Beholderkin Isekai

[Deadguy]

*** The Calling ***

It was a pretty mundane Saturday evening. Dinner made by yourself and eaten by yourself. It might seem lonely to others, but the self-sufficiency had become a small victory for you.

Sitting down, you were about to relax with a bit of gaming on your custom setup. The light flickered for a moment and the monitor turned bright blue, flooding the apartment with eerie light that made the hairs on your arm stand up. Static.

Before you could determine if it was the dreaded blue screen of death, black swallowed you. The darkness was stifling. As you stood to grope toward the breaker box, you notice the wall is cold. Damp even.

There is some small light cast from under the door. But this wasn’t your door. Heavy oak and iron hinges. Definitely not the hollow cardboard-esq barriers of your abode.

[beholderkin]

Warren's heart raced as a surge of unease coursed through his veins, mingling with a heightened sense of curiosity. Hesitant to speak aloud as all his senses were telling him he wasn't in the same place he was just a moment before, his mind unable to grasp how that statement was true. The conflict in logic disturbed him, but the issue wouldn't be solved by inaction.

Fumbling for the door handle in his confusion, Warren tries to locate the door handle to the door that was definitely not his door.

[Deadguy]

"Drat! I knew I shouldn't have trusted a cracked core... now what will I do?!" Warren heard a slight woman's voice. It was meek, despite sounding upset. He then heard something he had never heard before, but knew somehow what it meant. Magic.

There was small flash before the room he was currently in was illuminated by a source from behind him. Upon turning, he saw her. In normal terms, she was a dwarf, or midget. But the pointed ears and sparkles on her cheeks quickly dispelled the common terms that came to mind. In her hand was a ball of light. She made eye contact with Warren for a second and seemed just as shocked as him. "Oh no no no! I knew I should have been more specific. Iron warrior meant iron golem... not iron... person? You, are you actually a warrior?" Despite the setback the question sounded hopeful.

Just as she asked, the rumble of an explosion caused dust to tumble lightly from the doorframe. "Quick, we don't have much time. Can you fight or not?!"

Warren noticed, now that there was enough light, his vision was not 100% clear. There was a display throughout his peripheral. Not enough to distract, but when he focused on it, it responded as if his eyes were a cursor.

[beholderkin]

"Iron...warrior...?" Confused and distracted he holds up his right arm and begins to dissemble, "Fight? I don't even have both arms, so what good would I be in...a...fight?" Trailing off as he stares in disbelief at the metallic arm where his left stump used to be, he blinks his eyes rapidly as if to clear them of this strange impossibility. Flexing the hand, he feels the tactile sensation as if it were the arm that he lost during his time in the military. How was this possible? Was it some sort of prosthetic? If it wre, why could he feel it? His mouth continues as his mind seems to misfire its synapses in its confusion. "I mean...I guess I could fight after all, if I had a gu..." his eyes bulge as one of the prompts in the periphery of his vision flashes with the words 'Form Gun' and his metallic hand immediately warps and shifts, taking on the sleek appearance of the barrel of a gun. The hand was gone, replaced with a firearm fused at the wrist there the hand had been a moment before. He wiggles it and it waggles with a surprisingly wide range of motion, the barrel aimed exactly where he feels he is 'pointing'.

Mind going completely numb with the shock at this point, Warren just glances up at the woman and shrugs, having given up any thoughts of logic and deciding this must be a dream. "Apparently, I can fight? Until I wake up, at least. Um...who are we fighting? Uh...ma'am? And where are we, exactly?" In the back of his mind, the phrase 'It's just a dream' repeats over and over again in an attempt to defend itself from the shock as he glances around the room, attempting to discern his surroundings as he tries not to focus on himself.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Move Action - Form Soul Gun

[Deadguy]

"Yay! I knew I could summon help. Not exactly what I was aiming for but beggars can't be choosers." She waved off his questions, but smiled largely when he formed a weapon out of thin air.

"Just know we're in my village and need to protect it from goblins. They've been raiding the entire area for dungeon cores since they spawned. We gotta stop them from getting in here." She scooped up the shattered fragments of a crystal and stuffed it in a belt pouch, as if trying to hide evidence.

[beholderkin]

Staring blankly at the woman, Warren just repeated her words without really connecting them to thoughts, "Goblins. Village. Dungeon Cores. Yeah...totally. No uh....problem." Eyes moving to the fragments of crystal she quickly tries to hide, Warren feels like his brain is misfiring, but he relaxes slightly as he thinks to himself, Just a really really weird dream. Why not play the hero? Relaxing his panicked thoughts, he shrugs his shoulders and lifts his weird gun-hand abomination. "Let's uh...go do that, then. I guess."

