Zaidel sighs. "Left to Right, I suppose".
Kyūzo stares around at the change of scenery.
Huh.
Then at the statue turned flesh.
Huh!
Despite his warrior instincts, he is caught off guard by the first attack. Thankfully, it was a simple testing sweep to measure distance. He gave ground and readied his stance.
HOLY CRAP! He nearly took my head off. That would have been an embarrassing first death. I didn't even see the transition here. I got too caught up in testing my Warder skills. Pretty intuitive I gotta say. Spirit of Blades? Too cool. Hope he's not too high level to make this impossible. I hate it when game bosses just ignore damage if you're too low level.
The Spirit before him had taken him by surprise and the initiative but he could still turn this around. Kyūzo hunkered down behind his protective shield and stabbed towards the mans side.
Bonn sets down his shortbow and a quiver with a half dozen arrows next to some simple spears of different sizes. "The traps we set meet all our needs. We provide the village with hides and fur and meat to supplement the fish." After the boar is on the table he gets one of several knives and starts the incisions to begin separating skin from flesh. "When a boar or other heavy enough creature falls into our pit traps, a spear through the head is the quickest kill. We practice with the bows every day to keep our skill but it has been some time since we have needed to go further out.
What we catch in our traps keeps us busy."
"I guess there are good and bad types of all races out there just trying to survive. I'm glad you came here Hobgoblin. Your weapons are of a strange style to us," he has glanced at your waveblade and sansetsukon several times. "Your way of hunting and getting close to your prey is different. Too dangerous for my liking. We would use our throwing spears and our bows if the catch from our traps was scarce and we had to travel further out." There are not any trophies displayed, only the tools necessary for each part of the process in each room. "There are things that trouble us. There has been no issue yet but it is getting closer. The problem with the large wildlife population around here is that it will naturally draw predators. Of course we can take care of ourselves safely here and avoid the dangerous ones, we don't go more than a day or two from here anyway. But if you really are after the challenge, bears and jaguars are the more dangerous predators we've found proof of out there."
"We even had a bet about you. Thoms said you would come back in a week with nothing. I said you would not become lost and never return." He laughs, finding it very funny, "But we have both lost and for our doubt I will help you and ask for no profit. We will buy the skins and flesh from you for a fair price if you wish, the tusks too. They might find a buyer at the marketplace."
When Siete shout to Bjorn, the strange unnatural knocking starts again. "W-H-E-R-E-A-M-I" this time it seems to be coming from the coffin by itself in the middle of the room.
If you move to inspect the main coffin in the middle of the room more closely, it is engraved with trees and flowers and suns and birds. Is that some kind of rattling coming from INSIDE the coffin?
The statue-turned-man merely twists to the side to dodge your stabs and steps back to wind up a strong overhead chop and then immediately springs back 10ft. It hits hard into the armour on your shoulder, almost making you drop your weapon. The special suit you wear in the real world cannot make you feel much pain but the impact of the heavy hit is surely felt as 8 out of your 13 HP drain away. "Come."
Kyūzo watches his opponent suspiciously. He has "given" Kyūzo room to maneuver. Specifically enough room to utilize Piercing Thunder to its fullest. Why? Did it have something up it's sleeve? Or did it merely wish to test his full strength?
Only one way to find out. This game is really sensitive to hit boxes. Better make it count.
Kyūzo focuses all his will into the point of his spear. All sounds of fighting around them fade away. There was only his spear and his target. And he would make sure the two met with all the force he could muster. Kyūzo kicked up dirt with his explosive charge and thrust at a point beyond his target for maximum impact.
Zerblag smiles. "You'll seldom lose bets that a newcomer will fail to immediately thrive in a new environment. I'm glad that I could be the exception to that. I would be happy to accept pay for the hides and meat for future kills I bring in, but these were simply a test to show that I was worthy of hunting for the lodge. If I can I would donate the usable portions to the village.
"For now I'll set out again with the new information you've given. If you could show me the direction you've most recently seen signs of either bears or jaguars I'll head out on that direction to see what I can find. If I am able to bring down more animals I shall return with them soon, though should I not be fortunate enough to find a trail like I did this last time I might spend some time out exploring these lands which are new to me.
