Clockwork Isekai Solo Advanture [IC]

[beholderkin]

In the cacophony of a bustling metropolis, where the symphony of urban life intertwined with the screeching of car tires and the distant hum of conversations, an unassuming figure named Kyle stood at the epicenter of a calamitous event. His reality shattered in an instant, crushed beneath the wheels of a truck possessed by a mischievous and otherworldly spirit—the infamous Truck-Kun.

As Kyle's life flickered between existence and oblivion, a being materialized before him, shimmering with a hazy luminescence. With an air of absentmindedness that hinted at ancient wisdom, the entity's wrinkled brow furrowed in a cloud of confusion. "Oh, dear me," he mumbled, fumbling through ethereal pockets, searching for something. "It seems that that blasted Truck-Kun has been, uh, devouring those tether thingies, you know? Can't send you back, terribly sorry. That spirit is becoming a real problem these days!"

The being's ramblings cascaded over Kyle like a disorganized symphony, each word an errant note threatening to drown out the crucial information. With an apologetic shrug and a crooked smile, the god-like being continued, his gaze momentarily lost in the vastness of a cosmic void. "But fret not, my wayward friend, for I shall grant you a boon, a new world for your weary soul to traverse. Just a small favor, considering my...ahem, busy schedule."

In the liminal space that bridged realms, Kyle found himself transfixed by an ethereal manifestation—a mesmerizing screen flickering with infinitesimal fragments of possibility. It pulsed with vibrant hues, each pixel capturing the essence of unexplored landscapes and thrilling encounters. The sights and sounds of untamed realms called out to him, beckoning him to forge a new path in this uncharted domain. It was too much to process for his mind until it finally settled into a simple blue screen that had a single button in the middle stating, 'Start Avatar Selection'.

The god, now lost in thought, absently scratched his bearded chin. "Ah, yes. Race, Attributes, abilities, appearance, equipment." he muttered, casting a fleeting glance at Kyle before shifting his attention back to a the screen. "Choose wisely, my friend, for this new vessel shall encapsulate your dreams, your hopes, your triumphs."

Kyle's mind swirled with the richness of imagination, envisioning the worlds he might soon traverse. The distant echoes of arcane incantations, the verdant hues of ancient forests, and the metallic tang of battle hung in the air, all waiting to be experienced in their fullest glory. He yearned to craft a character who would not only survive but thrive in this unyielding realm.

As the god's chaotic mutterings filled the interstitial void, Kyle tried to speak but as a disembodied spirit, he had no voice. Resolving himself to do the only thing he could do, he focused on the screen before him in the limbo between realms and began making choices. Time seemed to be infinite and pass in the blink of an eye as he spent an unknown amount of time making his choices.

In a crescendo of brilliance, the character creation screen absorbed Kyle's essence as he made his final selection, imprinting his choices onto the very fabric of his rebirth. The god, still lost in his own cosmic reverie, bid Kyle farewell with a distracted wave of a hand. "Off you go, then! Make a name for yourself in those new lands, my young adventurer. And do say hello to the talking squirrels for me, won't you?"

--

With a jolt, Kyle found himself standing on a grassy hill, his stature much shorter than before, carrying a hefty weapon and wearing armor constructed of gears and dense metal plates, but it didn't feel as heavy as it looked. Gazing up from himself, he sees a large village in the distance to the north, a dense forest to his south, and rolling plains dotted with hills to the east and west.

[Deadguy]

Dead. God. Alive.. what a fever dream of experiences, but this doesn’t feel like a dream. Kyle ran a stubby calloused thumb lightly over the blade he carried, drawing the slightest amount of blood and a sting. It all reminded him of RPG games he had played in the past. If only they could make character creation so intuitive.

”Hi ho, it’s off to work...” He stared to walk toward the village. Getting a lay of the land and learning what he could seemed like a sound strategy. Besides, if this was like fantasy games, that was the best place to pick up quests and adventures.

[beholderkin]

The rolling plains stretched out before Kyle, though as the avatar creation had asked for a new name, he supposed he was also 'Khargrim Darkiron' now. As he traversed the undulating grassy terrain, his every step reverberated through the earth. Each footfall, encased in sturdy armored boots, left deep imprints in the fertile soil, marking his path clearly.

His armor, meticulously crafted of dense metal and clockwork mechanical craftsmanship and honed to perfection, adorned his sturdy frame. The interlocking plates of metal and gears enveloped him in a shield of protection. With each movement, the metallic clinks echoed through the open expanse, underscoring his presence and the weight he carried.

The setting sun painted the sky in vibrant hues, casting long shadows that stretched across the rolling plains. Undeterred by encroaching darkness, he pressed forward, his eyes fixed upon the distant city.

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Please make a spot check & a listen check.

[Deadguy]

Khargrim relished the feeling of this new body. Picking this race was definitely the right choice. The armor alone would have slowed the old him to a crawl, if he could have even stood with it on. Breathing in the fresh air, he was just focused enough on the town to not stray from that direction but not so focused as to miss the new surroundings.

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Spot - [roll]1d20+10[/roll]
Listen - [roll]1d20+10[/roll]

[beholderkin]

As Khargrim trudged along, impressed with his new body's stout nature, he catches a snippet of yelling on the the breeze that rippled the grass all around him. Turning to the east and taking strides up a small hillock, he catches sight of the origin of the sound. There was a man atop a wagon, swinging wildly with what looks like a horse crop. Surrounding his wagon were a small group of short green figures. While half of the group was busy jabbing at the man with crude short spears, the other half were wrangling a net over the beast of burden tied to the wagon in order to pull it and attempting to unhitch it.

