Narrowing the Field posted:

You run to the right as Sister Geri and Amos urge you down the hall ahead of them. You look back in time to see Zusak clutching one of his Demon Stones in his hand while his soldiers advance. The Stone glows a deep blue as Zusak's eyes glaze over in concentration.

Meanwhile, Sir Grady and Lady Emaline ward against the attackers. The old knight holds his position like a figure out of legend, keeping the attackers at bay with his sword. Lady Emaline weaves in and out of the melee, her dagger striking vital areas with uncanny accuracy. All remnants of her earlier infirmities are completely gone.

- "For Daria, Queen Jade, King Brand, and Princess Renata! For Honor!"

- "Nothing is true, everything is permitted. Everything except weeds!"

Unfortunately, it isn't enough. Looking past Sister Geri and Amos as they hurry along with you, you see an enemy sword strike deeply into Sir Grady's neck as another slides into Lady Emaline's belly. Dozens of swords rise and fall in a shower of blood, killing the two defenders.

Amos grimaces as he watches Sir Grady and Lady Emaline's sacrifice. He then looks at you with an odd smile.

- "Better to die a hero than in a cell. If you need me to do that too, just say the word."

- "Come, we must away quickly. The bird before the storm."

You look back as you run through the castle halls and see the guards rallying in a valiant effort to fight back against the Consortium and their allies. For a moment you hope it will be a chance at victory. The enemy numbers are falling, they cannot last forever.

Then you hear shouted voices from the Consortium soldiers. Demonic names uttered, shouts of summoning intoned. Between the guards rallying to cover your retreat and the ranks of enemies closing in on you, Demons begin to appear.



The Demons commanded by the Consortium charge at the castle guards, whose swords are mostly ineffective against them. The Consortium holds back, recovering themselves while their Demons fight for them. You can see that your time of safety is very short indeed.

Not every Summoning is successful. You see some Consortium soldiers and mages' Willpower falter. The Demons they call upon leap at their weak-willed Summoners and eviscerate them before vanishing back to their home Plane. Other Consortium soldiers are overcome by a glassy look in their eyes. Some turn on their fellows while others fall on their swords, Demons smiling as they watch this before they too depart. The Good part of you is horrified by such sights.

Another part of you makes your hand reach for the Demon Stones in your own pockets. Maybe using one now can save your life.

Geri's hand locks on your wrist as you reach for the glow in your pocket. Both she and Amos halt and hold you still.

- "No, Princess! You are too young to know what you would do."

- "She's right. Don't look at me like that! You think someone like me doesn't know about Demon Stones?"

He stops and snatches a Rune-covered bag from a dead Consortium soldier, then opens it. The magic inside dissipates with a flare of light. You realize that this will always happen without a spell like Harmond cast at Zusak before splitting his bag open, and unfortunately you will never know such a spell. Amos empties out the now-useless Demon Stones within the Runebag. Afterwards he expertly picks the Stones from your pockets while Geri holds you. He then tucks them into the Runebag, which he stows in his vest.

- "Maybe when you're older, you can have those Stones back. I'll think about it."

You can only stare at him silently as he and Geri take your arms and again start to run. You look back before turning a corner and see guards dying in a storm of blood.

Through the spray of arterial red, you see a tall dark-skinned monster. It is seven feet tall, covered in muscle, and has a pair of long yellow horns sticking out of its forehead. The Demon Summoners have brought forth a mighty member of their servants. It is the same Demon you saw in the nightmare from that morning, now all too real.



You continue to run down the corridor, pulled along by Amos and Geri. Some enemies intercept you, but all are human and thus are quickly cut down. When you reach the last junction before the secret door to the tunnels, both your protectors pause and stare at you. Amos then looks back at the enemy ranks with a frown.

- "They've just about broken through the guards. Those Demons are coming. Lucien's fire! It's like Grady said. Someone needs to hold them off while the others get away."

You protest. "The tunnel wards..."

- "The wards will stay open for a short time after you enter the tunnels, Princess. They will come up again, but if the enemy gets in before that, it will be too late. The wards may also be dispelled now, with Harmond gone. They may have Wizards capable of such."

- "So one of us has to make a stand, the other flees with you. Give me a pardon, I'll gladly volunteer."

Geri smiles at him, then nods that she will do the same per your request.

You pause, then shake your head. You cannot choose to see another die for you so easily.

- "I thought this might happen. Another secret door to the tunnels is down that corridor. Would you kindly...?"

- "I suppose I must. I'll give you the Princess's Stones if she goes with you. They shall not have them. Noct take their dark hearts!"

Amos and Geri exchange nods, then both start to pull you in different directions. You look back and see the Demon from your nightmare advancing through several ranks of dead and dying guards.



The beast unfolds a large pair of bat-like wings from its back and flies over the bloody scene, landing just a few feet behind you and your final two companions. Each defender grabs you by a hand and pulls as you come to the last branch in the corridor, Sister Geri pulling left and Amos pulling right. As the Demon closes in, you...

1. Follow Sister Geri.

2. Follow Amos.

Stats posted:

Stats

Renata, Princess of Daria

Health: 80%

Specialized Training: None

Possessions: Spellbook, three glowing rune-covered Demon Stones, one dull unglowing rune-covered Demon Stone.

Animal Companions, Pets, and Familiars- None.
Mounts- None.

MORALITY:
Good: 45% Evil: 55%

ABILITIES:
Agility: 22%
Charm: 33%
Endurance: 20%
Perception: 20%
Strength: 20%
Willpower: 20%

SKILLS:
Archery: 0%
Devices: 0%
Magic: 32%
Blades: 0%
Stealth: 13%
Unarmed: 0%

KNOWLEDGE:
Arcana: 41%
Geography: 30%
History: 30%
Nature: 20%
Religion: 35%

RELATIONSHIPS:
Gale (friend and future Rogue) 63%

Fleeing posted:

Amos lets go of your hand immediately, allowing the bald monk to pull you to the left.

