《The First Realm》 Prologue The ancient Realm Master coveted power, control, and the ability to bring misery and despair. An 8 digit number upon the glowing screen represented the aggregate power of all of its realms and all of its worlds. The Realm Master screamed a vicious command while staring with disgust at the quivering captives. One of its guards began beating a captive with huge mallet turning the being into a pile of tenderized meat. Screams and cries from the other captives filled the room bring him the pleasure of their despair. The brief smirk upon its face fade into a frown. Twenty miniature worlds spun slowly within the large 3D hologram that dominated the room. Four to six ovals attached to each world. Ovals attached to other ovals. Twisting and turning, rising and falling until another miniature world was reached. All of these shapes formed a complex light based sculpture. The hundreds of ovals represented realms. Each realm with its own rules, unique aspects, and interesting challenges. Magical realms, technological realms, and strange realms were part of its empire. While each realm increased the beings power, the worlds were special. The gaming system imposed no limits upon worlds. Worlds were infinite sources of new souls. A beautiful blue world, full of life, caught its attention long ago. After more than two centuries of effort, his realms were close enough to begin the process. Soon it would collect this prize. Soon it''s forces would conquer the world called Earth.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. ****** Frank Richland soaked in the scenery of the dusty, rocky trail. He loved his hikes though the woods. Many residents of the area are allergic to the various Junipers and Cedars of the Texas Hill Country. A fact that keeps the local Allergists busy. Fortunately, Frank dodged the malady that affected so many of his friends. Central Texas is very different from Detroit, his home town. After graduating from college, Frank went home to work in the automobile industry. His electrical engineering degree helped him land a job working on embedded systems. Cars and trucks used so many computer chips, sensors, and devices that his knowledge was in high demand. It seemed like the perfect job, but he never really enjoyed it. When the recruiter called him with an opportunity in Austin, he jumped at the chance. He had been living in Austin for five years now. He really enjoyed living in Austin..... The sound of an enormous surge of energy accompanied by the blinding blue light startles him. He glances to his right moments before being sucked into the blue archway. If anyone else would have been present, the violent occurrence would have been spectacular. The archway fades into the background a few seconds after Frank¡¯s disappearance. 1 - Through the Blue Archway (revised) One moment Frank was walking along a peaceful forest trail in Austin; the next he was engulfed within an endless blue corridor. He was falling, but that could not be correct. That horrible blue archway yanked him sideways, so how could he be falling? Abruptly, all movement stopped. He was no where -a quiet, gray expanse surrounded him. "Greetings Realm Master. Describe the realm you would like to create!" Boomed a voice utterly devoid of emotion. What the Hell? What is a Realm? How could he get out of here? These thoughts raced through his mind faster than he could truly comprehend their meaning. "You are not allowed to leave your realm. You will never be allowed to leave your realm. You have been granted the important role of Realm Master for Realm 3,629,156. A realm is a pocket universe within Ck!draaaa*Klx! Realm System" continues the monotonous voice. His heart was racing out of control. He struggles to draw a breath. "Who are you?" Frank asks shakily. "This system is the Realm Management System. This system is responsible for managing all realm instances within Ck!draaaa*Klx!. One of the responsibilities of this system is to interact with its Realm Masters. Please describe the realm you would like to create." the voice explained. He needed to find a method for escaping. This situation is crazy. This must be a dream. People are not kidnapped by glowing blue arches. Get a grip, Frank! "I am not a Realm Master. I refuse to play your game. Let me go!" Instead of addressing Frank''s demands the system continued to speak to him "The system may not create the realm without your input. Please visualize the type of realm you wish to create. Please describe it in a few sentences." Frank decided to stall for time. "How am I suppose to know what to create? Can you give me some examples?" "No, this system is not allowed to influence your original choice. Please visualize the type of Realm you wish to create. Please describe it in a few sentences." Fine! Frank screamed silently within his mind. The monotonous tone of the booming voice infuriated him. "I want to create a world where I am all powerful. I can control everything and anyone with my mind. Might as well ask for the impossible." he said. "You do not have the power to ascend. You may not be a deity. Your thoughts, emotions, and words have identified the primary ability and the conceptual framework for your realm. Please choose from the following choices." A translucent screen appeared before his vision. A heads up display slightly obscured the background drawing attention to the table of text floating within the center of the display.
Spirtual Spiritual energy used to posses, to dominate, and to modify an individuals personality.
Technological Machines and implants are used to dominate and to control individuals.
Mental Powers of the mind are used to dominate and to control individuals.
"Wow, you really are inflexible. Wait... Deity is possible? Never mind. I choose Mental, but your descriptions seem evil. I am not a bad person! Why do I care what you think? You kidnapped me!!" "Initial Realm Management Interface configuration and personality spawning complete. Yielding control to the interface." Said the mechanical voice. A new male voice spoke. "Please relax. The racial alignments have not been chosen. The Realm Master alignment has not been chosen. Before we continue with the racial configuration, you need to understand your situation. The system chose you as the Realm Master for the first realm attached to your world. Ck!draaaa*Klx! is a very competitive environment where other Realm Masters will attempt to conquer your realm. If they succeed, then you die! Please take the initial configuration seriously. Each Realm Master is granted 100 base points for their initial configuration. You may exceed your base points by a maximum of 50 points, but there are growth penalties for exceeding the base point limit. Here is a summary of the initial configuration you chose." Said the deep, calm, reassuring voice.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.
Starting Realm Physical Characteristics Pending 0
Racial Modifiers Human Psionics +10 10
Realm Modifiers None 0
Growth Modifiers +10% World Size Growth 20
Base Points 100
Cost of Modifiers 30
Remaining Points 70
"Great! Besides the term psionics and the growth modifiers, that table does not tell me anything useful." Frank complains. "I suggest you focus on the esthetics of your realm. Why not take advantage of the opportunity to define your ideal place to live?" the voice suggested. Frank hated how petulant he sounded, and the new voice made a good point. Hmmm... He always wanted to live in a location with a lush forest, but he did not want to live where rain occurred too frequently. He wondered if the system could make a lush forest without it raining almost every day and if there would be enough food to support a community if all of the land was covered with lush forest. What was his ideal community? Hmmm... It would be cool if all the building were influenced by architecture from the Shogun series. He loved the look of those castles. Even the simple huts from that series had a quiet elegance. "The system has retrieved enough information to formulate the terrain and starting culture for your realm." the new voice announced. Immediately, an image formed in his mind which should have freaked him out except it was so peaceful. There were some wooded hills near the ocean. The top of a Japanese style castle poked out above the trees. Perfect! I would love to live there, but how did the voice know? Was the system reading his mind? "Yes, the system is scanning your neural activity. Do you wish to include multiple races within your realm? Do you want additional buffs for Humans?" "Let''s keep it simple with Humans as the only race.", Frank answered uncomfortably. He was not pleased the system could read his mind. Frank had played plenty of RPG games, and it was very important to correctly configure the player statistics at start of the game. "My humans need to have the stats to excel as psychic warriors and monks. I want all of them to be calm. No drama!!" "Humans within your realm will receive a stat bonus of intelligence +2 and Wisdom +3. This maximizes the psionic potential for the Human race within your realm. These additional buffs will cost an additional 10 points.¡± Given that 60 points still remain, I suggest you maximize the advantages of being the first realm for your world by increasing the realm time compression. The default setting is 5 realm days to 1 Earth day, but you could increase the ratio to 7 to 1 for a cost of 60 base points." "Are there any other options? I am not sure that using all the remaining points is wise." Frank inquired. "You could chose to add additional starting population, to add additional races, to add additional abilities, to add unique materials, or to add many other options. I do not recommend it. Very few realm masters are in a position to chose the time compression advantage without growth penalties. It is a significant advantage." the new voice instructed. "If it is so great, why doesn''t every new realm master chose that option?" "Most new I realm masters prefer magic, abilities, fantastic creatures, and many other options that give them a diverse and powerful society. Very few have the discipline to limit their choices for the long-term advantages." The new voice replied. Frank sighed wistfully at the options he could have chosen. "I will go with your suggestion." "What type of government should be installed within your realm?" Asked the calm yet increasingly annoying voice. "It will be an imperial government. I always wanted to be known as Emperor Frank." "What will you name your realm?" Asked the voice. "The Empire of Caradon", he responded. "Please review the final realm configuration settings. Confirm your final choices. Press Yes to confirm or No to revise the configuration", said the monotonous system voice. A screen appeared in front of Frank''s vision.
Starting Realm Physical Characteristics Lush forest, similar to Japanese style architecture 0
Racial Modifiers Human Psionics +10, above average stats 20
Realm Modifiers 7/1 realm day time compression 60
Growth Modifiers +10% World Size Growth 20
Base Points 100
Cost of Modifiers 100
Remaining Points 0
Frank hesitated. He wonder if this decision, his most important decision, is the correct decision. This damn system said other realm masters within the system are trying to kill me. I need as much time to grow strong as possible. After a few more moments of hesitation, he pushed Yes.
System Message
The Empire of Caradon, a new realm, was created by Emporer Frank.