As he takes in the scene, Khargrim sees a road the wagon seems to have been travelling on that snakes out from the southeast, skirting just outside the forest and winding towards the city in the distance. He was rather close to the road before, but the rolling hills obscured the road from where he landed in this world.

Spoiler: OOC

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The wagon and goblins are approximately 60' away once you've made your way up the hillock to see over it. The goblins have not spotted you yet, too focused on their attack.

[Deadguy]

Let's get into some trouble straight away! As he moved forward, Khargrim drew one of the bolts from the quiver on his hip. With a quick invocation, it gathered up magical energy and darted from his hand toward one of the goblins trying to steal the animal.

Once he had fired away the projectile, he readied the massive spearlike polearm. Ho ho! Look's like I stumbled into a scrum. Let's go, ya green boogers!

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Move Action: 30 ft toward cart
Standard Action: Cast Launch Bolt
Attack - (1d20+5)[22]
Damage - (1d8)[1]

[beholderkin]

On the snaking road through the vast grasslands, the group of goblins swarmed around a wagon, their raucous shouts filling the air with their strange language. Armed with spears, they lunged at the lone humanoid perched on top, who valiantly fought back with a horse crop, desperate to protect himself, and possibly his livelihood.

Amidst the chaos, a sudden clanging echoed through the air and a crossbow bolt found its mark silently, striking a goblin in the shoulder blade. With a pained shriek, the injured creature spun around, its eyes widening in pain and surprise.

From the crest of a nearby hill, a heavily armored dwarf descended towards the group of goblins, hurling himself down the slope, his features obscured by his strange, heavy armor. The grasslands quivered with anticipation as the standoff between the goblins and the indomitable dwarf unfolded.

Now close enough to see them clearly, Khargrim saw that the spears held by the goblins were actually javelins as the monster he shot threw his at the dwarf in response, even as the others were still in the process of noticing his sudden arrival.

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Goblin throws javelin at Khargrim: (1d20+4)[22] as his ready response.
Goblin Initiative: (1d20+1)[13]
Roll Initiative, but act even if you normally go after the goblins.
The rest of the goblins around the wagon are considered surprised this round.

[Deadguy]

The javelin bounced off the metal plates of the armor with no more effect than a toothpick might. Khargrim barreled down, clearing the distance between them quickly. Using his momentum, he drove the polearm forward as he charged.

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Initiative - (1d20+3)[13]
Charge - touch attack (1d20+7)[11]
Damage - (2d6+19)[30]; Fort dc total damage vs daze

[beholderkin]

Khargrim's boots thundered against the ground as he closed the distance, his iron-clad form radiating an indomitable aura. With a swift and forceful thrust, he lunged at the nearest goblin, aiming to impale it upon the lethal tip of his warpike.

Yet, fortune eluded him in that moment. The strike narrowly missed its intended target, the goblin just barely sidestepping the lethal blow, having heard the dwarf's ungodly clatter of heavy plate armor fast approaching behind it. The failed attack served as a rallying cry for the group of green-skinned bandits, their eyes now fixated on the formidable dwarf who dared to challenge them.

In a frantic scramble, the goblins tightened their grip on their spears, shuffling together into more of a defensive formation. Their beady eyes gleamed with a mix of fear and determination as they readied themselves to engage in combat. Javelins raised, they prepared to thrust and pierce Khargrim's heavy armor, seeking to exploit any weakness they could find.

The air crackled with tension as Khargrim and the goblins stood poised for battle, the weight of their actions hanging in the balance. With the first clash of weapons, the struggle would ignite, unleashing a tempest of violence upon the hillside.

The farmer, atop the wagon called out, "Sir Knight! 'Ware their shaman!" Flicking a glance at the man—an elderly human wearing farmer's clothing, but with long thick leather vest with the distinct look of light armor—to see him point behind the wagon with his wagoneer's horse crop, outside of the dwarf's immediate view.

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Good Alignment entities win combat dice ties with evil entities in my games due to the forces of Karma (and if both are good/evil or neutral, Lawful entities win ties with Chaotic forces for the same reason - Evil and Chaos have the same benefits against Good and Law in social dice rolls.), so Khargrim goes first now that the surprise round is done.

[Deadguy]

He stabbed at one of the goblins before him and nodded in understanding to the man’s warning. This really was like the fantasy games he’d played before the truck had made him a road patty.

After his attack, he withdrew toward the back to get eyes on this magic threat.

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Standard action - touch attack (1d20+5)[24]
Damage - (2d6+19)[26]; Fort dc total damage vs daze
Move action - move to rear of wagon

[beholderkin]

The goblin he thrust his warpike into manages only a bubbling gurgle as he pulls the warpike out the mess of lung and heart he had destroyed and the gore hits the ground in wet splatters as he pumps his strong legs to maneuver around the side of the cart to the back.

As he does, he catches his first sight of the goblin shaman he had been warned about, already chanting something in a language Khargrim doesn't understand and wiggling its disgustingly grubby fingers in odd gesture. As the goblin caster brings his hands down towards the dwarf, he feels a sharp blow as if being struck from above.

