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Fantasy Tally Ho!

Hmmmm. I think in this situation Protego isn't such a good idea.

I'm split on either chain lightning or sleep. I'm not sure about Using sleep because I'm not sure about whether or not the spell will affect a dead skull, though I might be wrong. Chain lighting would be most likely the best choice but it will be loud enough to cause attention.

3. Because I'm not sure sleep will work and we can alert the town and our neighbors about something strange. Besides this is likely to stop the skulls spell since it will be interrupted. We damage it and most likely save ourselves. It's just a more safer option than sleep, and if the person who made the monster is in our home, they may be close enough to hit!
I agree.
 
chain_lightning_by_thoughtweaver-d72syfa.png

- Elena's Home -

" OOC "

girl_in_color_by_wildweasel339-d33bs0s.jpg


BOOM

A deafening roar and blinding flash overwhelmed our heroine. Ears ringing, all Elena could see after she opened her eyes was double of everything and blue shocks sparkling from her hand. She had stumbled out of bed, tangled in her bed sheets; the terrifying specter was gone.

Muffled screams and shouts grew louder as the ringing in her ears faded. There was a big smoking, burning hole through her wall and the wall next door. Her neighbor, whose smoking pipe was half burned from the spell, stared at her in shock from the gap, a bit of wood crumbling.

"Elena?" he said, shocked. A group of people had gathered below. Everyone's lamps were turning on and scared or curious faces peeked out from their windows; she could hear the whistling of the guards as they approached.

"There was an explosion from the library!" cried a voice below; "Lightning just blasted out!"; "Is Elena okay!?"; "Elena!"

"I'm okay! There was a skull! I was attacked" she yelled at her neighbors, looking around. Did she destroy it? She wasn't able to see. She was scared to go downstairs. "Can someone come get me please!"

She heard people break open her locked door downstairs. Suddenly someone cried out saying that there was an unconscious woman downstairs --- then somebody yelped. It seemed he was electrocuted when he touched the woman. Her neighbors went up to her, and she was aware that she was just wearing her night gown. Hastily, she turned and donned a cloak, and went down with her friend's arm over her shoulders. She hadn't realized that her heart was beating fast.

There on the floor was a woman she has never seen before, nor anyone else in their neighborhood. Just one look and Elena knew she was her attacker. She had broken in somehow and tried to cast that spell on her! "I think it was her! She attacked me!"

"The lightning?"

"No, the skull. There was a skull, I did the lightning."

"What? You're a warlock?!" said her neighbors, surprised.

"No, I just learned that yesterday. Look it doesn't matter right now. That woman tried to make me forget about something." And then it clicked. It must be something about the sword, the raven tattoo she saw. What else could it be? But she wasn't sure. She needs to tell someone about the tattoo, someone she could rely on.

When the guards came, she asked them to take her to Sir Caterwall. She knew that because of the questioning of the crowd after the sword shattering, they are still in the tournament area.

"But, Elena, that's the head servant of the king, we can't disturb them for a break in." said one of the guards, as the others dispelled the stunning effect of the shock spell so that they could touch the lady and take her into custody.

"It wasn't an ordinary break in, trust me." she said patiently. "And I will take full responsibility. You don't have to come with me into their camp, just escort me safely there, please. It's urgent that I speak to Sir Caterwall."

But to her annoyance, the guards placed a blanket over her to ease her mental shock, and insisted she come with them to the guard house for questioning. They said they will call for Sir Caterwall, but they need to get the full story first. This whole thing about Elena being an secretly unregistered warlock was serious.

[1] - Go with the guards and captured lady, but tell her neighbors to inform Sir Caterwall immediately. (Persuasion Difficulty: Must roll 16 or higher)

[2] - Firmly convince guards to escort you to Sir Caterwall. (Persuasion Difficulty: Must roll 16 or higher. )

[3] - Put at least two guards to sleep, and then attempt to run away to tell Sir Caterwall immediately (-6 manna)

[4] - Kill that woman. She's dangerous.

[5] - ?? (Reader's feel free to write your own actions)



- Elena Goodhart -
Health: 4/4 | Manna: 7/10 | Armor: 0
Condition: Healthy​

Spells Learned:
"Sentinel" || 2 Mp. Wards an area for 2 hours. An alarm against intrusion that warns Elena either mentally or audibly if something as large as a dog or bigger enters or touches the area. Those who speak the password do not trigger the alarm. Limit: 100 m. diameter.

"Protego" || 2 Mp. +4 Armor for one round or six seconds. A deflecting shield charm.

"Detect Magic" || 1 Mp. Sense magical wards, arcane vibes from items, people, and areas where recent arcane spells have been cast.

Sleep || Mp 3. Knocks a target out for a couple of hours.

