Proving Grounds: Annals of the Runeguard Book 1 (The Annals of the Runeguard) by Tom Elliot

Author:Tom Elliot [Elliot, Tom]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Blooming Bull
Published: 2024-12-02T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 27

Now what? I wondered as I stood on the steps outside the tavern.

Even with the Paragons refusing to help, I was still determined to take on the thieves. How though?

“You are not alone, Dace,” Night said. “I will help you do this thing you seek. It is the right thing to do.”

“Thank you, Night,” I murmured in appreciation. I had been so caught up in my own thoughts, I hadn’t realized the black dragon spirit was awake and watching events through my eyes.

“Where do you suggest we start?” I asked.

“When hunting prey large in numbers, it is best to divide and conquer. If you separate the herd into individuals, their numbers will mean little.”

I chewed on my lip in thought. “You might just be onto something there, Night.”

✵ ✵ ✵

I headed back to the tailor’s shop. There were a few things I needed that I was hoping the matron could supply.

I had a plan—of sorts—but much would depend on my only ally, Night, and as yet, she was only level one. “Adi, display my player profile,” I said.

“As you wish, Dace.”

Player Profile: Dace Tolman

Level: 10. Health: 270 / 270 HP.

Stamina: 270 / 270 SP. Mana: 110 / 120 MP.

Species: Human. Essence Points: 3 EP.

Remaining Lives: 1.

Base attack: 12 (with battlehammer).

Base defense: 18 (no shield).

Classes

Guardian, a tier 2 Class.

Nodal Capability

Max Nodes: 17. Total Occupied: 9 / 17.

Available Essence Nodes: 6 / 17.

Class Reserved: 2 / 17.

Occupied Nodes

Strength, tier 1 Essence: 10.

Dexterity, tier 1 Essence: 10.

Constitution, tier 1 Essence: 27.

Life, tier 2 Essence: 17.

Channeling, tier 1 Essence: 12.

Perception, tier 1 Essence: 6.

Guardian, tier 2 Class: 1.

Skills

Strength: swords: 10, heavy armor: 10, mining: 10, hammers: 10, armor synergy: 0.

Dexterity: evasion: 10, sneaking: 10, daggers: 8, herbalism: 10, light armor: 10.

Constitution: recovery: 26.

Life: restoration: 11, life magic: 13, life resistance: 0, spirit expertise: 1.

Channeling: regeneration: 12, spirit link: 1.

Perception: scouting: 1, insight: 6, detection: 6, weapon-throwing: 6.

Active Abilities

Life: lesser heal, lesser bless.

Guardian: spirit guard.

Current Effects

-20% to all magic skills from 6 items.

+2 heavy armor skill from 2 items.

-10 mana from spirit guard.

Beyond Night’s more obvious advantages, I realized my companion had another benefit: since the black dragon’s level was linked to my spirit link skill and not my player level, her level could theoretically exceed my own.

“Adi, invest my three Essence Points in channeling,” I said. There were two reasons for this. The first was to increase the level Night could reach, and the second to increase my mana pool to account for Night’s maintenance cost.

“Done, Dace.”

“Thank you, Adi,” I murmured as I entered the tailor’s shop.

“Dace!” the matron called, hurrying to my side, “Is something the matter? Why are you back so soon?”

“Gorman is dead,” I said.

She looked at me blankly.

“A smith from the Silver Hammers who I had dealings with,” I clarified. “The thieves killed him.”

“Ah,” she said. “What can I do to help?”

I hesitated, reconsidering my plan. Only now did it occur to me that what I meant to do would place the Weavers at risk. Could I ask it of them?

No, I can’t, I decided.

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