The Demon follows after you and Sister Geri, smoke billowing from its nostrils and mouth.

- "Run, Renata! The fate of the kingdom lies in your hands!"

He tosses the Runebag towards Sister Geri, who catches it and tucks it away. Amos then shakes his head.

- "So this is how it ends..."

The master thief salutes you with his shortsword. He then steps into the shadows before the Demon can see him. For a moment, you wonder if Amos has forsaken you as you watch the Demon advance.

Suddenly, the old man leaps onto the demon's back! You see his short sword hacking at the creature's wings as he holds on tightly with his other hand. It roars in pain and fury as it reaches back, grabbing him with a long-clawed talon. Amos is pulled free by the neck and lifted into the air by his throat. His nails dig futilely into the demon's forearm as it squeezes the life from him.

You stare in shock before Sister Geri jerks you away. She pulls at a bust of an ancient Daria King on the castle wall and a secret door opens. Sister Geri pushes you into the passage beyond.

Amos's last act before his sacrifice was to press the bag of Demon Stones you took from Zusak into Sister Geri's hand. She nodded and tucked them away. Now, you hold out your hand to her, pleading with your eyes. She shakes her head. You sigh and decide to wait for another time. The secret door and its wards close behind you. Sister Geri takes your hand and again you run.

As you progress through the tunnels, you see Gale and her mother Freda waiting for you at a junction in the passage. They fall in beside you. You can tell that both of them want to say things to you about all that has happened, but you wave them to silence. Until you can escape, you do not want to think about what you have lost.

Gale does ask one question, however.

- "Where's Amos? Is he..."

The tears in your eyes, soon echoed by Gale's own tears, are answer enough.

Sister Geri leads you through the tunnels, past all the exits you recognize. You blink when the aged hero opens a secret passage of which you were not previously aware.

- "This will take us outside the walls of Tornassa City. It comes out in the cellar of a roadside inn owned by a family loyal to the Thieves Guild and the Crown. They won't betray us. We can get horses there and afterwards flee and hide."

You proceed down the passage. There is a quiet resolve inside you, a burning desire to one day regain your throne and take revenge on Zusak. Those you have lost today, family and otherwise, will be avenged.

Gale puts a hand on your shoulder as you walk and gives you a sad smile of reassurance. You thank her with your eyes.

Finally, you and Sister Geri exit the castle accompanied by Gale and her mother. The sacrifices of the royal guards and the others aren't wasted as you and the old monk escape. You stumble into the night, out of breath and bleeding.

You make it to the roadside inn Sister Geri described and after the aged monk confers with the inn's owners, you spend the night in an unoccupied room.

The next morning dawns cold and gray. Shortly after waking, you find yourself staring out the window at a great column of smoke rising from inside the walls of Tornassa. You know that your castle is no more.

Gale and Freda attempt to comfort you.

- "Princess, I'm so sorry. I might have saved your family from the poison if I had been brave."

- "It's okay, Mom. You didn't know. You forgive her, don't you, Renata?"

You say nothing. The emotion of what has happened is too much for you and you do not want to damage your friendship with Gale through unkind words.

- "It will be okay, Mom."

- "..."

Gale's mother turns away. Gale herself meanwhile continues staring at you. The voice of Sister Geri breaks the silence.

- "Gale, you need to say goodbye to Renata after breakfast. Princess, you need to say goodbye too. Gale and her mother can't stay with us."

These words strike at your very soul. "What?"

- "Two people can hide easily in this realm, four less so. Don't worry about me. I will stay with you, protect you, help you grow up and get ready for what must come next. I owe your parents a lot. I will not dishonor them. But Gale and Freda cannot stay with us. It will be very dangerous for you the next few years."

- "What are you talking about? Renata's the Princess. She can just go to Brightwater and gather the loyal nobles there, get the army, get her throne back and kill all those bastards. Right? Right?"

Sister Geri is silent. You open your mouth to agree with Gale, but Freda interrupts.

- "She's right, my child. The bulk of the nobles who supported the King and Queen were not at the banquet, yet all the most prominent ones but for three were. None of the Dukes of Daria were at the banquet either. We know for a fact that at least one of them, Eddan, had troops helping the Consortium. Bandar and Uddo also disagreed with your family quite often recently, Princess. They might very well be part of this too."

- "Either that or they'll be glad to take advantage of the circumstances. This conspiracy did not rise overnight. Add to that the fact that you are still a child. Many would not trust you to rule Daria- a Regent would have to be appointed. And it's not clear who if anyone there is left for us to trust."

The aged monk falls to her knees and takes your hand.

- "So here's what we're going to do. I will hide you from whatever dangers may come until you are grown. I will help train you to develop whatever skills will be necessary to get you your throne back one day. I will support you as best I can, financially and otherwise. I will also do all I can to find out more information about the conspiracy that slew your parents and overthrew your kingdom. Then I will help you defeat it. All this, I promise you before the Gods."

She takes a breath, then speaks again.

- "But until you are grown, it is best you not seek to reclaim your throne or take vengeance. Therefore, I am keeping those Stones Amos and I took from you until you are ready to decide whether you should use them. That time is not now. You must also say goodbye to Gale and her mother. They will have to find their own way to safety apart from us. They'll be fine. The Gods will watch over them as they have us. Maybe you will see them again one day."

Sister Geri looks back at Gale with a deeply sad expression. She has a similar look on her own face.

You want to make a hundred different protests, but you know in your heart that Sister Geri is right. Gale is likewise convinced. So you hug Gale and clasp her mother's hand when it is offered to you. You eat breakfast with them, saying little. Afterwards, they depart the inn quietly. An hour or so later, you and Sister Geri depart yourselves. You take the road east from Tornassa to an isolated village, hoping you can escape and survive.

Six Years Later...

Six Years Go By... posted:

The fall of the Kingdom of Daria was a significant turning point in history. Scholars called it a new age, which became known as the Age of Demons. This didn't happen all at once though. At first, it was thought to have been a tragic, but manageable event.

