Liam waved goodbye to Isabella and left the Vanguard Coalition, his thoughts focused on the future. He walked through the bustling city streets, which had become even busier as the day progressed. Vendors shouted to sell their goods, children played and laughed, and people went about their daily lives.

As he made his way back to Rolf's inn, Liam found comfort in the familiar sight of the building. He pushed open the door, and a warm, welcoming scent of freshly cooked food greeted him. The inn's common room was filled with adventurers, merchants, and travelers who had stopped to eat, drink, and rest. Conversations and laughter filled the air, creating a lively atmosphere.

Rolf, the ever-attentive innkeeper, spotted Liam entering and waved him over. "Ah, Liam! Back from your mission, I see! How did it go?" he asked, a friendly smile on his face.

Liam took a deep breath before starting his story. " While I was in the forest, I encountered a wolf."

Rolf raised an eyebrow, concern still evident on his face. "A wolf? Were you hurt?"

Liam hesitated for a moment before responding. "Yeah, it managed to bite me, but I was able to fend it off. I've never come across a wolf before."

"You're lucky to have survived, lad," Rolf said, his tone serious. "What happened?"

"I used my light powers to blind it and then managed to stab it with my dagger. It was really strange, though. The wolf seemed... different somehow. It was able to bind my feet using vines"

Rolf thought for a moment before responding. "Well it’s not that strange, all sentient beings have a spirit.. It's possible you encountered a nature-spirited wolf. Almost all nature type spirited creatures will be very protective of their habitat.”

Liam's eyes widened in surprise. "I had no idea. Maybe I shouldn't have gone into the forest at night."

“Probably not lad, you could have searched for the flower during the day, yes it would be harder but you would have found it eventually. Anyway, the main thing is you got out alive. What did you do with the wolfs body? Depending on how old the wolf is, the pelt can be worth a fair bit of coin.” advises Rolf.

“I just left it in the forest, I didn’t think about trying to butcher it, I was injured and tired after all. Besides I wouldn’t know how to go about skinning it.” Liam replies with a sheepish expression.

“Ahh not to worry, you will make plenty of money. I can talk to my friend Gorak, he can show you the basics when it comes to skinning animals.”

“That would be great! It will be a useful skill” Liam replies with a grin. “Anyway, that wasn’t the only trouble I had” Liam continues.

I was attacked by bandits on my way back from the Whisperwood Forest."

Rolf's eyes widened, concern etched on his face. "What? Are you alright, lad?"

"Yeah, I managed to escape using my powers," Liam admitted. "I thought they were just ordinary travelers, but they turned on me when I mentioned my mission."

Rolf sighed, his expression serious. "Liam, you need to be careful. The world can be a dangerous place, and not everyone has your best interests at heart. Remember, many people value money over life. Trust should be earned, so be cautious about sharing your secrets or giving away extra information"

Liam nodded, accepting Rolf's wisdom. "You're right. I was too trusting, I'll be more careful from now on."

"Good," Rolf agreed. "Keep your wits about you, and don't let your guard down, especially with strangers."

"Thanks for the advice, Rolf," Liam said gratefully. "I'll definitely keep it in mind."

"I could use a good meal and some rest now, though." says Liam, after recounting his tale.

Rolf nodded, understanding. "You've earned it," he said, gesturing for Liam to take a seat at one of the tables. "I'll bring you something hot and filling to eat."

As Liam sat down, he looked around the room, observing the various patrons. He couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie among them, as they all shared in the unpredictable, challenging, and rewarding life of an adventurer. Liam's heart swelled with pride and anticipation for what lay ahead.

As Rolf brought a steaming plate of food to Liam, he could start to fully unwind after a few busy days. Several mugs of ale later in a moment where Rolf isn’t overly busy with customers, Liam tells the Innkeeper about the bandits.

He described how he had encountered a seemingly friendly group of travelers, only to be betrayed and attacked when he least expected it. He told Rolf about how he had managed to escape by utilizing his powers and quick thinking.

Rolf nodded in understanding as Liam recounted his tale. He commended Liam for his decision to flee, explaining that sometimes it was wiser to avoid a confrontation rather than fight. However, Rolf also scolded Liam for sharing too much information about himself and his mission with the strangers. He warned Liam that not everyone could be trusted, and that in this world, it was crucial to be cautious with whom he shared his secrets.

