- 31 -
Outside the courtyard was filled with new adventures, none over the age of 8 or 9.
"Welcome, young adventurers!" The Guild Master boomed, his voice echoing to the back of the courtyard.
"Today, I shall enlighten you on the importance of teamwork and the various roles within a well-balanced team. If you learn one key thing today, it’s that the strength of a team lies not only in its individual members but in the synergy they create."
He gestured towards a banner hanging nearby, adorned with the different roles within an adventuring party.
"The first role we have is our Damage Dealer, or Stryker," the guild master began.
"This brave soul wields powerful weapons and unleashes devastating attacks upon enemies. Their skills are focused on dealing heavy damage, but remember, they rely on their teammates to protect them."
Next, he turned to a sturdily built warrior beside him. The man’s shoulders were as broad as a cart and Drew could feel a chill from the man’s shadow.
"Behold, Gruss, the half Ork Tank! This man possesses remarkable endurance typical of Orks and serves as the shield for his team. Tanks have an important role to draw enemy attention and deflect or soak up damage, protecting their allies from harm. Without a strong tank, the team's survival can hang by a thread."
With a flourish of his hand, he motioned to a nimble figure darting between training targets at the end of the courtyard.
"Aggers is a switch, the most versatile role, a switcher adapts to the needs of the moment. They can temporarily step into the tank's shoes drawing attention off of the stryker or tank for a short time or unleash their own damage as a temporary stryker. While the switch doesn't have the specialization to match the striker or the tank, he can give the team breathing room to recover and take down a powerful opponent. Their ability to swiftly change their approach in battle keeps the target on their toes and ensures flexibility in strategy.”
“Every adventuring team needs these three roles to be certified by our guild. If you are forming a new adventuring party you will not be assigned quests until you have these 3 team members and at least one more from these last two roles.”
“In no way are these roles less important, but the team can complete simple quests with one of these roles filled. First, we have the healer. This compassionate soul mends the wounds of their allies, ensuring they stay strong and resilient throughout their journey. The healer's presence means the team can survive lethal damage or devastating status effects. It is often the difference between life and death, so never underestimate their value."
Lastly, he pointed to a distant figure gracefully firing arrows from a distance at the switcher amongst the targets.
"And here we have Fleek. This expert marksman excels in long-range combat, using their bow to rain down deadly precision upon enemies. They bring a mix of damage and utility, able to sense traps, and set them, scouting ahead for signs of danger and providing invaluable precision strikes with bow or daggers in combat. Where a healer can help the team survive an unexpected danger, the Ranger can help the team avoid it in the first place."
The guild master smiled, his gaze encompassing the eager faces of the children.
"These are the 5 roles that our Guild trains to perfection. Our trainers have survived to teach you these same skills and tactics that kept them alive. Remember, young adventurers, every role is crucial in a team. Each member has a unique contribution that creates a powerful synergy, leading to victory against formidable foes. No matter which role you embody, respect and cooperation are the foundations of a successful adventure."
Where exactly does a Crow like me fit in best?
"Alright, my young adventurers, it's time to put your skills to the test!" The guild master announced.
- 32 -
The guild master left the training area. The children had worked hard but he had other things to do instead of standing out in the sun.
A group of experienced trainers stood at the center of the training area.
The newest batch of children had performed reasonably well. The trainers were comparing notes and speaking in hushed tones regarding who impressed them.
Sarah, Gionnathyn and Gessica sat off to the side having a snack. The hours of tests and training had been tough on them.
“You couldn’t keep up with me at all in the sprints Sarah.” Gionnathyn said as he reached into his bag for his water skin.
“I was minutes ahead of everyone but you were nearly last place!”
“Speed isn’t everything Gonnathan.” Sarah said. “I may have lost to you in speed but as soon as they gave us weapons I left you with you mouth hanging so wide open a Skeetle could have flown in!”
She turned to Gessica and flexed her bicep.
“I nearly knocked the practice dummy out of the ground!” Sarah said.
“You two did great today. I’m sure you will both be strikers.” Gessica said.
She looked down at her scone without taking a bite.
“What’s wrong Gessi?” Sarah asked.
“It’s nothing.” The younger girl replied.
“She says it’s nothing leave her alone.” Gionnathyn said.
“Boys are so dumb. Gessica, what is it?” Sarah insisted.
Gessica looked up with tears in her eyes.