"Excellent, your new life begins!" 2.1 - Training an Emperor He stands in the middle of an empty roomwith featureless gray walls. Would it kill the system to add a little color? Why is he here? Heshould have spawned in Caradon. The deep calming voice interrupted his thoughts. "That is the correct question to ask. If you arrive within your realm as a complete noob, then you will lose the loyalty of your followers. You must power train to achieve the capabilities and the strength sufficient for a leader of men." "I am definitely down with that! I hate being helpless as the game starts." Frank replied. "This is not a game, and it is time to learn your first power." Instructed the deep voice. "All psionic powers belong to disciplines originally defined by the Goddess responsible for the psionics powers within Ck!draaaa*Klx!. The level of the power ranges from beginner to deity. I doubt you will ever encounter anyone with a deity level power unless you encounter the Goddess herself. All powers require the expenditure of power points to maintain the power for the specified duration. You are granted the Perfect Memory power." Power: Perfect Memory Discipline: Metabolism Level: Beginner 1 0% The power enhances memorization of visual, auditory, and other sensory information for as long as the maintenance and the establishment cost are paid. Cost: 2 Power Points (PP) per minute Effects: 85% chance regular speed, 20% accelerated rate "I was expecting a more impressive power. I am sure this is useful, but I would prefer to start with a more interesting power." Frank confessed. "Hey, can you tell me more about the Goddess of Psionics?" Instead of an answer to his question, a dizzying collage of images and sounds flashed by about four feet in front of him. Images of men, of women, and of buildings paraded before his eyes causing him to feel queasy and disoriented. Suddenly, the stream of images stops with a svelt man with black hair in a ponytail standing before him. The man''s height is average, and there is a dikatana tucked through a sash at his waist. "Who is this man?" The voice asked. "I do not know his name, but he appears to be a warrior" Frank said. A few heart beats after completing his answer Frank feels intense pain as electricity flashes around him. He collapses to the ground moaning, he rolls back and forth while the shocks and the pain continue, and he screams as if he is trapped in the fires of hell. The pain vanishes after a few minutes. "What the hell was that? " Frank asked mildly while being shocked that he was not screaming at the voice. He was furious, but he remained calm. What was happening to him? "The pain is a training tool. Other realm masters or even rebels among your own people may try to kill you. The pain should ensure you devote yourself to training. As for your calm demeanor, you did mention a desire for no drama! The system is adjusting your physiology to meet this request and to meet other criteria. I suggest you activate your power to maximize your ability to absorb the information. He quickly said "Activate Perfect Memory" just before the incredible collage of information displayed again. Frank hears and understands the name, the title, the skills, the abilities, and the powers for each individual. Descriptions and images for each building interspersed within the images of his people. More and more information soaks into his mind. A stocky blond haired man appears before him. "Perfect Memory may be activated verbally or with your inner voice. Who is this man?" The voice asks. "His name is Soro Mendalin. He is the First Psion, and I train with him every day." Frank replied with a slightly surprised sound in his voice. "I am officially naming you Nimrod for that bullshit pain training technique." "Nimrod .. really! While you answered the question correctly, you are wasting your power points! Deactivate your power. Who is this woman?" The voice asked. Frank quickly deactivated his power by subvocalizing the word deactivate. An image of a kind, dedicated woman appeard before him. Her blond hair cradles her head and falls gently upon her shoulders. His gaze moves to her moderate sized breast, and then his gaze continues down to her waist and hips. "Her name is Tara. She is our best healer." Frank replied with a smile on his face. The voice continued with its interrogation. "What is this building?" A two story building more than 40 feet in length with a curving roof reminds him of pictures from books about the architecture of 17th century Japan. Reinforced doors, shockingly violate his preconceptions of asian architecture, are centered within the long side of the building on the first floor. The second floor is open with a simple railing bordering the walkway that circumvent the floor. Two slightly opened sliding doors are equidistant from the center of the long side of the first floor. The base of the building is a foot higher than the road where he stands.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. "I do not know" He answers. You guessed it! Frank was rolling on the ground again. After his punishment, Frank was berated by Nimrod. "Of all the buildings within your starting settlement to fail to memorize, you choose the one that guarantees your survival. That is the barracks for your soldier. It is critical to the protection of your palace. It is reinforced above the level of anything you could build with material available during the first three weeks of the realm." After another hour of this torture, Frank was rewarded with the following messages. Congratulations! Your Perfect Memory power has improved to Beginner 2. There is a 87% chance to retain information at normal rate. The retention rate for high speed transmission is 22%. You have learned a new skill, Concentration Beginner 1. Concentration Skill Level: Beginner 1 0% The Concentration skill allow you to complete actions despite distractions including taking damage. Efect: There is a 10% chance of completing the action. You have received 150 experience points (XP). Current level progress 150/400. ****** A heads up display appears before Frank with a with a status bar region at the bottom of the display. Two stacked bars displayed to the left side of the status bar: one green bar and one blue bar. Immediately to the right of the colored bars is a nearly empty orange circle displayed to the right. "Your hit points are shown as a green bar to the bottom left. The blue stamina bar appears just below the hit points bar. Your power point pool shown as an orange circle appears to the right of the hit points and stamina bars. Your PP pool is nearly empty. The power points will replenish at a rate 1 PP per 10 minutes without a conscious effort, but the replenishment rate may increase through use of the meditation skill." Stated Nimrod. "Please assume a lotus position upon the floor. Close your eyes. Try to feel and to sense the beating of your heart. Once you can feel the beat, imagine a warm power rising from the center of your being." He closed his eyes with his arms resting upon his thighs. His arms grew heavier and heavier as the hypnotic cadence of his breathing drew his focus inward. Falling down a dark pit leading to a steady beating drum that resonated through his entire being. A faint glow barely pierced this darkness with a feeling of warmth in the center of his body. The elusive feeling began to fade, and he desperately tried to grasp it. The feeling retreated further. Frank searched desperately for the warmth and glow, but an unknown force kept deflecting his presence from his destination. His desperation violated everything he knew about meditation. A continual battle raged between his desperation and his ability to reach deep relaxation. This internal battle continued for multiple hours until a ding sounded within his mind. Congratulations! You have learned a new skill and received 100 XP! Meditation Skill Level: Beginner 1 25% It took forever, but even a noob like you eventually figures out how to relax! You are able to achieve a deep connection to the source of your power. Effect: While meditating you gain 1 PP per 2 minutes. A filled orange circle greeted me as I opened my eyes. "That was an uninspiring effort. You lost focus frequently. Try again!" An awful feeling of loss occurred as my power disappeared. "Whatever you say Nimrod!" He replied between clenched teeth. The sadistic cycle continued until another ding sounded. Congratulations! Meditation skill has advanced to Beginner Level 3. The new effect restores 1.5 PP per minute. You received 250 XP for advancing skills and complete phase 1 of your training! You have advanced to Level 2. Intelligence +2. Your passive power point replenishment ability improved to 1 PP per 8 mins. Meditation skill advanced by 50%. Your realm master additional point may be applied to either strength or vitality. Please choose where the additional attribute point is applied. His skins is on fire, and his gut clenches. Frank barely get the words past my clenched teeth. ¡°I should be allowed to choose where my ability points are applied.¡± ¡°The system does not allow players to choose to distribute their ability points. Again, this is not a game! It is an alternate reality with a game like interface. Your actions between level advancement dictate where and how your abilities are enhanced by the system. As a Realm Master, you and only you are granted a minimal choice of enhancement that comply to general system rules." After a few breaths to calm the raging fire within his soul, he considers his options. He expects that vitality enhancement would increase his hit points. More hit points would increase his chance to survive each encounter. Strength would improve the damage dealt and the amount of weight he could carry before reaching my encumbrance limits. "I choose to add the point to vitality. Please show me my stats."
Name Frank Richland Class Psion
Level 2 (800 to advance) Experience 500
Titles Emperor of Caradon
HP 140 PP 220
Strength 12 Intelligence 22
Dexterity 12 Wisdom 19
Endurance 15 Charisma 15
Vitality 14 Luck 12
"Characters within your realm have eight primary statistics, and the names for the character statistics were pulled from your memories of RPG online games from your world. Each of these statistics conform to your expectations. Your power points are equal to 10 times your Intelligence, and your hit points are 10 times your Vitality." Nimrod explained. "I am pleased with my stats, but why are all of the stats average to high for my level?" Frank wondered aloud. "The minimum primary statistic value for a realm master is 12, some stats received a random increased value, and your realm modifiers for Intelligence and Wisdom apply to your character. We will take a short break for lunch before continuing your training." 2.2 - Combat Training The air shimmered near each corner of the room solidifying into stacks of sand filled bags. A practice dummy appeared at the center of the room with a small wooden shield and small mace leaning against the legs of the practice dummy. A crystal surrounded by spiked iron bands forms the head of the mace. "Please pickup the mace and the shield and prepare to practice strikes to the dummy at the center of the room." Nimrod instructed. Frank did have some limited experience with weapons, a form he leaned with a bow or staff, from his years of Martial Arts training. He picked up the mace with his right hand and the shield with his left. He began to strike the dummy using downward swings, forehand swings from the right, and backhand swings from the left side. Smack, smack, smack ... the consistent rhythm of his strikes become a useful measure of time. Holding the shield up is difficult and does distract him from his attacks spoiling his aim. If he concentrated on his weapon, he quickly lost his balance when he overextended his reach. "Shorten your swings and keep your balance. Add power from your hips not just your arms." As soon as Nimrod gave this instruction, Frank remembered how to increase the power of a punch by driving his hips forward. He concentrates on making each strike a solid hit by using his hips on foreword and backhanded strikes and dropping his center of gravity when delivering downward strikes. After twenty minutes of practice, new message notifications flashed at the top left of his HUD. Congratulations! Youhave learned new skills. Club and Mace Skill Level: Beginner 1 5% You can actually use a weapon without injuring yourself! You may use clubs or maces without incurring unskilled penalties. As the skill improves, bonuses to hit and to damage will be gained. Effect: No penalties for use of a club or a mace. Shield Skill Level: Beginner 1 2% You may use a shield without incurring unskilled penalties. As the skill improves, protection bonuses will be earned. Effect: No penalties for use of a shield. "Your stamina is very low. Take a 10 minute break and drink some water before we resume your training." Nimrod directed him. ****** "Enough lazing around, Your Majesty! Please step into the circle." Nimrod mentions with a derisive tone. Frank''s eyes narrow and his mouth is taught, but he steps into the circle upon the floor. Immediately after Frank complies with his directions. Nimrod continued with a booming voice. "Let''s get ready to rumble!" The practice dummy disappeared from the center of the room. A tall man dressed in black clothing, holding a dikatana in both hands starts running silently toward Frank from the other side of the room. The Ninja''s sword slams into the shield Frank frantically raises just before the Ninja''s sword would have sliced him from shoulder to navel. The Ninja takes a small step back and slices downward through the outside of Frank''s left leg. Blood fountains in an arch, Frank screams while collapsing toward his left, the Ninja continues his attack stabbing the dikatana deep into Frank''s gut, and then the Ninja rips the sword across Frank''s middle. The following messages are displayed for Frank during the combat.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. You received a [CRITICAL HIT] to your left leg for 32 HP of damage! You are bleeding for 5 HP every 10 seconds! You have been DISEMBOWELED by the Ninja for 60 HP of damage! You are bleeding 15 HP every 10 seconds! You are status has changed to Shocked! More than Two thirds of Frank''s hit points disappear during the sequence of strikes. Frank lyes helplessly on the floor, quickly bleeding to death. He watches unable to respond as the Ninja walked away swaggering with conceit. Frank does not recover from shock before his hit points reached zero. The level 5 Ninja wins the duel! A wave of relief passed over Frank''s body. He is fully healed as if the combat never occurred. "You are very fortunate that combat occurred during a dual match. He kicked your butt! I thought you were taking this seriously." The derisive voice comments. "That opponent was three levels higher than I am, and I just started to learn how to handle a weapon. That was hardly a fair evaluation of my combat skills". Frank replies. "The Ninja crossed the combat area before you reacted. Your feet were planted and you made no attempt to dodge. The system was expecting a better performance from an individual with prior martial training. Step into the dueling circle to continue your training." Frank hesitates. He is not sure he can go through another hopeless battle with a superior opponent, but he grits his teeth a prepares to duel. His next opponent appears at the opposite side of the dueling circle. The man holds a tarnished short sword in his right hand, and he begins to cautiously move toward Frank. Frank raises his shield and prepares to swing his mace. He moves forward shuffling his feet while closing the distance to his opponent. The warrior attacks with a predictable overhand swing that Frank blocks with his shield. Frank counters with a forehand swing narrowly missing the dodging warrior. His opponents lack of discipline and Frank''s balance from his earlier practice allows Frank to land a backhand strike to his opponents sword arm. You strike your opponent for 12 HP damage. Frank follows up his successful strike, taking advantage of his opponents stumbling, by delivering an overpowered jab with his mace to the uncovered face of the swordsman before him. While the blow does minor damage, the swordsman''s nose is broken with blood gushing from his nose. Frank resets his feet and delivers an overhand blow that the swordsman parries. You strike Your opponent for 8 HP of damage. Your opponent is bleeding. Frank glances at his hit points and stamina discovering that 1/4 of his stamina is gone. The swordsman chooses this moment to unleash a series of overpowered attacks. Frank blocks or parries three of the four attacks before a straight stab sneaks past his guard. Frank grunts from the stab in tremendous pain. He manages counter with a forehand strike to the side of his opponent''s head. The swordsman drops to the ground. You received a stab to your gut for 25 HP of damage. You are bleeding for 5 HP of damage. You strike your opponents head [CTRITICAL] for 30 HP of damage. Your opponent could not block the strike due to 0 stamina. Your opponent is unconscious. You win the duel! Congratulations! You receive 300 XP for skill development and combat training. You have advanced to level 3. You receive +2 strength, +1 dexterity, and +1 vitality. Your realm master stat point may be added to strength, dexterity, or vitality. 2.3 - Just a few more powers Frank spent more than twenty minutes laying on ground recovering from the duel. He anticipated to hearNimrod taunt or insult him, but the deep and ironically calming voice was silent until Frank started to stand. "Your training period is nearly over. There are two more powers the system will teach during this next training period. Please stand at the middle of the circle and concentrate on the top bag from the stack within the left front corner of the room. Imagine feeling its weight with your mind and imagine the bag lifting into the air." Instructed Nimrod. Frank attempt to reach out with his mind, to feel some connection with the bag, to feel anything beyond his body; but he felt nothing except his own body for a very long time. His first new mentally tactile experience was a feeling of being adrift without feeling his body. Next, he felt the wall at the end of the room. His heart started to race when he finally felt a bag. It was not the top bag so his attempts to lift it failed, but he was greeted with a welcome notification. Power: Telekinesis Discipline: Kinetics Level: Beginner 1 0% The ability to move an object with your mind. Cost: 60 Power Points (PP) per minute Effects: max weight 10kg max speed 1 foot per second Frank inhales sharply when he sees the cost for this new power. He glances at his power pool where approximately 1/3 of his power has been used. It is not possible to lift multiple bags with the Beginner 1 telekinesis, so he dismisses the power. He searches with his new phantom tactile sense moving slowly up the stack until he is confident he senses the top bag. The bag rises when he initiates telekinesis using another large chunk of his power pool. "Excellent. Move the bag across the room to the right corner, and place the bag in front of the current stack." Nimrod instructed. Frank managed to move the bag to correct location, but he struggled to control height, direction, and the speed the bag moved. It took a full two minutes which exhausted the majority of his power pool. After his first success, Frank spent two hours eating dinner, refilling 120 power point through meditation, and practicing telekinesis for another three minutes. The high cost of the power frustrated Frank, and he hoped the effort would be worth all the time he expected to spend leveling telekinesis. Frank meditated again for another hour to bring his power pool to 90 points. He needed better recovery of power points if he was going to frequently use his powers. He decided would prioritize training up his Meditation skill in future training sessions. Nimrod explained that the final power was telepathy. One of his soldiers named Jutan was located within a room less than 200 feet away, but Nimrod did not disclose the direction. He gave Frank a list of four actions for Jutan to perform in the room. Frank needed to contact him and give him one instruction at a time to complete the current training task. Frank struggled to reach out to Jutan and toestablish a connection due to that adrift feeling he felt when attempting the telekinesis. He just struggled to reach out beyond his body. After a few dropped connections, he was able to complete the training exercise quickly. This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. When Frank sat down to rest, he pulled up the messages he ignored during the training. Congratulations! Your learned the Telekinesis power. You earn 100 XP. Your telekinesis Power has improved by 5%, and your Meditation skill has improved by 20%. Congratulations! Your learned the Telepathy power. You earn 100 XP. Power: Telepathy Discipline: Telepathy Level: Beginner 1 5% The power to communicate mind to mind with another telepath over a limited distance. Cost: 2 Power Points (PP) per minute Effects: Words only within a range of 200 feet. Congratulations! Your Meditation skill increased to Beginner 4 5%. The new effect is 2 PP per minute. You earn 50 XP. Next, Frank took a look at his statistics.