"Chain Lightning" || 3 Mp. 4 dmg. Upon rolling an even number, lightning arcs and strikes next nearest opponent. This spell creates a very loud thunder.
Attributes:
  • Intelligence: 4
  • Strength: 1
  • Dexterity: 1
Qualities:
  • Photographic Memory: +2 Knowledge
  • Soft Spoken: +2 Persuasion
  • Loves Food: +2 Cooking
Drawbacks:
  • Out of Shape: -1 Physical Endurance
  • Clumsy: -1 Stealth
Money: 1 silver, 10 coppers

Weapons:
Main Hand: -
Off-hand: -​

Armor:
Head: -
Torso: Nightgown, Armor 0
Legs: -
Hands: -​

Accessories:
Trinket I: -
Trinket II: -​

Backpack: Satchel
  1. Coin Pouch
  2. Parchment
  3. Quill and Ink
 
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To be honest, I'm not sure how much we can trust that Caterwall fellow. If our unknown assailant was trying to make us forget about the raven, there is a large chance that she was sent by Caterwall himself. Looking at the choices given, none really seem feasible to me, so here is what I propose to do:
-Agree to be escorted by the guards to the guard house, but escape en route by casting a sleep spell. There will be less guards present than at a crime scene, and you can disappear into the forest.
Then, depending on what the others think, we could either:
-spread the knowledge of the raven tattoo to as many people possible; this will make us less of a target, but may have implications down the road. Also it could cause fear and panic across the country
-Return to the guard house and see what information you can glean without being found, however, this is hampered by our clumsy stat.
-Attempt to interrogate the woman.
 
To be honest, I'm not sure how much we can trust that Caterwall fellow. If our unknown assailant was trying to make us forget about the raven, there is a large chance that she was sent by Caterwall himself. Looking at the choices given, none really seem feasible to me, so here is what I propose to do:
-Agree to be escorted by the guards to the guard house, but escape en route by casting a sleep spell. There will be less guards present than at a crime scene, and you can disappear into the forest.
Then, depending on what the others think, we could either:
-spread the knowledge of the raven tattoo to as many people possible; this will make us less of a target, but may have implications down the road. Also it could cause fear and panic across the country
-Return to the guard house and see what information you can glean without being found, however, this is hampered by our clumsy stat.
-Attempt to interrogate the woman.

I'll go with whatever Viper decides is the best course of action.
 
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- Tulgey Woods -

"Outskirts of Oldham Farmlands"

Elena sighed and agreed to go with them. She was allowed a few minutes to slip into better clothes and bring her satchel with her, so she packed up the her history book with the mark of the Raven King, and grabbed an apple from the dining table. The town guards had brought along their barred and steel reinforced horse carriage, and she sat inside with two guards and the unconscious lady, while two others were up front on the coachman's area.

They left her library and the gathered crowd. As the carriage trundled along the streets, one of the guards conjured a ball of flames and placed it in a glass jar with a holder bolted to the window. He took out a parchment and quill and began asking Elena to recall tonight's events.

As she told him about her dream, she noticed that he was fidgety. Nervous. And the other guard was sweaty. Was it because of the unconscious lady with them? She was a warlock, probably, if it was she who tried to cast a spell on Elena, but the lady was chained with sealing cuffs --- locks that drained a warlock's manna so they couldn't do magic --- so the lady was relatively harmless.

Then the carriage went off the main road and into a side street. This wasn't the way to the guard house. "Excuse me," began Elena, peering out the barred window, "where are we going --- mmph?!"

A heavy gloved hand wrapped around her mouth, as the guard behind her hugged her arms in place; the other dispelled the flames so all was darkness. There was the sound of clinking chains, and with mounting horror, she realized as she kicked and tried to bite the hand holding her down, that they were trying to put a sealing cuff on her.

"Wake, Gothel up! Tell her to finish the spell!" struggled the guard quietly.

"I can't, the librarian's kicking, I've got to hold her legs down! --- Gothel, Gothel!" hissed the second guard. They were loud enough for the guards outside to hear, but they seem to be ignoring whatever was going on.

Elena thrashed, as she was being choked, her vision getting dizzy for lack of air, then she got a foothold and shot up, headbutting the nose of the man hugging her; his grip loosened for a moment ---

"Sleep!" she gasped, croakily. A whoosh like the passing of an invisible bird washed over the two guards, and they slacked like puppets who had their strings cut; Elena caught them, then gave way under their weight, but they fell quietly enough for the creaking of the carriage's wheels through the cobblestone road to mask the sound.

Massaging her throat, she felt in the darkness for the keys that opened the back of the carriage. Then, suddenly struck with an idea, she quickly began to undress one of the smaller guards and then don his uniform.

"Everything alright, back there?" said one of the coachmen

"Yeah. All's good." said Elena huskily, in a good imitation of the sleeping guard's voice. Heart pounding, she looked out to see where they were. They seemed to be heading out the town gate, heading north towards the keep of the Paladins of the Northern Cross.

Hastily, she pushed the remaining guard up, and stuffed away her dress under the seat. She didn't know what to do with the other guard, but quickly chained him up too and bowed his head down so that he looked like a prisoner too. They arrived at the gates, and torches passed behind the barred windows as the guards at the gates peered inside for a moment. The guard on the coachman's seat said they were bringing more suspects to the keep and were allowed to pass through.

It was when they passed through a cornfield that Elena finally unlocked the back of the carriage, then stumbled out into the road, then dashed into the talk stalks of corn. She didn't stop running, not even when she heard the cry of alarm in the distance behind her and the shouting of an escaped prisoner.

