Baracus held a hand towards Tallos, the two grabbing each other's wrist, as my eyes continued to scan the System notification. “Hail, ranger Tallos. Though we have not met, I have heard tales of your bravery from Captain Larsa of the Moon Siren,” Baracus said with a hint of admiration. “I am pleased to meet you. Thank you for assisting Hunter Xazorus in defeating the Minotaur threat.”
“Thank you, Captain,” Tallos replied with a grateful tilt of his head. “I have a particular proclivity when it comes to raining arrows upon any giant-kind, Minotaurs being no exception.”
“The city is glad for it,” the proud warrior said with an appreciative grin. “Now, before I present Xazorus with his due reward, would you both bear with me one moment? I would like to check on something first.” At his words, Baracus opened the closed doors before calling to a nearby runner. The two spoke quietly, only snippets of the conversation reaching my ears. I caught something about inquiring with the merchant guild.
The messenger thumped a foot against the hardwood floor before saluting his captain. As the soldier disappeared down the stairs, Baracus moved to his desk instead of rejoining joining us at the city miniature. My eyes lingered on the open doorway for several moments as the motion of guards walking down the hallway caught my attention. Baracus reached low, the sound of a drawer sliding open echoing through the room. The veteran placed one, then two tomes, atop his mahogany desk. Both were the size of a typical spell book. Picking up the pair, Baracus returned to us before setting the unusual books in between us. The captain motioned for me to inspect them, apparently, the rewards he spoke of earlier.
One of the books was made of dark leather that seemed to pull in particles of darkness an inch from its smoky surface. The effect was fascinating to witness as if the book was pulling in tiny motes of shadow from the air. The other tome was made of an unusual teal leather which reminded me of snakeskin. As my eyes examined what was undoubtedly a spell book, arcane words across its binding flashed momentarily golden as if some mystical fluid was filling the space within the unrecognizable letters.
“I was confident in your return and successful completion of the task I set before you. Though now, considering the tale you have shared with me, I feel it inadequate,” Baracus said as we inspected two tomes. “While at this time I can only offer you one of these,” he said as he flicked his gaze back to the open doorway as if expecting someone to turn up at any moment. “I have taken steps to amend the rewards in light of the merchant lockbox you returned. ”
“For the moment though, you may choose one of these spell tomes,” the guard captain continued. “After meeting with you the other day, I spoke with Captain Larsa to inquire about your capabilities and your method of combat. With that knowledge, I confided with one of the city's archmagi, who in turn recommended the spell books laid out before you. It is my understanding both are quite valuable, so I am hopeful at least one will fit your needs. Please know our city will look favorably upon you and your party from this day forward.”
Congratulations! You have earned 10,000 experience points.
You are able to choose one (1) of the spell books offered by Guard Captain, Baracus.
Option 1: Spell Book of Lesser Wyvern Sting
Option 2: Spell Book of Lesser Invoke Terror
Congratulations! Your reputation with the capital city of Allerton has greatly increased. Its citizens and guards will look upon you favorably from this moment onward.
Congratulations! Your actions within the capital city of Allerton have reached an important threshold. You are now considered an ‘Honored Citizen of Allerton’ with any nearby settlement affiliated with the capital. Continue to act in a manner that benefits its citizens and surrounding lands to open new possibilities, quests, and additional rewards.
As the rewards rolled in from the quest completion, my experience bar filled completely before flashing a vibrant amber. A notification icon appeared in my vision, blinking to catch my attention, though I left it unopened as I wanted to finish my conversation with Baracus first. I would cross into level twenty when we were done. With the message unread, the usual surge and swell of energy denoting a level increase had not yet overcome me.
First glancing at Stella, I ran a finger across the snakeskin tome. The leather had a tackiness to it as if it would stick against the nearby wall if I only pressed the book up against it.
You have found: {Tome of Lesser Wyvern Sting}.
{Tome of Lesser Wyvern Sting}. Quality: Well Crafted. Rarity: Uncommon. Type: Spell Book - Consumable. Durability: 100/100. Properties(s): Teaches the spell [Lesser Wyvern Sting]. Note – This is a single-use item and will be destroyed when used.
