She gasped as the stab went into her abdomen. Her vision suddenly went red, the world around her pulsing with distress.
LOW HEALTH
Cursing, she rolled to the side and pulled back her foot, trying to recall what’s she’d read in her book of survival. When defending yourself, affect your opponent’s ability to breathe, see and procreate. If you cannot do so, go for joints, especially knees, to hinder your opponent. She kicked out and aimed straight for the knee. When injured, don’t take out the dagger until you have some way to stop the bleeding. She recalled the survival guide she had casually read the other day.
She gritted her teeth as she looked around. She needed a weapon. Now! She ripped off the bottom of her shirt, struggling with the tough hemp and took a breath. Adrianna bit her tongue to prevent the cry that wanted to rip from her lips. Crimson words appeared in front of her as she did so.
STATUS: bleeding, unstable
The words pulsated violently as she twisted the dagger free and quickly wrapped her wound. Instantly the red throb disappeared, and the words changed:
MID HEALTH
STATUS: patched up, stable
ACQUIRED!
Bloody Dagger
You took this from your own flesh wound to wield as a weapon. That’s pretty hardcore.
With a frown, she lifted herself up and looked at her new weapon. She closed her eyes and listened for a moment.
Perception Check. Listen for danger. 16 + 0 (Wis) = Success!
She could still hear Hancock struggling with the other two goblins, swords clashing against shield. But there was another sound. Slow, heavy footsteps, crunching pine cones beneath each footfall coming around the side of the tree to her right.
Suddenly a goblin jumped out at her, and she slashed her dagger across its arm. The goblin howled as Adrianna kicked it between the legs as hard as she could. The monster went flying backwards, hitting the tree behind him and shattering into tiny black tendrils of mist.
She quickly whipped around and watched in horror as a goblin jumped on his back and slashed his shoulder.
It was instinct. She ran across the road and threw her dagger, grazing the goblin enough to knock it off. Her sprint turned into a slight turn as she kicked out ungracefully, nailing the goblin in the face. She watched it smash against a tree and scramble to its feet. Before it could do anything else, Hancock stabbed deep into its chest and the goblin burst into mist.
Adrianna let out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding and struggled to calm down.
He cursed and shook his head. “Those things are so freakin’ annoying. They just get up on you and kick you and stab you and—ugh…” Hancock sneered as he whipped off the black mist.
Out of Combat! You are safe!
LEVEL UP!
Her body lifted off the ground and power surged through her body as she heard a sharp wind and a ding!
Congratulations! You are now level 2. Your health is restored!
PROFICIENCIES EARNED:
Unarmed Combat: You are somewhat proficient with all unarmed combat moves
Dagger: You are somewhat proficient with a dagger
“Sweet,” Adrianna smiled as the light rolled off of her and she landed firmly on the ground. She felt renewed and full of life and strength, her injuries forgotten. If this was what a level up was like, she could really get used to this.
“I thought for sure…”
“I’m leveling up pretty fast, I think.” Adrianna smiled, excitement bristling at her fingertips. The feeling was exhilarating. All her wounds and bruises disappeared.
“First couple of levels are always easy.” Hancock frowned. He grabbed her arm and studied the translucent character sheet. “Especially if you’re lucky and don’t die on your first day out.”
Hancock flexed his arms and rolled his head, adjusting his armour and weapons in his hand. Adrianna looked carefully around the scene, still feeling the remnants of the intensity of the skirmish.
“What’s that?” she pointed at a floating gold orb, bobbing where the goblins use to be.
“Loot,” Hancock shrugged. “Pick it up. It’s all yours if you want it. You can access anything you might need in your backpack.”
Adrianna went over to the orb and grasped it.
LOOT ACQUIRED
You grabbed some loot off the dead goblins.
5 gold, loin cloth, a note written in goblin
Her backpack shifted weight slightly on her shoulder. Curious, she drew the flap open.
“Ew,” Adrianna picked up one of the goblin’s loincloths from her bag and threw it to the ground. Hancock immediately scooped it up.
“Hey, don’t knock it. You never know when you might need something like this for a spell.”
“Spell?” Adrianna didn’t recall anything about that in her readings, but magic wasn’t something she particularly interested in casting.
“Some spells need material components,” He put it in his backpack. “Makes for some fun quests.”
“Is that how you summoned your sword? Magic?”
Hancock grinned. “No, I just learned how to unsheathe it without reaching into my backpack. It’s a good trick to have on the fly. I can teach you if you want.”
“You seem mighty eager to show me the ropes.” Adrianna rose an eyebrow.
Hancock shrugged. “Ain’t got nothing better to do.”
Chapter 6: Willow Creek
The town of Willow Creek was bigger than Adrianna’s hometown, stretching through a small glade of tall redwood trees.
Townspeople scattered the doorways and cobbled streets of the sleepy town, as a river lazily flowed across the length of the town. A bridge stretched across the width of it, occupied by various kinds of players and NPCs. The brick buildings each had arrows over them, advertising their purpose. Adrianna spotted a red brick building with a chimney and started migrating towards it.
“Alright, you go there,” Hancock nodded and pointed. “And I’ll meet you at the Red Tavern over there.”
