Chapter 2

Well, we're back for some more Solo RPG! Let's change things up a bit! Last time, I said I was using GEMulator for the campaign, however, I decided to ditch the system in favor of just using Mythic for something more sandbox. I believe it's unnecessary, seeing as last session we already got enough to continue the story on its own.

I've been considering looking for a hexcrawl map site, and after doing a bit of research, I've discarded the idea. Mythic has a Long Journeys system that I've mentioned before, and this will be the one I use, in sync with the Location Crafter system from Mythic Magazine Vol. 2.


Scene 1

Setup:

Basically, the system works by dividing the journey into three sections, like three different important places we pass through until we reach our destination. In each section, we roll to see if anything happens on the way, and if it does, we play based on what happened.

In other words, it means that we most likely have at least three scenes until we reach the ruins, unless nothing occurs in any of the three scenes, which means that the whole journey will just be one long travel scene using Location Crafter. Let's see what happens.

Something happened in the way?
Mythic: Yes - New NPC - Path Open

Is it an enemy? (Likely)
Mythic: Yes

Let's get more information about this NPC

Detail Check: Focus Thread - Nicolau Knows I'm on My Way
Petite Reassuring (Appearance)
Investigator Persecutor (Identity)

Is it a undead? (50/50)
Mythic: Yes

Hehehehe...

Is it... Count Grey? (50/50)
Mythic: Yes

HEHEHEHEHE

Shota Count Grey... Interesting


Region: Active natural elements, such as a volcano, waterfall, river, winds, rain, etc.; Cold
Location: (10) Random (Resourceful Enclosed)
Encounter: (4) None

Object: (7) Expected

[ Scene: Sigurd continue his travels to the east, towards the city of Rask. He feels watched. Location: Open fields, a large abandoned dam, frozen by the cold. ]

Sigurd had not been this far east in his travels, and the land he found himself in was barren and desolate. There were no trees, no grass, only snow and rocky outcroppings, as if the entire landscape had been scorched by fire, but the cold was too much, and not even plants could survive here.

Dan

As he walked, Sigurd felt a presence behind him, something stalking him, always just out of sight, but never leaving him alone. He had his sword and his artificial arms, but if there was a pack of beasts or worse, shadow monsters lurking, he would not stand a chance.

Soon, it became unbearable. His instincts screamed at him to run, but he had no choice but to continue onwards, until he finally could not ignore it anymore.

Is count Grey alone (Unlikely)
Mythic: Yes

He turned around and saw a figure emerging from the mist, a pale, childlike creature, with dark hair and blood red eyes.

"Count Grey," he cried, raising his sword. The vampire laughed and crouched down, his claws digging into the rock.

"You should not be here, Sigurd," he grinned, his fangs glinting in the cold light. "Nicolau is not happy with you, and neither am I."

"Nicolau can rot in his throne for all I care", replied Sigurd. "And I would rather not deal with the likes of you."

CountGrey

He wants to fight me here? (I guess not, because he's alone, so Unlikely)
Mythic: No

The vampire shook his head and sighed.

"You are a fool, Sigurd," he said. "Nicolau may be mad, but he is not to be trifled with. And you, you have crossed the line."

Sigurd tightened his grip on his sword and clenched his teeth.

"Why don't you come at me then?", he said. "Show me what Nicolau Waltzier's favorite lapdog can do."

But instead of attacking, Count Grey remained still, a smile on his face. Then, he closed his eyes and vanished, reappearing a few feet away, his hands in his pockets.

"I have no quarrel with you," he said. "Nicolau's orders do not involve you, not yet."

Sigurd lowered his guard and shook his head.

"It doesn't? Then why is Nicolau Waltzier sending his men after me?"

"Ah, that is a story for another time," Count Grey replied. "For now, you must continue on your journey, before I change my mind."

Sigurd nodded and sheathed his sword, his eyes fixed on the vampire. Count Grey smiled once more and disappeared, vanishing into thin air.

