his life, his outlook, and his very being. And now, it seemed, this defining part of him might have an expiration date. The thought of life without the cerebral palsy debuff hit him like a ton of bricks, and the tears started to slide down his cheeks. There was elation, no doubt, at the thought of breaking free from his physical constraints. For the first time in his life, he let himself fantasize about a future without the physical challenges he'd grown up with. He saw himself running, jumping, dancing, doing all the things his body wouldn't let him do. It was an intoxicating image, a promise of freedom he'd never experienced.
But then, there was the fear. The idea of being "normal" - the way society defined it - was unfamiliar and, frankly, a bit scary. Life without his debuff was uncharted territory, and the thought of navigating through it made his stomach churn. What would social interactions be like without the lens of his condition? Would people accept him for who he truly was, sans the assumptions and stereotypes that came with his cerebral palsy?
Charlie brushed away the tears, his mind whirring with a confusing blend of excitement and worry. While the promise of a life without his debuff was exhilarating, it was also daunting. He'd need to find his way in this new world, redefine who he was without his cerebral palsy, and figure out how to deal with people's perceptions of him. Taking a deep breath, Charlie clenched his fists. This was a challenge he was ready to face head-on, no matter how tough it got. He'd surround himself with supportive people, navigate the complexities of this new phase, and, most importantly, stay true to who he was. His worth extended beyond his debuffs, and he was ready to prove that.
As Charlie brushed away the final tear drops clinging to his cheeks, a sense of determined anticipation took root in his heart. The countdown on his debuff morphed into a beacon of hope, the ticket to a future teeming with unbounded possibilities. With a heart that pulsed with newfound resolve, his thoughts swerved towards the immersive world of gaming and literature that had helped chisel his worldview. He was eager to check if his fresh precursor status boasted an active quest list. The thought of being on quests, of levelling up, and becoming someone great ignited a lively spark within him. The sheer thrill of epic adventures and the prospect of pushing his own boundaries excited him to his core.
Something else caught Charlie's attention too - the 'G' rank next to his race. What did it symbolize? What perks or pitfalls came with it? The unknown element behind it piqued his curiosity, and he looked forward to cracking its secret. But before he could delve into quests or unravel his race’s rank, his mind steered towards his shiny new inventory ring. What could he pack in its supposed 1000 cubic feet capacity? His imagination took flight. Tools, supplies, keepsakes - the possibilities seemed endless. An eager smile spread across his face as he fantasized about exploiting this storage ability to its maximum. With the thrill of anticipation prickling his skin, Charlie slid the inventory ring onto his finger. The moment he focused his thoughts on opening up his storage, a vivid mental picture blossomed in his mind. It was like gazing into an expansive, bus-sized realm sliced into neat squares, ready to be packed with whatever he fancied. The sight left Charlie dumbstruck. It felt as if he had been handed the keys to his own personal vault, a realm to neatly stash and organise his possessions. Gathering a deep breath, he decided to give his shiny new inventory space a spin.
He extended his thoughts, picturing a tiny object and willing it into existence within one of the squares. But, nothing. His eyebrows knotted in confusion, and then his eyes fell upon a pen lying on the kitchen counter from his D&D game earlier. Taking a second shot at it, he concentrated and touched the ring to the pen. In a blink, there it was—a shimmering pen, suspended mid-air within the designated square. Charlie's heart pounded with sheer delight. The excitement bubbled over and he found himself jumping up and down like a kid unwrapping presents on Christmas morning. A loud whoop of victory escaped him, bouncing off the room's walls. He wasn't dreaming this up, it was all real.
With the pen now securely tucked away within his inventory ring, Charlie's excitement was a rushing river, begging to explore the expanse of this newfound power. He found his feet leading him into his bedroom, a space that was a mirror to his passions, tangible and digital alike. This room was his sanctuary, his haven of creativity and self-expression. His walls, adorned with posters of imagined worlds and heroic adventurers, were portals that took Charlie on journeys far beyond the confines of his own reality. Shelves crammed with books, maps, and figurines bore witness to his profound love for the fantasy genre and the spirit of adventure. His gaming chair, facing a souped-up computer setup, was ready at all times to teleport him to virtual landscapes where his physical constraints evaporated into nothingness. Amidst the organised chaos, his clothes lay haphazardly across the floor, memories of rushed outfit switches, and stark reminders of the daily trials his disability threw his way. His cerebral palsy, although invisible to the naked eye at that moment, had inked its presence into the fabric of his life, transforming routine tasks like tidying up into Herculean challenges. But Charlie's spirit remained unbroken. He knew he was armed with the fortitude to overcome any obstacle life might hurl his way.
