Second Skin: Unified: A litRPG Adventure (Second Skin Book 3)
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Health - 341/341 Aura - 647/847 Endurance - 341/341
Sintári – Sintári interact with their surroundings in unusual ways. The effects of these interactions can be unpredictable
Class – Warden – Wardens gain a 10% bonus to skills associated with nature or which have natural effects
Specialization – Protector
Mastery –
STR - 39 (+3)
CON - 29 (+2)
DEX - 25 (+2)
INT - 25 (+2)
WIS - 24 (+2)
CHA - 47 (+4)
Abilities
Ignore Armor – Your next arrow will ignore a portion of the target’s armor. Cost – 20 Aura. – 36%
Stun – Your next arrow has a chance to stun its target on hit. Cost – 20 Aura. – 35%
Block – You may attempt to use your bow to parry a single melee attack. Cost – 20 Endurance. – 20%
Swarm – Your next arrow duplicates itself in flight. Cost – 20 Endurance and 20 Aura. – 47%
Flurry – Perform three rapid strikes with a bladed weapon. Cost – 30 Endurance. – 25%
Parry – Chance for your blades to block next melee attack targeted at you. Cost – 20 Endurance. – 23%
Hamstring – The next arrow fired has a chance to cripple your opponent. Cost – 20 Aura. – 32%
Hilt Bash – Stun your opponent with a successful hilt strike from your bladed weapon. Cost – 30 Endurance. – 23%
Blood Price – Your arrow inflicts a damage-over-time bleed effect. Cost – 30 Aura. – 37%
Blind – Your next arrow has a chance to inflict blindness on a successful hit. Cost – 30 Aura. – 37%
Achilles Strike – Cripple your target with a slash of your bladed weapon. Cost – 30 Endurance. – 25%
Penetrator – Advanced Ability – Your arrow pierces through armor easily. With increased proficiency it may penetrate through even greater barriers. Modifier – Strength. Cost – 60 Aura. – 20%
Disable – Advanced Ability – A successful strike of your blade to an extremity renders the affected limb completely useless until healed. Modifier – Strength. Cost – 60 Endurance. – 20%
Shockwave – Advanced Ability – Your arrow explodes on contact, dealing minimal damage but generating a stunning Shockwave in a radius around its detonation. Size and scope of this effect increase with proficiency. Modifier – Strength. Cost – 120 Aura. – 20%
Sintári Abilities
Natural Affinity – The Sintári’s unique connection with the natural world may manifest itself in random ways at times. While these effects are generally beneficial they are also typically outside the direct control of the Sintári. Modifier – Charisma.
Control – Effect varies, applies to all Sintári Abilities. – 45%
Protector Abilities
See Truth – Once per day, the spoken words of your target become visible to you, allowing you to see the truth held within them. Strength and duration of this effect increase with proficiency. Cost – 60 Aura. Modifier – Wisdom. – 21%
Spells
Enhanced Sight – May be cast on self or ally. Improves visual acuity of the recipient in dark or obscured conditions. Cost – 20 Aura. – 48%
Create Trap – Place a magical trap upon an area. Size, type, and trigger of traps is determined by your proficiency. Cost – 40 Aura. – 53%
Elemental Arrow – Your next arrow is imbued with elemental energy and causes additional elemental damage accordingly. Cost – 30 Aura. – 28%
Spike – Launch Ice Spike(s), delivering bonus cold damage on a successful hit. Cost – 40 Aura. – 1%
Bolt – Release a Bolt of pure Lightning at your target(s). Cost – 40 Aura. – 24%
Find Weakness – Highlights vulnerable points on the target. Modifier – Intelligence. Cost – 80 Aura. – 20%
Summon Elemental – Summons an Elemental creature. If you succeed in binding it to your will, the creature will serve you faithfully until the spell’s expiration. Modifier – Charisma. Cost 100 Aura. – 35%
Shield – May be cast on self only. Manifests a forward-facing barrier against incoming projectile attacks. Duration and resistance of the barrier are based on proficiency and modifier value. Modifier – Constitution. Cost – 80 Aura. – 20%
Skills
Bow – 54%
Critical Hit – 42%
Blades – 34%
Long Sword – 37%
Short Sword – 29%
Dagger – 26%
Critical Hit – 29%
Two-Handed – 30%
Pole Arms –14%
Spear – 23%
Armor – 35%
Medium Armor – 39%
Perception – 46%
Environmental – 48%
Identify Enemy – 48%
Identify Person – 39%
Combat Dodge – 25%
Subterfuge – 30%
Stealth – 35%
Find Trap – 11%
Disarm Trap – 8%
Set Trap – 10%
Manipulation – 45%
Persuade – 57%
Barter – 33%
Survival – 24%
Tracking – 26%
Identify Creature (Beasts) – 19%
Skinning – 16%
Field Dress – 15%
Alchemy – 19%
Herbalism – 31%
Potion Craft – 27%
Lore – 7%
Identify Magical Item – 12%
It seemed that, outside of large-scale combat, levels were going to be tough to come by. The XP requirements were rather steep, and I had been fortunate enough to be involved in several decent-sized fights after I had broken out of the lower levels.
