When Xavier awoke the next morning, he found himself alone in the room. Stretching and yawning, he got out of the bedroll and mused about how much he missed having an actual bed and mattress. He would have to talk to the villagers to see if there was any way to get one made cause sleeping on the stone floor was getting painful.
After putting on his boots the young man made his way up through the tunnels of the warrens and out into the great hall. Already he could see movement through the open windows and doorway, it would seem he was one of the last to rise. He stepped outside and was enthralled by the industriousness of his people. Work had already started in various locations throughout the now-cleared village proper. To the south, near the edge of the woods, a small hut was taking form. The carpenter and stonemason led several other villagers in the construction.
A soft voice sounded from behind and Xavier turned around to see a young girl holding a plate with eggs and sausage up to him. A small shy smile lit her face as he took the proffered food. His mind scrambled as he tried to remember anything about the girl.
“Thank you, Emily, it smells wonderful. Please let Frieda know I appreciate it.” He smiled warmly at her finally remembering her name. She was orphaned in the attack, but the village as a whole had rallied around her. Her vibrant energy was often found amongst the villagers as they completed daily tasks. Being the youngest of the children who had survived the attack she had become a beacon of hope for their future.
Emily bobbed her head rapidly and vanished back into the warrens, likely heading back to help the cook further.
Xavier leaned against the wall and casually began to eat while he watched his people work and allocated his unspent attribute points. He had nearly forgotten about his new levels from rescuing the villagers and was on the verge of them being automatically assigned. Once again, he had several levels of points that he spread across his scores, bringing them all up to nice round numbers. Three points ended up going to strength making it a 12. Two points went to agility bringing it up to 10. Dexterity received a three-point boost lifting it to 12. His constitution score was rounded out to 12. Endurance received a single point, but it was brought to 10. Having interacted with the villagers he knew his charisma needed a significant boost and he gave it four points leaving it at a strong 12. Intelligence and wisdom received a modest two-point boost bringing them to an even 10. And, finally, he dumped his remaining five points into luck making it his strongest attribute at a respectable 14. He reviewed his updated attributes and the changes they made to his stats before he nodded in approval.
Done with his own growth he looked back to the village. It was actually coming together; he was establishing a new settlement in these lands. A new home and people. The villagers all smiled and greeted him as they passed in their duties making him feel welcomed and respected. Finishing his breakfast, he set the plate and fork on the windowsill and pushed himself away from the wall. He headed towards where the construction hut was taking form and quickly lost himself to the work as he helped the other villagers in the tasks provided.
It was not long before the village had fallen into a routine. Waking early, breaking their fast, and working building, clearing, or other such duties in establishing the village. Xavier felt a comradery with his people as they came together. He took the time to talk with each one, the small village making it easier to get to know everyone to some degree.
Xavier enjoyed the children the most and tried to be a brother to all of them going so far as to tell fantastical stories from books he had read as a child. The bright eyes of Emily, who often sat in Xavier’s lap while he read, were mirrored in the other children. Jace, is a young six-year-old mischievous human lad long orphaned but taken in by his cousin Tara, the village weaver. Four-year-old Nia is the youngest of the village and daughter to their herbalist Lila Fairbrook. The dwarven Kedrik at age ten already helping his father Orrek the Stonemason. Diminutive but mischievous Pip the eight-year-old halfling son of Sylvie was often up to mischief with Emily. Finally, there was seven-year-old Perry, the gnome lad who was the shadow of Pip and Emily and usually in as much trouble as the pair.
His relationship with Ella Bree also grew as she remained close to him either helping with his tasks or keeping a protective eye over him as he roamed the woods helping to fell trees. He couldn’t help but notice that many times when he looked her way her eyes were upon him and her slightly mischievous smile was gracing her lips.
Days passed in this manner, though peaceful, Xavier couldn’t help but wonder what might happen next. He had a lingering suspicion that things were far too simple. It was not more than a handful of days to where Bramblegate lay in ruins and the same individuals that attacked there could return.
