While Trokk kept watch, Isha was being taught some of the basics.
Zog had a thoughtful look on his face as he spoke, "First, tell me 'generally' about your previous experience with the System." The emphasis on 'generally' sold Isha on being careful.
Trying to not invoke the System's ire, he spoke, "Well. I have had theoretical ideas about other versions, which obviously aren't REAL."
Zog nodded and motioned for him to continue while the leaves rustled off in the distance.
"I think there could be intent-based and knowledge-based Systems, ones that impose their will upon reality. Then, some Systems merely explain reality in terms of numbers, those usually have the least impact on the world. But, our reality uses a mixture of intent and specificity to create magnificent outcomes." Isha felt his nose get a little browner as Zog nodded and sighed.
Then Zog began to explain, "The System uses whatever works best with the individual, which, in your case appears to be hyper-specific knowledge at an extremely forgiving ratio."
Isha frowned as Zog continued, "For example, you being able to heal Trokk with a Leadership class is not unheard of. BUT! Does your Ability have any mention of healing? Any mention of restoration at all?!"
Isha shook his head from side to side.
Zog sighed, "Exactly. With your puny Stats, that should be impossible...unless you know highly specific spellwork or spellforms that can accomplish such a task."
The reality was starting to set in, he had been grossly misusing his [Inspire] ability.
Zog quickly said, "Let me see your Abilities."
Then Isha willed it so.
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Primary Class Abilities:
Inspire [Epic] - While many slave masters rely on Commands and Mental Magic, those who possess the Inspire ability to rise above those primitive methods. Instead of instilling loyalty through pain and reduced autonomy, you have the exceptional ability to inspire greatness and loyalty among those under your dominion.
[Variable Cost: Variable Effect]
Benevolent Bond [Rare] - You possess the rare ability to guarantee fair treatment. A double-edged sword, as your obligation to treat your Slave well is written into the Bond.
[200 Command Points: Increases the Willpower Threshold of Offensive Bond creation by 50%]
Passive Skills:
Overseer [Rare] - Your expertise in 'doing' allows you to command a group of people who perform better as a group than as individuals.
[Variable Effect: No Cost (Scales with applicable knowledge and experience in the task at hand.)]
Dreadful Bearing [Rare] - Your Charisma is flavored with a feeling of dread. Even those who do not fear you respect your abilities.
[Warning: This effect increases with 'knowledge' of the bearer's deeds.]
Secondary Class Abilities:
Barter [Common] - You have the ability to swing price negotiations your way when dealing with a System Trade or any other Traders.
[Warning: This Ability is unable to force loss. Should you enter into a meaningful exchange, you will never be able to force another Trader into less than 10% profit.]
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Zog began to tremble at the implication of Isha's Abilities. Then he sent a copy to Trokk, who nearly fell out of the tree he was watching from.
Isha could see the shock clear as day on Zog's face and assumed he was impressed with what he saw.
Zog hung his head low and mumbled, "Let me see your Traits, please."
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Congenital Traits:
Gnomish Intelligence - Gnomes are renowned for their innate curiosity and ridiculously sharp intellect. This racial trait reflects their natural aptitude for learning, problem-solving, and innovation.
[+10 Intelligence, +5 Charisma]
Cold-Hearted Trait - Cold-Hearted individuals possess an increased propensity for violence, and their demeanor is often described as 'ruthless and unfeeling.' This trait is marked by a diminished moral compass, leading to increased adaptability and survival rates, particularly in hostile environments.
[-10 Charisma; significantly reduced emotional range.]
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The reaction was even more unhinged as Trokk swung from above, nearly crushing Isha's foot as he stuck an Olympic landing.
Zog cleared his throat and began to speak, "Um. I have to be honest. You are one of the weakest creatures I have ever seen..."
Isha was stunned by the curtness.
"I am serious, you don't even have all of your Abilities and Passives unlocked." Then Zog realized what might be going on, "You are a High Gnome, right?"
After a small nod he continued, "You must have been an Heir or something. There is no other reason to hobble yourself by not unlocking your class abilities. Yes, that must be it."
Trokk nodded while adding, "I have heard of Human Nobility keeping their kin weak for decades before ascending to Tier 2. I couldn't imagine living at level 10 for that long. It'd be like staying a baby while in Basic Training."
Zog nodded and began to explain to the confused Isha, "The System uses a tiering system to describe each level of the Path. The Path is unique for everyone. A child born as a Trader could suddenly find themselves in the Wilderness and become an extremely formidable fighter...should they survive."
"You are Tier 2, which means you have a level cap of 25 in your Primary Class-and judging by your Command and Health, you should be at it."
Trokk was blinking in utter confusion while Zog was explaining, prompting Isha to explain, "I lost my memories during the wreckage. I didn't know my own name upon swimming to shore..."
Zog instantly caught the issue and turned to his subordinate, "Stand watch!"
The anger in the 'runt' flared and caused the larger Orc to immediately start climbing back to his position.
Zog nodded at Isha, acknowledging his wisdom at that moment before continuing, "That will work for now, but we should continue education frequently, as there is a lot to 'reteach' before you are competent with the System."
Isha nodded and asked, "What level are you two?"
Zog frowned before asking, "You don't HAVE to ask, but I am glad you did. That is a level of courtesy even my Father refuses to give me. I am a level 42. My Primary Class is [Tarkor Marksman (Level - 25)], and my Secondary Class is [Tarkor Survivalist (Level - 17)]. Trokk is level 35 with 22 in Tarkor Infantryman, and 13 in Tarkor Scout."
Isha nodded and tried to deduce the effects, "So, Tarkor is the group, is that right?" Zog nodded, and Isha continued, "The System can recognize your group's naming and give you a class that matches. How does that fit into the whole 'Path' idea?"
Zog sighed and explained, "We are Younglings. For us, there is no point in differentiating the lower levels of the Path. Unique classes begin to be available based on your achievements around Tier 4, or level 75. My next Class was supposed to be [Tarkor Expert Marksman] at Tier 3 and [Tarkor Master Marksman] at Tier 4. But those are just 'guidelines,' as we are expected to take any rare class or above."
Zog grabbed a water bladder and took a drink before offering it to Isha, "Here, you will need your strength."
Isha nodded, took a swig, then asked, "Are we going to be hunted for 'desertion'?"
Zog shook his head, "Now? No. Once upon a time, yes, we would be hunted by a Squad of Tier 4's, but now, Orcs do not follow those barbaric policies. The Humans have nothing to gain from our Younglings, and we are all free to choose our own Path."
Isha nodded in understanding, realizing that this world was less static than most of the games he'd played. This was a world where the inhabitants could learn from their mistakes and push for more sustainable futures.
"Do your people have a form of governance?"
Zog nodded and scanned the treeline, "We do...it isn't as developed or as 'light' as your own, but we do have Laws and Rights that we use to keep our people in line with. Hang on, there is something-"
Trokk leaped from the tree as an animal lunged from the bushes, all three bodies colliding just before Isha's face.