Second Skin Omnibus
Page 111
One of the more industrious elves had snared a few wild rabbits and begun breeding them. Soon enough, we would have a steady supply of meat from his operation, but it was obvious that we still needed to acquire more livestock if we were going to be able to live off the bounty of the valley in the long-term.
The two caverns that had been converted into mines were producing a decent amount of ore, and although it was a fair distance away, I insisted that the smelting and refining process be done at Hilgreth’s forge. Eventually, a second forge would be built within the fortress that was planned at the closer end of the canyon, and once that facility was constructed, it would make the transportation of the ore much easier. But until then, I didn’t want the valley’s pure lands spoiled with the byproducts of the messy operation.
When my rounds in the valley were complete, I still felt it was too early for me to inspect the new gate. Hilgreth and Dellon had worked hard on the project, and I wanted to ensure that I left them plenty of time to finish the installation before I stopped by to look over their work.
To pass the time, I stopped again at my secret spot along the lake. The incredible view brought me an instant sense of peace, and the water’s calm surface recalled the smooth blue surface I had glimpsed inside Tási.
Thinking of her reminded me that I’d completed the quest I had been assigned. Freeing the water spirit inside her should have completed its requirements, and I opened my notifications to see if it was done.
Sintári Quest, Control, Advancing – Delving into the unknown takes true courage, and in doing so you have succeeded in uncovering your friend’s true nature. Your success merits a reward beyond the normal limits. For this display of devotion, you have been rewarded with 6874 XP and access to the Spell, Spike.
A quest that not only rewarded XP, but a Spell too! That was not bad at all. I assumed that the XP reward would put me just one point shy of my next level, and looking over my personal sheet proved that to be correct.
Dreya Dae
Sintári Female
Title: Sintári
Level - 31
431199/431200
Health - 341/341 Aura - 725/825 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 - 38 (+3)
CON - 29 (+2)
DEX - 25 (+2)
INT - 25 (+2)
WIS - 23 (+2)
CHA - 46 (+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. – 39%
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. – 47%
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. – 21%
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 – 32%
Medium Armor – 37%
Perception – 45%
Environmental – 46%
Identify Enemy – 48%
Identify Person – 39%
Combat Dodge – 25%
Subterfuge – 30%
Stealth – 35%
Find Trap – 11%
Disarm Trap – 8%
Set Trap – 10%
Manipulation – 39%
Persuade – 51%
Barter – 31%
Survival – 24%
Tracking – 26%
Identify Creature (Beasts) – 19%
Skinning – 16%
Field Dress – 15%
Alchemy – 19%
Herbalism – 31%
Potion Craft – 27%
Lore – 3%
Identify Magical Item – 5%
My talents in the Manipulation tree continued to trickle higher even though I never actively used them, but as my proficiency in them grew, the rate of increase finally seemed to be slowing down a little. The other skill that was advancing without any practice was my summoning Spell. I realized that as long as I maintained the magic, my proficiency increased, although the change was very slow.
Finally, it was time to see my n
ew drawbridge, so I closed the window and began heading for the canyon. As I did, I began planning an excuse to go on one of the hunting forays. That lone XP point I needed was going to aggravate me until I finally managed to get it. Hopefully, I could come up with a good enough reason for my companions to venture out with me.
Things were busy as usual when I reached the fortifications. Ridge was putting the last few blocks in place to complete Dellon’s new workshop. He had already added the two towers that sat astride the gate and finished all but one of the structures behind our outer wall. While the stonemasons would still have to refine his rough work, completing the workshop marked the end of his work on our forward defenses.
“What will you do next?” I asked Ridge as he melded another heavy stone block in place.
“I shall begin construction of your Palace and the fortress that will protect it, Sintári,” he replied, addressing with the title now that my secret was out.
The valley’s defenses were set up much like Lorida’s double-layered fortifications. Our perimeter wall was akin to The Citadel, providing a nearly impenetrable barrier against attack. But behind it, at the far end of the canyon, the elf King’s plans laid out the blueprints for a grand Palace surrounded by an imposing fortress.
The large castle was designed not only as the residence for the ruler of the empire the elf King envisioned, but also the center of its government. The fortress around it served as both a second line of defense for the valley’s residents as well as the primary protection for the governmental offices that were housed within the Palace.
Constructing all of it would be a daunting task—the Palace itself was a tremendous structure with countless rooms and facilities. The fortress that protected it was equally impressive, with multiple barracks, training grounds and various other associated buildings, including the forge that would be so helpful for the miners to have access to. Since I had no other duties to assign him, I let Ridge follow his own set of priorities and begin the process of constructing the grand projects.
Leaving Ridge to his work, I passed by Hilgreth’s forge on the way to the outer wall. While her apprentices were busy at work, there was no sign of either of the smiths. Their absence reassured me that I would find them by the new drawbridge, so I picked up my pace, anxious to see their finished work.
I could see that the new gate was in place as I approached through the long, enclosed passageway. The temporary span we had been using to cross the dry moat was gone, and in its place, the new drawbridge was lowered, once again allowing us secure access to the lands beyond our walls. Before I could get close enough to inspect the new gate, Hilgreth met me in the passageway.
“Dreya Sintári,” she greeted me. “We have finished installing the new drawbridge, and the portcullis is nearly completed as well. We should have the defenses completely restored very soon.”
“That is excellent news, Hilgreth,” I replied. “Show me what you’ve done.”
Hilgreth smiled broadly and led me the rest of the way until we emerged from the far end of the passage and into the bright sunlight. The entire span of the new drawbridge lay in front of me, bridging the gap of the wide trench at the foot of our defenses.
