by Aleron Kong
After he had filled first vial, he held it up to his eye. Richter was able to see motes of light floating through the crystal clear water; a detail he had missed previously. After filling the pinky sized vial, he placed it into the Bag of Holding and withdrew another empty vial with the same motion. While he was collecting the precious liquid, Sion seemed to be fascinated by the varied plant life. Richter heard him mutter, “Dragon’s Tongue, Bloodwort, Star Lily, Amarintha Cap, …” The sprite’s attention was so enthralled by the varied plant life in the glen, that they ended up spending the night there. Their day was spent carefully gathering plants. They finished their herb collection for the night and Sion’s breathing was deep and regular in slumber. Richter was about to follow his Companion’s example when he noticed a faint glow coming from the pool. Moonlight was falling directly upon it, and a blue light was shining up from the bottom, illuminating the water.
Richter quietly got up from his sleep roll. He waded out until he was knee-deep, and reached his hand into the pool. The blue gleam was coming from the floor of the pond. He scraped the mud and muck aside dirtying the water. When it cleared, he saw a glowing blue rock. A prompt came up:
Glade of Serenity. This secret glade was the home of Karim the Knowledgeable. He was of a long-lived species, the Hanketsu, that were typically prone to quick anger and judgement. He turned from this path, however and devoted his life to the study of the natural world. It was his belief that through the proper application of knowledge, one could create a society of just and fair laws. Feeling his death was near, he laid down by this simple pool and breathed his last. His death transformed it into a Pool of Clarity. The bones of the Hanketsu glow blue in the moonlight.
Richter realized then that he wasn’t touching a rock. It was a skull. The skull of Karim the Knowledgeable. Standing in the slightly too cool waters of the Pool, Richter bowed his head and stood silently. He would never know who this man was, but he honored him. He stood silent vigil over the bones of a man who had dedicated his life to a worthy cause, and he quietly thanked him for the help the Pool provided. When he was done, he left the water and laid down for sleep.
The next morning, Sion enlisted Richter’s help again to pick every remaining plant and herb that could be useful, and then place them in his Bag. One wonderful trait of the Bag of Holding that Richter hadn’t been aware of initially was that it either stopped or severely slowed decay. Food that was placed in the Bag, and then removed days later, did not lose any of its freshness. The Bag was not a form of cryogenic freezing, unfortunately. A simple experiment had proven that. A live fish fresh from the river had been placed inside. It was most definitely not alive when he pulled it back out even a few seconds later, though. On the plus side, it was still tasty!
They set out that afternoon, the glade almost stripped bare of herbs. A bonus of the time they spent was that Richter’s Herb Lore skill had increased. They would have been done faster, but Sion spread seeds of the collected plants in the glen and then watered them. He was planning to do the same at the Mist Village. The meadow above the village proper had already shown itself to be naturally fertile ground for rare plants. The Bag of Holding would keep everything viable until they got back home.
They walked back to the Hearth Tree enjoying the warm day. Spring was present now in full effect and everywhere Richter looked, small animals were scurrying about. The Hearth Tree was less than a day’s walk from the hidden glade, so they took their time. Richter examined his status. It was remarkable how far he had come in such a short time.