Who knows what manner of beasts lingered in the forests, surely the Shardfangs were not the only creatures. As his doubts grew his nights became more restless. Worry for the young village gnawed at him and he felt more each day that he needed to do something more proactive.
Thus, on the fifth day, he found himself in the Syr’Vailen talking with Aelriva about ways forward for the village to grow. “I know we have the basics for the next level of village in progress, I will need to find more villagers and complete the required quests though.” He mused aloud to the sprite as she hovered nearby. “The problem is I don’t know where to begin those quests or even find them. I think I should do that while everyone is working on building the homes needed to house everyone.”
A soft tinkling laughter filled the room as Aelriva finally spoke. "I was wonderin' when ye’d finally turn yer attention to those matters. As I am bound to these lands and the Syr’Vailen, I can feel the needs of the village and its people. There are tasks aplenty waitin’ for the Lord of the land to address. Nests have sprung up in the woods, bringin’ dangers to yer fledglin' settlement. The ley lines have gone dormant; their paths must be explored in the deeps to stir them awake, let alone restore their former power. By the gods, Xavier, ye don’t even know a tenth of what yer own lands hold! Ye must venture forth and become a Lord in truth, not just in name."
As she spoke several prompts appeared before the young lord.
You have been offered a quest. “Sleeping Lines 1.” The ley lines that make up the nexus beneath your settlement are dormant. Explore the deeps beneath the mosaic to find and revitalize one of these lines to increase ambient mana and additional capabilities for your settlement. As this is a settlement quest it is automatically accepted. Potential rewards: Increased Mana in settlement lands. Increased wildlife and quest opportunities. +500 Experience.
You have been offered a quest. “Whose House 1.” While the lands surrounding your settlement fall under your purview your people are not the only things that shelter in them. Explore at least four unique locations and discover their significance. As this is a settlement quest it is automatically accepted. Potential rewards: Reduced danger from monster nests. Other unknown benefits. +500 Experience.
You have been offered a quest. “Drums in the Deeps 1.” The unknown deeps lie beneath the warding presence of your nexus mosaic. During the centuries of dormancy of the mosaic and even longer time of inattention to these tunnels and caverns who knows what creatures or dangers have made them their home? Explore and reclaim the first level of the deeps. As this is a settlement quest it is automatically accepted. Potential rewards: Increased resources and other unknown benefits for your settlement. +500 Experience.
Xavier winced slightly at the mild rebuke as he felt the same in truth. He had been sequestered away in his village not touching the lands much beyond its borders. Now he had options for what to do. He was intrigued that two of them, Sleeping Lines and Drums in the Deeps, seemed to be in roughly the same location. That could make things much easier to do multiple quests at once. However, he was a little irked that he did not get to choose when or even if he wanted to accept them. Mentally shrugging he looked back to Aelriva. “What should I know about the ley lines? Anything in particular I need to do to revitalize them or any specific order that it should be done in?” He asked curiously.
“Each ley line holds its own unique requirements for bein’ awoken and restored. Ye can choose the order in which ye approach 'em, but ye’ll need to uncover what must be done for each. In the past, their awakening was tied to their very nature, so seek out what might be disruptin' their essence. As ye travel along a line, ye’ll come across points of power. The more ye energize and set flowin', the stronger and more vital the line becomes. But mark me each line has a core, and that core is the key to its awakening. Find it first, afore ye fret about increasin’ its essence."
Xavier wore a thoughtful expression as he pondered the information Aelriva had given him. The deeps were going to be a core challenge to the future of the village he had come to realize. Once he had gotten the villagers settled and back to a sense of normalcy, he would have to organize a foray into them. While part of him was thrilled at the potential for adventure and exploration he was tempered by the desire to protect his people who had already been through more than anyone should. “All right Aelriva, you’ve given me a lot to think about. I have an idea on how to move forward now. Any ideas where I might find some of those locations in my lands that you mentioned?”
