by E C Chii
Examining the buffs and ability he mulled over the bonuses. “I like the harvesting and crafting bonuses. Those would better match Raven, but the tanking bonuses would be more geared toward Peirce. Nah, not me. Bring up the Huldra.”
The image faded gray and moved into the background with an image of a male Huldra taking its place.
The Huldra was a tall lithe figure with long light brown hair tucked behind elongated pointy ears. The Huldra’s skin tone was a pale brown with a greenish hue and darker shades of brown streaking over exposed skin akin to a tree bark. Atop high cheek bones were almond shaped eyes had black irises leaving the rest of the eyes to be a hazelnut coloring. the Huldra’s face was elongated but not to such a point it was foreign to Wolf, but still made it appear give an ethereal appearance. Clad in green and brown leathers that entwined naturally around his body made the entire outfit seem natural and organic. This Huldra did not wear a helmet but did possess several ribbons interwoven through his hair. He was armed with a long 2-meter spear. The point of the spear looked like an ornate leaf, but was completely serrated with a smaller pike end to act as counterweight.
Susan repeated, “Currently displayed is the Wood Huldra. Choosing this race will provide the following bonuses:”
Another screen popped up like the last.
Huldufolk are said to be the world’s best artisans. They are known for their high dexterity, and wisdom. Huldufolk are typically 2-2.5 meters tall, slender, agile bodies, and weight from 135-150lbs. Huldufolk are known to have live up to 10,000 years or more. 3 Elven sub-species exist:
Wood, High, Shadow, upon creation Huldufolk receive the several racial bonuses
Wood Huldufolk receive: +1 INT, +1 DEX, +5 mana
High Huldufolk receive: +1 INT, +1WIS, +10% Dark Resistance
Shadow Huldufolk receive: +1 INT, +1 STR, +10% Light Resistance
All receive a +1 INT, +1 in either DEX/WIS/STR depending on sub-species, +1 unassigned stat point, and 1 common skill point.
Upon creation, you will receive:
+10% (Earth, Light, Dark) Magical Resistance (sub-species depending)
+2 DEX
+2 WIS
+10 mana
Wisp of the Woods Level 1(Active, Racial) – You call upon a wisp to increase health, mana, and stamina regeneration for 30 seconds. Regen rate is 1%, 10-minute cooldown
Lethal Accuracy Level 1(Active, Racial) – for 10 seconds you gain a +3% critical hit chance and +1% critical damage. 5-minute cooldown
Elven Grace Level 1 (Passive, Racial) – armor counts as one lower weight class (Ex. Heavy armor equates to Medium). Those who wear light armor receive a +1% bonus movement speed, and those who wear no armor receive a +3% to movement speed.
Thinking to himself, ‘hmm. This one is good, dam near perfect, but let’s see the others before making a final decision. Susan, earmark this one but bring up the Beastkin.”
The image slid into the background but remained in color. As a male Beastkin materialized.
The image of a male Beastkin appeared. Its initial appearance was a more human version of a werewolf. Fur of a grey, white, and black colors covered the body with feathers and beads interwoven. On the humanlike face was black, yellow and red paint making the wolfish grey eyes stand out. The Beastkin was covered in bone armor chipped grooved with battle damage. Sharp wicked claws tipped his hands with one grasping a sleek short bow wrapped in leather with a tuff of fur bound at the top. A quiver filled with various length arrows stuck out.
“Currently displayed is the Lupine Beastkin. Choosing this race will provide the following bonuses:”
Beastkin are the best hunters, scouts, and trackers. Beastkin are not the most favored of races within the world, due to their secular and territorial nature which results in frequent conflicts between tribes. The height, weight, and lifespans of this race varies depending on sub-species. The longest known lived Beastkin was over 2,000 years. The average lifespan is unknown since they avoid non-Beastkin. 3 sub-species exist: Lupine, Feline, Ursine, and Serpentine.
Lupine Beastkin receive: +1 DEX, +1 STR, +5 STA
Feline Beastkin receive: +1 DEX, +1 CON, +5 HP
Ursine Beastkin Receive: +1 STR, +1 CON, +5 HP
Serpentine Beastkin receive: +1 DEX, +1 INT, +5 MP
All receive a +1 STR, +1 in either CON/DEX/INT depending on sub-species, +1 unassigned stat point, and 1 common skill point.
Upon creation, you will receive:
+10% (Wind, Fire, Earth, Poison) Magical Resistance based on sub-species
+2 DEX
+2 STR
+10 STA
Enhanced Senses level 1 – (Active, Racial) – for the next 5 minutes your senses are enhanced. All sounds, smells, sight, and tastes are amplified by 5%. 1-hour cooldown
Ghost Warrior Level 1 (Passive, Racial) – When ambushing an enemy, 2% extra damage on initial attack, with 1 second confusion (per ally in a 10-meter radius; only stacks with others who have the “Ghost Warrior” ability). 24-hour cooldown
Shadow’s Path Level 1(Passive, Racial) – movement generates 3% less noise and a 2 % reduction in stealth detection
Whistling, Wolf said, “Dam. I would have loved to have that while working with the TRFs. The reclusive and unknown parts are a turnoff. Seems like they are ambush/skirmish heavy, don’t know if that is effective if I don’t have several other Beastkin though. Bring up the Hybrid”
The image of the Beastkin drifted back turning grey.
