🎵: Dash of the Daring, Rise of the Iron Will, Babel's Harmony, Whispers of the Unseen
Morning sunlight filtered through the narrow window of my new workspace, casting golden rectangles across the scattered documents on my desk. Three days into translation work, and already the room showed signs of organized chaos that would have made Master Dalen proud. I placed my compass carefully beside a current stack of Brigade documents, watching the needle quiver slightly before settling.
The compass had become a constant comfort since yesterday's farewell. Its weight at my belt was a constant reminder of Master Dalen's presence, even when we were apart. Sometimes I absently touched it, like a talisman, knowing that no matter how far my path took me, I'd always have a way back to her guidance. I checked my timepiece — thirty minutes until my daily session with Babel's Harmony would begin. Everything needed to be perfectly arranged. I reviewed yesterday's translation notes, scanning the neat rows of my handwriting. Supply manifests, patrol routes, mundane garrison business. But something had been nagging at me, a whisper of a pattern just beyond recognition.
You sing Babel's Harmony!
Status Update
Mana: 14/24
Effects: Babel's Harmony active (1 hour duration)
The familiar sensation washed over me — like having a second set of eyes that could peer through the surface of words to their hidden meanings.
The first document swam into focus under my enhanced perception. Supply manifests from the Brigade's northern outposts. Numbers, dates, quantities — all standard at first glance. But as I cross-referenced them with yesterday's translations, something clicked.
"Wait..." I grabbed a blank sheet, quickly noting down sequences of numbers that seemed to repeat. Not obviously, not in any way that would stand out without Babel's Harmony revealing their true nature. But there — hidden in inventory counts, tucked between routine supply requests — a pattern emerged.
Sweat beaded on my forehead. Using Babel's Harmony was like trying to hold on to a slippery fish — the longer I maintained focus, the more it tried to escape. But I couldn't stop now. The pattern was there, weaving through documents that should have had no connection to each other. Before I knew it, the hour had passed rather quickly.
Babel's Harmony Expired
The sudden absence of Babel's Harmony hit me like a splash of cold water. But I had my notes hastily scrawled but clear enough. I needed a second opinion.
Maya arrived promptly at my request, her expression shifting from professional courtesy to intense interest as I explained my findings.
"Show me," she said, pulling up a chair. I spread out my notes, pointing to the sequences I'd identified.
Maya's eyes lit up as she reviewed my work from the morning session. "Well done," she said, a rare smile crossing her face. "You've proven yourself capable with the basics."
Novice Decoder Quest Completed!
* Experience Gained: 300 XP
The quest details materialized in my awareness as I pointed to my previous findings on the documents I had examined. "Here, and here. The supply numbers aren't just inventory—they're communicating something else. Possibly movement patterns? But they only reveal themselves when viewed through Babel's Harmony."
Maya studied the notes closely, her expression growing more intense. "This is significant, Brendan. Very significant." She tapped on a particular sequence. "These match patterns we've seen in other regions. Until now, no one has spotted the connection in these documents."
"The Brigade's hiding information in plain sight," I said. "Using supply manifests as cover."
"Exactly." Maya's expression grew serious. "This needs to be protected. If they realize we've spotted the pattern..."
"Given your success with pattern recognition, I have another task that requires your particular talents."
New Quest Available: Pattern's Edge
Do you accept? [YES/NO]
Quest Accepted!
Name: Pattern's Edge
Type: Main Quest
Difficulty: Moderate
Time Limit: 3 days
Quest Giver: Maya
Location: Haven's Watch Garrison
Starting Point: Translation Office
Description: Following your initial discovery, analyze additional supply manifests to understand the full scope of the Brigade's hidden communication system within their routine documents.
Objectives:
* Primary Objective:
* Analyze 3 more supply manifests using Babel's Harmony
* Secondary Objectives:
* Create comprehensive pattern analysis report
* Present findings to Captain Reed
* Optional Objectives:
* Find additional pattern types
Requirements:
* Prerequisite Quests: Novice Decoder
* Required Skills: Babel's Harmony
Rewards:
* Experience: 300 XP
* Currency: 25 GP
We spent the next hour implementing security measures. Documents were sealed in special cases, access protocols tightened. Maya showed me how to code my notes properly, constructing layers of protection around our discovery.
During a break from organizing security protocols, Maya noticed my thoughtful expression.
"Something on your mind?"
"Just wondering about improving my skills," I admitted. "There's so much I need to learn, and I have a lot of free time in the afternoons."
She reached for a worn book from her desk. "Here's something every recruit should know." Opening to a well-thumbed page, she began explaining the skill system.
"There are hundreds, if not thousands, of basic abilities - swimming, cooking, climbing, and so on. However, advancing these skills requires three things: reaching Level 10, finding proper training, and investing experience points."