"Did I not say I’m as bound to these lands as I am here?" Her tone turned sharp, laced with irritation at having to repeat herself. "There are five places within a short trek from the village. One lies north, towards the Ironpeak mountains, about fourteen miles journey by foot. Another lies west by northwest, near the edge of yer domain, as if heading towards the elven capital of Eryndor it be on the very edge around fifteen miles travel. To the southeast, there are two: one only eight miles walk, and the other just past the boundary of ye land ten miles further than the first. Lastly, I sense somethin’ due east across the river, two days from the village due to terrain. Any o’ these might be of interest to yer settlement."
Xavier grinned at the spirte despite her tone. He was becoming fond of the little being and her advice. “Alright, I will head to the north first. No sense in random walking so you’ll guide me since its still within my lands right?”
"Aye, I can move freely through yer lands, so long as I stay within their borders. Stray too far from the nexus, and my strength wanes, for my power is bound to it. But mind this, I’m limited in what I can do for ye while the Syr’Vailen sleeps. Wake the ley lines, and my reach will grow. Build up the village, and I’ll be able to aid ye even more still."
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“Then that is where we will head in the morning.” He decided. “I’m going to go find Ella and let her know the plans then I think spend the afternoon with the hunters working on my archery.”
The sprite bobbed her head at the obvious dismissal and faded from view to set to her own tasks as Xavier strode from the room heading through the tunnels towards the surface. As he stepped out of the warrens and into the structure that housed their entrance, he looked about. He was going to need to talk with the two filling the role of the village builders to see if there was a way to improve the building and make it an actual town hall of sorts. Yet another thing to add to his growing list of things to do. He pulled up the settlement interface and tabbed over to “Village Roles.” Most of the options were greyed out and blurry so he couldn’t make them out. He hovered his gaze over the hidden ones and got a small popup stating, “You have not met the criteria for this role yet.” The options he did have were Guard Captain, Village Builder, and Steward. As he set out searching for Ella he pondered if he could pass more work to Braegor, he had been the Ealdorman of Bramblegate, so he saw no reason why he couldn’t be similar here at least until he found someone more qualified to be a steward.
He came upon Bree talking with Coren and Kael. Even though Coren had retired from being a soldier he had taken up the mantle of mentoring the younger members of the village guard. The Aelori Kael had been shaking his leonine head at something that Xander hadn’t heard when he walked up to the group. All three turned at his presence and placed their right fist over their heart in salute to the young lord. Something he had initially been irritated at until the talk with the council had reminded him the symbolism of it was more important to his role than his feelings about it. He rolled his eyes at the trio noticing the glimmer of humor in all of their eyes, it was common knowledge among the leaders of the various groups of his thoughts on the action, before returning the salute.
“Who is available to help me with some archery training today?” Xavier posed the question to Coren. “I think we should start expanding our forays deeper into the forests around the village and I would personally feel better if I could hit beasts further away than just with my dagger.” He motioned to the once again plain-looking Vaeltheris sheathed at his waist.
It was Kael who responded to his query. His soft-spoken voice carried a deep bass rumble as though it was rising from his chest. “Lorien and Amara were down near the riverbank using some of the trees as targets earlier. They had just come off duty so should still be there if you head that way now."
Xavier grinned remembering the temporary archery range that several of the hunters had set up. Amara, the classed ranger, had taken to working with all of them on their skills not just in archery but stealth, scouting, and tracking. He would soon have a small contingent of sneaky archers to patrol the woods around his village.
Looking back at Coren, Xavier spoke again inquisitively. “Would you consider taking an actual position within the village. You are already basically doing the job, I want to make it official.”
Coren raised an eyebrow as he looked to his lord. “Maybe, it all depends on what you expect of me m’lord.”
“I would name you Captain of the Guard. I won't always be in the village, and I would feel better knowing someone with experience leading fighting men and women was watching over it while I was away. It could just be a temporary position if you want. We need to grow the village with more people and if someone more qualified shows up we could pass the mantle on so you could retire again.” Xavier paused as he realized a flaw in his plan. “I don’t exactly have any way to pay you right now, but you would get a wage as soon as I have more than a handful of coins.”