I did notice that my Identify Person talent was just about to hit 40%. It was something that I hadn’t been focusing on while surrounded by all the familiar people, and I hoped that all the new faces might help me get there soon. My control was also increasing, along with the trickle I continued to receive in both my Manipulation talents and to my Summon Elemental Spell.
All things considered, since I hadn’t actually been working on anything for months, I couldn’t really complain.
15
After breakfast, my companions and I set off together and headed for the Garrison to begin the task of settling our new citizens and adjusting our plans to suit their needs. Although they seemed comfortable with the fortification’s new name, even to the point of repeatedly emphasizing it, I couldn’t bring myself to call it anything but ‘The Garrison.’
As we wound our way through the valley, I began to see many of the new faces, and it reminded me to focus in on my Identify Person talent. With so many new people in our lands, it wasn’t long before I noticed a difference.
Just like with Identify Enemy, when I closely examined the people passing by, I not only saw a health bar floating above them, but directly beneath it was a small line of text that revealed their race and profession to me. So, instead of having to guess at their various jobs as I spoke to them, I would know from then on whether I was addressing a farmer, herdsman, or miner, for example. Even more interesting was the fact that as I encountered the people I already knew, their names were included in the tiny descriptions—a very helpful perk for someone trying to establish a new realm.
Once we reached the Garrison, we took over the headquarters building and set up a room for our planning. I left most of my companions to arrange things while I went to find Evans, and Broda set out in search of Travis and Annia. I had a proposition for the Drill Master, and also wanted his insights on our plans. Travis and Annia would be joining us so that they could have some input on the location that we chose for their inn.
Evans was easy to locate—we had housed him and his men in one of the barracks for the night, and they were fencing with each other on the Garrison’s grounds just outside the building. When I asked him to join me for our planning sessions, Evans was more than happy to accompany me back t
o the headquarters building. Despite how easily I was able to find Evans, Broda was already back in our planning room with Travis and Annia when I returned with him.
“Alright,” I began as I took my seat around the large table we had commandeered. “We’re here to plan the next few steps for our little Realm. Specifically, where we’re going to house all our new citizens, where we will be building the inn, and hopefully, deciding what we should focus on going forward.”
“Forgive me, Sintári, but I believe you misspoke,” Stel broke in. “While we are certainly here to help you to the best of our abilities, this is not our Realm. It is yours.”
I loved that man dearly, but sometimes I really wanted to strangle him.
“Yes, well, as far as housing the new citizens,” Venna said before I could offer any objections. “Broda and I have agreed to handle that task. I plan to have each of the newcomers meet with Ilvain and I, and we will assign them to the available housing that best suits their needs. If we have to build more for some reason, Ilvain will be able to see to it right away.”
“I’ll be there as well,” Broda added. “I’ve been keeping track of what’s available in the barracks and in both of the caverns. I should be able to get everyone who wants some good, sturdy rock over their head a comfortable place to live.”
“So, that leaves the inn,” Khorim brought up happily.
“It needs to be somewhere safe,” Evans said as he continued to review the set of plans in front of him. “If I understand correctly, you need this inn to serve not only your people, but the needs of any caravans that stop by. We’ll not only have to ensure the safety of those caravans if we want them to come here, but we will also have to consider our own security as well.”
“What do you mean?” Tási asked.
“I mean that this Realm is still new. Weak,” he responded bluntly. “There will be those who seek to take advantage of that. Even after we are more secure here, you simply cannot invite large groups of unknown people into the heart of your defenses. It’s only asking for trouble.”
“What do you suggest, Evans?” I asked him.
“Right here would be my choice,” he replied immediately, indicating a spot in the valley just beyond the walls of the fortress. “The caravans will be well-protected from any threats, but outside the walls of your fortress. Your people will have access to the inn, but the visitors will be outside your defenses.”
It was an interesting choice—the caravans that visited us would have to drive through both the Garrison’s fortifications and the fortress’s outer walls, but would never enter its inner courtyard. Instead, they would be diverted to one side, through a secondary gate and into the valley, where they could then find shelter at the inn. Anyone planning to use the caravans as a ruse for an attack would still have to overcome our most heavily guarded defenses.
“Thank you, Evans. I would not have considered that,” I confessed gratefully.
“Does that location suit you?” I then asked Travis and Annia.
“It should be fine, um, my lady?” Travis stumbled.
“Her title is Dreya Sintári,” Tási offered him with a wink. “Though she doesn’t quite like it, so be sure to use it as much as possible.”
“I think we should build some shops, perhaps even a small village around that location as well,” Venna chimed in, cutting off my objection once more.
“That would be a very good idea,” Stel added thoughtfully. “See what Ilvain thinks of it when you talk to him later. Unless you have any objections, Dreya Sintári.”
“No, sounds good to me,” I said as I hung my head and rubbed my temples in frustration. They really did seem to enjoy making me uncomfortable., and even worse, they were good at it.
“Then it’s on to future plans,” Stel announced. “Travis and Annia, feel free to join Venna and Ilvain later to discuss the construction of the inn, but for now I have to ask that you take your leave.”