Sigurd stood there for a moment, his mind racing, until he could no longer feel the vampire's presence. For some reason, knowing that Nicholas did not see him as a threat was even more disturbing to him than having Nicholas as an enemy.


Scene 2

Chaos Factor: 4
Setup: So, we had Count Grey appearing on front of us, laughing at our face, and then leaving, classic Count Grey. Let's keep going.

Something happened in the way?
Mythic: No

Region: Cold; Cold

Finally we reach the city. Something happened in the entrance?
Mythic: No

Detail Check: Focus Thread (Find The Map) - Fortunately Messy

Okay, so we finally reach the ruins, after walking through ice, ice, and more ice.


[ Scene: After going through ice, ice and more ice, Sigurd finally reaches Rask. Location: Rask is a mess, but at least the catacombs are on open air ]

The ancient city of Rask rose up before him, a jumble of crumbling buildings and shattered streets. It was clear that no one had lived here for years, and the only sound was the howling wind and the creak of the ruins.

TheCity

Sigurd had heard stories of this place, and now, he was seeing the reality for himself. The streets were empty and broken, and the buildings were covered in ice. There was no trace of the once-thriving marketplaces, bustling with merchants, or the Great Library, where scholars studied the stars.

One thing he noticed, however, were the catacombs. Rask was known for its underground system of tombs and passageways, where the dead were laid to rest, and it was now partially exposed to the elements. Stairs leading down into the dark and tunnels leading up to the surface had appeared, and even a few sarcophagi were half-buried in the street.

However, it did not seem as if the catacombs had appeared randomly, like a sinkhole or a cave-in. Someone had clearly deliberately exposed them to the light of day, and Sigurd had a feeling that he knew who that was.

Let's see if I can find tracks of whoever made this mess, as the AI indicates that it was made by someone specific, probably The Mormon. Probably, that will help me find the map.
Does the scene you are in have any elements that could passively hinder your action (the place is all destroyed, so +2)
Do you find yourself in a calm situation or one over which you have control? (Yeah, -2)
Can any of your character's descriptors help the roll (-2, Searches for the Hero From the Prophecy)
DC: 13
Roll: 1 (Critical Failure!) + Intelligence (2) = 3
Uh oh

The person (or thing) that made this mess is still here? (50/50)
Mythic: Yes

Does it work for The Mormon? (Has To Be)
Mythic: Yes

Is it alone? (50/50)
Mythic: Yes

Does it look dangerous? (Likely)
Mythic: Yes

Since I took critical failure, I think it's more than appropriate to make the story a little difficult for Sigurd. In our case, I imagine he ended up unwittingly drawing the attention of whatever is searching for the map in these ruins right now.

Is that thing more in the NPC side of things or in the monster side of things (Yes is NPC, NO is Monster, 50/50)
Mythic: No

Detail Check: Focus Thread (Find The Map in the Ruins) - Intelligent Plant

{Sigurd begin following the trails to see if he can find whoever did this to the catacombs}

However, it did not seem as if the catacombs had appeared randomly, like a sinkhole or a cave-in. Someone had clearly deliberately exposed them to the light of day, and Sigurd had a feeling that he knew who that was.

As he walked through the ruins, a thought crept into his mind. What if there were something even worse in there, something hidden in the dark, waiting for him to stumble upon it? Sigurd knew better than to venture into an unknown place without a plan, and he would not risk his life for this. So, he steeled himself and followed the stairs and tunnels into the earth, down, down, down.

At first, the walls of the passageway were cracked and dusty, but as he went further, he found himself entering a smooth, carved tunnel, with torches illuminating the way. Sigurd gripped his sword tighter, and his heart pounded in his ears. Something was up ahead, something he could not see, and his instincts told him to turn back. But he continued, his feet carrying him further and further into the unknown.

