Hidden in the shadows, amidst the moonlit sky, a dark figure sat quietly on a large branch high up in a tree. A black cloak, adorned with raven feathers, concealed him as he lay in wait for his next victims. His eyes were barely visible beneath his cowl as he watched two figures walking towards his position.
"We need to find shelter. Who knows what's lurking in the darkness?" the first man, Donnie, said to the slightly taller one.
"Ha, are you afraid, Donnie? This is just the beginning, and we barely have a few levels on us. We don't need shelter. We need to find more mobs," the taller one, Kendel, scoffed.
"But, but, but..." Donnie stuttered, his lips quivering.
"Shhh, did you hear that?" Kendel asked, his bravado fading, replaced by terror.
"No, what was it?" Donnie asked, shaking.
"It's your dignity back there," Kendel said with a smirk, regaining his confidence.
"Screw you, Kendel," Donnie cried.
"Ha, you should see the look on your face," Kendel said, laughing.
Donnie continued, "One day you will pay. If my father was here..."
Kendel interrupted. "Blah, blah, blah, you and your father need me. If he was here right now, I would gut him where he stands. Why he hired an ex-con to protect your sorry ass is beyond me. Sorry, Mr. Dallas, your son was too weak and died from a simple stab wound," Kendel laughed menacingly.
"You, you wouldn't," Donnie cried.
"I would." The dark figure said before dropping from above, piercing the tops of their craniums with two very sharp knives. The three bodies dropped to the ground, but the dark figure slowly got up and searched his surroundings for anyone nearby. "That was too easy," he said. Looking through their gear, he took what he liked and pulled both blades from the tops of their skulls. "Thank you," he said, laughing maniacally. "These should do nicely," he added, placing the gear and trinkets in his bag. The cloaked figure cleaned his blades on their clothes and wandered into the darkness. "I need more to play with," he whispered.
"What happened?" Tomas asked.
David, looking Scott over, responded, "I don't know. Maybe he's low on stats."
"Try and give him some potions or something," Tomas added.
David pulled out a stamina potion, uncorked it, and forced it down Scott's throat, then slapped him across the face.
"What the hell, man?" Scott said as he came to rubbing his cheek.
David continued, "You passed out again. What are your stats at?"
"My stamina is really low again, 50/940," Scott replied.
"How is that possible?" David asked, puzzled.
"What do you mean? How is it possible?" Scott pried.
"Dude, the potion I gave you replenishes 150 stamina. How much did you have going in? Because you should be dead," David sighed.
"Uhm, like 220-ish," Scott replied.
"Dude, that's system fuckery right there," David said.
"We need to keep going, so let's get a move on," Tomas motioned.
Scott got to his feet, feeling wobbly and off-kilter. Continuing forward through the caves, the last tunnel proved to be the most rewarding, as they found no more dire wolfs. Unfortunately, they also found carcasses lying around in front of a large stone gate with aged stone doors. Markings of two dire wolves were etched into the trim on either side of the door.
“What were they doing here? A mass sacrifice?” Osia asked.
“Who knows.” Scott replied.
“There must be keys on the Alpha's.” David spoke up.
“Didn't find any keys on them.” Tomas added
Osiah spoke up “What if it's not keys per se, maybe the blood of both Alphas acts as the key to open it.”
“You would think of something like that wouldn't you?” Rick snickered.
“It pays to be a Blood witch.” Osia replied. “Would you like me to try some of my spells on the likes of you?”
“Eh, on second thought, Blood witches are cool…” Rick replied.
“Ok who is going to get the blood?” Tomas asked.
“Say no more, I can run out to the Male and get its blood. One of you can grab the Alpha female's blood, and we can test it out.” Scott said.
Tomas chimes in while rummaging through the carcasses and finds two chests.” Wait, guys, I think I found something. Give me a hand , would you?” George jumps in there knee deep in blood and guts to help Tomas pull out one large chest. While David and Scott pulled out another.
Taking their time they both cleaned the chests before looking them both over and Tomas finally opened the first one.
[Staff of Undead Reckoning(Ancient)] Created and used by a High ranking Necromancer long past. This staff allows the user to raise three more additional undead than normal. Each at higher levels than allotted. None of which can be the same level as the user, but two levels below. Wisdom +70, perception +70, Vitality +70
[Robe of the Dark Witch(Ancient)]
This green velvet robe was once worn by a Witch of the three sisters. Allows the user to cast more efficiently and with more stability. All Stats increased by 30%.
