I yawned and stretched until my back cracked. As I blinked the sleep from my eyes I looked around bewildered at where I was. I looked down at the huge, plush recliner I was in, and I reached down to fiddle with the lever. It took a few tries to get the thing to sit back up, and I patted the side of the fine leather seat. I rubbed the gunk out of my eyes and thought about the whirlwind of activity that had lasted long into the night.
The chair had come from the office in the goblin tower, and the minions wouldn’t take no for an answer when I told them they could leave it. Dan had fronted the campaign of taking everything nice out of the damaged tower in case of it collapsing, then set immediately to reinforce the foundations to save it. The only spots they couldn’t really get into right now was a workshop with several machines for hammering out metal, where the lopsided mech was, and the arcane generator. The crystal however had managed to link up with it, and now we were swimming in mana power.
Current Mana Power Generation : 550
Current Mana Power Consumption : 88
“Damn what am I going to do with all that-” I raised a brow when I noticed a rapid change. “Hmm, what’s going on here?”
Current Mana Power Consumption : 92
…
Current Mana Power Consumption : 88
It jumped between the two for nearly a minute, and I figured I better figure out what that was before something exploded. I stiffly rose out of my new comfortable chair, and glanced around my packed office to see Dan asleep in his own, smaller, goblin sized recliner. He had a beaten up clipboard he found in the goblin tower, and it was already stacked full of papers.
I ruffled his fur and let him snooze, and poked my head into my bedroom, pushing aside the curtain. Lin and Rolada were stretched out together under a blanket, with Rolada’s arm spilling over the side of our newly acquired couch, a storybook clutched in her hand. I had heard Rolada reading to Lin last night, it seemed they eventually passed out like me.
The bedroom was looking fairly packed, and I figured I might want to either extend it, or make a sitting room for us. “Ah hell, give it a day Josh,” I mumbled to myself quietly, backing up to my office. “It’s a holiday, everyone should rest, even you.”
I looked at the crates of low tier magic swords and daggers near my new and improved desk from the goblin tower. The sturdy rich coloured wood was far better than my old one, and it didn’t wobble from all the junk on it. I wondered what I should get to give to my friends, and I rubbed my temples as I tried to remember it all.
“Maybe I’ll just give the others a coupon and some gold, let them choose something from the haul,” I said. I tilted my head towards Dan, who was still fast asleep. “What do you think, Mr. Manager?”
Dan snorted and his head flopped to the side. I looked around and saw a small pillow amidst some other bolts of fine cloth and copper rings with little stones in them. I shook it out to make sure there wasn’t anything stuck in it and carefully put it under Dan’s head so he would have something softer to rest on.
Satisfied that Dan was getting some well earned rest I checked over my things and swapped to a new fresh shirt. After making sure I still smelled okay from my bath last night I crept out of my room silently, noting the successful stealth checks that crept up at the far corner of my vision, trickling in little drops of experience that didn’t even amount to a whole point. I smirked as I combed over my recent experience gains, and looked at the notification that had me slightly perplexed.
Goblin Engineering Tower - Copper : Acquired!
You may distribute banked rewards!
1000 experience points banked
2 Skill points banked
It was similar to the altar of Icharn that had some stored resources that the god had decided to toss my way. Perhaps the tower had a place that soaked up experience points and if I could reach it I could harvest it all. Then again, it would probably be best to distribute it evenly to everyone that helped out. It only felt fair, and it could help anyone falling behind.
Every time the mana flow pulsed I saw one of the lines in the wall glow, heading towards the kitchen. I followed it, and smelled something amazing coming from the back. Entering the room I saw controlled chaos.
Minions helped Sliva around the stoves, the motherly fox had a slew of doughs ahead of her, some she was sprinkling with cinnamon and sugar. Other minions were in the midst of making pancakes, while others were walking into a newly made doorway beside the fireplace. Then the source of the troubles was found, sitting in my chair was Scott our lead scout and Carter our carpenter, with a toaster. Or what looked like one to me.
It was a peculiar item, with a series of ticking cogs exposed on the body, a square base and tall sides of shiny brass. At first I had been confused when we dug it out of a box in the main warehouse of the tower, but when I saw the two slots in the top and the front switch and dial, I knew what it was. Then again the burnt bread crumbs in it also tipped me off. The only thing that worried me was the exposed heating crystals in the thing roasting bread, and that it worked pretty well with the dial set to low. I rather not find out what happened if they accidentally set it to max.
