Michelle - Beta Zone #76
You have entered Beta Zone #76 Level 21 – 50
The notification broke Michelle from dreams of easy monster slaying by magical tazering and effectively dragged her persistently wandering attention back to her immediate surrounds.
Where once there was enormous thick lush undergrowth and lofty jungle canopy now their gradual lengthy ascent had brought the Party to protrusions of rocky outcrops and towering lonely pines.
Gone was the humid climate only to be replaces with a cool breeze and much much further in the distance, snow capped titanic mountain peaks surrounded by their own strata of clouds. The few shrubs that were to be had close by were of the scraggly variety, occasionally jutting out from rocky crevices at odd angles.
The path the group now walked consisted of dry earth and a smattering of small rocks and pebbles, which if not paid attention to could cause one to slip and fall. Much to Michelle’s shame, this very thing had happened to her on a previous expedition into this very zone, and was likely the main reason Svetlana had been so adamant about investing to certain degree in Dexterity.
Drawing the Party’s attention their tall spear wielding leader spoke up.
“Ok people, we should leave path now and head to Gnolls. We know from experience that it is no safer in any case.”
She said while looking at the armed up and leather clad Calvin with a smirk to which he snarkily replied.
“Look how was I supposed to know it was a Rock Bear’s cub? And why the hells would the thing sleep on a perfectly good path anyway!”
The group chuckled whilst Un-Bep’ee added.
“I can still remember the look of surprise when you started to lift it and it called for its mother… I must confess the memory is one of my favorites!”
Grumbling at the Party’s increased laughter Calvin opted to trudge on in near silent shame and annoyance as they continued to traverse the rocky terrain.
It only took them an hour until the green guidance arrow disappeared and they slowed their pace to a trepidations crawl.
Halting, Svetlana pointed out the smoke coming from behind a not too far off ravine with her spear, and with practiced coordination, they snuck in loose defensive formation to get a closer look, hopefully without alerting their prey.
Drawing nearer to the entrance of the ravine they could make out hyena like laughter issuing from within it. Sharing knowing looks amongst one another, there was silent acknowledgement that it was what they had come to learn as a hallmark of the Gnoll species.
Keeping an eye out for any scouts of the furry monsters, they descended into the almost pitch black ravine with the light of fire casting willowy shadows off of the high walls deeper in.
Catching their prey by surprise was a welcome bonus, enabling them to make quick work of the hyena like humanoids with their well practiced flanking maneuver. Their success however was due in no small part to how Calvin’s [Lesser Taunt] skill and Michelle’s [Fire Ball], turned the low intelligence monsters into flaming bowling skittles. And when taking into account the other two damage dealers one-shoting the still smoking stragglers, it was almost like taking Manamotes from a baby:
Your party has slain a Gnoll Bandit level 21, all experience awarded equally.
...
Your party has slain a Gnoll Bandit level 23, all experience awarded equally.
….
Your party has slain a Gnoll Bandit level 21, all experience awarded equally.
…..
Your party has slain a Gnoll Bandit level 22, all experience awarded equally.
You have leveled up!
…...
Your party has slain a Gnoll Bandit level 23, all experience awarded equally.
You have completed the quest – Gnoll Patrol (T1) – 10 Manamotes awarded
After Michelle had added +2 Intelligence, +2 Wisdom and +1 Vitality as per her ‘get strong whilst staying the fuck alive’ attribute distribution plan, she turned her attention to the potential loot.
Sadly all the Gnoll’s had for weapons were crude and common wooden clubs, so none of the Party could put them to immediate use. Add to the fact that Un-Bep’ee had his [Mining Pick] out and was putting his [Gathering] profession to use on a [Deep Iron Ore] node, it looked like most of their carry space was already spoken for. Plus Michelle was more than willing to forgo some Manamote’s from recovered and broken down weaponry if it helped their friendly [Apprentice Blacksmith].
Cutting through her important new world financial calculus, Svetlana reminded.
“Do not forget to check your items durability…we do not want a repeat of the breaking of the short sword.”
Before kicking dirt on the Gnolls campfire to extinguish it quickly. This then led to another susurration of chuckling and accompanying outburst from Calvin, their default tank.
“Look how am I supposed to keep track of every little thing? And besides it only happened one time… and it was in a spar with you!”
