The next day, Gharak was tending to his tanning hides and expressed the need to stay and complete them so that the process could be completed correctly. Joe and Bixby decided that they could pick one of the safer hunting grounds that they had found, and Joe was confident in his ability to run from any trouble, so they headed out without Gharak. The day started out smoothly, with Joe and Bixby both covered by the Pass Without Trace spell, they easily took several larger elk. By mid-day they were stopped for a snack when Bixby’s ears perked up.
“What’s up, Bix?” Joe put down his jerky, picked up his axe and scanned his environment. He tapped into Bixby’s Keen Senses ability and faintly heard what sounded like a baby crying. He bolted upright, “Bix, did I just hear a baby?” Bixby cocked his head to listen and there was the sound again. “That sounds close.” Without any prompting the two set off into the forest to investigate.
It did not take long before they could hear the cry plainly as they came to a stand of trees. The cry came from somewhere in the stand, but they could see no one there. “Hello? Is anyone there?” Joe called out. An anguished cry called out directly ahead of them, “Bixby, that baby sounds hurt! Find it!”
Bixby dashed into the trees followed closely by Joe, both scanning the brush for a baby laying on the forest floor. Bixby spotted the source first and let out a soft woof to get Joe’s attention. He had found a fallen tree root ball that had a human sized hole in the ground beneath it. The cries came from inside. Joe knelt next to Bixby to peer inside, but it was pitch black. “Hello? Anyone?” Joe called out. He studied the dirt hole and thought that it may be stable enough to take his weight if he shimmied down headfirst. Bixby too could fit, but only one at a time. But before he started to squeeze into the hole, he saw the reflection of light from a pair of eyes. Oh, maybe the baby can come to me. Joe tried coaxing the baby out. “Hey, little guy, come on out. Are you hungry? I have food and water.”
Joe pulled a bit of jerky out and waved it in the opening. Then he saw another pair of eyes, and another and another and another. “Oh shit!” Joe jumped back and slammed into Bixby as spiders the size of a bulldog came boiling out of the small cave. Joe cast his mantle spell as dozens upon dozens of giant spiders engulfed both he and Bixby. They all began making the unnerving baby crying noise and biting the pair.
Both Joe and Bixby blinked backward to shed themselves of the spiders. Joe found that two of them had come with him and were alternately trying to jab their fangs into him and secreting webs wherever they moved. Undeterred by the teleport, the rest of the spiders came skittering and crying after him. Joe fired a void bolt into the mass of bodies and watched as a dozen or more were vaporized and still more came from the hole. He attacked with his axe and blinked around and fired more void bolts, slaying them by the dozens. Bixby zipped in and out of the masses of them, rending and shredding the frail bodies. And still more came.
Joe refreshed the mantle spell and continued to hack away with his axe. He soon concluded that they could not damage him. They were too weak to get through his mantle and a single axe swing could kill two or three at a time. He had never been afraid of bugs or spiders and while these were enormous, they did not really frighten him. He began to laugh as he allowed them to swarm him and then he swung his axe, punched, and kicked them. He always had a target, there were so many. Bixby fought like a beast and tore through them as if they were made of tissue paper.
“Ha! Eat my axe you ugly, baby impersonating little fucks!” Joe found himself enjoying the fight. He even took the time to inspect one.
Monster Horde: Wailing Spider
HP: 50
Status: Maddened
Poison bite attack / Sticky webs
A monster horde? Weird. Joe banished his contemplation and continued hacking and smashing. Next to him, Bixby simply spun in place biting and slashing with his claws, unwilling to move out of range of Joe’s mantle spell. The fight moved the both of them all over the area as spiders continued to stream from the hole in the ground. The torrent seemed to never end.
After almost thirty minutes of battle, the tidal wave of spiders finally ceased. Joe had depleted both his own Mana and that of the amulet and he and Bixby were covered head to toe in ichor and bite wounds. As the last spider died under Joe’s boot heel, he dropped to his knees exhausted. He fumbled out his flask and took a long drink then let a stream out of it for Bixby to lap at. He poured a generous amount all over Bixby before tending to his own wounds. The water mixed with the ichor created a nasty sludge that coated them both and made them itch. For a long while Joe ignored all the notifications and sat in the remnants of the spiders taking deep breaths and staring blankly ahead.