Name Frank Richland Class Psion
Level 3 Title Emperor of Caradon
Current Experience 1,250 Experience for Next Level 1,400
Hit Points 150 Power Pool 220
Strength 14 Intelligence 22
Dexterity 13 Wisdom 19
Endurance 15 Charisma 15
Vitality 15 Luck 12
Finally, he reviewed a summary of his powers and his skills.
Powers:
Perfect Memory, Beginner 2 0% Telekinesis, Beginner 1 5% Telepathy, Beginner 1 5%
Skills:
Concentration, Beginner 1 0% Meditation, Beginner 4 5%
Nimrod began to speak to him "It has been a long day for you Frank, but you are ready to go to Caradon. I have two gifts for you. The first is this bracer that transforms into a small wooden shield when you think the words transform to shield within your mind. The second is the Mace you used within your combat training. It is a scaling soul bound weapon with just one current power. It automatically heals you once per day for 10 HP when your hit points drop below 25% of their maximum. I suggest you get a good nights sleep within the bedroom attached to this training room. You will awake within Caradon." 3.1 - Imperial Council Caradon Day 2 - Earth: March 3, 2020 The cultured voice reverberatesin Frank''s head awakening him from his nearly catatonic state. He rustles around within the the embrace of the fine linens while absorbing his unaccustomd surroundings. The four post bed with its embracing linens greedily encroaches upon the limited space available to the corner of the room. An armoire stands majestically upon the wall opposite from the bed. Awesome! He was finally in Caradon, and the tutorial grind was finished. . Frank sent telepathically. Frank quickly changes into the semi formal tunic and trouser hanging within the armoire. He arrives, five minutes after getting dressed, at a small meeting room down the hall from his private chambers. Therod Mancher, his majordomo, frowns at the mace swinging at his side. "Your Majesty! You do not need to bear arms within your own palace!" Chides the status conscious leader of his administrative staff. "Nonsense, Therod! I am glad he is armed while the security arrangements are fluctuating." Retorts Narius Strongman, the Captain of Guards. Frank seats himself at the head of the table, activates perfect memory, and looks directly at his Majordomo. "Therod, Please start the briefingwith the current threats to the empire or any other high priority items." Therod begins his briefing with "I am not aware of any current threats, and the most pressing issue is the very limited three week supply of food available within storage."
Quest (Town, Rank E): Feed Me Seymore I
Reward: 5 Town Points (TP)
What kind of a moron only stores 3 weeks of food for his people! Increase your food supply to 5 weeks; so that, your people can last through the Summer!
Grimacing at the obnoxious text of the quest description, Frank requests "What are the current sources for food? What can we do to increase food production?" "We currently have one fishing boat with a single trained fisherman, there are two trained hunters that were not allowed to go out yesterday since the area has not been scouted, and there is no land clear for farming." Replied Therod.
Quest (Town, Rank E): Know Your Back Yard I
Reward: 5 TP
Scout the immediate surroundings to determine if there are threats, to determine if there are valuable resources, and to determine a good locations for farming.
"Narius, how many scouts are available?" Frank asks. "Namon is our only trained scout." answers Narius. While maintaining eye contact with Narius "Have Namon and your lieutenant choose three soldiers likely to successfully learn the scouting skill. He is to lead them on a short range scouting of the immediate area. I need a strong deep scouting corp." Frank instructed. Frank turned to Therod. "Send both hunters as a team. They are to be careful, but we cannot coddle them" Both men affirm the instructions before sending telepathic instructions to the responsibile parties. "Soro. I want a census to determine how many of my people show signs of the gift? Please develope a weekly training plan to rapidly develop those with the gift. We must maximize this advantage! Finally, coordinate the training times with Narius". Frank glances back to Therod to see if he has finished giving instructions. "Does anyone have suggestions for improving the food situation?" "If we can scout a good location for a farm, then it would improve the long-term situation. The only short term solutions available are scaling up the fishing efficiency and increasing the number of people assigned to fishing, more hunting parties, and I can enquirer to see if anyone has a foraging skill. I will investigate and develop options for your approval."
Quest (Town, Rank D): Old McDonald had a farm I
Reward: 5 TP
Build or acquire a farm to develop a long term source for food production.
Frank pulled up his map which showed just the rooms he visited this morning. "Do we have a map of the surrounding area?" He asked Therod. Before Therod could answer, Narius unrolled a map of the surround area on top of the table. Frank''s personal map available through his HUD updates instantly since the Perfect Memory skill was activated. Frank''s palace and the barracks were located on top of a small hill that provided a defensible position for the town. The beach was to the south of the palace, approximately 350 meters from the hill, with a small symbol indicating boats. A river which bordered the town to the west emptied into the ocean near the boat symbol. Small cliffs shaped like horse galloping into the sea rose quickly from the opposite shore of the river near the beach The entire area surrounding the town was a forest, and a sprinkling of buildings and tents were located just to the north of the hill.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. "Narius, please give me your evaluation of the security of the city." Frank requested. Narius deliveres an encouraging and yet sobering analysis. "Our geographic advantages, the river and the ocean, limit the overland approaches to the North and the East. An enemy with the ability to attack from the water negates these advantages, but we should focus any defensive improvements to restrict overland attacks. The main dirt road which runs North and South and ends here at the Palace is our main weakness. The orientation of the barracks allows our archers to deliver a significant amount of damage to any force using the road to climb the hill. I would expect an enemy commander to attempt to flank the barracks by climbing one of the other sides of the hill. Our other problem with security is the lack of sentries. I will establish the plan and the rotation today, but we have too much area to cover for our 25 person guard force to provide full coverage."
Quest (Town, Rank D): Secure the Town I
Reward: 10 TP
Build some defenses to impede overland attack from either the North or the East. Hey, dummy! How ''bout protecting your people.
Frank imagined grinding his teeth. Nimrod, Ibetter not find out that is you! He looks toward Narius and starts issuing instructions. "Direct your guards to start building a deep ditch on the east side of the hill. The ditch will run from the north end of the east side of the hill straight south until just short of the beach. I need the guards capable of building safe military camps in the future, so we might as well start now." Glancing toward Therod. "Have some of our general labors help the guards. I want to level up the excavation skills of our general labor pool." Finally, he looks directly at Soro. "Let''s use this project to level any psions with the telekinesis talent. I will be spending some time working on the ditch to level my talent." The cook showed up with his breakfast, so Frank brought the meeting to close. "Let''s end the meeting. I would like an update from each of you by the end of the day. Therod, I will meet with you about planning the city economy after you finish your current tasks." Congratulations you learned and new skill. You earn 100XP. Leadership Skill Level: Beginner 1 1% Having a good plan is always a good idea. You have shown the ability to lead. Task you assign and direct have an increased chance to be completed successfully. Effect: +1% chance to be successful ***** While eating his breakfast after everyone left the room, Frank brings up the realm status screen.
Name Empire of Caradon Level 1
Current Realm Points (RP) 0 Required RP 100
Realm Power 100 Realm Rank ???
Current Population 80,000 Event Population 20,000
Current Cities 220 Major Cities 20
Current Governments Contacted 1 Total Governments ???
Advancement Requirements ??? ??? ???
After seeing the surprising current population, Frank attempts to bring up the realm map to show the location of the cities without any success. The realm map will not open. Nimrod, I am surprised that realm management screen shows the current population without letting me see the world map. What is up with that? "The system provides the realm master with enough information to make informed decisions about spending your realm points,but the system will not help you make any decisions nor will it provide you with information you have not earned. The system is impartial." Replied Nimrod. "Since I am your personal interface and I will not survive if you are destroyed, I have a vested interest. I pushed you to ensure you completed the system mandated training within a single day; so that, you could preserve as much of your advantage over other realms." Why are you speaking at that volume? I do not want anyone to hear you. Frank said within his mind. "You are the only individual that may hear me unless you grant that person access rights to interact with the interface. I would not recommend creating a proxy by granting this access." What do you mean by destroyed? I thought I would respawn when I died. "You are destroyed, permanent death, when another realm master controls your gate, your spawn point, and you are killed. All three conditions must be met for permanent death." Can you show me the options for using realm points? "No, the system only allows you to see your buying options after you have enough points to buy the cheapest option and shows only options that twice as expensive as the current amount of realm points. I do have some quests to show you."
Quest (Realm, Rank E): Secure your Gate I
Rewards: 10 RP
You better find and secure it quickly. We did mention permanent death!
Quest (Realm, Rank D): Climb the Mountain of Power I
Rewards: 50 RP
Increase the level of your realm to level 2.
Quest (Empire, Town, Rank D): Grow the Capital I
Rewards: 10 Empire Points (EP) and 25 TP
You call this hovel a Capital. This is embarrassing!
