Conquest

by Dean Henegar

  “Hey, Raytak! Good to see you again! Come on into the office and let me know how things went with the Drebix. I didn’t expect you back until at least later today,” Delling said while leading me toward his office. I was curious what his office was like and selfishly wanted to compare his quarters to the ones in my barracks.

  “Things with the Drebix went as well as we could hope. It turns out they thought we were the ones raiding some of their outlying farms. I had a skirmish with one of their warbands and captured a high up member of the clan. They’re called the Forerunner clan, by the way. We arrived at one of their farms just as it was being attacked by a large band of gnolls. After helping to fight off the gnolls, we were able to establish a peace with the tribe. They promise not to raid our lands and we promise to do the same for their lands. I also offered to assist them should a common foe, like the gnolls, appear. You may want to look for an opportunity for the town to trade, or establish a better reputation with them. I don’t have a lot of ability to do that and I figured, as a town leader, you may get some xp from trying the diplomatic stuff.

  We took quite a few casualties between the skirmish with the forerunners and battle with the gnolls. On the way back, we took shelter from a storm inside an old, abandoned farm and one of the soldiers found this.” As we entered his office, I handed Delling the journal. His office was larger than mine and instead of a war table he had a “city planning station” that I assumed would function in a similar way. The mayor’s office also had a simple, low level look to it. Despite its simplicity it was still more heavily decorated and comfortable than the austere accommodations in the barracks. I pulled up a chair as Delling sat behind his desk and began to skim through the journal. I watched his eyes widen as he neared the end.

  “So, those ghouls were still alive after all this time? The level of detail and backstory in this game is amazing,” Delling stated as he passed the journal back to me. I took the journal and placed it into inventory, while placing it inside my inventory a prompt flashed up.

  Do you wish to copy the Dunderman family journal to your log? Written journals and similar items can be permanently scribed to your log for reference later. Y/N.

  I hit yes, wanting to keep a copy for reference and knowing the fragile paper of the journal would not last much longer.

  “Delling, those things were still alive, and that horror show of a ghoul family killed what remained of my whole force…including me. That’s how I arrived so quickly, I respawned here at the graveyard. I now have this quest,” I shared the event with him before continuing. “Looks like Dunderman is now focused on raising a hungry army of ghouls, starting with some of my men that he captured. I could likely handle him if I had all my forces at full strength to throw against him, but there’s no way I can pull all my forces away from the defenses in the zone to try. I was thinking we should pool resources and create a quest for a party of adventurers. I don’t have the funds myself and was hoping if we combined resources it would be enough to make this an attractive quest. As you can see, the quest event is limited to one party attempting it at a time, so we want to attract someone good. What are your thoughts?” I finished, looking to see what Delling decided. Delling thought for a minute and had that glazed over look that I assumed most players have while they are looking at their interface.

  “That’s a lot to process, Raytak, but I think the town can help on this one. We’ve had a lot of success with the market being completed and the dungeon opening. I have even received a few items as our tax portion from the parties entering the dungeon. It seems like our portion of the rewards that characters make in the dungeon can have a chance to include item drops as well. I was fiddling around with the quest generator and it looks like I can have parties apply for the quest. That way I can pick the best group possible. Don’t worry about your funds, I can supply what’s needed for an enticing reward. Hey, it looks like you can participate in the reward as well. You might want to, these things can give a lot of experience,” Delling advised and pushed the quest offering to my view.

  You have been offered a chance to add to the reward for the newly created quest, Rise of the Ghoul Lord. Please indicate if you wish to participate. Minimum contribution is five gold and the quest will yield 1500 experience for you when completed by a player group. Y/N.

  I hit yes and added five gold. When a party wiped out the ghouls, it would be a good experience return for the investment.

  “Excellent. I’ll send you a message once I find a group that looks powerful enough to complete the quest. I’ll have them contact you if they have any questions on how this particular pack of ghouls operates. There is some good news I can give you; I’ll have the guardhouse and jail completed in just a few minutes. When that happens, I’ll spend a few resources to upgrade it a bit. Once the upgrades are complete I’ll have twenty-five level three guards, four sergeants of the guard at level four, and a captain of the guard who is level five. With those forces I can keep watch on the main gate and the mines, which should free up your men for quests. After that, I’ll be focusing on upgrading the market, as well as housing for the townspeople, before I can spend any more resources on upgrading the guards,” Delling advised. I was happy to have some of my forces relieved from the duties that the town guard should be providing. Delling was turning out to be a good friend and I didn’t begrudge having to pitch in and share guard duty for a time.

  “The other piece of good news, as you may have noticed, is that our humble town has attracted an independent inn. The Petty Dispute was built by a group of players who wanted to try their hand at innkeeping instead of hacking at monsters in dungeons all day. Lani is the player in charge and they are doing a booming business. They are paying well in coin or ale for foodstuffs, which has stimulated an economic boom for the farmers of Hayden’s Knoll. It’s also created an opportunity for some players to hunt animals for meat and hides while waiting for their go at the dungeon. Of course, the town will get a small cut of the revenue as taxes, which will benefit you as well. When you get the time, give it a shot, the food and drink are excellent,” Delling beamed as he described the wares at the new inn. The Petty Dispute would be high on my list of places to visit once I finished my other tasks.