To which the tall Russian replied in a chiding fashion.
“This is true, however I may be incorrect but I would think a wooden spear shaft is not meant to break Steel, no?”
Her statement caused the muscled Australians face to redden as he turned away to grumble something about ‘stupid smug Russians know it all’s’ to an uncaring ravine wall. And somewhat predictably, more laughter found his leather clad back.
Following the timely, if comical reminder, Michelle briefly reviewed her gear’s durability as the thing they had noticed with the magical equipment was that after repetitive use in casting, it would also loose durability like it had been damaged from a hit:
Hob-Goblin Shaman’s Gnarled Staff
Level Requirement: 18
Attributes: Melee Damage + 17 – 20, Magic Power + 57 – 78, +6 Intelligence, +11% damage to all magical skills, +14% to Mana Regeneration.
Durability: 67/85
Description: A mana exposed gnarled wooden staff inscribed with intermediate offensive runes, basic empowerment and basic support runes. Made by a reclusive Hob-Goblin and further improved by prolonged exposure to channeled mana.
Undead Acolyte’s Robe
Level Requirement: 19
Attributes: Increase Physical and magical defense by 6%, +4 Intelligence, +7 Wisdom, + 113 Maximum Mana, +7% power to all spells
Durability: 62/87
Description: Adequately woven undead acolyte’s robe, embroidered with basic defensive runes, intermediate enhancement and empowerment runes. Crafted by an acolyte who’s splendorous robe deteriorated in their undeath, now only a shadow of its former glory the robe provides the wearer modest bonuses.
After Michelle had done her personal inventory and began once more to marvel at how the [Undead Acolyte’s Robe] and [Elevant’s Essential Gear], or for that matter all the magical clothing and armor they found or purchased adapted near instantly to conform to its wearers proportions. She thought about how redundant all clothes sizing had now become and if the fashion industry had not ceased to exist overnight when E-Day had occurred, they would be rioting in the now nonexistent streets!
Chastising herself for thinking childish, and not exactly pressing thoughts. She brought her mind back to the present. Giving her own thumbs up as Svetlana received the rest of the Party’s gear readiness confirmations. Their apparent state of readiness led the Apprentice Spearwoman to she query their impromptu geologist.
“Bep how long till you are done with the rocks?”
“Just one or two fist sized chunks and that should do it for this node.”
He said before returning his concentration to the gathering immediately after. Nodding appreciatively Svetlana then asked the Party.
“Good good, ok next we go for Trolls yes?”
Receiving confirming nods from the rest, the translucent guidance arrow once more super imposed itself onto Michelle’s vision as she returned her whole attention to keeping watch on the ravines entrance.
When Un-Bep’ee had finished his gathering he hefted the [Minor Bag of Holding] that they had all chipped in for, and proceeded to the Troll Quest location.
On their way the Party members took turns eating their travel rations and keeping watch whilst making slow but steady progress. When it came to her turn Michelle felt pretty smug about her choice of traditional tacos almost completely loosing herself to the flavor town her mouth had entered.
Unfortunately for her, even though she was more than satiated from her meal, when it was Calvin’s turn to eat she was green with envy. The smell of his BLT sandwich when unwrapped seemed to saturate the area in bacony goodness!
She couldn’t help but sniff the air, then sniff again as the man strolling in front of her munched away totally indifferent to her plight. ‘I can just have one for dinner, I can just have one for dinner, I can…’ she repeated to herself in without her increased Wisdom attribute would be an all-consuming mantra.
Once her suffering had ended and he had discarded the wrapping to the side she stopped to cast a [Fireball] on it:
The skill Fireball has reached Level 5!
Before looking up to find her incinerative practices had earned her more than a few puzzled glances from the rest, forcing her to mount a defense that even she herself did not believe.
“Que te den por culo, what are you all looking at?! … I’m just c-covering our tracks….”
After the laughter had ebbed away in conjunction with her hushed embarrassment they recommenced their journey.
As they travelled on a bit longer it was clear Judy was more than a little bored as she had been issuing audible sighs and trudging with her shoulders slumped, even kicking the occasional stone to see how far she could get it.
This continued for another 5 minutes before she had obviously had enough and announced to the Party.
“Urgh screw this! I’m off to scout, see ya’s!”
