Talax watched with a mix of awe and humor the big, green humanoid that towered over him, with bulging muscles and menacing tusks protruding from his lower jaw. He couldn't help but hide the amusement from his face prompting the big man’s scowl deepen.
Before he could respond, the brutish man took a threatening step forward, his heavy footfalls echoing ominously on the deserted alley. Talax's heart raced as he stumbled backward, nearly tripping over his own feet in his attempt to get away.
“Wow, easy man. I mean no harm.” Talax stammered, raising his hands in surrender. He tried to steady his breathing as he gazed up at the towering figure before him, his amusement evaporating in an instant.
“I happened to sleep in the alley and heard your fight. I decided to lend a hand. I am nice like that.” Talax's voice shook slightly as he spoke, but he did his best to maintain an air of calm confidence.
"I didn't need help from a scrawny human! If I wanted, I could have killed them in seconds!" Talax realized that the brute before him, with all his big muscles and fearsome bravado, had the shrillest, most high-pitched voice he had ever heard. His lips twitched anew, making the big brute narrow his eyes.
“I believe you. You look quite capable, why didn’t you fight them properly from the beginning?” Talax asked, genuinely curious about the man's behavior.
He was truly perplexed. The guy seemed like a true warrior. He only ended up fighting for his life due to his hesitation early on in the fight. His speed and strength were far superior to the humans. He also showed skill while fighting with his club, which spoke volumes of the man's past experiences, even if it was a poor choice for a weapon.
The green humanoid shrugged, his massive shoulders lifting and falling in a motion that would have sent Talax toppling over if he had been standing any closer. "Those guys belonged to the Black Rat Gang, and I didn't want to anger their leader. Great! Now I must leave the city!” The big man flapped his hands like a deranged chicken. “Once they find those damned idiots, I will have the whole gang coming for me!” He looked towards the early morning sky and wailed. “Why did I have to play dice? I don't even like gambling!"
Talax once again fought his smile, finding the high-pitched voice amusing, and nodded in sympathy. The green humanoid seemed like he didn't mind his presence or didn't see him as a potential threat any longer and began searching the dead bodies.
"I am Talax, by the way," he announced, standing awkwardly as the man rolled the dead body with a wet thud.
“Here, take this.” The tusked man said with a business-like voice, tossing a long knife to Talax. Talax barely managed to catch it, his hands trembling slightly as he held the deadly weapon.
"I am Qalo," he said, standing up and holding a few shiny coins in one hand and the rusty sword in the other. He grimaced in distaste and threw the old weapon to the ground. He handed Talax a small leather pouch that jingled faintly.
"Here, this is from the guy you killed. It's yours." Talax opened the pouch and inspected its contents. A silver coin and three coppers were the reward for his kill. He nodded his thanks and tied the pouch and his new knife on the string tied around his waist that doubled as a belt.
He inspected the oversized man with greenish skin and large tusks, wondering what his race was. Something tickled at the back of his brain, but he couldn't quite grasp the knowledge of his past. He hadn't seen anyone of his kind in any of his walks around the city. He considered asking to join him on his travels since they both had to flee the city. The longer he looked at his large stature and massive muscles, the more certain he became that he would make an excellent companion.
"Hmm, Qalo? What do you say if I were to join you on your adventures? At least for a while, until we reach another city?" The tusked man looked down at him, his deep-set eyes glinting with a mixture of skepticism and amusement.
"Why would I need a human with me? I do fine on my own!" Talax considered his reply before answering.
"Well, I may not be much help while fighting, but as far as I've seen, non-humans aren't always welcome. I could help with that." he said, trying to appeal to the man's sense of reason.
The tusked man considered Talax's words for a moment, his face contorted in thought. Talax held his breath, unsure of what the man's decision would be. Having the big man as his travel companion would skyrocket his chances of survival through the dangerous forest. He was ready to advocate the merits of having him around when the man sighed in resignation.
"Fine, but until we reach White Rock. Then we part ways. I can't have a weakling like you following me around like a lost puppy." Talax nodded quickly in relief. His travel would be much safer with a warrior like Qalo by his side. Until he leveled up his skills, he needed someone to protect him.
"Now, let's go before anyone notices the bodies. Do you know the way to the gates?"
"Yeah, the east gate isn't far." Qalo exited the small alley looking around suspiciously, and Talax followed behind exactly as he had said, like a lost puppy.