What had started out as fun had quickly turned into a frenzy of destruction and Joe had found that he was torn about his reaction to it all. In the moment, he relished the bloodshed, and it was the enjoyment of the slaughter that worried him. It was completely uncharacteristic of him, and he feared that the System was making changes to his very personality and what kind of person he would become if he allowed the changes to shape him even more. He did not have any answers to that, but he did know one new thing for certain, he absolutely hated spiders now. They were repulsive and the crying baby noises still reverberated in his mind like phantoms.
He placed a hand on Bixby’s head, who had collapsed, panting next to Joe. “Bixby old buddy, I don’t think Gharak needs to know about this encounter.” Bixby, tongue lolling out gave a soft woof of agreement. Joe did a double take. He totally understood the meaning behind the noise. Looking down at Bixby, he asked, “Bix, is the sky blue?” Bixby looked up at him, confused and let out a different kind of woof. “Yes? That was a yes! Dude, I understood you!” Joe stood up excited. Bixby followed suit, not sure what was happening, but Joe’s excitement was infectious, and Bixby began wagging his tail. Joe patted his chest and Bixby stood on his hind legs and placed his front paws on Joe’s chest. Joe grabbed Bixby’s face and said, “Dude, you just totally Scooby Doo’d me! Say something else!” Bixby gave Joe a weird look and let out a small bark. “Ha! Crazy! You just called me crazy! Yes, I think I may be a little crazy!”
Bixby dropped down onto all fours and let out a series of barks and woofs.
“Am I freaking out?” Joe stopped and looked at his friend. “Hell yes I‘m freaking out! But in a good way. Bix, this is amazing!” Tears began forming in Joe’s eyes and he dropped to his knees in front of Bixby and hugged him. “Dude, you’re my best friend and I love you.” Bixby let out an exasperated woof and Joe released the hug and looked Bixby in the eyes, “You know? What do you mean you know? Have you always known? I mean even before all of this?”
Bixby nodded and wagged his tail, woofed once more and licked Joe’s face not caring that he was still covered in spider guts. The two sat together for a while as they healed and recovered their Stamina and Mana. Joe was lost in the wonderment of it all staring at the hole the spiders had come from. He dragged himself to his feet and squished through thousands of spider bodies and crouched down in front of the hole. He aimed his fist inside the hole and fired a single void bolt. Bixby came up, cocked a leg, and promptly urinated in the hole for good measure. Joe was chuckling when he saw the box. Nestled in the roots of the upturned tree right next to the spider hole was a treasure box. The same brass banded mahogany wood. This one with a blue gemstone on top. Joe cast a quick look at Bixby then opened the chest.
Wand of the Monstrous Spider
This wand, crafted from the chitin of a Monstrous Spider, allows the user to summon a single Monstrous Spider. The wand user can control the Monstrous Spider for the duration of the spell or until the Monstrous Spider is destroyed. Once the spell duration ends, the Monstrous Spider will die. Please consult a Tome of Monsters for the details regarding the abilities of the Monstrous Spider. Mana cost 300. Duration ten minutes.
Spell Tome: Web
The spellcaster may conjure a mass of sticky webbing at any point within range of the spell. The webs must be anchored on at least three sides against solid masses such as walls, floors, ceilings, or trees or the spell will fail. Any creature entering the webs or initially ensnared by the casting is Slowed and receives a -20% to all combat skills until they are free from the webbing. Creatures with a strength rating of 100 or more may attempt to tear their way free of the webs. The webs are flammable and if set alight will burn off within a few seconds. Mana cost per casting is 50 Mana. Range is 60 feet from caster. Area of effect is a 20-foot cube. Duration is five minutes or until destroyed.
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Idol of the Spider
This Rare small wood carved idol resembles a wailing spider with a bulbous body. This idol may be infused with Mana and triggered to release a level 5 Monster Horde of Wailing Spiders. Spiders are gross, but what are you going to do about it? Cry?