The other goblins, not becoming idle, start to charge at the dwarf, but half veer off after seeing the mess he made of their companion and chose to jab at the farmer atop the wagon half-heartedly as they eyes the battle with the new dwarf combatant even as the farmer smacks at one with his riding crop with a muttered curse.

The two more courageous (or stupid) goblins charge him with their javelins, using them as short spears.

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Shaman uses Ancestral Vengeance spell that does (2d6)[4] points of magic damage (DC 13 Fort Save for 1/2)
Goblin Spearman 1 Stabs with Javelin with (1d20+3)[6] attack, doing (1d4)[1] piercing damage if connecting.
Goblin Spearman 2 Stabs with Javelin with (1d20+3)[9] attack, doing (1d4)[3] piercing damage if connecting.

[Deadguy]

Showing no mercy, Khargrim struck at the fleeing goblin.

He turned back to the injured shaman, seeking to cut him down before another spell could be chanted.

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Attack of Opportunity - touch attack [roll]1d20+5[/roll]
Damage - [roll]2d6+19[/roll]
Standard action - touch attack [roll]1d20+5[/roll]
Damage - [roll]2d6+19[/roll]

---

* post roll count doesn't match database

[beholderkin]

Reeling back, the shaman stumbles and staggers back after taking a gaping wound in his chest. Blood burbling from its mouth as it chanted something. As the goblin's chant ended, his chest wound shrank and became less severe, but did not completely close.

The goblin spearman not immediately and completely obliterated by another thrust of the dwarf's warpike upon approach seemed to have finally realized the type of overwhelming danger it now found himself in. Flicking its gaze to the still-wounded shaman, It seems to have come to a decision and bolted, aiming its flight towards the forest's treeline.

Jabbing half-heartedly at the farmer atop the wagon as they kept side-eyeing the battle happening at the back of the wagon, the other two goblins see the shaman take a bad chest wound and their compatriot bolt and seemed to come to the decision that prudence is the better part of valor and also bolted towards the forest's tree line, giving the dwarf a wide birth.

Spoiler: Mechanics

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While the adjacent goblin spearman is making a Withdraw, it still triggers an attack of opportunity once it leaves the last threatened square of the warpike's reach.

The shaman took a 5' step out of reach and used a healing spell or effect that was obviously not completely effective.

[Deadguy]

Showing no mercy, Khargrim struck at the fleeing goblin.

He turned back to the injured shaman, seeking to cut him down before another spell could be chanted.

Spoiler: Mechanics

Show

Attack of Opportunity - touch attack (1d20+5)[15]
Damage - (2d6+19)[27]
Movement - 5 ft step
Standard action - touch attack (1d20+5)[17]
Damage - (2d6+19)[25]

[beholderkin]

Not escaping the range of Khargrim's warpike, the fleeing goblin is struck down just inches away from freedom. As the dwarf turns to strike down the shaman, it shrieks in panic. As the warpike replaces its throat with cold adamantine metal, its scream is cut off.

As the dwarf looks behind him, the two fleeing goblins make it to the treeline and vanish into the foliage. The grateful farmer, perched atop his wagon, extends calls out to the passing adventurer who just saved him from the clutches of the thieving goblins. "Thank you kindly, brave warrior," he says with a relieved gap-toothed smile. "I was in a right pickle before you came along! Please, allow me to repay you. I'm William, and I own a farm a few miles down the way there. I'll gladly give you a ride into town and save you the boot leather, if you've a mind."

Hopping off his wagon on unsteady legs, the man starts pulling the large net the goblins had used to entangle the ox pulling the man's cart and begins checking the beast of burden over for wounds. He calls out, as he works, "You'll want to LIBERATE the bodies before we go, or LOOT 'em as the young people are prone to say these days, the lazy little sods. Their cores ain't worth much, but a sight better than nothing at all for your trouble, to be sure. Especially that there caster. Might even be a bounty at one of the guilds, if you're lucky!" Catching the emphasis on the words 'LIBERATE' and 'LOOT', knowledge not his own pertaining to this new world seems to unlock within the dwarf's mind, unfurling to offer itself up to him.

Spoiler: Mechanics

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L.I.B.E.R.A.T.E. - Larcenous Invocation Bestowing Enriched Rewards And Treasures from the Expired, also colloquially known as L.O.O.T. - Lifeblood Offering to Obtain Treasures. The act of willfully giving up the tangible 'victory' of your battle in order to receive a reward.

By offering the remains of a life form you have personally slain to higher powers, it is replaced with something deemed appropriate to the general difficulty of slaying such a being. Simply touch the corpse and will it to be given over, and an appropriate higher being will accept it and provide a reward they see fit. A 'core' is the most common reward, though sometimes objects tangentially related to the life of the being are also given, depending on the higher power that actually accepts the offering.

A 'core' is a perfectly spherical gemstone. They are often traded and sold, and in some places even take the place of traditional coinage as the mainstay monetary option in places where monsters are extremely plentiful. They are so universally accepted, and so uniform, they can be used as easily as any coinage.

When the cantrip spell Detect Magic is used on a core while it is being held be the person that harvested it, the viewer sees a ghostly image of the being it came from and the general area it was slain projected above the core, allowing cores to be used as verification of any relevant bounties.

[Deadguy]

Khargrim nodded, accepting the offer of a ride. He moved to the bodies, unsure of what to do. He offered up a quite prayer like the acronym seemed to suggest.

