Date: April 1, 2025
Location: Doras Dhagda, near Kilrain, Scotland
Perspective: Robert McCallum
Arrows streaked through the air, their glowing tips cutting toward the dark fairy scout. The thin blob of smoke twisted mid-flight, but I acted faster. I raised my hand and summoned a spear of earth from the wall's base. It launched upward, sharp and true, piercing the fairy's smoky form. A shrill wail echoed as its body shuddered, then dissolved into a fading haze.
Before it vanished, I focused my Essence Refinement skill. The haze tightened under my will, condensing into solid rewards. Three small jewels fell to the ground below the wall, glinting black and purple. A tiny wand landed beside them, etched with faint runes. I climbed down and picked them up. The wand pulsed faintly, releasing a wisp of smoke when I gripped it. Ah, a wand of smokescreen, useful for evasion.
I turned to a nearby kobold archer. "Take these to the treasury," I said, handing over the jewels and wand. "Donate them for sale. The clan can use the coin." The kobold nodded, scurrying off with the items clutched tight. I watched him go, then returned my focus to the settlement. The attack confirmed it. We needed to head west.
I had spent the rest of the previous day preparing for our next adventure and spent the evening practicing my magic and weapon skills with my friends. I demonstrated and tested new mages that had received Moira's spark as well; many of them couldn't wait to test their newfound power against mine to see how they measured up.
It wasn't even close, but I tried to encourage them the best I could and give them pointers on how to properly focus their intention when casting, as well as how to use the inherent stat-boosting buffs that happen when elements are called upon. Fire mages enjoyed enhanced damage and charisma boosts; Earth mages found themselves far more defensive and tougher than before; Wind for speed and grace; and Water for enhanced dexterity and wisdom. The discovery of these benefits on the new mages added gasoline to the fire in their hearts to master magic and enter service to Moira.
"When do we start getting quests, Robert?" One young woman asked. I didn't answer, but Moria did. I could see her distracted look, which soon spread to the others.
"She said soon... I can't wait!" She hopped in place excitedly.
Elsewhere, The clanspeople moved with purpose around Doras Dhagda. Warriors honed their strikes, eyes sharp. Mages delved into Moira's mysteries, some blending steel and sorcery as warrior-mages. Bards wove magic into song, lifting spirits before battle. Druids tended the Grove, reverent of its balance.
N We all sought combat. Farmers enriched the soil with subtle magic, resulting in their fields flourishing. Miners worked with kobolds, using spells to light the dark. Crafters imbued garments with warmth, while blacksmiths forged weapons radiating strength. STEVE could craft tools instantly, but human hands added heart and soul, a quality unmatched.
Snow had found her place in alchemy, brewing potions with fervor. Her concoctions healed wounds, restored mana, and cured ailments. Her room overflowed with herbs and glowing vials. Hamish trained daily with Rauri, his twin shortswords weaving light magic in defense and attack. His skill grew precise, a balance of warden and warrior.
The day before my departure, tension hummed through the settlement. As I stood at the sparring grounds, watching Hamish and Rauri trade blows, a ripple of magic shivered through the air. It grew stronger, the Grove shimmering with ethereal light. Hamish paused, sweat dripping, his crystal core pulsing brightly.
"I need a moment," Hamish muttered, his voice subdued. He drank from a waterskin, water spilling over his chin, then sat on the grass. His eyes shut, lips moving silently. Rauri frowned nearby. "You alright, mate? You look like you've run three battles back-to-back."
Hamish raised a hand for silence. The air thickened around him, charged with energy. A pulse brushed my senses, dense and expectant. Light erupted, pure and blinding. Rauri and I flinched, shielding our eyes as it cleared the air with its brilliance. When it faded, Hamish sat transformed.
Moira's voice chimed in my mind. "Vessel, he's done it," she said, pride in her tone. "Hamish has pushed through his mental block, his stubborn resistance to magic. His determination has carried him to a new level, and his Warden form has evolved. He has unlocked a latent trait, a connection to the light that only his sheer willpower could unearth."
I sensed it too. His mana core pulsed with refined strength, indicating it was fully integrated. Hamish stirred, opening his eyes with new resolve. He stood, rolling his shoulders, and picked up his swords. Without a word, he returned to the sparring area.