A part of me wanted to tear it apart to see how it works internally. Did they somehow copy one from earth, or was the simple toaster design a universal constant? After all, a toaster was simply a device to bake bread again, but since I didn’t know how magic truly worked it was hard to compare to electricity.
“It’s a toaster Josh,” I mumbled to myself, rubbing my temples. “Don’t think about it first thing in the morning.”
I saw beside them was the fruit of their labours with the new device, a stack of fresh bread on one side, and on the other side of the toaster was a plate full of toast. Scott was busy staring intently at the toaster with wide eyes lit up in radiating heat as Carter slathered on jam onto the finished baked twice bread.
“Man, that thing is a real power hog,” I said. At the sound of my voice several minions jumped and hurriedly closed the new door. “What’s with the door guys?”
“A surprise,” Sliva shouted over the noise in the kitchen. “Josh, would you be a dear and help me?”
I came to Sliva’s aid as she needed me to help her roll up the large block of dough in front of her and slice it. She filled a huge pan with the cinnamon buns, and together we put it in the hot oven. I could taste the wonderful treats already, and thankfully it seemed we had enough for the entire dungeon, and then some.
“Excited?” Sliva asked, wiping her brow with a cool, damp cloth. “I might serve Ishaka, but every beast-kin knows and loves the festival. I’m sure the goddess would be more than happy to let me indulge in a few sweets today.”
I could feel the bubbling excitement come off the minions, and Sliva’s joyful face was infectious. I nodded and helped her take breakfast over to the tables. It looked like they managed to cook some slabs of ham and a few eggs we had left, creating a huge bountiful breakfast. The more I looked around the more I got the sense this was pretty akin to Christmas, and the childlike joy in my heart started to bubble up.
“I’m not terribly sure what it is, or what to do, but any excuse for everyone to have some fun is alright in my books,” I said, reclaiming my seat. I turned the toaster around in my hands, inspecting it closer. “It really looks like one from back home.”
Sliva nibbled on a piece of toaster and looked at it curiously. “The goblin’s have a fairly large divination guild, and treaties so they can’t spy on other empires here. It’s no surprise they use their powers to dream about other realms. Your world seems to be full of these delightful magical aids. I wouldn’t mind witnessing it myself one day.”
“At this point I’m going to need a list from everyone of what they need from my home world,” I said, grining. “Then I’ll need ten magical bags to bring it all back.”
Sliva hummed happily and turned her attention to the door. Her tail whipped behind her, and she flexed her fingers as she fired off a spell. Her eyes turned a deep golden hue and her ears turned towards the door. After holding still for several seconds, she turned back to face me. I didn’t even get a pop up telling me what it was.
Scholar Livy
A simple spell to determine known creatures locations. She’s making sure you're alone. As much as I have respect for the high ranking priestesses of Ishaka each of them are dangerous, and always looking to set themselves ahead. Be careful our young student, unless you trust this woman with your life.
I in fact did trust Sliva with my life, hell she managed to cram it back into my battered and bruised body before. I could see the worry in Sliva’s eyes, and I decided it was best to see what was up in the most direct way possible.
“What did you want to ask?” I folded my hands together and sat tall, giving her my full attention.
Sliva reached to the side, and no less than four minions leapt up, crashing into each other, with one squeezing out to offer Sliva a cup of water. Once the priestess parched her thirst she took a deep breath and faced me square on. “I have been granted the ability to give you another divine blessing of your choosing since you have a shrine to my goddess under your control, and some time has passed since the last.”
“A blessing like the thing you did before to keep Rolada safe?” I asked. Once Sliva nodded I furrowed my brow. “I assume you need to recast that on her, it’s a pretty powerful ability, so it must be a one time thing.”
Sliva’s lip quivered, and she pulled on the end of her rich red hair. “You would be correct. If-”
“Oh can you do that again for me?” I asked.