"Thank you again for your information! I should see you or your brother again sooner or later!"
After the pleasantries are done, Zerblag heads out in the direction that Bonn indicates having most recently seen signs of larger predators. With no particular destination in mind the hobgoblin searches for animal trails or anything else that seems unusual or interesting as she makes her way through the unfamiliar woods.
Siete creeps up to the coffin in the center of the room. He shrugs and tries to open it.
Zaidel follows and assists in opening the coffin.
Your opponent deflects your spear with his Fauchard and steps back, a quick sweep with his Fauchard to try and trip you is unsuccessful and a follow up stab cuts the air, singing as it misses.
At your generosity, Bonn shouts, "You will be forever welcome in Dunloch, Hobgoblin."
"I can show you which direction to look. And I will even offer prayers for your safely. Please, stay and wait for my brother to return. We will feast on your bounty tonight. We will even bring out our secret family fermented brew to celebrate."
Together you push the lid off the ornate coffin in the centre of the room. Inside lies a skeleton, it's flesh long since decayed away. It is adorned with jewelry, a necklace and earings lie next to it. Suddenly, like a movie jump-scare, its head snaps to look at you through empty eye sockets and it stands up out of its coffin.
Two glowing arcs trace a path towards Kyūzo's legs and head. A sweep and, it that doesn't work, a strike to the head. He jumps over the sweep and deflects the decapitating strike.
Starting to get a feel for this. I don't actually have combat training but the game is compensating it seems. Okay, still in this.
After letting the high swing bounce off his shield, Kyūzo steps up inside his opponent's reach and strikes again.
Zaidel jumps despite seeing this scenario in dozens of horror movies.
Damn! They got me!
The godling draws his longsword and takes a 5-foot step forward to attack the undead.
Zerblag smiles at the enthusiasm. "You are most kind, Bonn! I would be honored to feast with you and your brother tonight and and share your family's secret potation. Is there any way that I can help prepare until then?"
You step inside the reach of the Fauchard and slide past his defenses, the tip of your spear finds a gap in his armour and pierces skin and vital organs. He drops the Fauchard.
The sounds of battle around you stop and you look around to see the field of battle empty besides you and the man/statue/spirit thing. You still hold your spear as he sinks to his knees, breath ragged, blood dripping down your spear. "I can see some of myself in you Kyūzo Sadamune. You are recognised. What is it you want? Do you seek my aid for that village like their hero once did?"
Zaidel's longsword breaks a few of it's ribs, hardly hurting the skeleton as it claws and bites back at Zaidel but hits only his armour.
"Excellent! We shall take the best cuts from your boar and boil them." He does exactly that, if you help it is done faster, the meat is boiled in a pot over an open hearth with some roots and other vegetables for a while. The hides are already left salting in the curing room to remove the moisture. The tusks and remaining meat will go into the village tomorrow, meat to the butcher and tusks to the herbalist. "She'll grind them to a powder and use them for one of her remedies." A little later Thoms returns with several small hare and one turkey. He exclaims at the story of your hunt. "This calls for some Spirit Water. Get our oldest brew." Bonn does so and takes a large gulp of the drink and offers you some as Thoms serves himself some of the pork stew and rips apart some dipping bread. .
Zerblag helps prepare the meet and vegetables for the stew, asking Bonn about their life in the village, how he and his brother came to be hunters at the lodge, and where and how far away the nearest communities might be. The hobgoblin isn't impressive at making small talk, but her interest in the area helps make up for some lack of social grace. As the stew boils and the fragrance spreads throughout the lodge Zerblag takes a moment to savor the the aroma and the domestic bustle she's helped engaged in. It's not how I'd expected to spend my first evening here, but it's worth it given this amazing level of simulation.
When Thom returns Zerblag admires the hare and the turkey, and stands quietly, letting Bonn describe her accomplishments for the day. When Bonn brings out the drinks and offers the vessel to Zerblag she first offers a toast to her new friends, "To Bonn and Thom, my fine new friends and to the town of Dunloch! Let this mark the start of a strong friendship!"
