After having suppressed my eye roll at Shadark’s antics, I noted the Quest rewards in the log and set my quill down. Deciding to skip the charade since we were essentially unmonitored and out of range of most people’s hearing with the raucous singing from the tavern next door, I pierced right to it. “Next you want a martial quest, and you have a question from last time. Spit it out before someone wanders in.”
Over Night’s chuffing, I heard Shadark mumble about pacing. I took the opportunity to pour over the two of them and tracked the fluidity of Shadark’s movements since their last visit and the easy way that Night had laid out to block the only visible entrance to my shop. Appeased that their growth had continued on the Freelance pathing, I continued to push Shadark past their character portrayal before Mavrich showed up for tea.
“I understand your veiled hesitancy, but I am not in the mood for the performance Shadark. I have actual responsibilities to attend as your Guide, and if you are going to coast around then I’m going to have to step up the pressure on you both.” I said while leveling my gaze towards Night whose ears were pivoted my way attentively.
“Fine. The hobgoblins - they were led by a 5+ named Jiba who had no interest in anything other than Night’s head separated from her body and getting his compatriots to dangle my entrails outside my body. That’s new for Night, especially this close to a starter town. Is there some skill I can pick up that will let me identify or avoid the terminally inclined?” they asked with a level of seriousness a devout priest of Hernious could appreciate.
After thinking it over and remembering the seed area, I had some follow-up of my own before answering that I shot off rapid fire:
“How did you approach?”
“Standard - weapons secured, friendly swagger, hands to the side with a gift of rabbit in each, charming grin on my face,” they acted out in what they must have thought was a hilarious portrayal.
“What were they doing?”
“Couple were around the campfire with the target - relaxed, cooking, chatting. Two on the outskirts towards the creek - again relaxed, one fishing, the other gathering water. Didn’t see Jiba until post approach.”
“What did you say?”
“Hi there party peeps was the attempt, but we were only a few steps in when the shit hit the fan.”
“Did you analyze any besides Jiba?”
“Yep, all level 0s except Madison who was 5, well, and Jiba at 5+ as mentioned. Range of classes, nothing extraordinary. And they didn’t smell weird according to Night,” they added as an extra tidbit.
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Pursing my lips, I informed them both, “You need to level Analyze more - as you suspected. There is not another way to unveil more information otherwise without specific spells or potions - neither of which you can wield or afford until you reach Rare in the respective skills, and by then Analyze should be high enough based on your current build.”
“Now, let’s move on to the next part. You should rightly be alarmed that you encountered a non-standard seed so close to Helmsword. I am seeing other indications for concern as well that I won’t get into as it is mere speculation at this time. My recommendation is you deviate from your current course for the next couple of Quests and get embedded in a team so you can both increase your abilities and increase your wealth. I have sent several Quest options to you, review them in your interface now, and then review the Board. Return with your choice.”
I dropped the last bit while turning away to hide the disquiet in my eyes from our brief interaction. Shadark clearly remembered nothing still and I needed to do my part to keep it that way as long as possible for all our sakes.
I heard them shuffle off to the board taunted by Night’s chuffing at their dislike of their interface. While Night teased them about it, I understood Shadark’s deep-seated wariness of the system lodged inside them. Intrinsically, even when one couldn’t recall the memories of past instances, one couldn’t survive an instance without knowing the interface was the base of all angst that was carried forward and would be experienced unceasingly.
I narrowed my eyes at Night, and once she looked my way, I motioned for her to go join Shadark in their Quest review. They rose and had just finished stretching when Shadark wandered back with a Quest paper in hand. Night’s tongue lolled out of her mouth in mischievousness as she settled back onto her haunches.
“What did you choose,” I asked dispassionately while hoping sense had reared its head to overcome the elf’s stubborn facade of mediocrity.
“I think you’ll approve,” Shadark assured me as they deposited the slip with a flourish on the counter. I picked it up and triggered the prompt to make the Quest visible for acceptance between the Sentient and the Quester.
Level 1 Quest: Clear Drugal’s Bane
Drugal’s Bane is a Level 0 to 5+ Dungeon with five floors housing randomly generated creatures, mini-bosses, and the final boss himself, Drugal the Despicable. Adventurers are encouraged to attempt the Dungeon in groups of five with mixed units - unless they like death or dismemberment of course. Quest can be completed after clearing the second floor, with additional bonuses for every subsequent cleared floor. Mini-bosses must be completed before moving on to the next floor. Creatures are considered non-sentient, while mini-bosses and above are clones of historical figures. Duration ranges from 2 hours to 2 months.
Reward: 1 Skill Level per floor cleared; random chest manifest each floor; carryable loot; 1 Skill Book on completion of the entire Dungeon.
Not a bad, if surprising for them, choice. Carryable loot with their recent purchase was a smart move, and being able to complete after the second floor showed Night’s experience coming into play. They could walk out with better gear, stronger skills, and more experience in party delves. Yes, I would be upgrading my assessment of their survivability after this visit.
“Do you accept the Quest of Clear Drugal’s Bane?” I intoned formally.
“You betcha! Watch Out Drugal - here comes your Bane!” Shadark affirmed with two thumbs up and a ridiculous smirk on their face. The lengths they went to attempting to get a reaction out of me were respectable, but no match for centuries of pranksters past. I solemnly Logged their choice and returned their exuberance with a stoicism that knew no bounds. “Is there anything else?”
“Yeah, yep, indeedy - you know people. Got any suggestions on who to join up with for the run? Thinking healer, fighter, spellcaster, and tank, preferably most with Companions for twice the firepower. Then I can sit back and ID the flowers and cave ‘shrooms,” they said while pivoting to a pose of nonchalance that concealed readiness and coiled expectation. Picking up on their vibe, I turned towards the doorway as Night gracefully prowled to the outside entryway.
“Yes, actually, I do. Mavrich, please come meet Shadark.” I said as I felt resignation settle in the depths of my soul as the Sentient’s second pre-pathing clicked into place. Seemed like I would be dancing with a capable Overseer on top of everything I was already juggling.