The Endless Savanna is a place where law and order hold little sway despite Orishas pantheon claiming the province as their home. Gain access to the Bazaar of Beasts and the Temple of the Orishas.
Reward: +25,000-Experience, 5-Sigils of the Goddess Issara
It wasn’t a lot of experience, but 5-Sigils was worth it.
Congratulations! You’ve reached Level 21!
+1 to bonus Holy Spells, +1 Intellect, +1 Charisma
“Hey, alright,” I cheered, turning to my friends to see all of them frozen in place.
“They are fine, it is just temporary. The Gods and Goddesses of Justice need to be careful about who sees us. But we should probably hurry,” the Goddess Issara said. “Now, I promised you more quests once you got access to the Bazaar. So, here is your first quest.”
That was odd. My friends met the Goddess Issara last month when I made the small shrine to her, but before I could question her on it, a quest popped up.
Class Quest Alert: Justice for a Cheat’ah
Chief Chosi has confessed to the crime of Slavery. See that she is properly punished according to the laws of the Endless Savanna Tribes.
Reward: Experience, 2-Sigils of the Goddess Issara
Do you accept this Quest?
Yes
No
“And this one,” the Goddess Issara continued.
Class Quest Alert: Three Tribes Lost
Gofi of the Rhinomen tribe has committed a crime of indescribable evil. See that he is properly punished according to the laws of the Endless Savanna Tribes.
Reward: Experience, 2-Sigils of the Goddess Issara
Do you accept this Quest?
Yes
No
“And I suppose one more wouldn’t hurt,” the Goddess Issara said.
Class Quest Alert: Emancipation of the Stolen 1
Locate and capture a small slave operation then return them to the Bazaar to stand trial.
Reward: Experience, 2-Sigils of the Goddess Issara
Do you accept this Quest?
Yes
No
I accepted all three quests, glad that Chosi and Gofi would be punished for their crimes. I was happier that I wasn’t the one that would be judging them, only ensuring that they were punished. I wasn’t sure I could remain unbiased given what I knew. Still, I would ensure they were both punished according to the local laws . . . once I knew what the local laws were.
“Come back and see me once you have completed those and we will get you started on another quest or two. Good luck and do me proud,” the Goddess Issara said before fading away.
“I suppose you have earned this,” the God Oshosi said.
Class Quest Alert: Izzy’s Little Helper
You have provided a great service to the Orishas pantheon and your actions have been acknowledged and rewarded.
Reward: +50,000-Experience, 5-Sigils of the Goddess Issara, Blessing of God Oshosi
“Thank you, I was happy to help,” I said, happy for the orb that just dropped into my waiting hands only for it to burst in a shower of sparks.
“No, thank you,” God Oshosi said, and just like Goddess Issara, he faded from view.
You have learned the Orishas runes of ‘Strength’, ‘Healing’, ‘Gladness’, ‘Victory’, and ‘Justice’
Lore II
Level: 37
Experience: 12.14%
Professional Skill: Lore is the study of the history of the World Tree and its denizens.
Subskill: Orishas Mysticism I
Your knowledge of the Orishas runes has granted you a level of mastery. Knowledge of Orishas Skills and Spells is improved.
And just as when I received a similar reward in the past, my Runology skill picked up the subskill ‘Orishas Expertise’
You have learned the ‘Runology’ subskill ‘Orishas Expertise’
Runology II (Evolved from Writing)
Level: 23
Experience: 81.14%
Professional Skill: Runology is the art of communicating power.
Chance to Learn Rank I Unknown Rune: 61.50%
Chance to Craft Rank I Skill Book: +30.75%
Chance to Craft Lesser Spell Book: +15.375%
Chance to Learn Rank II Unknown Rune: 11.50%
Chance to Craft Rank II Skill Book: +5.75%
Chance to Craft Beginner Spell Book: +2.88%
Professional Skill: Writing is the ability to communicate through the written word.
Orishas Expertise: +100% to craft any known Orishas spell or skill book of Rank I regardless of level.
“Alright,” Rose cheered, her sudden reanimation scaring the bejesus out of me. “Jack, how did you get over there? And where did this quest completion come from? Not that I mind the reward.”
“Um . . . some Gods showed up and froze all of you,” I answered.
“And we couldn’t meet them?” Baby complained. “I was looking forward to meeting another God, or was it a Goddess? Either way, that’s just not fair.”
I shrugged. It wasn’t like there was anything I could have done about it. “Baby, the Gods are scary beyond our ability to comprehend and extremely vengeful at the smallest of slights. Do you really want to draw their attention for your own entertainment? If you are having trouble remembering the last time you met one, just ask Micaela to remind you what happened to her and what was threatened.”
Baby cocked her head to the side in consideration. “You might have a point.”
“Okay, excitement is over. Let’s go deal with the aftermath,” Olaf said, reminding us there were still things that needed to be done.