It was not long before he found the entrance to the catacombs, or what remained of them. Sigurd stared in horror at the destruction, the skeletons and bones scattered around, the shattered urns and broken tombstones. It was clear that someone had deliberately torn through the burial site, and the destruction was unlike anything he had ever seen.

{Describe the Oalkwardner}

Then, as if in response to his thoughts, a deafening roar echoed through the chamber, and a shadow fell over him. In the blink of an eye, Sigurd saw it, the terrible, monstrous beast that lurked in the depths of Rask, a creature of nightmares, a creature that even the legends spoke of with dread.

The Oalkwardner was a colossal, icy creature with a form resembling a colossal ice plant, created by Nicolau "The Mormon". Its body was covered in frozen blades and plates, and its head resembled a skull. It had three long, whiplike tentacles on its back that it used to attack. It was so massive, the ground shook under its weight, and Sigurd could not imagine what could be done to defeat it.

Monster

"So this is why Nicolau was so confident about letting me into his kingdom," said Sigurd. "He knew you were here, and he knew you would devour me as soon as I set foot in the catacombs."

The Oalkwardner growled, a low, threatening sound, and Sigurd knew he could not hesitate.

Round 1:
The opposition is active (+2), the monster tentacles could be something that hinders the roll (+2), Sigurd's experimented survivalist helps him dealing with monsters (-2), also, Sigurd is a warrior (-2)
CD: 15
Roll... 2 + Strength (4) = 6
Failure

{The Oalkwardner overwhelms Sigurd with the tentacles, piercing his body. Describe this}

He dodged the tentacles and slashed at the monster's legs, hoping to disable it, but his blows barely left a scratch. The Oalkwardner reared back and roared, its fangs gleaming in the torchlight.

Sigurd backed away, his mind racing. He had no idea how to defeat such a creature, but he could not give up, not when so much was at stake. He ducked as a tentacle swiped at him, and sliced off one of the Oalkwardner's legs. The creature staggered, and Sigurd saw his chance. He lunged forward, his sword poised to strike, but the Oalkwardner was too quick. It grabbed him in its tentacles and hurled him against the wall, his ribs shattering under the impact.

Round 2:
The opposition is active (+2), the monster tentacles could be something that hinders the roll (+2), Sigurd's ribs are shattered (+2), Sigurd's experimented survivalist helps him dealing with monsters (-2), also, Sigurd is a warrior (-2)
CD: 17
Roll... 9 + Strength (4) = 13
Another failure

Sigurd gasped for air, his vision blurred, but he could not give up, not when his mission was so important. He struggled to his feet, his ribs screaming in pain, and drew his sword once again. The Oalkwardner snarled and charged, its tentacles slashing at him like whips.

{The monster keeps getting Sigurd on it's edge. Sigurd is still losing the battle. Be creative!}

In a burst of energy, Sigurd leaped over the creature's head, and sliced off its other leg. The Oalkwardner stumbled, its icy body covered in cuts and slashes, but Sigurd knew it was not over.

Suddenly, the monster raised its head, and stared at him, its eyes burning with hatred. It opened its mouth, and a blast of ice and snow hurled Sigurd backwards, knocking the air out of his lungs. Sigurd groaned, and reached for his sword, but it was gone, lost in the snow.

Battle

Round 3:
Random event time!
NPC Positive (Count Grey) - Mistrust of Dreams
Man... This sucks

Does Count Grey appear here? (50/50)
Mythic: Yes

Okay, then, with Mistrust of Dreams, I assume that this means that Count Grey appears with the map already on his hands.

Was Count Grey searching the map from before I came here? (50/50)
Mythic: Yes

{The monster stops, and then, the big reveal: Count Grey appears, with the map already on his hands. He was just toying with Sigurd this entire time while searching for it himself}

The monster stood still, its eyes fixed on him. Then, a voice came from the darkness, a cold, sinister voice that chilled him to the bone.

"Bravo, Sigurd, that was quite a show," said the Count, stepping into the light. "I did not expect you to last this long, but it seems you have proven yourself worthy."