“I could really keep up in the sprints, or living all those heavy stones. The trainers were nice, but you could tell they didn’t think I could do it.” Gessica started to cry.
“Thats okay Gessi, you can be our rogue or healer.” Sarah said.
“Yeah! I’ll be the striker, Sarah will be the Tank. Because she’s so tough. And you can be our rogue. And Ethan could be the healer.” Gionnathynsaid.
“Thats right. I saw a trainer for slings, let’s go practice and then we can complete some quests and buy you a bow and some arrows!” Sarah said.
The younger girl visibly cheered up and wiped her eyes.
“Yeah? Let’s do it! I’ll be a great ranger and keep you two out of trouble!” She said.
They ran past Drew, he was swinging from a rope and trying to climb up it like the kids had, using only his claws.
Not as easy as Gionnathyn made it look. The kids all did really well today. And in the excitement I was able to test my self against the guild’s training too. I’ve still got a long way to go before I can knock a test dummy off its post.
Drew flew over to a perch near the trainers to recover his stamina.
Maybe I’ll get a few tips if I listen in.
The guild trainers were analyzing the strengths displayed by each child and mapping out who could team up and what their roles would be.
"Gionnathyn shows great potential as a Striker," Aggers suggested. “He performed well climbing rope, striking the target dummy, and was first in the sprints.”
“He could be a good switch if we needed him to be, I know there are at least two teams that lost theirs recently.” Fleek said.
"Kid’s friend Sarah's agility and strength make her a natural fit for a Tank." Gruss chimed in. "Gessica is an ideal candidate for a Rogue.” Aggers said.
“I’m not so sure.” Fleek said. “She may be a better healer. Or better yet, she become a crafter and stay out of danger.”
He’s got a point. They are just kids. They should all be crafters and stay out of danger.
“Did you see the gallows bird? It healed Gessica after she dropped a stone on her foot.” Aggers said.
“Is that the same bird that healed Kent earlier? Seems like the kids are befriending it. Maybe Gessica could take it as a familiar, the materials shouldn’t be that expensive for a rank one monster.” Gruss said.
Fleek shrugged, then elbowed Aggers in the ribs.
“I saw the Skurr. He was able to peck the dummy pretty hard, and also was pretty fast doing the wall relay despite his little legs.” He laughed.
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“Yeah!” Said Gruss. “He would make a good switch eh?”
“Oh that’s true!” Fleek said. “Weren’t you a switch Aggers? Take the bird on as your trainee.”
The two trainers laughed and Aggers closed his notes.
“Hah ha, very funny.” Let’s turn these results into the guild master and grab a drink.” Aggers said. “Fleek. You can buy the first round.”
Drew watched the three men walk into the guild hall.
I’ll show them. I’ll train so hard that I’ll be back here knocking dummies over the fences!
Drew flew over to see what new training the kids were up to.
An old man walked out of the Guild, having just filed a quest, he scowled at the beginner adventurers.
“They are starting so young these days. And none of these backwater guilds test aptitude for magic or healing. They say that all roles are equal, but these challenges are geared for Strikers and Tanks only.”
He watched a moment longer as a Skurr flew about deftly dodging stones as two girls practiced with their slings. The Skurr caught a stone in its beak and threw it back at the young Rogue hopeful.
“Hah! These children can barely keep up with a Gallow Bird. Humph!” he harrumphed and headed back to his workshop.
- 33 -
The moon rose early that afternoon. The guild was bustling. Drew perched in the rafters beside his fellow skurr. As the dinner rush ended and the drinking began in earnest the real excitement began.
Area Quest: Dinner Service: Adventurers have left their meals half eaten and forgotten. All able skurr are to collect as much food as they can before the plates are cleared up.
Here we go again.
Skurr started dive bombing the forgotten meals.
I better get my share too.
The waitresses did their best to shoo away the scavengers but they were greatly out numbered.
“Get out of here you crazy birds!”
”Every day! Damnit!”
“Watchout! That table is going to tip over!”
”That Skurr flipped up my skirt!”
Wahoo!
Plates were scattered across the floor as a table toppled. The flock of birds ravaged the dining area. Drew flew along with them, getting his fare share of food and exp.
Five frantic minutes later the food was gone, and the adventurers were laughing at the flock’s intensity. There were cheers when each Skurr lit up with the glow of a fresh level.