[Paper Phoenix Griffin(Rare)]
This old paper covered in runes is a foldable and sentient pet that can be reborn from its ashes and is loyal to its master. It folds itself up to look like an envelope when it's sleeping and can unfold at will when awake. Once the creature has been bonded with a master, it will stay with that master until he or she passes or is deemed unworthy. Gives you a slight resistance to fire. +30 Wis, +30 Int
[Viridian Linen Shawl(Artifact)]
This shawl is woven from what feels like an ancient, verdant linen. Its color is a deep, rich green, almost shimmering with a life of its own. It is impossibly light and feels like a gentle breeze against the skin. Despite its simple appearance, the weave is intricate, hinting at a forgotten art of weaving and magic. A faint, earthy scent of moss and rainfall perpetually emanates from the fabric. The Viridian Linen Shawl is imbued with immense natural power, granting its wearer several potent abilities while attuned to it: Verdant Spellcasting: Once per day, you can cast one druid spell of your choice from the druid spell list without expending a spell slot or material components. Primal Infusion: Your maximum mana pool is increased by 25%. Nature's Embrace: Your mana regeneration rate is 50% faster than normal, allowing you to recover your magical energy at a remarkable pace.
Then they opened up the second chest and found this one is a bit longer and smaller.
[Swift Leopard Armor(Legendary)]
This armor is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, appearing as a sleek, seamless suit of segmented leather and chainmail that shimmers with the coat pattern of a great leopard. It is incredibly light and flexible, moving with the wearer as if it were a second skin. The material feels almost impossibly smooth, and a faint, electric hum can be felt when it is worn, hinting at the powerful magic woven into its core. The Swift Leopard Armor is imbued with immense speed and power, granting its wearer the following properties: Swiftness of the Hunter: Your movement speed is increased by 30%. Stats: +60 Str, Agil, Per, and End, +20 Vit.
[Ring of the Swift Fox(Legendary)]
This ring is a delicate and finely crafted piece of jewelry made from polished silver, with a stylized fox head carved into its face. The eyes of the fox are two small, polished emeralds that seem to glimmer with a spark of wild intelligence. The ring is impossibly light and feels cool against the skin, and when worn, it imbues the wearer with the swift and cunning nature of its namesake. Swiftness of the Hunter: Your movement speed is increased by 10%. Acrobatic Grace: You gain a +60 Str, +60 Agil.
[Short sword of the Burning Sun (Legendary)]
This short sword is a magnificent blade forged in the heart of a star. Its blade is a brilliant, fiery orange, and it is so hot that it hums with a gentle, scorching energy. The hilt is wrapped in the hide of a phoenix, and the pommel is a small, polished sunstone that glows with an inner light. Abilities: Sunlight Channeling (Active): Once per day, you can call upon the sun and become one with its light for a short period of time. Using light as your path, you can move at the speed of light, making you an unstoppable force on the battlefield. Solar Resistance (Passive): The sword's immense heat gives you a passive resistance to all fire damage, allowing you to endure the most scorching of flames. Stats: +60 Str, +60 Agil, +60 Vit, +60 End.
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[Boots of the Speed Demon(Epic)] A Rare speed that can burn a path behind you adds 10 percent movement and stamina increased by 10 percent while also improving stamina regeneration by double the speed. Also a slight improved fire resistance.+40 Agi, +40 End
[Dragon Kings Toothpick(Rare)]
This is a fearsome, crimson-red dagger, its blade etched with what looks like flowing magma. It is said to be carved from a single, massive tooth of an ancient dragon. The hilt is a dark, scaled material that feels warm to the touch and provides a surprisingly comfortable grip. The dagger's true power lies in its ability to adapt to its wielder's needs. You can command the dagger to transform into a longsword and back again. Dragon's Fire: You gain resistance to fire damage. Stats: +30 Agil, +30 Vit.
“May I have the short sword and boots? If everyone is cool with that? the boots would be a nice boon since I'm using more speed now in my build.” Scott explained.
They decided that a group vote would be best. Tomas held up each item and if they wanted the item they would put a hand up. From there they all decided if it was a class specific item then the class would get first dibs. Naturally, Tomas took the dagger and the staff, the chest piece went to Rick, Osia naturally got the robes and the shaw. The ring went to Peter. David took the paper Phoenix Griffin(Finally getting his griffin in a way). While Scott got the boots and the short sword.
Each of the crew were pleased with their choices and moved on to the next best thing, the gate to their first dungeon, or so they think. The mana density was very thick near the gate from what Scott could see.
The excitement for the first dungeon was getting to Scott. “I wonder what's in there? and what do we have to do there?” Scott thought. “Oh man, I'm getting anxious.”
He slid the new boots on and attached the new short sword to his belt after of course swinging it around a little bit while walking through the cave. Making his way back through the tunnels and seeing the carnage, blood and guts everywhere just made you queasy and the smell in the air made him gag a few times.