The title of the spell was familiar, though I couldn't place where I had last seen it. As I read the System message, the spell's name was highlighted in my vision indicating more information could be gleamed. Concentrating on those words, I willed for additional details to appear.
Spell ‘Lesser Wyvern Sting’ – At your command, a magically created wyvern stinger shoots forth to impact a nearby enemy. The target is afflicted by a deadly poison that causes serious damage over time, though at the cost of the toxin quickly neutralizing.
I shot a questioning look Stella’s way. She immediately caught the meaning behind my look. “Yup, it’s the same spell offered back when you reached level sixteen.”
Nodding my thanks, I moved my attention to the other tome. Swirls of a shadowy substance appeared randomly across its surface. Motes of blackness, like an inky cloud, sunk downwards as if being pulled into an invisible drain. Lifting the obsidian book, it was neither hard nor solid to the touch. Instead, it felt like pressing a fingertip against a partially inflated basketball. As I applied pressure, testing the unusual effect, the innate resistance of the enchanted material increased to match however hard I pressed.
“What is this made of?” I asked in awe as I handled the book. Turning it over, I was amazed at the simple sensation of holding it, as if I wasn't holding a book. Instead, it was like holding a pliable cloud-shaped book. Holding the book close to my eyes to continued, “It’s like I’m not actually holding it, as if this shadowy stuff keeps my fingers just off its surface. It’s an unusual sensation, to say the least.”
“Sorry, no idea,” Stella said even as she swiped her paws in the air. “Nothing beyond what you can already inspect is listed in the data.”
You have found: {Tome of Lesser Invoke Terror}.
{Tome of Lesser Invoke Terror}. Quality: Well Crafted. Rarity: Uncommon. Type: Spell Book - Consumable. Durability: 100/100. Properties(s): Teaches the spell [Lesser Invoke Terror]. Note – This is a single-use item and will be destroyed when used.
Spell ‘Lesser Invoke Terror – A psychic bolt of energy lances from your hand and strikes a nearby enemy dealing a small amount of direct damage. The target’s mind is filled with overwhelming panic and fear causing it to flee from you. Additionally, while affected by this spell, the target’s mind becomes confused and muddled resulting in a decreased movement speed of 33%, as well as an uncoordinated retreat.
Note – Any damage inflicted to the target while under the effects of this spell has a chance of ending this spell early (physical damage equals moderate chance, magical damage equals low chance).
Note – This spell does not affect constructs, undead, or other creatures immune to fear.
“Hmm, having more damage over time spells would be welcomed,” I said as placed the book back next to its brother as we considered our two options. “If I remember right, you previously said that this wyvern sting would damage an enemy far more than our usual DoTs, right? Though at the cost of ending far faster than the usual thirty seconds to one-minute duration of our other spells.”
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
“Exactly right,” Stella answered as she floated close to the invoke terror tome. She was closely inspecting the book, trying to touch its surface like I had been. “Though we can’t know exactly how hard it hits, it’s going to be impressive.” She turned away from the mysterious book, glancing at an invisible screen. After a few seconds, she continued her train of thought. “It only lasts three ticks. So, after the initial damage, it lasts another 18 seconds before dissipating.”
“That’s close to half the duration of my other DoTs,” I said as held a finger to my lips. “Meaning it would be best to cast it as the final DoT in a spell rotation or, perhaps more usefully, I could use it to kill weaker mobs with just the single spell.”
“Why would you cast it last,” Tallos inquired beside me. When I was on board the Moon Siren, we had talked to great lengths about my spells as Tallos had shown great interest in them. Though, I couldn't recall if I ever talked about the finer reasoning behind my DoT casting order.
“With my damage over time spells, against powerful enemies, it is a good tactic to start with whichever spell has the longest duration. From there, you cast your remaining spells in descending order, from the longest durations to the lowest," I replied.
"Meaning there is no loss of efficiency with the mana spent to apply those spells" Stella added but Tallos still had a look like he wasn't fully understanding so she pressed on. "It wouldn’t make sense to spend a thousand mana points on your spells, only for them to stop halfway through. Whatever was lost would be mana wasted."