Sigurd stared at him, his body shaking from the cold and exhaustion. His mind was spinning, and he could barely form a coherent thought.

"Worthy? Worthy of what?", Sigurd asked.

"Worthy of my mercy," the Count replied, his fangs glinting in the light. "I will spare your life, for the price of this map, the very map that you have come to Rask to find."

He dangled the map in front of Sigurd, a look of amusement on his face.

"Take it," he said. "If you can reach it."

Sigurd lunged for the map, but the Count was quicker. He stepped back, and before Sigurd could react, he felt a sharp pain in his back, and he fell to his knees, gasping for air.

"It is a pity", said the Count. "That you should not know when to stop. No matter, for you will serve a greater purpose, as fertilizer for this poor creature that calls Rask its home."

Sigurd crawled forward, his fingers brushing against the edge of the map. He could taste blood in his mouth, and his vision was blurry, but he could not give up. The fate of his world depended on him, and even with his last breath, he would try to succeed.

He looked up and saw the Count's eyes boring into him, his face cold and hard, his fangs gleaming in the light.

CuntGrey

"Farewell, Sigurd of Jax," he said. "May your death be quick, and may the darkness embrace you as the hero you never became."

With those words, the Count turned and left, disappearing into the darkness, the map in his hands.

Sigurd lay there, his breath ragged and uneven, his heart beating weakly in his chest. He knew he was close, so close to his destiny, but he could not give up. He fought to breathe, and in his mind, the image of the Summer Dragon shone, the light he needed to guide his way.

He fell unconscious, his body giving in to the pain.


Chaos: 5

Setup:

So, normally, this would mean that my character is dead, but I really want this adventure to compass everything from Sigurd's humble beginnings to his olver silver-haired appearance (with the dragon skull) in the official Novelai art. So, he can't die yet. We will need to keep him in the plot armor for a bit.

So, for this scene, I think I will have him waking up in a safe place, being rescued by someone.

Rolled 1d10... 4, so, interrupted scene.

Ambiguous Event - Oppose Illusions

I interpret this positively - it was not just one person who rescued Sigurd, but a group opposed to the Demiurge and Nicolau in particular.

Let's roll with it


Detail Check (Where Does he wakes up?) - Favors PC
Rudely Mature

Let's get some info about the NPC next to him
Focus NPC (Nicolau The Mormon)
Guard Scholar (Identity)
Scary Equipment (Appearance)

Do I know him? (Unlikely)
Mythic: No

They were looking for me? (Likely)
Mythic: Exceptional Yes!

[ Scene: Sigurd wakes up in a bed, with many tubes and bandages on him. He has been rescued by Dendrin, someone he doesn't know. They were looking for Sigurd, and he's lucky they found him just in time to save him. Location: The place seems to be a advanced laboratory, despite looking quite fearfully ]

When he opened his eyes, he was in a room he did not recognize. As he looked around, he saw tubes and wires, and machines that hummed and beeped. He felt a pain in his chest, and his body ached all over, but somehow, he was alive.

"You have a knack for getting into trouble, Sir," said a voice.

Sigurd turned his head and saw a young man sitting beside his bed, his dark eyes sparkling with mischief. He was clad in a white coat, and his fingers twitched nervously as he clutched a notebook.

Dendrin

Sigurd tried to speak, but his throat was dry, and the young man raised a glass of water to his lips.

"My name is Dendrin, a simple arcanist and tinker. I found you in the cold depths of Rask, dying and with several fatal wounds. Good thing you have your famous mechanical arms, or you would have not survived. You are truly lucky."

Something about the man's words stirred memories within Sigurd. He remembered the Oalkwardner and the battle, but his mind was cloudy, and his body too weak.

"Who are you, stranger, and where have you brought me?", asked Sigurd.

