WILD LIFE: CHAPTER 5 ~BAD HABITS~
When they had begun marching Conrad informed Hope that they wouldn't be within range of the ruin stronghold until sundown. This meant that the knights would make camp and the battle wouldn't begin until morning. Hope thought of this as a good thing because she wanted to see the knights in action and see what they were capable of before the "real" fighting began. All of the Restian knights excluding the officers were equipped with the same exact weaponry. A long halberd, barely shorter than a spear seemed to be the weapon of choice for the knights. On their sides, a single broadsword and on their backs round shields.
"Why don't you use the same weapons as your subordinate's?" she asked Eugene
Eugene pointing at his flail said "Once you reach a certain level of knighthood your allowed to pick your own weapon of choice. The men use the same weaponry to form a more cohesive unit but I guarantee you that more than half of them prefer some other weapon."
Hope mulled over that then looked towards the forest. "I see" She began to walk towards the forest. "I'll be following along from within the woods, don't pay me any mind." Hope said while waving herself off
"Be careful, Hope." Cynthia called as she vanished into the treeline.
Hope stopped for a few moments to take in all that she could with her perception and observation skills. She grinned from ear to ear, happy to finally be in a forest again. After getting used to the slight movement speed bonus from her racial passive Hope quickly moved through the forest following the knights as they traveled west along its southern border. Because of her increased movement speed bonuses Hope took a few detours here and there climbing the odd tree and attempting to identify the local plant life.
Hope noticed a change in the knights formation so she quickly moved to the treeline, climbed a large tree and drew her bow. A group of more then twenty goblins had been spotted and the knights moved in closer to each other make it appear that there weren't as many of them. As the goblins got within range the knights formation separated to form a wall. The smaller goblins were for the most part being slaughtered by the knights with their longer weapons. Whenever a goblin did manage to get within striking range of a knight Hope loosed an arrow. *schhwaff* Her aim was true, if Hope's arrow didn't finish off the goblin one of the knights standing nearest to it took advantage of the opening and struck the finishing blow. Every other time she defended one of the knights...
Leadership has been permanently increased by 1
Satisfied with the range of her bow and the velocity of her arrows Hope sighed in contentment, Hope was thankful that she had the chance to reinforce the bow and received range bonuses from the vision skill.
"I wasn't expecting that." Conrad said to Cynthia
"I know... rangers wouldn't dare fire an arrow so close to friendly troops." Cynthia noted
"Nearly scared the life out of me the first time an arrow went by my head." Miguel chuckled
"Well the men seem to like it, I suppose they trust her... as long as she doesn't hit me she can shoot wherever she pleases!" Eugene stated loudly as an arrow flew out of the treeline firmly planting itself into the ground in front of his foot effectively causing him to fall face first and kiss the ground.
The nearby knights burst into helpless laughter as Eugene looked up with his dirt covered mug and shook a fist at the forest. Hope, feeling rather proud of herself sauntered back off to continue her miniature adventure through the woods.
Before they reached their destination Hope had managed to gain a few nature based skills thanks to her activities...
Through Nature Mastery a new Passive Skill has been generated: Forest Mastery
Forest MasteryThis skill enhances your abilities while in a forested area.
Movement speed +5%
Raises vision skill level by 2
A new Passive Skill has been generated: Climbing Mastery
Climbing MasteryThe ability to climb more easily.
Makes you less likely to lose balance.
Climbing stamina consumption -25%
Climbing stability +25%
A new Skill has been generated: Herbalism
HerbalismThe ability to analyze the flora of Versailles and draw useful information from your findings. Also, helps when taking any action that involves flora.
As the knights began to set up camp Hope finally returned from the forest and was greeted by a resounding wave of applause. As the knights worked on their tents Hope moved to join the four leaders as they surveyed the ruins where tomorrows raid would take place. "That's... a lot more than we were expecting...." Miguel noted
"I don't see more than fifty." Hope said as she approached them
"Welcome back" Cynthia said
"Good work out there." Conrad said
"It's the ones you can't see." Eugene said pointing at the entrance to a large building on the southern side of the ruins.
"Any idea how many are in there?" Hope said
"We've seen about a hundred in the past half hour..." Miguel said
Shocked Hope replied "So were probably looking at about two-hundred goblins?"