She used cooking as an example: "Right now, you can cook, but the system prevents further progression. Once you hit Level 10, you'll need to find a qualified Chef trainer. With their guidance, experience points, and practice, you can advance the skill to a maximum of Uncommon 6."
The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.
"Now, core skills are different," she continued. "These are tied to your class and can theoretically advance to divine levels. But remember - your tracking skill, for instance, won't develop the same way as a Scout's or Ranger's. For them, tracking is a fundamental class skill - it's essential to who they are. You have access to it as part of your class's versatile nature, being a master of many trades, but their version will naturally be more powerful than yours."
Her expression grew thoughtful. "Most core skills are well-documented for common classes. However, with rare classes like yours, some skills might remain uncatalogued or even undiscovered." She paused before adding, "There are actually two ways to change your current class if you didn't know, though neither is simple. The System itself can occasionally offer you a class change - it's very rare, though. I've heard of it happening, but don't know anyone who's received such an offer personally."
"The other option is paying a small fortune to a class mage, but even then, you can't choose your new class. You just have to hope the spell results in an offer you want, because there's no going back. Both methods reset all your stats back to the base levels everyone starts with - that's 10 for basic stats, a health pool of 20, and a mana pool of 10." She grimaced slightly. "The higher level you are when reverting, the more painful the process becomes, since you lose all your gained skills and abilities."
"That is great information." I quickly added. "I'm quite happy with my current class."
She directed me to the garrison library for class-specific research. While browsing there, I discovered an intriguing tome about different classes. The chapter on Bards particularly caught my attention, listing potential skills like lock-picking, dual wielding, throwing weapons, instrument mastery, and something called 'bardic lore'.
New Quest Available: Combat Fundamentals
Do you accept? [YES/NO]
Quest Accepted!
Name: Combat Fundamentals
Type: Side Quest
Difficulty: Easy
Time Limit: None
Repeatable: No
Quest Giver: Garrison Weapon Master
Location: Garrison Training Grounds
Starting Point: Training Grounds Reception
Full Description: Master the basics of combat techniques essential for a Bard's repertoire, focusing on throwing weapons and dual-wielding.
Objectives:
* Primary Objective:
* Complete basic weapons training program
* Secondary Objectives:
* Reach Throwing (Uncommon 4)
* Reach Dual Wield (Uncommon 4)
Requirments:
* Must be core abilities of your class
Rewards:
* Experience: 300 XP
* Items: Daggers x2
New Quest Available: Knowledge Seeker
Do you accept? [YES/NO]
Quest Accepted!
Name: Knowledge Seeker
Type: Side Quest
Difficulty: Moderate
Time Limit: None
Quest Giver: Self-initiated
Brief Description: Research bardic traditions and techniques through ancient texts
Full Description: Discover and study various texts on bardic arts, from common knowledge to rare historical accounts, uncovering forgotten knowledge of the bardic traditions.
Objectives:
* Primary Objective:
* Study 5 different Bard-specific books
* 2 Common books (Basic Bardic Theory, Songs of Power)
* 2 Uncommon books (Advanced Performance Arts, Resonant Magic)
* 1 Rare book (Ancient Bardic Traditions)
* Secondary Objectives:
* Learn one instrument-based ability
* Optional Objectives:
* Find references to legendary bardic items
Rewards:
* Experience: 350 XP
I blinked, staring at the interface as two new quests popped up before me: "Combat Fundamentals" and "Knowledge Seeker." My mind struggled to catch up. Weapons training and research? My heart started racing, half from shock, half from something else—excitement.
I ran a hand through my hair, trying to process it all. "A little fighting, a little reading—maybe I'll manage not to trip over my own feet," I muttered to myself, a nervous laugh escaping my lips.
But I couldn't help the smile that followed. This was my chance—to learn, to grow, to actually prove myself. No more sitting on the sidelines. The thought of standing at the training grounds, daggers in hand, or getting lost in ancient texts filled me with a sense of purpose I hadn't felt in a long time. I was ready. Or at least, I hoped I was.
Maya's voice broke through my thoughts. "Tomorrow," she said as we finished, "focus on these sequences specifically. But be careful. Don't rush, don't push beyond your hour. Sometimes the best way to keep a secret is to act like you don't know it exists."
With my work with Maya concluded, I made my way to the training grounds, where I found Armsmaster Koren overseeing some recruits. After they finished their drills, I approached him about training in both dual wielding and throwing daggers.
"Both, eh?" He stroked his graying beard thoughtfully. "Ambitious. Not the easiest combination to master, but could be deadly effective. Be here tomorrow afternoon, and we'll start with the basics of both."
I shifted nervously before adding, "There's, uh, one other thing. Would you know anyone who could teach me about lock-picking and... maybe trap work?"