Coren laughed at the young lord's embarrassment. “We did not join the village for the coin m’lord. We were refugees remember? Aye, I will accept for now. We can talk about the pay in the future.” He held out his arm and Xavier took it clasping forearms in agreement. The old man's eyes twinkled slightly. “I am going to have the guards start the same training as we used in the army, are you going to join us, so they take to it with less grumbling?”
Xavier’s eyes widened at the thought of physical training but ultimately sighed knowing it would benefit him as well. “Yes, I will be there. It won't be until we get back from the mission tomorrow though. Ella, Aelriva, and I will be heading north to explore a site Aelriva told me about.”
Coren scowled. “Ah so already had plans expecting me to accept. You do know you shouldn’t be traipsing off without more to guard you. You are a lord, after all, our lord to be precise.”
Xavier placed a calming hand on his captain's shoulder. “I know and will start taking full teams when we have more villagers. We can't afford to take anyone away from their duties yet. I will talk with Braegor to get ideas on where we could meet more people. Once you have me a strong town guard I will start borrowing from them.”
Coren nodded slowly. “Make it a priority m’lord. We need you.” Kael made clear his agreement with the captain's words before Xavier and Ella hurried off towards where the archers were practicing.
As the pair drew closer to the makeshift archery range, they could hear Amara in the distance. “Relax and slow your breathing Lorien. Slow is steady and steady is fast. You will strike your target more often if you take your time.”
The human ranger was standing just behind the young Falconi scout. Xavier stopped and watched the two women for a moment. Though he had been around the villagers for a while now it was still surprising to see the different races that made up his village. The two women were a prime example, Lorien’s hawk-like appearance was a striking difference to the human’s look. Amara was several inches shorter, her long auburn hair braided tightly and draped over her shoulder in contrast to Lorien’s short feathery blonde and dark brown plumage which was so reminiscent of the hawks her heritage was from. Their hair was not the only or even the most significant difference. Whereas Amara had a freckled and sun-kissed complexion, Lorien was literally covered in small soft feathers over the majority of her visible body the plumage colored in deep browns and golds. Even more striking she had a wickedly sharp beak instead of lips and a nose. Though both women were clad in soft supple leathers providing protection and muting their movements only Amara wore boots, the Falconi’s legs ended in digitigrade birdlike feet complete with long talons. He could only imagine what it would be like to receive a kick from the young woman.
While they watched the young Falconi loosed several more arrows each striking closer to the center of her target as she was coached by Amara. Ella smirked and leaned closer to Xavier. “Amara definitely seems to know her trade. I wonder what sort of advice she could give you. Hopefully, it will make you more apt to hit your targets as well and not friends.”
Xavier made a face at the woman, “It was once. Once! And I had apologized for nearly clipping you. I didn’t expect you to be right behind that deer.” He realized she was not about to let the hunting incident from a couple of days ago pass easily.
Hearing the nearby voices Lorien lowered her bow and turned to speak to the Amara and she caught sight of Xavier and Ella where they had been standing watching. The feathers about her face managed to take on a slightly pink tinge as she blushed at being caught at practice.
Xavier and Ella joined the two on the range unslinging their own bows as they did so. A warm smile came to Xavier’s lips as he spoke. “You are getting quite skilled with that bow Lorien. Seems that Amara is quite the teacher. Do you both mind if we join in? I need to work on my own archery.”
Amara coughed slightly trying to hide her laughter at the emphatic nodding from Ella who was standing just far enough behind Xavier that he didn’t notice. Lorien’s golden eyes widened even more at the woman’s actions but was already too embarrassed to laugh. Xavier glanced back at Ella who stopped just before she could be caught, an innocent smile on her lips. He narrowed his eyes slightly at her before turning back to the other women.
“As I was saying, I need to practice since Ella and I will be traveling soon.” He stated.
