by Kong, Aleron
“Can you teach me,” Richter asked eager to have this power.
“I am aware of your Limitless ability my lord, but that can only be applied to skills. As this is an ability it would not apply, and I know of no way to teach abilities.”
Trusting that if there was a way to teach abilities, the remnant would have at least heard of it over the thousands of years of its existence, Richter let the matter drop. Before asking Futen to use his ability however, a thought occurred to him. “How do you know about my Limitless ability?”
“I possess a skill called Analyze. It allows me to know in depth information about creatures.”
“So that is something I can learn! Do you have any other skills?”
“At this time I am only aware of the one ability and one skill that I have told you about Lord Richter. As I have only recently been awakened by your claiming of the village, my memory is highly fragmented, however. It is entirely possible that as time goes on I will remember more. Also if the village raises in level, then I may have access to further powers.”
Nodding Richter said, “Let’s identify these items then. Afterwards you can teach me your skill.”
The light within Futen flared white, and suddenly the information was given to Richter in a series of prompts.
“How is it I suddenly have this information, when you are the one who has the skill,” Richter asked.
“You are the Master of this village. As long as we are close to one another, I can give you information without verbalizing. As the village grows, the distance we can interact over will grow as well.”
Impressed again at the versatility of this unasked for helper, Richter focused on the item information.
You have found: Staff of Decay: Attack 10-12. Durability 19/20. Item class: Rare. Quality: Above Average. Weight 4.2 kg. Traits: +4 Death damage. Has 5% chance to cause rapid decay upon target from direct strike or when channeling Death magic. Requirement: Alignment -2 or below.
You have found: Bracelet of Health: Durability 10/10. Item class: Uncommon. Quality: Above Average. Weight 0.1 kg. Traits: Increase maximum Health by +50.
You have found: Minor Mana Potion x 2. Taking this will restore 40 mana points over 6 seconds.
You have found: Minor Health Potion x 1. Taking this will restore 40 health points over 6 seconds.
You have found: Iron axe of Strength. Damage 15-18. Durability 33/35. Item class: Uncommon. Quality: Average. Traits: +3 to Strength. Requires Strength 17.
Remembering the black sludge that had come off the bear from one Death spell, Richter shuddered thinking of what would have happened if the staff’s special ability had struck him. Telling Sion the properties of each, the sprite spit on the floor upon hearing of the staff’s true identity. “We should destroy this evil thing. For some reason I can’t stand the sight of it!”
“How,” Richter asked. “Do I snap it over my knee? I somehow don’t think that would work.”
“Unfortunately we most likely do not have the strength, and even if we did, it is not wise to tamper with the inner working of magical objects without the proper knowledge. Will you bring it back to the Hearth Tree so that the Mother can dispose of it?”
You have been offered a Quest: Destroy Evil’s Weapon. Sion has had an extreme reaction to this staff. He hates it so much he can only think of destroying it. He wants your help carrying it back to the Hearth Tree so that Hisako can destroy it. Reward: Unknown. Yes or No?
Richter barely gave it a thought before nodding his assent. Though he and Sion had a rocky start to say the least, the sprite was a comrade. He would trust his Companion’s judgement. Focusing on what was in front of him, Richter looked at the axe wondering at the strength requirement. He had already used it to sever the chief’s head. It just didn’t make logical sense to him that a simple item had a requirement. Picking it up, he took a practice swing, and felt immediately off balance. Taking a few more, he stumbled disoriented. The last swing came dangerously close to cutting Sion. In the face of the glare he received from the diminutive man, he sheepishly placed the axe back down on the floor. Well, no point arguing with the facts. This axe was just not for him.
The sprite had shown no interest in loot, but Richter remembered the large amount of damage the thrown warrior’s dagger had caused. Picking up the bracelet he handed it to Sion. The sprite initially looked like he would refuse, but Richter said “You are a great warrior my friend, but I seriously doubt this will be the last battle we are in. You have to grow stronger and survive. This will help.” After a small protest, the sprite thanked him and slid the bracelet on his arm up to his bicep. He immediately stood a bit taller, and it seemed he had somewhat greater tone and definition than a moment before.