“That's the difference between here and a video game you can see and hear, but the rest of the senses of taste, smell, and touch is completely different in person. Especially when your senses are enhanced.” Scott mumbled. Spotting the Alpha lying on the ground out in the middle of the field, He walks up to the Alpha and checks him over. “This mofo was huge especially since the magic for enlargement has timed out. I felt like I was with Clifford the big red dog.” Scott mused. Looking through his bag he finds a rag and pulls it out.
Then Scott found a nice fist size hole in its side and shoved the rag inside the wound and twisted it around to gather as much blood as possible. “Wow David did a number to this bastard. I wonder how tough he would be in battle. We will have to duel soon to get some much needed practice. But first let's get this rag back to the gate.” Scott thought.
Just as he stood up he noticed a small glint of something inside the carcass as light reflected off what looked like a crystal. Scott reached and pulled it out and took another rag out of his bag and cleaned it off. “A white crystal? That's different.” Scott said. Looking it over.
Quickly he scanned it to get an idea of what it does.
[Alpha Dire wolf's Heart (Unique)]
This crystal heart is all that remains of an Alpha Dire wolf, a beast of immense power and cunning. It remains unnaturally warm to the touch and throbs with a faint, steady beat. Its very essence hums with raw, untamed power, making it a highly sought-after component for a variety of crafts. Alchemical Infusion (Crafting): With alchemy, this heart can be used to create a powerful elixir that grants the drinker a temporary surge of raw strength and physical prowess. Unending Might (Crafting): In the hands of a skilled leatherworker, the heart can be infused into a piece of armor. The armor will take on some of the Alpha Dire wolf's immense abilities, granting a significant bonus to the wearer's physical attributes and an increased resilience to physical damage.
“This will be useful in crafting leather gear.” Scott thought.
On his way back he decided to grab one of the bottles he had that was empty and collect a bit of the blue moss. “I would like to see what I can do with it later. Maybe infuse it into some leather armor or something later to make it glow.” Scott mused.
“It's about time you showed up.” Osia said with a grin.
“Yeah, what did you do to take the scenic route?” Tomas chimed in.
“Thought you got lost again.” Peter pipes in.
“Ah, missed me already did you?” Scott says with a smirk
Approaching the gate, David and Scott set the blood from the Alphas on either side of the stone door, touching two different, foreign runes. Energy began to move through the room with great force, making the cave shake and vibrate all around. The runes lit up with a crimson red light before the door slid open, revealing a swirling purple portal.
**Dungeon Unlocked**
**A Level 10 portal is now open to you and your group** **Only seven can enter**
**Do you wish to enter?**
Turning around and looking at the crew, Scott asked, “Hey guys, are we all ready, or do we want to wait a few minutes?”
“Let's do it!” Tomas said excitedly.
“I'm ready,” Osia said nervously. George nodded.
David spun around, still in owlbear form. “I'm ready.”
That's when Peter piped up, “Ah, give a minute to clean my gun, would yah?”
“Always waiting on you,” Scott said while looking at his watch (which he doesn't have).
While Peter cleaned his gun Scott walked back to where the female Dire wolf was and began to cut into her. Within a few minutes he found a second crystal heart. He cleaned it up and tossed it into his bag before heading back to check and see if it was finally time to head into the portal.
Everyone geared up, and David passed out potions. Each person checked their stats to make sure they were up to date and hadn't left any points unused, ensuring they were all on top of their game before the dive into their very first dungeon.
**Slayed [Dire wolf (lvl 8)]x34**
**Level Gained[Slayer] level 11**
**Slayed [Alpha Male Dire wolf (lvl 13)] extra experience Gained for defeating one above your level**
**You Have Slain [Alpha Female Dire wolf (lvl 12)] extra experience Gained for defeating one above your level**
**Level Gained[Slayer] level 12**
[Name: Scott Armidais Wheaton]
[Race: Beastkin (Iota)]
[Class: Slayer (lvl 12)] [Hero]
Professions: [Skinner 1/Leatherworker 3]
Health Points (HP): 1740/1740
Mana Points (MP): 324/324
Stamina: 220/2240
Stats-
Strength: 224
Agility: 288
Vitality: 174
Wisdom: 27
Intelligence: 32
Endurance: 277
Toughness: 57
Perception: 100
Willpower: 27
Skills-
[Bloodline:(Nature of the Beast(Common)(10%)]
[Craft[Leather Working level 3 (Primary)]
[Craft[ Skinning level 1(Common)]
[Dagger Mastery(Common)]
[Medium armor proficient]
[Short Sword mastery(Uncommon)]
[Short bow Mastery(Common)]
[Weapons proficient all]
Abilities-
[Beastmode(Common)(5%)]
[Mark of Prey(Common)]
[Surging speed(Common)]
[Scan]
Titles-
[First kill in tutorial]
[Den Mother]
[Hero(5%)]
“Yeah so, my stamina is still at 220/2240. I may need to drink some stamina potions real quick.” Scott said, grabbing two of the stamina potions that he was given by David, Scott drank them back to back. Then the unexpected happened.