Name: Richter
Age: 24
Level: 10, 11%
Health: 290 Mana: 250 Stamina: 170
Strength: 15
Agility: 17
Dexterity: 30
Constitution: 17
Endurance: 17
Intelligence: 23
Wisdom: 21
Charisma: 21
Luck: 14
Abilities:
Limitless
Gift of Tongues
Fast Learner
Skills:
Herb Lore Lvl 5; 36% to next level, 100% affinity
Alchemy Lvl 1; 0% to next level, 100% affinity
Analyze Lvl 5; 17% to next level, 100% affinity
Stealth Lvl 4; 76% to next level, 100% affinity
Archery Lvl 7; 78% to next level, 100% affinity
Imbue Arrow Lvl 4; 94% to next level, 100% affinity
Focus Lvl 2; 60% to next level, 100% affinity
Double Shot Lvl 3; 20% to next level, 100% affinity
Drill Shot Lvl 2; 28% to next level, 100% affinity
Swordsmanship Lvl 1; 88% to next level, 100% affinity
Small Blades Lvl 1; 11% to next level, 100% affinity
Unarmed Combat Lvl 1; 10% to next level, 100% affinity
Pressure Points Lvl 1; 15% to next level, 100% affinity
Light Armor Lvl 6; 59% to next level, 100% affinity
Grace in Combat Lvl 2; 42% to next level, 100% affinity
Air Magic Lvl 3; 51% to next level, 100% affinity
Life Magic Lvl 1; 49% to next level, 100% affinity
Earth Magic Lvl 2; 98% to next level, 100% affinity
Water Magic Lvl 1; 19% to next level, 100% affinity
Dark Magic Lvl 3; 31% to next level, 100% affinity
Map Making Lvl MAX
Trade Lvl 2; 27% to next level, 100% affinity
Marks
Master of Mist Village
Resistances:
Air 50%
Mental 15%
Spiritual 15%
Race: Human (Chaos Seed)
Reputation: Lvl 2 “I think I know that guy!”
Alignment: Neutral
Language: All
They were met at the edge of the glade by a female sprite.
“Well met, Sionavar,” she said.
“Well met, Daniella,” Sion responded sounding annoyed. “I have told you to call me Sion.”
She simply laughed, “The Hearth Mother wants the two of you to come to the Tree. Follow me.”
The three of them started walking towards the massive tree. Richter was able to successfully fight the impulse for all of ten seconds, “So Sionavar, huh?”
“I DON’T want to talk about it!”
“Hahaha, whatever you say… Sionavar!”
Sion half drew his sword again and pointedly looked at Richter’s legs. The laughter trailed off into a bout of coughing.
When they arrived in front of the Hearth Tree, Hisako was standing with three other older sprites. “Welcome back, Richter of the Mist Village. Welcome back, my son. Were you able to retrieve the supplies you needed?”
Richter smiled and said, “Yes. In fact, I would like to give you a small gift.” He pulled ten Potions of Clarity from his bag. One he placed in her hand, and the other he laid at her feet.
When she saw the motes of light in the vials, her own eyes began to sparkle, “This is a wonderful gift! Thank you!”
“It is a small token of appreciation for what you have given me. I am sure you have many wonders associated with your Place of Power Hisako. I would like it if, in addition to helping each other with defense, we could become trading partners as well. I know we could both profit from this arrangement.”
The sparkle in her eyes was replaced with a crafty gleam, “I am sure we can come to some arrangement in the future. I’m not sure our relationship is quite strong enough for a standing trade agreement right now, however. Perhaps if you employ an experienced trader we can discuss it again. If we do become trading partners, do not expect special treatment, just because you are friends with my son!”
Richter was confused by her refusal, but then a prompt came up.
Know This! Both parties involved in making a trade agreement must either be a minimum skill level of Initiate or employ a trader with that level. The stronger the relationship between two civilizations, the lower the level of trader required.
Richter nodded to himself, the rebuttal now making more sense. Not wanting to make the situation awkward, he gave a small laugh and answered, “I wouldn’t have it any other way, Hearth Mother. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
She gave a laugh of her own, “Well enough talk of state. We have repaired your armor, and made a few, ahem, improvements.” The tired looking elders moved out of the way. What was behind them took his breath away.
You have found: Sprite Helmet of Mana. Defense +7. Durability 30/30. Item class: Rare. Quality: Superb. Type: Light Armor. Weight 1.3 kg. Mana +50.
You have found: Sprite Breastplate of Brawn. Defense +12. Durability 60/60. Item class: Rare. Quality: Superb. Type: Light armor. Weight: 6.1 kg. Strength +8
You have found: Hardened Sprite Bracers. Defense +10. Durability 30/30. Item class: Rare. Quality: Superb. Type: Light armor. Weight: 3.0 kg. Dexterity +7.
You have found: Studded Sprite Gauntlets. Defense +7. Durability 40/40. Item class: Uncommon. Quality: Superb. Type: Light Armor. Weight 2.2 kg. Increased climbing +10.