The morning after the castle was attacked found the entire royal family dead: King Brand, Queen Jade, and the heir to the throne, Princess Renata. Alexander Zusak was declared a hero as he led his Consortium soldiers against the attackers and saved several nobles. The attack was blamed on criminals, who poisoned the food being served in the banquet hall and released all of the prisoners from the dungeons. The royal guards were quickly overwhelmed and the castle was burned to the ground.

The surviving nobles gathered in the city of Tornassa to decide who should rule Daria. It took a year of deliberation before it was decided that the land would be better served by four leaders instead of one. The three former Dukes- Eddan, Uddo, and Bandar- were chosen as three of these leaders. The kingdom was broken into four duchies- thus, the duchies of Bandar in the Norgan Mountains of the north, Uddo in the great forests to the west, and Eddan of the southern plains and western wilderness were formed.

Each duchy was named after the duke who ruled it, except for the southern Dumain duchy, which was given to Selina, the red-haired woman who poisoned your parents. Her keen intellect was deemed invaluable during the chaotic aftermath of the assault. Duchess Selina was given the castle in Brightwater on the Silver Sea to rule the fourth duchy. The Kingdom of Daria was no more.

Those nobles who had supported your parents soon lost much of what influence they had remaining. Cumari lost re-election as Academy of Wizards Archmage and was replaced by his rival, a supporter of the Consortium of Planewalkers who was happy to let Academy control over Demon Summoning lapse. Cumari immersed himself in research afterwards, saying he was going to develop some unclear new magic. Only when his rival retired five years after your parents died did Cumari resume office as Archmage, his power and influence much reduced. Meanwhile, General Vale and Lord Tovar retained their posts as heads of the Daria Army and Treasury, but were forced to relocate themselves to Brightwater, seat of the government for the new duchy of Dumain. Tornassa remained Daria's largest city, but it was no longer the capital.

And what of the Lost Heir? posted:

Obviously, you weren't really killed in the attack. Sister Geri said that the Consortium guards had flooded into the castle as the banquet began, but before any alarms had sounded. She said that she had seen Consortium guards clustered around the royal treasury as well. Rumours never spoke about the theft, but you knew that the rune-covered unglowing Demon Stone Alexander Zusak had been holding, now in your Mentor's possession, was stolen during the chaos. Sister Geri had rushed to the great hall in order to warn the king and queen with the other heroes who had died during your escape, but she came too late.

Your first instinct on the morning after the attack had been to return to the ruins of the castle and let everyone know the truth about what had happened. Sister Geri had taken the Demon Stones you stole from Zusak and asked you to wait and listen before revealing yourself. You quickly learned that the only surviving nobles had been the ones who were out of favour with your parents. All of those who would have supported your claim had been killed or driven away. You never did learn what happened to Gale and her mother after they left the inn, at least not for many years.

You had expected Alexander Zusak and the Consortium to claim rulership, but they simply took their praise for saving the surviving nobles and disappeared into the background. The only thing that changed, with regard to the Consortium, was that the three Dukes and the new Duchess lifted the Royal ban on Demon Summoning. The common citizen of Daria was now free to attempt the practice. Only the expense of proper training and a limited supply of Demon Stones controlled by the Consortium prevented such practices from taking hold during the next six years.

quote:

Everyone you had known was killed or had gone missing. Alexander Zusak and his allies were relentless as they sent men across the newly-formed four duchies in search of you. There was no doubt as to what they would do if they ever caught you.

Your Mentor took you from one isolated remote village to another during the first two years after your escape, assuring you that all would be fine as you hid from a pursuit that eventually declined.

Options posted:

As the years went by, one attitude has been predominant for you-

1.You are thankful that Sister Geri advised you to not do anything rash.

2. Although thankful, you still asked constantly for the Stones.

3. You are angry at Sister Geri for not letting you try to reclaim your throne immediately and stealing the Stones.

Being Grateful posted:

The first couple of years were lonely and terrifying as you and Sister Geri travelled from town to town looking for work and trying to survive. It was all you could do to just stay alive, let alone think about your future.

Sister Geri continued your education as best she could using her own wisdom and knowledge. She also taught you a few meditative techniques to calm your emotions. Your good attitude towards her aided this.

(Sister Geri Relationship +3)

Growing Up... posted:

As the years passed, you grew older and people forgot what you looked like. You kept your name, since so many other girls had been named "Renata" following your birth anyway. Three years after the death of your parents found you living in a Temple in Elmvale, a village in the newly formed duchy of Uddo. Sister Geri was old, but she was in amazing physical shape and her mind was razor sharp. She had been instantly accepted at the Elmvale Temple.

After three years, she had been given a permanent position as Librarian and Unarmed Combat instructor, providing you both with free room and board. Before that, Sister Geri's earnings were enough for you both to get by on- barely. You were thus able to live at the Temple until you were age 18. The scholarly life and access to the Temple library made your mind very sharp.

(Arcana +3)

Plot Advancement posted:

Now and then as the years went by, you asked Sister Geri about the Demon Stones she had taken from you. She and you were in agreement that it would be dangerous to use them, but you were naturally curious about them. In particular, you wondered about the un-glowing one Zusak wanted.

Sister Geri only gave you vague information regarding the Demon Stones, unfortunately. But she did offer you other education during your years in Elmvale.

- "Those Stones can all be used to Summon Demons. Except the non-glowing one. I do know that specific Stone was a Som-Reth artifact kept in the Royal Treasury for centuries, but no more than that. It's possible one or more previous Court Wizards before Harmond studied the Stone. Harmond did not study it himself, as far as I know. I have asked trustworthy people who might know about it what they can tell me, but no one can provide exact answers. Every magic-user I've had examine it says the un-glowing Stone is full of power, but that power cannot be tapped. The Runes are too faded to read, and no Wizard I know is foolish enough to try activating the Stone without knowing its bound Demon's true name."

"What about the other three Stones I took?"