Sliva looked stunned, and she blinked several times before answering. “Y-you wish to spend your blessing on my daughter’s safety again? You haven’t heard anything about the other options-”
“It’s okay,” I said, reaching over to pat Sliva on the shoulder. Her fox ears shot up straight and she looked like she was unsure. “Listen it’s a ton of stress off my shoulders if I know Rolada has this great safety net with her. So far I’ve been picking up new abilities and strength at a really good rate, so I think I’ll be alright.” I shook Sliva’s shoulder and met her eyes, making sure she understood. “Just give Rolada the blessing again please-”
This time I was caught off guard as Sliva practically pounced me, ramming into me and tipping my chair back until we crashed on the ground with her hugging me so tightly I felt my ribs compress. There was a loud pop and Sliva seemed to realize she was squeezing the air right out of me, so she loosened up, then apologized rapidly. How was this curvy foxy lady so strong?
I helped Sliva back to her feet and picked my chair back up. Once I was standing Sliva once again hugged me, burying her face into my chest. I scratched her behind her ears, calming the fox woman down, and eventually she let go, returning to her seat.
“My apologizes Lord Hale, your generosity is beyond words,” Sliva said humbly, bowing her head.
“Sliva please, just Josh is fine,” I said, bowing back. “Besides I’m pretty sure I own you one, actually scratch that, I probably owe you like a billion times. Just listen, anytime you're allowed to do that, just give it to Rolada.”
“Then I will pray for your continued success and good luck every chance I can get in exchange,” Sliva said.
“What’s this about good luck?” Lin asked, yawning loudly by the door. She was in a bewildered state until the sight of the food hit her. “Heinekia’s fat tits, that’s a feast. Come on gang, let’s eat!”
Everyone else filed in within the next minute, except a few minions. I sent a command for them to show up and on the work order queue I saw Dan set up a schedule. At any time four minions would be at the goblin tower keeping an eye on stuff or guarding the way to the dungeon to make sure no mimics slipped in. Then he set it up for one scout to be at the guard tower to keep an eye on the forest. I was saddened to see the minions were still on the clock, but considering the danger of a siege I was grateful for their dedication.
Breakfast was a flurry of forks, food and drink creating a free for all in the middle of the table. For some reason Yara and Lin were big on the toast, and I caught them several times trying to move the plate of it closer to themselves. Once dinner was winding down Sliva slipped into the kitchen with Sten to take out the cinnamon rolls and then drizzled on homemade icing. Yet the sticky sweet buns didn’t come to the table, instead they stood by the door next to the fireplace.
George, our lead guard proudly opened the door and we shuffled inside, finding a brand new addition that was even secret to me. We had a games room.
If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
“I asked the lads if they wouldn’t mind doing something for little ol’ Sten,” our dwarven poet said. “A little slice of back home- what’s with the pine tree?”
The games room was fairly substantial, with carpeted floors, a half dozen tables and a few shelves that were full of boxes. As for the middle of the room there was a giant Christmas tree, just like I used to see on Christmas Day when I was a child. The tall pine tree had a yellow wood star on the top, with shiny copper balls the size of my fist strung on the branches, dungeon lights to add some colour, and a few little wood carvings of animals. All around the base there were presents, tagged with people’s names. I tilted my head and stared hard at the spheres of metal, it seemed one of the boxes of copper ball bearings had been repurposed for decoration.
As for the shelves they had several games to play. There were a few decks of cards with tokens next to them, probably for betting games that they were fond of, dice sets and a few recognizable game sets. There was something that had to be similar to chess, with painted wood pieces and a maker's mark on the side, Carter’s maker’s mark. There was also one with a drawing on the front featuring flying snakes and a ladder, and what had to be a few board games I owned back home. On a second shelf was a handful of battered boards and what looked like toys, the games very foreign to me.
When I got closer I noticed they were not exactly one to one. More so if someone heard what they were about and tried to make them. I smiled, maybe with a bit of work I could have them properly make the games if I could recall the rules.
“I love it!” Rolada said cheerfully, grabbing Lin’s hand to run around the tree. “Usually we gather around an oak tree and try to put fake leaves on it, but this is way better!”
I was nudged from the side and Sten cleared his throat. “I’m hoping it’s okay that I used some of our resources for this.”
“Sten, I’ve barely looked at how much we got from the tower, but trust me,” I said, panning my arm across the room. “This is worth it, and it probably barely made a dent.”