Quest Complete: Dinner Service: exp earned 327
Agility +1
Quest Complete: Hunger: exp earned 125
Quest Complete: Hunger: exp earned 125
The guild hall was a lively symphony of laughter and chatter, a haven for both the triumphant and downtrodden adventurers.
Tankards clinked, bards played merry tunes, and the glow of lanterns illuminated the weathered faces of veteran and rookies alike. Drew watched them all with his unblinking eyes.
I might level up my proficiency with Common today. It’s at 87%.
He watched as Vivian pulled down the quest fliers and locked them away in her desk. She updated a ledger and started clearing her desk for the night.
It had been another busy day for Vivian. She spent the whole day surrounded by a whirlwind of adventurers seeking quests, exchanging rumors, and boasting of their recent escapades. She smiled despite it all and kept a professional attitude.
She headed upstairs to bed, her business desk sat deserted. Her stamp and quests locked up tight. The desk sat silently, awaiting the next day's influx of hopeful adventurers.
As the night wore on, and the revelry at the adventurers' guild reached a new octave, Drew sat watch studying the adventurers below and drawing closer to the next level in Common.
How high does my level need to be before I can speak?
Drew spotted a person lurking in the shadows.
A figure slipped past the quest board without making a sound. As they passed the light of the dining hall they were temporarily illuminated.
She's a woman, on the shorter side, with pointed ears. Could be an elf, or half elf.
The lithe figure slipped behind Vivian’s desk and ducked down.
Well she is clearly up to something. Maybe I can stop her and get on the guild master’s good side? Would I get a quest for catching a thief?
The thief quickly unlocked Vivian’s desk drawer and found her keys. She opened the door to the guild master’s back offices.
Drew launched himself off the beam to dive bomb the thief before she could close the door behind her.
”Stop thief!” Drew’s police training betrayed him as his shriek alerted the thief he was coming.
Drew’s first attack tore open her scalp as she turned to face him. He circled back around to come at her again with his claws.
“What the shit??” The thief hissed.
She ducked his second attack on instinct. Her own blood was getting in her eyes and blinding her.
In the near darkness of the back office Drew’s grey plumage made him almost invisible. And he also couldn’t see very well.
Drew pulled up quickly before he ran into the wall then landed poorly on top of a bookcase on the side wall.
This is not a very big room. Flying is going to be tough.
The only light in the room came in through a couple windows opposite the door.
The thief stood in the center of the room holding her scalp and wiping her eyes.
I guess I keep the pressure on. Heads up!
Drew did his best eagle impression, screeching as he swooped in towards the thief again.
Using the noise to target him, the thief threw a handful of powder into Drew’s face.
Ack! It burns!
Drew squawked as he crashed on to the guild master’s desk behind the thief.
HP: 90%
Debuff: Blinding Powder (0:24)
I got to keep moving or I’m dead.
Drew dragged himself up and scrambled out of the way of the thief’s attack. She slammed a short club onto the desk in three quick strikes, she caught Drew’s wing in the last strike and he blindly threw himself off the desk and onto the floor.
Debuff: Broken Bone (1/1)
Debuff: Bleeding: -2% HP/second
This is not going to plan at all.
He dodged a kick and squeezed in between a couple bookcases, managing to get all the way back behind where she couldn’t reach him before he activated both of his healing spells.
Debuff Expired: Blinding Powder
HP: 75%
MP: 50%
Debuff Removed: Broken Bone (Wing), exp 125
Drew’s Broken Bone debuff flashed then faded away as the bone snapped into place.
Damn that really hurts!
After another few seconds his shoulder popped back into place.
Debuff Removed: Bleeding exp 35
Who throws powder in your eyes?! Sneak attacks are cheating! And she broke my wing. That's just rude.
While he was healing, the thief quickly unlocked multiple cabinets and took things from a couple shelves.
What is she taking?
Drew was focusing on regenerating his mana with meditation to keep his reserves up.
She knows exactly where to look for what she is here for.
“Don’t try anything you crazy bird! I won’t hold back just because you are injured.” The thief said.
Her voice was higher pitched than he would have expected and her accent thick. Her accent reminded him of an Eastern European or Russian person back on earth.
She held a couple small bags in one hand and was struggling to open the window. With the short club and Vivian’s keys in her other hand, the window was giving her a hard time.
