Huh, that cloud looks like a dragon. I think to myself after being knocked down for the third time this morning.
"Get up, you worthless slug!" Yelled the Training Sergeant from his raised platform overlooking the training field. "Use your [Second Wind] already." "We don't pay you to look at the clouds."
I stand up and activate my [Second Wind] ability. Feeling better but still dreading what comes next. I nod to the Castle Guardsman standing opposite to me. And he immediately attacks with [Knock Down Strike]. As I activate [Absorb Hit], I stager back a few steps but don't fall. I successfully and painfully absorbed his [Knock Down Strike]. The guardsman comes at me again. I can hear him say [Immobilizing Body Slam].
As I am lifted into the air then hurled towards the ground. I think about how much I hate my job as a Martial Training Dummy.
Ding ding ding.
As I am immobilized on the ground, I hear the sound of the lunch bell. The guard laughs and walks off the training ground. A few moments later, the immobilization wears off, and I can stand.
The sun is shining. It is noon on a partly cloudy spring day. As I walk towards the mess hall. I tried and failed to find the cloud that looked like a dragon that I saw earlier.
My workday is done. As a Martial Training Dummy, I get two full days' pay for working mornings. Sounds good, right? Wrong. My job is to stand there while the Castle Guardsmen practice hitting me with their [Skills]. They have to practice on a real person because their [Skills] only work on live targets. Some of the guards are jerks like Gunther, who I was paired with today.
I start walking over to the mess hall. I do get a few job perks like free healing, food, and a private room. But waking up every morning knowing you're about to get beat up is depressing.
Entering the mess hall, the other Martial Training Dummies wave at me. I go over to our usual table and sit down.
"You look rough, buddy. Why didn't you go to healing yet?" Asked Gyro.
"I didn't want to miss lunch again besides with [Fast Healing] I will be fine soon enough," I replied.
"He was paired with Gunther again." Chimed in Ann.
"I don't think he likes you." Said Gyro.
"He doesn't like anyone but himself." Responded Ann.
The server comes to the table, starts passing out bowls of stew, places a basket of bread on the table, and then hurries off.
"So, what are you going to do this afternoon?" Asks Gyro.
"I am going to check out the job board. I want something less painful." I said.
"Less painful is easy, but you're not going to find anything with as much free time." Replied Ann.
"Not to mention the pay and perks." Stated Gyro.
"True, but I have been here two years. I am ready for a change." I replied.
The conversation fades away while we eat.
"Well, I am done. Either of you want to come with me?" I ask.
"Na, this job isn't too bad." Said Gyro.
"No, I need the money to send to my family." Said Ann.
I shrug and walk out of the mess hall.
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
I nod to the Castle Guardsman guarding the city side of the portcullis. He nods back and continues watching everyone walking nearby.
The job board is in front of the Adventures Guild in the main town square. I only have a few blocks of walking to get there. The street leading to the castle is mainly nicer shops. I can see a few tailors, leather makers, and cordwainers. There is one gold and silversmith that very few in town can afford. A few pushcart vendors call out their wares to me on my way.
I get to the town square, and I see many more people going about their business. In the center of the square, I can see one of the town's markets. This one is limited to one hundred stalls. On the east side, I can see the large stone Chapel.
I head over to the Adventurers Guild, dodging a few heavily laden wagons. Out front, I see two job boards. One for regular and one for dangerous jobs. I go to the regular job board first.
An obviously drunk man is already standing there looking. I look at the posters. Most are drawing of the job with few words of information.
Basket Weaver Location Rivercastle, Weave baskets all day.
Farm Hand Location Near Rivercastle, Plant seeds, pull weeds, water plants, harvest, repeat.
Fisherman, Location Rivercastle river, throw net, pull net, fix net.
Mason, Location Brokecastle, Job Description, fix the castle.
Shepherd, Location Eastfield, Free grazing land, house, and 200 sheep. Just pay your taxes.
Shit Picker Location Rivercastle, Push pushcart, collect animal waste around town.
I reach for the Shepherd poster, and before I get halfway, the drunk grabs it, sneers at me then stumbles to the adventures guild.
Well, ok then...
None of the others seem like they pay any good.
I move over to the dangerous jobs board.
Adventurer Location Rivercastle, kill aberrant sewer rats. 1 copper/head.
Martial Training Dummy Location Rivercastle, Do your patriotic duty and help the city's guards improve. High pay generous perks!
Soldier Location Enemies doorstep, Free food, training, travel, pension.
Wagon Guard Location Eastern Trade Route, Guard the wagons while we travel. Must have High Hit Points and know how to use sword and shield.
Well, I definitely don't want to go into the sewers, so that's out.
Being a Soldier is out, too. I hate taking orders, and I think traveling means marching everywhere.
Wagon Guard, hmm, I have the hitpoints, but I don't know how to use a sword.
I guess I will have to check back in a few days and see if anything new comes up. I walk back to the castle, thinking of what I want to do with my life.
That Shepherd job would have been ok. Probably low paying, but it seems like the town Eastfield sets you up nicely. Lots of leisure time watching sheep, and I wouldn't be getting beat up every morning.
Oh well, maybe I could ask the Training Sargent to teach me how to use a sword. Then I could be a Wagon Guard or something similar. I could even become an Adventurer If I learned how to fight. I could go to the city with the famous dungeon that changes every time someone goes into it. There are numerous stories of people becoming wealthy from loot.
I look up and realize I am already at the portcullis. I see that Training Sargent Johnson is on duty. On a whim, I decided to ask, "Sargent Johnson may I ask you a question?"
He looks at me and says, "What do you want, dummy?"
I look at him, and I can't decide if dummy was him making fun of me or referencing my job title. So I continue on. "Is it possible for you to train me to learn how to use a sword?"
He starts laughing. "Hahaha, good one, dummy. Go on inside now. I got to keep watch."
I sigh. "I am serious. Can you teach me how to use a sword?"
His eyes narrow. "Are you now?" He barks out. "Gunther, get over here."
Gunther comes quickly over from his post on the other side of the portcullis. "Yes, Sergeant ?" He says.
"You train with John here a lot of times in the morning. Do you think he could learn to fight?" Asked the Sergeant.
Gunther looks at me and smiles. "Ha, he ain't good for nothing but a punching bag."
"Thank you, Gunther, return to your post."
Gunther trots off.
I look back to the Sergeant my stomach falls.
"I fully agree with Gunther. Now get." Sergeant Johnson sneers.
I want to object, but I know it's pointless, so I hung my head and walked through the portcullis. As I get to the other side, I see Gunther standing with a few other guards. He points at me, says something, and they all start laughing.
I quickly go to my room. It's in a long two-story building near the castle stables. Every room is the same size, seven feet by eight feet. Just big enough for a bed and a small desk. I lay down to think. Why am I even here? I came here two years ago after my parents got sick. But they died before I could send any money for a healer. Now I feel stuck. I have nowhere to go. I hate my job. I get no respect. I am basically a glorified punching bag.
As I close my eyes to sleep, I bring up my Character Sheet.
Name: John
Age: 20
Race: Human
Level: 5 Martial Training Dummy
Ability Scores:
Strength 14
Dexterity 13
Constitution 17
Intelligence 12
Wisdom 11
Charisma 12
Hitpoints: 150/150
Mana: 0/0
Skills:
Absorb hit - Feel the pain but don't take any damage from an attack.
Fast Healing: Fully heal from any non-fatal wounds in 24 hours.
Second Wind - Feel rested, shrug off minor wounds
Equipment:
Utility knife
Sack
3 sets of clothing
Gold: 74
Silver: 8
Well, I can definitely take a hit. But I really can't do anything else.