"I am a scientist," replied Dendrin. "Well, not an ordinary one, for I dabble in arcane arts and the like. You are on my laboratory, well, in the laboratory provided to me by the Order Of the Golden Pen, of course. We have been searching for you."

"The Order of the Golden Pen?", said Sigurd, confused. He had heard of the organization, a secretive group of wizards and scholars, who worked in the shadows, but he never imagined that they were real.

"Yes," replied Dendrin, twitching his fingers again. "We have been looking for you, Sigurd, for we believe that you are the hero of prophecy, the one who can bring back the true Summer Dragon and end Nicolau Waltzier's reign."

Wait, really?
Mythic: Yes

Sigurd stared at him, then laughed bitterly.

"I am no hero", he said. "I cannot even defeat a monster like the Oalkwardner, and Nicolau Waltzier..."

"The Mormon has powers beyond imagining," Dendrin interrupted. "He can control the very fabric of reality, bend time and space to his will. But we have hope that the prophecy will prevail, for you are not alone in this quest. The Order has gathered the wisest scholars and wizards, and we are all united in our desire to bring back the true Summer Dragon."

Sigurd remained silent, his thoughts racing.

{Sigurd will feel hopeless if he's the hero of the prophecy}

Sigurd shook his head. He knew he was not the hero they were looking for, and even if he was, he was not worthy.

"I failed," he said. "I could not save my family, and I could not even defeat a monster as simple as the Oalkwardner. How can I be the one to bring back the Summer Dragon and end Nicolau's reign?"

Do they plan to train me? (Very Likely)
Mythic: Yes

{They want to train me to achieve my true potential}

"You may think you are not worthy, Sigurd", said Dendrin. "But we see something different in you."

He opened his notebook and began scribbling frantically.

"The Order believes that you are destined for greatness", he continued. "You may not believe it now, but we see a spark inside of you, a fire that will burn brighter than the brightest flame. We have searched for you for years, and finally, we have found you."

Dendrin paused, a smile on his face.

"So do not lose hope, Sigurd. I will train you to unleash your full potential, and together, we will restore peace and prosperity to Aidgard."

Sigurd stared at the tubes and wires, the machines humming and beeping, and a seed of doubt grew inside of him. Was he really the hero they spoke of? Could he really defeat Nicolau Waltzier and the evil that had taken over the world? And even if he could, what would happen after that?

In the end, he knew he had to at least try, and if he failed, well, that would be his fate. But he would not let despair take control of him, for he had a mission to complete, and a destiny to fulfill.


Scene 4

Chaos: 4

Setup: I won't lie, I was already expecting some plot twist in this same vein. So, it's time to some training montage, I guess?

Let's get down to business!

The next scene, I want to have Sigurd exploring the base of the Order of the Golden Pen, still not completely recovered, but already being able to walk, so we can see who else is in here. Notice that I've already generated the lore for the order at this point.

The scene goes as expected.

Also, we've just hit the full context of the story, so I added a quick summary of what happened


The tower of the Order was a strange place, with its cobblestone walls and arched windows, its spiraling staircase and its dark corners. Sigurd could feel the arcane energy pulsing in the air, and the hum of magic in his veins. He had never imagined that such a place could exist, and yet, here it was, before his very eyes.

Wizards

Dendrin led him through the halls, past the library and the study rooms, to the tower's summit, where the Order met. As Sigurd entered the chamber, he saw a group of scholars and wizards sitting at a table, their eyes fixed on him, their robes shimmering in the light.

"Welcome, Sigurd", said Gooslymn, the Order's leader and founder. He was a stooped old man, with deep wrinkles on his brow and a beard that reached his knees. "We have been awaiting your arrival with great anticipation."

Gooslymn

Sigurd nodded and sat at the table, his gaze shifting from one face to another. He recognized some of the scholars he had heard of in legends, such as Loremaster Kovas, the wizard-knight, and Lady Calliope, Gooslymn's daughter.