- "Those Stones' runes can be read, and thus they can be activated. But it would not be wise. I don't know much about Demons, but Summoning them is dangerous. They do not want to leave their home Plane, and bringing them here without the proper Willpower to control them can cause Demons to injure and perhaps even take control of a person. Your Willpower is untested, and while mine might be strong, I do not wish to apply it to this."

"Could I... try?"

- "Do you want to study the Stones or use them? One is hard to do without the other, I'm afraid. Hard to study a fire without touching it with your hand and observing its dangerous effects. We cannot get you proper training either. Sending you to Vernex to study at the Consortium's University of Demon Summoning would be too dangerous for you. I cannot afford the Academy of Wizards tuition. And you are too young to try using the Stones on your own."

You made a different approach. "But if I don't find out my enemy's plans and what they want..."

- "There is another way for you to challenge the Consortium."

"What's that?"

- "Remember how Harmond told you the Consortium sponsors adventurers to explore Som'Reth ruins and buys the unregistered Demon Stones they find? You could become such an adventurer, then approach them in such a way. It will take a few years of training, then once you're an adult you can join the Adventurer's Guild. After you have established yourself among the Guild, the Consortium should hire you. Or perhaps another opportunity will present itself. Does this plan sound good to you?"

You think for a moment about the possibilities, then nod. "Yes. I will be as the snake among their grass."

Sister Geri smiled at how you had picked up slightly on her idioms.

- "It will not be easy. There are four Skills valued by Adventurers. Physical combat, Magic, manipulation of Devices such as traps and locks, and Stealth. You would need a good amount of one Skill, more if possible, to get the best jobs.

"Physical combat can be divided into fighting with weapons such as Blades, ranged Archery, and Unarmed techniques. Of these, I am best able to give you the latter. You already have great Skill in Magic for your age. You have some Stealth Skill too. However, neither will be enough to meet adult challenges at your current level. I can teach you more.

"In areas where I cannot best teach you alone, I can find others to help me. Many people come by this Temple to worship or confess their sins. Thieves, Wizards, Warriors... I have already befriended many of these. The Priests here would gladly instruct you in their Magic too, if that was what you wished to learn. As for combat without Magic, I do have some personal expertise."

Although Sister Geri never forced her beliefs upon you, she did offer you her training in fighting without weapons, if you wished to learn it.

1. You studied martial arts.

2. You studied Magic.

3. You studied lockpicking and trap disarming.

4. You studied Archery.

5. You learned to fight with a Sword.

6. You studied the art of Stealth.

Stats posted:

Stats

Renata, the lost Princess of Daria

Health: 100%

Specialized Training: None

Possessions: Spellbook, three glowing rune-covered Demon Stones, one dull unglowing rune-covered Demon Stone.

Animal Companions, Pets, and Familiars- None.
Mounts- None.

MORALITY:
Good: 45% Evil: 55%

ABILITIES:
Agility: 22%
Charm: 33%
Endurance: 20%
Perception: 20%
Strength: 20%
Willpower: 20%

SKILLS:
Archery: 0%
Devices: 0%
Magic: 32%
Blades: 0%
Stealth: 13%
Unarmed: 0%

KNOWLEDGE:
Arcana: 44%
Geography: 30%
History: 33%
Nature: 20%
Religion: 35%

RELATIONSHIPS:
Gale (friend and future Rogue) 63%
Sister Geri, our Mentor 58%

Learning More Magic... posted:

Sister Geri was able to find you new spells for your spellbook and hire lessons from passing wizards. Although you were far from Academy trained, your skills still grew over the years.

The Temple's Priests and Priestesses also offered you some training in Magic. However, they could only teach you gestures and words common to Priests and Wizards. Without a divine Holy Symbol, you could cast no Priestly magic yourself. You became interested in taking such a Symbol and its associated vows, but you delayed making the final decision to a later time.

(Magic +15 and Arcana +5)

The Demon Stones that you stole from Zusak weighed heavily on your mind. It wasn't difficult to ask around about Demon Summoning, especially since it had been legalized. The Academy of Wizards still licensed Demon Summoners, but more and more people began to practice the skill without proper training. Strangely, it seemed as though the Consortium actually encouraged this, instead of trying to keep the power to themselves.

Unfortunately, your research never took you very far. You learned that the Summoner needed a Demon Stone to Summon a Demon, as well as the Demon's true name (which was written on their Stone) and the Willpower to control the beast. Throughout all of your research, you never heard much about an un-glowing Demon Stone or what such a thing could mean. Sister Geri kept that Stone as well as the others well hidden from you and discouraged you from talking about it.

After a few years of training, your life in Elmvale had become routine.

Get a Job, Princess! posted:

Two years before your eighteenth birthday, you were forced to get a job to help pay your bills.

You remember that day well, as Sister Geri stressed the issue. As was normal for your age at the time, you were reluctant to apply for a job on your own.

- "Renata, you are doing well in your studies in Magic, but I need to talk to you about something."

You lowered the volume of the magical Bard Music recording you were playing at the time in response to her hand gesture and listened when she repeated herself. "What?", you then asked your foster parent in appropriate tone.

- "You need to get a job."

"But I'm royalty!"

- "You haven't been royalty for several years, and you will not be royalty again if you do not get a job now. You need to see how your Skills will work in the real world, outside the shelter of this Temple. The tree must face the wind if it is to truly strengthen and grow."

"But..."

- "Please do not complain, Renata! I have made much effort to set up interviews for you with several Elmvale citizens. They are all very interested in meeting you. The Skills they can give you will help you get the chance to later join the Adventurer's Guild and investigate the Consortium of Planewalkers, as we have previously discussed. Also, I am cutting off your allowance to help you make the right decision here."

You think about her words for a moment, then sigh heavily. "Okay, fine."

Sister Geri smiles.

- "Now, with that out of the way, we should talk about the interviews I have scheduled for you. I know you'd prefer to think about other things, but this is important."