"Let's go again," Hamish said, his voice steady, charged with determination. He looked amused. Rauri grinned. "Aye, if you think you can keep up." The sparring resumed, sharper now. Hamish's Radiant Slash left trails of light, staggering Rauri with each swing.
Rauri stepped back, grinning despite the sweat on his brow. "You've leveled up, mate. That's new. And impressive." Hamish nodded, lowering his blades. "Aye," he said simply, pride in his tone. "Moira, in her wisdom, has named me her Paladin. Her Warrior of Light."
He glanced at me, resolute. "I'm here to defend her people against the darkness, Robert. That's my purpose now." I met his gaze, admiring his growth. He'd always been a shield, but now he was extraordinary. Rauri clapped his shoulder. "Paladin, eh? You've earned it, lad. But don't think I'm letting you win from now on."
I gathered the leaders of Clan MacEwan in the central pavilion. Purpose filled the air, a culmination of our growth. Date: April 1, 2025
Location: Doras Dhagda, near Kilrain, Scotland
Perspective: Robert McCallum
Arrows streaked through the air, their glowing tips cutting toward the dark fairy scout. The thin blob of smoke twisted mid-flight, but I acted faster. I raised my hand and summoned a spear of earth from the wall's base. It launched upward, sharp and true, piercing the fairy's smoky form. A shrill wail echoed as its body shuddered, then dissolved into a fading haze.
Before it vanished, I focused my Essence Refinement skill. The haze tightened under my will, condensing into solid rewards. Three small jewels fell to the ground below the wall, glinting black and purple. A tiny wand landed beside them, etched with faint runes. I climbed down and picked them up. The wand pulsed faintly, releasing a wisp of smoke when I gripped it. Ah, a wand of smokescreen, useful for evasion.
I turned to a nearby kobold archer. "Take these to the treasury," I said, handing over the jewels and wand. "Donate them for sale. The clan can use the coin." The kobold nodded, scurrying off with the items clutched tight. I watched him go, then returned my focus to the settlement. The attack confirmed it. We needed to head west.
I had spent the rest of the previous day preparing for our next adventure and spent the evening practicing my magic and weapon skills with my friends. I demonstrated and tested new mages that had received Moira's spark as well; many of them couldn't wait to test their newfound power against mine to see how they measured up.
It wasn't even close, but I tried to encourage them the best I could and give them pointers on how to properly focus their intention when casting, as well as how to use the inherent stat-boosting buffs that happen when elements are called upon. Fire mages enjoyed enhanced damage and charisma boosts, Earth mages found themselves far more defensive and tougher than before, Wind for speed and grace, and Water enhanced dexterity and wisdom both. The discovery of these benefits on the new mages added gasoline to the fire in their hearts to master magic and enter service to Moira. "When do we start getting quests, Robert?" One young woman asked. I didn't answer, but Moria did. I could see her distracted look that soon rippled out from her face to all the others.
"She said soon... I can't wait!" She hopped in place excitedly.
Elsewhere, The clanspeople moved with purpose around Doras Dhagda. Warriors honed their strikes, eyes sharp. Mages delved into Moira's mysteries, some blending steel and sorcery as warrior-mages. Bards wove magic into song, lifting spirits before battle. Druids tended the Grove, reverent of its balance.
N We all sought combat. Farmers enriched the soil with subtle magic, resulting in their fields flourishing. Miners worked with kobolds, using spells to light the dark. Crafters imbued garments with warmth, while blacksmiths forged weapons radiating strength. STEVE could craft tools instantly, but human hands added heart and soul, a quality unmatched.
Snow had found her place in alchemy, brewing potions with fervor. Her concoctions healed wounds, restored mana, and cured ailments. Her room overflowed with herbs and glowing vials. Hamish trained daily with Rauri, his twin shortswords weaving light magic in defense and attack. His skill grew precise, a balance of warden and warrior.
The day before my departure, tension hummed through the settlement. As I stood at the sparring grounds, watching Hamish and Rauri trade blows, a ripple of magic shivered through the air. It grew stronger, the Grove shimmering with ethereal light. Hamish paused, sweat dripping, his crystal core pulsing brightly.