His eyes locked onto his sturdy wooden desk, overflowing with notebooks, dice, and a smorgasbord of gaming knick-knacks. A spark of excitement twinkled in his eyes as he pondered over what object to try stowing away next. His mind sought something bigger, an item that would truly put the inventory ring's capacity to the test. His eyes landed on a stack of well-worn D&D rulebooks, their spines frayed from countless hours of delving into their knowledge and embarking on epic adventures. He chose the core rulebook, feeling its reassuring heft in his hands. A cocktail of anticipation and curiosity swirled within him as he focused his thoughts on storing this weighty tome within the spectral confines of the ring. As he honed his concentration, a pulse of magic seemed to fill the room. Within his mind, he could see a wide expanse, open and welcoming, eager to house his chosen item. The squares representing the inventory spaces expanded, morphing to fit the size of the book. A wave of satisfaction washed over him as he gently nudged the core rulebook into the intangible space, watching as it evaporated from his physical world.
Charlie flopped down onto his bed, letting the soft mattress welcome him into its comforting embrace as his mind spun, considering what his next experiment with his inventory ring should be. He surveyed the objects around him, trying to gauge what would make a feasible candidate for a journey into the mysterious confines of his ring. After mulling it over, a sly grin began to stretch across his face. Driven by a surge of excitement, he resolved to push his limits and attempt to stow his bed away. The idea of reclining on an intangible mattress, weightlessly suspended within his ring, was too enticing to resist. Brimming with anticipation, he reached out and concentrated on the bed before him. Almost immediately, the room was suffused with a faint magical shimmer as the bed began to phase out of existence. However, amidst his excitement, Charlie overlooked one vital fact—he was still perched on the bed. As the bed winked out of existence, he found himself unceremoniously dumped onto the floor.
For a split second, he lay sprawled on the floor, a tad winded. Then, the hilarity of the situation hit him, and he erupted into peals of laughter that filled his room. His mirth intermingled with the lingering aura of magic, creating a surreal atmosphere. Charlie couldn't help but marvel at the bizarre turn of events. This ring, this extraordinary relic, was a never-ending source of surprises and amusement. As his laughter petered out, he was washed over by a wave of satisfaction. He understood that the remarkable capabilities of his ring went beyond being a tool for entertainment. It could be instrumental in revealing a reality he knew was waiting just around the corner—an unbelievable reality that might be a hard pill for others to swallow. With his life steeped in gaming and D&D, coupled with his brain injury, he was aware of the incredulity he might face if he wasn't careful. Charlie decided that when the time was right, he would use the ring as an incontrovertible proof, a physical testament of his experiences. It would serve as evidence of the incredible journey he was setting foot on, lending credibility to his accounts to those he held dear. He understood that his friends and family might find his story hard to believe, but armed with this amazing ring, he held a piece of undeniable evidence.
After regaining his bearings, a cocktail of exhaustion and exhilaration coursed through Charlie's veins. Pushing himself up from the floor, he called upon the bed from his inventory ring, carefully setting it back in place. As he nestled back into the familiar comfort of his bed, his mind was alive with curiosity. Despite the weariness tugging at his eyelids, he knew he had two pressing queries to address. The first was the "G" rank displayed alongside his race. What did it denote? Was it a yardstick of his abilities or an indicator of his potential? With a glint of anticipation in his eyes, Charlie made a mental note to delve deeper into this intriguing rating.
Race: Human
Rank: G
Life Expectancy: 70-90 years
Rank Comparison: Below Average (System Average: Rank F)
The Human race, when compared to other races within the system, is considered to be below average in terms of their current potential. Humans possess no extraordinary or standout qualities that set them apart from other races. However, they also do not exhibit any prominent weaknesses that hinder their progress.
What Humans lack in inherent exceptional abilities, they make up for with an innate determination and an indomitable spirit. This inherent drive enables them to face challenges head-on and strive for excellence. Humans are known for their ability to adapt and evolve, leveraging their resourcefulness to overcome obstacles.
Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.
As Charlie scanned the race rank notification, he let out an exasperated eye-roll at the cliché concept of humans being pegged as "below average" in comparison to mythical races. It was like a broken record playing in most of the litRPG novels he'd read, where humans always ended up the underdogs in a world teeming with fantastical creatures like elves, dwarves, orcs, and goblins. "Who's the judge and jury on this?" he pondered aloud, a hint of amusement playing on his lips. He was curious about who these arbiters were, the ones assessing the value of each race. Was there a grand committee or system administrators somewhere passing verdicts on the intrinsic worth of every species?