Not seeing a physical depiction appear, Wolf asked, “Susan, why can’t I see an image of the Hybrid?”
“A Hybrid is a chaotic creature and it is infeasible to display an image due to different mixtures can have vastly different appearances. Before an image may be displayed you must decide to select this race. A random list of 50 races will be generated allowing you to pick 2 or more to be mixed into a hybrid. Only similar races may be mixed and cannot be racial enemies. If you wish to see options, you must select this race. Would you like to continue?”
“Can I see the screen like the others?”
“Affirmative, displaying is the character bonuses for Hybrids. Choosing this race will provide the following bonuses:”
Hybrids are a rare combination of different races, and the combinations have chaotic results. The physical appearances of Hybrids come in a variety of forms, when creating your hybrid, you can only choose compatible. Physically or socially incompatible races cannot be created. Hybrids are generally mistrusted, mistreated, or otherwise face significant prejudices. This however has not stopped many from becoming successful or celebrated heroes. A total lifespan for is variable since it is a combination between the mixed species. (To see mix options and details you must choose this race.)
Upon creation, you receive the following bonuses
? STR (Depending on mix, randomly generated)
? WIS (Depending on mix, randomly generated)
? INT (Depending on mix, randomly generated)
? DEX (Depending on mix, randomly generated)
? CON (Depending on mix, randomly generated)
? LCK (Depending on mix, randomly generated)
Ability (active or passive) -???? (level 1, ???? Racial) – Random ability assigned based on your mixed races
Ability (active or passive) -???? (level 1, ???? Racial) – Random ability assigned based on your mixed races
Ability (Onetime) – “Chaotic Nature” (Racial Unique) – You can pick 1 out of 500 randomly chosen abilities based on racial mix.
Chapter 5 – Let’s go for broke
“Hmm, I guess the question for this guy is ‘do I feel lucky’.”
Wolf, spent the next 10 minutes reviewing the pros and cons between choosing the Huldra, Beastkin, or Hybrid before finally deciding on the Hybrid.
“Ok Susan, let’s go hybrid. I think I am feeling lucky.”
A list of 50 races appeared, the others disappeared leaving only a black shadowed figure that could be seen. No details were visible, so
Wolf focused on the list.
“Susan, narrow the list to those who would be the best match to my personality and longest lived? Not really feeling like dying anytime soon.”
“Complied.”
The listed was narrowed down to 4 races. Mountain Dweorh, which Wolf threw out immediately. Beastkin which he stared, Draconic was a wildcard but assumed dragon or some form of reptile, and a Hobbit which confused him. Not wanting to be either a Hobbit. Wolf selected the Draconic, and much to Wolf’s surprise both the Dweorh and hobbit were non-selectable. Wolf tried selecting just the Dweorh and the other two were greyed out leaving only the hobbit.
“Susan, what is a Draconic and could you give me some sort of background on them?”
“Certainly, Draconics are a race that descend from a union between a humanoid race such as Humans, Beastkin, and Huldufolk with dragons, the children produced from this union are the Draconics. Draconics are exceedingly rare and have not been seen on the Algonan world in several millennia. Draconics been known to have been killed multiple times in battle or through other means but somehow continuously come back from the Black Mists”
“What do you mean Black Mists, and come back?”
“The Black Mists is considered the land where those who die go after death. Think of it as the afterlife for the world of Algona. The closest thing you would be familiar with regarding this would be respawning. It is said that after each death Draconics lose part of their soul when they die and that when they run out they die for good. The exception to this is death by old age, Draconics are the only known race to have this trait. Are there any other questions regarding Draconics?”
“Yes, how does the respawning thing work?” Wolf asked.
“You will respawn in your own corpse, in case your body is in a hostile area or destroyed, at the last safe location you slept in. Field camps are considered unsecure where it is not uncommon to become attacked by hostile entities.”
Wolf realized that this would be the best option to live longer and come back he chose the Beastkin, Draconic and after a few moments stared at a small box asking if he wanted to add any human into the mix. He thought for several moments before selecting the box and pressing the confirmation icon.
A notification appeared over everything.
“Please select a preferred Gemstone”
Bloodstone Agate – Scales empower the drain of life and magical energies from damaged enemies
Chromatic Crystal – Scales allow enhanced camouflage capabilities decreasing likelihood of being discovered while in stealth
Smoky Amethyst – Scales attune to psychic and mental skills and abilities. Increasing likelihood of adding additional effects or unlocking new skills and abilities.