She fled into Tulgey Woods. And then, when all was quiet and all she could hear were the croaking of frogs and the chirping of crickets --- she collapsed, exhausted, somewhere she didn't know. She couldn't see. But just felt around for a place where she could sleep and hide.

Into some bushes seemed to be the nearest choice and she huddled inside, wanting to cry. What was going on, and why did the guards try to kill her too? She was very afraid and confused, and more importantly, feared for the evil that was happening secretly in the land.


Chapter Complete! Gained 1 Attribute Point!
[1] - Spend point to increase Intelligence.
Used for bluffing, persuasion, spotting hidden things, successfully casting spells, enchanting, and increasing manna by 2 and slightly improves effectiveness of learned spells.​

[2] - Spend point to increase Strength.
Used for feats of strength such as climbing, jumping, swimming, or carrying more things. Increases melee damage by 1 and Hp by 2.​

[3] - Spend point to increase Dexterity.
Used for evasion, agility, sprinting, acrobatics, sleight of hand, and sneaking around. Increases armor by 1 and accuracy of melee and ranged weapons by 1.​



- Elena Goodhart -
Health: 4/4 | Manna: 1/10 | Armor: 4
Condition: Healthy​

Spells Learned:
"Sentinel" || 2 Mp. Wards an area for 2 hours. An alarm against intrusion that warns Elena either mentally or audibly if something as large as a dog or bigger enters or touches the area. Those who speak the password do not trigger the alarm. Limit: 100 m. diameter.

"Protego" || 2 Mp. +4 Armor for one round or six seconds. A deflecting shield charm.

"Detect Magic" || 1 Mp. Sense magical wards, arcane vibes from items, people, and areas where recent arcane spells have been cast.

Sleep || Mp 3. Knocks a target out for a couple of hours.

"Chain Lightning" || 3 Mp. 4 dmg. Upon rolling an even number, lightning arcs and strikes next nearest opponent. This spell creates a very loud thunder.
Attributes:
  • Intelligence: 4
  • Strength: 1
  • Dexterity: 1
Qualities:
  • Photographic Memory: +2 Knowledge
  • Soft Spoken: +2 Persuasion
  • Loves Food: +2 Cooking
Drawbacks:
  • Out of Shape: -1 Physical Endurance
  • Clumsy: -1 Stealth
Money: 1 silver, 30 coppers

Weapons:
Main Hand: - Iron Dagger. 2 dmg.
Off-hand: - Wooden Shield. 25% to block melee attacks and missiles.​

Armor:
Head: Guard Helmet. +1 armor.
Torso: Leather Armor. +1 armor.
Legs: Leather Boots. +1 armor.
Hands: Leather Gloves. +1 armor.​

Accessories:
Trinket I: -
Trinket II: -​

Backpack: Satchel
  1. Coin Pouch
  2. Parchment
  3. Quill and Ink
  4. Apple
  5. Oldham History Book
  6. Iron sword || Too heavy for Elena to use properly.
 
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I'm torn between either Dexterity or Intelligence.

3. Because while we are good at being smart we should also be kinda fast since we can't always rely on our magic.
 
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- Secrets and Murmurs -
" Chapter Two "

Rested for 8 Hours Manna replenished.


Poke, poke

Sniff, sniff

Lick


"Hah!" Elena gasped awake. A big black wet nose was sniffing her, and a furry maw that smelled of fish was licking her eyes and helmet. She pushed the head away for a better look, and there in between her hands was an absently panting, slobbering hound. "Hello?"

Woof, woof!

"Lemon, where are you girl?!" yelled a voice close by in the woods, followed by whistling. Oh no, a person! Elena has to hide! --- but she tripped on a root. "Oh, there you are." Too late, Elena tried to get away, but the dog, a large hound, was following her, licking her face.

"Hey, Lemon, stop, that's a guard --- I'm so sorry, sir, bad dog! Bad dog! So sorry, ah, here let me help you."

An archer who seemed to be a hunter by the smell of deer musk and pines about him, helped Elena up her feet; she avoided his eyes.

"No, I'm alright." Darn, she forgot to use a fake man voice. She has to get out of here. No doubt word of her escape has spread by now, people would be looking for her. "J-just be careful this time." Then she had an idea. "Tell me, have you seen an escaped prisoner go by here?"

"No, a prisoner has escaped, ma'am? Is it someone from the paladins' keep?"

"Something like that." said Elena, trying to sound as business like as possible. "They broke out from a guard's coach back at the farmlands, then disappeared heading west. Is there a possible place someone who's wanted might go to and hide or escape from the law near here?"

"Well . . . there is the village where I'm from, but it's three days away. There's a lot of monsters in the forest, by the river and the falls on the way, so they could still be going around and going through the safer trails, though it's commonly used. Someone could have seen him go through there."

"Where are you headed?"

"Back to my village. I was stalking deer, sir, but the wolves got to it first." he chuckled, sounding a bit disheartened.


[1] - Go with the hunter and his dog to his village and spread the knowledge of the raven tattoo to as many people possible.

[2] - Talk and bribe him with some coin to help you return to the guard house and see what information you can glean without being found.