The hobgoblin takes a moderate pull into her mouth, exploring the herbal flavors of the drink before smiling and swallowing the harsh, yet subtle liquid. Although she sputters some, she turns to the brothers with a big toothy grin. "Truly am I blessed to share in fine food, drink and company." As the evening continues she matches the consumption of the others, at least while she's able, counting on her natural fortitude to see her through the evening and into the next day.
Siete is taken aback by the swift de-evolution into violence. The skeleton who had knocked out his name as being Bjorn and a pathetic questioning of his life or death...had turned violent. Arguably it might have been Zaidel's mighty swing that initiated the violence, none the less, they were in the thick of battle.
Siete realized that he did not have blunt weapons available to him in order to fight effectively. Perhaps he could help his friend with something clever. Even though the skeleton stands within his coffin, maybe he could push the stone lid back to pin the skeletons legs to the side of the coffin.
While keeping his shield up, Zaidel swings at the undead once more.
"Land sighted captain!" The lost continent of Dusst lies on the horizon and is getting larger by the minute. Captain Aurora Density looks at it through her spyglass for a time before pulling it away from her eye and folding it up. "Blasted dogs! Someone has beaten me here. What kind of a stupid name is The Waterborne Giant?" After all the work she did, driving the crew to get as much speed from the ship as possible, there had been a storm that had halted her efforts for several days. "How long have they been here, how far ahead of me are they..." she asked herself. The elf captain was a ruthless woman, tall and sharp-eyed. Sailing on her ship has not been too pleasant.
When the Chillwake is closer, you can see the tree-filled coast and another ship docked at a small port. The dock leads to a small village of wooden building and thatched roofs. Several village people are on the docks and help you to dock. The men from the other ship stare at you. Captain Aurora leaps gracefully onto the dock, not waiting for the walkway planks to be raised. "Who is in charge of this tiny village and where are they?" She asks the village people.
Is there an ancient power that could change the world hidden someone here? Do you seek it? Or have you come for some other reason?
The brothers tell you their story, how they learnt to hunt and make traps from their father. "We'd love for you to meet him. But he tried to mess with Lord Mackellyn's men a few years ago and they took him. We have no idea if he is still alive or not. We've asked for conditions of his release but are always ignored." There are several other villages of similar size nearby, 1 each up and down the coast and the rest inland a days travel. All of them are part of Lord Mackellyn's lands that he protects and taxes from his castle town of Lonley 3 days travel away.
Apart from the story of their father, the rest of the night goes very well, mostly, the drink proving strong but delightful and strangely reminding you of home. Unfortunately the drink eventually overpowers you and sends you to sleep after trying to stand up too quickly. The time asleep passes instantly and you feel none of the effects of the drink from last night. Thoms is shaking you awake. "I will show you the direction you should go if you want to hunt the predators that call our land home. Bonn has taken the rest of the meat you gave to the butcher in the village as donation like you wanted. The butcher is a proud man and will not like not paying for it but Bonn will make him accept it. We are in his favour, and now you will be too."
Siete tries to pin the skeleton's bony legs but instead of being pinned the skeleton steps up onto the lid of the coffin. Zaidel send more bits of bone flying, the skeleton is looking somewhat damaged now.
It retaliates, claws hitting Zaidel's armour but its jaw finds purchase and bites down into the flesh of Zaidel's arm.
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Wow. I know the equipment was next gen, but the developers of this thing really ran with the realism aspect. I’d love to get my hands on their hardware.
…. Wooh
Are ships supposed to rock this much? Last time I was on a boat was 15 years ago and I swear it didn’t. The controls seem a little out of sync. Wait, what’s that smell? Am I drunk? Oh yeah, here’s my mug.
Yep, looks like I must’ve found some Elvish wine or something.
Nilas somewhat steadily makes his way out of the ship hold and down the docks.
Yikes, the captain looks like my last boss.
”Captain, I canna’ say it’s been a pleasure, but ya got me here in one piece. Best of luck to ya.”
