“So—” said the Cloud Reach guard, himself and his four companions still knelt on the ground before Isabelle and her party, “—shall we head to Cloud Reach now, where you will receive your dragon slayer’s welcome?”
“Actually, I think I’ve got something I’d like to do first. Also, I need to talk to my party,” said Isabelle. The something, of course, was to take all her newly crafted items out of Stelas’ inventory and equip some of them.
“Of course. Take all the time you need,” said the guard. He and the four other guards stayed in a kneeling position.
“Um, you don’t have to keep kneeling,” said Isabelle.
“Oh. Why, thank you,” said the guard. He stood up, as did his companions. “We just wanted to show our immense respect for you.”
Isabelle couldn’t fault them for that. Truthfully, she was greatly enjoying the ego stroke. It was nice to have guards bearing Cloud Reach’s seal groveling at her after only days ago treating her like a common criminal.
Still, Isabelle couldn’t get too distracted. She had inventory items to attend to. She opened Stelas’ burlap sack and stared at his head.
“Hey!” said Stelas. “Watch out for this lady, people!” He must’ve been talking to the guards. “She’s a sadist, I swear to the gods!”
Isabelle rolled her eyes.
“Um, may I ask where that voice is coming from?” asked one of the guards.
[Speechcraft attempt: mislead]
“Don’t mind him,” said Isabelle. “It’s just, um, an old friend who likes to hang out in this burlap sack.”
[Speechcraft succeeded]
“That makes enough sense to me,” said the guard.
“She’s lying! It’s a lie! I’m her captive!” said Stelas. “She severed my head and carries it around in a sack, and I’m so over encumbered that my beautiful body is stuck immobile in the forest!”
“That sounds like a right crock of shit, it does,” said another guard. All the other guards agreed that it sounded preposterous.
Isabelle smirked and focused on Stelas’ head.
[Loot ‘Stelas Stelford’?]
Isabelle thought yes.
Inventory: Stelas Stelford
Item
Traits
Amulet of Fire Resist
+10 fire resist, +0.5 carry weight
Ring of Hoarding
+50 carrying capacity
Young Red Dragon Scale Pendant
+10 char
Sleek Young Red Dragon Armor (human)
+3 fire resist, +7 hp, +12 str, +13 carry weight
Young Red Dragon Boots
+2 fire resist, +4 stm, +4 dx, +2 str, +7 carry weight
Young Red Dragon Gauntlets
+2 fire resist, +5 damage, +5 stm, +5 dx, +4 carry weight
Young Red Dragon Cloak
+5 fire resist, +3 char, +3 stm, +5 carry weight
Young Red Dragon Dagger x2
+2 fire damage, +5 damage, +3 stm, +1 dx, +2 carry weight
Young Red Dragon Rapier
+3 fire damage, +6 damage, +1 str, +5 carry weight
Young Red Dragon Glaive
+2 fire damage, +7 damage, +2 str, +6 carry weight
Young Red Dragon Bow
+3 fire damage, +2 damage, +3 dx, +3 carry weight
Young Red Dragon Helmet
+7 str, +5 char, +3 speechcraft, +3 carry weight
Young Red Dragon Scales
+20 carry weight
Young Red Dragon Bones x4
+11 carry weight
Young Red Dragon Eye x2
+10 carry weight
Young Red Dragon Heart x1
+8 carry weight
Young Red Dragon Claw x8
+15 carry weight
Silver Crown
+1 carry weight
Silver Necklace with Gemstone Pendant
+0.5 carry weight
Gold Embroidered Robe
+5 carry weight
Potion of Greater Health x3
+20 hp, +0.5 carry weight
Gold-Studded Jacket
+6 carry weight
Golden Flute
+0.5 carry weight
Horseshoes of Lickedy Speed
+3 horse speed, +5 carry weight
Potion of Mind Reading
+0.5 carry weight
Gold-Lined Folding Boat
+6 carry weight
Golden Jug
+0.5 carry weight
Golden Trident
+3 damage, +8 carry weight
Abbreviated list based on prior use. Focus to see more items…
Wow! Fifty carrying capacity from the ring of hoarding? Isabelle had no idea crafting it would be that useful, but she sure was happy about it. Hopefully that meant that Isabelle would have more than enough carrying capacity to add everything she crafted to her inventory. Some of these others things, mainly the random gold items, Isabelle planned to let Stelas keep in his own inventory. Plus, she needed to make sure he always had enough stuff in Stelas’ inventory to keep him over encumbered, or his body might start trying to find them. And that would be bad news. Isabelle went ahead and picked everything out of Stelas’ inventory she immediately wanted, just to see what would happen with her own inventory.