"So this is Sigurd of Jax", said Kovas, his eyes twinkling with curiosity. "We have heard much about your exploits, and we are pleased to have you among our ranks."

Sigurd lowered his head, unable to meet Kovas' gaze.

"I have not proven myself worthy", said Sigurd. "Not when I failed to defeat the Oalkwardner, and not when I nearly died in Rask."

Kovas chuckled softly, and Lady Calliope spoke, her voice low and musical.

"You are not the hero of prophecy, Sigurd", she said. "Not yet. But you have the potential to become one, and the knowledge we possess can help you achieve that."

Calliope

Sigurd looked at the scholars, and for the first time, he saw a glimmer of hope.

"I will not give up", he said. "I will train harder, and I will do whatever it takes to end Nicolau Waltzier's tyranny."

The scholars smiled, and Gooslymn leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

"I can teach you the art of spellcraft," he said. "My knowledge of magic is unparalleled, and with the right guidance, you could learn to manipulate the forces of the universe."

Sigurd blushed, feeling a strange mixture of gratitude and embarrassment.

"I have no talent for magic", he said. "All I have is my sword and my arms."

"Perhaps, you just have not found the right teacher," replied Gooslymn. "With the right knowledge, you can use your arms as extensions of your magical power, and channel your inner energies."

Sigurd was about to speak, but Gooslymn cut him off.

"Of course, there is much that you have to learn, and there is little time for frivolities. You must complete your training, gain experience, and prove yourself worthy. Otherwise, there is no chance of succeeding in your quest against Nicolau Waltzier. But do not give up, for we have confidence in your ability."

Sigurd bowed his head, his heart filled with doubt and fear. Yet, he knew that he had to keep going, for the sake of his people, and for the world.

As they talked, Dendrin stood by quietly, his head bent, his fingers twitching. He was a small man, and his eyes held a glimmer of sadness that Sigurd could not quite understand. For a moment, he thought of speaking to him, but then, the meeting ended, and the scholars went their separate ways, leaving him alone with Dendrin.

Dendrin cleared his throat, and smiled shyly.

"The others may be scholars and wizards, Sigurd", he said. "But I can teach you skills that are essential in a journey such as yours. Skills that will help you stay alive."

"What kind of skills?", asked Sigurd, his curiosity piqued.

"The art of disguise and trickery", replied Dendrin. "You must not reveal your identity to anyone, not until the prophecy is fulfilled and you can reveal yourself as the hero. Therefore, you will need to master the art of deceit, of blending into crowds and appearing as someone else entirely."

"You are suggesting that I pose as a thief, a murderer, even a demon, to survive and complete my mission?"

"Yes, I am," Dendrin said.

Will we start now (yes) or will we wait until I'm healed (no)? (unlikely)
Mythic: No

"But for now, you must focus on your recovery and gaining strength, before we begin your training."

Sigurd nodded, his eyes still fixed on Dendrin.

Do they know what was in the map I went to search before? (Likely)
Mythic: Yes

Is it related to me? (Likely)
Mythic: No

Is it truly related to the Hero of the prophecy? (50/50)
Mythic: No

Wait, hold on...

Was it a trap set up by them to deviate the attention of Nicolau? (Very Unlikely)
Mythic: Yes

What the fuck

"Tell me, what about the map I went to get? What was on it? Well, if I'm the hero of the prophecy, I imagine the map should speak of me."

Dendrin smiled sheepishly, and his cheeks turned pink.

"The map was a fake, one that the Order had created as a diversion to distract Nicolau from the true hero. You had no way of knowing, and it served its purpose."

Sigurd stared at him, his anger rising.

"I almost died for that map", he said. "Yet you played me like a fool, and put my life at risk."

"We had to", replied Dendrin. "It was the only way to buy time to train you, to give you a chance at defeating Nicolau Waltzier. Forgive us, but it was a necessary deception."