They walked in silence through the quiet streets. In the soft light of the early morning, Talax realized that this part of the city was like he had been teleported to a foreign town full of poverty and destitution. The grandeur and opulence of the central plaza were nowhere to be seen. Only derelict wooden structures that could barely be called houses and rundown businesses, long abandoned, lined the streets.
Every now and then, he heard moans of suffering emanating from the desolate homes, and he saw shadows wiggling in the deep recesses of the side streets. He quickened his pace, feeling the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end and he unconsciously moved closer to Qalo.
As they approached the gates, the imposing arch loomed overhead, casting a shadow on the path before them. The gates were made of dark iron, with intricate carvings etched into the metal. The road was eerily quiet, the only sound being the faint crunch of their feet.
As they approached, the two guards, dressed in full armor, stood like statues in front of the arched gate, their eyes scanning the area with a watchful gaze. Talax felt a chill run down his spine as the guards drew their swords in a fluid motion demonstrating their rigid training and frightening capabilities, the sound of steel slicing through the air filling the silence. The sight of the guards' polished armor glinting in the early morning light was both impressive and intimidating.
He paused mid-step. He motioned for Qalo to stop and assessed the situation, his mind racing with possible scenarios. He knew that a direct confrontation would be a death sentence. Even though Qalo was a capable warrior, he wouldn't stand a chance against two fully armored, trained professionals. Seeing the guards' hostility, especially towards Qalo, made him decide to take the lead and take a more diplomatic approach.
With his heart pounding in his chest, Talax took a deep breath and approached the guards slowly. Their distrustful and hateful stares, especially towards Qalo, made him feel uneasy. Talax adopted a small but pleasant smile on his face and clasped his hands respectfully hoping to put the guards at ease.
Before he could say anything, one of the guards spoke up from behind his visor. Both wore identical breastplates with a winged serpent engraved in the center. Grey cloaks fluttered behind them, and shining greaves protected their legs.
"State your purpose!" the guard demanded.
Talax, with a serene expression that was at odds with his beating heart, responded calmly. "My brave man, I am in a dire situation! My dear sister just sent word that her son is on death's door. I had to leave my prayers in order to be at her side at such trying times."
As he spoke, Talax could see the guards' eyes softening, their swords lowering slightly. He knew he had to keep up the act, so he continued with his tale.
"My poor sister! She first lost her husband, next our dear aunt, who always fed and cared for us! And now? Now a new calamity has befallen. The poor lad is only four! May the Goddess take pity on him."
Talax lowered his head, his voice trembling with emotion. He could feel the guards' eyes on him, their expressions shifting from suspicion to sympathy. He stole a glance at Qalo, who was watching him with wide eyes, his mouth hanging open in bafflement. He grumbled internally; the big buffoon would ruin his award-winning performance.
"That idiot!" He raged internally.
"May the Gods bless him," the guard responded softly before the steel returned to his voice, "But what about the orc?" he growled, his eyes narrowing as he focused on Qalo's hulking form.
Talax looked at the idiot behind him, whose angry expression and flared nostrils threatened to ruin everything. He knew they had to be cautious - one wrong move and they would end up locked in some dark dungeon. He decided to act quickly, moving in front of Qalo to draw the guard's attention away from his companion. With a charming smile and a smooth voice, he said.
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"Not everyone is lucky enough to be escorted by a guard as skilled and venerable as yourself!" The guard's chest swelled with pride at the flattery, and Talax couldn't help but inwardly roll his eyes.
"I thought that such a big creature would scare away any vagabond who would dare attack a lowly priest like myself." The guards nodded in understanding, but Qalo grumbled in indignation, his massive tusks bared in a scowl. The guard's gaze flickered over Qalo's formidable frame, then back to Talax.
"You may pass, Priest, but next time try to find a more suitable companion." his disgust evident in his voice. The guard raised his hand and with his signal the gates creaked open, revealing an endless expanse of fields.
"Priest, if you hurry, you may catch up with Lord De Loval and his company. They are headed to the Crying Mountain on a quest. You will be safer among them."
Talax nodded his thanks and walked briskly through the gates, Qalo in tow. fearing that the guards would decide that the greenish man was better suited for the dungeons he picked up his pace.
When they were a decent distance away, Talax let out a breath of relief.
"My, my, you have a way with words. You should forget becoming a warrior and pursue a career as a bard!" The man laughed, holding his belly, and Talax gave him a small smile.
"Yeah, but you almost ruined our cover with that stupid expression of yours!" The humanoid looked at him with a bewildered expression.