Clearly, it was time to get to work. Frank finished his breakfast, deactivated Perfect Memory, sent a telepathic message to the cook informing her he was finished, and headed out to meet with Therod. 3.2 - First Encounters The three members of the scouting party crossed the river with the help of the fishing boat. The fisherman promised a return trip before he went out to sea for the day; he would wait until they finished their observations from the top of the cliff. Once they reached the summit, they carefully observed the view. The other side of the cliff sloped gently down to another beach that curved slightly to the north. The view to north of this curving beach was the endless canopy of the dense forest right up to the natural break caused by the river. On the town side of the river, the forest continued to stretch out for as far as they could see in every direction. There were a few breaks in the canopy and a straight line through the canopy marking the influence of the road. Namon imprinted three landmarks to define the path for the patrol before leading others back down to the river. ***** Frank drank in the view while traveling down the road to the bottom of the hill to meet with Therod in front of the longhouse where many residents of the town resided for the foreseeable future. When he arrived, Therod was talking to the builder about the buildings that could be built, so Frank asked if the materials were available for another longhouse to give the residents in tents a sturdy palace to live. He mentioned that he would like to extend the current line of buildings here on the north side of town to form a barricade that offers some protection for the town. Both Therod and the builder got the hint and assured him that they would start the project today with six people not assigned to other task. Frank emphasizes that anyone that wants to be a builder or develop that skill should be chosen. Frank motions for Therod to follow him to where they may talk privately. The topic was the state of the economy since it was not defined at all. Frank quickly ask Nimrod. What is the state of the treasury? "You could pull up that information from the town or empire Management screen, but the answer to your questions is that thecurrentbalance was 35 platinum 1,200 gold 562 silver 980 copper. " Once Frank knew there was enough of a buffer to implement his plan, Frank described that he wanted to transition to a self-driven economy as soon as possible; even though, it was clear that the town was not ready for the transition. He wanted everyone to be paid a wage that reflected their skills and experience where the government picked up the tab this week. It was very important that a multiple week development plan was in place by the end of the week. He wanted to assign projects to community leaders or craftsmen next week where a budget was established and the leader was responsible for paying general labor. Further, there was a need to establish general prices that the empire would pay for goods and services. The government buys at a 10% discount, an implied tax, to encourage individuals to sell directly to buyers if possible, but the government would be a guarantor of always buying goods for the near future. It could not continue forever which is the reason he needed to jump start the economy.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. The next task on his list was to make sure that eight additional fishing poles were available. There were currently 2 in the town supply within the small shed that was built to hold tools. The current poles were already in use by some want to be fisherman besides the two that accompanied the fisherman out to the sea this morning. He need to stop by blacksmith and the carpenter to make sure the materials were available for the fisherman to assemble tonight. ***** Namon watched as Travor and Barki struggle and fail to limit the noise of their passing and catch up to him, the leader of their scouting patrol. The moderately dense woods limited line of site which should have made it difficult for him to track the stragglers but they were very loud as they moved. Stealth was not going to be possible today. Based upon the observations from the cliff earlier in the day, he anticipated that they completed almost half of their assigned patrol route. It was time for the two newbie scouts to catch their breath. Namon tenses as an awful feeling of dread floods his conscious mind draining a significant chunk of his power pool and producing a vision of Barki being mauled by a jaguar. Namon activates his precognition power with his remaining power points while drawing a shuriken for each hand and sending each on the path predicted by his power. Barki begins to turn toward where he perceives the shurikens will strike, one shuriken strikes the Jaguar just below its eye and the other strikes its neck, and the jaguar knocks Barki to the ground landing on top of Barki without being in position to maul him. Namon lands a [CRITICAL STRIKE] with thrown weapons for 48 HP damage to the level 8 Jaguar. The jaguar will bleed for 2 HP of damage every 10 seconds for one minute. Barki takes 30 HP of damage from claw strikes and impact damage. Namon having pulled his short sword immediately after releasing the shuriken rushes forward to enter close combat; Travor is just pulling his sword after recovering from being surprised; the jaguar bites Barki''s left arm; and Barki struggles without success to shove the jaguar away from his body. Barki takes 25 HP of damage from a vicious bite. Barki is bleeding for 2 HP every 10 seconds. Travor swings his sword overhand toward the middle of the jaguar; the jaguar releases Barki''s arm and jumps directly into Namon''s thrust with his short sword; and Barki wriggles across the ground after being released from the jaguar''s mouth. Namon lands a massive [CRITICAL STRIKE] directly to the heart of the jaguar dealing 6x damage of 60 HP to the level 8 jaguar. Congratulations your party defeats a level 8 jaguar! Namon is exhausted after using all of his power points, but he moves quickly to apply first aid to Barki to stem the loss of HP. 3.3 - The Ditch, the Healer, and Miscellaneous Returns A trench is a simple standard defensive structure that becomes complex in the middle of a forest. What was I thinking! Ten soldiers and four general workers were busily chopping down a large number of trees and digging down into the earth when Frank decided to lend a helping hand. Frank waved to the guards and workers, climbed into the ditch, chatted with each person for a few minutes, and then started his work. He would dig for a while, fill up a crate with dirt, and use telekinesis to lift the crate and dump the dirt on the growing pile. After three cycles of digging and using telekinesis, Frank climbed out of the ditch sat down and closed his eyes. The familiar warm and rhythm of his meditation process brought him peace as he worked torefill some of his power point pool. Frank did not notice the lieutenant motion for a female guard to stop working and take up a guard position to protect the Emperor. Hedrifted within the peaceful sensation for a subjectively short period, it was actually an hour, before noticing more than half of his power pool was filled. Frank ignored the notification that appeared when he finished meditating and noticed the guard. "Thank you for watching over me during my meditation. How are you today Melinda?" Frank asked. "I am well Your Imperial Majesty! Thank you for asking and for an excuse for light duty instead ditch digging." She replied. He climbed back into the trench to repeat the cycle of digging and telekinesis until meditation is required. Melinda stayed at her post after a signal from her lieutenant since he knew the Emperor would meditate again. When Frank finished his hour long meditation, he noticed two one foot deep and one foot wide grooves extended out away from the current end of the trench in the direction of the beach drilling through the ground, tree trunks, and even rocks. Soromust have arrived during his second period of meditation and decided to use his Shape Mass power from the Mass Manipulation discipline to create the grooves that defined the path for the trench to follow as a guide for future expansion. Frank checked his messages while waiting for Soro to return. Congratulations! Your Meditation skill increased to Beginner 5 10%. The new effect is 2.5 PP per minute. You earn 50 XP. You have advanced to Level 4. You are awarded +1 Vitality, +2 Inteligence, and +1 Wisdom. Your realm master skill point may be added to Strength or Intelligence. . Narius informed him. . Frank replied. Frank could see the scouting party returning to town via the road. It was clear that one of them was injured, Frank knew it was Barki, but it was difficult to tell from a distance. Tara and Narius met the party by the time the trio reached town. Tara made Barki sit down; so that, she could employ her heal other power to speed his recovery and repair some of the damage. "Hello Namon. I hear that you were in a pitched battle with a jaguar." Frank stated as he approached the group.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. "Yes we did Your Imperial Majesty! I still do not understand how the beast managed to surprise us." Replied Namon. "Perhaps, it had a power or skill that helped it hide. Either way good work ensuring the safety of the scouts within your patrol. Do you have the carcass?" Narius asked. "Yes, sir! Namon replied. The jaguar appeared upon the ground in front of the scout. Startled gasps and exclamations were heard as the crowd got the first look at one of the dangers of the forest. ****** The end of day meal outside of the outdoor kitchen was an opportunity for the people of the town to share the news of the day. Very few fish were caught in the nets from the fishing expedition to the sea. Yukao, the fisherman, had been a foul mood grumbling about greenhorns after the poor results. When Frank informed him of the price he would pay him to assemble the fishing poles, his mood improved. The current fishing poles had yielded just one fish, but both of the workers had learned a new skill. The hunting party had returned with two deer and a couple of large snakes. Therod paid top dollar for the meat and a craftsman paid for the skins. Everyone in the hunting party was please with their monetary gains, and Frank and Therod were please to increase the food supplies even if it was just two extra days. The leather and fur craftsman was pleased to have acquired a pelt, two deer skins, and two snake skins. Soon there would be some new goods for him to sell. ****** "Your Imperial Majesty! It is a pleasure to see you." Tara said as Frank entered Soro''s training area near the base of the hill. "It always brightens my day to see your beauty light up a room Tara. I assume that Soro would like me to work on h along powers if you are here for my training time" Frank flirted with the beautiful healer. "That is correct my forgetful and undisciplined student. You may be my Emperor, but I expect punctuality and focus during our train periods." Soro interrupted. "Please sit and listen to Tara describe how she feels when activating the Healing Sleep power." Franks smiled at Tara as he sat down in the lotus position. "Healing sleep is the basepower from which all of the healing Sub powers derive. Students learn and practice this power while laying down. A deep numbing and warming feeling occurs when the power is correctly activated, yet an individual must analyze the collective components of the body with a deep focus upon the injuries to be healed before activating the power." Tara lectured. "Please lay down and I will observe the state of your healing energy while you practice. Frank spent half an hour struggling to focus inward upon the state of his body. The state Tara wished him to reach was similar to meditation yet one could not allow oneself to reach a peaceful meditative state. Relaxed awareness allowed one to analyze that state of ones body, but Frank kept slipping into meditative state. It was an epic fail. Soro excused Tara from the training to allow for one hour of practice upon Frank''s other skills. The training began with moving objects around the training area for one minute at a time. Soro would strike Frank with a bamboo stick at random moment within the one minute period. Usually, the object would drop as Frank''s concentration failed but once he managed to maintain his focus. Between each period of telekinetic training was a short 5 minute meditation period. Next, a period of telepathic conversation with random strikes with the bamboo pole. When the hour training period was over, Frank felt bruises all over his body. "That is not the correct way to treat an Emperor" Frank growled at Soro. "It is the best way to treat a talented student. It gives you motivation to succeed at activating Healing Sleep when you go to sleep tonight." Soro replied. "Do not disappoint me!" 3.4 - Monsters Win One Caradon Day 3 - Earth: March 3, 2020 "Your Imperial Majesty! I found cliffs 4 km to the east of the town that run inland from the sea during my scrying session. Ore deposits were visible along the cliffs as well as a few waterfalls and streams, but I did not see any new monsters or significant dangers." Soro mentioned.
Quest (Town):Abundant Resources I
Reward: 5 TP
Gather 3 new resources for your town.