With that she was off like a shot as her black leather clad form disappeared over the crest of a boulder without looking back. Calvin beleagueredly made to go after her as he called out.
“H-Hey Judy! Stop!”
But Svetlana interceded with a hand on his shoulder and a shake of her head, to which he responded in an apologetic tone.
“I don’t get what’s fucking wrong with her, I-I’m sorry she’s not a better teammate…she wasn’t always like this…”
“Hey look it’s ok Cal, you don’t have to apologize for her being an idiot.”
Michelle replied in a placating tone before Un-Bep’ee added.
“She is correct my friend, we do not think poorly of you for her transgressions.”
Svetlana then smiled and contributed jovially.
“Do not fret little man, she will be back before we reach the Troll’s”
Travelling on another two hours in silence they finally reached the Troll quest area without further incident and as their guidance arrow disappeared they could make out the sounds of fighting in the distance.
“Svet, you think it’s Judy?”
Calvin asked with worry evident in his voice, Un-Bep’ee also turned to look at Svetlana for guidance, who supplied in a serious tone.
“We can investigate, but calm and quiet yes?”
Receiving confirming nods from the others, Michelle noted the assured determination that had taken hold of the rest’s of the Paty’s features. Unbidden, a tingle run up her spine as she realized this was her new life, a life of hunting monstrous beings in lieu of debasing herself at movie promotional press junkets.
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
Falling in next to Un-Bep’ee in their practiced formation, a grin tugged at the corners of her mouth in the realization that she wouldn’t trade this often blood soaked and fractious new existence for all the twatter followers in the world.
They proceeded as one, closer to the sounds of fighting as they could now make out distinct and individual sounds of humans yelling obscenities. Mixed in the fracas were some guttural grunts and bellows, of what she assumed to be monster’s battle cries and the sporadic clash of metal against metal.
Edging to the top of a small hill in the rocky terrain and peeking over the crest, what Michelle saw made her heart hammer in her chest. Down the bottom of a slope in a pebbled and dried up creek bed, were a group of battered people in a defensive formation, hemmed in on all sides by 8ft tall dark green and lanky humanoids, which she immediately recognized as Trolls.
The monsters numbered close to 20 and were using hit and run tactics to wear down the harried group of 6 humans. One larger half stooped Troll standing a few meters removed from its frenzied kin and leaning on an ornate metal spear, issuing guttural grunts and incoherent barks to presumably urge their calculated assaults on.
Looking to her leader she was shocked to see her normally calm features in a rictus of controlled rage. Svetlana slammed her fist into the ground and turned to look at the rest of her Party as she spoke in a cold tone.
“We have fought and won many time’s my comrades, what I ask of you now I do not know if it is a thing we can return from. A person down there is someone who I must give my life to protect, I also am needing your help to offer this protection. Their numbers are many and we are few, but the bond is such that I must ask it of you still… A-Are you with me?”
Without hesitation Michelle replied with steely resolve in her voice;
“Always.”
“I would not deny you and shame my ancestors.”
Un-Bep’ee added resolutely.
“Only if you stop calling me little….”
Calvin supplied with a cago eating grin, which caused their leaders face to soften as she replied whilst looking seriously at each of them in turn.
“It will be hard, but it seems it is terrible sacrifice I must make…”
Before she continued more seriously.
“Now for plan…I suggest we sneak up on the large one and grab the rests attention. With four of us it will be hard, but I think once the large one is down we back off and let my little fire cracker throw balls of fire while we buy the people escape time. Now give me your thoughts, but make them quick!”
Blushing at Svet calling her by her pet name, Michelle tried to control her voice as she stammered a reply in an embarrassing rising octave.
“I-I can make that work!”
“Fucking Judy…guess it just the four of us on this one…”
Calvin cursed in assent.
“I will do what I can, but please try not to get too hurt!”
Un-Bep’ee added to which Svetlana took in her Party and smiled a sad smile, saying.
“I could not ask for better comrades in arms, let us circle round and be about it, remember quiet and calm, but deadly!”
She finished with a grin to which her Party’s only response was answering smiles and nods as they formed a single file behind Calvin, sneaking halfway back down the hill.
The sound of sporadic melee was still audible when they had finished heading up the hill, whilst also remaining downwind of the large and lanky Troll.