Adrianna frowned at the name. Her hometown didn’t even have a name attached to it. How ordinary. Why had she never noticed that her hometown didn’t use names? She wondered.
She entered the Weapon Shop and looked around, enjoying the warmth from the smithy’s fire.
Smithy - Merchant (!) Quest Available
“Hey!” The Smithy paused her hammering and cleaned her hands. “How can I help you?”
She hesitated. “I need some weapons, but I don’t think I have anything to pay for it.”
“What are you looking for and we can haggle from there,” Smithy nodded.
“I’m looking for some armor. Maybe a crossbow. I can use that.”
“Sure. What kind of armor are you looking for? We have light, medium…you don’t exactly look like you can handle heavy armor.”
“Light is good,” Adrianna laughed. “What’s the strongest light armor you have.”
Smithy pulled out a chest piece of hard leather with metal ring linked into it. “This will do. The crossbows are over there.”
Adrianna wandered over to the corner, studded leather in tow. The selection was limited, consisting of three crossbows.
She picked one up, measuring its weight. It felt solid and strong in her hands. She’d have to make a strap for it, but for now it would do, as long as it didn’t become too cumbersome.
“Okay, I think I have everything.” She returned to Smithy.
“Excellent. Do you want to purchase the bolts for your crossbow?”
“Oh, yeah, I should probably get that.” Adrianna chuckled.
Smithy held out her hand. “That’s a total of 30 gold.”
Adrianna frowned and cleared her throat. “Like I said, I don’t have…”
“Just touch my hand and we’ll find out,” Smithy nodded.
“Oh…okay,” Adrianna gingerly reached out her hand.
Transaction Complete! 30 gold spent. 70 gold remaining.
Adrianna blinked
. She was far richer than she thought she was. “Uh thanks.”
“No problem. Don’t forget to equip your new items and have a great day!” Smithy immediately went back to hammering her blade.
Adrianna hung her jacket across the crossbow and found a corner to change into her armor. Throwing her poncho over the studded leather she smiled. Not bad.
You have completed a quest: Origin Story - New Horizons
You have some sweet new weapons and armor now. Good luck on the rest of your adventures in the Quell—you’ll need it!
Reward: +100 xp
Adrianna made her way to the Red Tavern and pushed open the door. Immediately the sleepy town came to life. People of all shapes and sizes were singing with tankards, dancing on top of tables.
Adrianna laughed as the sound of chanting and stomping feet shook the walls and floors. Boom! Boom! Boom! to the beat of the music.
The only one in the room that wasn’t dancing was the bartender who was busy trying to clear and serve drinks as fast as he could.
The song ended with a BANG! and Adrianna watched the loudest chanter step down from the table and everyone cheered. The woman was tall (which wasn’t saying much for herself) with a short bob of raven hair. She had thick eyebrows and wore a black vest over a laced purple blouse with brown capris and red flats.
Myra
Bard
Level 5
“Thank you!” Myra bowed and waved to the crowd.
Adrianna watched her walk over to a barstool and confidently sit. Before anyone could occupy the empty stool next to her Adrianna dashed onto the seat and immediately asked, “why do you only have one name?”
Myra turned around and looked down at Adrianna with a small, amused smile. “Because I have renounced my old one in favor of a better one.”
“You can do that?”
“Well, I can, since I’m a bard. Sometimes if you’re a berserker, you can give yourself a title, but it’s better if you earn it.”
“I’ve never heard of those classes. I thought there were only six of them?”
“Oh, those are the super generic ones with no imagination. There are so many more classes than that! New ones keep popping up every day. I heard there are people with the divine powers of a cleric and the combat prowess of a warrior. You’d say, ‘oh, silly Myra, you’re just talking about a knight’, but have you ever seen a knight hit a monster with the magical force of a battle mage? I think not.”
“What about you? What’s a…bard?”
“It means I’m an emotional bitch.” She smirked and Adrianna made a confused face. “I’m kidding. Well, only a little. It means I make stories. I record history and write epics and through my words, I cast magic, inspire others and demoralize my enemies by being myself.”
“That’s pretty cool.” Adrianna nodded. “How’d you get your class?”
“I spoke one day when I was trying to escape some bandits. I spoke and the magic just happened.”
“How does that work?”
“The woman is talking ’bout prestige classes.” Hancock suddenly interrupted holding a bundle of parcels in his hand. “Rare and dangerous. If you see anyone with a strange class name that isn’t an NPC or monster; like a savant or a seeker, run the other way. Especially Seekers. They’re no good.”
“Who’s your friend?” Myra smirked, laying a finger on her chin.
“This is Hancock.” Adrianna furrowed her brow. “What’s wrong with a seeker?”
“They’re selfish, despicable creatures who tend to value their personal items and aspirations over human lives.”
“I heard none of them live very long,” Myra nodded. “Not a lot of stories written about them.”
Adrianna nodded her head, swallowing. Those guys sounded like bad news. “But bards are fine?”
Myra nodded at the same time Hancock shook his head and the two glared at each other.
“Bards are egotistical seducers and just as selfish as a seeker.” Hancock crossed his arms.