[3] - Talk and bribe him with some coin to help you get inside the keep of the Paladin's Northern Cross and try to discover the truth.

[4] - Look for that woman who attacked you and try to interrogate her. Last you know of her whereabouts was that the guard coach was heading for the keep.

[5] - ? (Readers, feel free to control Elena)



- Elena Goodhart -
Health: 4/4 | Manna: 10/10 | Armor: 6
Condition: Healthy​

Spells Learned:
"Sentinel" || 2 Mp. Wards an area for 2 hours. An alarm against intrusion that warns Elena either mentally or audibly if something as large as a dog or bigger enters or touches the area. Those who speak the password do not trigger the alarm. Limit: 100 m. diameter.

"Protego" || 2 Mp. +4 Armor for one round or six seconds. A deflecting shield charm.

"Detect Magic" || 1 Mp. Sense magical wards, arcane vibes from items, people, and areas where recent arcane spells have been cast.

Sleep || Mp 3. Knocks a target out for a couple of hours.

"Chain Lightning" || 3 Mp. 4 dmg. Upon rolling an even number, lightning arcs and strikes next nearest opponent. This spell creates a very loud thunder.
Attributes:
  • Intelligence: 4
  • Strength: 1
  • Dexterity: 2
Qualities:
  • Photographic Memory: +2 Knowledge
  • Soft Spoken: +2 Persuasion
  • Loves Food: +2 Cooking
Drawbacks:
  • Out of Shape: -1 Physical Endurance
  • Clumsy: -1 Stealth
Money: 1 silver, 30 coppers

Weapons:
Main Hand: - Iron Dagger. 2 dmg.
Off-hand: - Wooden Shield. 25% to block melee attacks and missiles.​

Armor:
Head: Guard Helmet. +1 armor.
Torso: Leather Armor. +1 armor.
Legs: Leather Boots. +1 armor.
Hands: Leather Gloves. +1 armor.

Dex Bonus: +2​

Accessories:
Trinket I: -
Trinket II: -​

Backpack: Satchel
  1. Coin Pouch
  2. Parchment
  3. Quill and Ink
  4. Apple
  5. Oldham History Book
  6. Iron sword || Too heavy for Elena to use properly.
 
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Best choice is 1. In my opinion. Going back to guards and the Paladins is a bad idea mainly because I don't believe we're equipped to deal with them. But if Vioer has a better idea I'll listen.
 
Well, what does spreading news of the tattoo really do anyways? It's not like the villagers can or will do anything with that information, and it just puts everyone in the village in danger. I think we should gather more information in order to make an informed decision later on. On that note, I do agree with AD that with the extent of our abilities right now, returning to the guard house or heading to the Keep will be dangerous and ultimately futile. Let's see if we can gain an ally and a place of refuge by going with the hunter, but refrain from spreading news of the tattoo for now. [5]
 
Well, what does spreading news of the tattoo really do anyways? It's not like the villagers can or will do anything with that information, and it just puts everyone in the village in danger. I think we should gather more information in order to make an informed decision later on. On that note, I do agree with AD that with the extent of our abilities right now, returning to the guard house or heading to the Keep will be dangerous and ultimately futile. Let's see if we can gain an ally and a place of refuge by going with the hunter, but refrain from spreading news of the tattoo for now. [5]
I'll go with Viper on this one.
 
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- Tulgey Woods -

" Hunter's Trail "

"Well, if you lead me to your village, I'll pay you thirty coppers for the service. That should buy you enough food for five days." said Elena.

In their kingdom, five coppers was enough to buy grains and a cabbage for pottage. It's a peasant's meal, a thin porridge that's usually kept over the fire for days. Families add vegetables and the rare meat in the boiling pot, and as the days go by the cooked greens are eaten and new ingredients are added, so that it never tasted the same.

"That's very generous of you, ma'am! I can tell you're new around these parts, people don't pay this much for a guide. I'm Ethan, I'll work hard to get you to my village safely! It's just an eight hour hike from here, we'll get there before lunch time."

E-eight hours? Thought Elena. In this heavy armor and this dense woods? They'll likely arrive at night. "Lead the way then, Ethan!" she faked cheerfully.

Four hours later . . .

Lemon was licking Elena's hand. She was taking her twentieth break, sitting on a tree root. It was nearly lunch time and according to the hunter, they weren't even half-way there. He was carrying her shield, her bag, and her sword. "Y-you must be a very new guard. Here, have some water." he said, offering his waterskin.

"Thank you." said Elena, gratefully taking a swig. She had not brought any water at all. "Yes, I'm --- I'm not used to hiking. Usually I just stand guard in one spot the whole day. You're not tired at all."

"I'm used to it." shrugged Ethan, patting his hound, Lemon. He looked at Elena curiously. "You must be the newbie the higher ups order around. They stay in Oldham while you hike through the forest?" he chuckled.

"Something like that." said Elena, breathing better now. She patted Lemon too, she likes this dog. "I wish they gave me a horse, though."

"Or a partner at least and a map." he suggested. "I thought guards went in pairs for things like this."

