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(Author: Brief note to inform you that I will not be able to publish this week. However, in the upcoming weeks, I should be able to maintain a pace of 2 to 3 chapters per week.)
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I make my entrance to the merchant's shop and there I find him amidst a conversation with two sturdy men. As I present myself, he courteously excuses himself from their company and proceeds towards me.
"Ah! You've made it," he expresses with delight, "I've managed to find two gentlemen who would be keen to take up labour under your employ. They are well-versed with the art of harvesting and would be able to commence their work as early as the morrow. Would that be acceptable to you?"
He signals towards the two men standing slightly distanced from us. They seem strong and industrious, much to the benefit of my harvest.
"It would be a pleasure to engage your services, gentlemen. Let us familiarise ourselves with one another. I am Louis-Bartholomew, and your names are?"
Aura, employing my magical analysis ability, identifies these men and gathers as much information about them as possible, including their character sheet.
[Hal:
Human
34 years of age
Male
Class: Civilian; Peasant Kit
Level: 3
Health: 11 (3d6+1)
Strength: 11
Dexterity: 10
Constitution: 12
Intelligence: 14
Wisdom: 10
Charisma: 13]
[Information presented by A.U.R.A (Anima Ultra Rationis et Arcanorum)]
[Beric:
Human
28 years of age
Class: Civilian; Gardener Kit
Level: 2
Health: 13 (2d8+1)
Strength: 13
Dexterity: 10
Constitution: 12
Intelligence: 15
Wisdom: 10
Charisma: 11]
[Information presented by A.U.R.A (Anima Ultra Rationis et Arcanorum)]
Aura informs me that the individuals, Beric and Hal, are both of human descent. They possess a background in agricultural work and appear to be in fine health. Their robustness and experience are sure to be a great asset to my farming endeavour.
After a brief introduction, we agree to reconvene at the break of dawn by the bridge where my boat is moored. They will lodge at my residence for the duration of the harvest.
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We part ways, and I set my course towards the tavern. The warm and lively ambience of the tavern greets me as always. The proprietor, a stout man by the name of Roderick "Rusty" Ironmug, who sports greying hair, welcomes me into the premises.
"Ah, the raconteur returns! We do hope you've more tales to weave. Your story from yesterday still finds resonance within these walls."
I propose a continued session of storytelling to the innkeeper. After brief negotiations, he concurs to remunerate me with six gold pieces each evening, with an additional cut from the tips I receive. I spend the remainder of my day ensconced within the tavern, captivating the patrons with fascinating tales of knights, damsels, nefarious wizards, and mythical creatures. The patrons find themselves entranced by my words, hanging onto each plot twist. As the evening draws to a close, I tally my earnings. Courtesy of my storytelling prowess and the generosity of the patrons, I find myself in possession of over thirty gold pieces. A feeling of satisfaction fills me as I contemplate the day that has passed and I look forward to what the morrow holds.
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As the sun peeks over the horizon, we embark on our journey towards the mill. Hal and Beric handle the oars with notable dexterity. Their muscular physique is a testament to their familiarity with such tasks. I detail out the necessary tasks and they listen with rapt attention, ready to get to work.
Hal is a man of average height, adorned in simple yet tidy work clothes. His light brown hair encircles a jovial face, and his blue eyes sparkle with intelligence. He does not shy away from making insightful inquiries about the work at hand.
Beric, on the other hand, is an imposing figure. His dark beard and black hair enhance his striking physique. He is clad in worn leather armour, with a sword at his belt, hinting at his experience in combat. Though more reserved than Hal, his contemplative comments reveal an equal measure of intelligence.
As we draw near the mill, they make ready to disembark. The watermill, their temporary home for the coming days, is now visible on the horizon. I guide them to the location where the boat is to be moored and from there, we proceed towards the watermill.
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The moment Hal and Beric step onto my land, a barrier is activated and a contextual window, invisible to them, promptly appears. A detailed analysis of the two individuals unfurls, disclosing their respective threat levels. A critical question is displayed, twice over:
"Do you wish to authorise Hal's passage onto your territory?" Accompanied by his character sheet and associated threat level.
"Do you wish to authorise Beric's passage onto your territory?" Likewise, his character sheet and threat level are exhibited.