"Hmm," I said as I contemplated another way of explaining it. "Think of it like this. Imagine you have six arrows but they all move through the air at different speeds. If you wanted all the arrows to land at the same time, against a distant enemy, you would first fire the arrow that moved the slowest."
"And then to the next slowest arrow, so on and so forth," Tallos said, finally understanding the analogy. "You're ensuring your spells are causing their maximum damage. Thanks, that makes sense now."
“So, what about the other spell,” Tallos inquired as he pointed to the teal book.
“Invoke terror,” I read aloud. “Quite simply, it causes a monster to turn and run away. Though, I’m glad it comes with a snare effect. It wouldn’t work well if a monster simply bee-lined away from us. Thankfully, as it is, I’d be able to get a few DoTs on the target without too much risk of the fear effect breaking.”
“Right,” Stella said. “It synergizes well with your specialization as DoTs have the least chance of breaking that fear effect. Though, from what I am seeing in the metadata, you may only be able to reliably cast two, or at most three, spells before running the risk of the fear breaking.”
Baracus was waiting patiently nearby, every so often peering back to the open doorway. I guessed he was familiar with other Hunters discussing similar topics, so he was not prone to interrupt us. I was surprised then when he asked an enlightened question. “Would the invoke terror spell be usable on multiple enemies? If not, it would be less useful.”
As my impression of the man rose, I considered his question. Baracus was right, being only able to fear a single monster would severely limit the spell’s worth to me.
“Checking,” Stella said as her paw moved side to side in the air. “yes, it can be used on multiple targets. Nothing bars it from being cast on a different monster. Great question, Captain.”
“I have had the fortune of spending a great deal of time with our current archmagus. I picked up a thing or two about the theory of spell casting. Such knowledge can be useful when fighting hostile wizards,” Baracus said as he waved away the compliment. “Speaking of wizards, I meant to tell you earlier, that we will be better prepared should Duke return. I have enlisted the aid of several powerful spell casters to swiftly and decisively respond in the event of that possibility.”
“That’s good to hear, my friend,” I said. “I have been worried Duke may come back in search of me. I’ glad to hear you’ve taken steps to prevent him from bringing harm to anyone else in the city.”
I turned to Stella, “So, which are you leaning toward?” Personally, I was leaning toward the lesser invoke terror to expand our battle tactics and crowd control capability but I was curious for her thoughts.
“Her opinion may not be necessary,” Baracus interrupted as the messenger from earlier came up the steps and stood waiting at the doorway, a folded parchment in hand, Baracus met the man across and opened the letter. After reading it, the two spoke in a low tone. As the courier departed, Baracus turned back to us with an energetic look about him.
“Good news,” he said with a wide smile, taping the letter in the air. “Because of the return of their lockbox, the merchant guild has agreed to cover the cost for the other spell tome. They are essentially purchasing the spell on your behalf from the archmagus. So, my friends, you need not choose one spell, you have earned both.”
“Thank you, Captain,” I said with a genuine smile. “I appreciate the consideration and inquiry with the merchant guild on our behalf. Both spells will be a welcomed addition to my repertoire.”
“You are very welcome,” Baracus replied earnestly. “I know your need is pressing, ever forward in your pursuit of the criminal Duke. So, I have one more thing to offer you before you leave." He reached across his desk to a stack of documents, picking up the top one. It reminded me of a manila folder from Earth, though what Baracus handed to me was made of thin leather instead of stiff cardstock.
Opening the folder, it contained a semi-detailed map of the area surrounding Allerton. mostly extended far to the east. North of the city, some dozen miles or so, was the Ceres Sea which extended beyond the top edge of the map. My eyes followed the river we had traversed with the Moon Siren, as it ran north to connect with the expansive sea. Baracus came to stand beside me, his finger indicating what looked like a city far to the east. It did not have a name listed.