Sigurd sat there, his mind spinning, his anger turning to rage. But he knew that he had no choice, and he would have to learn to forgive Dendrin and the Order for their deceit, if he had any hope of succeeding in his quest.


Scene 5

Setup: 5 (This was a quite unexpected ending)

Sigurd, now full recovered, will have his first training session with Dendrin. Let's see what the AI has prepared for us now.

The scene goes as expected.


Okay, let's see... Are we training still inside the tower? (Likely)
Mythic: Yes

How does this room look like?
Detail Check: Focus NPC (Legendary Hero) - Small Expected

[ Scene: A couple of months later, Sigurd is full recovered, and he will begin his training with Dendrin about the arts of disguise and trickery. Location: Inside the tower, a room related to the legend of the hero. Tags: Small, expected. ]

paintingroom

Sigurd could hardly believe his eyes. In the dimly lit room, he saw a painting, one that depicted a heroic warrior, clad in armor, wielding a sword and shield, his face obscured by a helmet.

"Who is that warrior?", Sigurd asked.

"He is the hero of the prophecy", answered Dendrin. "The one destined to defeat Nicolau Waltzier and bring back the Summer Dragon. That painting was created long ago, but it is said that it depicts the hero in his true form, the one that will emerge victorious in the end."

Sigurd stared at the warrior, his heart racing. That prophecy spoke about him, and it filled him with hope. For a moment, he felt like the hero in that picture, ready to take on the darkness and defeat it.

"Tell me, Dendrin," said Sigurd. "What would you do, if the hero of the prophecy never emerged from the shadows, and Aidgard was lost forever to the darkness?"

Dendrin paused, his fingers twitching nervously.

"It would be a tragedy for sure," he replied. "For the hope of Aidgard would be lost, and Nicolau Waltzier's darkness would spread over the world."

Sigurd nodded, his thoughts drifting to his family and his village. He knew that Nicolau Waltzier's power was growing stronger by the hour, and if Aidgard was lost, there would be nowhere left to turn.

Dendrin will begin the training

"Alright Sigurd, I will help you achieve your potential. Close your eyes and focus on my voice."

Sigurd obeyed, his breath steady and even.

"Now, think of a disguise, of a person who you want to become. Imagine their clothes, their hair, their voice."

Sigurd thought of Nicolau Waltzier, the Mormon, and how he wanted to appear as him, to deceive him and defeat him. He focused on the Mormon's appearance, on his pale skin, his icy eyes, his flowing blonde hair and thin beard. He imagined wearing the same white tuxedo the Mormon wore, and the cold smile on his face.

"That's it," whispered Dendrin. "Now, concentrate, and create yourself a cloak. Use the powers that I have taught you, and turn yourself into the person you want to be."

  • Would doing this action require you to be part of a class that you are not? (I'm not a wizard, +2); - Do you have any allies in scene? (-2); Do you find yourself in a calm situation or one over which you have control? (-2); Do you have any tool, object, weapon or information to help you with your roll? (the training from Dendrin, -2)
  • DC: 13
  • Roll: 2 + Willpower (2) = 4

{However, he fails miserably}

Sigurd channeled the energies, the magic that flowed within him. He felt his skin tingling, his arms and legs growing, his body changing. He felt the cloak wrapping around him, felt himself disappearing, and Nicolau Waltzier's image emerging.

But then, it all changed. Sigurd suddenly felt his transformation fading away, the magic dissipating, his disguise disappearing. He stared at Dendrin, who shook his head in disappointment.

"Not again," Sigurd moaned, slumping his shoulders.

"Patience, Sigurd", said Dendrin. "It will take time, but you will master the art of disguise. Soon, you will be able to change your appearance with a snap of your fingers, and no one will be able to detect your true identity."

Sigurd sighed and slumped his shoulders.

"Is there nothing else I can try?", he asked.

"Yes, yes there is," said Dendrin, a smile growing on his face. "Come, we have a new challenge for you."