"I need a moment," Hamish muttered, his voice subdued. He drank from a waterskin, water spilling over his chin, then sat on the grass. His eyes shut, lips moving silently. Rauri frowned nearby. "You alright, mate? You look like you've run three battles back-to-back."
Hamish raised a hand for silence. The air thickened around him, charged with energy. A pulse brushed my senses, dense and expectant. Light erupted, pure and blinding. Rauri and I flinched, shielding our eyes as it cleared the air with its brilliance. When it faded, Hamish sat transformed.
Moira's voice chimed in my mind. "Vessel, he's done it," she said, pride in her tone. "Hamish has pushed through his mental block, his stubborn resistance to magic. His determination has carried him to a new level, and his Warden form has evolved. He has unlocked a latent trait, a connection to the light that only his sheer willpower could unearth."
I sensed it too. His mana core pulsed with refined strength, signifying its full integration. Hamish stirred, opening his eyes with new resolve. He stood, rolling his shoulders, and picked up his swords. Without a word, he returned to the sparring area.
"Let's go again," Hamish said, his voice steady, charged with determination. He looked amused. Rauri grinned. "Aye, if you think you can keep up." The sparring resumed, sharper now. Hamish's Radiant Slash left trails of light, staggering Rauri with each swing.
Rauri stepped back, grinning despite the sweat on his brow. "You've leveled up, mate. That's new. And impressive." Hamish nodded, lowering his blades. "Aye," he said simply, pride in his tone. "Moira, in her wisdom, has named me her Paladin. Her Warrior of Light."
He glanced at me, resolute. "I'm here to defend her people against the darkness, Robert. That's my purpose now." I met his gaze, admiring his growth. He'd always been a shield, but now he was extraordinary. Rauri clapped his shoulder. "Paladin, eh? You've earned it, lad. But don't think I'm letting you win from now on."
I gathered the leaders of Clan MacEwan in the central pavilion. Purpose filled the air, a culmination of our growth. Laird Ewan, Sorcha, Lilia, and Rauri stood before me, expectant. I cleared my throat. "Hamish, Snow, Chaucer, and I are heading west. While I'm away, Doras Dhagda needs leadership. A council will oversee its safety and prosperity. You four are that council."
Ewan raised a brow, pride flickering in his eyes. Sorcha inclined her head, understanding clear. Lilia smiled softly, approving silently. Rauri grinned eagerly. I continued, "Laird Ewan, you will be leading the council. In conflict, your word is final. Your wisdom makes you well-suited for this task. While we're away, call on your son Rauri to organize the city's defense.
Ewan nodded solemnly. "I won't let you or the clan down, Robert MacCallum. This land has become our home. We'll see it flourish. Rauri will keep it safe with Sir Graleth and the Kobrutes." Rauri slammed a fist to his chest. "Aye, Father! I'll have the defenses ready, Robert. No fairy'll get through."
"Good," I replied, turning to Sorcha. "Sorcha, your insight will guide the council. Keep decisions aligned with the land's balance and magic." Sorcha smiled. "I'll do as you ask, Robert, though I suspect you're handing me a mantle I already wear."
"True enough," I chuckled. "Rauri, beyond defense, you're the warriors' voice. Organize their training and lead them into DAVE's dungeons. Caution matters as much as courage." Rauri grinned wider. "Aye, Laird Robert! You'll have warriors forged in steel and fire by the time you return."
I faced Lilia. "Lilia, you'll speak for the people, the non-fighters vital to our success. Ensure their needs are heard." Her green eyes sparkled as she nodded, her resolve clear. I turned to Ewan again. "STEVE, acknowledge Laird Ewan as interim owner while I'm away. He'll command you for the clan's needs."
STEVE's glow flickered. "Acknowledged, Master Robert. I will acknowledge Laird Ewan as the temporary holder of my functions within Doras Dhagda. Ewan whistled softly. "Never thought I'd see the day a talking crystal took orders from me."
I smirked. "Don't let it go to your head." To the group, I added, "DAVE remains under my command. Only Hamish, Snow, and I fully control him. But Ewan, you can authorize teams of four to explore his training dungeons. Each must have a defender and healer. It's about growth, not greed. Death is a risk, so warn them not to overreach."
Sorcha frowned. "DAVE will not spare those who overreach?" I shook my head. "No. He won't cheat, but he won't hold back. Strength comes from challenge, wisdom from restraint." Ewan grew serious. "And the treasures they find?"