“Duke has been to the capital multiple times over the years, though I never had the displeasure of meeting with him personally. From what I gathered, while you were handling the Minotaur threat, I have learned Duke mostly hails from this settlement. Though neither I nor any of my contacts know its name. It is there I suggest you continue your search. Sadly, the settlement is at least several hundred miles away as the crow flies. Either way, I hope this small bit of information helps aid you in your quest.”
A knock on the door caught everyone’s attention. An individual wearing the attire of a businessman stood holding a stack of loose parchment tucked under an arm. Baracus nodded at the man, before returning his attention to us. “Thank you again,” he said. “If you’ll excuse me, I will be ordering a contingent of city guards to make haste to the former Minotaur encampment. We’ll see to the safe return of the supplies to the city. Please feel free to see me whenever fortune favors you a return to Allerton. Farewell, my friends. ”
Bidding Baracus well, Stella, Tallos, Ripley, Lowki, and I left the barracks. We moved across the cobblestone street towards a bench to discuss our next step. The bustle of patrolling soldiers surrounded us, though none paid us much attention. “So, it would seem we know our next course, far to the east,” Stella said as Tallos and I sat down. A few citizens waved our way when we caught each other's gaze. Most though were having indistinct and hushed conversations as they moved from one part of the city to another.
Ripley stood closest to the road, her eyes roaming for any potential danger, although I hardly expected any. We were right across from the main guard barracks, after all, but she was ever vigilant. Lowki had plopped himself down right at my feet, causing me to swing my feet over him to avoid being crushed by his not-inconsiderable weight.
“It is not shown on the map but do you see, here?" Tallos asked as he pointed to a green section on the map about halfway between Allerton and Duke's settlement. “Within this forest is an elven province. I would recommend we travel through these woods. My people may be able to provide guidance or clues to aid us in our hunt. It’s at least a good tenday's hike from where we are now though.”
“Seems as good of a plan as any,” I said as peered over at Stella, who nodded her agreement. “Okay, we’ll need to travel north to this bridge, here. It is the closest way to get across to the east.”
Tallos looked from the map and then up to me, “I am not averse to travel by foot, though do we want to consider purchasing horses to help magnify how much we can travel each day? Our last pair of horses did make our journey back from the Minotaur camp an easy one.”
“I had considered that. Unfortunately, we’re running low on coins. Silver coins we have a decent supply of, sure, but we’re running low on gold,” I replied. “We spent most of our wealth outfitting ourselves before departing for the Minotaurs. We can certainly inquire with one of the stable owners but I’m not feeling confident we have enough for a pair.”
“On foot, it is then,” Stella said as she hovered gracefully nearby. When Tallos and I looked her way with raised eyebrows, she gave a proud harrumph, “We’ll not me, of course. I’m too unique to do anything but fly wherever I’m heading.”
“You’re something alright,” I said under my breath. Tallos snorted a laugh.
“Before we go,” Stella added with mock indifference. “Might I suggest we restock our supply of barbeque sauce? It won't take long, I'm sure.”
“Sorry, Stell,” I replied sarcastically. Her façade wasn't fooling anyone. “I don’t think we can afford to get any more of Marv's marvelous sauce.”
Stella’s eyes went wide and her demeanor bordered on outrage for an instant. When she caught my mocking tone though, her eyebrows narrowed to a needle point. “Uh-huh."
I purposefully ignored Stella and turned back to Tallos. “Do you need anything from the city before we head out? There is still enough daylight yet,” I said before slowly turning my gaze to Stella. “I think we can spare a few minutes to swing past the merchant’s quarter for a resupply.”
“No, I am ready to depart at any time,” Tallos responded before a sly smile crossed his face. “Though, I would be happy to indulge myself in some of that wonderful sauce, if I may?”
I could see the internal calculations running through Stella’s mind. She was calculating how much extra barbeque sauce we would need to purchase if we had three people enjoying the wonderful stuff. “Oh, yeah. Xaz, let’s get a move on. I would hate for us to arrive and find the shop closed for the evening.”
Tallos and I shared a look. He hadn’t meant what he said about the sauce, I could easily tell. He only said as much as a jab towards Stella.
“Come on, come on,” Stella called out before sprinting through the air away from us. I could only smile broadly at her back in response.