Coming back into sight of the fight what felt like a full minute later, Michelle hear wrenched when she saw that one of the robe clad people they were attempting to rescue had just fallen prey to the harassing Trolls. The cause of which was a spear jab in the chest from a Troll before it quickly danced back evading their allies beleaguered retaliatory strikes.
Svetlana spoke in a harsh whisper that managed broke her from her shocked worry.
“Ball of fire when I give signal my sweet!”
Blushing again in embarrassment, Michelle hung back with their healer while Calvin quietly took the lead with Svetlana close on his heels. Then their leader raised her free hand and opened it in a releasing motion which was their agreed upon signal for Michelle’s [Fireball].
Casting her spell she targeted the back of the closest harassing Troll, holding her breath in tense anticipation as Svet and Cal stealthily closed the distance to the isolated leader. However like all plans, it was only as good as the paper it was drawn upon.
When Cal had closed to within 5 feet of the larger Troll he accidently kicked a river rock, causing it to impact another such stone near their targets feet. Whipping its head round to find itself being flanked by unknown new enemies, the lanky monster let forth a guttural cry of alarm, yet thankfully, it was already too late.
Calvin now eschewing stealth charged with [Shield Bash], hitting its large thigh and although it did not knock their prey over it still managed to stun the overlarge specimen. Svetlana not one to waste such a generous opportunity was beside the monster before it could regain its wits and lunged with [Piercing Strike] straight at its unprotected ribs, followed by a [Flurry] of 5 successive strikes in a tight group at the recoiling giant.
When Svetlana had danced back Calvin gave the beast no rest as he brought his short sword down on its lolling head with a deftly timed [Concussive Strike] finally stumbling the Troll leader to an awkward looking prone position on the rocky ground. Not hesitating another second as the harassing Troll’s had been alerted by the leader’s cry of alarm, Svetlana ran her spear straight into the lanky Troll’s ear and through its skull. Relinquishing her spear the spindly monster collapsed to the ground as its blood painted the riverbed stones:
Your party has slain a Troll Brute level 24, all experience awarded equally.
Grinning savagely at the notification Michelle finished her cast and released her [Fireball] at the closest of the harassing forces while their vanguard beat a hasty retreat to their waiting teammates. Calvin swiftly followed suit, backing away whilst covering their leaders flank, managing to deflect a tossed spear in the process with his new shield as the [Fireball] passed the retreating pair.
Angered by demise of their leader the Trolls charged as one, with red sclera’d eyes, heedless of the approaching firey projectile. When the hastily retreating pair had almost rejoined their Party the [Fireball] impacted the closest pursuing Troll.
The resulting explosion sent a concussive wave of fire and super-heated air to engulf the charging Trolls then spit them out from the epicenter of the blast, charred and in some cases missing a limb.
Smiling at her handiwork she noticed past their blasted attackers that the previously encircled group had rallied and was now fighting back with a vengeance against the remaining Trolls.
Focusing her errant attention to the smoking and charred gangly forms she had just decimated, her blood ran cold. Before her very eyes the Trolls skin was starting to heal, along with the other maimed members of their troop. Where their burnt limb stumps had once been, there was now undulating green skin beginning to grown into what looked like the previously resident limb.
Shoving down her fear and anger that they were undoing her gloriously timed explosions work, she targeted one of the still limbless ones head with [Magic Missile] and let it fly. The purple projectile whizzed forward and struck true causing the targets head to explode in a shower of red and green gore like a watermelon all over its prone but recovering kin:
Your party has slain a Troll Hunter level 22, all experience awarded equally.
“Hahaha, yo cago en la leche de tu puta madregiant you green cara’s de panocha!”
She cackled madly as she taunted their pointy eared and green big nosed foes, leading Svetlana to give her a slightly reproachful look before she turned her attention to the now half recovered enemy as she said with an almost uncomfortable smile.
“I-I am glad we are allies my fire cracker…”
Past her previous embarrassments Michelle grinned as she waited for her spells to come off cool down to once more assault the Trolls. When the able bodied enemies began to charge their position once more Un-Bep’ee shouted.
“CLOSE YOUR EYES NOW!”