"That's the gist of it." Eugene said
"What's the plan?" she asked
"We'll go in and clear the open ground as we have been doing so far... the problem is the inside of those ruins. If memory serves the passage ways are too narrow for us to effectively use halberds and formations." Conrad said
"So we decided that once we go in it'll be in four five man squads and four six man squads without halberds. The four squads without leaders will guard the rear and rout escaping goblins." Cynthia added
"Sounds good to me... what's wrong Miguel?" Hope said
"That's a lot of goblins." he replied honestly
"We have a duty as the knights of Restia to protect Restia, this is more than a goblin gathering this is the makings of an army. We stop this here and now before the goblin threat can grow any larger." Eugene said looking at Hope "This is more than we asked of you Hope... as far as I'm concerned you've already done right by us."
*ding*
Quest Complete!.
Level up!
Familiarity within Restia has increased. You have become Renowned.
"Unfortunately I can no longer accompany you to the outpost, I have a job to do." he said apologetically
"I want to help. You're my friends and if by being here I can save even a single one of you... I'll be here whether you want me to or not."
"We would be honored to have you, Lady Hope."
*ding*
Goblin Army
You have been given an opportunity to join the knights of Restia in a large scale assault on a goblin uprising due to your fame and familiarity with the knights.Quest rank: D-RequisitesCompleted the goblin raid quest.
Friendly with the Restian Knights.RewardsIncreased familiarity with the people of Restia.
Restia will not suffer from the world event "Goblin Uprising!"
A knight will guide you to Fort Farthest.
"You have my bow!"
Quest accepted
"Well, nothing to do now but calm our nerves and prepare for battle." Miguel said
"Let's go tell the others what's coming." Conrad said
"We're telling em? I thought it'd be a nice surprise!" Eugene claimed as another arrow caused him to kiss the ground
Conrad and Miguel laughed as Cynthia said with a wide grin "You've got to teach me how to shoot a bow."
"I object!" Eugene yelled as he brushed himself off and followed after them.
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There was an uncanny silence among the knights as they finished setting up camp. It would likely be their last night on Versailles. Hope realized how low morale was and decided that the best thing she could do was speak about the coming battle to instill confidence in them.
She started by evaporating some aromatic spices in water to draw the knights attention like she had during lunch. As they started to gather she retrieved a large number of skewers while speaking "I plan to participate in close combat tomorrow, I'd like to get used to fighting among the knights before were inside the ruins."
"That's too dangerous Hope." Conrad objected
"I've seen the way all of you fight, I'm not afraid. If I am in danger one of you will save me after all." she said with a grin while removing wolf meat and miscellaneous vegetables from her pack.
"We'd certainly try but..." Conrad began
"I need the experience with my blade if I'm to survive the battles inside the ruins. Also, you may have forgotten but I am a freedman... If I die it's only temporary." Hope interrupted him while dicing all the ingredients into cubes.
"I.. see"
"If today was any indication, we won't lose a single man outside the ruins. I don't see why inside should be much different." She claimed while mixing up a pot of sauce.
"There will be less of us working together, Hope." Cynthia said
"There will be less of them fighting us." She retorted while coating the meat and vegetables in the sauce after skewering them.
Everyone considered Hope's words for a moment while she was placing metal racks over the fires then placing the skewers on them. "That's... I suppose your right... there will be less goblins to fight at once." The men's faces regained some color when they heard one of their leaders agree with Hope.
Hope decided that this was the moment to speak her mind. "We can't afford to fail, if we do then Restia will come under siege. Everyone here has people that they love in Restia... Even beyond that there are men, women and children in the city that can't defend themselves." she said somberly
*ding*
Leadership has been permanently increased by 4
Morale up!
At that moment every person sitting around the leaders had the same deathly serious look on their faces, the fear was gone. All that was left was the will and determination to wipe out every last goblin and stop this uprising from ever happening. Moral had been restored.
When the skewers were ready Hope handed them out and everyone once again quite thankfully chowed down on the food.
-You are well fed!
*ding*
Barbecue SkewersThis simple, delicious dish can be prepared by any beginner cook.
- Health, Mana and Stamina regeneration increased by 15%.
- All attributes are increased by 5.