Placing the money in his pouch, Richter took a second pouch that had belonged to the hobgoblin and slid the potions into it. Picking up the staff, he felt revulsion. It was like holding a writhing snake. He dropped it quickly. Cutting a length of cloth from the hobgoblin’s clothes, he wrapped it around the staff, which greatly lessened the feeling of revulsion. Turning to Futen he said, “Have the workers collect all of the other items and lay them aside. I will review them upon returning from the Hearth Tree.”
“Is there anything else you would like to have done, my Lord?”
“I need to know what other resources there are available. I need to know what we can use to build the village.”
“I will search the boundaries of the village and this level. I can go no further than what you have laid claim to my lord. You will need to explore and vanquish any enemies in the lower levels if you wish to know what other powers, and riches may exist in the catacombs.”
That had been the answer to Richter’s question before sleeping. Apparently, the Place of Power was home to monsters. Through the millennia, creatures of various types had filled the underground levels. It was unclear if the Place of Power had created the monsters or if there were other entrances to the underground levels and they had moved in. What was clear was that the catacombs under his feet were not safe. The chamber they were in, which Futen had called a “Great Seal” stopped any monsters from coming up from the catacombs below.
“Well then the only other obvious point,” Richter said, “is that it’s a bit grandiose to call this pile of rocks a village? Can the worker’s build some houses, and clear away some rubble?”
“The workers are only the most basic of creatures, my Lord. They will follow any direction, but only exactly as it is given. They lack any real intelligence. Complex tasks, such as building a house will be beyond them.”
“Very well, have them gather stones and sort them by size and type into different piles. Also have them chop down trees that have grown inside the boundaries of the village and stack them. Finally have them dig a trench around the area outside of the boundary of the village.”
Turning to leave, a last thought occurred to him. Pulling out the clear gem he had taken from the goblin chief’s body, “What is this?”
“That is the Heart Crystal my Lord Richter. It is the embodiment of your dominion over these lands and the source of your connection to the village.”
“Does that mean if someone takes it from me suddenly they own the village,” Richter asked with some alarm in his voice.
“In its current state yes, but you can bind the stone to you. In this way it will be tied to you and your bloodline. You will also gain the powers inherent in the crystal.”
“What powers?”
“Each Place of Power has certain characteristics depending on the composition of ley lines that creates it. As I stated before, this village sits upon a strong collection of Air, Water, Dark and Life ley lines. Binding to the Heart Stone will tie your soul to the Place of Power. By fulfilling certain requirements you will obtain mastery of each of those powers in turn.”
Tied to his soul huh? That didn’t sound creepy or ominous at all! The other option was to lose this village to the first thief that took the Heart Stone though. After a few
more moments thought, Richter asked, “How do I do it?”
“Simply will it my Lord.”
Focusing upon the gem, he stared into its depths. He suddenly felt that he was being pulled into the stone, though he did not actually move. A slight tingle played across his skin. The sensation became focused upon the inside of his left wrist. He realized with a start that the Heart Stone was gone.
“It is done,” the remnant said its deadpan voice.
Looking at his wrist, Richter saw a silver grey circle on his inner wrist where the strange sensation had focused. It had a swirl of grey smoke within its boundaries that seemed to move slightly as he stared at it. After a moment the mark faded from view. He knew somehow he could summon it back if he desired.
You have received a Mark: Master of the Mist Village.
Making their way out of the tunnel, dawn seemed to be just breaking. The workers had not be idle. There were three piles at the base of the hill leading from the cave, one of items, one of weapons and the other of armor.
Richter was about to ask Futen to call a worker over, but he remembered what was said about the village being an extension of himself. Focusing on the nearest worker, he willed it to come closer. It promptly left its task and came to stand before him. Smiling, he said, “Futen, how do I Analyze the worker?”