“Not you, Evans,” I added quickly when he rose to leave as well. “Your presence is still needed here.”
Once Travis and Annia were gone, Stel continued.
“We will be reviewing our plans for future construction,” he began. “Housing, various facilities and the like. You are more than welcome to stay for that, and offer your input, but what we really want is your help with our military planning.
“You have seen Daebreak Garrison,” Stel continued and I flinched as he said the name, “and now the plans for the fortress that will guard Dreya’s Palace.”
Did he really have to pour it on so thick?
“We would welcome your thoughts on those fortifications, and on our plans for an outpost beside the main road.”
“The Garrison’s position at a choke point is almost ideal,” Evans began. “There’s not much I would change about it. I have the same opinion regarding Dreya’s fortress—whoever drew up these plans knew what they were doing. As long as you have enough people to defend them, these walls will not fall easily, if at all.”
“But I would advise you to wait a little while before you build your outpost,” he cautioned. “If I have the numbers right, you’ve just doubled your population. You’ll want to take at least some time to integrate the new people, and add some of them into your militia, before you bring in any more of them.”
“That was one of our concerns,” Venna replied. “I’m glad to hear that you share it.”
“Speaking of militias,” I jumped in quickly. “I have a job offer for you, Evans.”
His eyebrows raised just slightly, and everyone else turned to face me as I made the surprise declaration. I had decided to extend this offer to him almost the minute I found Evans among the new arrivals but had kept it to myself until then.
“My Realm,” I began as I cast a quick glare at Stel, “is going to need a leader for its military forces. I would be honored if you would accept that position.”
“I left The Citadel to be free of my obligations, not to assume new ones,” my heart sank as Evans replied slowly. “But I find myself intrigued with what you are doing here. The opportunity to take part in something as grand as what you have planned is not something one can easily dismiss. And the fact that the Gods themselves have so generously blessed you–all of you–cannot be overlooked.
“I accept your offer, Dreya Sintári,” Evans finally pronounced as he rose and offered me a salute.
“Then I name you First Marshal of the Realm,” I said as I stood up and met his gaze. “You have full authority over all military operations from this moment on. This building is now your Headquarters, and I will leave the defense of my Realm in your capable hands. Broda has been overseeing most of those duties until now; you may wish to consult with her to aid your transition.”
“I hate to start on this note, Dreya Sintári,” Evans replied. “But I will need a budget; funds to pay your troops. We cannot have a professional Army without professional soldiers. And those soldiers will need to be paid.”
“Let me see to that, Sintári,” Stel volunteered. “I am well aware of our resources, and I should be able to take care of the First Marshal’s needs.”
“You may also wish to speak to Hilgreth,” Broda added. “She’s been making all the armor and weapons for the Garrison, but if we’re moving towards an official military, you may want her role, and her payment, to be more clearly defined.”
“There will be a great deal to attend to,” Evans replied. “But the smith will be high on my list. I hope you do not mind if I place a few of the soldiers I brought with me in key positions. I won’t be able to deal with everything myself, and I know their capabilities.”
“You have my complete confidence, Evans,” I assured him. “I only ask that you don’t overlook the people we have here. They know the Garrison, and more importantly, the people who make it work. You would do well to include some of them in your inner circle.”
“I will make consulting with Broda on that matter my first priority, Dreya Sintári,” he replied with conv
iction.
“Perhaps we should meet together weekly, to review our progress and make additional plans?” Stel offered.
“I think that would be an excellent idea,” Venna concurred. “This room works well, and we have plenty of space for everything. What do you think, Dreya Sintári?”
She knew that I was uneasy with the formality of my title but seemed to relish every opportunity to prod me with it.
“I agree,” I said as I glared back at her.
“Very well,” Venna said as she stood up from her seat. “I think we have finished all of our business for the day. Unless something urgent comes up, we’ll meet back here in a week and review our progress on these issues.”
As we left the building, I cast another glare at Venna while she headed off to find Ilvain. She just smiled at my irritation and continued on her way.
“You know that only makes it worse,” Tási commented with amusement.
“What?” I practically snapped at her.
“That,” she smiled back at me. “Letting her know just how much it bothers you.”
She was probably right about that. My reaction was exactly what Venna had been trying to provoke, and I kept walking into her trap. Despite my irritation at her pointed use of my formal title, I resolved to try and ignore it, hoping that the lack of response would dissuade her.
There were several people I wanted to see that day, and I took Tási’s hand and pulled her along with me as I headed for the first of them. Fortunately, I found him right where I thought I would.
“Good morning, Georl,” I greeted him as he stared into the forge from just outside its perimeter.
“Good morning, Dreya Sintári,” he replied. “Did I get that right?”
“Yes, you did,” Tási replied for me as I held my tongue.
“Let me introduce you to Hilgreth, our smith,” I prompted Georl before I guided him into the forge.
Hilgreth stopped hammering on the bright red hunk of metal she was working on as we approached. I caught her glaring at Georl for just a second before she relaxed and took up a more neutral expression.
“Hello, Dreya Sintári,” she greeted me. “What can I do for you today?”