by David Petrie
This is Andara, where her true adventure finally begins.
Peaks of Power: Beginnings
There’s always somewhere to go, someone to defeat! At least that’s what Ryan believed until he ran out of challenges, adventures, and stories. Bored with his life as a casual player, he slipped easily into the lifestyle of a professional gamer.
After reaching the pinnacle of success, an email arrived from the mysterious Beta Academy. With his best friend and self-proclaimed bodyguard, Dimitri, he decides to take a chance and accept the strange offer contained within. Overconfident in his skills, Ryan thinks he’ll defeat this game as easily as every other, but that confidence is shaken and shattered within the first fifteen minutes. This wasn’t a standard game with haptic chairs or gloves; this was the real thing.
Ryan and Dimitri must learn the heights of the Peaks of Power… and what it will take to achieve their summit.
Fantasy
Coming soon!
The Black Knight Trilogy
Appendix
Character Stats
MaxDamage24
TITLE: Nightmarebane
HOUSE: None (Ronin)
LEVEL: 114
RACE: Human
TRAIT: Versatile – All stats develop equally
CLASS: Fury
STATS
CONSTITUTION: 92
STRENGTH: 54
DEXTERITY 166
DEFENSE: 72
WISDOM: 0
FOCUS: 0
ARCANE: 0
AGILITY: 18
LUCK: 33
ACTIVE SKILLS
SLOT 1: Custom Rounds, level 6 – Convert a magazine to a different type of ammunition. May be used once per magazine.
SLOT 2: Last Stand – Fire an empty pistol by creating bullets from your hit points. Duration lasts until death or reloading.
SLOT 3: Heavy Metal – Drastically decreases range and increases recoil enough to damage the wielder and make firearms difficult to handle but grants +75% damage.
PERKS
SLOT 1: Duel wield – Allows a second pistol to be equipped. -5% damage output for each missed shot with an off-hand weapon for a maximum damage penalty of -40%. Penalty lasts until both weapons have been reloaded.
SLOT 2: Last chance – The last round fired from a magazine deals +50% damage, increasing the likelihood of finishing an enemy before needing to reload.
SLOT 3: Quick draw – Any shot fired within two seconds of a weapon being drawn from a holster will gain +25% damage.
Kirabell
TITLE: Nightmarebane
HOUSE: None (Ronin)
LEVEL: 114
RACE: Fairy
TRAIT: Fragile – Receive a significant bonus to arcane, wisdom and focus, however strength and constitution are soft-capped. Physical capabilities are also limited due to character size.
STATS
CONSTITUTION: 4
STRENGTH: 0
DEXTERITY 0
DEFENSE: 45
WISDOM: 142
FOCUS: 133
ARCANE: 0
AGILITY: 70
LUCK: 41
PERKS
SLOT 1: Duel cast – Allows a second caster to be equipped. Spells cast with off-hand cost 20% more mana.
SLOT 2: True flight – Wings are the mark of a true fairy.
SLOT 3: Wellspring – Increase the potency of spells while a fairy’s bare feet are in contact with the ground.
Farnsworth
TITLE: Resolute
HOUSE: None (Ronin)
LEVEL: 111
RACE: Human
TRAIT: Versatile – All stats develop equally
CLASS: Shield
STATS
CONSTITUTION: 164
STRENGTH: 98
DEXTERITY 42
DEFENSE: 176
WISDOM: 0
FOCUS: 0
ARCANE: 0
AGILITY: 6
LUCK: 9
ACTIVE SKILLS
SLOT 1: Blood Shell (CONTRACT) – Create a shell of blood that can defend against any attack for one minute after which, the user dies.
SLOT 2: Taunt – Gives weight to your words to draw the attention of an enemy. PVE only.
SLOT 3: Feral Edge (CONTRACT) – Unleash your inner beast.
PERKS
SLOT 1: Damage absorption, level 5 – Your shield blocks 90% of damage taken.
SLOT 2: Annoyance – Increases the likelihood of getting an enemy’s attention by attacking it.