Inventory: Stelas Stelford
Item
Traits
Young Red Dragon Scales
+20 carry weight
Young Red Dragon Bones x4
+11 carry weight
Young Red Dragon Eye x2
+10 carry weight
Young Red Dragon Heart x1
+8 carry weight
Young Red Dragon Claw x8
+15 carry weight
Silver Crown
+1 carry weight
Silver Necklace with Gemstone Pendant
+0.5 carry weight
Gold Embroidered Robe
+5 carry weight
Gold-Studded Jacket
+6 carry weight
Golden Flute
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+0.5 carry weight
Gold-Lined Folding Boat
+6 carry weight
Golden Jug
+0.5 carry weight
Golden Trident
+3 damage, +8 carry weight
Abbreviated list based on prior use. Focus to see more items…
Wait. No over encumbered notice? She wasn’t even wearing the ring of hoarding! How much was Isabelle’s carrying capacity, again?
Inventory: Isabelle
Carrying capacity: 144.5/174
Item
Traits
Amulet of Fire Resist
+10 fire resist, +0.5 carry weight
Ring of Hoarding
+50 carrying capacity
Young Red Dragon Scale Pendant
+10 char
Sleek Young Red Dragon Armor (human)
+3 fire resist, +7 hp, +12 str, +13 carry weight
Young Red Dragon Boots
+2 fire resist, +4 stm, +4 dx, +2 str, +7 carry weight
Young Red Dragon Gauntlets
+2 fire resist, +5 damage, +5 stm, +5 dx, +4 carry weight
Young Red Dragon Cloak
+5 fire resist, +3 char, +3 stm, +5 carry weight
Young Red Dragon Dagger x2
+2 fire damage, +5 damage, +3 stm, +1 dx, +2 carry weight
Young Red Dragon Rapier
+3 fire damage, +6 damage, +1 str, +5 carry weight
Young Red Dragon Glaive
+2 fire damage, +7 damage, +2 str, +6 carry weight
Young Red Dragon Bow
+3 fire damage, +2 damage, +3 dx, +3 carry weight
Young Red Dragon Helmet
+7 str, +5 char, +3 speechcraft, +3 carry weight
Horseshoes of Lickedy Speed
+3 horse speed, +5 carry weight
Potion of Mind Reading
+0.5 carry weight
Abbreviated list based on prior use. Focus to see more items…
Holy shit. One hundred seventy four carrying capacity? That was awesome. About damn time Isabelle could carry a bunch of stuff around. Plus, if she equipped her ring of hoarding, she could carry even more! Isabelle was almost tempted to take all the rest of her loot out of Stelas’ inventory, but she knew that then he’d no longer be over encumbered, so she controlled her excitement. Instead, she could put on some of her new stuff and bask in enjoyment of her crafting success.
[Amulet of Fire Resist equipped]
[+10 fire resist]
[Ring of Hoarding equipped]
[+50 carrying capacity]
[Young Red Dragon Scale Pendant equipped]
[+10 char]
[Sleek Young Red Dragon Armor (human) equipped]
[+3 fire resist]
[+7 hp]
[+12 str]
[Young Red Dragon Boots equipped]
[+2 fire resist]
[+4 stm]
[+4 dx]
[+2 str]
[Young Red Dragon Gauntlets equipped]
[+2 fire resist]
[+5 damage]
[+5 stm]
[+5 dx]
[Young Red Dragon Cloak equipped]
[+5 fire resist]
[+3 char]
[+3 stm]
[Dragon Slayer buff activated]
[Fireproof buff activated]
[Dragon’s Fury buff activated]
Woah, what were all those buffs Isabelle just activated by putting on her new clothes?