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Deploying/unfolding his Machinist's Powered Armor is an Immediate action, so it'll happen if/when he gets attacked. While Hardlight Bulwark is bound, it is currently suppressed.

Warren Murdock
Male C/N Human Soulgunner // Integrator // Soulforge, Level 1, Init 4, HP 12/12, Speed 30'
AC 23, Touch 13, Flat-footed 20, CMD 15, Fort 4, Ref 6, Will 5, CMB +2, Base Attack Bonus 1, Power Points 7/7
Mind Gun: Nagant M1895 Revolver +8 (2d6+1, 20/x4)
Called Weaponry: Rapier +6 (1d6+2, 18-20/x2)
Veil: Machinist's Powered Armor, Veil: Hardlight Bulwark (+9 Armor, +3 Dex, +1 Natural)
Abilities Str 12, Dex 18, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 16, Cha 11
Condition None
Bound Veils: Chef's Armory (Feat - 1 Essence Invested), Hardlight Bulwark (Class - 1 Esence Invested), Machinist's Powered Armor (Customization),

[Deadguy]

"I can't wait to see the look on the old man's face when he sees..." The excitable girl was interrupted as the door exploded inward. Shards of wood and flame washed over both of you. For a dream, the pain and heat seemed very much real.

Behind the flames, you could make out the balloon-headed green creatures that must have been the goblins. They clamored through the half destroyed doorway, pushing and jostling each other in a disorganized heap.

As for the girl, she lays in a crumpled heap on the floor.

Spoiler: Mechanics

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(1d6)[2] Fire / Piercing - Reflex dc 12 for half
Goblin Initiative (1d20+1)[8]
Roll for your initiative.
Even if the 4 goblins win, they will spend a turn getting through the difficult terrain of the door.

[beholderkin]

Seemingly in response to the 'attack', Plates of interlocking metal shape themselves around Warren's back and shoulders in sharp rapid-fire clanks and claps, folding out into an interlocking suit of gleaming futuristic armor that snaps into place around him even as he raises his arms to shield himself. "****!"

Panicking at the sight of the green-skinned balloon-headed figures that the girl seemed to regard as an immanent threat, his eyes flick to the gun barren where his new hand had been just a moment ago and raised it at the figures with only a brief moment of hesitation. Instincts from his youth took over. Blam! As if triggered entirely by intent, the barrel sends a round into the group immediately, even as he dashes forward to stand in front of the downed woman. It might have been years since he was in the military, but his body and subconscious mind still knew to provide cover and covering fire for downed allies.

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Surprise Round

Reflex Save: (1d20+6)[9]
Initiative: (1d20+4)[12]

Immediate Action: Activate Machinist's Powered Armor
Move Action: Get between the downed woman and the threat.
Standard Action: Fire Soul Gun
Soul Gun Attack: (1d20+8)[27] & Damage: (2d6+1)[11] (Slashing)

Warren Murdock
Male C/N Human Soulgunner // Integrator // Soulforge, Level 1, Init 4, HP 10/12, Speed 30'
AC 23, Touch 13, Flat-footed 20, CMD 15, Fort 4, Ref 6, Will 5, CMB +2, Base Attack Bonus 1, Power Points 7/7
Mind Gun: Nagant M1895 Revolver +8 (2d6+1, 20/x4)
Called Weaponry: Rapier +6 (1d6+2, 18-20/x2)
Veil: Machinist's Powered Armor, Veil: Hardlight Bulwark (+9 Armor, +3 Dex, +1 Natural)
Abilities Str 12, Dex 18, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 16, Cha 11
Condition Awake, Alert, Isekaied
Bound Veils:

• Chef's Armory (Feat - 1 Essence Invested)
• Hardlight Bulwark (Class - 1 Esence Invested)
• Machinist's Powered Armor (Customization)

[beholderkin]

His mind sluggishly forcing itself back into a headspace he hadn't used since he was still in the service, Warren pushes down his fear, confusion, and anxiety. Squaring himself as the figures started moving through the ruined doorway, Warren steadies himself and takes aim at them before pushing his will at the pseudo-gun attached to his arm and sends two more shots towards the group. Blam! Blam! Glancing at the woman behind him, he looks around the room to see if there is anything that could help in this situation. If only there was something he could use for cover...