"I lost my map. We're spread very thin and the prisoner needs to be found immediately. Hence . . . " she gestured at him and her. Her helmet was so hot, but she dare not take it off. "I'm ready to continue now." she nodded at him, tired, but determined.

"Alright! We can do this, let's go, ma'am!"

Later that afternoon, they came upon a thicket where Ethan gave back her dagger and shield, then told her to be very quiet and move whenever he tells her to move. There were scratch marks on the bark and a strong smell of pee. "Wolves." he whispered to Elena. "I'd take us a safer and longer route around, but it's more dangerous to stay in the forest at night so we've got to arrive home before sunset.

Though the leaves Elena saw that this was the river he had been talking about a while ago, and in the distance she could hear the mute thundering of a waterfalls. She had never seen a waterfalls before, and boy did she long to see it. It was beautiful, just hiking through this forest, and already, despite the danger she was in, she found herself enjoying her surroundings.

Suddenly a flock of birds soared up from an outcropping of rock above them. Elena was sure it wasn't they who disturbed them.

Snarl

The rush of many-legged claws clicking on rock grew louder from behind, then out burst two growling wolves from the bushes! Ethan had already dropped their packs and knocked an arrow on his bow. He let it fly, sinking into the eye of the first wolf that lunged at Elena, and was now wrestling with her on the ground, biting her leather armor; all around them was snarling and growling. In her fright and the snapping of teeth above her, she barely heard him yell that there was six of them, before the wolf above her suddenly yelped then dropped, Ethan's dagger lodged at the base of its skull.

"Run into the river!" he yelled. "Well take them on there!"


[1] - Cast 'Chain Lightning!' This is going to echo all over the forest, but it will definitely save their lives and likely scare the rest of the wolves away. (-3 manna. Int success roll = 14 or higher)

[2] - Secretly cast 'Protego' and go melee with the dagger and shield. Rely on her shielding spells and hope for the best. (-2 manna. Dex success roll = 14 or higher)

[3] - Wield the dagger and shield, and secretly cast sleep while shield bashing a wolf. Better than going melee, though it's harder to pull off. Elena doesn't know how to fight. (-3 manna. Int success roll = 17 or higher.)

[4] - Leave it to the hunter. Trying to use a dagger and shield, or casting her spells, it's going to give away the fact that she isn't really a guard, she can't take that risk. Besides, she knows the way to the village in case he dies. Though if he survives, he's going to be very angry at her. (Hunter success = 17 or higher)

[5] - Abandon hunter, make sure he dies, then get his stuff when the wolves are done. He may have extra clothes in his pack she could change into, and some money.

[6] - ? (Reader's feel free to control Elena)


bladesoul-monster-design7.jpg

- Elena Goodhart -
Health: 4/4 | Manna: 10/10 | Armor: 6
Condition: Healthy​

Spells Learned:
"Sentinel" || 2 Mp. Wards an area for 2 hours. An alarm against intrusion that warns Elena either mentally or audibly if something as large as a dog or bigger enters or touches the area. Those who speak the password do not trigger the alarm. Limit: 100 m. diameter.

"Protego" || 2 Mp. +4 Armor for one round or six seconds. A deflecting shield charm.

"Detect Magic" || 1 Mp. Sense magical wards, arcane vibes from items, people, and areas where recent arcane spells have been cast.

Sleep || Mp 3. Knocks a target out for a couple of hours.

"Chain Lightning" || 3 Mp. 4 dmg. Upon rolling an even number, lightning arcs and strikes next nearest opponent. This spell creates a very loud thunder.
Attributes:
  • Intelligence: 4
  • Strength: 1
  • Dexterity: 2
Qualities:
  • Photographic Memory: +2 Knowledge
  • Soft Spoken: +2 Persuasion
  • Loves Food: +2 Cooking
Drawbacks:
  • Out of Shape: -1 Physical Endurance
  • Clumsy: -1 Stealth
Money: 1 silver, 30 coppers

Weapons:
Main Hand: - Iron Dagger. 2 dmg.
Off-hand: - Wooden Shield. 25% to block melee attacks and missiles.​

Armor:
Head: Guard Helmet. +1 armor.
Torso: Leather Armor. +1 armor.
Legs: Leather Boots. +1 armor.
Hands: Leather Gloves. +1 armor.

Dex Bonus: +2​

Accessories:
Trinket I: -
Trinket II: -​

Backpack: Satchel
  1. Coin Pouch
  2. Parchment
  3. Quill and Ink
  4. Apple
  5. Oldham History Book
  6. Iron sword || Too heavy for Elena to use properly.
 
Its going to look mighty suspicious (even more than right now, if you can believe it) if a guard does not possess even rudimentary fighting skills. And it is out of the question to abandon Ethan. So lets cast Protego and hope for the best. We just need to take out one wolf before we can retreat to the river. [2]
 
- Tulgey Woods -
" Hunter's Trail "

'River, river.' she thought in panic, pulling out her dagger and holding up her wooden shield, as she followed Ethan, all tiredness forgotten in her fear. Five wolves snapped at their heels, one yelping as Ethan's arrow pierced into its side. Elena willed herself to calm the Merlin's beard down. "Protego!" she whispered, as two wolves lunged at her at the same time.