The dwarf walks away, giving her a backward wave, and aims to find the welcoming party of the first ship.
The brisk walk is sobering, as he gets a feel for not only the townsfolk & the culture, but also the UI.
I’ll worry about the in-game options later. I really want to check out the NPCs and the lore.
Holiday Spirit You may use this bonus to automatically succeed at one attack roll or saving throw.
Quickly shaking off the skeleton bite, Zaidel swings his longsword once more.
Zerblag frowns as she hears the story of the hunters' father. "I'll certainly keep an ear out for news of your father, and should I learn more specifics of his fate I will see if I can intervene to help. Such a thing shouldn't happen, and if those in power are using it unjustly perhaps something will eventually need to be done about them."
The next morning, as she awakes to Thom's gentle jostle Zerblag rubs her eyes and looks around her. "I think that perhaps I did too much celebrating last night, though it was lovely. Let me gather my things and then I'm happy to have you point me in the direction that might lead to the predators." The hobgoblin slowly rises and puts her gear in order, makes sure she drinks plenty of water and then sets off in the direction that Thom has indicated, looking for signs of large animals (or anything else interesting she might find.)
With a swipe at it's legs, maybe he could throw it to the floor, and Zaidel can beat it, if it tries to get up.
Holy shit that was close. Glad this stance gives me extra damage. Also, aid for the village? It's that simple? Find the heroic spirit. Use it's power to defeat the evil tyrant. Is he evil or just greedy. Can I stop this another way? Wait, I think I am thinking about this too rationally. When have heroic stories ever been rational? Then again...shit I don't know. Who knew I'd miss dialogue options.
Kyūzo steps back out of reach and flicks the spear tip, removing the drops of blood. "Are you not the spirit of that hero?"
Wait, didn't it call itself the Spirit of Blades? Not the Spirit of Fenton Arch.
"If you are not the spirit of Arch who, or maybe what, are you?"
The welcoming group are talking to Captain Aurora who quickly gets directions of some sort and then walks briskly away without a second glance at you. You were barely above the status of a stowaway to her. Luckily you did pay your fare. They turn to you as you approach. Their clothes are simple cloth and leather with no shoes as they are dockworkers. "You have come to Arch." One of the men says gruffly, "Do you need assistance?"
Zaidel hits it again with his longsword, this time smashing through an elbow and snapping off an arm. Siete tries to sweep out its legs but who knew a skeleton could be so sturdy, it is able to remain upright and continue attacking Zaidel but it just scratches his armour with its remaining bony hand.
Thoms walks with you for several hours, leading you towards the south east. "about 2 days this way there are foothills where you should start finding some traces of the creatures. The foothills lead to the Three Sisters. A trio of mountains that these predators call home. They venture into the foothills, their territory, to hunt and that's where you should search."
The Spirit chuckled. "You are inquisitive. The form of the hero you see in front of you IS me. When we fought, all those around you were once living. Humans like you and also other races. Those worthy and skilled joined and became a part of me when they died. I am all of them, from the First, whose iron will and unmatched skill transformed after death to seek vengeance on the coward who poisoned him to the most recent, the hero Fenton Arch. Over one hundred souls, the skill and knowledge of one hundred thousand days of training in every form known.
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"Aye. Your land is new to me and mine. Do you have someone who meets with other visitors or travelers? Someone who might have heard tales of what happens in these lands"
Nilas looks around, at the NPCs, trying to see if the interface gives him any names.
"I'm forgetting my manners. My apologies. My name is Nilas Stonereaver. You look like you have yourselves ... "
... tries to find a compliment
"quite a nice a village here. I'm not here to cause you, folks, any trouble. Be sure to let me know if any of the new folks give ya any hassle, and I might just have a word w'em."
That's hilarious. The game is giving me an accent. It's like it's translating what I'm saying into something this character would say. What'd I'd give to have this in King Lear, back in high school.
An exasperated Zaidel fights on against a tenacious skeleton.
...Holy. What does that mean? Would I get temporary levels? Level ten or twenty for a few moments. Or the abilities of other classes? Maybe just a BAB boost? Any of those would be amazing.