**System limit 2 potions of each type an hour no more stamina potions can be used at this time. Trying to drink more will hurt you or cause sickness**
Scott's face went blank for a moment, a wave of surprise washed over him at the unexpected system notification. He knew there would be limitations created by the system, but never expected it to be on potions. Shaking off his momentary shock, He raised his voice to address the Crew at his current finding. “Hey guys so I guess there is a limit to how many potions you can take, it's two per type an hour.”
"Yeah, we already knew that," Peter said with a grin, a hint of amusement in his voice.
“A little late to the game are we Scott?” Osia snickered, a playful jab in her tone.
"I guess so," Scott admitted, a slight flush creeping up his neck. "Alright, it's still not bad, depending on how much stamina I have left. Maybe it'll be good enough."
They all accepted the prompt from the system and were immediately teleported into the portal. One moment they were in the cave and the next moment they materialized inside a vast forest in what seemed the middle of the day. A well used trail lies before them heading towards a small mountain that reaches high above the crown of the trees. Each tree must have stood at least two hundred feet tall, their trunks as wide as redwoods.
“So,” Scott said, surveying their surroundings before speaking again. “Do we take the well beaten path or risk going through the woods? Especially since we have no idea what beasts we are dealing with yet.”
"Or I can scope out the area as a bird, then we can go from there," David suggested, his form already beginning to ripple and change.
They all nodded in agreement, and with a final shift, David transformed into a magnificent eagle, its sharp eyes already scanning the dense foliage below as he took flight.
A few tense minutes later, the familiar sight of the large eagle circling back overhead brought a sense of relief. With a powerful descent, he landed gracefully before them, the feathers and talons melting away to reveal the hulking form of the owlbear once more. "Well," David began, his gaze sweeping over our expectant faces, "do you want the good news or the bad news?"
"I'm tired of the bad news," Osia declared, a hopeful smirk playing on her lips. "Let's have some good news for once."
David continued, "Good news is there are goblins. The bad news is there are a shit ton of them. Also, they are not like the small ones you see in Pathfinder. Also there are many patrols walking in and outside the wall with two goblins paired with one goblin dog."
“These are more like the orcs' size in Lord of the Rings. Skinny, dumb and vile like always.” David elaborated. “A few took potshots at me while I was flying around. But that's not all. There is a cave behind the back of the camp that appears to go deep underground. Oh, and I forgot the Goblin King isn't a Goblin at all. It's a
[Ogre Chieftain (lvl 15)]
“Ok, how many Goblins did you see? And at what level?” Tomas asked, his mind shifting into planning mode.
David continued “Well it seems like each [Goblin (lvl 8)] and at least I'm thinking sixty or seventy above ground that's including the towers. Each tower had at least two or three Goblins, and there were also twenty or so Goblin dogs.”
Peter stepped up. “Hey guys, you could just check the system for the mission.”
**Your mission, should you choose/decide to accept it, should you or any of your crew be caught or killed, there are no respawns, and no one will come to save you. Infiltrate the Ogre Chieftains fort, kill all that is inside and find out what they are hiding inside that cave.**
**GOBLINS 0/150**
**Goblin dogs 0/40**
**Ogre Chieftain 0/1**
**Mystery 0/1**
**Timer 47H:55M:10S..**
"That's... considerably more than 'a shit ton,' David," Scott said, a nervous chuckle escaping his lips.
"Eh, it's stupid math," David shrugged, his owlbear eyes glinting.
"Alright, let's get moving, since there's a timer," Tomas said, his voice firm and decisive. "David and Rick, you two take out the towers near the gate and get it open. Scott, Peter, and George, you handle the patrols. Osia and I will prepare a few spells, and I'll start raising any unfortunate souls we stumble across."
They all nodded, a sense of focused determination settling over the group. George and Peter moved off to the left, melting into the treelined forest.
Scott shifted into his faster, more agile werewolf form and moved off to the right. “Man, I really wished we had some kind of comms to coordinate. Oh well, no time for regrets.” Scott mused complaining about their current situation. He crept silently through the undergrowth, his senses on high alert. That's when he saw his first real, live Goblin. “David wasn't kidding; it was the size of a small orc, its skin a sickly green, and it held a crude, rusty-looking spear.”