Hmm. Wolf needed to pause for a moment. All of them were great but he needed to think what would be best for a long-term game plan. Finally coming to a decision Wolf chose Smoky Amethyst, he had an idea that if possible would make him a force to be reckoned with. Immediately upon selecting Smoky Amethyst an image of a grizzled Soldier appeared on the mirror. He was wearing grey scale armor, worn steel gauntlets, with matching shin and armguards. His helmet covered his pitch black metallic hair that was in a single braid flowing down his back, protruding from holes in the helmet were two triangular wolfish ears the same color as his hair.
At the end of his braid was weighted by a knife resembling a kunai. His face was beastly, frightening even, and had smoky purple scales covered most of his face, staring back at the molten gold reptilian eyes. Stubble was on his rugged face with the edges of his canine teeth poking out of his slightly muzzled mouth. Spread across his armor were various knives, and other blades of war. His right hand held a steel falchion that was opposite a medium heater shield. Dents, gashes and scrapes having long since removed the coat of arms on the armor.
“Well if this isn’t a winner I don’t know what is. Susan, why does he appear so…beastly? Isn’t the base a humanoid?”
“The method and way Charisma functions is that the lower your Charisma is the more primitive and unrefined you will appear. As your charisma increases your visage will start becoming more of your ideal appearance.”
“Ok, got it. Let’s see those stats.”
Draconic (Smokey Amethyst)/Beastkin (Lupine)/Bonus (Human) Hybrids are extremely rare. Those that are of Draconic descent typically are of evil alignment. It is not unheard of for these Hybrid to be born because of Sexual Assaults. Due to this they are often abandoned, and left to fend for themselves resulting in many becoming mercenaries, bandits, or worse. The lifespan of this specific Hybrid will range between 15,000-20,000 years based on the Draconic bloodline. The chaotic nature of the Hybrid will randomly give you:
4 unassigned stat points, and 1 common skill point per level
Upon creation, you receive the following bonuses
+ 2 STR
-1 INT
-2 CHA
+2 DEX
+0 AGI
+1 CON
+1 LCK
Ghost Warrior Level 1 (Passive, Racial) – When raiding or ambushing an enemy, 2% extra damage on initial attack, with 1 second confusion (per ally in a 10-meter radius; only stacks with others who have the “Ghost Warrior” ability). 24-hour cooldown
Hardened Scales Level 1 (Passive, Racial) – As your ability level increases your scales harden increasing your armor mitigation. (5+(10*Ability Level))
Chaotic Nature (Onetime, Racial) – Pick 1 of 10 randomly chosen abilities based on racial mix.
“Yep, this is definitely the one. What’s next Susan?”
“Accepted, next you will be able to fine tune your avatar’s appearance to your preferences.”
Wolf spent the next 15 minutes adjusting the physical aspects of the image before he was satisfied. The eyes were changed from molten gold to dark grey, he left the patches of smoky purple scales alone since he liked how it contrasted to the ashen grey skin and pitch-black hair. Increasing the height to 2 meters, he was always a bit conscious of his smaller muscle build, so he increased it enough to be respectable, and reduced his body fat. The tail peaked his curiosity as it was bushy like a wolf’s tail but the same color of his hair, at half a meter long he didn’t feel like making any changes to it. Slightly self-conscious he did make adjustment to his endowment, nothing drastic but enough to be satisfied with, he was after all a man. Content with the appearance, he selected accept. The image flashed, and he could see all the old scars he had accumulated over the years formed on the body of his soon to be body and from these scars the scales began to grow out.
“Please enter your desired official name. You will be unable to use your current given name, since it is tied to your previous body.” Susan instructed
‘Ah, how about Wolf; I am already accustomed to being called Wolf and Mikall since it’s the family name.’ he thought.
“Susan, call me Wolf Mikall from now on.” Wolf said as he distributed 10 unassigned stat points and bidding his now former name ‘Wolf’ goodbye.
“Accepted”
His vision blurring, he was sucked into the mirror. Covering his face for the impact about to happen he felt cool water envelop him. A few moments later he opened his eyes to see himself in the skin of the avatar.
“Ok that was weird” Wolf commented
Unlike before where he was wearing his uniform, now he stood in front of the mirror stark naked.
“Uh, Susan. Can I get some cloths?”
“You currently have no clothing in your possession.”
“Shouldn’t I get some form of beginner’s cloths or something?” Wolf asked worried
“Entities who arrive through non-traditional means arrive in the world in the same fashion as those naturally born.”
“Shit, alright let’s look at the what my final stats look like.”
The final screen of my avatar screen popped up.
“Susan, can you explain the skill point thing?” Wolf asked
“Certainly, please see the window.”
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1 Legendary Point requires 2 Epic points
1 Epic Point requires 2 Rare point
1 Rare Point requires 2 Uncommon points
1 Uncommon Point requires 2 Common points
You receive 1 Racial skill point per 5 Levels
“Every level you will gain 1 common ability point per level. You can exchange 2 Common ability point for 1 Uncommon ability point. The use of ability points instantly increases their effectiveness.”
Name: Wolf Mikall
Age: 1000 (28)
Sex: Male
Race: Draconic/Beastkin Hybrid
Level: 1
Alignment: Chaotic
Moral: Neutral
Class: ????