Had she not learned that shielding charm yesterday, she would have died. She grunted in pain as the wolves brought her down --- dagger sharp teeth flashed above her, hooking into her helmet as, in her horror, a smelly hot jaw clamped over her mouth and nose --- her arms scrabbled to push the wolf off, she couldn't breathe!

Injured Elena -2 Hp!



They didn't make it to the river. Ethan didn't leave her behind, as she heard another wolf whine and fall under his arrows. She was passing out, her hard grip on the wolf's fur loosened as it shook her violently like a rag doll. It was like having a tug of war with her head. Her arm went slack, blackness encroached in her vision. She hazily saw one wolf leap on Ethan from behind, as he plunged her fallen dagger on the one on top of her, 'No, not like this . . .' she thought, there was still many things she wanted to do with her life. A weak hand gripped the matted fur.

"Ch-Chain lightning!"

Bright light, a deafening boom; pain like a thousand needles surging through her. Then Elena knew no more . . .

* * * *
Clip, clop, clip clop

The sound of horse hooves on paved roads; the creaking of a wooden wagon, and the hard ground where she lay was shaking beneath her. Elena blearily blinked her eyes open, then closed. The sun shining through the gaps of the leaves was so bright.

"Miss . . . Miss Ele . . . Miss Elena?" said an old lady's voice she's never heard before. She sounded so far, like an echo. "Child are you awake?"

A shadow fell over her, and she opened her eyes again. An old lady was looking down at her anxiously. They were on a wagon, and now Elena could vaguely hear the muffled sounds of children and curious onlookers. Something was wrong with her hearing, everything sounded as though a pillow was over her ears.

"I'm awake." she said hoarsely. Then remembered something. "Ethan, where is Ethan?"

"It's alright, he's safe, he's sleeping beside you. He came home this morning to get us, you're in our village now. You're safe. I am Katara, an herbalist, I'm going to help you, you're going to be alright, child."

Elena smelled burned flesh, and a throbbing pain pulsed under her jaw. Her helmet was gone, and the old lady's hand was comfortingly patting her shoulder.


[1] - Tell the old lady who she is and plead with her to hide her. That thunder from her spell surely caught the attention of her pursuers. (Persuasion 17 or higher)

[2] - Sit up and get out of there right now. As far as Elena could feel, she can still move, she just feels burned and stiff.

[3] - Go back to sleep. (Restores Health and Manna to full)

[4] - ? (Readers, feel free to control Elena)


- Elena Goodhart -
Health: 1/4 | Manna: 5/10 | Armor: 6
Condition: Burned, Slight Paralysis​

Spells Learned:
"Sentinel" || 2 Mp. Wards an area for 2 hours. An alarm against intrusion that warns Elena either mentally or audibly if something as large as a dog or bigger enters or touches the area. Those who speak the password do not trigger the alarm. Limit: 100 m. diameter.

"Protego" || 2 Mp. +4 Armor for one round or six seconds. A deflecting shield charm.

"Detect Magic" || 1 Mp. Sense magical wards, arcane vibes from items, people, and areas where recent arcane spells have been cast.

Sleep || Mp 3. Knocks a target out for a couple of hours.

"Chain Lightning" || 3 Mp. 4 dmg. Upon rolling an even number, lightning arcs and strikes next nearest opponent. This spell creates a very loud thunder.
Attributes:
  • Intelligence: 4
  • Strength: 1
  • Dexterity: 2
Qualities:
  • Photographic Memory: +2 Knowledge
  • Soft Spoken: +2 Persuasion
  • Loves Food: +2 Cooking
Drawbacks:
  • Out of Shape: -1 Physical Endurance
  • Clumsy: -1 Stealth
Money: 1 silver, 30 coppers

Weapons:
Main Hand: -
Off-hand: -​

Armor:
Head:
Torso: Leather Armor. +1 armor.
Legs: Leather Boots. +1 armor.
Hands: Leather Gloves. +1 armor.

Dex Bonus: +2​

Accessories:
Trinket I: -
Trinket II: -​

Backpack: Satchel
  1. Coin Pouch
  2. Parchment
  3. Quill and Ink
  4. Oldham History Book
  5. Iron dagger || 2 dmg.
  6. Wooden Shield || 25% to block melee attacks and missiles.
 
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(Whelp, the dice gods have frowned upon us.)

Best choice for now is to rest. Zer0 Zer0

(There is also a typo, it says we have 4/1 health. I can't imagine that to be right, should be 10.)
 
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(It's correct. She's always had 4 health. The manna's 10.)
I'm saying that the post says she has 4 health OUT OF 1, the math doesn't add up. Unless she has 400% health. Based off of the previous posts, the denominator should be 4 instead of 1.
 
I'm saying that the post says she has 4 health OUT OF 1, the math doesn't add up. Unless she has 400% health. Based off of the previous posts, the denominator should be 4 instead of 1.
Ohhh, thought you thought she had 10 health.
 
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- Healer's Hut -

" Binks Village "

"Thank you." said Elena in a muffled voice, then closed her eyes.