"What?" He asked as he looked at the dirt road ahead of them.
"I'm not used to being talked to like that."
"Like what?" Talax absently scratched his head.
"Like they're not afraid of me. They usually curse me, mock me, or even be nice to me. But they always fear me."
Talax stopped walking and looked at his unlikely companion, the two-meter-high man with greenish skin and vicious tusks.
"That's sad," he responded with sincerity, and the man shrugged as if to say, "It is what it is."
"Now what do you say? Should we join that lord and his quest? It might be a good idea. We might find some good loot, and some good targets for our skills." Qalo asked with an upbeat voice as if wanting to dispel the awkwardness after his statement.
Talax nodded in agreement, but before he could respond, a golden light flashed around him.
Talax's heart raced as the golden wreath settled on his head, the metal leaves glinting in the bright light. The weight was familiar, and his mind struggled to place it until memories of the grand cathedral flooded back. He gasped as a surge of energy coursed through him, the golden light pulsing brighter.
“By the Gods!” exclaimed Qalo.
Qalo's animated shout snapped him back to reality. Talax's eyes darted towards his friend, but his attention was quickly drawn back to the wreath atop his head. He tentatively reached up to touch the metal leaves, feeling their sharp edges under his fingertips. It was as if he could sense the power coursing through the wreath, a tangible connection to the divine.
“You have been blessed! That's incredible!” Talax looked over at the ecstatic man.
“Hmm?”
“A God awarded you with a golden laurel wreath! Quickly, see what you have been gifted with!” Talax's mind was racing as he tried to comprehend the gift he had received. He remembered the man in the temple who had worn a similar crown, and he wondered if his gift was similar. He asked Qalo where he could see the boon, and Qalo looked at him with a mixture of surprise and condescension.
"In your core, you will find a heavenly star, the gift of the Gods!" he said, his voice tinged with excitement. "You are so lucky!"
Talax's eyes rounded in realization, and he wanted to kick himself for not making the connection. He already had a star, gifted by the red Goddess! He had only checked the void star and He had completely forgotten about the other one.
When he had first spotted the two stars, only the void star drew his attention since it had helped him against the void magic that had tried to overtake his body. After that, he was too excited by the fact that he possessed magic to look into the other, dimmer star. And then the other thing happened...
As he looked into his core, he saw the void star shining brightly, illuminating the mana around it with a mysterious, almost sinister hue. The purple star was larger and more radiant, while the smaller star next to it seemed to be lazily orbiting around it. And now there was a new addition, another star, almost identical to the one awarded by the red goddess, shining close to the others.
Talax felt a sense of wonder and awe as he examined the star, feeling its power coursing through him. He marveled at the intricacy and beauty of the gift he had received, and he checked the one he had so carelessly forgotten.
A God has smiled upon you,
Your actions have garnered the attention of the supreme and deemed you worthy of a reward fitting your achievements!
Lion-hearted
You have shown fortitude against forces that make mortals quake,
You have braved the wrath of the Gods and came out unscathed.
You are audacious.
20% fighting spirit
20% defence against mental attacks
As Talax contemplated his newfound gifts, his mind raced with excitement and curiosity. The idea of having a stronger fighting spirit, even though he didn't really know its meaning or what it represented,stirred something deep within him, igniting a flame of determination to face any challenge that may come his way. He could almost feel the surge of energy coursing through his veins, filling him with a renewed sense of purpose.
The second gift was even more intriguing. He now had a way to combat mental attacks. Just the thought of his mind being assaulted sent shivers down his spine. Was there a way for someone to confuse or even worse, control his mind? If so, he was glad that he now had a way to defend himself.
As he hummed in contemplation, he traced his finger over the golden wreath he had earned. It was a beautiful, intricate work of art, with delicate leaves and tendrils woven together in an intricate pattern. He saw a correlation between the wreath and the situation he had earned it from - it seemed that the rewards one received were directly tied to the challenges they had overcome. And he had certainly faced a formidable challenge when he stood before the Gods overpowering auras and attempts to drill into his mind, unafraid and unbowed.
Feeling emboldened by his newfound strength and resolve, Talax eagerly checked his next reward, wondering what other surprises lay in store for him.
A God has smiled upon you,
Your actions have garnered the attention of the supreme and deemed you worthy of a reward fitting your achievements!
Silver-tongued
Your honeyed words may sway more easily an unyielding heart,
Your voice holds the clarity of tinkling water and clear skies,
While your syrupy rhythm can ensnare even men made out of stone.