"One hundred life times of martial experience," Kyūzo said in awe. All of them within the Spirit, constantly fighting, constantly honing their skills. This Spirit of Blades was a Master among Masters. How easy was it going on him earlier. Just one lifetime would have been enough to overpower him.
Kyūzo starred in awe and wonder at the Spirit for several moments. He shook his head and remembered the question he'd been asked beforehand. "I don't know enough to say if this village needs my help. Could be this Lord is as bad as they say, greedily sucking the life out of the villages he is supposed to protect. Could be a greedy subordinate skimming off the top. Could be any number of reasons. I would rather wait and see what happens when the men come for taxes. Until then," he says bowing as he would to one of his masters back home, "I would be honored to learn from the lifetimes of experience you possess."
The gruff man isn't worried about your manners. "We have never had travelers here. Today we are all surprised to see not 1 but 2 ships dock here."
Another man near the gruff one interrupts "Hi, I'm Roland. Don't worry about Gorte there. Not much happens here. We fish, our Lord takes the fish, we fish some more. I heard the other ship came here to trade from somewhere far away. They aren't staying long. There's much richer ports than a small fishing village. We're happy here being left alone except when our Lord's soldiers cause trouble. I've never seen one of your kind before. You're a dwarf right? I though you couldn't leave your mountains."
The skeleton falls, the longsword cuting through its spine and the bones fall apart in a pile.
You can hear the thumps again, not coming from any particular direction. P-L-E-A-S-E-H-E-L-P-M-E-W-H-E-R-E-A-M-I
The bones of the skeleton you have just defeated start to move and piece back together.
"You speak with wisdom Kyūzo Sadamune. Perhaps one day you will join me too. For now you must return. Your body can not survive long without you. If you seek training, find other monuments of battle or heroes and place your weapon on them and I will find you."
Everything goes dark and you hear a familiar voice. "Wake up. Are you ok? Please wake up." You feel a grasp on your shoulders and yourself being shaken. You open your eyes to see the boy, worried about you, and yourself lying in the dust, your spear fallen a couple metres to the side.
As Thom points the way to the foothills of the Three Sisters Zerblag nods and smiles. "That is where I'll find my challenges then. I thank you for your help and hospitality. Before I go, are there any interesting rumors about the Three Sisters and their surrounding territory that you know? Anything other than the predators that I should be on the lookout for?"
After hearing his answer and thanking him again, Zerblag sets out in the direction of the foothills, looking to test her metal against the wildlife of this unfamiliar land.
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Nilas mutters to himself ”What do I know about dwarves?”, and is immediately relieved as the assistant opens a scrolling list of details on the peripheral of his interface.
He looks a bit sheepish as he responds. ”Yeah, that seems abou’ righ’. All the dwarves I me’, it’s not so much can’ leave, as just won’t, or least no' far. They’re usually too caugh’ with whateva' responsibilities they go’ .”
Nilas looks off in the distance a moment. ” I was raised by humans. So I’m not exactly what you call typical.”
Hmm, they wouldn’t have dropped me off here in a dead zone. There has to be something here, even just a springboard for elsewhere.
He focuses back on the second man. ”Does your lord take care of your other … needs? I mean, does he provi’ tools, clothes, wha’ever ya migh’ not make you’selves? Does he also sort out the ban’its o’ wolves o’ what such nonsense?”
Nilas has a lightbulb moment. ”By the way, do one of ya have a map? It migh’ be nice to see ya capital an’ those richer ports, but I’ll be travelling by land. I’m not sure I wan’ see the inside of ‘nother ship for a while.”
Kyūzo opens his eyes, tense but still. He quickly takes in the situation. He's lying down, staring up at the statue and the youth's face. His body appears to be fine. No damage and not even winded from the fight. Was it all in his mind? No, the spirit implied his soul had been separated from his body. His spirit had merged with the other maybe? Such things wrere beyond is experience.