- Maximum Health and Mana increased by 6%.
- These effects last for 6 hours.
Now that the eerie atmosphere surrounding the camp was gone and all the knights had gone back to their tasks, Hope looked to the leaders. "Pick out the most capable knight among your people, write a letter to Marcus and warn Restia."
"Hope, even losing one man will effect our battle strength. Like you said we can't afford to fail here." Miguel complained as Conrad began to write on a piece of parchment.
"Just because we can't doesn't mean we won't." she said looking down at the ground
"It's better to be safe than sorry Miguel, especially when it's the safety of the people we've sworn to protect." Eugene said
"It's a wise course of action." Cynthia said bluntly
"Think of it this way Miguel, if we live through this you'll be a hero. Free drinks for the rest of your life." Hope said grinning at the obviously unsettled knight
"I'd rather be alive..." he said
Hope sensed in that moment that Miguel may be more of a liability in the coming battle than she was willing to allow. "I'll take position as leader of your unit in battle Miguel... get the letter back to Marcus." she said with a gentle smile
The other three knights looked at Miguel then at Hope and realized that this would be for the best. "There's no shame in it Miguel, The letter is just as important as the battle." Conrad said
Miguel looked up at his fellow knights and said with a serious expression. "Nothing will stop that letter from reaching Restia."
"Well if its you then departing in the middle of the night won't be a problem, be careful Miguel." Cynthia said
"I won't disappoint you." he said taking the letter from Conrad then briskly departed from the encampment without ever looking back.
*ding*
You have removed a dangerous element from the coming battle.
Morale up!
You have warned Restia of the coming danger easing the minds of your comrades.
Morale up!
Thinking back on what she'd just agreed to Hope looked over to Cynthia "Ummm... I know I said I'd lead the unit but I haven't the faintest clue about how to control formations or the knights themselves. Could you teach me how to listen to them and choose someone else to lead?"
"Of course Hope." Cynthia chuckled
You have removed a dangerous element from the coming battle.
Morale up!
Seeing that last message Hope thought 'That does wonders for my pride....'
"Eugene, call over Victor while I start Hope's lesson." Cynthia said
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A few moments later Eugene returned with Victor, a rather average looking but tall knight. Hope stood then walked over to him and held out her hand to greet him. "I don't think we've spoken before Victor, I'll be fighting as a member of your unit tomorrow."
The man took her hand, bowed down and kissed it gently as Eugene pretended to accidentally smack him aside the head with his sheathe while he walked back to his seat, ignoring that Victor replied "I'm Victor, I believe they choose me because of my father. The knights will trust me to lead them and hopefully you will as well."
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Taking back her hand Hope looked towards Conrad "His father?"
"The knight commander." he answered
"Oh well, that'll do it." Hope said
"If I may make a suggestion, Lady Hope?"
"You may."
"Perhaps it would be best that you not join a unit until we reach the ruins. Fighting with your sword among men that will be using a halberd is... unwise." Victor explained
"That's certainly a valid point... I also think that I'd be better able to minimize our losses from afar." Hope said
"Then we are in agreement, Lady Hope."
"Yes we are."
*ding*
Familiarity with Victor has been increased. You have become acquaintances.
After a few hours of lessons on tactics and what makes a small group of knights able to work well together in close quarters combat everyone decided that it was time to rest. Hope realized that she didn't have her own tent... 'Never let it be said that I wasted an opportunity.' she thought to herself
As Cynthia began to walk towards her tent Hope called out to her "Cynthia"
Turning to answer her Cynthia found Hope to be much closer than she'd thought "Yes?"
"Is there room in your tent for one more?" Hope said looking straight at the barbarian woman.
*ding*
Familiarity with Cynthia has been increased.
"I.. ther.. isn..." Cynthia stammered completely knocked off-balance by Hopes question
"There's plenty of room in mine!" Eugene yelled which earned him a quick jab from Conrad
Ignoring Eugene Hope said "Just to sleep of course, I'm sorry if you misunderstood. I can't really share a tent with one of the men, I'd be the talk of the Restian Knighthood for years."
Regaining herself and feeling just a bit disappointed Cynthia said challengingly "I'm sorry Hope of course you can stay with me, as long as you realize that I'm not any less dangerous than the men."