Amara motioned towards the clearly marked targets hanging from the trees in the distance. “Of course, Lord Xavier. Take a couple of shots and let us see what you can do.” Her voice was silken and rich as she spoke.
Xavier moved to where Lorien had previously been standing and pulled an arrow from the standing quiver that marked the spot. He nocked the shaft and slowly drew his bow to his cheek. Sighting down the arrow he tried to calm his breathing and loosed the string. The arrow flashed down the range striking the target cleanly but towards the edge of the rings instead of the center. He repeated his action several more times each hitting the target but well clear of the bullseye. Lowering his bow in consternation he looked to the trio of observers. Amara was rubbing her chin thoughtfully, Lorien was merely watching, and Ella was smirking at him again as if his shots proved her earlier actions. He glared briefly at Ella who merely shrugged before turning his attention fully to Amara.
“I have seen worse. You hold your bow too stiff so you cannot account for changes in the wind and other conditions.” She said, “You need to relax, you have the idea of breath control but that is really about it besides the basic concept of shooting a bow.” Her tone wasn’t mocking or belittling just matter of fact.
Xavier spent the next several hours joining Lorien and Ella under Amara’s tutelage in the art of archery. The human ranger was clearly knowledgeable and moved back and forth between the three pointing out small issues and providing advice tailored to each. By lunch time Xavier had gained two full levels in archery just from the training alone. His skill increase was highlighted by the familiar prompt appearing.
Congratulations! You have learned a new skill – Archery level 1 and Archery level 2. Archery is the skill of using ranged weapons such as bows, crossbows, and similar projectile weapons. It combines precision, patience, and physical strength to strike targets at varying distances. A skilled archer can excel in combat, hunting, or competitive marksmanship. Archery requires discipline, finesse, and years of practice. Or you could just close your eyes, fire wildly, and hope for the best. Your call. +4% chance to hit. +4% arrow damage. +4% chance to recover arrows.
Xavier rolled his eyes reading the prompt. The fact that even it seemed to be reinforcing Ella’s point of view on the hunting incident soured the achievement slightly. He made a slightly rude gesture to his companion, who raised an eyebrow at his actions. “Yeah yeah, the universe agrees with you all right. I am going to keep practicing so I don’t hit you.”
She broke out in a peal of laughter much to the confusion of the others with them. They all gathered up the unbroken arrows and other items used in their training before heading back towards the village proper and the pleasant scents of lunch that had grown heavy on the air.
Enjoying the meal with his people Xavier soaked in the camaraderie of the populous. The fledgling village still partook of their meals mostly as a community, only those whose duties kept them busy at the time not joining in. He worried about what would be lost when the settlement grew but hoped that this initial core could be something to develop and set the precedence for the future.
Rising he held up a hand and waited for the people to quiet and turn their attention to him. “My people, we have only been together for a short period, but I feel you are all family to me. Already our village grows!” He motioned to where several small homes had been erected and the foundations of others were laid. “Rhett and Orrek have clearly been hard at work along with those who have assisted them in the construction of our new homes. We have started to plant our fields under the guidance of Ferran and his team. Our hunters patrol our surroundings keeping the beasts at bay and providing fresh meat for our tables. Coren has acquiesced to becoming our Capitan of the Guard!” He paused a moment as he felt a tangible something building in the air. He motioned to the ruins of the forge, where repairs were starting to take form. “We have our roots in the past, but our strength is in the present, lending to our hopes for the future!”
The villagers' voices raised in a cheer. “Roots in the past, strength in the present, hope for the future!”
A prompt obscured Xavier’s vision briefly.
Congratulations you have set the motto of Rynthavael. These words reflect the village's ties to the ancient Sylmyrian ruins, their determination to rebuild and thrive in the present, and their collective aspirations for a brighter future. Their pride in this achievement will reflect in a +200 point change to both morale and loyalty.
Xavier grinned widely and rejoined his people in their merriment. It was going to be a good day. The excitement of adventure tomorrow only increased his happiness. Down the table from where he sat, Ella raised her cup in salute to him, her eyes glowing in happiness as well.