Dendrin led Sigurd down a dark corridor, through a hidden door, and into a chamber that resembled a dungeon. There were iron cages and shackles, and a pile of bones in the corner.

"Here, we have captured a Svelk", said Dendrin. "A horrible demon from the realm of shadow, one that is destined to bring chaos and destruction to Aidgard. Your task is to defeat it, and prove to yourself that you can harness your abilities."

"I thought I would be trying to learn the art of trickery first from you, not battling demons," said Sigurd, his heart pounding in his chest.

"Trust me, this will be a challenge, but it will help you improve and show your dedication. Go, and unleash your inner hero."

Dendrin stepped back, and Sigurd took a deep breath, drawing his sword. Before him, the Svelk emerged from the shadows, its crimson eyes burning with hate. The beast was a mass of shifting darkness, a swirling maelstrom of shadowy energy. Its fangs gleamed in the gloom, and its claws cut into the stone.

"Come, Svelk," Sigurd murmured. "Show me what you can do."

Svelk

Let's fucking see if I'm more lucky this battle!
Round 1:
The opposition is active (+2), I have allies in this scene (-2), my warrior with biomechanical hands descriptor should help me in the battle (-2)
DC: 13
Roll: 16 + Strength (4) = 20!
Success!

He charged, his sword singing through the air, his heart pounding with adrenaline. The creature met him halfway, its claws ripping and slashing, its fangs snapping, but Sigurd was fast, dodging and weaving, his sword biting into the monster's shadowy body.

They danced and fought, the battle raging, the blood flowing, the sparks flying. Sigurd ducked and rolled, the monster's claws inches from his throat. He struck with his fist, slamming the hilt of his sword into the creature's jaw.

Round 2:
Same DC as before, basically
Roll: 19 + Strength (4) = 23!
Another success! Hell yeah!

They clashed again and again, and Sigurd realized he was gaining the advantage, his sword dripping with the creature's foul, oily essence.

As the battle continued, the monster's movements grew slower, its body sluggish, its eyes dull and lifeless. Sigurd could see the weakness, and he struck with a quick slash, severing its head. The beast howled, its body dissipating into a cloud of smoke.

Dendrin stepped forward, a smile on his face.

"You have done well, Sigurd," he said.

"I have done little," replied Sigurd. "The Svelk was weak, and I could tell that its power was waning."

Dendrin nodded, his eyes twinkling.

"Indeed, the Svelk's power had begun to fade, for even a demon cannot last forever, not even one as powerful as it. But it showed you what you are capable of, and what you will face in the coming days."

Sigurd sheathed his sword, his shoulders slumping with exhaustion.

"I cannot imagine what Nicolau Waltzier will be capable of, nor what dark creatures he will unleash upon Aidgard. It is a daunting task, one that I cannot even begin to comprehend."

"You will have to learn quickly," replied Dendrin. "For time is running out, and Nicolau Waltzier is gathering his strength, preparing for the final battle."

"Can we really succeed? Is it possible to defeat a tyrant like him, a demon who has corrupted the land of Aidgard and cast a pall of darkness over the world?"

Dendrin nodded.

"We can, and we will," he replied. "But you will need to harness your potential, and use your skills and instincts to guide you through the darkness."

Sigurd stared into the distance, imagining Aidgard free of Nicolau Waltzier's reign, the sun emerging from behind the clouds, and the Summer Dragon returning from his slumber.

"So, Dendrin, what about the trickery and disguise training? I don't think fighting demons is a way of improving my skill."

Dendrin smiled.

"On the contrary, battling the Svelk helped you sharpen your senses and improve your reflexes. It also allowed you to channel your magic and gain control over your disguise. It is only a matter of time before you master the art of trickery, and when you do, you will be able to fool even the most observant of enemies."

Sigurd nodded and sheathed his sword, his confidence growing within him.

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Pub: 13 Aug 2023 14:51 UTC
Edit: 14 Aug 2023 22:52 UTC
Views: 160