[beholderkin]

As Khargrim focused on the bodies, he feels his intent push against something outside the scope of his own mind and the bodies shimmer in front of him one at a time as if he were looking at a heat mirage in the desert. In a moment, the bodies have vanished, leaving behind only the stains of their blood and gore, as well as several small objects seemingly laid neatly on their tattered equipment.

Having removed the net and thoroughly checked over his beast, the farmer circles the wagon and retrieves a slightly battered double crossbow. Walking away from the wagon a ways, Khargrim notices the odd shimmer effect in the tall grass the farmer stood in front of before he bend down and seemed to retrieve a few items before striding a few paces away and repeating the same ritual he himself just had.

Coming back with a grunt and hopping up into the wagon, the farmer carefully studies the crossbow and gives it a good once-over before nodding and uncocking it carefully and hanging it on a hook near his driver's seat. "Damned goblin hooked her out of my hand with a damned spear, while I was reloading. Managed to get the first two with ol' Bianca though. Damned pests." He pats the crossbow with a smile. "Come on up, lad and we'll get ourselves off to the guilds and see if we can swap these cores for a few coins to line our pockets, eh?" He pats one of the crates in his wagon that actually has a lid as if it were an inviting bench. Most of the crates were topless and carried a variety of obviously fresh vegetables.

As the dwarf takes a seat in the wagon and the farmer clicks his tongue and starts the ox plodding along the road, he rambles on in a friendly tone. "My son normally rides with me and I hardly ever have to break out ol' Bianca, but he's off on some damned request for the lord to magic up some new stone wall after some beasty tried to get at the lord's horses or some such. He's always runnin' 'round with any ol' excuse to magic up somethin' or 'nother. Must say, havin' him 'round makes tillin' the field easier 'n ice melts in the summer, but that's only when he's not off gallivantin' 'round." The farmer chatters about his son, hid farm, and mostly complains about various things as old men tend to do, but his speech is relaxed and friendly, nonetheless.

Spoiler: Mechanics

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You receive a total of 700xp

Goblin Spearmen

• 3 x small javelins
• 2 x tiny core gems that are an occluded muddy green in color
• 11gp, 3sp, 7cp

Goblin Shaman

• 1 x small core gem that is an occluded mottled green in color
• 1 x seemingly empty small grey sack, stitched with blocky runes
• 1 x scroll in a language you do not understand
• 1 x vial of liquid: ultramarine-colored with a bilious odor that is watery and layered in appearance
• 33gp, 4sp, 1cp

[Deadguy]

Khargrim Climbed up onto the crate. ”So your son is a mage?”

He knew his class had a type of magic, but it was convoluted and slow, only meant to enhance him prior to battle. It did next to nothing while in combat.

[beholderkin]

"Oh aye, my boy's a whatchamachallit, a uh...Drood? Uses some special earth magic. Even has a little mudman fellow that follows him around. Call the little guy Rocky. Helps heaps during planting season. Just drags one leg and hobbles in a straight line and I don't even need a plow no more. Fantastic, I tell ya." chuckling fondly, the man seems proud of his son, even if he doesn't seem to understand much about exactly how he does the things he does. "Takes on odd jobs where earth magic is helpful now an' then 'cause the coin for such things is pretty decent, ya know. But, mostly he just does his magickin' round the farm. Help is help, no matter how ya do it, in my book."

The cart bounces along slowly, the distant village getting closer as the man rambles on about the farm and his son. As you pass by the edges of the village, people stop and wave at Willam, who waves back with a broad grin and a tip of his floppy hat. A rather large older woman waves coyly and starts waddling towards the road, waving for him to stop, but William's smile becomes strained and obviously fake as waves her off and calls ourt, "Can't stop, Claira - got myself a passenger on a schedule today!" He turns his attention to the rains as he mutters low and through his teeth to his Dwarf passenger, "That there is Claira Mayfield. Thank the gods she can't walk but more than a street or two without gettin' winded. If she could woddle her bullk to my farm to try and force her damned wretched cooking on me at all hours of every damned day, I think I'd have to let the Goblins kill me next time." Hiding his mouth with a hand, Khargrim see's the man's face go a bit pallid as a small retching sound escapes the man at the thought of the portly woman's cooking.

The city's buildings are very reminiscent of medieval European architecture, with the first level always being stone, with the few taller buildings having a second level made from some manner of lumber frames and pale plaster walls, with little exception. The streets, like the road, are tightly fitted cobblestones that are remarkable even and well-worn. A pleasant surprise is the smell, or rather the lack of it. No filth in the street seems a bit out of place for a medieval village, but the lack of any odorous assault is something worth appreciating if any of the literature of the typical stench of such places in his own history is anything for Khargrim to judge by.

A few streets pass on the sides as Willam's wagon comes to a stop at a large building with a large cign out front. Though it bears no name, it does have a crest of a sword crossing a shield in front of what looks like a sphere that looks a lot like the cores he got after enacting the ritual on the goblin corpses. "If there is a bounty on Goblins, or any goblins in particular, they'll know it here at the Adventurer's Guild. I've got to get this haul to market," he gestures ahead down the same main street they'd come into town from before continuing, "so I'll let you off here to handle your affairs." Reaching under his seat, the farmer fishes something out and tosses it to you. "You use that to buy yourself a drink on me, yeah? I'd buy it for you myself, but work don't wait for no man and I don't go buyin' just anybody a round." Flashing a grin, he tips his floppy hat to you.