A giant shield of solidified light snaps into place in his free hand. Too numb to truly process, he just accepted that he now had more than he had before, which was a good thing, and focused on the enemy ahead.

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Round One

Swift Action: Unsurpress Veil -Hardlight Bulwark
Full-Round Action: Soul Gun + Rapid Shot

1. Attack (1d20+6)[26] & Damage (2d6+1)[3] (Slashing) [Critical - See OOC Thread]
2. Attack(1d20+6)[18] & Damage (2d6+1)[6] (Slashing)

Warren Murdock
Male C/N Human Soulgunner // Integrator // Soulforge, Level 1, Init 4, HP 10/12, Speed 30'
AC 27, Touch 13, Flat-footed 24, CMD 15, Fort 4, Ref 6, Will 5, CMB +2, Base Attack Bonus 1, Power Points 7/7
Mind Gun: Nagant M1895 Revolver +8 (2d6+1, 20/x4)
Called Weaponry: Rapier +6 (1d6+2, 18-20/x2)
Veil: Machinist's Powered Armor, Veil: Hardlight Bulwark (+9 Armor, +4 Shield, +3 Dex, +1 Natural)
Abilities Str 12, Dex 18, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 16, Cha 11
Condition Awake, Alert, Isekaied
Bound Veils:

• Chef's Armory (Feat - 1 Essence Invested)
• Hardlight Bulwark (Class - 1 Esence Invested)
• Machinist's Powered Armor (Customization)

[Deadguy]

Warren made the goblins pay for their hasty rush. A shot to the chest dropped the first. A force bullet into the massive cranium toppled the second. The third, Warren almost sympathized with. Arm blown clear off, it sat in shock as it started to bleed out.

The fourth panicked. A metal human was far more than they bargained for when raiding small villages. It scream-cackled in a mix of fear and excitement, running out of the doorway and into the night.

Warren could see the flickers of torches outside and a clear dark sky from the exposed entry. There were still cries of panic, but they seemed a bit distant.

[beholderkin]

Glancing at the downed woman, Warren mutters a curse and darts towards the doorway, hoping to take a shot at the fleeing goblin and assessing the situation outside.

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Round Two

Swift/Immediate Action: None
Move Action: Move to the doorway (but not through it, stopping at the difficult terrain)
Standard Action: (If an obvious target is visible) Attack (1d20+8)[10] & Damage (2d6+1)[9] (Slashing)
Full-Round Action: N/A

If no target is found, he'll return to the woman to start checking her over for injuries instead.

Warren Murdock
Male C/N Human Soulgunner // Integrator // Soulforge, Level 1, Init 4, HP 10/12, Speed 30'
AC 27, Touch 13, Flat-footed 24, CMD 15, Fort 4, Ref 6, Will 5, CMB +2, Base Attack Bonus 1, Power Points 7/7
Mind Gun: Nagant M1895 Revolver +8 (2d6+1, 20/x4)
Called Weaponry: Rapier +6 (1d6+2, 18-20/x2)
Veil: Machinist's Powered Armor, Veil: Hardlight Bulwark (+9 Armor, +4 Shield, +3 Dex, +1 Natural)
Abilities Str 12, Dex 18, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 16, Cha 11
Condition Awake, Alert, Isekaied
Bound Veils:

• Chef's Armory (Feat - 1 Essence Invested)
• Hardlight Bulwark (Class - 1 Esence Invested)
• Machinist's Powered Armor (Customization)

[Deadguy]

Warren's shot went just wide, startling the goblin even further. It yipped and shouted. There seemed to be a pause in the commotions outside before shrill shouts answered the calls.

It turned a corner toward the responses and was now out of Warren’s sight.

[beholderkin]

Cursing, Warren retreats back into the room, crouching down and checking over the fallen woman, assessing her for injuries. Reaching out with his hand, the massive shield seemingly made of light winks out and he checks her over. "Lady, are you okay?" His mind raced with confusion and adrenaline of the brief one-sided fire fight. Priorities. Focus on the priorities. Don't think. He allowed ingrained mental conditioning from the military to take over in an attempt to preserve his sanity as he fussed over the tiny woman.