Finally, he sits up and smiles at the youth. "I am fine. It seems my offering was accepted." He stands a little stiffly. Apparently leaving your body for extended periods of time was not good on the joints. He stretches a bit and retrieves his spear. "That was...certainly an experience." He bows once at the statue in thanks and turns back to the child.
"You had said you and your friends had no one to teach you. I think if you clean this place up and train here, a teacher will find you. One with far more experience than any mortal master you will ever have. Once I have a look at this situation with the Lord I think I will have a new mission," he says turning back to the statue. "One that will take me all across this land."
Quests the player sub vocalized. Yep, there it is. Awesome.
Spirits of Dusst-Spirit of Blades
You have met one of the Spirits of Dusst. The Spirit of Blades contains the collective knowledge of 100 souls of heroes across the land of Dusst. Seek out rumors of statues of battles or heroes to find all the souls. You have met 1/100 souls.
Kyūzo heads back for town, intent on seeing this issue through before heading out to find more souls of the Spirit of blades. Maybe even the Dragon Slayer himself was part of the collective. Wouldn't that be something?
"Crap! Go down! Go Down!" The godling swings frantically at the undying undead.
"Ah the Three Sisters. I don't reccomend going there. I've heard rumours from other hunters, and old stories about witches and other things. No one goes there and returns."
Roland seems interested as you explain your difference from other dwarves. "I haven't seen one before you, just stories."
"We take care of ourselves. Though I guess he keeps the bandits down. Haven't had any trouble from them in a while. Probably some out there though. Don't know about a map, but maybe our leader Tomar will. Never been much outside of town except for out to sea for a day's fishing. Perhaps if you travel down the coast you'll find another village or two like ours but you'll come to Cooren eventually. It's on the Fogdown river mouth."
"But you just stopped and fell down. I though maybe the Spirit killed you. I want to train here. I can't tell my dad though. Please keep it a secret?" the boy asks.
When you get back to town you see that another ship has come to port here and an important looking Elf is leaving the main Hall in a hurry. Your captain is watching her leave, shaking his head.
The boy has run off to talk to his friends.
The skeleton falls to pieces again but after a few seconds continues to begin to reassemble starting from the skull.
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Nilas does a side glance in the direction of the ship captain.
"I'd love to meet Tomas, bu' I'm sure ya leader's hands are full righ' now. Maybe I could throw back a pin' and break bread later if he's got time?"
Thinking through this ...
"Well I migh' 'ave a look around and hit the dirt in the morning. Is there a bed I can use?"
Zerblag nods which she looks towards the peaks, now more curious than before. "Thank you for the warning, friend. You've given me a good information and I hope to see you again soon! May you and your brother stay in good health so that we can feast again when I return!" With that the hobgoblin takes off on her own into the unfamiliar wilderness, looking for a trail, or anything else that might lead her to the next adventure.
Zaidel continues his barrage against the undying skeleton.
"I'm open to suggestions..!!"
This kid really needs to stop sending up death flags. He and his friends will practice in secret, challenge the goons, die or get maimed, and get the whole town riled up and on the war path. That's when the hero steps in, feeling guilty for teaching the kids self-defense, and leads the charge. Hope I can head this off.
Kyūzo frowns at the lad. He wags his finger sternly as he speaks. "Now you listen here. You are not hiding this from anyone, especially your father. He cares for you enough to warn you of the danger this could pose to yourself and those around you. And he sees the same impatience in you he probably had as a child. Learn from his experience. You aren't even going to begin practicing anything until this place in cleaned. You have to prove your commitment, your discipline and build up your strength. Foundation always comes first. You will then convince your father that this is what you want to do. That you want to one day protect Arch. And that you will be smart about it. Cautious. Disciplined. Strength without responsibility is just tyranny. And it sounds like Lord Carlton is not using his responsibly. You don't want to be like him right?" He pauses for confirmation. "When you have done all that, then you may learn."
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Kyūzo arrives back in town to meet an interesting sight. Another ship the same day as his? Was this another ship from across the ocean? Another PC? He makes his way towards the captain, turning to watch the elf go. "Quite the coincidence another ship arrives in this tiny fishing village. Who was that?" he asks, nodding at the elf.