The chirping of crickets . . . the croaking of frogs melding with the gentle rush of a river . . . and the smell of scented candles woke her up. She was on a soft bed and she could smell apples and herbs. Her joints felt stiff, but it was better last time she was awake; bandages were tied around her jaw up to her head and something that smelled of oil and eucalyptus was coming from something squishy under her painful chin.

Elena's eyes fluttered open. She saw a wooden roof and walls of timber, where drying herbs hung from the ceiling. It was night time, and the room she was in was lit in the orange glow of floating candles. Beside her left was a bed where Ethan lay sleeping, near him was the old lady, changing his bandages. "Muh" the librarian tried to speak, but it hurt under her chin. There was the sound of a turning page, and Elena glanced at the right to see Sir Caterwall sitting on a chair by the window reading a book.

"Good evening, child." said the old lady kindly. "How do you feel?"

Sir Caterwall looked up. "Hello, Ms. Goodhart --- wait! It's alright. Calm down." he added soothingly, for Elena had flung up her hands babbling an incoherent spell, only to see that her wrists have been chained together with cuffs etched with runes: sealing cuffs, restraints that depleted a mage's manna as long as they were on. "I am your friend, what I do not know is if you are an enemy of the kingdom."

"I don't believe you!" said Elena trying to get up; the grandma stayed quiet as the yelling woke Ethan up and he was looking at the librarian and the king's servant.

"Listen," said Caterwall patiently, "I am not here to arrest you, Elena, you are still on this bed, see, if I was here to arrest you, you wouldn't still be here. I am here to offer you to work for the king. I know what happened, the guards you attacked told me, your neighbors told me, the villagers told me, and we saw the dead wolves in the forest. I do not know why you've been keeping your magic a secret, but you know the law, rogue warlocks cannot roam the land, but you are powerful enough that the king is offering you to join his spellblades. That's why I'm here, to talk to you."


[1] - Tell him about the Raven King tattoo on Paladin Cleaveborn's wrist. Let the grandma healer and Ethan hear about it too.

[2] - "What are you really here for?" (Persuasion success roll = 17 or higher)

[3] - Take the offer, but secretly get out of this place. Sounds like Sir Caterwall came with guards. (Stealth success roll = 17 or higher)

[4] - Take the offer, not say anything about the Raven King tattoo. Maybe he really is here to help, and perhaps she can tell the King about it, or just do something as one of his spellblades.

[5] - ? (Readers feel free to control Elena)


- Elena Goodhart -
Health: 4/4 | Manna: 10/10 | Armor: 2
Condition: Burned, Slight Paralysis, Cannot use Magic​

Spells Learned:
"Sentinel" || 2 Mp. Wards an area for 2 hours. An alarm against intrusion that warns Elena either mentally or audibly if something as large as a dog or bigger enters or touches the area. Those who speak the password do not trigger the alarm. Limit: 100 m. diameter.

"Protego" || 2 Mp. +4 Armor for one round or six seconds. A deflecting shield charm.

"Detect Magic" || 1 Mp. Sense magical wards, arcane vibes from items, people, and areas where recent arcane spells have been cast.

Sleep || Mp 3. Knocks a target out for a couple of hours.

"Chain Lightning" || 3 Mp. 4 dmg. Upon rolling an even number, lightning arcs and strikes next nearest opponent. This spell creates a very loud thunder.
Attributes:
  • Intelligence: 4
  • Strength: 1
  • Dexterity: 2
Qualities:
  • Photographic Memory: +2 Knowledge
  • Soft Spoken: +2 Persuasion
  • Loves Food: +2 Cooking
Drawbacks:
  • Out of Shape: -1 Physical Endurance
  • Clumsy: -1 Stealth
  • Wolf Scar: A bite mark from the top of her nose to underneath her chin. Makes her easily identifiable.
Money: 1 silver, 30 coppers

Weapons:
Main Hand: -
Off-hand: -​

Armor:
Head:
Torso: Healer's Garb
Legs:
Hands: Sealing Cuffs (Cannot do magic)

Dex Bonus: +2​

Accessories:
Trinket I: -
Trinket II: -​

Backpack: Satchel
  1. Coin Pouch
  2. Parchment
  3. Quill and Ink
  4. Oldham History Book
 
I would chose 2. And then 1. In order. That way we could possibly know to trust him, and we might gain an ally of the advisor, or at least work towards that goal.
 
- Healer's Hut -
" Binks Village "

"What are you really here for?"

Persuasion successful! New Attribute Gained:

Wary Sleeper || Enemies have a -1 penalty when trying to attack Elena in her sleep.


Sir Caterwall looked at her for a moment, then at the old healer and Ethan who were quick to lower their eyes in the presence of the king's highest servant. "Sleep." the granny suddenly slumped to the side, but he had caught her, then lay her on the now sleeping archer's bed.

"What are you doing? ---" started Elena, swinging her stiff legs off the bed.

"Shhh, they're only asleep." hushed Caterwall, glancing at the windows. "Listen, Elena, after you were carted away, odd things have started happening since yesterday. People have been missing, some of the prisoners I personally took note of are gone. I've been told they were released after they were cleared, but their families told me that they haven't returned. Ran away, some said. And there is the woman who was found unconscious with lightning burns in your home, witnesses saw the guards cart her off but she's neither in the town barracks, nor the Paladin's keep." he looked into her eyes searchingly for a moment. "Your neighbors said you saw a skull. Did it have blue eyes?"