Doing as instructed Michelle still received a dazzling flash of light through her closed eyelids as their healer cast his [Blinding Light] spell. After the few seconds of retina destroying light had abated, she opened her eyes to survey the field of battle. The once charging Trolls were now in disarray as well as a good portion still surrounding the defending rescuee’s, as they began to swing their spears wildly about themselves and let out howls of frustration.
“Now, let us clean up the rabble!
Their leader announced as she and Calvin ran forth to make short work of the confused Trolls. Michelle added the intermittent [Magic Missile] to targets of opportunity and another [Fireball] to the once amputee stragglers when they made their charge allowing their two melee fighters to impale or decapitate the once more charred, concussed but rapidly regenerating foe:
Your party has slain a Troll Hunter level 22, all experience awarded equally.
...
Your party has slain a Troll Hunter level 22, all experience awarded equally.
....
Your party has slain a Troll Hunter level 23, all experience awarded equally.
.....
Your party has slain a Troll Hunter level 21, all experience awarded equally.
As she breathed a sigh of relief at dispatching the attacking 8ft barely wolf pelt clad green monsters, Svetlana began to say something before she roared out in anger.
“Oh I have ju-noooOOOO!”
Michelle’s eyes frantically followed the direction of their leaders anger filled gaze to discover that while they had downed five of their surrounding adversaries, two more members of the waylaid group had fallen whilst they had been busy dispatching their own foes.
The enraged Svetlana catapulted forward with inhuman speed, closely followed by Calvin as Michelle and Un-Bep’ee scrambled, lagging behind their rapidly advancing backs.
The remaining Trolls turned to greet their new prey only to discover that an angry spear wielding Russian is something that they would not live to tell so much as a whisper of.
With unmatched lethality, Svetlana danced between their slow strikes as she managed to skewer two green and pointy eared heads before she jumped out of their range, taking deep labored breaths to recover herself:
Your party has slain a Troll Hunter level 21, all experience awarded equally.
Your party has slain a Troll Hunter level 21, all experience awarded equally.
Unerringly, Calvin acted to rebuff the remaining three monster with a [Concussive Strike] followed by [Shield Bash] as they made to attack the out of breath Apprentice Spearwoman. Michelle then cast a [Magic Missile] at the unimpeded one who was attempting to flank the stalling Apprentice Knight, the purple projectile exploding its head with ease:
Your party has slain a Troll Hunter level 23, all experience awarded equally.
Over Calvin’s shoulder Svetlana accurately skewered one of the stunned Trolls with a [Piercing Strike] and much to their relief and surprise there was a *thwak* as Michelle belatedly noticed an arrow head and subsequent shaft protruding from the last Troll’s skull when it was midway into its collapse:
Your party has slain a Troll Hunter level 22, all experience awarded equally.
Your party has slain a Troll Hunter level 23, all experience awarded equally.
You have Leveled Up.
You have acquired the Skill Frost Nova.
Huffing exhaustedly Svetlana was the first to speak as she gasped for air.
“Un-Bep’ee…….heal…..robust….woman…..ground….”
Without argument their Apprentice Cleric hastily made his way to the specified victim and cast [Minor Heal] on the woman’s unmoving body. As he held his hands at the ebbing sight of the blood loss at her chest the green glow of the spell covered her barely moving torso.
As Michelle watched him work the magic, she took pause and take stock of the people they had just rescued.
The woman being healed sported leather armor similar to their own front liners and had a mace and shield discarded at her side, her pale and aged weathered face sported a crop of sweat and blood encrusted blond hair with streaks of grey that would no doubt have normally come to just above her shoulders. Her physique was that of a muscular weightlifter with her leather armor barely containing her form even in her newfound convalescence.
The other members of the rescued party consisted of a gruff looking short and stocky black bearded individual, with a shaved scalp of about 5ft 3. He was breathing hard and leaning on a large mace, evidently to keep from falling over whilst eyeing Michelle’s Party in a near identical evaluating manner.
Next was the one who had obviously shot the arrow at the last troll, being that he was the only owner of a wooden bow in the group. He possessed a hawkish face that was framed with chestnut hair tied in a tight pony tail and was just shy of 6ft with a rake-ish form. He was also kitted in leather that looked to have saved his life more than once judging by its tattered state. While he was obviously suffering minor head wound with blood trickling down the side of his face, his eyes never stopped moving to take in the surrounding area for threats whilst drawing calm and measured breaths.