Koren's weathered face broke into an amused grin. "Planning on becoming a thief, are we?" He chuckled at my flustered expression. "Relax, lad. But you'll need Captain Reed's permission for training like that. Best speak with her directly."
Captain Reed was at her desk when I arrived, not bothering to look up from her paperwork. "Let me guess. Koren sent you about special training?"
I cleared my throat. "Yes, ma'am. About learning some... additional skills."
"Lock-picking and trap work," she stated rather than asked, finally looking up with that knowing smirk of hers. "Planning to add 'accomplished thief' to your list of troublemaking talents?"
"It's not like that," I protested, feeling my face flushing. "I just thought—"
"That these skills might come in handy?" She leaned back in her chair, studying me with amused intensity. "Well, you're not wrong. Though I must say, requesting permission to learn questionably legal skills is a refreshing change from your usual approach of causing chaos first and apologizing later."
She drummed her fingers on the desk for a moment before deciding. "Report to Jay in the galley—he's on pot duty for trying to sneak extra rations. Smart fellow just needs to work on his timing." Her smirk widened. "He'll be able to help you with those... particular skills. Just try not to make me regret this decision more than I already do."
I made my way down to the galley, the smell of tonight's stew growing stronger with each step. Inside, I found a lean young man with sharp features scrubbing at a stubborn pot. His sleeves were rolled up, revealing forearms covered in small scars - the kind you get from years of climbing and... other activities.
"You Jay?" I asked, keeping my voice low.
He glanced up, sizing me up with quick, intelligent eyes. "Depends who's asking." Despite being caught on kitchen duty, there was an undercurrent of amusement in his voice.
"Armsmaster Koren sent me. Said you might help with some... specialized training."
Jay set down the pot, wiping his hands on a nearby cloth. "Did he now? And what kind of 'specialized training' would a nice Haven's Watch recruit be looking for?"
"Lock-picking. Trap work." I tried to sound casual, though my heart was racing a bit.
A slow grin spread across his face. "Interesting combination. Along with whatever combat training Koren's got planned for you, I'd say someone's putting together quite the skill set." He leaned against the counter. "Why should I help you?"
"Look," I said, keeping my voice low, "I know you've got your own... activities. I'm not here to cause trouble. I just want to learn."
Jay raised an eyebrow, still grinning. "And what makes you think I have anything to teach? I'm just a humble kitchen worker who got caught trying to snag an extra helping of pie."
"Right," I deadpanned. "And those calluses on your hands are from scrubbing pots."
He barked out a laugh, genuine this time. "Fair enough. But training isn't free, and my time is valuable. Even more so when I'm stuck here dealing with endless dirty dishes."
"What do you want?"
Jay glanced around the kitchen before lowering his voice. "Two things. First, you help me with kitchen duty for the entire week - gives us cover for meeting regularly. Second, you keep your mouth shut about whatever I teach you.
I hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Deal."
"Good. Come back tomorrow evening. After dinner service. Bring gloves - these pots are murder on the hands." He turned back to his work, then added over his shoulder, "Oh, and Brendan? Try not to look so suspicious walking in next time. You're practically screaming 'I'm here for illicit activities.'"
Evening found me alone in my quarters, going over the day's events. The pattern Maya had shown me was making sense - though I'd need more practice to master it. Two new quests had appeared, promising training in combat and knowledge seeking. I'd already lined up training with Armsmaster Koren for both throwing and dual-wielding daggers and somehow found an unlikely teacher in Jay for the more... subtle arts.
The only frustration was my inability to work on instrument mastery. For all Haven's resources, I couldn't find a single bloody instrument anywhere. What I wouldn't give for a lute right now! The familiar weight in my hands, the subtle vibration of the strings... I pushed the thought aside with a sigh.
I pulled out the compass, carefully organizing my findings into the hidden compartment I discovered. Maya's sequences went in first, followed by notes about the combat training schedule and my arrangement with Jay. The small space proved perfect for my most sensitive notes, protected by whatever enchantments Master Dalen had worked into the device.
Personal Security (Hidden) Quest completed!
OBJECTIVES
* Primary Objective:
* Survive first targeted attempt
* Secondary Objectives:
* Successfully identify potential threats in decoded documents
* Establish personal security measures
Experience Gained: 400 XP
The quest completions surprised me - I hadn't even realized I was being tested on personal security. Between the pattern discovery and security protocols we'd implemented, I'd apparently proven myself both as a translator and in maintaining my safety.
I sat back, studying the compass's face in the fading light. Three days ago, I'd been just a bard and tasked to become a translator. Now I was uncovering Brigade secrets, implementing security protocols. The responsibility should have felt heavier.
Instead, it felt right. Like finding my footing on a path I was meant to walk. Tomorrow would bring new patterns, new discoveries. For now, I had direction — and sometimes, that was the most important thing of all.