"Twenty percent goes to STEVE's treasury," I said. "STEVE can buy unwanted items, materials, or magical items for our city coins. Skill crystals will be prized." The leaders nodded. Ewan spoke up. "I'll organize it all and ensure they understand. We'll make it work, Robert."
Satisfied, I smiled. "Good. Then I leave Doras Dhagda in your hands." I returned to my quarters to prepare for the journey west. Snow, Hamish, and Chaucer gathered supplies, their eagerness clear. The clan was ready, and so were we.
As I slung my pack over my shoulder, a low rumble shook the ground. The dust trembled in place. Then a distant screech pierced the air from the west. The sound was far away, yet it echoed through the highland hills. Snow stood still, holding a vial. Hamish frowned, eyes narrowing. Chaucer chittered sharply, fur bristling. Someone was angry about the death of their fairy. The Laird Ewan, Sorcha, Lilia, and Rauri stood before me, expectant. I cleared my throat. "Hamish, Snow, Chaucer, and I are heading west. While I'm away, Doras Dhagda needs leadership. A council will oversee its safety and prosperity. You four are that council."
Ewan raised a brow, pride flickering in his eyes. Sorcha inclined her head, understanding clear. Lilia smiled softly, approving silently. Rauri grinned eagerly. I continued, "Laird Ewan, you will be leading the council. In conflict, your word is final. Your wisdom makes you well-suited for this task. While we're away, call on your son Rauri to organize the city's defense.
Ewan nodded solemnly. "I won't let you or the clan down, Robert MacCallum. This land has become our home. We'll see it flourish. Rauri will keep it safe with Sir Graleth and the Kobrutes." Rauri slammed a fist to his chest. "Aye, Father! I'll have the defenses ready, Robert. No fairy'll get through."
"Good," I replied, turning to Sorcha. "Sorcha, your insight will guide the council. Keep decisions aligned with the land's balance and magic." Sorcha smiled. "I'll do as you ask, Robert, though I suspect you're handing me a mantle I already wear."
"True enough," I chuckled. "Rauri, beyond defense, you're the warriors' voice. Organize their training and lead them into DAVE's dungeons. Caution matters as much as courage." Rauri grinned wider. "Aye, Laird Robert! You'll have warriors forged in steel and fire by the time you return."
I faced Lilia. "Lilia, you'll speak for the people, the non-fighters vital to our success. Ensure their needs are heard." Her green eyes sparkled as she nodded, her resolve clear. I turned to Ewan again. "STEVE, acknowledge Laird Ewan as interim owner while I'm away. He'll command you for the clan's needs."
STEVE's glow flickered. "Acknowledged, Master Robert. I will acknowledge Laird Ewan as the temporary holder of my functions within Doras Dhagda. Ewan whistled softly. "Never thought I'd see the day a talking crystal took orders from me."
I smirked. "Don't let it go to your head." To the group, I added, "DAVE remains under my command. Only Hamish, Snow, and I fully control him. But Ewan, you can authorize teams of four to explore his training dungeons. Each must have a defender and healer. It's about growth, not greed. Death is a risk, so warn them not to overreach."
Sorcha frowned. "DAVE will not spare those who overreach?" I shook my head. "No. He won't cheat, but he won't hold back. Strength comes from challenge, wisdom from restraint." Ewan grew serious. "And the treasures they find?"
"Twenty percent goes to STEVE's treasury," I said. "STEVE can buy unwanted items, materials, or magical items for our city coins. Skill crystals will be prized." The leaders nodded. Ewan spoke up. "I'll organize it all and ensure they understand. We'll make it work, Robert."
Satisfied, I smiled. "Good. Then I leave Doras Dhagda in your hands." I returned to my quarters to prepare for the journey west. Snow, Hamish, and Chaucer gathered supplies, their eagerness clear. The clan was ready, and so were we.
As I slung my pack over my shoulder, a low rumble shook the ground. The dust trembled in place. Then a distant screech pierced the air from the west. The sound was far away, yet it echoed through the highland hills. Snow stood still, holding a vial. Hamish frowned, eyes narrowing. Chaucer chittered sharply, fur bristling. Someone was angry about the death of their fairy.