After finishing his meal, Liam decided to unwind and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the inn. He ordered a mug of ale and found a comfortable spot near the hearth, where a bard named Caelum was setting up to play music. Caelum, a talented young man with feathery blue hair and bird-like features, was known for his awakened sound spirit. He strummed his lute and began to sing a lively tune that captivated the room.

As the music filled the inn, conversations quieted, and all eyes turned to Caelum. His voice was powerful and soulful, filling the air with tales of adventure, love, and loss. The audience clapped and sang along to the more familiar songs, and listened intently to the new compositions he shared. His fingers danced nimbly across the strings of his lute, each note resonating with the emotions conveyed in his lyrics.

Liam took a sip of his ale, feeling the warmth spread through his body, and allowed the music to transport him to far-off places and times. Caelum's stories sparked his imagination, and he found himself daydreaming about the great adventures that awaited him. He was reminded that the world was full of possibilities and that every experience, whether it was a victorious battle or a painful defeat, would only serve to make him stronger and more capable.

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As the evening progressed, the atmosphere in the inn grew more relaxed and jovial. Patrons laughed, shared stories, and enjoyed Caelum's music together, creating a strong sense of community among the adventurers who called this place their temporary home. Liam felt grateful to be part of this vibrant and supportive world.

Eventually, Caelum concluded his performance, earning thunderous applause and cheers from the audience. Liam joined in, clapping and smiling, his spirits lifted by the enchanting music and the camaraderie around him. As the night came to an end and the patrons began to leave, Liam felt a renewed sense of energy.

The morning sun filtered through the inn's windows as Liam woke up from a night of deep sleep. He stretched, feeling surprisingly refreshed despite the previous day's ordeal. After getting dressed, he headed downstairs to join Rolf for breakfast. Rolf was already seated, nursing a mug of steaming coffee.

"Morning, Liam," Rolf greeted him with a smile. "How did you sleep?"

"Surprisingly well, considering everything that happened yesterday," Liam replied as he sat down.

Rolf chuckled. "That's the spirit. Now, if you are interested, I know somebody who should be free today to teach you a few things.”

Liam raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh?"

"My friend Gorak is an expert in hunting and survival skills," Rolf explained. "He knows how to skin and preserve animal hides, which could be a valuable skill for you to learn. If you're interested, I could introduce you to him."

Liam's face lit up at the offer. "That would be great, Rolf. Thank you!"

After finishing their breakfast, Rolf led Liam through the busy streets of Farandor. They arrived at a small, unassuming building where Gorak ran his workshop. The place was filled with various hunting tools, animal hides, and preserved meats.

Rolf introduced Liam to Gorak, a burly man with a hearty laugh. Gorak was more than happy to teach Liam the basics of skinning and preserving animal hides, explaining that it would not only provide him with valuable resources but also help him develop a greater respect for the creatures he encountered in the wild. After making introductions, Rolf returns to the Slumbering Drake.

Gorak was a striking figure with a rugged appearance, made all the more distinctive by the influence of his awakened magma spirit. His skin had an earthy, reddish-brown hue that seemed to subtly glow with an inner warmth. In certain light, one could even see what appeared to be faint, vein-like cracks running along his arms and face, reminiscent of molten lava flows on the surface of cooling rock.

His eyes held a fiery intensity, a deep orange-red color that seemed to flicker like flames, hinting at the powerful elemental spirit that resided within him. Gorak's hair was a wild, unruly mass of black, with occasional strands resembling hardened volcanic glass or obsidian, giving him a distinctive and somewhat intimidating appearance. fter a fulfilling day of learning new skills, Liam returned to the inn, eager to share his experiences with Rolf. He walked in and found Rolf behind the counter, his ever-present smile brightening the room.

Gorak led Liam to a wooden table at the back of the workshop, where various knives, hooks, and other tools were neatly arranged. He carefully selected a few items, placing them on the table in front of Liam.

"Before we begin, it's essential to have the right tools for the job," Gorak explained as he handed Liam a sharp, curved knife. "This is a skinning knife. Its design allows you to cleanly separate the hide from the carcass without damaging the skin."

Liam studied the knife, noting its ergonomic handle and razor-sharp edge. He could tell that this was a tool designed for precision.

Gorak continued, "Now, let's start with a basic lesson. We'll practice on this rabbit carcass." He placed a small, lifeless rabbit on the table. "First, you'll want to make an incision at the hind legs, cutting through the skin and muscle until you reach the joint. Be careful not to cut too deep – you don't want to pierce the intestines."