At this point, Aura makes its presence known:
[You have discovered your third power. Here is the information that is now accessible:
The mill and its dependencies are protected by a magical barrier whose limit corresponds to your teleportable territory.
You have the ability to restrict the entry of anyone wishing to enter the mill. By default, no one can enter.
The current level of the barrier allows to prevent entry and protect against any creature having a maximum of 50 hp or 5 levels.]
Taking into account the potential implications of this power, I grant passage to the two men. With a warm welcome, I assist Hal and Beric in settling down and comprehending their tasks. I introduce them to the fields of apple trees and potatoes, explaining my expectations. Later, I lead them inside the mill, showing them their sleeping quarters and the dining area.
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After a quick meal, they proceed to start their work at the apple orchard, while I prepare the evening meal. As I cook, I reflect on the day that has passed. Employing these two men to aid with the harvest was a judicious decision, and I sense that things are starting to fall into place. With some good fortune and diligent work, I might be able to make this place prosperous.
When the meal is ready, I call Hal and Beric to dine. The evening is spent in good conversation and camaraderie. I retire to bed that night with a feeling of contentment, curious about what the following day holds.
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"Tomorrow, I plan to transcribe the Red Cross first aid manual. Aura will assist me with the translation. The task will merely require some laborious copying. I ponder whether it would be wise to sell the manual to the temple. Finally, Aura, could you provide the information on my status and skills on the display board?"
[Louis-Bartholomew Di Hordius
Race: Human
Class: Civilian (default)
Level: 0
Hit Points (HP): 6
Attributes:
Strength 10
Dexterity 10
Constitution 10
Intelligence 16
Wisdom 15
Charisma 12
Main Skills:
Sword handling (Katana)
Communication (Common, French)
Knowledge (Real World, Faerûn)
Diplomacy (Negotiation, Persuasion)
Management (Farm, Employees)
Medical Knowledge (First Aid)
Secondary Skills:
Cooking
Cleaning
History (Tales and legends)
Equipment:
Katana
Ankheg Plate Armor
Red Cross Manual
Inventory:
Apples
Potatoes
Various Books
30 gold pieces
Current Quests:
Refound the Red Cross Order
Manage the farm and employees
Translate and copy the Red Cross Manual
Titles:
Owner of the Watermill (Unnamed )]
[Information presented by A.U.R.A (Anima Ultra Rationis et Arcanorum)]
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I had thought that distracting myself would allow me to sleep, but in reality, it had no effect. However, I was still unable to fall asleep, tossing and turning repeatedly. Eventually, I sat up and decided to ask Aura which class I could choose.
[With your statistics, you have the possibility of choosing from a wide array of classes. In fact, your statistics are balanced enough to allow you to choose any class based on your preferences. However, your clear strengths lie in Intelligence and Wisdom, suggesting classes that leverage these attributes. Here are some possible options:
1. Mage: Mages use Intelligence to cast spells and can choose from a wide variety of spells to adapt to almost any situation. They are, however, physically weak and often have to rely on their companions to protect them in close combat.
2. Cleric: Clerics use Wisdom to cast spells and are generally oriented towards healing and support, although they also have access to a range of attack and defence spells. They are more resilient than Mages and can hold their own in close combat if necessary.
3. Druid: Druids, like Clerics, use Wisdom to cast spells. They have a particular affinity with nature and can use spells to control elements, heal injuries, and even transform into animals.
4. Sorcerer: Sorcerers use Charisma to cast spells. They have a more limited spell list than Mages, but can cast them more frequently thanks to their familiarity with these spells.
5. Bard: Bards use Charisma to cast spells and are also competent in combat, possessing a variety of utility skills. They are jacks-of-all-trades, able to fill various roles within a group.
Considering your current situation and past actions, I suggest you choose the Cleric or Druid class. These two classes seem to match your interest in healing and managing your lands. However, the final choice entirely depends on your personal preferences and gameplay style.]
[Information provided by A.U.R.A (Anima Ultra Rationis et Arcanorum)]
I pondered for a moment. Although I am a book lover, the mage class would not suit me, as I need to be able to engage in melee combat. I am not particularly attached to gods or nature, so the cleric and druid classes are not for me.