“Let’s play some games and eat!” Bent shouted, barrelling towards the shelf full of games. “I call dibs on barrel weasels!”
Lin appeared at my side, her face full of joy and her white ears wiggling on her head. “Hey Josh and Sten, want to play cards?”
…
I ate my third sticky bun, the sugar sticking to the roof of my mouth. It was hard to be irked despite my lack of tokens. I had been cleared out yet again as it gave me more time to snack and watch Sten and Burn battle it out. Lin sat beside me, a huge stack in front of her as she watched who was going to be second place.
“Remind me again how you managed to convince us to play a game of chance with you,” I said, tapping Lin on the nose.
Lin stuck out her tongue and bit into her fourth bun. “Because I’m cute and you guys are nice enough to let a girl win.”
We had been playing for a few hours, only taking breaks to get a quick bite to eat or refill our cups. The minions had also tried out some games, and it was amusing to watch them get absolutely demolished at the barrel weasel game. The game didn’t make a lot of sense to me, it involved stacking little wooden blocks, and knocking them into a cup. Whatever it was Bent was a master of it, a huge towering ogre with the power to take a giant cave salamander, handling little blocks the size of my thumb nail with care and precision.
There was a bell ringing sound, and Sliva stood by the tree with a chime in hand. “I think it’s time for the winter prayer and a gift exchange.” As we gathered by the tree minions carried in a stack of pillows giving us each a seat on the floor as we assembled in a loose semi-circle. Sliva then gestured to the presents. “I went around to get everyone’s gifts and wrapped them. I decided to keep the giver a secret for fun. Well, minus anyone that already ripped open their gift.”
The last sentence was dedicated to Rolada who pulled at the sleeve of her onesie, and she waved to me. I laughed and waved back, then turned back to face Sliva. She had Lin beside her, and handed Lin the bell. Then she took out a silver sash and was donning it on Lin.
“Sliva, you or Yara should do this, you two have divine magic. I’m a rogue, a scoundrel, a thief! We don’t want the big bosom cat mother smiting us,” Lin said nervously.
Yara cracked her back beside me and huffed. “I’m fairly sure two holy warriors of another goddess running the show would piss her off more. You're the winter blessed one kitty.” Yara seemed to be fairly well rested, and she wore her freshly cleaned pink and white pjyamas. However I noticed a few cuts and holes in the arms. Yara noticed me and she nudged me. “Did you get me a new set too or do I need to charge you extra tithing this month?”
Before I could answer Rolada started to play her flute, and Sten hummed along while the dungeon lights on the walls dimmed. The room became dark, with only the few lights on the tree letting us see and they bathed Lin in a sombre light blue hue.
Lin nervously cleared her throat and rang the bell. “When the goddess of winter wakes, she is harsh, a furious mistress all must heed. But when she breaks her softer lover spring comes to save us. But when the four masters of the seasons were against one another, one bound them together with marriage, and placed herself as the great mother, the queen. Heinekia our goddess took the four seasons to her divine oak, where they loved, were merry and gave life to the beasts and beast-kin of the world.”
Rolada’s flute played a short song, starting from cold, dark wispy lines, to joyful fluttering like the wings of a bird in flight. Sten’s humming accented it, giving her music some foundation while Burn stood by with two pot lids. Bent was still, enraptured in the story. I noticed Lin had changed too, no longer nervous, she seemed almost regal, standing tall with a hand outstretched to the Christmas tree.
“As the great matriarch Heinekia oversaw the kingdoms and speakers of the world, sending the great gods and goddesses of the seasons into our world as her envoys.” Lin’s words became wistful, as if wishing for more. “Heinekia knew she was the foundation, the head of the house, and remained in paradise for ages. She oversaw the rise of the kingdoms, sent her graceful paladin’s to save those in trouble and granted blessing to her children. Yet she longed for more, but the agreements for her to stay in her realm is all that kept the peace. She was trapped, for now.”
The tune was following along, going to summer time, with little trills like buzzing insects, and heavy winds. As it came near the end of summer it changed into a low song of uncertainty.