You would prefer to think about boys, an issue that has been on your mind a lot lately. Sister Geri has told you this is normal for your age. You have yet to meet any really interesting boys, but sometimes you do dream about them. Three boys in particular, and perhaps some other interesting boys. You think you may meet one or more of these boys someday, if you do not already know them. Sister Geri has talked a bit with you about boys, smiling as she reminds you on occasion of her own celibacy.

The boys are the farthest thing from your mind right now, though. "Tell me about these interviews please."

- "First, I am available as an employer. I will train you as a Monk. You will learn some skills in Unarmed combat, though not as much as were available at the previous opportunity I offered you. If you accept my training, you will also gain increases in Strength, Agility, and Endurance to supplement your Unarmed techniques. I will also give you additional Knowledge Skills, as it benefits a Monk to have obscure wisdom. I won't be able to pay you much out of my life savings, and I am the only Monk in Elmvale, so I cannot give you the special training you would gain from a fully equipped Monk Temple, but Monk Skills will help you regardless of both these hardships."

"Would I need to be celibate, like you are?"

Sister Geri smiled enigmatically.

- "No, Princess. It is up to you if you want to take such a vow. My Monk teacher, Grand Master Pei Mei, was quite the opposite of celibate. I am glad being a Monk interests you. However, before you make your decision, we should address the other potential employers I have lined up.

"One is the Archbishop in charge of this Temple. He has observed you taking interest in the various Gods worshipped here. You told me at one major point in your life you felt divine attention. It is possible such attention may come to you again if you seek it out. I would be surprised if you heard a divine call. but in a pleasant way, not otherwise. There is no vow of celibacy required for Priests, before you ask, nor any other vows unless you choose to take them on your own."

"What God would I preach for?"

- "That will be up to you and the God or Goddess in question. Both Good and Evil gods are worshipped here, and the Archbishop honors them all as I do, so he can direct you either way. I know your alignment is currently skewed slightly towards Evil, but you can easily change it back if you beg forgiveness from a good God and honor your devotion. Or you may seek to further serve the cause of Evil. I will not judge you for that even if others might. Know, however, that Priests of different alignments receive different special abilities. You may find blessings more useful than curses, or vice versa. You will gain the ability to heal yourself and your allies as a Priestess, and to smite your enemies with Magic, whatever your moral stance."

"What other training would I get as a Priestess?"

- "Some Skill in Blades, as most holy orders wield them. A bit of increased Strength and Endurance for standing vigil. Arcana Skill, as you learn to sharpen your mind, and Religion Knowledge, as you master delivering sacraments. No Charm at first level, you won't be making sermons as much as you might later on. But that time will come. You will also later get the chance to join a more established church than Elmvale if you become a Priestess now. There are many holy orders you could join, centered around both martial and magical strength."

"Okay, what else?

- "Another job that would be excellent for your sharp mind is that of a Sage. You would start by hiring yourself out as a Scribe in the Temple library for various clients. I know a few scholars who have expressed interest in you. Being a Scribe would gain you a lot of Knowledge and easily lead you to later become a Librarian, an Author, perhaps even a full Sage. Sages do not get combat skills, but your Magic could easily compensate. The Knowledge you gain will be valuable on its own."

"And if I pass on that?"

- "There are some employers whose criteria I am pretty sure you will not meet. The Elmvale chapter of the Thieves' Guild has expressed interest in your Stealth ability, but I know they only hire people of a certain Agility. You do not have as much of that as you could. Should you develop more Agility later, you may want to train in Stealth, Devices, and Blades as a Thief."

"You'd be okay with that?"

- "Amos was a friend of yours, and mine as well. If you want to honor his memory, go ahead. You also might honor the memories of the castle Guards who died to protect you by becoming a Guard yourself. Elmvale's Guard Captain, Antilles, is interested in meeting you. I don't think you'll have the Strength level he is looking for, but you might make a good connection if you meet him now. The Guards of Daria offer excellent training in Blades, Endurance, Strength, and Charm."

"Could I be a warrior outside the Guard?"

Sister Geri pauses before answering.

- "You could. There are some merchants in Elmvale who like to hire Thugs as personal security. Such a profession would give you increased Strength, Endurance, and Unarmed Skill. I do not think your current Strength level would impress any interested Thug employers, however. That may be a good thing. Your parents and I would be disappointed were you to become a common Thug."

"Well, if I can't do it right now, never mind. Anything else?"

- "The last job is as a Hunter. I have made the acquaintance of a local couple who own the Elmvale general store. They have a child about your age with whom I think you would be good friends. This child is training as a Hunter to later become a full-fledged member of the Fletchers' Guild and a freelance Nature Guide. You could train alongside him. Hunting can be quite lucrative. However, given your current lack of skill in Archery and Nature, you may not make much money as a Hunter if you become one at this time."

You have already met the young Hunter about whom Sister Geri is speaking and become good friends with them. Their parents must not know. "Couldn't I use Magic to Hunt?" you ask your Mentor.

- "Yes, but not as well as Archery. It makes far more noise. Your Stealth would serve you well as a Hunter, and being one would increase it along with your Nature knowledge, Endurance, Agility, and Archery Skills. But you will not earn very much without higher existing Skills in Nature at least. You'd also have to borrow a Bow. Hunters do not get such equipment for free."

"Ok, so maybe I won't be a Hunter."

- "Whatever you will be is for you to decide. Any of these jobs could help you take back your kingdom one day. They will all certainly get you a position in the Adventurer's Guild. Other than me, no employer will know you are the lost Princess of Daria unless you choose to tell them. I would not recommend that."

"Can I become a Wizard? I hear a lot of Wizards are from Elmvale."

- "That is true. Unfortunately, no local Wizards are seeking apprentices at this time. Any other questions?"

"Could you get me a job as a Bard, a Knight, or an Assassin?"

- "I lack connections in such areas. My apologies."

"Just checking, thanks. You have any recommendations for my job?"