You have found: Greaves of the Wood Sprite. Defense +9. Durability 45/45. Item class: Uncommon. Quality: Superb. Type: Light armor. Weight: 2.8 kg. Movement speed increased by 10%.
You have found: Reinforced Sprite Boots. Defense +8. Durability 35/35. Item class: Uncommon. Quality: Superb. Type: Light armor. Weight: 1.8 kg. Silence +15.
Congratulations! You have obtained an entire set of matched armor: Enhanced Sprite Armor. Defense given by each piece increased by 25%. Special Bonus: 50% less noise made while moving through forest. Special Bonus: +20% Earth Resistance.
Hisako looked at him and chuckled, “Close your mouth, Richter. That’s how you catch flies.”
“Hisako, this is too much!”
“This is well within my power Richter. My son is wearing an almost identical set of enhanced armor. The resistances are different, and there are one or two other small variations, but otherwise you are now wearing the armor of a sprite warrior. We fight for the good of the Forest of Nadria, and you have proven that you do as well. The least that I can do is to give you better protection.”
Richter looked at Sion, “You have been wearing enhanced armor? And I was the one that had to run from the giant skeeling?”
“What giant skeeling,” Hisako asked confused. Sion looked at the ground and kicked it with his foot.
Richter looked at the stats of the gauntlets, “And increased climbing? Is that how you always make it into the trees so easily? When I asked, you said I just needed to apply myself!” Richter’s voice was getting louder.
Sion looked up with a smirk on his face.
“And your Strength? I asked you how you were so strong when you were so much smaller than me! You told me it was because of ‘secret sprite exercises!’ You had me do all of those pushups!” Richter’s hands leapt out to choke the little man who was now cackling with abandon. Richter was sure he heard chuckles from behind him too, but he stayed focused on manipulative leprecaun in front of him.
Violence would most definitely have ensued if Hisako had not placed herself between the two of them. “Peace, Richter, peace! My son has a lot of growing up to do! I am sure he is sorry!”
Sion kept laughing and shook his head. Richter glared at his Companion. Tears were coming out of the bastard’s eyes now!
“Ignore him, Richter! Look what else we have for you!”
Richter exhaled heavily, “Okay Hisako. You’re still a dick, Sion!”
“Sion! That was not funny,” she half-heartedly admonished. Was that a note of suppressed laughter in voice? When Richter looked at her, all he saw was her normal serene mask so he couldn’t be sure. Still not quite trusting her calm exterior, he decided to let the matter drop. For now, anyway. He would be getting even with Sion at some point, though.
Hisako looked to one of the older sprites who nodded back. He went inside of the Hearth Tree and came immediately back out. His arms were holding… something. When he shook out his burden, though, Richter whistled softly in appreciation.
You have found: Cloak of Concealment. Defense +4. Durability 30/30. Item class: Rare. Quality: Superb. Weight: 0.9 kg. Increased Concealment all terrains +25.
Richter placed his hand on the cloak and felt the fabric. The smooth cloth molded to his skin. It almost seemed to anticipate his movements. Putting it on completely, he found that it reached down past his calves. The molding quality of the cloak kept it close to his body as he moved. At the same time, it was light as a feather, and when he extended his arms, it easily fell away. It would be perfect for either stealth or battle.
“Once again I am overwhelmed by your generosity,” Richter said his irritation forgotten as he played with his new and latest toy.
“Fight well Richter. Enjoy our gifts,” a wry expression found its way onto the Hearth Mother’s face.
Richter smiled back, “Thank you again. There were one or two other things I would like to discuss. Master to Master so to speak.”
Hisako nodded, “Daniella, take Sion to his armor. The rest of you, thank you for your help. I will speak with Lord Richter alone.”
Everyone began to shuffle away. Sion and Daniella appeared to be arguing good-naturedly as soon as they started walking together. In a short period of time, Hisako and Richter were alone in the see of golden grasses. They walked leisurely through the meadow. The grasses reacted to the Hearth Mother’s presence, both bending out of her way and also caressing her outstretched hands.
“So what did you want to discuss,” she asked.