"Thank you, Soro." Looking to Therod Frank continued "Find our best miners and send them with some security to check out the ore deposits. Make sure our maps are updated with the information just provided by Soro." Turning back to Soro. "Have we completed the census of those with the gift?" "Yes, we have. We found that 35 of your 101 subjects including a few children have shown some level of the gift. Your subjects have coverage in 6 of the 7 known disciplines - Element Manipulation, Mass Manipulation, Metabolism, Precognition, Telekinetics, and Telepathy. Telepathy is the most frequently represented discipline and Element Manipulation is the most rarely represented discipline." Soro replied. "Excellent! Training of the gifted is our most important priority for the Empire. Therod, please prioritize any needs that Soro brings to your attention. Our second priority for today is to complete the patrol that began yesterday. I expect the completion of the patrol will complete one of the quests we all received. Continued expansion of food sources is the last priority. All activities including the trench, ore discovery mission, and troop training should continue where the activity does not impact the staffing for one of the priorities." Frank commanded. ¡±Excuse me your Majesty. What do you mean by staffing? I fail to see how a craved piece of wood relates to your stated priorities.¡± Therod asked. ¡±The people assigned to a given task are refered to as the staff, so staffing is the process of assign people to a task.¡± Frank replied. ***** Soro, a femalePsionnamed Marion, Daro the builder, and Therod met with Frank at the beach one hour after the end of the council meeting. Frank explained his idea ¡°The beach is a great location for harvesting salt from the sea and manufacturing glass from the sand. The extraction of salt,a important resource which preserves food and has numerous other uses, from sea water requires a three step process. First, the sea water is collected within a pool or large container to allow sediment to settle at the bottom of the container. After the sedimentation occurs, the pure sea water is transferred to a large pot where boiling evaporates the water leaving concentrated liquid which is mostly salt. Finally, the concentrated liquid is placed on a large sheet to be dried within the sun. My initial plan is for Soro to shape a stone pool and a stone pot, Marion will heat the pot with her Pyro Manipulation power, and wooden drying racks may be used for the final step. I would like all of you to work together to see if you can improve on this plan. Are there any questions about the process?¡± Congratulations you learned and new skill. You earn 100XP. Innovation Skill Level: Beginner 1 10% You brought something new into the World; even if, you stole it from your old world. Effect: +1% chance to discerne a new process for solving a problem ¡±What is sediment?¡± Asked Marion. ¡±When you leave any type of water in a container where the water does not move, a layer of stuff forms on the bottom of the container. The stuff that collects at the bottom is called sediment.¡± Frank answered.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. ¡±I can create the pool and the pot to your specifications, but I doubt Marion can sustain her power long enough to boil all the water. Even if she can, it will be difficult to control the heat without causing secondary fires.¡± Soro commented. ¡°Therod, I want a plan presented to me within two days for implementing my plan for extracting salt or a better one.¡± Frank commanded. Therod bowed his head and replied ¡°Of course, Your Imperial Majesty!¡± ¡±We can discuss the production of glass after the salt extraction process is underway. Please excuse me. I have other meetings to attend.¡± Frank left the beach with a lively conversation behind him. ***** The hunter and his new apprentice traveled up the river¡¯s edge just within the tree line looking for another unwary animal to kill. Their hunt started successfully netting one deer and three rabbits during the first hour of the hunt, but no other unwary animals had been found since their initial success. Neither of them would ever know the irony of their situation. Just after a powerful blast of psionic energy knock both of the ungifted men unconscious, the Alpha of the pack of massive dogs tore out each of their throats before the pack descended to viciously sate their hunger. The Alpha was disappointed once again by the lack of power from its prey. The pack must continue to hunt for proper prey to increase the brightness with each of their minds. ***** ¡°Are you prepared for your journey?¡± Frank asked the citizen in charge of the expedition. The man had a Mining Beginner 3 skill which was the highest skill level for Mining within the village. He was traveling with two guards and a woman with the only other Mining skill from the town, a Mining Beginner 1 skill. ¡±Yes, Your Imperial Majesty! We have food for three days which is the deadline you set, have a map to mark where we find the ore, and have plenty of security.¡± Replied the expedition leader. ¡±Good luck to your team.¡± Frank remarked. He turned to address the guards. ¡°Make sure both of them return safely. They are the only miners we have!¡± ¡±Yes, sir!¡± The guards replied in unison. Frank nodded a walked toward the blacksmith where the other crafters appeared to be arguing with the woodcrafter. As Frank got closer to he was able to hear the discussion. ¡±Simon, I know you have been busy working upon the materials for the new longhouse for the builder, but Jenna and I cannot progress with our leather crafting without a tanning and drying rack. Is there anyway you can make one today?¡± Pleaded Jorge the more experienced leather worker. ¡±I am sorry Jorge, but his Majesty requested priority for the longhouse.¡± Responded Simon. ¡°I am barely able to stay ahead of the builder even with my shape materials power. I just cannot afford to invest the time.¡± Frank interrupted the conversation as he approached ¡±Hello, citizens! It is good to see all of you.¡± ¡±Greetings, Your Imperial Majesty¡± All of the crafters promptly responded. ¡±I believe I can solve your problem. I will ask Soro to quickly create a simple four foot stand. Will this suffice for the short term.¡± Frank enquired. ¡±That would be fanstastic!¡± An enthusiastic Jenna interjected. ***** Both the foragers and thepatrol returned just before dinner. The successful acquisition of berries, herbs, various medicinal roots, and a variety of potatoes increase the growing stock of food and crafting supplies. An excited Tara took possession of the medicinal herbs and roots with promises to start brewing potions and creating salves. Frank smiled when remembering how such a simple occurrence delighted the vivacious healer. The return of the patrol was accompanied by a welcome notification. Congratulations! You completed the ¡°Know Your Backyard I¡± quest. You have earned 5 Town Points which may be redeemed through the Town Management Interface. As soon as Frank saw the notification, he wanted to ignore everything and browse through the Town Management Interface, but he forced himself to continue with his regular routine. He chatted with his citizens, he worked out at the barracks to improve his weapon skills, and he trained with Soro to improve his psionic skills. As soon as he reached the council chambers, he could finally buy something cool! 3.5 - Learning Town Management Frank marched to the head of the table within the council camber with rising anticipation. ¡°Town Management¡± he vocalized as he took his seat. A new screendisplayed upon his HUD.
Town Management
Name Caradon
Current Town Points 5
Current Population 99
Morale 22 (Neutral)
Events and Notifications Citizens Slain!, 1 building and 1 defense under construction
Population Buildings Store Notifications
What the hell does "Citizens Slain!" mean? Frank sent to his majordomo! Therod politely responds despite being chocked at the tone of his Emporer. Frank opened the Notifications screen for more details.
Notifications
Two of your citizens were slain outside of the town early in the afternoon, yet the event occurred near enough to the influence of the town to receive this notification.
Frank informed Therod. Frank wanted to run out and find whatever killed one of his precious hunters, but he knew he need to wait until morning. Frank sent to the Captain of his guard. Narious counciled his Emperor. Frank replied sternly to end all discussion. He sent a different message to Soro Frank sighed and opened the Buildings screen to review the current stat of the town.
Building or Enhancement Number of Units Level Description Effects
Barracks 1 1 A military building where soldiers sleep and train. The room and board capacity for the building is 29 including 3 officers. -5% training time, +15% to hit for defensive ranged weapons
Blacksmith 1 1 A crafting building where metal is smelted, molded, and refined
Fishing Boat 1 1 A small boat suitable for river and coastal ocean travel.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. +10% fishing yield
Longhouse 1 1 A residential building with a room and board capacity of 40. +1 morale per day
Outdoor Cooking Area 1 1 A cooking area with firepits and limited ovens suitable for cooking for large gatherings of people.
Military Tents 3 N/A ATemporary room and board for 10 individual during field operations -2 morale after 7 days of room and board
Palace (Empire) 1 1 A residential and a governmental build for hosting meetings, conducting business of the empire, and the home of the Emporer. enables diplomacy, +10 morale per day, enables treasury and empire level fuctions
Psionic Training Studio 1 1 A area for train psions to use their power. The building includes meditation rooms, training rooms, and room and board for the prime psion +5% to learn a power, +10% meditation
Shed 1 1 A small building for storing tools and stuff.
That is a very short list of buildings for a capital city. He definitely needed to pickup the pace on building up the infrastructure, and he was glad that the longhouse was under construction after seeing the effects of the military tents. The city could not afford any negative morale. There is a definite lack of crafting and economic capacity within the town and very limited military infrastructure. Time to see what is available for 5 town points within the store.
Decorative Gate 1 TP A decorative gate at the entrance to the town.
Farm 5 TP An acre of plowed, cleared land for growing crops.
Livestock Area 5 TP 2 acres of fenced area for raising livestock.
Lumber Mill (System Powered) 10 TP An automated system powered facility for cutting lumber.
Pier 15 TP A long structure out that improves access to the ocean.
River Dock 5 TP A dock on the river that supports small boats.
Trading Post 5 TP Automated trading post that implements the town¡¯s tax policy.
Wall Section 5 TP A 50 meter reinforced section of wall.
Nimrod mentioned that the system would show items up to 3x the currently available points to help Frank make long-term decisions about saving or using his points. He had already decided he would be spending the points since Farm, Livestock Area, River Dock, and Trading Post each met a need of the town. He decided to take a look at the the details for Trading Post.
Trading Post
Automated trading post that implements the town¡¯s tax policy. The cash reserves are linked to the treasury for the town, and the system makes change. No more running out of copper coins! The building enables trade with other towns, enables posting and accepting contacts, includes significant storage including cold storage, and has a synergistic relationship with other buildings.
Adds a wagon, 4 horses, 6 mules, trader and apprentice, and 2 guards. Reveals three cities available as trading locations
The creation of a trade network would be critical to sustained growth. Frank did not see how any of the other buildings would add more value. Adding farming or raising livestock would help the food needs of the town, but the trading post allowed access to all products including food. Frank decided to check the River Dock just in case it surprised him.
River Dock
A dock on the river that supports small boats and includes 3 canoes and 1 small river boat. Synergistic relationships with a trading post that enables waterway trading and reveals one trading location reachable by the river.
+1% fishing yield on the river, small storage for river related tools and goods.
The increased fishing yield is very small, and the synergistic relationship with the trading post just reinforces the case for purchasing the trading post. I guess this easy decision. Frank selects the trading post from the store and clicks yes when asked to confirm the purchase. A large round disk appears in Frank''s hand as a window with instructions for placing the building token to begin the 12 hour construction process of the system built trading post. Frank stands and walks to his room reminding himself to attempt healing sleep again. He failed yesterday to successfully learn the power, but he must keep trying! 4.1 - Expedition to the Cliffs Caradon Day 3 - Earth: March 3, 2020 The quiet of the dense woods cradled the small group with invisibile hands of solitude. The lack of a clearpath through the forest required the party to take twists and turns over rising and falling topography during the hike fromthe town to the cliffs. One soldier led the way while the other trailed behind the two miners as the miners spoke quietly about the possible deposits they might find. Fortunately, it was an uneventful three hour trip to the cliffs. They arrived at a very defensible jog in the cliff that provided a little cubby where the soldiers decided to make camp. They setup the military tent and the location for a camp fire for cooking. Once the camp was in order, the party set off along the cliff to search for ore deposits. After one hour of searching the miners found a vein of ore that appeared to be copper. The miners spent another hour collecting samples of the ore to be classified later. There was still some light left so they continued to travel north along the cliffs. The cliffs jogged in and out as they travelled. Multiple times the party had to move west for 10 meters to circle around a dense grove of trees. The third occurance of circling around a dense grove brought a surprise. There was a cave in the cliffs near the north side of the dense grove. The lead soldier carefully approached the entrance with his sword in his hand in case it was needed. As he stepped up to the threshold, he was greeted by an unexpected blue screen.
Event Notification
Congratulations! You have discovered a system generated dungeon. Dungeons within the realm are managed by the system, and these unique resources provide a great opportunity for training. This dungeon is a [Very Easy Level 1 0%] rated dungeon that is great for entry level personel. Once a dungeon is completed by a party it receives experience towared leveling up its rating. This way the dungeon becomes progressively more difficult. Does your party wish to enter the dungeon?
Yes No
"You are not going to believe it! I just got a notification saying the cave is a very easy dungeon. It is asking if we want to enter the dungeon as a group. Since it is very easy, I think we should enter." Stated the first soldier. "Is it safe for us? We are just miners with no combat training." Askeda very nervous Tamara. ¡±It is a small risk, but I doubt a very easy dungeon will be dangerous.¡± Replied the other soldier. The older miner sighed and said ¡°Ok, let¡¯s give it a shot.¡±If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. The two soldiers led the way into the cave with enough space between them to allow the miners¡¯ exposed flank to be shielded by the soldiers. Suddenly, a large rat launched itself at the soldier on the left. He easily dodged the attack and countered with a critical strike that dispatched the large rat. Congratulations you defeated a large rat! Each member of your party earns 10 XP. The party members searched the room for any more foes or any interesting loot, but the room was empty except for the now dead large rat. One of the soldiers placed the rat within his invetory while the party prepared to move through the only exit within the room that lead deeper into the cave. The party carefully advanced into the second room using the same formation as the previous room. One of three large rats squeeked as the rats attacked the party. A large rat bites Soldier 1 hitting for 3 HP of damage. Soldier 1 is bleeding for 1/2 HP per minute. A large rat bitesSoldier 2 and fails to hit. The third rat darted between the soldiers to attack the miners. Tamara stepped forward to engage the rat while activating her [Alter Body: Enhance Skin, Beginner Level 2] power. A large rat bites Tamara hittingfor 2 HP [reduced from 3 HP]. The bite is less than 3.5 HP, so it fails to break the skin. Soldier 1 stabs large rat #1 hitting for 8 HP of damage. Large rat #1 is bleeding for 2 HP every 10 seconds. Soldier 2 strikes large rat #2 [CRITICAL HIT] for 36 HP of damage. Large rat #2 is decaptiated!! Tamara strikes large rat #3 with a pickaxe for 4 HP of damage. Warning the pickaxe is stuck in the rat! Tamra struggles to hold on to the pickaxe. Miner 1 strikes large rat #3 a glancing blow for 1 HP of damage. The humans were winning again. Yay! Large rat #1 bites Soldier 1. Bite fails to hit. Large rat #3 struggles to rip itself free from the pickaxe causing 3 HP of damage. Large rat #3 is bleeding for 4 HP of damage every 10 seconds. Soldier 1 stabs large rat #1 hitting for 5 HP of damage killing the rat! Soldier 2 stabs large rat #3 [BACKSTAB] hitting for 18 HP of damage killing the rat! Congratulations your party defeated three large rats! Each member of your party earns 30 XP. Tamara has advanced to Level 2! Miner 1 has advanced to Level 2! The second soldier binds the leg wounds of the first soldiers right leg preventing further loss of HP and reducing the risk of infection. While the first aid is being applied Tamara and the other miner search the room and find a small chest near the back wall. They carefully open the chest concerned there may be a trap, but the chest which contains 8 coppers is not trapped. There are no other rooms within the dungeon, so the party moves toward the exit. Before crossing the boundary of the dungeon, a blue screen appears.