- "Becoming a Priestess would best use and develop your Magic, a Scribe your Knowledge. You would find the Healing Magic you'd gain as a Priestess very useful. I would be most pleased if you became a Monk. As a Monk or a Hunter, you could develop Skill in areas where you are currently lacking. But it is up to you. Take as long as you need to for this decision, but not too long. Let me know when you decide."

"Yes, Sister Geri." You turn your magical music back on after she leaves.

Job Hunting posted:

1. Train with Sister Geri to become a Monk. Needs Sister Geri as Mentor, we can still take Monk levels later thanks to her connections.

2. Seek the divine call as a Priestess- which God will be picked next update. Not sure of requirements if any, high Religion probably helps.

3. Hunt the area around Elmvale. No requirements, but you want good Archery and Nature for increased earnings.

4. Join the Thieves Guild. Requires 30 Agility.

5. Join the town Guard. Requires 30 Strength.

6. Find work as a Scribe. Requires 30 Arcana.

7. Find work as a Thug. Requires 30 Strength.

8. Have Sir Grady's Knight friend take you on as a Squire (requires Sir Grady as Mentor).

9. Train to join the Guild of Assassins (requires Lady Emaline).

10. Work in the Full Cup Inn's common room as a Bard (requires Amos).

achtungnight posted:

in LH2 where you can convert to a God who seems Evil but actually doesn't care about Morality (this God is called The Unknown).

Job Interviews and Success posted:

Following Sister Geri's wishes, you considered your potential jobs. You met Captain Antilles of the Elmvale Village Guard and Guildmaster Solo of the local Thieves Guild. Both were impressed with your Magic, Stealth, and Knowledge but neither was willing to consider you as an employee. You were fine with this for the moment and accepted their recommendation letters to use should you consider their professions later and gain the required Strength or Agility to apply again.

You rejected interviews with Elmvale's Merchants who wanted to employ Thugs, as you lacked the evident Strength necessary to impress them. You noted Sister Geri was somewhat relieved.

You then allowed your Hunter friend's parents to interview you for the Hunter job. Your friend sat in on the meeting displaying their usual shyness. You shook hands with their parents and thanked them for their time. They could tell you were uncertain, and you noticed the same emotion from both them and your friend. So you made no firm commitment towards becoming a Hunter at the time.

You then returned to the Elmvale Temple and considered the paths of Priestess and Scribe. You found yourself interested in both, but neither drew firm committment at present. If a God was watching over you, surely they would continue whether you became their Priestess or not. It was not clear if gaining divine power was the best choice for you at this time. New Knowledge gained for working as a Scribe also held some interest for you, but a greater part of you wanted to train in physical combat instead. The Archbishop of the Temple understood when you explained all this to him- it was impossible to be anything but honest when faced with his wise patient expression- and promised you a letter of recommendation should you choose to become a Priestess or Scribe at a later time.

After speaking to the Archbishop, you finally returned to your foster mother Sister Geri and bowed before her respectfully. "I have decided."

- "And?"

There was only a moment's hesitation. "Please teach me the ways of a Monk."

Such a path had interested you before, but only now could you commit to it. Sister Geri's pleased smile was your first reward.

- "I would remind you that the primary combat ability of a Monk is Unarmed techniques, not Magic. You have been preferring to train and use your Magic up until now. Thus you will need to rely on your Magic in dangerous situations in the beginning of your adventures, at least until you can find ways to increase your Unarmed Skills and catch them up to your Magic's level."

"I understand."

- "There will be a few such opportunities I can arrange. I will have letters of recommendation sent to the Monk Temples in Ludd, Tornassa, and Brightwater should you visit them later and choose to continue developing your Monk abilities. I will also offer you training should you ever visit Elmvale and I am available. Or you might even visit one of the more remote Monk Temples in Daria."

"Where are those?"

- "There are two. One adjoins the Academy of Wizards. My own teacher resided there, when he was alive. The other remote Temple is in the Norgan Mountains to the north. It is known as the Eye of Heaven. The abilities in which they can train Monks there are tempting to many. But I must caution you regarding that Temple. I could not get you accepted there. I have never studied there myself and, even if I had, they would not make the decision to admit you on my opinion alone."

You file this information away. "Thank you. So how will this training proceed?"

- "You will see."

Every day for the next year, Sister Geri allows you to observe, but not join, her martial arts classes in the Temple. Instead, you are directed to perform mundane tasks such as cleaning the floor or painting the walls while observing the other students. This frustrates you for a time, until Sister Geri at last points out the similarity between the movements in your chores and the movements of her various techniques. Once your discipline and physical form are ready, you are allowed to join the martial arts classes. You observe many other students wash out during this time.

After you start taking the classes, you learn many techniques for punching, kicking, and wrestling. Sister Geri reminds you not to supplement your performance of such techniques with Magic, less frequently as you follow her instructions. You come to appreciate the power of your Unarmed ability and recognize that it will always be available to you, whatever your circumstances. You do not become the best student Sister Geri has, but she is nevertheless pleased with your dedication. Each night before bedtime, she gives you a book from the Temple Library whose passages you are to memorize. The exercise regimen decreases over time, replaced with more classes in martial arts and scavenger hunts for Knowledge Sister Geri directs. As your 18th birthday approaches, your mind and body have both grown in response.

You also kept up your Magic Skills when you could, keeping them as your primary ability for the moment. You train as a Monk, but do not take any vows. Sister Geri gives you your usual allowance while you train, and you set aside savings for the future.

The profession of a monk is more than just a job; it's a lifestyle. With deep studies of philosophy and strict discipline for the body, the monk learns to hone their own form into a weapon. Although Sister Geri never pushed you into this career, you can tell that she is very pleased with your choice.

(Gained level in Monk, Unarmed +20, Religion +20, History +10, Perception +10, Gold +130, and Sister Geri Relationship +5)

A week before your 18th birthday, Sister Geri meets with you.

- "Renata, you have reached the limits of what I can teach you in the time we have. I know you are eager to set out as an Adventurer, so I release you to do so. The local Guildmaster of Adventurers, Kirk Sisko, has accepted your application."

"Thank you, Sister Geri."