SLOT 3: Protector – Increase defense by +15 when standing between an enemy and a party member.
Kegan
TITLE: Deadly Wind
HOUSE: None (Ronin)
LEVEL: 105
RACE: Elf
TRAIT: Control – At creation, choose one stat to receive a bonus for each upgrade point used and choose two stats to receive a soft-cap.
CLASS: Leaf
STATS
CONSTITUTION: 89
STRENGTH: 125
DEXTERITY 90
DEFENSE: 80
WISDOM: 0
FOCUS: 0
ARCANE: 0
AGILITY: 45
LUCK: 21
ACTIVE SKILLS
SLOT 1: Camouflage, level 3 – Temporarily change your skin and equipment’s coloring to blend into a variety of terrains. Must be holding still.
SLOT 2: Piercing Strike – The next arrow fired will continue moving through your target to hit another behind it. The arrow will continue until it runs out of momentum or hits an obstacle. Each consecutive hit decreases damage by -10%.
SLOT 3: Light Foot – Remove all sound produced by your movement for five minutes for better stealth.
PERKS
SLOT 1: Speed chain – Increase damage by 5% for each arrow fired within three seconds of the last.
SLOT 2: Charge Shot – Increase damage by 10% for every second you hold the bowstring back.
SLOT 3: Sticky Quiver – Arrows will not fall out of your quiver.
Corvin
TITLE: Nightmarebane
HOUSE: None (Ronin)
LEVEL: 121
RACE: Reynard
TRAIT: Nine Tails – All nine attributes gain a bonus equal to half your lowest.
CLASS: Venom Mage
STATS
CONSTITUTION: 74
STRENGTH: 33
DEXTERITY 20
DEFENSE: 66
WISDOM: 27
FOCUS: 98
ARCANE: 110
AGILITY: 22
LUCK: 20
PERKS
SLOT 1: Awareness – Hear better than most.
SLOT 2: The Empty Hand – Increase the potency of all magic while not equipping a weapon.
SLOT 3: Hidden – Decrease the likelihood of drawing the attention of an enemy while casting.
Ginger Snaps
TITLE: Purse Taker
HOUSE: None (Ronin)
LEVEL: 104
RACE: Human
TRAIT: Versatile – All stats develop equally.
CLASS: Coin
STATS
CONSTITUTION: 89
STRENGTH: 60
DEXTERITY 105
DEFENSE: 70
WISDOM: 0
FOCUS: 0
ARCANE: 0
AGILITY: 65
LUCK: 61
ACTIVE SKILLS
SLOT 1: Blur – Decrease a target’s ability to target you. PVE only.
SLOT 2: Paralyze – Immobilize a target after a successful back stab. Removes critical hit bonus.
SLOT 3: Five Finger Discount – Will cause an NPC to turn around. Common items are fair game.
PERKS
SLOT 1: Grappling hook – Fire a line from a wrist mounted launcher.
SLOT 2: Sticky Fingers – Any material taken from an enemy can be converted to an item to be used or sold.
SLOT 3: Back Stab – Increase damage by 150% when doing it from behind.
Bestiary
Nonhostile Creatures
LAGOPIN – Being half rabbit and half bird, these mounts are seriously fun to ride. So, saddle up and hang on tight.
JEROBIN – A small kangaroo-like race, these sentient creatures are often seen working in the cities of Noctem.
Basic Monsters
SCALEFANG – A large lizard bearing a mane of bright of feathers. They attack with their entire bodies from their tail to their teeth. Their rotating elemental weakness makes them particularly hard to deal with, especially in large groups.
BASILISK – An enormous black snake with a paralyzing stare/ Avoid direct eye contact at all costs.
GOUL – These animated corpses of the dead are known for their physical attacks, but they have been observed using magic as well.
POPLO – A spherical manifestation of elemental energy, capable of a number of spells that match their affinity.
MISFIT – A cave dwelling monster that likes to bite and kick.