Event Notification
You are leaving the [Very Easy Level 1 40%] rated dungeon. The timer is set for 4 hours, and everyone is prevented from entering the dungeon until the timer reaches 0.
It is time for the party to return to their campsite. 4.2 - Retribution Caradon Day 4 - Earth: March 3, 2020 Nimrod messaged Frank early in the morning as Frank requested before going to bed. He exploded out of bed quickly dressing for battle today. He was furious that his citizens had been slain, and he would extract the full measure of retribution today on the responsible party. He felt sorry for his opponent since he felt more alive this morning than he could remember. Frank opened the notifications he saw flashing in the corner of his HUD. Congratulations! Your learned the Healing Sleeppower. You earn 100 XP. Power: Healing Sleep Discipline: Metabolism Level: Beginner 1 5% Marshall the powerful healing powers of your body during a sleeping period. Warning you will sleep through anything during the first 6 hours of the healing period. Cost: 30 Power Points Effects:+10 HP per hour of sleep, heals minor status effects Frank raises his fist in celebration. He thought learning the power would take a long time, but he managed to learn it after his third attempt. Before heading down to meet the strike team, he needed to allocate his twoRealm Master attributes to maximize his combat skills. Nimrod, what were the Realm Master attributes I could choose for Level 3. "You may choose either strength, dexterity, or vitality." Nimrod replied. Frank decided to allocate the point to vitality to increase his hit points; so that, he increased his chance to survive any conflict today. What about the attributes for level 4? That calm, deep voice tersely stated "Either strength or intelligence." Frank chose intelligence to maximize his psionic power points.Status screen.
Name Frank Richland Class Psion
Level 4 Title Emperor of Caradon
Current Experience 1,650 Experience for Next Level 2,600
Hit Points 160 Power Pool 250
Strength 14 Intelligence 25
Dexterity 13 Wisdom 20
Endurance 15 Charisma 15
Vitality 16 Luck 12
Frank was pleased, but not satisfied. It was not a bad start for four days, but he realized that managing a town, an empire, and a realm would prevent him from excelling as an individual character. There were just too many tasks to be accomplished, and each one was far more important than building himself into a super hero. Abilities, Powers, and Skills.
Abilities:
Psionic Savant - +25% to learn new powers
Powers:
Healing Sleep, Beginner 1 5% Perfect Memory, Beginner 2 95% Telekinesis, Beginner 1 60% Telepathy, Beginner 1 95%
Skills:
Club and Mace, Beginner 1 40% Concentration, Beginner 1 0% Innovation, Beginner 1 10% Leadership, Beginner 1 40% Meditation, Beginner 5 50% Shield, Beginner 1 35%
Good enough! It was time to go meet with his strike team and the council. ***** The council and the lieutenant leading his strike team gathered around Frank while the other members of the strike team prepared for the expedition. Frank and his council were standing to the east side of the road near the entrance of the town. ¡°After reviewing all of the options, I spent the town points we acquired on a trading post to jump start a trading economy with other cities within the realm. I am hoping we will see an immediate benefit from the building, but there was limited information about exactly how the building works except that there will be some new citizens and animals after the building is constructed.¡± Frank told the members of his council. He walked about 10 meters to the east of the road, pulled out the token, and set it on the ground. A screen appeared before him requesting confirmation that the Trading Post should be built with the token as the center of the building. Frank selected Yes at the confirmation screen. A timer which was counting down from 12 hours appeared above the token. ¡°It appears we will have to wait 12 hours before the building is available. Therod, please be sure to announce the construction of the trading post to all of our citizens.¡± Frank commanded. After a short pause, Frank addressed his comments to Narius. ¡°I promised to listen to your concerns about my leading the retribution strike, but you need to understand that I need your experience protecting the town from any additional danger. Between the expedition to the cliffs and this strike force, almost half of the guard force is deployed. Can you honestly argue that you are not the best individual for organize a defense if one is required.¡± ¡±While that might be true Your Imperial Majesty, the Empire cannot afford the loss of your person. That would be the end of the Empire.¡± Narius stated. ¡±I understand your concern, but I will return after 24 hours if I am slain. I still have multiple resurrections left on my counter. I will not use this precious gift foolishly, but the Empire will not end if I am slain.¡± Frank replied.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. ¡±Your Imperial Majesty! It is not appropriate for you to take this risk¡± Therod implored. ¡±Enough! It is my decision, and I have made it!¡± Frank stated. ¡°Let¡¯s go lieutenant.¡± ***** Namon, Travor, and Barki ranged ahead of the main body of the strike team in a broad arrow formation. The silently moving trio were hyper aware of their surroundings; after all, something had killed two hunters. The main body of the strike team foolishly relied upon the scouts to warn them of danger, so many of the soldiers were careless and unaware of the danger before them. The eager, hungry feeling continued to grow as the sources of power approached the kill zone. All of the members of the hidden pack waited for the Alpha''s command. The beasts were anxious to taste the sweet nectar of power taken from their prey. Finally, the moment arrived. Five psionic Mastiffs triggered powerful overlapping cones of their [Psionic Blast] power with devastating effects. Every member of Frank¡¯s strike team staggered as they absorbed significant damage from the massive amounts of psionic energy. Three soldiers dropped unconscious including Travor, two were stunned unable to defend themselves, four shocked men managed to keep their weapons in guarded position, and the lieutenant and Frank weathered the blast with no other effect besides damage. Two of the Mastiffs attacked from the front: one of these Mastiffs knocked a stunned Barki to the ground and the other, the Alpha, ran straight at Frank. Frank activated his bracer which transformed into a small wooden shield and met the Alphas charge with a resounding crash. He repositioned his feet while swing his mace in an over handed strike which missed when the beast dodged. Namon managed to stab the Mastiff after the beast tore a large gash in Barki¡¯s shoulder. The strike caused the beast to switch its aggro to Namon providing the injured Barki with a brief respite. It bit Namon in his left leg, but Namon managed to stab the beast from above, a critical strike, as the beast bit him. The lieutenant stepped to the right at the beginning of combat to protect a defenseless soldier on the ground from a third mastiff. He probably should have stayed with his Emperor, but he reacted without thought to protect his man. The Mastiff and the lieutenant traded blows with neither able to obtain an advantage until a chunk of wood, thrown by the lieutenant¡¯s [Telekinetics] power, struck the Mastiff from behind. The distraction provided the opening the lieutenant needed to score a hit to the Mastiff¡¯s left leg. Two soldiers to the left side of the combat were barely holding their own with two other Mastiffs, and the final soldier standing was too stunned to participate during the first rounds of the conflict. The Alpha darted past Frank¡¯s guard gouging two deep claw marks into his left leg. Frank staggered but managed to keep on his feet despite the weight behind the beasts attack. said a soft, powerful, female voice within Frank¡¯s mind. Frank immediately activated [Influence] without realizing he did not even know how the unknown power worked. Frank sent a command to the beast.Stop Fighting! The beast froze in place. In fact, everyone was frozen in time or maybe moving very slowly. The voice of the Goddess sounded all around Frank. "Noble beast, I name you Branthor, and place a geas upon you. Your are to protect the Realm Master before you for he is important to my purpose. Take these powers a recompense for your loss of free will." Branthor began to glow for a moment. "Frank Richland, I am Fionethsis, the Goddess of Mental Discipline and Psionics. By creating a realm of Psionics, you have done me a great service. This loyal guardian is the first of three gifts you will recieve if you complete the tasks I place before you. I sense that you are displeased that the beasts will avoid punishment, yet you are aware how foolish it would be to refuse this gift. It is good to see you are pragmatic." The goddess continued to give instructions. "Both of you must stop this combat before more lives are lost. Good luck, Frank! You will need since the Feared One has set his eyes upon your world. Oh, one more thing." Frank felt a searing pain within his mind as a new permanent pathway was opened within his mind. The pain was so intense that he did not notice Branthor''s wine of pain. As the pain subsided, Frank heard a new voice. . ¡°Find my temple Realm Master if you wish to speak to me again!¡± Commanded the Goddess.
Divine Quest: Find the Temple of Fionethsis
Reward: ?????
Fionethsis, the Goddess of Mental Discipline and Psionics, has given you a quest to find her temple.
As the flow of time returned to its normal pace, both Frank and Branthor sent out telpathic commands to cease fighting. The two groups, the four living Mastiffs and eleven humans, separated from each other eyeing the opposing side with distrust and hatred. "The situation has changed because the Goddess commands it!" Frank pointed to the Alpha. "This is Branthor, my familiar. He commands his pack that will now become my personal bodyguards." Frank informed the soldiers. One of the Mastiffs growled at Branthor, and his return growl was full of menace. The renegade would not submit to Branthor¡¯s will, so an Alpha combat occurred. The Mastiffs stood calming watching the battle, but Frank barely kept control of his troops after many loud telepathic shouts. The renegade had zero chance against the Goddess blessed Alpha, and the renegade quickly submitted to its will. Branthor exiled the renegade unwilling to risk his master¡¯s life. The humiliated beast slunk away with hate filled eyes. After a few more moments, the three remaining Mastiffs knelt toward Frank. A pissed off lieutant kept yelling at the soldiers that complained about the Emperor¡¯s decree. The soldiers that complained received the tough duty of carrying the stretcher where Barki laid unconscious. The only individual with a smile on their face was Namon. When he checked his notifications, he discovered that killing the psionic beast raised his [Precognition, Beginner 8] by 50%. ***** When the strike team returned with news of the successful if unexpected resolution to matter of the slain men, there more angry words from of the citizens about killing those mangy dogs. An angry Frank ordered the crowd to be quiet or spend time in the stockades. Neither the citizensnor their ruler were content as the day ended. When Frank went to his quarters, the angst of his Majordomo and the Captain of his Guard was high as the Mastiffs followed the Emperor. Neither dared to voice their concerns. 4.3 - Learning about Trade Caradon Day 5 - Earth: March 3, 2020 Frank stands considering the map upon the wall of the main room of the trading post and the information Fergus the head trader provided him. The map shows three viable trading partners: two cities up the road and one village within the forest between the river and the road. The first small city, Carath, with a population of 260 is about a week travel north by wagon. Carath resides upon a grassy plain just north of the edge of the forest. The town specializes in raising animals, producing quality stone from a nearby quarry, and providing travelers with a place to stay. The trading post in Carath allowsany citizenof Caradon to conduct trade by issuing a contract for available goods through Fergus or his assistant. The capital city of the Kingdom of Thudor, Thud-un, with a population of 1,205 is an additional 5 days travel beyond Carath. The full marketplace at Thud-un lists a diverse menu of trade goods for significantly higher prices likely due increased tariffs. Fergus believes both cities are great markets for the plentiful wood near Caradon, and he assures Frank there would be many goods that could be purchased within both cities. Frank is confident the Empire¡¯s economy will expand rapidly with the new trade opportunities, but he worries about a city with 12 times his population less than two weeks away from his capital city. The Realm was just created, so he is not too worried about an immediate attack. His concern is about potential future conflicts more than two weeks from today. "Your concerns are justified. The system does not make this a cake walk for realm masters. It will generate events that you must overcome or your fledgling empire will be crushed. The ruler of the Kingdom of Thudor is free to do as he chooses including attacking Caradon." Nimrod interjected distracting Frank from his train of thought. Fortunately, Frank was still the only individual that heard Nimrod. Frank gave wry mental replyWhile I do not find your explanation comforting, I appreciate the confirmation. Frank refocused on the map. He believes the small village in the forest is an opportunity that he can exploit. The population of the village is less than 60, and the village¡¯s principal export, fruits grown in the numerous orchards surrounding the village, would provide definite nutritional improvements for his citizens. The isolation of the village creates some interesting political opportunities including absorption by the empire. He just needs to raise their opinion of his empire, but he needs to set these thoughts aside for more immediate concerns. Frank turns to Fergus ¡°Thank you for the detailed description of the trading post services and our potential trading partners. The next topic we must discuss the ability of the trading post to enforce the trading laws of the town. If you enter the laws that we agree upon and I approve them, is it true that the system will enforce the approved laws including applying those laws to you?¡±Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. ¡±Tha be ta case Your Imperial Majesty!¡± Fergus confirmed. ¡°Here are the laws I am proposing. Do you have any objections?¡± Frank inquired.