“Autumn saw his chance, he was a curious god, one that always looked for change. He had been responsible for the opening of the great portal to the unknown, where Heinekia herself blessed her ancient blade, and gifted it to Ishaka to fight the demon lords who threatened our realm.” Lin changed her stance, and practically pranced around the tree, to look at us between two branches. “My queen, my love and my grace. You know when Winter walks around the shores she spends days there, trying to freeze the ocean. One would think you could sneak out of the house to take a peek in the lands if you wish. I for one would never tell if you took a small break.”
Sten slapped his legs rapidly, creating a rising drum beat, and Rolada played faster, the tune changing again. It was like we were sitting at the edge of a storm.
Lin waltzed back to the front, standing once again in front of us. “His words touched the great goddesses heart, and she agreed. When it neared the time of Winter’s reign Heinekia showered her wife with gifts, and praise. When Winter walked our lands she was merciful, and gentle, keeping the winds and snow low, giving us time to settle.”
The lights on the tree shone, changing colours between white and blue. The minions ran around in front of us tossing around shredding paper with flecks of metal to reflect the light, and it looked like it was snowing.
“However Heinekia needed help, a person to house her avatar so she could walk around the mortal world. A humble young cat girl in a farming village was praying, asking of all things, to help the great matriarch so the good weather would hold. Heinekia appeared in the girl's dream, offering her the choice to house the goddess while they travelled, and the girl delightfully agreed. But it came at a price, for the power of the goddess turned the girl’s black hair white.” Lin said, bowing low, with her knees kissing the floor. She then rose and stretched, as if waking from slumber.
Rolada’s tune changed, becoming joyful, and full of mystery. There was discovery, and friendship as Sten’s hummed a working tune, with Mike chiming in, sounding like merry friends on their way to work.
“When the goddess of winter walked to the shore to battle the ocean waves once more she found a mysterious cat girl, once with hair as white as snow. She spoke to the girl for some time, and praised her wonderful hair. The woman however kept trying to change the subject, and avoided the touch of Winter. But the goddess of winter is no fool, and soon she discovered Heinekia’s deception!”
Burn slammed the pot lids together, creating a terrible crash. The lights on the tree went out, plunging us into darkness. Slowly, one light turned back on, making Lin the only visible object in the room. Rolada’s flute picked up again, a low, long, aimless tune.
“So we keep to this festival, remind us that Winter can be kind, for she keeps her storms back until the night of deception. She then lets loose her fury in the form of storms, creating terrible wintery blizzards to ravage the lands. Her power even holds to this day, for anyone who is able to house the spirit of our goddess is blessed by Winter’s touch,” Lin said, running a hand through her hair. “She gives them Heinekia’s luck, because even though she was wronged, she still loves her wife.”
Lin’s voice faltered at the end, and she rang the bell twice. She nearly collapsed, but Sliva was there to catch her. The lights turned back on and we launched into an applause.
Scholar Issa
What a beautiful performance. I miss seeing plays in person.
Side note by Scholar Bo
We wish to inform you that there is an option to temporarily cancel our ability to observe you. Should you plan any drunken singing you wish to spare us of. In the Golden Knowledge tab, the third option along the top.
Side-Side note by Scholar Issa
Don’t tell him that! I wanted to listen to the pillow talk later!
I quickly checked and saw the option there. I thought back and realized the scholars might have caught sight of me bathing and I tapped on the option. I could disable sight or sound, or set a time for it if I wanted to. As Lin sat down beside me and I squeezed her knee, giving her my warmest smile. “That was awesome Lin, you're quite the performer.”
Lin sighed, sounding completely spent. She then gathered herself up, set her shoulders straight and lifted my hand to kiss it. “Tell me that again after tonight. I still owe that special favour.”
I could feel the heat in my cheeks and Lin giggled to herself as I took my hand back. Burn and Sten helped Sliva distribute the gifts and I saw everyone had a nice stack in front of them. I still had Lin’s lockpicks in my bag, but I decided that could be for later.
I raised a hand once everyone was seated, deciding it was best as the boss to give them something. “I just wanted to thank everyone for what they have done for the dungeon,” I said. I waved off a few comments from Sten and Burn when they called me a sap. “I can’t promise anything now, but once we take stock of our new haul I wanted to give everyone something from the goblin tower and some gold-”
“Yes!” Burn said, pumping his fists into the air. “Best warlord ever, I want the giant death machine!”
Yara learned over to me, and tapped me with her nail. “As your wife I assume I get first choice. But we can talk about that later, I want to see what we got.”