- "There is, however, one final test I would give you."

She assumes a fighting stance. You smile and do the same. As you spar with one another for the next hour or more, your techniques are further refined.

The Daria Dating Game![/quote posted:

"Hello Audience, I’m your Ghost Host Jim Lange!

"You all know Princess Renata of Daria, Lost Heir in exile, our current contestant. She is currently eighteen years old, and about to begin a grand quest to take back her kingdom from the evil Demon Summoning sorcerer that overthrew and murdered her parents. She has the ambition to do this and a good portion of the required Skills. But there is one important thing she does not have that will be important to her people. That is a husband with whom to one day produce her own Heir to the Throne.

"Renata has many potential suitors. She has already rejected two of them- Gill, a fun-loving whimsical Rogue, and Peter, an uptight strongly moral yet also open-minded Cleric. They have not been fully rejected as friends, mind you, just as potential love interests. Renata has replaced them with their female equivalents Gale and Petra. Only Gale will have a significant non-Easter Egg impact on her current life.

"Now that she is an adult, Renata is about to meet three additional friends. I would like to introduce them as our Eligible Bachelors. Their names are Karl, Theo, and Jace. All of them will adventure with Renata and aid her in various ways.

"Should she attain at least 60% relations with them, they will train her. 70% means they will tell her their full backstory and grand ambitions. 80%, and they will gladly let her court them as love interests, provided she is attracted to them of course. It is also possible that certain other high stats such as Charm, a certain Morality, and a Physical Trait in one case will attract the Bachelors anyway should Relations be low and Renata attempts a Romance.

"All these friends have the potential to dislike Renata and thus not date her. We will not be addressing her choice between them just yet. Our big upcoming decision is only to set their gender. Will Renata consider these Bachelors as potential future husbands? Or will she keep them as mere potential friends and turn them into their female equivalents Karla, Thea, and Jess?"

Dating Game! posted:

- "It is important to consider who of these friends should become Renata’s love interests. So, let us first consider…

"Bachelor Number One, Karl!

"Karl is an Archer type character, a long range fighter. He is also an expert Hunter and Nature Guide. His hobbies include camping in the wilderness, tracking and shooting game, and crafting magnificent arrows. Karl’s grand ambition is to create the Infinity Arrow, a powerful arrow that will never miss its target and instantly end a combat encounter if used. Of course, only Karl can use it, and he can only use it once. If he never uses it, perhaps it can be studied and Renata might thus learn to craft other magical items herself one day.

"By birth, Karl is a peasant lad. His parents are from Elmvale, where they own and manage a general store in which Karl works. Karl’s father is a big wheel at the Fletchers’ Guild, which crafts bows and arrows. He wants Karl to follow in his footsteps one day. Karl is unsure about this. While his Skills would allow him to be an excellent Fletcher, he longs for something greater. Perhaps Renata can lead him to that path.

"Karl and Renata are already friends when they meet, and may have been dating enough to have begun a romance already. It’s an uneasy romance if so- Karl is painfully shy and fears Renata will not stay true to him if she leaves Elmvale. He is not going with her on her first few quests, but will join her later once fate leads Renata back his way. If Renata has remained true to him since then, he will gladly date her again, but if not, rejection is in their future. So is bitterness.

"Another issue- Karl does not currently know that Renata is the Princess of Daria. She may have to tell him one day, especially if they are to remain close. His parents may or may not approve of their engagement.

"Everyone thinking good and hard about Karl? Ok, before we decide his gender and potential status as Renata’s love interest, let’s meet…

"Bachelor Number Two- Theo!

"Theo is a warrior from the Norgan Mountains, a snowy tundra area in Daria’s northern Bandar province. His people have warred with Daria in the past, but are currently part of their since expanded Kingdom. Theo is a veteran adventurer who will lead Renata’s party when they first get to know one another. He may even offer her a position as co-leader for their second quest together if she can put up the requisite Relationship level and funds.

"Theo’s hobbies include working out constantly to maintain his Strength, hitting things with his massive war hammer, brawling, and drinking alcohol to excess. He cares deeply about his fellow adventurers and is willing to help outfit them with his own money and protect those who are weaker than him. He may even train those who become his friends.

"Theo is in fact an exile himself, like Renata, although he will not tell her this when they first meet. He was once a prominent member of his tribe, engaged to marry the Chief’s child. A treacherous adviser of the Chief killed Theo’s fiancée, framed Theo, and got him set loose to wander the world. Theo hopes to one day develop the courage to go back and confront that traitorous snake, perhaps regain his old position. In the meantime, he is carrying a significant grudge. It does not help that he is often mistreated by people he meets. People see Theo as little more than a big dumb smelly drunk barbarian, when in fact he is intelligent, perceptive, and loyal to those who prove themselves to him. He may be swayed to turn against those who upset him in a violent manner if Renata wants to influence him in that direction.

"Take note that, if Renata is to befriend and court Theo, she must not woo him in the usual way. In the Norgan culture, physical attraction is not the only thing by which one judges a potential mate. Gifts of flowers and flirting do not move Norgan warriors without significant existing friendship. You must show that you have strengths to match your love interest, physical or otherwise. Norgan warriors respect those who earn their respect. If Renata is weak, Theo will be her shield but not give her his love unless she first becomes his respected friend.

"Considering Theo? Still considering Karl? Before you make your final decision, please also consider…

"Bachelor Number Three- Jace Solway!

"Jace is a wounded, brooding soul- literally. He is a magic user by trade, a former student of the Academy of Wizards. He was expelled for expanding his power level by fueling his magic with his own life force, a practice known as Soulburning. This practice has greatly increased Jace’s magical strength, but left him an apparently shallow and often cold individual. He resents the Academy and its Archmage for expelling him and resents people in general for judging him as an evil warlock. He might one day give in to and accept such station in life, if Renata influences him onto that path. Jace may also continue to reject that path, as he is personally disgusted with the idea of being Evil. While he respects power, he secretly wants to be kind and helpful to others and use his power to that effect.