“Yes my lord. You must gaze upon it. Focus until it becomes the only thing that exists. See past the external to the internal truth. This attention will draw its information to you.”
Focusing upon the worker, he stared intently at it. Richter looked at the light grey swirls that slowly moved under its skin, the clear lines of its arms, head, torso and legs. He gazed at its shapeless face and suddenly just knew!
You have learned the skill: Analyze. Cost 5 mana. You will be able to know information about other creatures simply by looking at them. The greater difference in level between you and the target, the less effective your skill may be.
Mist worker, Lvl 1. Health: 50/50, Mana 0/0, Stamina 400/400.
“I was able to do it Futen, but the information is pretty basic.”
“Yes my Lord. You will have to increase the level of the skill to obtain more information.”
Pleased nonetheless, Richter let the worker return to its duties.
The bodies had been dragged outside of the boundaries and placed within a pit the workers had dug. Grabbing a few waterskins from the pile of items. He removed the stopper from each pouring out a small amount of the contents. The first appeared to be water as expected. The second he quickly cast aside deciding not to ponder what the vile contents could be. The third however appeared to be oil. Moving over to pit he poured the contents over the bodies. Striking flint, Sion lit one of the torches from the goblin camp and then cast it into the pit. After a short time, the flames were licking eagerly at the naked green forms. Giving one last order, Richter said, “Once the bodies are consumed, fill the pit with dirt again. I don’t want to be reminded of these creatures.”
“Is there anything else I can do, my Lord?”
“Don’t hesitate to advise me if you have something useful to say. Do your best to take care of the village and me. I want to be made aware of any major decisions, but in my absence do your best to protect and grow the village.”
“It will be done my Lord,” answered Futen’s deadpan voice.
Richter and Sion began their trip back to the Hearth Tree.
CHAPTER 12
The journey back to the home of the sprites was without incident. After several days of moving through the forest they were greeted by the sight of the golden grasses of the glade. The Hearth Tree loomed in front of them. As before, the Hearth Mother seemed to know they were approaching and waited for him at the edge of the grass.
She smiled at him with a look of contentment and peace.
Richter smiled back, and nodded his head slightly, “I have finished my quests. We traced the sickened animals to a goblin camp. There was a hobgoblin necromancer who was responsible. It gave the mage control over them somehow. I do not know how, but the important thing is that it’s dead. The danger has passed.”
“I greatly appreciate all of your effort, and for bringing our warrior home safely. In addition to your reward I will give you a word of caution. Though those creatures were evil, it does not make them things. Robbing other creatures of their identity or gender may ultimately rob you of you goodness.”
You have received 1,000 exp for Cleanse the Forest I
You have received 3,000 exp for Cleanse the Forest II
You have received 6,000 exp for Cleanse the Forest III
TRING!
You have reached level 5! Through hard work you have moved forward along your path. As a Chaos Seed you gain 6 points to distribute to characteristics instead of the usual 4. You also get 25% advancement to the skill of your choice! Crush your enemies, honor your allies, LIVE!
TRING!
You have reached level 6! Through hard work you have moved forward along your path. As a Chaos Seed you gain 6 points to distribute to characteristics instead of the usual 4. You also get 25% advancement to the skill of your choice! Crush your enemies, honor your allies, LIVE!
You have either characteristic points or skill percentage points to allocate from the previous level. Now that you have progressed again, you must allocate your points within the next week or they will randomly be assigned for you.
You relationship has improved with Wood Sprites from neutral to friendly.
“We have made these while you were gone. I hope that they serve you well.” Two sprites came forward, one holding a bow, the other holding a helmet and gloves. The bow was a beautiful chestnut recurve. The handle looked like deer hide. The ends of the bow curved back forward. Delicate carvings of leaves extended up both ends of the bow. The gloves were the same pliable yet tough green material of the armor he already had. Silently, Richter reached out and took the weapon and armor.