  Chapter 13

  I left Delling’s office at the town hall, encouraged that the ghoul quest was being handled, but discouraged that I would not be the one to do it. No matter, the measure of a good leader was that one knew how to delegate what needed to be delegated. Making my way toward the market, I could see that there were four of the open, wooden stalls with three of the four occupied by traders. A few players and townsfolk shopped amongst the vendor stalls, while many more made their way to the “Emporium” building that Phineas T. Moore had created. The building had the ramshackle appearance of a hastily constructed structure. There was a moment that I considered shopping at the other merchant stalls before deciding to go with Phineas, rather than some unknown merchant. The three steps leading to the front door of the emporium were simple, wood planks that creaked ominously while I ascended them. I wondered how long it would be before someone crashed through the rickety stairs. The door stuck a bit in the frame, but with a shove of my shoulder it opened; a small bell attached to the backside of the door tinkling as I entered. After fiddling with it for a bit, I gave up trying to properly close the poorly fitting door and just rested it closed as much as was possible.

  The inside of the shop was a modest affair. Shelves lining the walls were filled with the various brick-a-brac you would expect in a country store or tourist trap. There were pots, tools, and household goods on one side. The other side held items catering to the adventurers that were starting to populate the place in greater numbers. The shelves on the far wall held weapons, some armor stands with various types of armor, as well as a shelf of “magical items and wards”. I chuckled at seeing another display holding Phineas’ famous “amulets of basilisk protection” offered for 10 silver. I wondered how many
fools had purchased them, not understanding that if the item failed to live up to its promise (and I’m almost certain the item would fail) the wearer would be too dead to get a refund. There were four or five others in the shop; a couple of adventurers looking over weapons, as well as some npc townsfolk buying household necessities. The goblin, Kip Kip, scurried about the store trying to help the customers. Phineas had outfitted him in a ridiculous looking purple robe uniform, complete with a nametag.

  My Name is Kip Kip I’m here to help, not harm.

  Please do not assault the goblin, or you will be fined.

  “That goblin is hilarious, we totally need to find one to be our servant. That would be so fun to have our own goblin workers with cool uniforms,” one of the players said, as they paid for their purchases and left. I couldn’t help but notice one of the items they bought was the basilisk necklace. Phineas finally took notice of me after he completed the sale with the player group.

  “My dear Lieutenant Raytak, so good to see you here once again! Welcome to my new emporium! Feel free to browse my magnificent wares in the comfort of this humble building. You have to admit, it’s much more accommodating than those dusty stalls the other merchants have. Though I suppose their inferior surroundings match the inferior wares they offer to an unsuspecting public. What can we do for your today? May I have Kip Kip bring you a cooling beverage while you wait?” Phineas was laying it on thick. I wasn’t sure why, as there was not much of an audience in here for him to play up to.

  “No, thank you. I don’t really need a beverage. I was hoping to get this banner I found identified,” I said as I pulled the banner from my inventory. Phineas came around the counter and carefully took the banner from my hand.

  “Of course, my good friend, no charge for the service this day for my best customer,” he unexpectedly offered. Phineas went through the whole dog and pony show he had done before while identifying an item. Sparks and light flew from his hands as the identification spell was cast. Phineas handed the item back to me before continuing. “Here you are, sir. Is there anything else I can do for you on this fine day? Just ask your good friend Phineas and I will make it happen!” Phineas exclaimed, leaving me a bit wary. The merchant was not one to ever give anything away for free. I took the banner from Phineas and checked it quickly.

  Banner of The Battle of Forerunner Farm. This banner was given in commemoration of the skill and bravery your forces exhibited in the battle at the farm against a force of gnolls. The banner will provide a +1 bonus to morale and defense to any unit under your command once it is attached to a battle standard.

  That was a nice buff. I needed to find others of its type, as my battle standard had slots for three banners. I was interrupted from my thoughts as Phineas began to ask a question.

  “My dear friend, there was one other small matter I wished to discuss, if you would be so kind? You see, the good Mayor Delling does not have the same experience and history with my services that you do. He was a bit taken aback that I had constructed this establishment. Imagine that, upset at a forward-thinking citizen simply looking to improve the infrastructure of this burgeoning metropolis. While I do not want to impugn his usually impeccable decision-making skills, I do take offence at his threat of a fine for the construction of a non-permitted building. Would you be so kind as to sign off on this document, which will allow me to continue to conduct business and provide my valuable services to the community?” Phineas pleaded, as he handed me a document.

  Reading the document, it appeared that Phineas had built this ramshackle building without consulting the town. Delling was ordering him to remove the building, or face a daily fine for constructing and operating in an unpermitted structure. Due to Phineas’ pleading, Delling had made a possible exception if I agreed to sign off that the building was a necessity for the functioning of my forces. I would have loved to have heard the spiel he must have slung at poor Mayor Delling to give him this out…funny how Delling hadn’t mentioned this in our meeting. “Not cool, Mayor Delling,” I thought. He knew I was heading over here and could have at least warned me. Ok mayor, if that’s how you want to play it.