Hope looked past the barbarian woman towards the tent. "I wouldn't have it any other way." she said with an impish grin while walking by her and entering the tent.
*ding*
Familiarity with Cynthia has increased. You are now very intimate.
Charm has been permanently increased by 2
-A title has been augmented.
The title "Succubus" is now available.
SuccubusYou have no qualms acting the fool or compromising your lesser morals to get what you want. Seriously not a single qualm in your mind or body. You're so shameless that half the time you don't even realize what you're doing till its already over. Rumors of your antics have reached epic proportions within a city. You always get what you want.
Charm + 150
Infamy + 60
After fending off Eugene, Cynthia entered the tent only to find that unfortunately Hope was already fast asleep...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Upon logging back in after a little over an hour Hope proceeded to unhook Cynthia's arm that had been draped around her. While she was getting up Cynthia stirred "Sorry, did I wake you?" Hope asked
"Is it morning?" Cynthia asked
"Almost" she answered
"Then lay back down." Cynthia complained
Hope leaned down and kissed Cynthia on the cheek "I have to prepare breakfast now. Good morning, Cynthia." she then exited the tent leaving the barbarian woman in a nearly catatonic state.
*ding*
Familiarity with Cynthia has been increased.
Hope thought to herself absently 'I may be learning a few bad habits here....'
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When the knights began to awaken Hope realized that she may have erred in her previous judgement and been better off sharing a tent with one of the men instead. Hopefully these rumors don't reach Sereda she thought 'I'd prefer a kiss to a hammer when I visit.'
After breakfast the knights all began preparations for the battle. Hope meticulously repaired, sharpened, and polished equipment. They were ready, moments like this is what they were born for. Not a single one of them would turn and run. For the people of Restia these knights would become steel and fight to the death. The march began with Hope at the rear. As she gazed at the backs of the knights she pondered the complexity of their programming. 'Whoever created this game did an insanely good job.' she thought to herself before walking to the left flank of the formation and readying her longbow.
Upon crossing the expanse of plains that had hidden them from the goblins the night before Hope immediately called out to the knights having noticed a very *big* change. Looking at the massive creature standing among the seventy or so goblins from afar she asked "What is that, a cyclops?"
"Yes a cyclops." Conrad answered acidly
"That bad?"
"It isn't good." he answered
"What happens if you blind it?" Hope asked
"You can't... they have really good reflexes when it comes to closing those eyes and the lid is like plated steel."
Hope thought to herself for a while about this new problem then made a decision. "I'm going on ahead alone, don't charge until you see my signal."
Eugene looked at her in shock while Cynthia objected and Victor asked "What will the signal look like, Lady Hope?"
"That cyclops is about to have a very bad day." she answered before slinking off to the far side of the ruins
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hope had run to the forest beyond the far side of the ruins then moved south through the woods. She remembered that all cyclops despised fire. She had a plan to lower the odds of the knights incurring losses.
As she approached the area where most of the goblins were idling at among the ruins with the cyclops Hope exited the forest and sprinted to a nearby ruined building closing the distance between her and her target. Before she could begin her preparations a goblin came around the corner of the building in front of her. So as not to give it a chance to alert the others she chose to ram into the goblin full force pushing it against the wall with her hands at it's throat... Hope would knee the goblin in the stomach every time it reached for a weapon, with her superior strength and fighting spirit it was only a matter of time before the goblin gave in stopped struggling and faded to grey.
Returning to the task at hand Hope took out the two bottles of alcohol that she had been using to cook with. She was making a weapon she'd seen used many times as a child, a simple, very effective weapon. Tearing off slivers of her shirt she opened the bottles and doused the cloth. She then stuffed the cloth in both bottles and put them away.
*ding*
A new Skill has been generated: Alchemy
AlchemyThe ability to create useful consumable items such as potions and dyes using the raw ingredients of Versailles.
As skill level rises products gain potency.
As skill level rises products require less raw materials to create.
-You have received two Molotovs
MolotovTypeThrowingQualityGoodDurability5 / 5Artistic Value5CreatorHopeAttackFireA simply made, yet effective throwing weapon that ignites foes. Must be lit on fire before being thrown to function properly.RestrictionN/AEffect(s):
Ignites enemies and allies within a two meter radius of the point of impact.