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Loot Gained: Goblin pouch with 1 vial of murky purple liquid with brown fleck that has an acrid burned flower odor, and 14gp, 2sp, 6cp

[Deadguy]

Khargrim bit his lip slightly to avoid smirking at the man's comments about the old woman. Once they had stopped, he hopped off the wagon and took the offering. "Thank you for the ride good sir, and for this."

With that, he adjusted his armor and headed to the doors of the Guild. He had seen enough anime and played enough video games to imagine such place. He was excited beneath the stoic dwarf exterior. Pushing the door open wide, he entered and looked about for a person who would be working there.

[beholderkin]

Within the small Adventurer's Guild, what seemed like a receptionist stood poised behind a large counter that divides the room, exuding an air of confidence and knowledge. Her friendly smile brightened as she noticed Khargrim's entry, and she wasted no time in extending a warm greeting.

"Ah, a new face in our midst! Welcome to the Adventurer's Guild," she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine enthusiasm. "If you're seeking our services, may I suggest a few options?"

Her gaze swept over the array of notice boards lining the walls, displaying an assortment of requests and bounties. With a simple gesture, she directed Khargrim's attention to the boards around the room.

"For those seeking to join our esteemed ranks, we offer membership sign-ups," she explained, her tone filled with pride. "As a member, you'll gain access to exclusive benefits, networking opportunities, and a chance to forge lasting bonds with fellow adventurers."

She leaned forward, her voice lowering as if sharing a secret. "And of course, we have the renowned request board, or as some call it, the 'Quest Board'. It's updated daily with various requests and monster-related jobs, ranging from simple tasks to daring adventures for those so inclined. If you're eager to test your mettle and earn your keep, the Quest Board is the place to be."

Her eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief as she continued, "Of course, if you have any questions or need guidance, feel free to ask. Our seasoned guild members and mentors are always ready to lend a hand and share their wisdom." With a graceful wave of her hand, she indicated the modest guild hall. "Take a moment to soak in the vibrant atmosphere and explore the possibilities, dear adventurer. When you're ready, I'll be here to assist you every step of the way."

Despite her excited pronouncement, the guild hall is actually fairly empty and far from vibrant in atmosphere. There is an old man with a very pointy hat and long greying beard loudly snoring on a bench in one corner, and two teenagers in very simple leather armor debating quietly with each other while gesturing at various notices on one of the boards. Each board has a specific number of stars etched into the top, ranging from one to five stars in total, with the amount of posted notices dropping sharply between each. the two teenagers are standing before the board bearing one star, which has the most notices posted, though even then the notices are so sparse that they barely covers a third of the board's space. There are doors and archways leading to other parts of the building, but the open reception area filled with mostly empty notice boards, some benches and small tables, and a separate unmanned desk in one corner takes up at least a quarter of the building's size on the first floor.

As Khargrim looks around the room at the notices and signage, he notices immediately that the language is strange and seems incomprehensible to his English-speaking brain, but he can still read it, despite never having actually seen the language before. He instinctively somehow knew the name of the strange and foreign language in question: Common.

[beholderkin]

"Oh! If you're not already a member, sign up couldn't be easier. You just need to pay a 10gp fee for a Guild Card, and place your hand on the Assessment Stone. If you don't already have a Guild Card, it will bind one to you. If you already have a Guild Card and just want to update it, when you think you might have gone up in rank, it's the same fee and process, and your Guild Card will update automatically. Fair warning, membership does come with responsibilities." She smiles and shrugs, "A emergency summons can and will be issued through your Guild Card if you are in range of a Declared Emergency and failure to heed the summons results in fines. But that is pretty rare outside of the borderlands. But, membership comes with perks, too! You get free appraisal for all non-magical items, you can take on Guild requests on top of the bounties that everyone has access to, and your Guild Card acts as identification that grants its own benefits in various circles, depending on your registered Adventurer's Rank." Her smile fades as she continues, "And, should a poor fate befall you and your Guild Card is retrieved and brought to any Guild, it can be used as a focus to resurrect you, if it is found in time. Though that incurs a fee to be paid later, once you've recovered."

Her spiel done, she starts sorting through the loot, the receptionist starts mumbling to herself as she sorts the items. Flicking a hand, a few motes of light dance around her eyes as she focuses on them, sorting them further. "Please hold up the cores one by one in your hand, and I can determine if there are any bounties for them."

"Three uh...goblin javelins. That is a scroll of Magic Weapon, this is a potion of Endure Elements, a potion of...ah! Potion of Barkskin." Turning to Khargrim as he starts holding up the three cores, she seems to peer into the space just above the cores one at a time, nodding and gesturing for him to hold up the next one until she had peered at each in turn. "Two goblin warriors and a Goblin Shaman - good job with that. Those can be tricky to handle for the locals. And we've a current bounty for each!"

Pushing the small grey pouch stitched with blocky runes to the side, she nods. "With the bounties for the goblins, and the market value of the rest, I can give you 413gp, 2sp, 5cp for the lot, excluding the bag. It's a bit better than the rest, and I'll need to Identify it. The fee for Identifying items is 100gp. You might be able to figure out what it is on your own with enough trial and error, or talking to other adventurer's, but the only guarantee would be Identification. Would you like me to proceed? And would you like to Register?" This last is said a bit excitedly, and Khargrim gets the impression from the lack of people and filled request boards that this small town doesn't get many new members looking to register terribly often. She gestures to a crystal dome glowing with a faint blue light set into a metal base atop the counter, sitting at the end of the counter. The metal base has a rectacle indintation on the surface before the crystal dome. "If so, just place your hand on the crystal and it will issue you a Guild Card."