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Warren Murdock
Male C/N Human Soulgunner // Integrator // Soulforge, Level 1, Init 4, HP 10/12, Speed 30'
AC 23, Touch 13, Flat-footed 20, CMD 15, Fort 4, Ref 6, Will 5, CMB +2, Base Attack Bonus 1, Power Points 7/7
Mind Gun: Nagant M1895 Revolver +8 (2d6+1, 20/x4)
Called Weaponry: Rapier +6 (1d6+2, 18-20/x2)
Veil: Machinist's Powered Armor, Veil: Hardlight Bulwark (+9 Armor, +3 Dex, +1 Natural)
Abilities Str 12, Dex 18, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 16, Cha 11
Condition Awake, Alert, Isekaied
Bound Veils:

• Chef's Armory (Feat - 1 Essence Invested)
• Hardlight Bulwark (Class - 1 Esence Invested)
• Machinist's Powered Armor (Customization)

[Deadguy]

The small woman is not responsive. Ragged uneven breaths would lead you to assume a sucking chest wound, based on your military combat casualty training.

The howls and chaos outside are quickly replaced by human voices, shouting concerns and requests for aid.

[beholderkin]

"****!" Looking around, hoping to find some means of aid, Warren turns his head to the sounds of humans. Taking a deep breath, he bellows in his best imitation of the most hard-ass drill sergeant from his time in the service, "I need a Medic in here! Someone get a medic in here now!"

Failing to see any handy first-aid kits, he growls to himself, "I just need something to slow the bleeding. A bandage, duct-tape, or even a damn kitchen tow..." his voice trails off as a kitchen towel seems to construct itself thread-by-thread as if being 3D-printed at lightning speed in his hand, "...el. Um...okay?" Still too mentally numb to overthink it, he scrabbles at the woman's clothing to try to stuff the towel where it would do some work to slow the bleeding.

Spoiler: Mechanics

Show

Psi-Like Ability: Ectoplasmic Creation (Kitchen & Dining Room related objects only) - Kitchen Towel
Heal (Provide First Aid): (1d20+3)[6]

Warren Murdock
Male C/N Human Soulgunner // Integrator // Soulforge, Level 1, Init 4, HP 10/12, Speed 30'
AC 23, Touch 14, Flat-footed 20, CMD 16, Fort 4, Ref 6, Will 5, CMB +2, Base Attack Bonus 1, Power Points 7/7
Mind Gun: Nagant M1895 Revolver +8 (2d6+1, 20/x4)
Called Weaponry: Rapier +6 (1d6+2, 18-20/x2)
Veil: Machinist's Powered Armor, Veil: Hardlight Bulwark (+9 Armor, +3 Dex, +1 Natural)
Abilities Str 12, Dex 18, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 16, Cha 11
Condition Awake, Alert, Isekaied
Soul Forged Soul of the Helmsman - Vehicle: Motorcycle
Bound Veils:

• Chef's Armory (Feat - 1 Essence Invested)
• Hardlight Bulwark (Class - 1 Essence Invested)
• Machinist's Powered Armor (Customization)

[Deadguy]

Warren heard voices in response to the call. ”Are the cores safe?! I think they breached the door!”

Moments later, he could hear footfalls running down the street. They got louder as they approached. Two child-sized men with spears entered and then stepped quickly aside.

A equally small man in blue robes and large hat, carrying a staff taller than his height, entered. ”This is bad… did they take anything? … and pour Marigold. I told her to just hide and stay safe.”

He moved to the woman, using his staff to shoo you away a bit. He went to the cabinets that lined the walls, retrieving a gem like the broken one. This one glowed with energy.

He placed on her chest and muttered words of magic. The stone grew cold and dead. The woman’s wounds closed and her breathing became regular.

It was then that Warren noticed the man looking at him intently, as if waiting for an explanation.

[beholderkin]

Backing up and instinctively raising his hands to show he wasn't hostile, Warren notices his 'hand' melting and transforming back to smooth fingers instead of the weird amalgamation of flesh and gun circuit-traced barrel. Shaking his head to clear hsi thoughts, he notices the man's pointed stare.

"The uh, door blew in and she took some shrapnel in the explosion," He glances at the dead bodies of the weird baloon-headed green-skinned things he'd dropped during the assault. "I'n not actually sure where I am right now? She mentioned something about 'summoning help' right after I turned around in my apartment and somehow wound up...wherever here is." Taking a deep breath, his mind starts to truly process the pain, the sounds, the smells, and the clarity of his own thoughts and a chill creeps up Warren's spine. "This is...not a dream, is it?" His voice is deadpan and carries an element of defeat and wariness. It wasn't really a question. He just needed to confirm what he already knew, because it was impossible. And yet...

