by Sarah Lin
With that agreed, Bloodwraith finally managed to extract himself and headed back into the city. While he waited for the others to arrive, he had multiple different tasks he intended to complete. Now he needed to investigate the alleged madwoman as well. Perhaps they could find more allies after all.
In any case, he headed to the Adventurers Guild first. When he drew close, he was surprised to find that a bit of sentiment welled up within him - entirely irrational, since the Guild itself contained nothing of what mattered to him. It simply borrowed his memories of Meara and Danniah there, and they were absent. Bloodwraith pushed such thoughts aside and entered.
Everyone at least pretended to be glad to see him, but he didn't recognize anyone except a few of the officials. His new status was inconvenient, but it made it easy to get information: he could just ask. It was simple to learn that the alleged madwoman was talking about Outsiders... she didn't use the same terms, but he became certain of it. Apparently she had actually recruited a few adventurers to her cause.
Getting concrete help was more difficult. Everyone spoke about taking on the dragon, but few were willing to actually commit to it. And truthfully, he had forgotten how low the Level of many adventurers was. They couldn't do much against a shardwing, much less a dragon.
From them he learned that there actually had been an attempt by some of the stronger local adventurers, but it had ended disastrously. None of them had returned and it was generally agreed that the dragon had eaten them. Unfortunately, he thought it was more likely that he would end up facing Fellsilvered adventurers in addition to other threats.
Just when he felt like he might have gotten enough information, he heard a voice he recognized. "Well, well... Raigar the Valorous has come back to us." He looked up to discover Herena, the healer from Danniah's old party. She still wore the same cleric's armor and had a smile on her face.
Right, he had massively increased her Affection as part of a scheme. Now it was rather an annoyance, but this wasn't the time to burn bridges. "Herena, good to see you again." She had advanced to Level 9 in his absence, which was better than nothing.
"I honestly figured we'd never see you again." Herena slipped into the chair opposite him, scowled at the nearest adventurers to give them space, then went back to smiling at him. "Are you going to stay for long?"
"I didn't intend to, but based on everything I've seen here... plans may change." He did his best to smile at her, trying to summon thoughts of how he would feel when he saw his allies again so that he could fake the emotion.
"I've heard you were going to go out and slay the dragon. You seem stronger, but... that would be a bit much, even for you."
"Yes, it would, which is why I need to gather information first."
"Is there anything I can do?" Herena leaned forward, staring at him invitingly. Bloodwraith let his eyes linger on her while thinking of his plans, hoping he looked warm instead of calculating.
"I don't want to ask too much of you, Herena, but your status gives you connections that even my reputation doesn't. As I see it, the problem is less the dragon than the people controlling it. Eventually I am going to need to face them, and when that happens, I will need a retreat option. Are there mages in Cresthaven who specialize in transportation spells?"
Herena put a finger to her lips as she considered. "A few noble houses, perhaps. I suppose I could pull some strings..."
"That would be excellent. I will-"
"But you don't need to do all that now, do you? I was thinking we should have dinner at my father's estate. There, I can better explain all the problems facing Cresthaven today, and what a man like yourself could make of himself stopping them..."
While Bloodwraith was considering how to extricate himself from this annoyance, he was saved by a shout from outside the Guild.
"People of Cresthaven, rise up!" The voice was so loud that it penetrated the conversation in the Guild tavern and drew their attention. Suddenly uncomfortable on a level he didn't entirely understand, Bloodwraith rushed to the window to look out. "You are being controlled by foreign powers! We must unite against them!"
As he expected, the madwoman was outside, shouting to anyone who would listen. What he didn't expect was that it was Elleane.
The knight looked just as she had in the Forest of Beginnings and when meeting with the Outsiders. But if so, then what was the purpose in all her activities? Was this some deeper scheme than he could understand, or had she actually broken free?
When Elleane began to move toward the Adventurers Guild, Bloodwraith hastily moved toward the back exit. A few adventurers looked toward him, but he simply made a negative gesture with his hands. Herena rushed along with him, which wasn't ideal, but the important thing was to get away. Whatever was happening, he didn't want to confront Elleane without understanding more of the situation.
Before he had gotten far into the back halls of the Guild, he heard Elleane enter and speak nearly as loudly as before. "Where is the adventurer Raigar? I wish to speak with him!"
Fortunately, he didn't hear anyone giving away his location - maybe his reputation in the city was worth something after all. Still, he rushed out to one of the smaller streets behind the Guild. Herena stayed after him, giving him a curious glance.
"I don't blame you for not wanting to spend time with that madwoman, but why rush out so quickly?"
"I... recognize her from my travels." Bloodwraith turned to Herena, deciding to mix lies with truth. "Except the last time we met, she was not proclaiming that the people needed to rise up. I suspect that she may be attempting some unrelated scheme, but until I know what it is, I don't want to risk an encounter with her."
"She's certainly rousing the rabble." Herena sniffed and glanced back toward the Guild. "The peasants are restless enough due to taxes without someone causing trouble like her. It doesn't surprise me to hear that she has ulterior motives."