Admittedly, I was a little nervous about what was going to happen next. The Bazaar was a mess. Overturned stalls and knocked down tents were only the beginning. Thankfully, it didn’t appear as if anyone had been killed during the fight, though some did look worse for wear.
“Is it done?” Zemira asked, seeing us first. The Rhinomen Chief appeared to have busied herself providing aid to the injured guards.
“It is,” Olaf answered.
Zemira sagged in relief. “Thank the Ori.”
Out of the corner of my eye I saw Chosi trying to slink away. “Guards, arrest Chief Chosi,” I said, letting mana seep into my voice and hoping it would work. Thankfully, they didn’t hesitate to grab her and subdue her.
One of the two guard Zemira was treating asked, “Um, who are you sir?” Two of the uninjured guards moved, working to drag a resisting Chosi back to us. The Wolfman . . . or Dogman, couldn’t be sure which, though he definitely looked more wolfish. Anyway, the guard looked to me rather confused, something I couldn’t really blame him for.
“It is alright,” Zemira said. “He acts with my authority as Chief of the Rhinomen Tribe.”
“I appreciate your support Chief Zemira. However, I act with the authority of the God Oshosi,” I stated confidently despite my gut roiling at the idea of speaking like this. “Gofi is also to be arrested.”
“What?” Zemira shouted. “No, you cannot do that. You have no right.”
I slammed the butt of my spear into the ground once eliciting a crack of thunder and releasing a wave of energy that was definitely not my own. “The God Oshosi has given me authority to see that Justice is done. Chief Chosi is under arrest for attempted kidnapping, kidnapping, and slavery. Gofi is under arrest for mass murder.”
“No,” Zemira cried again. “No, you cannot . . . we need him.”
“He should have thought of that before he murdered three tribes of innocent people,” I said.
“But they were not all innocent,” Zemira tried to argue.
“Can you prove that? Were those people given a trial? What about the children?” I asked. It was a cold move and probably came across harshly, but I needed to make it perfectly clear that Gofi deserved punishment.
Zemira’s head sagged in defeat.
I watched as a confused Gofi was placed in shackles and led away by the few remaining guards.
“So
, you are to become our new city lord?” Zemira asked bitterly.
“Absolutely not,” I stated emphatically. “The Gods charged me with ensuring that both Chosi and Gofi received proper punishment for their crimes. I will do my duty in this regard. But if I’ve learned anything, it is that the provinces are better left to the people that call them home. I’ve seen them arrested. I will see them punished according to your laws, but it is you and the people of this province that shall judge their crimes.”
Zemira looked up at me somewhat surprise. “You are a strange adventurer.”
“I’ve been told that once or twice,” I replied. “Anyway, I was ordered to ensure they are punished in accordance with the laws of the Endless Savanna. That said, I don’t suppose you have them written down somewhere?”
Zemira studied me silently for a moment before turning and walking toward the building Leonidas first came out of. She paused at the door before motioning for me to follow her.
We ended up in an overly opulent office, one wall of which was covered in books. Zemira plucked a single book from the shelves and handed it to me.
“These are the laws of the Endless Savanna,” Zemira said. “Usually, each tribe will handle their justice internally. But . . . when something so . . . significant has occurred, we will convene a Council of Chiefs to address the problems.”
“And in the case where one of the Chief’s is being judged?” I asked.
“That tribe will not have a voice until a new Chief has been selected,” Zemira answered.
“And do we need to wait for a new Chief to be selected for the Cheetahmen Tribe?” I asked.
“Yes, it will take a week, maybe two,” Zemira answered. “Though I will push the Cheetahmen to select faster. We need to know Gofi’s fate as soon as possible. If the worst happens, I need to prepare my people.”
“I understand,” I said, my eyes studying the book, ‘The Bazaar Laws of the Endless Savanna’. The title surprised me a little with its play on words, though I suppose I shouldn’t have been by this point. Most books had some strange play on words for their titles. Still, I half expected something more tribal or primitive. “I’ll study this. Just let me know when your council will convene.”
“I know what my brother-in-law did was wrong,” Zemira said before I could leave. “But our people needed him, still need him.”
“He should have thought of that before he killed so many innocents,” I said. I felt for the woman, I did, but what Gofi did . . . that was inexcusable. I just hoped that the Tribes would judge him fairly and punish him appropriately.
Chapter 16 - Heath
It took Heath a couple days to find the Thieves’ Guild’s current location. For simple thieves, they had learned to never stay in the same place too long or they risked being caught. It worked to Heath’s benefit as those couple of days gave him time to boost his thief skills just a little further.
Heath could honestly say he wasn’t sure what to expect when he showed up in the Thieves’ Guild and told Fence that he completed all the prerequisites to become a Jack of All. Fence being the name of his fence when he was less than reputable . . . more less than reputable anyway.
“Done,” Heath said bluntly to the short shady figure, interrupting Fence as he was looking over some ill-gotten gains another thief brought to him.