Hope moved quickly into the alley between two ruined buildings and climbed to the roof. From there with her throwing skill it was easy... after placing both molotovs on the ground then igniting the cloth with her flint stones she picked them up. The cyclops had seen her and began to move in her direction. She threw the first molotov high at the cyclops's face and only a moment later the second at its loincloth...
As the cyclops had moved its great club to block the first molotov it hadn't had the chance to block the second. Moments later the cyclops howled in agony with its crotch on fire as every goblin in the ruins took notice. The large important looking goblin that had been right behind the cyclops was also on fire throwing it's equipment hastily to the ground. Hope stifled a laugh, pulled out her bow then shot the rather important looking goblin through the back of the skull as it barked what she assumed were orders.
Critical Hit!
-Goblin Commander has been slain!
You have removed a dangerous element from the coming battle.
Morale up!
At that moment Hope activated sprint and fled to the forest with nearly half of the outside goblin forces chasing her. Hope planned to use her movement speed and the goblins low intelligence to her advantage. She moved through the forest swiftly ducking around obstacles and singling out goblins. *schhwaff* *schhwaff* *schhwaff* Before she'd managed to come full circle returning to the area where the knights were doing battle she'd slain more than twenty of the goblins that chased her into the woods.
Arriving at the long building she'd used to start her attack Hope climbed to the roof intending to provide ranged support for the knights against the remaining goblins. What she saw was that most of the goblins were dead and while the cyclops had a few seemingly thrown halberds sticking out of it, the thing was still very much alive with a good 15% of it's health left. *schhwaff* Her arrow barely pierced the skin and more than anything just annoyed the cyclops as it began to charge at Eugene's formation of knights with his large club raised.
At this moment Hope knew that if she did nothing people were going to die. Drawing her machete she began to run at full speed across the roof of the building. As the cyclops began to pass the building she jumped through the air and swung the machete down full force at the cyclops's arm that had raised the large club.
Critical Hit!
The arm fell limp as the club crashed into the ground with Hope hitting the floor hard and rolling then slamming into the wall of the adjacent building.
- Damage received -126 hp
The cyclops was enraged as it looked down at Hope and raised it's good arm to crush her, she prepared herself for death... and in that moment eleven knights swarmed the cyclops slashing and hacking it till the beast fell limp then faded to grey.
-One-eyed Willyclops has been slain!
Level up!
Level up!
Hope busted out laughing for a moment before remembering where she was.
It didn't take long for the knights to finish off the remaining goblins and the few stragglers from the woods. As soon as the battle was won Eugene walked up to Hope and yelled "You almost got yourself killed Hope!"
*light-bulb*
Walking up to Eugene and placing a hand on one of his cheeks "Forgive me Eugene... I saw it begin to charge at you and... I... I just lost myself." Hope said with crestfallen eyes
*ding*
Familiarity with Eugene has been greatly increased. An unbreakable bond has been forged.
You have given a Restian Knight the inspiration to reach new heights fame + 50
Charm has been permanently increased by 10
"Hope I... please be more careful, we know that you can't die but it still isn't something I ever want to see." he said a bit out of breath reaching beneath his breastplate "I want you to have this."
-You have received Eugene's Amulet
Eugene's AmuletTypeNecklaceQualityGrandDurability120 / 120Artistic Value220CreatorMarie DalokDefense10A platinum amulet with a rectangular sapphire embedded in it's frame. Belongs to the next in line of a noble merchant family of Yar Dalok.RestrictionNoneEffect(s):
Makes npcs more likely to sell you goods at a reduced price.
Art + 30
Leadership + 20
Magic Resistance + 20%
Cannot be dropped upon death.
"It's beautiful Eugene, I'll treasure it." Hope said with a very, very happy smile.
"I'm glad you like it, now we've still half a battle left to fight. Shall we?" he said
Nodding to the knight Hope moved to follow him towards the ruins thinking 'Familiarity really pays off... guess I better give Cynthia a little more work...'
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I love all the people who are posting and helping me out here!!!
:grin:
*ding*
Familiarity with Limilicious has been greatly increased.
HAHAHA yay [th_084_.gif]
Proofread by lomie0.