The notification, while enlightening, didn't exactly offer Charlie any concrete answers. It left him ruminating over his rank and the feasibility of boosting it. What would it take for him to break free from the constraints of being a "below average" human? And more importantly, what would be the aftermath if he actually managed to do it? A wry smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as Charlie dismissed the idea of humans being inherently inferior. He was well aware that each race, humans included, had their distinct set of strengths and weaknesses. Even though humans might not be gifted with remarkable abilities or exceptional physical prowess, their tenacity and versatility were traits that should never be undermined. The idea of elves, dwarves, orcs, and goblins co-existing with humans in the real world elicited a chuckle from him. It seemed ludicrous and fantastical. Nonetheless, the idea held a certain appeal. The world was a crypt full of enigmas, and who knew if there were unknown dimensions where these legendary races indeed roamed? With a blend of scepticism and curiosity, Charlie resolved to face the ambiguity head-on. Regardless of the "below average" label, he was determined to carve out his own destiny, unearth his strengths, and prove that being human was more than just skin deep.
As Charlie pondered the uncanny resemblance between his current experiences and the game mechanics of litRPG novels and games he was familiar with, a lightbulb moment hit him. It seemed too serendipitous to brush aside. The system and its mechanics, which he knew like the back of his hand, pointed to a profound connection that went beyond the realm of mere amusement. "Could it really be?" he voiced his thoughts, his eyes widening with a cocktail of thrill and intrigue. The idea that game mechanics might have been subtly integrated into human existence over the past few decades was food for thought. Perhaps it was a strategic move, aimed at grooming humans to adapt swiftly to such systems. He reflected on the countless hours he had whiled away in virtual worlds, navigating skill trees, levelling up characters, and strategizing to overcome obstacles. It was all too reminiscent of the situation he found himself in. The progress, the quests, the attribute points—it all mirrored the mechanics of the games he had come to adore.
Charlie's heart thrummed in his chest as he considered the ramifications of his speculation. If there was indeed a conscious weaving of game mechanics into human existence, it signified that he, and the countless others who had traversed gaming worlds, might have an unanticipated upper hand. Their familiarity with these game structures could act as a springboard for quicker assimilation and comprehension of the system. A wave of exhilaration swept over him as he entertained the notion that his gaming experiences might bear a deeper significance than he had ever fathomed. It felt as though a curtain had been drawn back, revealing a bridge between his virtual escapades and the enigmatic reality unfolding before his eyes.
As Charlie's mind buzzed with the thrill and curiosity of the potential boons his gaming background might bestow, a sobering worry began to gnaw at his excitement. He couldn't shake off the recurring theme in most litRPG novels — the appearance of "the system" usually coincided with worldwide disruption, catastrophic occurrences, and even doomsday scenarios. It stirred a question in him about the real benefits of being an early adapter. What use were these perks if his disability still remained an obstacle? The harsh reality of his physical constraints loomed over him as he pondered the formidable hurdles that lay ahead. Sure, the system might endow him with certain perks, but how was he to safeguard his family amidst potential chaos?
Charlie recognized that even if he had a head start or some specialized skills, his disability would still present problems. He couldn't outpace or outperform an athlete like Usain Bolt, irrespective of the advantages the system might offer. This was a sobering truth check, a reminder that his abilities had boundaries, regardless of the potential enhancements this mysterious world might provide. His thoughts gravitated towards his family and friends, their safety, and their welfare in an uncertain future. Even though he was eager to probe the possibilities and decipher the mysteries of the system, his affection and worry for them took precedence. How was he to protect them in the face of an impending apocalypse?
Caught up in the swirling uncertainty of the road ahead, Charlie felt a sense of being stranded at a junction. The idea of levelling up felt daunting and vague, and he knew he couldn’t bank on traditional paths to power like indulging in a murderous rampage. It clashed head-on with his moral compass, and the very thought of ending up behind bars during this critical window of system initialization was a nightmare scenario he'd rather avoid. Deep within, Charlie knew he wasn’t cut out to intentionally hurt others for personal advancement. He wouldn’t shy away from standing his ground when needed, yet the idea of going out of his way to cause pain for the mere objective of bolstering his own strength repelled him. That just wasn’t who he was. A tinge of frustration clouding his thoughts, Charlie realized he was in desperate need of guidance. He speculated on the existence of a quest list or a journal within the system, a kind of roadmap offering a sequence of objectives for him to chase. He longed for something that could illuminate his path forward, something that could lend him a sense of direction and purpose.