“First, I’m guessing from your surprise about hearing about the giant skeeling, Sion did not tell you about that battle?”
“No, I had no knowledge of this. I have never heard of a skeeling any larger than a raccoon.”
“Well, to make a long story short, we found an Offshoot. Sion said it was a baby Hearth Tree or something like that. The Seed Core was still active, and a skeeling had been feeding off of its energy. It had grown to the size of a bear. We killed it and skinned it. Once it was dead, we were able to recover the Seed Core.”
“Now I’m sure there is still a lot I don’t know about it,” Richter continued, “but Sion told me that if could grow any number of magical trees. He also told me that you would not mind me planting it in my village. Now I can only imagine what an amazing asset it could be for my village. Whatever benefits the tree might provide however, your friendship is more important to me. The Seed Core seems like a relic of your people. I will give it to you if you want.” Richter pulled the brown sphere from his bag. The green veins pulsed with light. Once more, he was filled with a feeling of contentment, and the smell of warm rain on grass filled his nose.
“My son was correct. If the Forest led you to the Seed Core, then it belongs with you. But,” a speculative look crossed her timeless features, “perhaps we can help one another. Your Mist Village is the physical manifestation of your Place of Power, much as the Hearth Tree is the physical manifestation of mine. I am guessing that your village is still at level 1, however. I have access to certain high-level spells that you do not yet. Both of our Places of Power share a Life ley line. As long as the spell is of that school there shouldn’t be any… unforeseen consequences.”
“Okay, you lost me. What do you mean consequences,” Richter asked.
“It is never a good idea to recklessly blend magic of different types. It can cause short or long term effects that might be good or ill. To fully explain would take years of study, but an example is casting Heal on a zombie. A spell of Life cast upon a creature of Death can have the opposite effect. In this case, casting Heal actually harms the zombie because it is undead. The same spell would might heal a vampire, though, because it is living dead. As you can see the details can get quite frustrating and irritating. It is best not to imbue an already powerful relic with a blessing that just might negatively react with the massive Powers your village is built upon.”
“Makes sen
se,” Richter said. “So what blessing did you have in mind?”
“There are several, but what I suggest is the Life Blessing of Growth. Seed Cores grow much quicker than other trees, but it would still take years for even a level 1 tree to develop. I can advance the growth one level, which would equate to ten to fifteen years of growth. The Blessing of Growth is also the best because we do not know what type of tree will be made. I don’t know if Sion explained, but Seed Cores create whichever type of tree best serves the needs of the lives around it. We can almost be assured it will be a strong tree, though if you plant it at your Place of Power.”
“I will trust your judgement. The growth blessing sounds wonderful, but you mentioned that I could help you as well. What can I do?”
“I am sure you remembered the chrysalis from the staff?” Richter nodded. “Unfortunately, we have been unable to revive the Royal Pixie inside. I can only deduce that the pixie has been in stasis for too long. That, coupled with the chrysalis being used to fuel that evil weapon, must have made its life spark flicker dangerously low. We need an infusion of Life energy to safely extract it from the chrysalis. A Seed Core is the purest expression of Life Magic that I know. Unfortunately, the Hearth Tree will not make another for at least one hundred years. That is why I need your help. When a Seed Core is planted, it releases an amazing amount of Life energy. You can save the pixie trapped in the chrysalis. Will you help?
You have been offered a Quest: Resurgence of Light I. The pixie race was destroyed many years ago by a magical plague. One chrysalis has been recovered. One last light has been preserved. When you plant the Seed Core at the Mist Village, will you help Hisako birth the Royal Pixie Chrysalis. Reward: Unknown. Yes or No?
Richter nodded at Hisako, “Of course I will help.”
She breathed a sigh of relief, “Thank you. The ceremony for the blessing will take place at tomorrow morning. I will need to use all the mana that can be generated by my Place of Power, and I have already used a large amount to enhance your armor. My stores will replenish by the morning. As long as we get the Seed Core planted within a week, the Blessing will last. While you wait today, I have a suggestion. You should work with Yoshi. He is an adept in swordsmanship. He can teach you how to use that sword on your back.”