  “Ok Phineas, I’ll sign on one condition. You need to bring this building up to whatever condition that Mayor Delling requests. The whole place looks a bit slapdash and even the front door barely works. If you agree to improve the building, I will sign…if only to get back at Delling for blindsiding me with this,” I told Phineas as I added the new caveat. Phineas looked at the added requirement before trying another angle.

  “Surely, my good friend, you wouldn’t want me to go through the expense of rebuilding the entire structure, would you? It would beggar me to have to rebuild the place. What would my customers do during construction…why they may even be forced to buy substandard goods from my competitors. How about you let that additional caveat slide and I’ll see about providing any identifications you need free of charge?” Phineas offered. After making his offer a prompt appeared.

  You have been offered a dubious deal by a merchant. Should you agree, you will obtain the ability to have any item you find identified free of charge by this merchant. Accepting this deal will add one point of corruption to the town’s rating. Corruption in a town will eventually lead to more crime and debauchery. Make your choice carefully. Agree Y/N.

  I hit no as I responded to the request. “No way, Phineas. I don’t operate that way, nor will any under my command. You can comply with the stipulation I added, or just pay the mayor’s fine each day. Do NOT attempt to bribe me again,” I warned, waiting for Phineas to reply. He had gotten me angry once again. Something about this merchant always seemed to rub me the wrong way. Phineas had the ability to be annoying one moment, before becoming endearing and amusing the next. Phineas hung his head in defeat and signed the document.

  “Very well, Raytak. Once again your overly developed sense of justice brings me to the precipice of poverty. If you have no other business to conduct, I’ll ask you to pay the normal five silver identification charge now.” Phineas held out his hand and I paid the five silver. I could have fought him about going back on his offer of identifying the banner for free, but thought it best to avoid any potential hint of impropriety in our transactions. “Please come again,” Phineas said in a flat, unenthusiastic tone as I left the building.

  Having finished with the annoying merchant, I decided to treat myself to a visit of the new inn. Despite being built of wood like the rest of the town, the Petty Dispute looked to have been built with pride of workmanship. The folks running this place could teach Phineas a thing or two. As it was now approaching noon, a good crowd of people were moving in and out of the place. Entering the building, I looked around. There was a large bar occupying the length of the wall to my right, and a dozen tables of various sizes on the main floor to my left were used for dining, gambling, or enjoying a drink with friends.

  While looking for an open seat, another player approached me, reaching out his had to shake as he addressed me. I scanned his name immediately to see who I was dealing with.

  Darkfallow, level 6 necromancer.

  “Mr. Raytak, I presume. My name is Darkfallow and I represent an organization that is interested in having you join as a premier member. Would you be willing to give me just a moment of your time? Here, I’ll give you 50 gold just to take five minutes to hear me out.” Darkfallow shook my hand and passed me a small bag that jingled with coin. This was strange, and I wasn’t too sure what this guy’s angle was…but free coin to listen for five minutes seemed like a good exchange. Just after I had thought that, a fading memory rebuilt itself and came to the fore of my mind. I remembered a horrible weekend that I had wasted listening to a time share pitch while on a “free” vacation trip. Darkfallow was dressed in mage’s robes of bright orange and yellow. His gear appeared to be of excellent quality for a level six necromancer. Darkfallow led me to a nearby table he had reserved and I sat across from him, waiting for the inevitable sales pitch, all the while wonder
ing if this player was a time share salesman in real life.

  “Thank you, Raytak. I will not take much of your time. The folks I work for are always on the lookout for new and promising talent. The fact that you have unlocked a unique class, as well as the stories I hear of your exploits during your battles are impressive. Your accomplishments let us know that you are just the type of exceptional player we like to do business with. You would be paid exceptionally well with in-game currency, which I’m sure you know can translate into real cash. Is that something you’re interested in?” Darkfallow asked. I had no need for real money that I could never spend…being stuck in a life support medpod did not lend itself to extravagant living. Despite that fact, some in-game gold could be helpful. I was pretty sure that I would turn this guy down, but I was curious about who he worked for.

  “I’m not really interested in the coin. I play the game for the fun of it, and working for someone else doesn’t rate as much fun in my book. Who is it you said you worked for?” I queried, hoping to find out who this necromancer was representing.

  “I am an affiliate of the Bloody Blades guild.” Darkfallow held up his hand as he saw my hand drift toward the sword on my hip at the mention of the Bloody Blades. “Now just give me a moment. You have a unique position here in town and the guild realizes it started out on the wrong foot with you and the mayor. You don’t even have to join the guild, just sign on as a contractor and I can guarantee you 100 gold now and 250 more once you help us with a few simple favors. In return, we will help you with any gear you may have need of. We are also willing to have some of our guild members help power level your character. Just sign on and you will be part of one of the most promising guilds in Limitless Lands,” Darkfallow said, selling hard on getting me to sign.