Spoiler: Mechanics

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LOOT SALE

Rank E Goblin Shaman Core (50gp + 50gp Bounty)
2 x Rank F+ Goblin Warrior Core (30gp + 20gp Bounty)
1 x scroll in a language you do not understand (Scroll of Magic Weapon - 12gp, 5sp)
1 x vial of liquid: ultramarine-colored with a bilious odor that is watery and layered in appearance (Potion of Barkskin +2 - 150gp)
3 x small javelins (7sp, 5cp)
1 vial of murky purple liquid with brown fleck that has an acrid burned flower odor (Potion of Endure Elements - 50gp)

Total Sale Value: 413gp, 2sp, 5cp


OPTIONAL TRANSACTIONS

1 x seemingly empty small grey sack, stitched with blocky runes (Unidentified - 100gp)
Membership Fee (10gp)

Total Costs: 110gp


Total Profit after Optional Transactions: 303gp, 2sp, 5cp + Market Value of Identified Pouch

[Deadguy]

Khargrim snorted slightly at the goblin being difficult. He knew he could appraise the bag himself, given enough time, but helping the local economy could also have benefits. He nodded to her question and put his hand in the stone. That and he liked to keep his own abilities as close to the chest as possible… for now.

[beholderkin]

Khargrim reached out and touched the crystal with his rough, calloused fingers and felt his mind instantlky pulled from his new body.

In an instant, his surroundings faded away, replaced by a realm of pulsating energy. Before him, a now-familiar spectral screen materialized, offering a myriad of options to reshape his new avatar. It was the same screen that odd spirit had shown him before, and net to it were words floating in the air that simply said, "Now that you have gotten a feel for things, make any final changes you wanted. One last chance to live your best life. Best of luck!" The choices the system offered were just as extensive as before, allowing him to customize his appearance, from race and abilities, to the color of his skin and the shape of his features to the intricacies of his armor and weaponry within the same set limit.

The screen seemed to understand his desires, providing intuitive suggestions and adjustments as he made his choices. It was as if the system assisting him in his new life in the fantasy world responded to his very thoughts, molding itself to match his vision. He could almost taste the thrill of adventure and the weight of responsibility that awaited him.

After meticulous consideration, Khargrim made his final selections. With a determined nod, he confirmed his choices, signaling his readiness to embark on this new journey.

As the avatar creation screen dissipated, Khargrim found himself back in the Adventurer's Guild, the crystal humming beneath a newly shaped hand. A small crystal plaque materialized in the rectangular recess in the crystal's base, and as it finished forming, clear etching in the opaque crystal the size of a playing card listed out the new name that was freshly chosen, along with several other personal details, including an 'Adventurer's Ranking' of E.

The woman behind the counter, tucking back a lock of hair behind a slightly pointed ear, smiles and claps her hands gently once. "And there you go! Looks like you skipped F rank altogether! That's impressive for this area! I finished identifying your bag, as well. It is a Back of Tricks, and if you'd like to sell it, I can add another 450gp to your total. Did you want to sell, or keep the bag?"

Looking directly at the newly remade adventurer, the woman seemed to somehow not take notice of the change in physical appearance, and even equipment.

Spoiler: Mechanics

Show

IC: After identifying the items, as the woman speaks their name, the knowledge of what they do and how they operate unfurls in your mind as if it was your own knowledge that you were somehow just now remembering in the same way the ritual to LIBERATE (or LOOT) the foes of your enemies had.

OOC: You can now make any final edits or changes to your character for this game, using the same criteria as before. You still have the same XP as before. Anyone who met you before will remember you as if you had always been exactly as you have now become.

[Deadguy]

"Yes, I'd like to..." The change in voice gave her pause. Outstretching an intricately tattooed hand with manicured nails tipping each finger, she chuckled. The deepest parts of the mind conjured this. It felt... right. Like this is how it had always been.

"I'd like to sell it all." Smiling, she inspected the card. "Do you rank up by completing request missions, or is there other ways?" Glancing back at the youths and the board, she measured their response to her true appearance. The ability to hide it was present, but she wouldn't do that until leaving the guild hall. Common folk tended to panic easier than adventurers in all of the stories and games she had played in the other life.

Closing her eyes for a moment, she focused on the languages she knew. A name was needed. Something simple. Something terrible. N'gatha. Dark Ballad. While not a bard herself, the songs that would be sung of her would be exactly that.

[beholderkin]

As her name settled into place in her mind, flickering light from the Guild Card caught her eye. Glancing back at it, the name had changed, reflecting the choice she had just internalized. The crystal card resonated with a sort of mutable energy that seemed...fluid, somehow.

================
Name: N'gatha
Alias: The Dark Ballad
Adventurer Rank: ✯✯ (F)
Race: Fey'Ri
Height: 5'7"
Weight: 110lbs
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Black
Sex: Female

✯:
✯✯:
================

The woman beamed, now that the identification card had been successfully created. "Since it is fully imprinted on your core, its information will automatically updade. So if you have a few too many cakes and gain a pound or two, it will reflect accurately on the card. Sorry about that! But, it prevents having to update cards for anything other than rank ups." Flashing a smile at her own joke, she glances at N'gatha's horns and her eyes go vacant for a moment, as if in a trance. "Huh. We don't usually see, uh...Teiflings around here. You must be from the south, right?" As she said the word 'Teifling' it was emphasized as more of a question than a statement. Shaking her head as if to clear it, she shrugs. "Well, Adventurers are a far-flung bunch at the best of times. The Guild's Code of Conduct is posted on the board behind me. Have a read before anything else, and I'm here to answer any questions you might have afterwards!"