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Warren Murdock
Male C/N Human Soulgunner // Integrator // Soulforge, Level 1, Init 4, HP 10/12, Speed 30'
AC 23, Touch 14, Flat-footed 20, CMD 16, Fort 4, Ref 6, Will 5, CMB +2, Base Attack Bonus 1, Power Points 7/7
Mind Gun: Nagant M1895 Revolver +8 (2d6+1, 20/x4)
Called Weaponry: Rapier +6 (1d6+2, 18-20/x2)
Veil: Machinist's Powered Armor, Veil: Hardlight Bulwark (+9 Armor, +3 Dex, +1 Natural)
Abilities Str 12, Dex 18, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 16, Cha 11
Condition Awake, Alert, Isekaied
Soul Forged Soul of the Helmsman - Vehicle: Motorcycle
Bound Veils:

• Chef's Armory (Feat - 1 Essence Invested)
• Hardlight Bulwark (Class - 1 Essence Invested)
• Machinist's Powered Armor (Customization)

[Deadguy]

"Foolish, foolish girl... I'm sorry stranger, my name is Jorryn. I'm the village elder. I'm afraid it's not a dream, you are in the village of Bellmire, though I doubt that makes much sense to you by the looks of things."

He motioned for the guards to pick up the woman and take her out of the room. Once they were gone, he turned his attention back to Warren.

"Thank you for the help, if the goblins had raided our cores, it would have been very difficult to continue to live here. Cores are gathered from dungeon monsters like these goblins. They can be used in several magics, including enchantment of equipment, enhancement of abilities, and... summoning."

As he spoke, the goblin bodies evaporated into a blue mist. There were a few items left behind.

"Once Marigold recovers, we'll ask her about how she summoned you. Until then, make yourself as comfortable as you can. I won't be able to return you until I know more."

Spoiler: Mechanics

Show

Warren sees several icons appearing on his display.

There is an XP log, which has increased from 0/1000 to 300/1000.

There is also an inventory which now contains:
Level 1 Core (3)
Small Spear
Small Dagger
Small Sling

[beholderkin]

"Inventory? How do I..." his quiet musing trails off as a small dagger appears in his hand. Lifting his hand up to inspect the object, he notices a tattoo on his palm of two crossed chef's knives he definitely did not have before. Pushing that to the side, he looks at the small dagger and looks to Jorryn, "Uh...as I was not expecting to..uh...travel, would you maybe accept these in exchange for a place to rest and maybe a meal until we can talk to Marigold and sort things out? I don't mind waiting and all, but I didn't exactly have time to ... er... pack. So aside from the clothes I'm wearing, this is all I have." Focusing on the inventory list, he pulls out the rest of the 'loot' and offers the handful of random objects to Jorryn hopefully. "I can cook something for myself with just ingrediants, or I can cook for," he gestures vaguely with his off hand to the general area, "anyone else as well, if it would help? I imagine everyone is busy doing something, and that's one thing I can assist with, at least, outside of the fighting. I'll help with that too again, if needed. Nowhere else to be, for now..." He chuckles nervously, trying hard not to focus on just how deep in the suck and out of his depth he is right now.

[Deadguy]

"My boy, you've done more than enough to earn a stay in our village without charge. You can stay at my house, though I will not complain if you prepare a meal. I am interested to see how your food compares to our own."

He motioned outside and made his way to the broken door. There was already another guard protecting the outside, after the first two had carried the young woman away. Outside, the hardpacked dirt road is light sporadically with lanterns that produced light without any visible fuel source. The homes remind you of the hobbits from Lord of the Rings, but constructed with stone, the only grass remaining on the roof.

The old man walked at a decent pace, speaking as he headed toward his home. "The Guild will give you a few coins for the goblin equipment, it is not the most impressive craftsmanship. The cores can be used, as I said, for enhancing weapons and armor, or altering your own skills and talents. The higher your abilities, the harder it is to alter things, so best to make things right early."

"They can also be fused into the next tier. Minor cores to Moderate at a 10 to 1 conversion, moderate to major at 20 to 1, and major to epic at 50 to 1. The reverse is also true. One epic core can give a person the wealth of a small kingdom. I'm sure you're full of questions and concerns, have at them then."



He came to a larger home, nearly two stories. A knock of his staff and the door opened. Inside was well lit and well furnished. What you might expect of a noble home during the renaissance of Europe.