“Holy shit, Isabelle,” said Tahsi. “You look fucking scary. But, in a cool way.”
“Thanks, Tahsi,” said Isabelle. She thought ‘Mirror Me,’ as Isabelle wanted to know what Tahsi was talking about.
She did look scary. Scary awesome, that was. Her sleek young red dragon armor was form fitting and fierce, and its jagged edges made her look dangerous. Her boots almost made her feet look like dragon claws mixed with heels, but were also much, much more comfortable than heels. Her gauntlets made her hands look strong and sharp and nails. Isabelle did note that the cloak looked more like a dragon-patterned cape, though it did come with a hood, which she did not opt to put over her head.
“Woah!” said a guard. “When did you put all that stuff on, Dragon Slayer?”
Oh, that’s right. They didn’t know Isabelle had a system.
[Speechcraft attempt: mislead]
“I put it on just now, while you weren’t paying attention,” said Isabelle.
[Speechcraft succeeded]
[Speechcraft increased to level 7]
“Oh, okay,” said the guard. “Silly me. I’m so absent minded. At least I look good in my guard uniform. That’s what they told me in the academy. They said to me ‘Nar, you’re one stupid kobold. Only rocks in your head, that’s for sure. But you look good in uniform, so we’re happy to have you in the guard.’ And here I am, welcoming a Dragon Slayer! Life sure is beautiful.”
It sure was fun to have her ego stroked whenever they called her Dragon Slayer, Isabelle thought.
[Error: There is no valid system command for ‘It sure is fun to have my ego stroked whenever the guards call me Dragon Slayer.’]
Isabelle rolled her eyes. Classic system. Isabelle still wanted to know what was going on with those new buffs. Isabelle thought, ‘Learn More About Dragon Slayer.’
Buff: Dragon Slayer
Cause: Wearing items crafted from a dragon you have slain
Description: You’re a dragon slayer, and you don’t care who knows! Flaunting your accomplishment gives you an automatic reputation score raise, as well as bonuses to your char and your speechcraft checks, especially speechcraft revolving around intimidation or persuasion.
Note: Until given permission, people other than your party members will only be able to call you ‘Dragon Slayer.’ You can also disable this effect if desired by thinking ‘Disable Dragon Slayer Title.’
That was cool as hell. Isabelle didn’t really know what the system was talking about when it mentioned her reputation score, though.
[Clarification: Think ‘Check Reputation’ to see your reputation menu.]
Another menu, huh? The system sure did have a lot of those. Isabelle was quite interested in finding out more, though. She thought, ‘Check Reputation.’
Reputation: Isabelle the Dragon Slayer
Overall Reputation Score:
285 (+285 since last check)
Overall Reputation Description:
Little is known of you over the far reaches of Beaubinte, though this may change soon as word of your recent dragon slaying exploits spreads across the land.
Focus to see reputation for specific locale(s)…
Huh. Two hundred eighty five reputation. Isabelle wasn’t sure whether that was good or not, but she did like that even the reputation menu called her a dragon slayer. She was interested in seeing her reputation for specific locales, so Isabelle focused.
Reputation: Isabelle the Dragon Slayer
Overall Reputation Score:
285 (+285 since last check)
Overall Reputation Description:
Little is known of you over the far reaches of Beaubinte, though this may change soon as word of your recent dragon slaying exploits spreads across the land.
Nation-Based Reputation Score:
Protectorate of Ozi:
1045 (+1045 since last check)
Protectorate of Ozi Description:
Your name is quickly gaining recognition. Soon, the whole nation of the Protectorate of Ozi will know you as a Dragon Slayer.