“Okay,” Myra laughed. “Tell me how you really feel. You really know how to make a girl feel good.”
Hancock glared daggers at her but didn’t reply. Adrianna could feel the tension tighten between the two. If it came down to it, she’d have to ditch them if it got too hairy to make progress.
“So, what’s your deal then, blondie?” The bard tilted her head, letting the moment pass. “How are you a level two player with no class?”
She shrugged. “I’ve been wondering the same thing. Hancock says it’s probably because I haven’t made a decision yet. I’m thinking that it’s along the lines of living around NPCs when I grew up. Something.”
“Wow, you’re a real chatterbox, aren’t you?”
“I think it’s good to know things.” Adrianna stared at her for a moment. “Have you seen an older man with a big blond beard and a red cloak?”
“You looking for someone?”
“My Uncle.” Adrianna nodded. “My home was attacked and I’m pretty sure they took my uncle, but it’s hard to tell.”
“Wait, you were attacked? Outside the Quell?” Myra sat up, her thick eyebrows raising high. “Where did you live?”
“I don’t know the name of the town,” Adrianna frowned, realizing how lackluster her previous life was. “It’s about an hour north of here. I’m looking for my uncle. I know he’s out here somewhere in the Quell. I just don’t know where.”
“So, you’re just wandering?” Myra asked incredulously.
“I’ll find what I’m looking for eventually.” Adrianna said with more confidence than she felt.
“This sounds like the start of a quest.” Myra murmured. “You sound like you need answers. I know some people who can help you figure all of that out. And maybe even your level problem.”
“Who?”
“Myra paused for dramatic effect. “The Council of Lions.”
“Absolutely not.” Hancock suddenly spoke up. “I’m not about to take her on a fool’s errand.”
“Come on, Hancock.” Adrianna waved her hand dismissively. “She said they were people who could help me.”
“Yes, I gathered that. And if it’s the Council of Lions, you don’t want to do that.”
“Um, I’m pretty sure Ari can take care of herself.”
Adrianna blinked, distracted at the new nickname. Ari? She never had a shortened name like that before.
“This young girl has been put in my stead to take care of. I will not send her to her death.” Hancock snapped.
“Then, I’ll go with you.” Myra said. “I’ve got the experience, I know the way to the Council. We can hire a cleric on the way and then we’ll be a party on a quest. Easy experience points. Easy reward.”
“Out of the question.” Hancock stood up as if that was that. “Besides, self-appointed quests are lucrative and often lead to campaigns. That means bigger monsters and bigger threats.”
“High risk, high reward, Hancock. You know how this works.” Myra spread her hands. “Besides, it only becomes a campaign if we stick together. I get it. You want your whole solo act. Sure. But I’m pretty sure Ari wants someone watching her back.” She winked at Ari who sat quietly, getting more and more insight into how the Quell operated while waiting for them to finish arguing.
“We don’t even know if you can operate well under pressure,” Hancock murmured, sitting back down.
“I’ll let my sheet do the talking then. She rolled up her wool sleeve and Adrianna watched her character sheet light up. She scanned over Myra’s information.
Name: Myra
Class: Bard
Level 5
Speed: 30
Armor Class: 15
XP to next Lvl: 456
Strength 10 (+0)
Dexterity 16 (+3)
Constitution 11 (+0)
Intelligence 12 (+1)
Wisdom 11 (+0)
Charisma 18 (+4)
Reputation: Traveling Muse
Proficiencies: Short Sword (Ski
lled), Performance (Expert), Improvised Weapons (Skilled), Acrobatics (Skilled)
Traits
Hidden Trait
Hidden Trait
Word is Bond
When you keep your promises, you gain extra experience points. If you don’t keep your promises, there will be consequences.
Tongues
You can communicate with any tongue that you have heard for five minutes.
Bardic Talent: Wordsmith
You are well versed with your words and prose, making you immune to being charmed, as long as you can speak. Your words are powerful and the basis of your spellcasting and main abilities.
Words of Affirmation
You bolster your allies, giving them extra defenses and encouragement.
Spellcaster
MANA 180
Your Charisma determines your spell potency.
Primary Spells
Sonic Scream (30), Healing Word (10), Wisecrack (50)
“What do you think about that, warrior boy?”
“I think you’re pretty full of yourself—”
“I’d like to talk now.” Adrianna interrupted and the two turned to look at her. “Do you know where the Council of Lions is, Hancock?”
Hancock frowned and slowly shook his head.
“Then Myra is going to guide us there. Case closed.” Adrianna stood up.
“Is this information worth risking your life over, though?” Hancock tried again.
“Yes,” Adrianna nodded, firmly placing her hand on the stool. “Yes, absolutely. My uncle is out there and I’m going to find him. If finding my class is going to help me survive the Quell to find him, then I’ll go to this Council.”
Quest: Finding Your Power (LVL 1)
In order to discover your class, Myra has suggested you go to the Council of Lions to unlock your dormant abilities.
Success Conditions: Speak to the Council of Lions
Reward: Experience. And you get to know your class. How exciting!
Destiny Rising Prequel Page 3