The next few minutes was an orchestra of chaos, with Sliva guiding it, and directing minions with cloth sacks to pick up the trash. I was told to wait, and I sat back to observe. Yara got some polish for her armour and halberd, made by Burn. She seemed pleased by it and even noted the quality was better than what her armoury gave her. Sten got combs and brushes for his beard, and a waterproof journal and an ink pen to write while on the road which delighted him. Burn got a selection of alchemist equipment and a small satchel with a brass cube inside. When he opened it cold air pooled out, anything inside would be kept at freezing temperatures and preserved, perfect for rare ingredients he wanted to keep.
One of the minions ran past me and I tapped him on the shoulder. It was Frank, our farmer minion, enjoying a cinnamon bun. I tipped my head towards Burn and whispered. “From the tower supplies?” Frank nodded and I sent off a worker order queue, telling them to give Burn anything he needed for his workshop.
Bent got new clothes, chalk and a wide leather belt with little stones. The ogre gasped and quickly belted it on, and to my shock his muscles got even bigger. Soon, I saw why.
Belt of Giant Strength - Belt of Punching
Tier III - Belt
A creature wearing this belt receives an enchantment bonus of +2 to their strength. Creatures also receive a +2 bonus to their unarmed attacks. If the creature has giant’s blood this damage bonus is increased to +4.
I didn’t know who gave that to him, but they knew the ogre well. Bent was giddy with excitement and he kept flexing his hands before looking towards the ground. He probably wanted to head to the gym to start practicing already.
Yara gasped beside me, opening the box Lin and I got her. She quickly snapped the lid shut on the box and breathed out, seeming to calm before me. “Thank the goddesses,” Yara said. She opened her eyes and glanced at me. “I’m going to assume you had something to do with this.” Yara grabbed my shoulder roughly, squeezing it. Seeming pleased, she nodded once. “Thanks.”
“Who knows, it’s a mystery who gave it,” I said shrugging, however I didn’t really need to see the deception failure notice, I was smiling too much. “Hope you like it.”
“Josh!” Rolada said, shaking one of my gifts. She was wearing fingerless gloves, and I saw stones set along the straps glimmer in the light, they matched the lovely red of her hair. “Your turn!”
I opened the first package I was offered, and found a fine pair of brand new leather gloves. They were slim, and would protect me from thorns, while not hampering my ability to manipulate objects too much. I didn’t feel any magic from them, but I could feel some kind of connection.
“It’s made from that flying boar you killed when we dove for cover in that house,” Rolada said, placing her hands on her hips. “You gave me the go for it attitude I needed to fight! So I wanted you to have something to remember it with.”
After smiling and thanking her I opened the next present, finding a page that read that I could receive one blessing of my choice at Ishaka’s shrine from Sliva. I winked at her and she dipped her head towards Rolada while giving me a thumbs up. I got the sense she had already used it, meaning Rolada would return to her mother any time she was in mortal danger, and the stresses on my heart lifted for a moment, knowing our cheerful foxy bard was perfectly safe.
I opened the last present and had to do a double take. It was a small leather satchel that could hang on my side, it had padded slots to put in potions, and little pouches to put things in. It had colourful red and blue stars stitched onto it, and along the top were several little animals. I saw a cute felt fox, a white wool cat and a white wool goat. Yet it was heavy for its size and a pop up appeared.
Dimensional space bag
Tier III - Storage device
This bag is able to hold onto (1555 lbs) of items or materials inside, all while the weight of this bag remains constant. An item larger than the mouth of this bag can be placed inside, simply place the opening against the object, and click on the prompt.
Units of measurement had been changed for the viewer.
“No way,” I gasped. I picked up my leather gloves and put them into the bag. I saw a prompt that opened a floating inventory window over the bag. “Hell yeah!”
Contents
-Leather gloves
I reached in and pulled them out. However, my ecstatic joy was halted when I saw they were now coated in colourful glitter. I panned towards Lin, and leered at her. “Rodney?”
Lin’s smirk was a mile wide and she snickered while trying to contain her composure. She raised a hand to her mouth and turned to the others. “Drinking time?”
I heard the clinking of glasses, and soon minions rushed in with enough alcohol that we could all take a bath in it. It was going to be a long night.