"Are there other classes or class specialities? If so, which ones? In reality, I mostly want to be able to fight in armour and possibly manipulate magic." I pondered
[Indeed, there are classes and subclasses (or class specialisations) that would allow you to combine armoured combat and the use of magic. Here are some possible options in the Dungeons and Dragons system:
1. Paladin: Paladins are holy warriors, defenders of good and justice. They are capable of wielding heavy armour and diving into the heart of battle. What sets them apart from other fighters is their ability to cast divine spells. Paladins use their Charisma to channel their magic and have a spell repertoire that allows them to heal, protect, and strengthen their allies. They are also particularly effective against evil creatures and have special abilities, such as Turn Undead, which allow them to combat the forces of darkness.
2. Eldritch Knight: Eldritch Knights, or Scholar Knights, are fighters who master both martial arts and the arcane. They can wield heavy armour and powerful weapons while casting arcane spells. Eldritch Knights specialise in combat magic, allowing them to enhance their attacks, protect themselves, and even cast offensive spells. Their training gives them a certain versatility on the battlefield, as they can mix melee combat with spells to inflict additional damage on their enemies or protect themselves from enemy attacks.
3. Swordmage: Also known as Weapons Mages, they are warriors who excel in both the art of combat and the manipulation of magic. They have the characteristic of using their weapon as a magic focus, which allows them to channel their magical energy through their attacks. Swordmages are capable of wielding weapons and light or intermediate armour, which provides them with some protection in combat. They can cast offensive, defensive, or utility spells to support their allies. Their ability to combine physical combat with magic makes them versatile fighters, able to adapt to different situations.]
[Information provided by A.U.R.A (Anima Ultra Rationis et Arcanorum)]
While I was weighing the pros and cons between the Eldritch Knight and the Swordmage, I finally made my decision and turned towards the Swordmage class. Once my decision was made, I informed Aura of my choice, and she confirmed my new class.
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Upon receiving my new Swordmage class, a surge of emotion flooded through me - a powerful cocktail of exhilaration, anticipation, and a slight touch of trepidation. This change marked a new path, a fresh beginning filled with untold possibilities, and it was difficult to suppress the adrenaline that bubbled up within me.
In front of me, materialising out of the ether, a grimoire of modest thickness appeared. It hung suspended in the air momentarily before succumbing to gravity and falling to the ground with a soft thud. My heart leapt at the sight of it. This book, no matter how slightly worn it appeared, was now an extension of my own being, a physical manifestation of my new identity.
I bent down and picked it up, the rough texture of its weather-beaten cover felt real and grounding against the palm of my hand. It was a poignant reminder of the journey that lay ahead; the pages within might be blank, but they were ready to be filled with the wisdom and experience I would gain along the way.
Aura's panel pulled me from my thoughts, instructing me to take up my weapon. My hand instinctively moved to the katana that lay near my bed. The familiar weight and balance of the sword gave me comfort, as if reconnecting me with a part of myself that I feared I might lose with this transformation.
A new sensation pulsed within me, a mystical energy flowing like a hidden river. It felt potent, eager, like a wild horse rearing to break free from its stable. This was magic in its raw form, coursing through me, seeking release. I was the vessel, my weapon the conduit. With bated breath, I prepared to channel this nascent power through my attacks.
As if answering to this internal energy, my katana began to glow. It was a subtle light, a hypnotic shade of purple that seemed to dance along the blade, imbuing it with an ethereal quality. The sight was mesmerising, a visual symphony of magic and steel blending in harmonious concert.
I was a Swordmage now. A palpable sense of power filled me, and I felt an unprecedented versatility in my capabilities. I was a warrior and a mage, a harmonious blend of martial prowess and arcane potential. I was ready to defend my life and those of my comrades with renewed vigour, wielding both the unyielding steel of my sword and the arcane forces at my command.
Yet, my grimoire remained empty of known spells. This was a gentle reminder of the journey I was embarking on - there was still so much to learn, so much to master. I was standing on the edge of a vast ocean, and I was about to dive in. The excitement was overpowering and, in the end, lull me into a deep, dream-filled sleep.