HP 90%
Mana 35%
Drew dropped his healing spell and meditation skill and slipped out from behind the desk. He skittered across the floor towards her back.
She turned to kick him but Drew was ready and hopped over her kick. He flapped his wings as he swiped her hand holding the club and keys. The club clattered to the floor and he secreted the keys away into his gathering ring.
Not so tough without your club now are you?
The thief smacked him with her bag of loot then swore while she jumped out the window.
HP: 65%
Nothing broken this time, the chase is on!
Drew hummed the Airwolf theme song to himself, as he jumped out the window and followed the thief into the night.
- 34 -
Drew followed her for half an hour, down winding alleys, and taking multiple switchbacks. He flew up above the rooftops easily keeping track of her from a distance. It was plenty of time for his mana to refill and his health to fill up naturally.
I’ve not really flown much at night, the city looks so different. I hope there aren’t any strange nocturnal predators out.
The thief stopped before crossing a wide intersection and snuck a peek around the corner. She spotted two town guards on patrol and retreated back down the alley to stash her stolen goods. She settled on stowing her loot under the cover of a weathered cart.
Seems like she has more than a little skill. I bet most folks would have lost track of her by now. Except most folks don’t have eyes in the sky.
The thief crouched looking at the cart.
Maybe she’s feeling remorse about kicking a handsome crow? Or she could be rethinking her life of crime?
The city guard patrol approached the mouth of the alley and the light from their lantern sent the thief running back the other way.
She turned the corner into the labyrinth of nocturnal streets, leaving her haul unguarded as the guards carried on their way.
She will have to come back to get her bags. They look heavy, but if I can move them to where the guards can find them then the guards can return them to the guild.
He landed gracefully on the cart and pulled the canvas blankets back with his beak to uncover the stolen items. He pulled the first bag up and off the back of the cart, and it fell with a loud thump.
Drew opened the bag to spill out a full set of leather armor.
To his surprise, the second bag was much lighter it only contained a few books.
What? Not gold and silver coins? She just stole gear and books?
The first tome was labeled "Mana Regeneration, a basic skill guide”.
No quests are popping up, maybe these are just books? Maybe it’s one of those hollow books people hide stuff in?
Drew flipped the book open with a claw and the pages started turning on their own.
Skill Upgrade: [Mana Regeneration 2]
What? Seriously? Didn’t Borealis say that skill books are a thing here?
Drew hopped over to the next book and practically tore the cover open without reading the title.
Skill Upgrade: [Stamina Regeneration 3]
The books dissolved into particles of light.
Drew’s beady eyes fell upon the third book, it was larger and more ornate than the first two, with silver filigree inlaid on the cover.
Wait, I didn’t know they were single use. I really shouldn’t read this last one. It’s so shiny.
Do you want to read [Light Armor Mastery] Grimoire? Yes/No
“Yes” Drew squawked.
The pages of the book turned themselves, flashing light into his eyes for nearly a minute, then it too dissolved into light particles.
New Skill: [Light Armor I] lvl 1
New Quest Line: [Light Armor Mastery]: You have started a Grimoire quest line to master light armor. Follow each sub quest until you complete the quest line.
New Quest: [Light Armor Mastery]: Equip a full set of light armor.
Oh man my head is killing me. But so totally worth it, they wouldn’t have given me the Grimoire anyways. And a crow’s got to do what he can to survive. I promise to use my powers to protect the weak.
[Light Armor I] lvl 1 With practice, light armor will no longer slow you down. Reduction to Stamina costs at higher levels.
Can I even wear light armor?
He hopped over to the armor from the first bag and picked up the smallest piece, a Leather Bracer.
New Item: [Leather Bracer] Light armor. Not available to equip, incompatible physiology.
If it’s like my bracelet I will have to modify it. It’s basically the size of my entire body, maybe I could cut it to size for a breast plate? I’ll need tools.
New Quest: Puzzling: Craft a breast plate.
Alright then, asking for quests works sometimes.
Drew stashed the Leather Bracer in his storage ring and was going to grab a few more pieces of armor when the thief returned.
“Shoo! Get out of here! What’s up with the Gallow Birds tonight?”
She threw a half hearted kick his way but then stopped in her tracks when she saw the armor on the ground.
“Shit! Who stole my skill books?" She dove past Drew to look in the cart.
Drew took to the chance to escape without a fight.
I better return these keys before Vivian notices they are missing.