You have received: Spritely Helm. Defense +5. Weight 2.1 kg. Durability 30/30. Item class: Uncommon. Quality: Above Average. Type: Light Armor. Vision increased by 25%
You have received: Gauntlets of the Wood Sprite. Defense +4. Weight 1.3 kg. Durability 25/25. Item class: Uncommon. Quality: Above Average. Type: Light Armor. Ranged accuracy increased by 25%
Congratulations! You have obtained an entire set of matched armor: Sprite Armor. Defense given by each piece increased by 25%. Special Bonus: 50% less noise made while moving through forest.
You have received: Recurve bow of the Wood Sprite. Damage 14-19. Durability 35/35. Item class: Rare. Quality: Superb. Weight: 3.8 kg. Traits: + 8 Dexterity. + 5% accuracy. Provides the subskill: Focus.
You have learned the subskill: Focus. By expending stamina you can zoom in on your target making shots easier. This is a subskill of Archery.
Taking a firm grip upon the bow, he sighted upon a branch at the edge of a clearing. He invoked his new skill, and the branch zoomed into his view. By a guess it was 2x the original view. As he held the increased view, he was aware of his stamina bar decreasing. At its current rate, he would completely exhaust his stamina in about 30 seconds. As the bar got closer to empty, he felt the dizziness and exhaustion that he had felt at the end of the fight with the goblin chief. Releasing Focus, the bar began to replenish slowly. After a few moments the feeling of disorientation began to abate. A wonderful new skill, but possibly dangerous if overused in the heat of battle.
Bowing his head Richter said, “These are gifts beyond measure. How can I repay you?”
“You have aided the Forest. This is the purpose of our clan, to serve its will and interests. Now speak no more of it,” she said with a soft smile. “There is something else we need to discuss. You may have noticed our Hearth Tree is larger than the surrounding forest.”
Smiling wryly, Richter said, “Yeah, it’s a little hard to miss.” The tree was the size of a small highrise!
“I am the Master of this Place of Power,” Hisako said, “and as such I can
recognize other Masters. Our Powers are of Life, Earth and Light.” Holding up her left wrist, a small circle appeared. While Richter’s was silver and filled with mist that slowly swirled, the Hearth Mother’s was deep green with the figure of a tree. The branches seemed to wave in an unseen wind, the leaves gently shifting. Somehow feeling it was the right thing to do, he held up his left wrist, and his Mark appeared as well.
“Thank you for showing me trust,” she said with a smile. “Your Mark will be hidden from most, but any Master of a Place of Power will be able to identify you if they get close enough. There is a glow in the center of the eyes, you can see mine if you look. Be careful of this. Being a Master means that you have access to power. Power that other’s will take if they can. You are now a player in the great game, but you are a target as well. Invest in the growth of both your village and your own power. Create a meaningful community, and be careful who and what you allow in. The decisions of today can bear fruit centuries in the future.”
Smiling at her motherly tone, he thanked her for her advice. “I need people for my village, and I need to sell the skins, and other treasure that I have found. I plan on traveling into the Kingdom of Yves. Hopefully there I can find a buyer for my goods, and settlers who are willing to come with me for a fresh start.”
“Hmmm, that is the closest human kingdom, and you can find almost anything there. Tread lightly when you go. I do not know what humans are like in your world, but here, while they can be generous and kind, they are often petty, greedy and cruel. I would not easily tell anyone that you are a Master, or where your village is located exactly. And as I said, Masters can recognize each other. You should stay away from the palace or other halls of influence.”
“Is every settlement built on a Place of Power,” Richter asked.
“No, but most settlements that have grown to prominence, did so because of the strength of their Powers. I have not been into the human lands for more than a century. The capital city of Yves is called Law. It is built upon a confluence of Fire, Water, Earth and Air. Most places of power that are taken over by human settlements have a balance of their forces. It may be because they have an equal likelihood to serve Good or Evil.”