The System has a stupid sense of humor. In fact, why does it have a sense of humor at all? Joe filed the question away along with all his other unanswered questions about the System and pulled out the Tome. He quickly read it and was awash with an infusion of knowledge. “Man, I am racking up the frequent flyer miles with getting spells.” Satisfied that his Mana had recovered quite a bit, thanks in no small part to his amulet, he gestured towards a group of trees and cast Web. The trees and space in between were instantly covered in a thick mass of webs. “Awesome! Dude, this will come in super handy.” Joe then took a deep breath, “Ok, Bix, keep an eye out, I need to check my notifications, there seem to be quite a few. This may take a minute.” Joe opened the first notification scroll.
Congratulations! Your skill, 1 Handed Axe, has increased to Tier 4.
Congratulations! Your ability, Poison Resistance has increased to 30%.
Congratulations! Your ability, True Grit, has increased to 41%.
Congratulations! Your ability, Tough as Nails, has increased to 46%.
Achievement Unlocked! Virtuoso of Death! You have defeated over five hundred monsters in a single encounter! Truly you are a grim reaper made flesh! Rewards Unlocked! You and your companion gain +2 Strength, +2 Constitution and +2 Agility. Exp earned, 20,000 (Banked). Gold earned 10,000.
Achievement Unlocked! Pest Control! You have single-handedly defeated over one hundred monstrous insects! You don’t let insects bug you! Rewards Unlocked! You and your companion gain, +2 Constitution, +2 Agility and +2 Willpower. Exp earned, 15,000 (Banked). Gold earned 5,000.
Title Unlocked! Spider Slayer! This title is bestowed upon you for your ability to slash, smash, stomp, rend and rapidly disembowel over 100 spiders in a single encounter. Rewards Unlocked! You and your companion gain +2 Strength, +2 Constitution, +10% damage to spiders and +10% damage resistance from damage by spiders. Additionally, you and your companion gain an additional 20% to your Poison Resistance ability. Exp earned, 30,000 (Banked). Gold earned 5,000.
Legendary Achievement Unlocked! Battle Forged! You have defeated over one thousand monsters before reaching level 1! Your accomplishment is unheard of in the annals of the System! Rewards Unlocked! You and your companion gain +4 Strength, +4 Constitution, +4 Agility, +4 Perception, +4 Intelligence, +4 Willpower, +4 Charisma, +4 Luck. Exp earned, 50,000 (Banked). Gold earned 25,000.
Joe and Bixby both shuddered as their bodies were once again improved by the System. The newest statistic bonuses being the largest they had received all at once. The rush of the increase left them both euphoric for a moment before Joe pulled himself together. “This achievement says that no one has ever defeated over a thousand monsters before reaching level one. How does that work? I can’t be the first person to have been left out of the tutorial, can I?” Neither he nor Bixby had an answer. “C’mon, let’s get out of this mess and I can get us cleaned up.” The duo walked a dozen yards away from the battlefield and Joe pulled out his cloak. It almost felt wrong to drape the luxurious cloak over his soiled body, but within minutes, the ichor and grime of the fight including his own blood stains were gone. He then draped the cloak over Bixby and soon, the large dog was clean. Bixby wagged his tail in thanks and the two headed home.
In the end, Joe had to tell Gharak the story of the spider fight. Gharak had sharp eyes and noticed all the rips and tears in Joe’s clothing. While the cloak was great at cleaning, it did not mend his garments. After telling the story, Gharak simply smiled while unconsciously fiddling with the necklace that Joe had carved.
“I have been giving some thought to your gift.” Gharak said suddenly after dinner. “This came from your heart, and I am well pleased with such a fine example of your friendship. I, however, do not have any skill in this arena and I am afraid that my skill in leatherworking is not suited for doing something in human scale.” He rose and went into his cave. He returned a few minutes later and once more sat next to Joe. This time, though, he used his enchanted ring to shrink down so that he could better interact with Joe. “I am afraid that I have nothing of physical use for Bigsbee, but I do have something for you.” Gharak reached out his hand and opened it. Laying in his palm was a large ring that looked like it was made from reddish carved stone. “This is a gift for you.”