Elena was surprised. "Yes." she said slowly, still wary. "Who was she?"

"One of the handful of rogue warlocks in the land, Mother Gothel, they call her, because that's her favorite disguise. She makes children forget who their real mother is, and she can just kidnap them like that. They just walk with her happy, obedient and most are never seen again. Her forgetfulness spell, the children we've rescued always talk about a skeletal ghost with blue eyes."

"But I am not a child. Why would she try to make me forget what happened to me the day before yesterday?"

"I don't know, but you must have seen something important that made someone send her after you."

"The raven king tattoo!" said Elena suddenly. "The paladin, Sir Cleaveborn, it was on his wrist, when he took off his gloves to take the tiny shard I had held out in my hand."

"A-are you sure?" said Sir Caterwall, now he was the one surprised.

Elena looked him dead in the eye. "I am sure. I can't think of any other reason why I was attacked, touched by men, almost choked to death, and now wanted as a runaway criminal! I only want to return to my library and live peacefully, Sir Caterwall, I-I don't want to be a spellblade."

"You know that's not possible. Rogue warlocks cannot roam the land. If it is any comfort, we have a very big library in the castle."

"But I am not a soldier, you don't want me. Why would you be interested in turning me into a spellblade, I can't even hold a sword."

"It's not strength of arms that make a spellblade, Elena, it's their spirit. And you showed a lot of spirit for a thin woman in front of a group of armed thugs. And you didn't use violence. The kingdom needs more people like you."

"I don't want to die."

"You have a higher chance of surviving under the king's protection. By yourself, and I'm sure you had a swell time at that, you cannot even run away for a day without needing someone's help." and he glanced at Ethan. "After you passed out from your own spell, he carried you, tended to your wounds and watched over you for the whole night before making his way back to his village to call for help."

"But I don't want to be drawn into this."

"Elena, you already are."

" . . . I need time to think, please."

It took a long time, but eventually, she agreed to the king's offer.


Chapter Complete! Gained 1 Attribute Point!
[1] - Spend point to increase Intelligence.
Used for bluffing, persuasion, spotting hidden things, successfully casting spells, enchanting, and increasing manna by 2 and slightly improves effectiveness of learned spells.​

[2] - Spend point to increase Strength.
Used for feats of strength such as climbing, jumping, swimming, or carrying more things. Increases melee damage by 1 and Hp by 2.​

[3] - Spend point to increase Dexterity.
Used for evasion, agility, sprinting, acrobatics, sleight of hand, and sneaking around. Increases armor by 1 and accuracy of melee and ranged weapons by 1.​



- Elena Goodhart -
Health: 4/4 | Manna: 10/10 | Armor: 2
Condition: Burned, Slight Paralysis, Cannot use Magic​

Spells Learned:
"Sentinel" || 2 Mp. Wards an area for 2 hours. An alarm against intrusion that warns Elena either mentally or audibly if something as large as a dog or bigger enters or touches the area. Those who speak the password do not trigger the alarm. Limit: 100 m. diameter.

"Protego" || 2 Mp. +4 Armor for one round or six seconds. A deflecting shield charm.

"Detect Magic" || 1 Mp. Sense magical wards, arcane vibes from items, people, and areas where recent arcane spells have been cast.

Sleep || Mp 3. Knocks a target out for a couple of hours.

"Chain Lightning" || 3 Mp. 4 dmg. Upon rolling an even number, lightning arcs and strikes next nearest opponent. This spell creates a very loud thunder.
Attributes:
  • Intelligence: 4
  • Strength: 1
  • Dexterity: 2
Qualities:
  • Photographic Memory: +2 Knowledge
  • Soft Spoken: +2 Persuasion
  • Loves Food: +2 Cooking
  • Wary Sleeper: Enemies have a -1 penalty when trying to attack Elena in her sleep.
Drawbacks:
  • Out of Shape: -1 Physical Endurance
  • Clumsy: -1 Stealth
  • Wolf Scar: A bite mark from the top of her nose to underneath her chin. Makes her easily identifiable.
Money: 1 silver, 30 coppers

Weapons:
Main Hand: -
Off-hand: -​

Armor:
Head:
Torso: Healer's Garb
Legs:
Hands: Sealing Cuffs (Cannot do magic)

Dex Bonus: +2​

Accessories:
Trinket I: -
Trinket II: -​

Backpack: Satchel
  1. Coin Pouch
  2. Parchment
  3. Quill and Ink
  4. Oldham History Book
 
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I think it is pretty important to be well rounded, and we could very well use an increase in HP, as well as melee damage. Therefore, I think the most logical choice would be to choose the Strength upgrade.

(I'm also wondering if this is the last we see of Ethan. It would be a waste to discard him after the time spent introducing him. Perhaps he could volunteer to go with us for a variety of reasons. Of course, this is just a suggestion; feel free to do as you please with him, especially if you had other plans in mind.)
 

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