Economic and Tax Laws
  • There is a 10% tax on all trades/economic activity paid by the seller.
  • Charity and gifts are maxed at 20% of economic activity as defined by the Empires current price for the items given. The system tracks all activity and imposes tax on gifts that exceed the 20% threshold.
  • A 4% tariff is imposed on the buyer for all trades transacted with other kingdoms or locations.
  • Merchants that buy goods at other locations that are sold locally avoid the tariff because the local tax is paid by the seller during the trade.
  • Fractional coppers will be tracked as debt for the party (citizens, traders, or the government) owing the fractional amount.
"Weel, ta tax rate might be a wee problem foor your lordship here abouts, but I hav noo problem with it. It just be a part of doin buizness. I will define your laws within ta system as soon as we agree on ta serveeces contract.¡± Fergus replied. "Very well. You will admister both my payroll for 1% of the distributed amount and the economic trading for 3% of the taxes collected.¡± Frank stated definitively "Tha naught gon ta work, Your Imperial Majesty!", Fergus replied. "I culd do it fa 5% of both tho" A very loud growl issued from Branthor¡¯s throat where he lay on the flor near his master; the sound was met by elevated anxiety from Fergus yet the trader held his ground. Frank smirked at Branthor¡¯s antics. Easy big guy! We need this man¡¯s expertise. This type of weasel like behavior is in his nature. Frank sent to his familiar. He does not show you the proper respect Great One! I should make him pay for his insolence. Was the angry response he received. Yes, but I do not want everyone to know at this time. It is not to my advantage, so he gives no offense. Frank instructed. ¡±Listen good you greedy scoundrel! The max I will go is 2% for payroll and 4% for taxes.¡± Frank growled out and continued to speak without giving Fergus a chance to interject. ¡°Please enter the laws with start date of Day 8 and your service contract into the system interface now, I will review and approve them." Frank waited for Fergus to comply. After a few more minutes a ding announced the completion of the tasks. "Oh, one more comment. My citizens and I will be placing orders For the next three days. I would like the first trade convoy to leave three days from today. I realize that there will be portage fees that you will charge. Write them into the service contract, and I will approve them unless I feel you are chargin too much. Do not make me come here to discuss it with you.¡± Frank turned and left the building before Fergus could complain or try to gain more concessions. As Frank walked out, a quest notification appeared.
Quest (Town, Rank D): Trade Convoy I
Reward: 10 Town Points (TP)
Complete a round trip trade caravan to a town or city that is not part of your kingdom.
4.4 - Dungeons and Management Activities Frank felt the warm, bright caress of the morning sun upon his face as he exited the trading post. Squinting because of the brightness of the sun, he paused giving Branthor¡¯s pack the opportunity to form a barrier around him before he movedtoward the animated yet small gathering just beyond the boundary of the town. Narius saw his Emperor approaching with his intimidatingdogs, so he motioned the small party to pause their discussion until he arrived. Frank observedthe gathered individuals including the energetic Tamara, his senior miner, the two guards sent from the expedition to the cliffs, his Majordomo, Narius, and Narius¡¯s prime lieutenant. Before reaching the gathering Frank sent a message to his familiar. Branthor did not reply. His familiar shot forward into the forest with a surge of excitement and relief surrounded by the remaining faithful members of his pack. Frank chuckled to himself - that was quick. ¡°Hello Narius, Ladies and gentlemen. It seems I am missing an interesting discussion. How did your trip go?¡± Frank asked with a jovial tone. A stream of words seemed to explode from Tamara ¡°We found a dungeon Your Imperial Majesty! It was incredible, exciting, rewarding, we all gained experience and earned coins.¡± Frank smiled at her enthusiasm, but his face quickly shifts to show his shock as the Empire quest notification appears, then finally shifts to a frown. News of a dungeon would be a good tale, might spread beyond the town before he was ready to protect this asset. He needed to get a handle on this quickly. ¡°Stop! If this is really a dungeon, we do not need to announce it to the hills. We need to secure it and ensure that we retain control of it. I am glad you are excited, but lower your voice and show some restraint.¡± Frank cringed a little at Tamara¡¯s crestfallen face, but he turned toward Narius and raised his eyebrow. ¡±My understanding from the soldiers report is that the dungeon contains two rooms and is easy to complete. The party completed it three times during their time at the cliffs before leaving earlier today. The soldiers mentioned the final message indicated the dungeon is a Very Easy Level 2 rated dungeon upon completion of their third time entering.¡± Narius explained. ¡°How do we know the rating of the dungeon?¡± Frank asked. ¡±Your Imperial Majesty, a message is displayed when you leave the dungeon that describes the advancement of the dungeon rating, similar to gaining experience I believe, and the period of time that the dungeon is inaccessible after completion which was 4 1/2 hours when we left.¡± Answered the senior soldier from the patrol. ¡±What type of experience and type of loot did you gain? What monsters did you face?¡± Frank asked. ¡°The monster were small groups of easy to defeat large rats, and the loot was 2 coppers each, pelts, and some rat meat for rations.¡± the other soldier replied. ¡±The dungeon is a wonderful opportunity for the Empire to train our troops and citizens and to enhance our economy, but any kingdom or organization that finds out about it will try to take this gift from the Empire. Please do not discuss this with anyone not within this group.¡± Frank commanded. Frank sent to his Majordomo. While Therod took over the discussion, Frank sent his commands to the Captain of his guards. ***** Frank sits alone, his thoughts churning, within the normally peaceful meditation room. His anst coming from the growing mountain of tasks including todos relating to Town Management, to Empire Management, to Realm Management, to long-term strategy, and to his personal growth. Frank feels like he is loosing track of some of the tasks and struggling to focus upon current tasks. He needs a better organizational approach. ¡±I suggest using the quest log to help with focusing on tasks with a return, using your personal notepad for organizing priorities, and using the summary screens for each geographic area to obtain additional information.¡± Nimrod counsels. Frank shrugs and pulls up the Quest Summary screen.
Town Quests
  • Quest (Town, Rank E): Abundant Resource I, 5 TP, 2 XP, 2/3 resources
  • Quest (Town, Rank E): Feed Me Seymore I, 5 TP, 2 XP, 1/2 Additional Weeks
  • Quest (Town, Rank D): Secure the Town I, 10 TP, 4XP, 50/200 meters
  • Quest (Town, Rank D): Old McDonald had a Farm I, 5 TP, 4 XP, 0%
  • Quest (Town, Rank D): Train Your Troops I, 10 TP, 4 XP, 0%
Empire Quests
  • Hidden Quest (Empire, Rank B): Discover a Dungeon, 20 EP, 15 XP, Completed
  • Quest (Empire, Rank C): Protect Your Dungeon, 15 EP, 8XP, 0%
  • Quest (Empire, Rank C): Expand Your Empire I, 15 EP, 8 XP, 1/2 preqs 15/40 XP
  • Quest (Empire, Town Rank D): Grow Your Capital I, 10 EP 25 TP, 4 XP, 1/3 preqs 2/20 XP
Realm Quests
  • Quest (Realm, Rank C): Climb the Mountain of Power I, 50 RP, 8XP, 0%
  • Quest (Realm, Rank D): Secure your Gate, 10 RP, 4XP, 0%
Divine Quests
  • Quest (Divine, Rank ???): Find the Temple of Fionethesis, ???, ???, 0%
This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. Nimrod''s advice to use the quest summary screen is a great idea! Many of the listed tasks correspond to items in his mental list, and the screen contains some shocking information! There is a hidden B ranked quest about discovering the dungeon that Frank had not seen earlier today. The rewards for completing the task are 20 empire points and 15 experience points for the empire. Wooowhooo, he dances a little jig in his mind!It is hard to restrain the urge to open the Empire Summary Screen and to concentrate on the quest list after seeing all of those empire points. The new quest to protect the dungeon with 15 XP further cements this task as his first priority. The new task would get him very close to having enough to expand the empire.The construction for the fort at the dungeon cannot start until the second longhouse is completed, so it was actually the first task that needs to be completed. As for leveling his Capital, he must complete all of the current town quests to have enough town experience points, but he does not understand the prequisites for leveling. Frank sends to Nimrod "Unfortunately, I am not able to tell you. Most prerequisites are a part of an extensive hidden list of related activites. As you build up your Capital, you will get a feel for the types of activities". Nimrod replied. That sucks he thought. He opens his notifications searching through them until he finds the quest updates. Quest Update - Grow Your Capital I: Congratulations! Building the Trading Post, a system purchased building, fulfils one of the prerequisites for completing this task. Quest Update - Expanding Your Empire I: Congratulations! Building discovering a dungeon fulfils one of the prerequisites for expanding the Empire of Caradon. Quest Update - Abundant Resources I: Your expedition found copper ore and coal. Acquire one more resource to complete the quest. It frustrates Frank that he is not able to determine a pattern for the prerequisites from the two quest updates he views. At least the resource update is clear, he adds a note to his list to prioritize smelting the copper. Also, he needs Soro to focus on constructing the salt production facility to get that third resource to complete the quest. He should be able to trade for enough food stocks to complete the Feed Me Seymore I quest. That would complete two of the five town quests. He will talk to Narius later to see if there is anything else he can do to speed up the construction of the defensive trench. Next, he opens the Town Management screen to see if there is addintional important information.
Town Management
Name Caradon
Town Points 0
Experience 2
Population 104
Morale -11 (Neutral)
Events and Notifications Trading post completed, Killer dogs, Citizens Slain!, 1 building and 1 defense under construction
Population Buildings Store Logs & Notifications
What happened to the morale of the town? It was positive 22 the last time I reviewed this screen. How can it have fallens some far. Frank navigates to the Morale Log screen. Yikes! It took a big hit from the slain citizens and the ugly scene when Branthor''s pack was discovered. The negative effects continued today.
Morale Log
Day Effects
2 + 10 Place, +1 Longhouse
3 + 10 Place, +1 Longhouse
4 + 10 Place, +1 Longhouse, -15 fear from citizens learning of the slain hunters, -40 anger and fear of killer dogs
5 + 10 Place, +1 Longhouse, +10 amazement trading post, -10 anger and fear of killer dogs
Frank sighs and adds make his protectors part of the community to his growing list. Next, he pulls up the Empire Managment screen.
Empire Management
Name Empire of Caradon
Empire Points 20
Experience 15
Events and Notifications Dungeon discovered!
Diplomacy Enhancements Store Logs & Notifications
Since no diplomatic events are listed and no enhancments have been purchased, the Store is the only menu to review from this screen. Shockingly, an Awakening Crystal for 50 empire points is the only item within the list. He selects it to get more details.
Awakening Crystal
This crystal can awaken latent psionic potential. There is a 1% base chance to awaken the potential within the candidate, but the odds can be effected by up to five Psions enhancing the effect of the crystal. Each Psion with a power above Beginning powers can add to the chance to awaken. The exact improvement in the odds are communicated to the lead enhancing Psion before the attempt is made.
Creates a specialized building wtih the crystal at the center.
