Garvek asks some questions I can’t remember the information about. My brain still stuck on how …easy getting this class is. My system knowledge telling me a dozen things from just this little prompt. A Guardian Controller class would give me ways to protect myself and others while also controlling how opponents act. The specific nature of how would depend on my choices but every option the class gives will lean towards one of those two goals. Whatever an Awakened Soul is I have no idea but for some reason its going to Aspect this class which considering it says Shadow Aspect likely means stealthy rogue style mechanics. Probably channeling the control options of the class towards denying vision and letting my allies attack from blind spots.
Something like that would be incredibly useful back home. I would finally have a tool that lets me join a thieves guild or …even work for a House. They would jump at getting a Stealth focused defender. Normally covert groups are fragile and this would give me a niche that few guardian classes could fill. I just need to figure out how I can take a class back with me.
“Hey, Terili, how does a realm walker make this a permanent class?” I ask without really thinking.
“Haven’t even seen what it can do yet and you already want the permanent version? Girl, you need to take a moment. Its a lot of work turning a class permanent. Probably one of the hardest things to take with you when ya leave. Though I guess its related to what Twitch was saying.” She says with a part amused, part concerned expression.
Twitch, who was using her question as a chance to snack on more food looks back at the group. His claws scratching the ridges on his head. “Right, well whatever the old courts did to rip this place away bound most everything that originates here. There are two kinds of bindings though. Threads which are pretty common and easy to get if you don’t mind a bit of fighting, small things like coins and raw materials seem to be tied to this place by threads. You realm walkers are lucky, the system seems to let you collect the stuff automatically though I haven’t heard of any of you being able to give threads to others so I guess thats the trade off. We denizens have developed tools that can gather and store them.”
Garvek’s low voice sounds pondering as he responds to Twitch’s information. “So, anything we wish to bring back will require some level of combat to claim? That reminds me of how dungeons work. Perhaps the courts did something similar. It would not be the first time magic has caused impossible things to happen.”
“No idea, but thats a solid theory. I think its got 3:1 odds at one of the archives though until someone brings proof the misers won’t let anyone claim the rewards. Anyway, the other kind of binding is the kind that binds the lady’s clothes to this place. Tethers typically happen for crafted things and stuff of particular value. I think thats the primary factor on why some like the dungeon theory. They show up around places of power. System calls em landmarks and all the courts fight over them. Only thing they fight over more are Thrones, though those are always landmarks so kinda a moot point I guess. Most of the landmarks make tethers slowly though so its a long term investment kind of deal.” He looks down at his soup and back to everyone with a look of ‘can I go back to eating now?’.
“So my clothes say one of one for Dominion Tethers. Does that mean I need to collect one of those to leave with them? That doesn’t make sense, wouldn’t I need something that can cut the tether rather than another tether?” I ask confused, this better make sense soon.
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“No idea, we denizens collect them for entirely different reasons. Very useful in crafting and magic among other things. Not sure how the system makes that work. Maybe they cancel each other out or something? Anyway, I got work to do and food was great as always.” Twitch says, hoping down from the bench and skittering off before Terili could really say much.
“Well dear, if you wouldn’t mind helping me get things settled today I think we can get you that class. Garvek, you are of course also free to join us. I have plenty of work that could be used to let you both unlock your class.” Terili is already floating some gardening tools and cleaning supplies down from cabinets above us.
Garvek sighs deeply before responding. “I am curious about its nature but I am not sure I will partake, I gave up my old class for many reasons. A weariness with combat was one of them. Though, it seems the fates have other plans considering our needs regarding return.”
“Excellent, whelp off we go, lets make this place good as new. Maybe I can even get the old nursery cleaned up again. I haven’t seen hatchlings running around here in ages. I miss it.”
Garvek’s words return to me a few minutes later. “Hey, Garvek, I was kind of lost in thought earlier. What do you mean regarding us returning? Is it not just a simple process like saying a phrase to get here was?” Suddenly very concerned that my mother is going to have a panic attack if I don’t come home soon.
“Ah, yes I thought so. Our scaled neighbor mentioned a few things regarding travel to and from this place. We are not the first realm walkers though it has been some time since the last one arrived. The invitation we both accepted connects us to this realm however it is a loose connection and the system requires us to use an object called a Dominion Runestone to break free of this realm. Returning is easier but has its own issues. Our connection with our own realm is damaged by the travel here and the system seems to lock further travel until we have been in our own realm an equal amount of time as we were here. Unless we use another Dominion Runestone while back home to force a connection again. Apparently using the Runestones makes it easier on the system to send us back and forth. Sadly the only sources of these Runestones are dangerous creatures and environments unless we wish to buy them from the Gilded Talon for 5 of their gold coins.”
“That’s alot to unpack.” My thoughts going in circles partially because I feel guilty. Its not my fault if I literally can’t go back home until I get one of those runestones and if their gold is anything like the gold back home…I’ll probably have better luck fighting off dangerous creatures than getting coin anytime soon. Which means I will get to test out a class before leaving. Maybe even level it to 1 and get to see what abilities it offers.
“You mentioned that this place sounded like a dungeon. Have you been in them before? Do you think the creatures here will be like those?” I ask absently. I know I should be more worried but al I can feel is excitement. Sure I’ve never fought anything dangerous…except people, but I know how to use a knife and a class based on what the prompt said I’ll have something that can protect me a bit so I’ll be fine. Right?
“I suspect the creatures will be similar in danger. If this was indeed some sort of dungeon ritual gone wrong then this place will be very dangerous. If not for the benefits of these Life Trees I would simply sell off some of my items to the merchants here and leave. Though if the system allowed classless people to come here I imagine early dangers to be limited.” He says all of this as if thinking through it himself as well. His hands checking for signs of age on the buds we are checking. Suddenly his hand snaps to me and his whole aura changes. I can suddenly feed a very strong presence from him and its honestly very scary. I mean he is like at least 300 pounds of ex soldier and literally has fangs considering he is a wolfman.
“Do not underestimate the dangers of this place. Just because you have a safety net to fall back on does not mean you should be reckless. I have fought creatures that can kill trained soldiers in a matter of seconds. You are frail and not prepared for true combat.” I am about to interrupt that I can handle myself but his tone changes as he continues. Soft and calm “That is not a mark against you, you are a child of the streets. One who has likely lived on cunning and opportunity rather than violence. It is natural that one who does not enjoy plenty would not enjoy the constitution to ward off blows easily.” His hands still after he finishes. Seemingly off in his own thoughts.
“I will join in the morning, we are both in need of coin or Runestones. Perhaps I can provide instruction that will allow you to survive this trial. Besides, it is always better to have allies when going to dangerous places.”
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