City-Based Reputation Score:
Thres:
8952 (+8952 since last check)
Thres Description:
Thres has grown quite fond of you, after an initially negative reception. Your giant slaying exploits were already a big hit with the general populace, and having saved Wheatstar by slaying a dragon has only increased that by a lot. Now, those members of society prejudiced against humans are far more likely to talk less negatively aobut humans, or at least to single you out as an outlier of human greatness. There are talks of building statues in your honor.
Wow. That was nice to see. Isabelle really was feeling good about herself. Still, she wanted to know more about those two other buffs that had activated. She thought ‘Learn More About Fireproof.’
Buff: Fireproof
Cause: Having a high level of fire damage resistance
Description: You are effectively fireproof! This means that fire attacks are not able to impart fire damage to you. Along with that, they also do far less damage to you than they would otherwise.
Well, that was nice to have. One more buff to go. Isabelle thought ‘Learn More About Dragon’s Fury.’
Buff: Dragon’s Fury
Cause: Wearing items crafted from a dragon you have slain
Description: You are intimidating, a presence to behold, having slain a dragon has made you an imposing figure that commands attention and respect. People are more willing to bend to your will and accomodate you. Should you become frustrated or upset, the dragon’s fury buff will increase your damage, stm regen, mana regen, and hp by 15%.
Nice. Isabelle was really doing well with herself. Good on her for looting and crafting out of that dragon. And for killing it, of course.
[Ego Blindness debuff activated]
Ego blindness? What was that? Isabelle thought, ‘Learn More About Ego Blindness.’
Debuff: Ego Blindness
Cause: Overwhelming self pride
Description: You’re so proud and pleased with yourself that it’s negatively affecting your int and wis. It’s not a huge issue, but as long as you’re affected by this debuff, you’re going to be more susceptible to deception and shortsightedness.
Isabelle did think that that debuff sounded pretty bad, but for whatever reason she also didn’t mind it that much. Possibly due in part to the debuff itself.
“Hey, um, Dragon Slayer?” asked a guard. “Who is this naked guy you have slung over this white horse?”
Isabelle smirked as she saw a guard looking at the unconscious prince quizzically. She’d almost completely forgotten about him!
[Speechcraft attempt: mislead]
“Oh, he’s just… he’s just a guy. Just hanging out with us. Taking a little nap, et cetera,” said Isabelle. Even she was barely convinced by her words.
[Speechcraft succeeded]
Good thing she had all these char and speechcraft bonuses, Isabelle thought.
“Fair enough,” said the guard.
“Um—” said another guard, “—forgive me for asking, Dragon Slayer, but, why is he tied up?”
[Speechcraft attempt: deceive]
“He’s just… he asked me to do it to him. He’s into that kinda stuff. Weird, I know,” said Isabelle.
[Speechcraft succeeded]
“Oh. Ew,” said the guard, backing away from the prince with raised hands. “Forgive me for asking, Dragon Slayer.”
“Of course, you are forgiven,” said Isabelle.
“Thank you, oh mighty Dragon Slayer,” the guard bowed their head.
Isabelle walked over to Tahsi and Sir Jingles, who were snickering to one another about something. She noticed that the guards were following her in step.
“Um, could you five guards please give me some space?” asked Isabelle.
“Of course, Dragon Slayer,” said a guard. They all stepped five steps backward.
“Could I get maybe a little more space than that?” Isabelle asked.
“Our pleasure, Dragon Slayer,” said the guard. They all stepped five more steps backward.
“Okay.” Isabelle cleared her throat. “Can the five of you just, like, fuck off for a second so I can talk to my party without you standing there staring at me?”
“Of course, Dragon Slayer!” said the guard.
“Yes, Dragon Slayer. We apologize profusely for offending you,” said another guard.
“Indeed, Dragon Slayer, we aim to please!” said a third guard.