Fence frowned and swiped the goods from the short table in front of him. He held out a small pouch to the thief and motioned him away.
“Nice doing business with you,”
The nasally voiced Fence asked, “And just what is done?” Even his nameplate read as simply
“I’ve met the prerequisites,” Heath said, purposely not saying he completed the quest. The Thieves Guild had a certain reputation that required its members to speak indirectly, lest someone of the law was to overhear a conversation that might land all of them in the Deep Dark.
Fence studied him for a moment carefully before nodding. “So, you have,” he said.
Class Quest Alert: Jack of All 1 (Thief/Bard/Illusionist Only) – Completed!
You have shown a multitude of talents but a mastery of none. But what if you were to master them? What would you become? What could you accomplish? Should you master 5 spells of the Illusionist class, 1 instrument of the Bard class and the 4 basic skills of the Thief class you might have what it takes to ascend. Complete Rank I for the aforementioned skills and spells.
Reward: +50,000-Experience, Title: The Bard
Heath thought the new title was a little on the nose, but he wasn’t going to complain about a new title. Every title had some kind of benefit, though some were better than others.
Title: The Bard (Increases renown as a Bard, increases income for performing by 15%)
Then again, maybe it wasn’t so great. Heath wondered exactly what ‘Increases renown as a Bard’ meant.
“Go here,” Fence said, shoving a small bit of parchment into his hands.
Class Quest Alert: Jack of All 2 (Thief/Bard/Illusionist Only)
You have completed the first step in evolving your class into a Jack of All. Now it is time you learn how to use your weapon properly. Attend the Bard School for proper lessons on how to be a Bard. (Requires active title ‘The Bard’)
Reward: Experience, Bard Training
Do you accept this Quest?
Yes
No
Heath accepted the quest, not that he could refuse. “Where is this?”
“Root City,” Fence answered.
“Where in Root City?” Heath asked.
“Figure it out,” Fence replied. “Now, go away.”
Heath might have threatened him in the past but with the level difference between them now, it wasn’t the best idea. “And when I’m done with that? Then what?” Heath asked curiously.
“You will return here for your final test, assuming you complete your training as a Bard,” Fence stated before vanishing.
Heath tried in vain to spot the small master thief but gave up after a minute. Following Fence’s lead, Heath activated his own ‘Stealth’ skill and vanished from view.
If Heath had learned anything from Bye-bye, it was that talking to the NPC’s could give you answers as well as quests. Heath was more interested in the former rather than the latter. And in Root City, the best person to ask for directions was always a Guard.
“Good afternoon,” Heath said to the first
The Patrolman asked, “How can I help you son?”
“I’m looking for the Bard School, think you can point me in the right direction?” Heath asked.
The Patrolman then asked, “Bard School . . . uh . . . which one?”
“There’s more than one?” Heath asked.
The Patrolman seemed lost in thought for a moment before answering. “There are several. From the low-end schools like Morray’s to the more exclusive ones like Ghulliard.”
Heath assumed Morray’s was in reference to the pop band from years back, More A’s was a one-hit wonder group that little girls loved and drove parents insane. It was a group Heath refused to represent when the opportunity came up. And Ghulliard was just a slight change from the real-world institution that was still famed for producing the best musicians in the world, though he did wonder if the ‘Ghul’ bit was in reference to Ghouls, which would have made the school far more interesting.
“Don’t suppose there is a difference in the music styles? Maybe instrument preference?” Heath asked.
The Patrolman shrugged. “Cannot say I know much about them, sir. I have not met too many Bard’s in my life.”
“That’s alright. Can you point me to the closest one? I’m sure I’ll be able to ask for more information once I’m there,” Heath said.
“Certainly. Elain Jones Rocket Piano is one ring north o
n the main street to the trunk, you will know it when you see it,” the Patrolman answered.
Heath picked up that reference immediately. “Thanks,” he said, starting a slow walk toward the main street.
It took about two hours to find the school. It actually looked more like a Piano Bar from the outside with a line of people waiting to enter. Unwilling to wait on the line, Heath approached the bouncer with a few Gold palmed in his hand. A quick handshake with the bouncer and he was let right in.
Inside, Heath was immediately blasted by music with a familiar beat and a piano playing the lead. Said piano was centerstage with a woman wearing an even more garish outfit than Heath would have thought possible. The place was also packed.
Three bars surrounded the perimeter of the building, but they also appeared to be extremely busy despite seeing four bartenders at each of them. Heath wasn’t exactly sure how this could have been a Bard School given how busy it was, but a glance at his game clock showed it was after 7:00PM. Maybe it was a school during the day and club at night. That would certainly help offset the cost of operating such a large building.
“Back in ten everyone,” the pianist announced when her recent song ended. “For now, please enjoy Jack Scratch.”
Heath watched as a player
Anyway, Heath knew an opportunity when he saw one and worked his way backstage, greasing palms as needed to clear any obstacles.
World Tree Online- the Endless Savanna- 3rd Dive Page 28