"Then you can help me foil her." Bloodwraith took one of Herena's hands in his and was surprised at how much she blushed - the boxes were getting involved again. "Can I trust you with this, Herena? Find out what is known about this woman's schemes. And please, ask about mages capable of using transportation spells. Once I have finished my work, I will meet you here again."
"I... very well. I'll definitely meet you, Raigar."
With one last smile he turned away from her and swept down the street. He managed to maintain the smile for only a few steps before it turned into a scowl. First the Governor and now Herena... better people he could manipulate than those who would annoy him, but he'd rather not deal with them at all.
Unfortunately, Elleane's appearance threw his theories and plans into uncertainty. It was possible that Alan had sent her to acquire local backup, but he could not be sure. The fact that she was attempting to find him was also... no, he lacked enough information to even theorize, so he should not waste his time with ideas that were little better than random thoughts.
His time in the Adventurers Guild had convinced him that he would not find much help there. They might be useful as fireball fodder, but the opponents he faced now would make such weak adventurers almost useless. Worse than useless, if Danniah attempted to protect them. No, the only value that might come from them was information and perhaps Herena's mages.
Though he wanted to learn more, he didn't see any easy way of gathering information. Best to stay off the main streets for now in case Elleane kept looking for him. Instead of following his intended plans, he instead began winding through some of the smaller streets in search of an old ally, though he couldn't be certain the mage was still in Cresthaven.
It was remarkable how much his reputation had worked for him so far... Bloodwraith found himself wondering just how much the system could do. Those numbers had been mostly useless to him until now, so he found himself searching the boxes for more information. Eventually he uncovered a new box expanding from his core personal box.
[Name: Raigar
Titles: Raigar the Valorous, R
aigar the Blade of Rage, Ouchyghost the Ragefister
Global Reputation: 338
Cresthaven Reputation: 920/1000
Manascas Reputation: 345/1000
Edsdam Reputation: 65/1000]
Several things immediately jumped out at him. First, Meara had somehow twisted this system before he even knew it existed. Second, he had a reputation in Edsdam for no logical reason - perhaps he was receiving credit for his companions' actions.
But most importantly, he was struck by how the local reputation values were listed as being out of a maximum value. The box gods liked filling out arbitrary requirements very much... if the reputation system followed the same rules, what might happen? Though he didn't want to waste any time on it if he had better things to do, Bloodwraith found himself curious about what he might be able to accomplish with this aspect of the box system.
In any case, he had a much more immediate priority. Bloodwraith's path had taken him into the small back section of Cresthaven where Khassfhit had last lived. He could only hope that the drakekin was still in residence, otherwise he would need to go on another side trip to gather information. It would have been wiser to ask Herena...
Fortunately, the small house was not only occupied, but Khassfhit was in. He looked up in surprise when he saw Bloodwraith looming outside, but after a time opened the door.
"Raigar. I can't say I expected to see you again. What can I do for you?"
"You're aware of the threats to Cresthaven?"
"All too aware. I was preparing to leave and go into hiding again." Khassfhit opened the door a little wider but stayed in the gap instead of inviting him in. "I'm guessing that you won't be doing the same. If you want me to take an active role, I'm afraid that can't happen. Adventuring has become too dangerous as of late and my interests led me elsewhere."
Bloodwraith wasn't sure whether or not that was a lie, because he noticed that Khassfhit had become Level 11 since they'd last seen one another. Of any of the old group, he was most likely to actually be useful. However, he would be a poor substitute for Gharavi, so for the time being Bloodwraith simply shrugged.
"I don't need you to fight alongside me, but I do need a bound spell of some kind. A scroll, a sphere, anything that will grant me explosive power that I can't otherwise access. Can you manage that?"
"Hmph. It would be easy enough to do, but can you afford to pay?"
Not having time for the drakekin's ego, Bloodwraith simply hefted his Extra-dimensional Bag. "I have been traveling for a long time and I have a large number of magical components that cannot be found in Cresthaven. If those are not sufficient to pay for your spellcraft, then I do not think your spellcraft is worth purchasing."
Khassfhit stared at him for a moment, then chuckled. "Alright, then, come on in."
Though Khassfhit negotiated for a Fellwolf pelt and a few other items, Bloodwraith only pretended to argue over the price so as not to arouse suspicion. In truth he was carrying more of the things than he needed, since they 'd already used the most valuable components for crafting. What mattered was that he had Khassfhit's agreement to make a magical weapon - it would come in handy if he needed to engage in any conflict before his allies returned.
If Herena and Khassfhit had both stayed in Cresthaven, he found himself wondering if Rhil'lahan was present as well. Not that it particularly mattered to him, since he didn't really like the elf. Danniah had been the only worthy one in that group anyway.
His visit to Khassfhit had burned enough time that he judged it safe to go back near the central regions of Cresthaven again. He wore his cloak just in case it would avoid a little attention, and it seemed to work to a limited degree. So long as Elleane didn't find him again, it was good enough. Though he wondered just what she was doing, he forced aside the unproductive speculation. Preparations first.