You convey the truth of the Gods; all shall bow before your commands.
+5 charisma
Talax read and reread the words in his mind until the weight in his head vanished, suddenly leaving him in a storm of emotions.
On one hand, the power he held in his grasp was potent and thrilling, a force that could be wielded to his advantage in countless ways. He envisioned the many possibilities, from haggling for a better price to avoiding danger with ease, thanks to his newfound magic.
But on the other hand, the power of persuasion could be a dangerous tool, one that could be wielded with sinister intent. The thought sent a chill down his spine, making him shudder with apprehension. He didn't know the true extent of his abilities, and he feared that he might be tempted to use them for his own selfish desires.
As he glanced over at Qalo, he felt a surge of excitement coursing through his veins. The tusked man stood there tapping his foot impatiently, waiting to see what Talax had been awarded.
With a mischievous grin, Talax cleared his throat and spoke in a voice that sounded different somehow, deeper and more resonant than before. The words flowed from his lips like a symphony, each syllable infused with a hidden richness and lyrical beauty that left him breathless.
“I think you should do a dance for me.”
Qalo raised an eyebrow, looking at him with a mixture of disbelief and mirth.
“Are you crazy? Why should I dance for you? Do I look like a nymph to you?” Talax sighed in disappointment, so much for his grand plans of ending hunger and instituting world peace or... Coaxing someone to massage his aching feet.
“So, what did the Gods award you with?”
“It’s called silver-tongued; I gained 5 points to charisma.”
“Pfff, if it was strength or vitality, I would be jealous, but charisma?” he waved his hand dismissively.
“It’s not of any help? The description said I could persuade others to do my bidding.”
Qalo looked at him with narrowed eyes before responding.
“In order to do that, you would have to have a lot of points in charisma, and I mean like a lot, a lot. Right now, you may be able to convince someone to do some minor things that they don’t feel strongly about. If even that...” The orc said, the doubt about his gift evident in his face.
Talax’s face was crestfallen, but he wanted to show a positive attitude, not so much for himself but for the tusked man. To show him that he would be able to offer some measure of help in situations where the other man had a disadvantage.
"So that's convenient!" Talax exclaimed, a wide grin spreading across his face as he gazed up at the sky. "With Silver-tongued in my arsenal, I could smooth over any disagreement in a matter of seconds! And who needs mythical combat arts or heaven-touched artifacts when you've got the power of words at your fingertips?"
But as he turned to share his excitement with Qalo, he noticed the disappointment etched on the orc's face. "No legendary weapon or I don’t know, an ability to obliterate your enemies? Just bumbling words? Pfff..." Qalo scoffed, his arms crossed tightly over his chest.
Talax couldn't help but chuckle at Qalo's reaction. He knew that the orc didn't yet understand the true power of Silver-tongued. With this ability, Talax could in time sway even the most stubborn of lords to his side, effortlessly negotiating and persuading his way to success. At least, he hoped that would be the case.
But as they continued on their journey, Talax remembered the golden wraith he had received earlier. "Oh, I forgot to tell you.” He said, his voice tinged with excitement. "I was awarded another golden wraith earlier that gave me 20% fighting spirit and 20% to defense against mental attacks."
Qalo's eyes widened in disbelief. "What?!" he exclaimed, his voice echoing through the surrounding fields.
Talax grinned, reveling in Qalo's reaction. "Is it any good? And what exactly is fighting spirit?” The orc looked at him with a manic look in his eyes.
“Oh, it's good! Fighting spirit affects how much damage your attacks inflict. At lower levels the difference is negligible but once you accumulate bigger numbers later, your attacks will land harder and with a lot more force. Also, mental defense is very important, mages can be scary!” The big man responded with wide eyes.
Talax mulled over Qalo’s words. So, he could now hit harder, and he had a defense against mages. Not bad at all! Compared to his other wraith, this one was far superior. The red Goddess had really helped him out. A stray though struck him, the void star hadn’t offered him any boons. It had helped him tame his void magic, but when he had read the description there wasn’t any evident advantage like the other wraiths.
"Let's go," he muttered, his mind racing. But as he turned to follow Qalo down the winding path, the orc began to sing in an off-key tone.
"Hey now that I think about it, you could sing to me with your new fancy voice! I want to hear empty tankard!" Qalo announced excitedly.
Talax sighed, praying to the Gods for patience as he listened to Qalo's off-key singing. But despite the orc's lack of musical talent, Talax couldn't help but smile.