Charlie found himself mulling over the idea of a user manual for the system. Wouldn’t it be fantastic to have a clear-cut guide to traverse this bewildering new reality? He chuckled to himself, fully aware of the irony that life seldom handed out user manuals. Yet, as if nudged by a twist of fate, a spark of curiosity flared within him. Could there be an easier route? What if he could materialize something as simple as a journal with a mere flicker of thought? Intrigued by this idea, he concentrated on the word "journal" in his mind. To his sheer surprise, a fresh page took form before his eyes, bifurcated into two distinct sections. One was titled “Active Quests,” eerily empty for the moment, while the other piqued his interest: “System Quests.” His gaze latched onto the highlighted quest, fittingly named “The Journey Begins.”
Quest: The Journey Begins
As a precursor, your role is of utmost importance in establishing the baseline for the human race within the initiation protocol. The primary objective of this quest is to determine the starting attributes and personal potential of rank-initiated races. On average, all rank G races have a baseline of 10 for each attribute, although there may be minor variations among individuals. Higher-ranked races starting attributes are incrementally increased by 10% for each increase.
(note: it is incredibly difficult to increase your race rank.)
During the precursor initiation protocol, the focus is on defining the potential and allocation of free points for each individual. Once the baseline has been established, every human within the system will receive their potential rank, indicating their unique level of innate abilities and talents.
The amount of free points allocated to each individual is determined by their potential rank. Those with higher potential, denoted by ranks such as S through to G rank
Ranks
S - 10 free attributes at every level
A - 6 free attributes at every level
B - 4 free attributes at every level
C - 2 free attributes at every level
D - 1 free attribute at every level
E - 1 free attribute every 2 levels
F - 1 free attribute every 3 levels
G - 1 free attribute every 4 levels
As you proceed through the Precursor Protocol, you will be allocated a random rank structure to allocate points as you see fit. At the end of the protocol should your potential indicate a lower rank, as a reward for participating you will be allowed to keep the number of free points achieved. If however it shows that you have been given a point structure of a rank lower than you achieve at the end of the protocol, the difference in free points will be allocated to you.
By participating in this quest, you will contribute to establishing the baseline potential and free point allocation for the human race. Embrace the challenges that lie ahead as you uncover your potential rank and navigate the intricacies of the initiation protocol.
Good luck, precursor, as you embark on this crucial phase of the journey. Your efforts will shape not only your destiny but also the future of humanity within the system.
Strive, Survive, and Thrive
As his frustration simmered, Charlie couldn’t help but question the supposed 'helpfulness' of that quest. It served up no hints about what his next move should be, leaving him mystified and teetering on the brink of an outburst peppered with expletives about the ineffectiveness of the darn quest. However, just as his annoyance threatened to bubble over, a fresh notification flickered at the edge of his vision. Intrigued and hopeful for something more enlightening, he swivelled his focus to the pulsating message. It unveiled a quest labelled “Clear the Dungeon.”
Charlie's eyes practically bulged out of their sockets as he registered the daunting quest title, “Clear the Dungeon.” A tidal wave of panic and dread swamped him, causing his heart to gallop and his palms to break into a clammy sweat. He couldn’t believe his eyes. “What the fuck?” he exploded, his voice a tumultuous blend of vexation and horror. “They can't be serious! Clearing a dungeon as my first task? I’m toast!” His mind was a whirlwind of images – shadowy, perilous passageways, fatal snares concealed in the gloom, and ferocious creatures eager to rend him limb from limb. This quest, in his mind, was nothing short of a one-way ticket to oblivion for a guy like him. His mind sprinted, scouring for a crumb of comfort in the face of this paralyzing fear. Then, a quote from his favourite book, Dune, sprang into his thoughts: “I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer.” It struck a chord with him, a reminder that yielding to fear would only serve to debilitate him further. Drawing in a deep breath, Charlie echoed the phrase to himself, as if trying to infuse his very essence with its wisdom. He acknowledged that letting fear swallow him whole would only cripple his chances of making it through. He needed to find a way to grapple with this terror and transform it into a fuel of determination. His hands trembled as he balled them into fists, steeling himself to confront the intimidating quest head-on. Yes, the dungeon promised danger, and the odds seemed stacked against him, but he vowed not to let fear pull his strings, he resolved as he navigated to the quest description.