Under Gorak's watchful eye, Liam began to follow his instructions. His hands were slightly shaky at first, but Gorak's steady guidance helped him to gain confidence.

"Good," Gorak praised as Liam successfully separated the skin from the muscle. "Now, work your way up towards the head, peeling the skin away as you go. Be gentle but firm – the goal is to keep the hide intact."

Liam nodded and continued, slowly but surely removing the skin from the rabbit carcass. It was a delicate process, requiring both patience and a steady hand. As he worked, he could feel himself growing more attuned to the task, developing a newfound appreciation for the skill and craftsmanship involved.

After what felt like hours, Liam finally removed the last of the hide. Gorak inspected his work, nodding in approval. "Not bad for a first try. Remember, practice makes perfect. As you gain experience, you'll become more efficient and precise."

Gorak leaned against the table, thoughtfully studying the array of knives and tools. "You should know that each animal is unique, and the type of spirit they possess can have a significant impact on their physiology. It's crucial to learn how to adapt your technique to accommodate these differences."

Liam looked at him curiously, intrigued by the connection between spirits and the animals they inhabited.

"For instance," Gorak continued, "an animal with a fire spirit might have a tougher hide due to the heat it generates. On the other hand, a creature with a water spirit could have a more supple and elastic skin, making it more challenging to separate from the flesh without tearing."

As Gorak spoke, Liam began to understand the complexity and nuance involved in mastering the art of skinning. It wasn't just about learning a single technique, but rather developing the ability to adapt and adjust to each unique situation.

Gorak smiled, sensing Liam's growing interest. "It's fascinating, isn't it? The more you work with different animals and their spirits, the more you'll learn about their distinct characteristics. This knowledge will not only help you become a more skilled skinner but also a better hunter and adventurer."

Gorak spent several hours patiently teaching Liam the basics of skinning, demonstrating various techniques and carefully guiding Liam's hands as he practiced on different types of animal hides. Liam proved to be a quick learner, his keen eyes and steady hands following Gorak's instructions with precision.

As the session progressed, Gorak found himself impressed with Liam's dedication and eagerness to learn. He decided to make an offer that would take Liam's training to the next level.

"You know, Liam," Gorak began, wiping his hands on a rag, "I can see that you're genuinely passionate about learning these skills. And Rolf speaks highly of you. How about I take you out into the wilderness to teach you some basic tracking and survival techniques? It's essential to know how to find the animals you'll be skinning, after all."

Liam's eyes lit up at the prospect of venturing out into the wild with Gorak as his mentor. He knew that gaining practical experience would be invaluable, and he was eager to put his newfound skills to the test.

"I'd be honored, Gorak," Liam replied, his voice filled with excitement. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to learn from someone as knowledgeable as you."

Gorak smiled, pleased with Liam's enthusiasm. "Excellent. We'll start tomorrow morning. Make sure to wear comfortable clothes and bring your new dagger. I'll provide the rest of the equipment we'll need."

After a fulfilling day of learning new skills, Liam returned to the inn, eager to share his experiences with Rolf. He walked in and found Rolf behind the counter, his ever-present smile brightening the room.

"Ah, Liam, how did your day go?" Rolf asked, genuinely interested in the young man's progress.

"It was amazing, Rolf! Gorak taught me the basics of skinning and even offered to take me out tomorrow to teach me tracking and survival techniques," Liam beamed, his enthusiasm contagious. "I couldn't have asked for a better teacher."

Rolf nodded, happy to hear that his friend's recommendation had worked out so well. "That's great news, Liam. Gorak is a skilled tracker and an excellent teacher. I'm sure you'll learn a lot from him."

As Liam sat down for his evening meal, he took a moment to express his gratitude to Rolf for everything he'd done. "I just wanted to say thank you, Rolf. Your guidance and support have been invaluable to me. I really appreciate it."

Rolf smiled warmly, touched by Liam's words. "You're very welcome, Liam. It's been a pleasure to watch you grow and learn. I'm always here to help in any way I can."

Liam enjoyed a hearty meal, savoring every bite as he chatted with Rolf and the other patrons.

After waving Rolf and the remaining guests goodnight, Liam heads upstairs to sleep. Laying in bed he summons his status, the usual blue light illuminates his room as he does so.

Body

8

Energy

45/45

Spirit

Foundling Stage