The Board behind her listed several rules and was simply labeled 'Guild Code of Conduct':

1. Respect the Guild: Members must show respect towards the Adventurer's Guild and its officials. Follow their instructions and adhere to their guidelines and protocols.
2. Uphold the Guild's Reputation: Conduct yourself with honor and integrity, as your actions reflect not only on yourself but also on the entire Guild. Avoid engaging in illicit or dishonorable activities that could tarnish the Guild's reputation.
3. Complete Assigned Missions: Take your chosen quests and missions seriously. Strive to complete them to the best of your abilities, as failure to do so could result in dire consequences for the Guild and its clients.
4. Maintain Confidentiality: Safeguard any sensitive information or secrets of our clients and fellow adventurer's you may come across. Revealing confidential details can endanger the reputation or standing of the Guild and compromise the safety of its members.
5. Collaborate and Cooperate: Foster a spirit of teamwork and cooperation among fellow adventurers. Support and assist each other in quests and battles, recognizing that collective strength often outweighs individual prowess.
6. Respect Local Laws and Customs: When venturing into new realms or dimensions, respect the laws and customs of the lands you explore. Adhere to local regulations and traditions to maintain diplomatic relations and prevent unnecessary conflicts.
7. Strive for Personal Growth: Continuously hone your skills and abilities through training and experience. Seek out opportunities for self-improvement, as a strong and capable adventurer benefits not only themselves but also the Guild as a whole.
8. Maintain Equipment and Gear: Regularly inspect and maintain your equipment to ensure optimal performance during battles and requests. Neglecting proper care can put yourself and your companions at risk.
9. Display Good Sportsmanship: In victory or defeat, show grace and sportsmanship. Celebrate achievements with humility and offer support and encouragement to fellow adventurers when they face setbacks or challenges.
10. Report Discoveries and Dangers: If you uncover any significant discoveries, dangerous creatures, or potential threats during your adventures, promptly report them to the Guild. Sharing vital information helps protect the Guild's interests and ensures the safety of others.

As you read the posted guidelines, you do not fail to notice that these are clearly guidelines and no system of punishment for breaking them is listed. As you finish, the receptionist has finished storing the sold items and eventually plunks down a pouch filled with coins in front of you. "As an F rank, you qualify for any 1 star or 2 star requests. To take a request, just bring it to me and we'll add it to your Guild Card through the crystal. You're allowed to have 1 request of every rank you qualify for 'claimed' on your card. If enough time lapses, it can and will be re-posted for someone else to take, so don't take requests you don't think you'll be able to complete in a reasonable time. When you complete a request, bring the required proof to any branch of The Guild and they'll clear it from your card and issue you the appropriate payment. But be sure to check the boards before turn-ins. If you happened to have already completed any by happenstance, we can clear them out immediately, so while you can only officially have 2 requests, you can clear as many as you like - just don't go around intentionally stealing request objectives out from other members."

She gestures at the two boards near the front door labeled with '✯' and '✯✯', respectively. "Oh! And to store your guild card, just press it against your bare skin - anywhere will do. It'll be stored in your Core, and you can call it out by simply willing it seperate again. If you accidently leave it somewhere, it will fade away and return to your Core automatically, so don't worry about losing it or anything."

Spoiler: Mechanics

Show

Loot Gained:

• 753gp, 2sp, 5cp
• Guild Card

[Deadguy]

Picking up the card, she gave the woman a smile. ”Thank you for the assistance. I’ll be right back with my selections.”

She turned and went directly to the 1 and 2 star boards, to see what was available. If the youths were still there, she’d give them a curt nod of her head but otherwise keep her distance.

[beholderkin]

The two youths, a little wide-eyed, hurriedly nodded back and moves clear to allow N'gatha to browse the boards in peace.

Spoiler: 1-Star Quests Available

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Client: Farmer Griswald
Request:Clear the Rat Infestation
Location: Griswald Farmstead, north of the village is plagued by a growing dire rat infestation. The farmer, Griswald, seeks the help of adventurers to eliminate the rats that are destroying his crops and infesting his barn, and destroy their nest completely.
Reward: 40 gold pieces and a week's supply of fresh produce.

Client: Mayor Elysia
Request:Retrieve the Stolen Heirloom
Location: Abandoned Manor in the Southern Woods, an eerie and dilapidated mansion rumored to be haunted. The mayor of the town, Elysia, needs adventurers to recover a valuable family heirloom stolen by unknown thieves who have been found via divination magic to have taken refuge within the manor.
Reward: 65 gold pieces and a written commendation from the mayor, increasing the adventurers' reputation with the town government of Stone Hollow.

Client: Blacksmith Garret
Request:Retrieve the Lost Anvil
Location: Goblin-infested Cave, a treacherous underground labyrinth infested with mischievous goblins, just inside the border of the woods south of town. Garret, a skilled blacksmith, has lost his precious anvil when a merchant wagon was successfully raided by goblins that are reported to live inside the cave and requires brave (and strong) adventurers to retrieve it.
Reward: 30 gold pieces and a masterfully crafted weapon, shield, or armor piece of the adventurer's choice.