Isabelle rolled her eyes as the guards walked over to the dragon carcass and started talking amongst themselves. Finally free of them, she approached Sir Jingles and Tahsi.
“So, what’s so funny, guys?” asked Isabelle.
“Oh, nothing,” said Tahsi through a mouthful of bread. “We were just joking around. Want some bread?”
Isabelle shook her head.
“Isabelle—” said Sir Jingles, “—we aren’t actually going to go with those guards, are we? They’re acting kind of… weird.”
“Weird? They’re just in awe of me, Sir Jingles,” said Isabelle.
“Actually, I’m with Isabelle on this one,” said Tahsi. “They’re shocked because she’s just slain a dragon! With our help, of course. We definitely ought to go with them. They’re preparing a banquet for us! Hell, they’ll probably build me a new house! Hell, they’ll probably build me a mansion! Tahsi, associate Dragon Slayer, they’ll call me.”
Isabelle had to agree with Tahsi, he had the right attitude for this situation. So, against Sir Jingles’ meowing and complaints, the party decided to head for Cloud Reach with the guards.
“We’ll be able to make it to the palace in Nightbridge before midnight as long as we head straight forward for the guards’ only entrace through the wall,” said a guard.
And so they headed. As the stars shimmered in the sky, they trekked through the crumbling remains of the fields and homes in Wheatstar that the dragon had already incinerated before they’d had a chance to slay it. Common folk would stop as the guards, Isabelle and her party walked by, pointing at her and cheering. Some of them asked for her autograph. Many heaped words of praise Isabelle’s way. She felt truly amazing, and on top of the world.
Entering Cloud Reach through the guards’ entrance felt special. Though the passage was dark and hidden and lit only by torchlight, emerging on the other side of the wall immediately made everyone in the party feel like real heroes. There were horn players standing their in fine linens, blaring their painful notes in celebration as Isabelle and co entered Cloud Reach as welcome visitors. A revolving crowd on onlookers followed them every step they took towards the palace, many of them crying and babbling endearments. They were constantly pelted with flowers. People would stop to kiss their horses. It was almost hard for Isabelle to believe. Almost. She had killed a dragon, after all.
They stood before the guilded palace doors.
“Alright,” said a guard. “Our escort ends here. Please, do enjoy the banquet. And once again, thank you all so much.”
The guards pulled the doors open, and the party stepped forward. What immediately surprised Isabelle was how dark it was in the palace. She could see a high, high ceiling, but it was almost like they’d turned all the lights off.
The guards shut the doors behind them. Everything was strangely silent.
“It doesn’t seem like there’s a banquet in here,” said Tahsi. “Do I need to equip some bread or something? I was expecting a feast. I’m quite hungry now.”
“There will only be one feast,” said a deep, malevolent voice. “A feast on your blood.”
The lights flickered on. There was a tall pallace archway before them, and behind that the party could see a beautiful table covered with deliciacies. However, there was a thick, metal gate blocking them from walking towards it. Indeed, there were metal grates over the windows and over every door that could have served as their exit. From the shadows, fifteen guards in black, metal armor rushed in from all sides, drawing swords and maces and morning stars. Some of them bore the seal of the Ozian Sect. Isabelle saw, up on a balcony that she could not reach, a well-dressed kobold smoking a cigarette out of a long, bedazzled holder. He wore an ascot and a monocle.
“I like this guy’s style,” said Sir Jingles. “Also, told you guys this seemed fishy.”
“Yes, it was a trap, I will assure you,” said the kobold. “Of course, I am the Duke, and I and my court will be happy to hold a banquet in the other room. But you lot will not be joining in on the feast. You’re, well, I guess let’s say you’re part of the live entertainment.”
[Combat Mode Activated]
The guards, Ozian Sect and not, stepped forward. They pointed their weapons at the party. Things were about to get seriously dicey.
“Guess I’m eating bread, then,” said Tahsi. He equipped a loaf and took a large bite of it for emphasis.