The last living member was of Asian descent and was wearing similar equipment to the absent Judy. He was in a crouched position with a dagger in one hand and the other held tight to his chest whilst it tried to stymie the visibly leaking blood. His black bowl cut hair stuck with sweat to his head as he breathed in short and panicked breaths. There was fear etched in lines of his far too young and haggard visage as he watched the rest of Michelle’s Party approach.
“Easy now wee lad…they just saved our bacon…”
Said the stocky mace wielding man in a gruff Scottish accent to the frightened and crouching Asian man.
“What your friend says is true.”
Svetlana confirmed, in an attempt to also reassure the man as she approached the downed woman.
Tracking her eyes to the unmoving robed form, Michelle knelt down and finding no pulse on the slender feminine fore arm, she moved the robe that obscured the victims face. What she found was a girl that couldn’t have been older than 15, with curly red hair in a ponytail and freckles festooning her deathly white skin. All the while her lifeless eyes staring forward into nothing with a face bereft of strain or emotion. Closing the deceased girls vacant eyes in a gentle motion Michelle asked of the survivors in a somber whisper.
“What was her name?”
“I-It was S-stephanine.”
The hawkish looking man said with his hand coving his mouth as he fought back tears whilst squeezing his eyes shut. Opening his eyes after a few deep breaths in and out his attention now focused somewhat hesitantly on his saviors as he continued.
“We thought….we thought there was only three or four Trolls…we didn’t realize until…until…”
His Swedish accent rising in distress as he began to recall the obvious cause of their current state, however just as his distress was reaching its peak a rough yet affectionate Russian voice cut him off.
“Hush now my spindly legged gazelle” *cough!* “It is done and there is only forward to go…”
Yet to Michelle’s surprise it was not the man who responded to the voice but an incredulous Svetlana;
“BABUSHKA?!?! Y-you live…?!”
She finished in a near whisper as she knelt near the wounded but now stabilized woman, her eyes large in surprise as if not daring to believe such a thing to be true. The older woman in near opposite to the worry of the younger half drawled.
*Cough!* *cough!* “Oh it is you little polar bear…… I should have known you would find me in such a state.”
Svetlana broke into tears at the older woman’s reply, clutching at her bloodied hand as she sobbed. To which the other woman responded wryly as their leader continued to shed unreciprocated tears.
“Sooksin…Not you too…”
“She is fine for now Svetlana, the wound seems to be closed, I think there was some internal bleeding. I will heal her once more once I have enough mana.”
Nodding in silent thanks and confirmation to Un-Bep’ee’s analysis, Svetlana kept her teary eyes fixed on the injured woman.
“As touching as thus reunion is an all, I wud really like ta get tha hell away frum all these corpses and blood before more monsters make un appearance!”
Interjected the Scotsman.
Taking a further moment to collect herself, Svetlana Straightened up and cleared her throat whilst wiping the remainder of her tears away. That done she reassumed her traditional role as Party lead.
“Cal collect Manamotes and loot, Michelle and the scared little one keep watch, Un-Bep’ee help me carry Oksana, Gazelle and Scottish man, you two should collect your dead comrade so these cursed monsters do not defile her memory.”
She listed off as she looked at each of the party members in turn, her eyes finally reaching the thin bowman and the gruff Scotsman in turn.
“I din’aught mean ta be ungrateful lass, but I’m gonna have ta insust tha we keep tha Manamotes from tha green bastards we killed…”
Retorted the bearded man as having recovered somewhat from his exhausted state, he began to heft his large mace in a threatening manner whilst looking to his team for support. Michelle felt herself tense up at his demand and threating behavior but once more relaxed when Svetlana shrugged indifferently and replied.
“This is no problem. Take what is yours, you heard him yes Calvin?”
Receiving a confirming nod for her instruction, the Australian man didn’t even look back at them as he gave the mentioned corpses a wide birth whilst continuing to collect what he could from the scene of the battle, in a practiced almost mercantile fashion.
“See no problem…just be quick about it…we leave for Outpost in three minutes…”
She added in an almost indifferent tone.
And without further argument or incident the rag tag group of eight left the scene of the battle to head for the safety offered by the Outpost. All the while Michelle was nervously trying to figure out what exactly what a ‘Babushka’ could be…