Client: Innkeeper Soren
Request:Investigate the Haunted Inn
Location: Stone Hollow Inn, a centuries-old establishment rumored to be haunted by restless spirits. Innkeeper Soren seeks intrepid adventurers to uncover the truth behind the ghostly occurrences and restore peace to the inn.
Reward: 20 gold pieces and a week's stay at the inn free of charge.

Client: Herbalist Elara
Request: Gather Rare Herbs
Location: Southern Forest, a woodland teeming with magical flora, and unfortunately, goblins. Herbalist Elara requires skilled adventurers to gather rare and potent herbs needed for her healing remedies and potions, as the goblins make it nearly impossible for her to do it herself. List of herbs given by receptionist.
Reward: Gold pieces and a small selection of minor potions based on the exact herbs and the amount gathered.

Client: Captain Roland
Request: Escort the Caravan Safely
Location: Mountain Pass, a treacherous route plagued by bandits and other territorial creatures. Captain Roland, a seasoned caravan leader, seeks capable adventurers to protect his valuable cargo and ensure a safe journey through the perilous pass. The caravan ends in the city of Brookhaven.
Reward: 50 gold pieces per person and a percentage of the caravan's profits.

Spoiler: 2-Star Quests Available

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Client: Scholar Aurelia
Request: Retrieve the Ancient Tome.
Location: Ruins of Eldoria, an abandoned temple set in the depths of an Southern Forest, beyond. Scholar Aurelia seeks skilled adventurers to recover an ancient tome rumored to hold powerful divine knowledge held by the lost faith.
Reward: 150 gold pieces and a magical trinket that enhances spellcasting abilities.

Client: Baroness Adelina
Request: Defeat the Bandit Leader
Location: Bandit Hideout in the Blackthorn Mountains east of the Mountain Pass, a hidden stronghold ruled by a notorious bandit leader named Gorn Redhand. Baroness Adelina, a noblewoman seeking to restore order, is hiring experienced adventurers to eliminate the Bandits that reside there and dismantle his criminal organization.
Reward: 750 gold pieces, a landless minor noble title within the baroness's domain, and the possibility of future political favors.

Client: Guildmaster Thaddeus
Request: Investigate the Mysterious Disappearances
Location: Eerie Marshlands, a marshy region plagued by unexplained disappearances two days ride west of Stone Hollow. Guildmaster Thaddeus requests capable adventurers to uncover the cause behind the vanishings and put an end to the mysterious threat.
Reward: 280 gold pieces, a magical amulet that grants resistance to poison and disease, and the opportunity to take Special Requests. Special Requests are issued by the guild rather than a client, and are only given to members in good standing that have proven themselves to that particular guild branch.

Client: Sage Lysandra
Request: Retrieve the Crystal Heart
Location: Caverns of Numinos, an ancient underground network of caverns filled with magical traps and powerful guardians. Sage Lysandra seeks courageous adventurers to recover the Crystal Heart rumored to be within, a magical tool said to possess unique magical energy.
Reward: 250 gold pieces and a rare wand containing an arcane spell that renews its charges each day at dawn.

You can't help but notice that each request comes with not only a monetary reward, but also something other than coinage, for some reason. Though, a lot of these secondary rewards lack specific details. The purely monetary rewards seem fairly low considering how much money she made just on the way into town. Perhaps the secondary rewards are vague to pique people's interests. Or perhaps the more lucrative jobs had already been picked over? It was difficult to tell.

[Deadguy]

“Hmmm… these seem an efficient pairing.” She selected the caravan escort and the bandit hideout, returning to the desk where the lady had helped her.

“I would like to accept these two requests.” The reward didn’t matter as much as the proximity to each other. Having a noble title would be nice though.

[beholderkin]

The receptionist beams as the requests are brought to her and nods. Gesturing for you to place your hand on the crystal once more, she slots the paper requests into a slot behind the counter one at a time and the crystal pulses each time, sending a thrum of energy into you. "There ya go! The caravan is leaving at dawn, so rest up and be sure to purchase any equipment you need today before the shops close. You can find all your basic gear in various places on market street, as well as the inn...though, as you might have read, it currently might be a bit..uh...haunted." She gestures in the direction that farmer William had driven his cart.

"The caravan is setting up here in front of the guild before they head off. As the guard request was multiple adventurer's signed up, its just easier for them to set up here. Though, the request for the bandit leader is a one-and-done, so you're the only one with that particular request. But, if the captain allows, some of the caravan guards might be persuaded to party with you for that quest. It's up to you whether to share the quest or not. If you do, just tap your Guild Card to someone else's and if you've both agreed, the quests will be shared on the card if they have an appropriate request slot free." Gesturing broadly at the reception area, she finishes, "Is there anything else I can help you with today?"

Spoiler: Mechanics

Show

Guild Card Update:

================
Name: N'gatha
Alias: The Dark Ballad
Adventurer Rank: ✯✯ (F)
Race: Fey'Ri
Height: 5'7"
Weight: 110lbs
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Black
Sex: Female

✯: Escort the Caravan Safely
✯✯: Defeat the Bandit Leader
================

You instinctively know that focusing on a requests held within the card, the information from the original request notice will reveal itself somehow.