Quest Specific Monsters
SILVER ANGEL – A silent observer who watches those who travel down the spiral.
PLAGUE TOAD – Wet, slimy and vicious, these creatures exist to eat. They will try to lure you in with their tail and attack from below. They especially like easy targets.
Nightmares
RASPUTEN – This mad monk exists to tear and rend all asunder, earning him the title of Destroyer.
SENGETSU – Sometime sacrifices cannot be avoided. It is up to you to fear them or not.
KAFKA – Change is necessary for growth, but will that growth create a monster?
RACKHAM – Not all battles can be won, but that doesn’t mean you should accept defeat.
Quest Specific Nightmares (The Horsemen)
FAMINE – The bell of Famine rings a steady rumble in one’s stomach. Nothing can be eaten in this Nightmare’s dungeon.
PESTILENCE – The hoard is coming and it’s hungry.
DEATH – Like a force of nature, this nightmare claims everyone in the end.
WAR – The embodiment of war, this Nightmare consists of two dragon kings locked in combat for centuries. There is no stopping them. It’s best to just run.
Cities Visited
Valain
The unofficial capital of commerce, Valain runs like a well-oiled machine. Its citizens work hard and party hard. This city and its territories are the only parts of Noctem that are fully under the control of Checkpoint Systems. (Current Ruler: Alastair Coldblood, Lord of House Checkpoint)
Lucem
The city of light, Lucem stands as a shining example of what can be done through clever negotiations and diplomacy. Artist and entertainers have flocked to its peaceful and vibrant streets. If you’re looking for a night out, you can’t do much better. (Current Ruler: Leftwitch, Lady of the House of Silver Tongues)
Sierra
Lost for generations, the City of Sierra hides below ground where it’s people, the Deru, thrive and innovate.
Tartarus
While now an official city, Tartarus defies logic by existing in the wilds on the dark continent Gmork. It has been constructed of entirely farmed and crafted materials. Enter at your own risk.
Rend
Once the sister city to Torn, the majestic kingdom of Rend fell to the greed of its ruler, who attempted to offer the city to the Nightmare Rasputin to form a contract. Its palace, Castle Alderth, has become a frozen tomb, home to nothing but death and darkness. To this day, it remains waiting for the day that someone breaks its curse.
Class List
Melee
FURY– Fast, loud, and full of style. In the right hands, this class can dish out an impressive amount of damage. That is, if they can actually hit their targets.
Weapon: pistols
LEAF– At home sniping from the trees, this class will attack from where you least expect it.
Weapon: bows
COIN– Don’t take your eyes off this class for a second, lest you find yourself a few items lighter. Coins excel at stealth and mobility.
Special equipment: grappling line
Weapon: daggers
BLADE – You can’t argue with a classic. This swordsman class is best suited for attacking.
Weapons: sabers, rapiers, and katanas
SHIELD – Built to last, this class specializes in protecting others.
Special equipment: shield gauntlet
Weapon: straight swords
WHIP – A trainer class capable of keeping a familiar.
Weapon: whips
RAGE – Known for its capability to equip anything as a weapon, this class is built for all-out attacks.
Primary weapons: anything and everything
FIST – This unique class has two different paths. On one hand, the MONK is capable of infusing their hits with mana. On the other, the THUG is a brawler through and through.
Weapons: gloves, brass knuckles, and their bare hands
RAIN – Death from above. This class can use their mana to augment their movement, often launching themselves into the air to attack when least expected.
Weapon: polearms
Magic Users
BREATH MAGE – This frail but kind class can keep their party alive through whatever the world may throw at them.
Special equipment: casters
Weapons: clubs, canes, and additional casters
CAULDRON MAGE – Specializing in destruction, this mage class is slow but dangerous.
Special equipment: casters
Weapons: clubs, canes, and additional casters
VENOM MAGE – This mage class excels at slowing the enemy down, weakening a target, and causing damage over time.
Special equipment: casters
Weapons: clubs, canes, and additional casters