Joe said, “Gharak, my friend, there is no need to reciprocate. I made your necklace with no intention that there be something given in return.”
“Nevertheless, I wish for you to have this.”
Joe hesitated for a moment but saw the need in Gharaks’ eyes for him to accept it, and so he plucked the ring from Gharaks hand. It felt warm and had some weight to it, which surprised Joe as his own strength had grown into what he considered the superhuman realm. “It is beautiful and well crafted. Thank you.”
Gharak let out a deep sigh that seemed to be both a sadness and a relief. “This was to be a gift to my son when he was old enough. A treasure to help keep him safe as he grew. Alas that chance was taken from him by Phaedra.” A sadness descended upon Gharaks face for a brief moment, and he then patted Joe on the shoulder. “This is the companion ring to my own.” He held up his hand to show the three rings he wore. The gold band, Joe knew was the one that allowed him to shrink, he did not know the use or purpose of the silver one and the third was a duplicate of the red stone ring in Joe’s hand. “These were made by an elven artificer long, long ago as a gift for repayment to my ancestors for their help in defeating an elven enemy. They have been passed down my family line for ages, from father to son.”
Joe turned his Identify ability on the ring.
Ring of the Mountain Bulwark
This Legendary ring was created by the Elven Artificer, Leandriel of Solicethame. The wearer is granted the exceptional strength of the Jotun of the Elder Mountains. While worn, the wearers Strength is enhanced by 100 points.
“Gharak this is far too great a gift for me. You should keep it for your other son. You may someday be reunited.” Joe was filled with awe at such a stupendous gift.
“The gift is given.” Gharak said with some finality. “And I fear that returning to my ancestral home is not something that will ever happen. I am content and happy to pass it on to you.”
Reverentially, Joe placed the ring on his left middle finger and immediately felt a small rush of Mana pull from him and into the ring.
Gharak saw the expression on Joe’s face. “There it is done. You are now attuned to the ring, and it will not bestow its gift upon anyone else unless and until you gift it to them.” Gharak stood and stepped away as he returned to his natural size. “And now a further gift that includes Bigsbee. I am under no impression that I will see my family again and so I have added another verse to my family song.” Gharak began to sing.
Joe listened with an arm around Bixby. The new verse told the story of the bravery of Joe and Bixby as they boldly brought justice to the goblins for the death of Gharak’s son. It also spoke of their camaraderie and friendship and finally of them all becoming a family of sorts. It was haunting and beautiful and by the end, both Joe and Bixby had tears flowing from their eyes.
As Gharak’s song faded into the evening, he stared momentarily into the fire and with full solemnity he knelt and said, “You are my family now. Wherever your life may take you, you will always have a place at my hearth. I name you Jotunkin.”
A wind picked up and made the firelight dance and embers scatter into a twirling light show into the night sky, and a notification scroll unfurled.
Achievement Unlocked! Family is who you Choose! You have been given the honorary status of family by a level 100+ sentient being. Rewards Unlocked! You and your companion gain +2 Intelligence, +2 Willpower, +2 Charisma. Exp earned, 20,000 (Banked). Gold earned 5,000.
Title Unlocked! Jotunkin! You have been adopted by the Jotun! Aren’t you a little short to be a giant? Rewards Unlocked! You and your companion gain, +3 Intelligence, +3 Willpower, +3 Charisma. Additionally, any Jotun you encounter will recognize you as family and treat you accordingly. Exp earned, 30,000 (Banked). Gold earned 10,000.
Joe sat in shock, crying. It was a long time before he could find his voice. “I am blown away by your generosity. There are no words to tell you how honored I am by this.” Bixby, tail wagging trotted over to Gharak and licked his foot. “Bixby is also honored.” Joe added. “I lost my own parents when I was young, and I fear I may never see my sister or my nephew again. Family is a big deal to me.”
“We are brothers now, you and I.” Gharak stated, plainly encompassing both Joe and Bixby.
“Will you teach me the new verse?”
“I would be happy to.” That night the three stayed up late into the night singing. Faraway nightbirds could be heard in return. They were all, in their own ways, at peace.