[beholderkin]

Putting away the items he had received for now, Warren follows the man. Rubber-necking and taking in what he can see of the village, he continues to follow the man inside the stone home and offers a hesitant smile. "Lovely home you have, sir." Rubbing the back of his head nervously, he hesitates before continuing, "I'll be completely honest, sir, I've travelled a lot, both in service, business, and pleasure. But I really don't think that... this is my... world. So really, any information you can give me would be of great help with my understanding of what is going on. Cores, skills and talents, seemingly magical healing, guilds, kingdoms? These are just not things that I am familiar with. And up until a few minutes ago when that woman did...whatever it was she did...I was missing an arm and couldn't conjure up things from nowhere. I think I just spontaneously willed a kitchen towel into being back there...somehow." Letting out a breath, he chuckles in disbelief, with a hint of manic tension kept tightly contained.

Looking a bit lost and shell-shocked, Warren just takes a deep breath and works to steady his mind at his own admission. Eyes flicking to the home, the medieval feel of it only deepening his own certainty at his admission. "If you show me what you have to work with in terms of food stuffs, I can start on a meal as you explain things? I could use something to keep my hand - well, hands now I suppose - busy to help me focus right now. I would rather do something productive while I process instead of...panic, for lack of a more polite word."

[Deadguy]

"Yes... I see, well the kitchen and pantry is right there..." He motioned to a doorway where you could see a table from here. Upon investigation, you'd find a cooking hearth and a water basin.

He didn't follow you in immediately, instead busying himself digging through a chest. Coming in to the table, he carried a large scroll. Clearing the table, he unrolled the parchment to reveal a map.



"We're here." He motioned to the Western Empire. "Mostly grasslands, with independent towns sprinkled throughout wherever dungeons can be found. Dungeons here consist of evil humanoids like orcs and goblins, with the occasional magical beast or wild animal."

"Dungeons are a naturally occurring phenomenon. They produce a specific type of creature, and if not contained, will overrun an area. The creatures spawned carry items and cores. The towns that spring up near dungeons use them as a renewable resource. A dungeon can be destroyed by entering it and harvesting the central core, which is normally a grade higher than the monsters it produces, but almost everyone takes that as an act of hostility against the towns, as it cuts them off from supplies forever."

"As for your abilities... I have never seen anything like it. I imagine that coming from another world, this one incorporated its interpretation of things you could do in yours. Training, weapons, armor... it all takes a form that this world comprehends."

"Most western cities operate their own guilds independently. Our village is too small and our dungeon too weak to draw that kind of attention, so we rely on my individual skills to process cores. If you need an ability altered or an item enchanted, I can do so with the right amount of minor cores."

[beholderkin]

Poking around the kitchen, Warren checks what ingredients are on-hand as he starts listing off the basic tools of kitchencraft that he's used to working with that may or may not be present. Only to be pleasantly surprised when such tools appear in his hand as if 3D-printed at lightning speed as he thinks of them, and disappear just as rapidly when he desires it to not stick around. "Well, that's certainly convenient." Turning to the water basic, he considers where he would fill it, only for water to start materializing into it at the thought of filling it. "And...so is that. That is really convenient, in fact. At least I won't die of thirst here. Wherever here is."

As he takes stock of the ingredients available in the kitchen, now that cooking implements won't seem to be an issue, Warren listens to Jorryn's explanation of the area, thinking of the weirdly parallel correlation between the games he used to play and even online comic books he used to read as a kid and the way this world seems to operate as a matter of course. His thoughts wonder as his eyes roam the map that Jorryn laid our. Well, if I look at it like that...I basically have super powers. And both arms. I mean... I can't really complain. Not like I had a lot going on back home, anyway. Better to have superpowers in fantasy midieval times than to be some one-armed schmuck taking up space in the modern world. Right...?

Checking the icons in his vision, he considers. If it's like a game...then I should optimize, right? No idea what would be the most useful yet, so probably best to try for some sort of balance that lets me survive comfortably until I know more. Totally keeping the kitchen super powers though. That's a definite winner. Warren brings out the small goblin cores he'd gotten and offers them to Jorryn. "I'd like to try that with these, if I could?"

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Changes detailed in OOC thread to switch to this character sheet, with this statblock:

Warren Murdock
Male C/N Human Soulgunner // Integrator // Soulforge, Level 1, Init 4, HP 10/12, Speed 30'
AC 24, Touch 15, Flat-footed 20, CMD 17, Fort 5, Ref 6, Will 5, CMB +2, Base Attack Bonus 1, Power Points 7/7
Mind Gun: Nagant M1895 Revolver +7 (2d6+1, 20/x4)
Weapon Veil: Masterwork Daggers +6 (1d4+1, 19-20/x2)
Called Weaponry Power: Estoc +6 (2d6+2, 18-20/x2)
Armor Veil: Machinist's Powered Armor (+9 Armor, +4 Dex, +1 Natural)
Abilities Str 12, Dex 18, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 16, Cha 11
Condition Awake, Alert, Isekaied
Soul Forged Soul of the Helmsman - Vehicle: Motorcycle
[Head] Bound Veil: Goldhoard Vestments (+0gp Invested)
[Hand - Weapon] Bound Veil: Chef's Armory (+1 Essence Invested)
[Shoulder - Armor] Bound Veil: Machinist's Powered Armor (+1 Essence Invested)