As I looked over the construction, it was obvious that Dellon had done a masterful job crafting the thick planks that made up the majority of the bridge’s surface. The timbers had been formed into sturdy planks that were each nearly a foot thick, providing not only a stable bridge, but also offering a great deal of protection when the gate was raised as a defensive barrier. Although Dellon’s work was impressive, it was Hilgreth’s contribution that almost took my breath away.
The wide timbers of the drawbridge were held together and reinforced with thick metal bands and fastenings. As I looked over the broad metal bands, I had to kneel down to inspect the dark fastenings to make sure that I was truly seeing what I thought I was.
“It’s all Dwarven Steel,” Hilgreth reassured me as I ran my fingers across the cool surface of the metal. “Every last bolt.”
“Hilgreth, this is incredible,” I said as I stood back up. “How did you manage it?”
“I’ve taken your words to heart, Dreya Sintári,” she replied humbly. “I taught my apprentices the process and they have been forging ingots almost full time for a while now. I also taught Renn how to work with it. This would not have been possible without his help.”
“Your words reached my heart and opened my eyes,” the smith continued. “Once I taught him how to work the steel, it was Renn who figured out a way to speed up the process. We’ve been able to accomplish much more working together than I ever could have hoped to on my own, just like you said.”
Renn had been standing by awkwardly, uncomfortable with the praise that had been directed his way, and I stepped over to him and placed my hand on his shoulder. Although he startled at the contact, he managed to lift up his eyes and meet my gaze as I spoke to him.
“Renn, you and Hilgreth working together are a perfect example of what we are trying to build here,” I began. “Your willingness to see beyond your differences and simply come together as people proves that everything I’m hoping for is truly possible. If there is anything I can offer you in return, you have only to ask for it. If there is a reward you desire, and if it is within my power to grant your wish, you shall have it.”
“Thank you, Dreya Sintári,” he spoke softly in response. “As much as I enjoy working with Hilgreth, and would continue to do so, I would also like to have a forge of my own at some point.”
“You are in luck!” I smiled back at him. “Ridge will be moving on to begin construction at the far end of the canyon soon. The fortress there will have its own forge. I will instruct him to build that structure as soon as possible. It may be some time, depending on what he might have to build first, but I promise that as soon as the new forge is ready, it will be yours.”
“Thank you, My Lady!” Renn responded earnestly. “It’s been a dream of mine for so long. I can’t believe it’s about to come true.”
“You’ve earned it, Renn,” I replied before Hilgreth gripped the slender man in a bear hug. I left the two to celebrate Renn’s coming promotion and turned my attention to Dellon.
“Your efforts here have not gone unnoticed, Dellon,” I told him. “Ridge is almost done with your new workshop, but if there is an additional boon you desire, let me know.”
“I’ve got everything I need, Dreya Sintári,” he replied. “The freedom to work as I see fit and the promise of the future you envision for us is more than enough for me.”
“Very well. But if that changes, let me know.”
With my inspection complete, the four of us walked back through the long passageway together. As we parted at the far end of the tunnel, Hilgreth bullied Renn into accepting her invitation to share a few drinks to commemorate his new forge, while Dellon declined, preferring to return to his work instead. My own rounds were done, so I headed over to check out Venna’s new infirmary.
Her temporary hospital had been replaced with a facility located within the forward garrison’s headquarters building. Along with the infirmary, the building housed offices and quarters for the senior staff, a small group of holding cells, and a vault that I had requested Ridge add to the original plans.
We placed all of the loot and treasure we had accumulated in the secure storage for safekeeping, and Broda arranged a 24 hour watch over our precious resources. Although we had no current use for the coin and other valuables, the time was rapidly approaching when we would need to trade with other realms for much needed items, and high on that list were tools and livestock, not to mention all of the furnishings my people needed for the many buildings we now had. Ilvain was producing a slow stream of basic furnishings, but with his main focus aimed at building shelters for the elves in the valley, we were still woefully short of simple things like beds, tables, and even chairs.
Venna’s infirmary was still being worked over by a team of masons, and she flitted
about worrying over them as they tried to smooth out the rough stone. Seeing her constantly get in their way, I grabbed her arm and pulled her into the small office and sat down with her on the floor.
“They know what they’re doing, Venna,” I admonished her. “Leave them to their work.”
“I just want to make sure everything’s done right,” Venna replied anxiously.
“And would you really know if they were doing something wrong?” I asked her pointedly.
“No,” she admitted reluctantly.
“Right, so why don’t we go have some lunch and leave them to it?” I offered her.
“Just lunch,” I added quickly when her eyebrows raised suggestively.
One of the masons cast a grateful look in my direction as I dragged Venna away. Although she meant well, she’d obviously been hindering their efforts and they were glad to see her attention diverted.
We joined the crowd that was gathered in the mess hall for lunch and once we got a bowl of the stew that was being served that day, found a place to sit outside in the shade while we ate.
“Stel wants to build a road so we can begin trading for the things we need,” Venna offered.
“Funny, I was just thinking about that earlier,” I replied curiously. It was uncanny how frequently my companions, especially Tási and Venna, would turn our conversations towards a subject I had been considering.
“He thinks Ridge might be able to do it fairly quickly,” she continued. “If we add some secure campsites along the way, we might even be able to encourage some of the caravans to pay us a visit.”
That was a truly interesting idea that I hadn’t considered myself—even if we didn’t coax the caravans to us, if we built a campsite where our road met the main trail, we might at least increase our trading opportunities.
“That’s a really good plan,” I replied. “I’ll find Stel later and go over this with him in more detail.”