"Jace originally attended the Academy hoping to learn the history of Soulburning, a talent with which he was born. He hopes to find a way to use his power without depleting his life force. He does not know that doing so will mean he has to use the life force of others instead. Renata will have to help him find this knowledge by going back to and graduating from the Academy. The new Archmage, an ally of Renata’s parents, will tolerate and sponsor Jace, if he has her help.

"It is possible Renata may convince Jace that hurting others to fuel his Soulburning is necessary for the greater good. Perhaps, if she gets close enough to him and has a high level of Magic and Endurance, she may even be able to help Jace research a ritual to make her his Soulburner Catalyst, a being that can give a Soulburner nearly infinite life force to fuel their magic at no cost to either party’s life force. But the ritual to become a Catalyst is long lost in the distant past and unknown today.

"If Renata is to court Jace, she will have to break through his cold shell and get him to open up to her. This will be difficult, as his Relations with her start out lower than anyone else’s. Jace’s hard life has harshened his attitude towards others. But there is a certain value in befriending and soothing a wounded soul.

"Jace shares Renata’s interests in Magic, History, and academia. Additionally, he can teach Renata to strengthen her Willpower for Demon Summoning, should she decide to pursue that art. He may even still train her if another man better fits her romantic tastes.

"Whoever Renata picks, she will have challenges. She will have to get and keep her potential lover’s interest and retain them as a friend even if they are not a lover. She will have to help them on the path of the adventurer. And even if they are still dating in the second Lost Heir game, it is possible someone may find them an unsuitable lover for Daria's future Queen.

"So, all this in mind, please make your preferred decisions for whom Renata might woo during the rest of LH 1. Our three Eligible Bachelors await your votes."[/b]

Please Decide Gender for... posted:

#1. Karl or Karla.

#2. Theo or Thea.

#3. Jace or Jess.

Avalerion posted:

Karla, Theo, Jace.

Renata's Last Day in Elmvale posted:

You finish your kata, leaving your body in the ready position. You are lightly covered in a sheen of sweat from your workout. Sister Geri watches you with a critical eye, her bald head shining in the torchlight. The straw mats on the temple basement floor provide little comfort, but instead help prevent injuries during practice. You open your eyes and start walking to the door.

Sister Geri speaks as you pass her.

- "You could make a life for yourself here."

"No, my destiny lies elsewhere."

Tomorrow is Midsummer's Day, the day when everyone in the realm celebrates their birthday. You will be turning eighteen. More importantly, you will be an adult in the eyes of the guilds. With limited money and resources, you had decided a long time ago that the best way for you to fight back against the Consortium and the Dukes who stole your crown was to work for the Adventurers Guild.

The Adventurers Guild is the backbone to the entire guild system. Although many people join more than one guild at a time during their lives, it is the Adventurers Guild that provides the most lucrative jobs and opportunities—which you will need in order to find out why Zusak killed your parents and to reclaim your throne, if you choose to do so.

Back to the game after side notes posted:

"I'll see you tomorrow," you say as you walk out the door.

You have purchased most of what you will need for life on the road, but you still have a few things to buy before you go. So you head for the Elmvale general store. Your friend will be working the counter when you get there.

1. Visit Karl, the fletcher's son.

2. Visit Karla, the fletcher's daughter.

megane posted:

I'm going to go with Karla, Theo, and Jess, mostly because MTG has made me hate the name Jace.

Visiting Karla posted:

You leave the Temple and head for the Elmvale General Store. As you walk, you recall your acquaintance with the owners' daughter Karla. You first met her while walking through the woods shortly after you moved to Elmvale, when you observed her practicing Archery and became curious about her skills. She was glad to display them for you and chat with you about life in Elmvale. You share an interest in developing Combat Skills and Geography.

Since that first day, you and Karla have hung out in the woods together now and then, but never really gotten to know one another beyond a basic friendship. Karla's shyness gets in the way of developing things further, although she has mentioned a certain grand ambition to you at times.

Karla once told you she met a child who looked like you during a visit to Tornassa she and her parents made over a decade ago. That child was lost in the city streets and Karla helped them find their way back to the castle. She never got the child's name. You do not recall this happening, but you have not disputed the memory. If it did occur, you would have been only seven years old at the time.

Karla is thin and blond with nimble slender fingers. She's good at making arrows and one of the best Archers you've ever met. She also knows the best routes to travel around Daria from spending so much time listening to people buying things in her store and her own Skills in Geography. She is quiet and shy with a gentle demeanor.

You enter Karla's parents' store, seeing the vast array of arrows and quivers displayed for sale along with many other items for the intrepid adventurer. She is sitting at a small table with a tray of feathers, a pot of glue, and unmade arrow shafts. She looks up as you enter, a smile on her face.

- "Hi, Renata. How you doing?"

Karla puts down the arrow she was working on and walks to the counter as you approach.

1. Ask, "Any luck with that Infinity Arrow?"

2. Ask, "Can you get out of work early today?"

3. Stick to business and buy what you came for. You have no time for friends.

Stats posted:

Stats

Renata, the Monk

Health: 100%

Specialized Training: 1 Monk level.

Possessions: Spellbook, three glowing rune-covered Demon Stones, one dull unglowing rune-covered Demon Stone.
Belt Pouch with 130 GP.

Animal Companions, Pets, and Familiars- None.
Mounts- None.

MORALITY:
Good: 45% Evil: 55%

ABILITIES:
Agility: 22%
Charm: 33%
Endurance: 20%
Perception: 30%
Strength: 20%
Willpower: 20%

SKILLS:
Archery: 0%
Devices: 0%
Magic: 47%
Blades: 0%
Stealth: 13%
Unarmed: 20%

KNOWLEDGE:
Arcana: 49%
Geography: 30%
History: 43%
Nature: 20%
Religion: 55%

RELATIONSHIPS:
Gale, friend and future Rogue 63%
Sister Geri, our Mentor 63%
Karla, Archer friend 60%