[Deadguy]

"Yes, yes! Of course I can help with that"

He picked up a stone and reached for your non-metal hand. Once you were connected, you felt a small surge of electrical current flow through you.

The core disappears as the goblins had, in blue pixel-like smoke. You notice that where your character sheet is in your HUD is blinking. Upon opening it there’s a cursor that allows you to edit nearly anything so long as you currently qualify for it.

As you make your changes, the man releases your hand and pockets one of the remaining cores. “A service fee, of course.”

He appeared a bit haggard or worn out after what he had just done.

Spoiler: Mechanics

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You can make any edits you desire now.

Your inventory now contains:
Level 1 Core (1)

[beholderkin]

As the man facilitates changes with the power of the orb, some of the grey metal suffusing parts of Warren's body - particularly around the head - gained a lustrous gold gleam to it, as if suddenly given expensive designer accents. Glancing at his icons, the one marked 'Bound Veils' shifted and detailed a total of three. Seeing he had lost the one seemingly responsible for the large shield made of light, but gained one that came with gold-related abilities he had chosen, as well as enhanced the one responsible for his kitchen-implement summoning power with an extradimentional storage ability.

Willing the small dagger out of storage, he smiles nervously at the now-tired man. "I should probably test it out." Putting action to words, he starts focusing on the new 'veil' and after a minute of concentration the dagger melts away, leaving a single gold coin in his palm. Then, focusing on the small wound he had taken in the brief fight with the goblins, the wound quickly seals up, and he sees his HP indicator in the corner of his vision tick up to full. "Ha! Okay, this should be useful." Putting the coin in storage through the tattoo on his palm, he nods. "Alright. Let's get a meal going - you look like you need it, if I'm honest. That looks like it must be exhausting."

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Used the Goldhoard Vestments veil to convert Small Dagger (2gp) to coinage (1gp).

Used the Repair ability to heal.

Now looking for a list of available ingredients in the kitchen.

Warren Murdock
Male C/N Human Soulgunner // Integrator // Soulforge, Level 1, Init 4, HP 10/12, Speed 30'
AC 24, Touch 15, Flat-footed 20, CMD 17, Fort 5, Ref 6, Will 5, CMB +2, Base Attack Bonus 1, Power Points 7/7
Mind Gun: Nagant M1895 Revolver +7 (2d6+1, 20/x4)
Weapon Veil: Masterwork Daggers +6 (1d4+1, 19-20/x2)
Called Weaponry Power: Estoc +6 (2d4+2, 18-20/x2)
Armor Veil: Machinist's Powered Armor (+9 Armor, +4 Dex, +1 Natural)
Abilities Str 12, Dex 18, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 16, Cha 11
Condition Awake, Alert, Isekaied
Soul Forged Soul of the Helmsman - Vehicle: Motorcycle
[Head] Bound Veil: Goldhoard Vestments (+0gp Invested)
[Hand - Weapon] Bound Veil: Chef's Armory (+1 Essence Invested)
[Shoulder - Armor] Bound Veil: Machinist's Powered Armor (+1 Essence Invested)

[Deadguy]

“Being a conduit between the work and soul is a bit tiring.” He took a glass and pored wine from a decanter, sitting down with a sigh.

“It appears you are happy with the results. That’s good, because it gets harder and more expensive each time.”

You find potatoes, vegetables, cheese and salted red meat in the pantry. Milk sits on the counter in a glass container next to the wine bottle.

[beholderkin]

Smiling hesitantly, Warren nods, "Well, I appreciate not only that, but the hospitality, and the information. Let me start returning the favor."

Summoning various kitchen implements, he goes to the stove, lighting it will a thought, and grinning at the convenience. Summoning more tools as-needed, he starts cutting the fat from the salted meat to render and use to fry two of potatoes after slicing them. Rendering the fat and throwing in both sliced potatoes and a small onion into one conjured skillet, he reduces some of the wine in a smaller pot even as he rehydrates the meat before cooking.