Soon enough Bloodwraith found himself on the street of shops. The adventurers there all recognized him, which was annoying, so he hurried to his destination. Haral's shop sat open like it always did, and the smith himself was working as usual. He looked up and grunted, almost as if no time had passed at all.
"I think you know why I'm here," Bloodwraith said.
Haral gave a grunt that might have been a laugh. "I'll open up the room."
They crossed to the room of salvaged artifacts, where Bloodwraith brought back his old technique of examining all their boxes rapidly. Unfortunately, there was nothing truly exceptional, not by the standards set by the equipment they'd crafted in the Testing Dungeon.
The only items that might be of use were the enchanted rings, but even there he was a bit disappointed. There was a Ring of Might and a Ring of Intellect, but both of those were inferior to the rings he currently wore. Still... his companions didn't all have a full set of rings and his money would be useless in the fight that was to come.
Bloodwraith took both rings and turned, only to find that Haral had stayed in the door. The smith watched him for a long moment, face unreadable, then spoke in a low voice. "Things are getting rough out there."
"They are." Bloodwraith said nothing else, giving the taciturn man room. Eventually the smith spoke up again as he walked out of the room, forcing Bloodwraith to follow him.
"I've seen a lot of things in this city. Some good Governors and some bad ones. Sometimes one Guild is on top and sometimes another. People like to panic but it's usually not worth it." Haral finally reached his forge, but didn't touch it, instead turning back to stare at Bloodwraith. "This time... am I getting old and scared, or is something different?"
If it had been anyone else in Cresthaven, Bloodwraith would have just said whatever he thought would get him what he wanted. Instead, he found himself answering honestly. "It's different."
Haral just grunted, as if satisfied to have his theory confirmed. "I didn't say anything, but I've always disliked something about the look in your eyes. You're not here for the sake of an adventure, are you?"
Instead of saying anything, Bloodwraith just stayed silent. That was answer enough and Haral actually let out a chuckle.
"Fair enough. I think this time, I'd better not ask questions." Haral bent down to a small shelf past his forge and carefully unlocked a cabinet. His body was positioned so that Bloodwraith couldn't see inside and he didn't try, letting the man keep his secrets. Eventually Haral straightened up and handed him a ring, which Bloodwraith automatically observed via the boxes.
[Old Man's Ring
Might +1, Vitality +1, Quickness +1
Physical Damage +10%
Physical Defense +10%
Rarity: Rare]
"I don't know what's going on," Haral said, "and I don't want to get involved. But take it."
Though Bloodwraith did so before the gruff old man could change his mind, he found himself lingering. "Why are you giving me this?"
"A man can't try to protect his city?"
"You didn't before, when Daek the Knife was slaughtering people in the streets. Why now?"
Haral turned away from him and went to pick up his hammer. He was silent for long enough that Bloodwraith thought he wouldn't answer, but eventually the smith spoke. "Long time ago, a young fellow came through Cresthaven. I went along with him and we had a right fine adventure. But that fellow never came back, and the longer I thought about him, the less I liked it." Haral finally glanced up at him for a brief moment. "I get the same feeling about you."
"I see." Bloodwraith closed his hand around the ring and nodded. "Thank you for the gift."
"Don't need any thanks. Just get out and do what you have to do."
Bloodwraith stepped out of the shop, the ring heavy in his hand. He should replace one of his current rings with it, but it was difficult to think about strategy at that moment. Had Haral fought alongside a previous player before Raigar? By any objective standard, it didn't matter.
Yet in another way, it did. The Outsiders didn't just leave behind dungeons and monsters and chaos, they left small ripples wherever they went. Most likely
no one would ever know just how deep their influence went, but Bloodwraith knew that it had to end.
But now all the pieces had been set into motion and he wasn't sure what to do next.
Chapter 29
It took serious effort and concentration to bend the laws of the world, but Meara was growing used to it. Indeed, it seemed like compared to the Aesidh or Earthians, she was still a novice. But she still had a strong position to manipulate the systems, so she did her best to reach into the fabric of reality and find what they needed.
As a result, a pair of gloves plopped out onto the table and lay there uselessly.
That was actually a success, though it didn't feel like it. Not only had they successfully created another item without the need for Bloodwraith to be present, that was the last one. Meara felt a surge of power vanish into the distance, presumably going to Bloodwraith. She wasn't fast enough to note what it contained, but she was fairly certain it represented the completion of the quest.
"I'm surprised we managed it." Gharavi sat back, rubbing her eyes in the low light. "Drakeskin isn't an easy material to work with, even under better circumstances."
Meara leaned one arm on the table to smirk at her. "But we did. What do you say to the two of us going into business together? We could open a little shop and sell equipment to adventurers, retire every evening to-"
"Hard pass. Aside from completing the arbitrary 'quest', do you think any of this will do us any good?" Gharavi picked up the gloves and examined them with a frown. "The enchantment isn't bad, but I don't think we'll have much use for them. I suppose we could sell them, but that might attract more attention."
"Some of it will be useless, but not all. Those gloves you're holding..." Meara unfocused her eyes and tried to force her will against them, seeing as Bloodwraith would see...
[Drakeskin Gloves
Armor: 6