After about an hour, he serves two places of braised meat with wine sauce, fried potatoes, and simple steamed vegetables. Glancing at all the dirtied implements, he grins even wider than before as they all fade away at a push of his mind. "I think I'm in love with that power. I hate doing dishes." Setting down the meal, he eyes it. "Lets hope I didn't butcher that. I'm not even sure what some of these vegetables are, to be honest."

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Craft (Cooking) - Meal for 2 (1d20+10)[19]

Warren Murdock
Male C/N Human Soulgunner // Integrator // Soulforge, Level 1, Init 4, HP 10/12, Speed 30'
AC 24, Touch 15, Flat-footed 20, CMD 17, Fort 5, Ref 6, Will 5, CMB +2, Base Attack Bonus 1, Power Points 7/7 , Essence Points 0/2
Mind Gun: Nagant M1895 Revolver +7 (2d6+1, 20/x4)
Weapon Veil: Masterwork Daggers +6 (1d4+1, 19-20/x2)
Called Weaponry Power: Estoc +6 (2d4+2, 18-20/x2)
Armor Veil: Machinist's Powered Armor (+9 Armor, +4 Dex, +1 Natural)
Abilities Str 12, Dex 18, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 16, Cha 11
Condition Awake, Alert, Isekaied
Soul Forged Soul of the Helmsman - Vehicle: Motorcycle
[Head] Shaped Veil Goldhoard Vestments (+0gp Invested)
[Hand: Weapon] Shaped Veil Chef's Armory (+1 Essence Invested)
[Shoulder: Armor] Shaped Veil Machinist's Powered Armor (+1 Essence Invested)

[Deadguy]

“Well done, my boy!” The man seemed to enjoy your talents as much as he enjoyed the food.

“You could make a living here without dungeoneering at all.”

Once you’re done eating, he showed you a large couch for your bed. It had a fur throw to use as a blanket. Once he made sure you were settled, he retired to his own bedroom and shut the door.
______________________________

Morning seemed come quickly. The squeak of the bedroom door gave you a start. Despite the circumstance, you slept well enough.

The man headed directly for the kitchen, stoking the fire and putting a kettle on.

”Marigold should be awake this morning, so we can get to the bottom of how to get you home... if that’s what you’re wanting.”

[beholderkin]

Stretching out before standing, Warren nods. "That sounds like a plan as good as any other. I have to say, I'm also pretty interested in exactly what it is she did to bring me here."

Pausing as he finally registers what the man had said, he asks caustiously, "Dungeoneering? Is that what you call it when people go into the Dungeons you were telling me about for Cores and things? And is the one you mentioned run by your city filled with goblins like the ones from last night, or are there more things? I'm curious what you can tell me about Dungeons, and yours in particular. They don't actually exist where I come from, and it seems like information I should definitely have now that I'm here." He scratches at the back of his neck sheepishly. "And are you making tea, or...coffee?" This last word is spoken with a noticeable hopefulness in Warren's voice.

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Warren Murdock
Male C/N Human Soulgunner // Integrator // Soulforge, Level 1, Init 4, HP 12/12, Speed 30'
AC 24, Touch 15, Flat-footed 20, CMD 17, Fort 5, Ref 6, Will 5, CMB +2, Base Attack Bonus 1, Power Points 7/7 , Essence Points 0/2
Mind Gun: Nagant M1895 Revolver +7 (2d6+1, 20/x4)
Weapon Veil: Masterwork Daggers +6 (1d4+1, 19-20/x2)
Called Weaponry Power: Estoc +6 (2d4+2, 18-20/x2)
Armor Veil: Machinist's Powered Armor (+9 Armor, +4 Dex, +1 Natural)
Abilities Str 12, Dex 18, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 16, Cha 11
Condition Awake, Alert, Isekaied
Soul Forged Soul of the Helmsman - Vehicle: Motorcycle
[Head] Shaped Veil Goldhoard Vestments (+0gp Invested)
[Hand: Weapon] Shaped Veil Chef's Armory (+1 Essence Invested)
[Shoulder: Armor] Shaped Veil Machinist's Powered Armor (+1 Essence Invested)

[Deadguy]

"Yes, yes, that's our term for it. Our town dungeon spawns goblins with a rare chance of a hobgoblin. It's a Minor Rank 1, so not only are the spawns weak. They respawn at a slower rate. Generally two to three monsters a day."

He busied himself getting cups ready, only pausing when you ask about tea. "Is coffee something from your world? I've never heard that word before."

The kettle started whistling and he held up a cup. "Would you like some?"