That is an awsome enhancement. He was definitely going to save his points for this beautiful jewel. He was confused by the limited list within the Store. Frank sent. "Your empire consists of a one kilometer circle around your Capital city. This will be reduced to 100 meters unless you have regular patrols of the area. The circle exists because of the scouting quest and the regular excursions by your fisshing boat. You must control an area for it to be part of your empire. Once you build a fort at the dungeon, you will have two unconnected points within your empire. You need to extended your control and have multiple areas for more options to appear in the Store." Nimrod replied. That is a bummer, but it did make sense. He decided to review his list within his system notepad.
  1. Complete the longhouse.
  2. Build a fort at the dungeon.
  3. Build the salt production facility.
  4. Order food from the trading post.
  5. Smelt some copper.
  6. Complete the trench.
  7. Socialize his protectors, his dogs.
  8. Ensure regular patrols for controlled area.
  9. Extended scouting to try and claim more territory.
Yup, his list keeps growing! 4.5 - End of the First Week, Payroll Day Caradon Day 7 - Earth: March 3, 2020 Frank awoke refreshed today like each of the previous three days. The Healing Sleep power which was too dangerous to use in the field for frivolous purposes really improved his beauty sleep. Frank sent to his familiar. bantered the 140 kg Mastiff as his mate began to stir near him. Frank smirked at Branthor''s response enjoying the developing camaraderie with his familiar. After a brief periodto enjoy this simple pleasure, his thoughts turn to all the progress made during the last two days. He and his citizens managed to improve military training, start the socialization of his protectors, complete the longhouse, and make significant progress on the salt facility and the defensive trench. Narius, Soro, and Frank developed a method for increasing the mental resistence of both the psionically gifted troops and the ones without the gift. Branthor, his packmates, and Frank gave very low powered Psi Blasts to troops to unlock to unlock psionic damage resistance. Learning Psi Blast from Branthor had been very easy since he received detailed mental images and feelings through the mindlink. Conversely, Branthor learned the influence power from Frank during the other facet of the training as Frank used small harmless suggestions on the troops to increase their resistance to mental influence. The simple training exercise was beginning to establish minimal mental defenses for his soldiers. Frank was approaching his next level and leveling up his powers from all of the practice with his powers during psionic defense training sessions. Another benefit of the training was the beginnings of acceptance of his protectors within the soldiers as a group. There was a long way to go with his citizens, but the group of soldiers was the first achievable step in the socialization process. The completion of the second longhouse was another important step in the development of the Caradon, and its completion prevented additional morale problems as citizens could move out of the tents. Tho other benefit for completing the task was that the both of his builders were able to leave today with the expedition to create the new fort at the dungeon. Soro managed to use his gifts to complete more than half of the salt production, so some town points would be generated within the next two to three days. Narius¡¯s Lieutenant construction team completed 90 meters of the defensive trench. He left his room surround by his dogs satisfied with the town¡¯s progress. ***** Lord Maximillian Marchant reviewed the weekly reports from his growing network of spies and envoys. A network which proved its worth with his most recent victory. The first week for the Chancellor of the Kingdom of Thudor had been a maelstrom of politics and intrigue as the nobility struggled to established the Kingdom¡¯s pecking order. Three of the most powerful families foolishly believed the King and Lord Marchant were weak, and his spies discovered enough of their plot. He just returned from the beheading of Lord Chatterly and his sons. Lord Chatterly¡¯s wife and daughters were sold as slaves after his betrayal, and his heart raced faster than the swiftest stallion as Lord Marchant dreams of degrading and using Lord Chaterly¡¯s eldest daughter filled his mind with delicious perverse thoughts. Lord Marchant¡¯s brutal and iron that all within the Kingdom feared barely won control over his devilish nature. Lord Barrens and Lord McArrens would do anything to prevent the Lord Chatterly¡¯s fate from occurring for their families. Now, he owned them heart and soul.If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Work remained to ensure the smooth continuation of his power within the Kingdom, but it was time to look at the best approaches for expanding the Kingdom. The conquest of town of Carath and three small villages would allow the Kingdom to expand its area of control into an North/South oriented oval of approximately 5,000 square km. He cut orders to send diplomatic envoys to the four settlements to begin gathering the information. Political, economic, and military information to limit the cost of conquest. One of the last reports discussed the emergence of the Empire of Caradon to the south of Carath. The arrogance of such a small town to call itself an empire! He made a note on his todo list to crush this upstart in the future. First, he would conquer his original four targets before addressing the scum to the south. ***** Frank walks toward a meander queue of people chatting under the morning sun. The citizens gave nervous glances to his protectors as his group approaches the line. He hears Tara distinctive voice among a sea of voices discussing the daily routine while awaiting their weekly wages. The seventh day of the week, today, is payroll day. Frank''s decree defined wages based upon the proficiency of skills. The unskilled within the citizens earned 15 coppers a week, a basic soldiers earned 30 coppers a week, skilled laborers earned 35 coppers a week, the most talented earned a sliver per week, and specific indivduals earned more. At first Frank was worried that he would have to limit payroll after the first week, but he realized that 41 silvers 45 coppers per week barely scratched the treasury. He was still comitted to developing a vibrant economy wtihout being forced to rush toward it. It was better to let citizens develope services and skills that allowed them to earn more than the payroll. "Hello, Tara. It is pleasant to see you today. How is my favorite healer? " Frank inquired. The absolutely gorgeous woman smiled and replied "I am well Your Imperial Majesty. You are as flirtatious as always." She winked at him before continuing the conversation. "How are you?" "I am simply telling the truth. You are beautiful and my favorite healer." Frank replied with a gentle smile. "How are your supplies for healing potions? Is there anything you need from me?" Tara smirked again. "That is a very open ended question. Hmmm. What do I need from you? I am actually planning on placing some orders for rare compenents with the traders. Terod and I have discussed with the gatherers the types of wild herbs required for my medicines. Jacob, one of the citizens with lumberjacking skills, interrupted their conversation. "Your Imperial Majesty, is it really necessary to ban the removal of trees within 1 km of the Palace." "Yes, it is very important to me that the asthetics of the area are maintain. Further, there is a need to begin to remove trees heading east from the road toward the cliffs as marked just outside the banned area. I understand this adds additional work, but this is my will." Frank replied in a firm voice filled with resolve. After a few more comments, Frank moved headed to place some orders and job postings with the trading post. 5.1 - A Small Change for the Earth Caradon Day 8 - Earth: March 4, 2020 A nearly frozen lattice of complex snowflake patterns cover the trail during the early morning. The peaceful art work is disrupted when a ball of energy forms just above the glistening surface less than two meters from the center of the invisible, insubstantial gate where Frank disappeared the previous day. A small rodent appears within the ball which fades from view. The rodent scurries across the ground searching for food unaware that its movement was noticed. The graceful predator begins its dive rushing toward its prey. The rodent suddenly halts its movement and begins to focus in a way that a casual observer from the planet Earth would expect upon the face of a human being. The hawk adjusts its path at the final moments as the prey sprints for cover. Talons stab at the image of a rodent which is not there. The enraged hawk cannot comprehend how the prey escaped. How could it have known that the small rodent used the [Influence] power to project the image of its sprint into the mind of the hawk. The Earth¡¯s first psionic creature runs for coversecure in the knowledge the hawk cannot possibly reach it before the rodent reaches the nearby brush. The rodent is content to hide in the brush for as long as it takes..Stolen novel; please report. The hawk circles for another 5-10 minutes hoping the rodent will make a mistake, but the rodent has no intention of taking the risk. After the brief period of regret and anger, the hawk starts to look for prey it can catch. Finally, the small rodent begins to search for food. The rodent will eventually make a mistake and be caught by a snake that does not understand how it¡¯s existence would change during the next couple of days.. 5.2 - Travelling with the Trade Caravan Caradon Day 9 -Earth: March 4, 2020 Frank walks in the front of the wagon with Branthor and his mate beside him as the trade caravan continues to travel north. Even though it was nearly noon, he could still smell the smoke from the camp fire last night where Fergus told outrageous stories about travelling merchants including fighting off a bloodthirsty horde of Barbarians upon the eastern tundra. Frank used the Perfect Memory power during the fireside conversations to ensure he retained the dubious history and cultural information. While yesterday was peaceful and uneventful, Frank decided to have the other Mastiffs scout ahead of the travelling party to either side of the road. Two of the soldiers escorting their Emporer were positioned at the rear of the convoy. The lieutenant and the three other soldiers of Frank¡¯s escort walk just behind their Emperor. Frank hears one of the apprentice traders cursing the stubborn mules that refuse to keep pace with the rest of the convoy. ¡±Fergus, did you really need to pick the two most stubborn mules in the realm to carry your wares?¡± Frank inquired of the flamboyant trader. ¡±Weel, tha more ornery ta mule ta more stamina it has. I prefer tha ta a weak one. Plus it liven up tha trip ya see!¡± Fergus replied. Frank was about to make another snarky comment when he felt Branthor tense and spin toward the rear. Moments later one of mules squeales as a dart strikes its side, and cries of alarm come from the soldiers near the rear. Frank feels Branthor¡¯s conflicting desires to protect him or to attack the attackers. Frank commandes. Branthor and his mate rush off toward the small humanoid figures attacking the rear of the convoy. Roy, one of the caravan guards, fires an arrow at a goblin hitting it in the abdomen. Are these creatures really goblins? This is the first encounter with monsters he expects from a RPG, and this realization startles him. Three of the four goblins rush towards the right side of the wagon from the direction of the forest. The goblin struck by Roy¡¯s arrow moves as quickly as it can, but it falls behind its compatriots. Each goblin carries a wicked dagger and wears only a loin cloth. There are three goblins near the edge of the forest swinging rocks in slings. The soldiers near Frank surge past him as he activates his bracer. A wooden shield appears in front of Frank¡¯s left forearm. Frank sprints forward and to his left until his line of sight is clear of his soldiers; he unleashes a [Psi Blast] towards the goblin slingers. Two of the monsters stagger losing control of their slings while the last one slings a rock toward Frank. He calmly intercepts the rock with his shield. Suddenly, the three goblin slingers collapase like marrionets after their strings have been cut. Two Mastiffs pounce upon their prey quickly ripping out the throats of the three unconcious goblins. Light blue sparkling energy floats up from one of the goblins and enters one of the Mastiffs. Even during the life and death struggle, the Mastiff pauses in apparentecstasy during its psionic power up.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. Frank switches his attention to the soldiers to his right as the last goblin is easily dispatched by a level 4 soldier. Glancing toward the rear of the caravan he sees one of his soldiers is down on the ground being admistered to by the medic that accompanied his escort. Branthor scornfully interjects. This is the first time Branthor has spoken with such derision about any beast, monster, or human. Frank senses that an incompetent hunter is the lowest form of life to his proud familiar. Frank sends back. Frank experiences Branthor''s mind light up with pleasure at the praise from his lord and master. A brief flash of unworthiness flashes through Frank''s mind without any hint of a change of expression upon his face. He turns toward Lieutenant Thorensen. ¡°Lieutenant, What is your status?¡± "The creatures have been defeated with minimal loss, Your Imperial Majesty! The loot is 6 poor quality knives, three poor quality slings, and 4 copper. Our medic is tending to Morris, but he is very close to death. I will update you if his condition changs." the lieutenant reported. "Please share the loot with the caravan guards. I will leave the details to you." Frank turned to walk toward the wagon with Branthor and his mate at his side. The two other Mastiffs scouted deeper into the forest where the attack originated. "Fergus, how fares your team?" Frank inquired. "We survived, Your Imperial Majesty. I da not believe we wuld hav on our own. Ya hav me gratitude, Your Imperial Majesty! I am concerned about this attack. Where there is one party of goblins - there are many. Will you send some troops to make the road safe?" Fergus requested.
Quest (Empire, Rank D): Clear the Roads
Rewards: 10 EP
Fergus believes there will be additional attacks by the goblins in the area. He is concerned the caravan will be attacked on its way back from the Carath. Clear the forest of the goblin threat.
"Fergus, I will form an expedition when I can, but I must complete this trade mission to the village first. I will increase the number of guards we are hiring to 8 guards. If you can hire at least four, then you should have enough protection on your trip back. Again, I will send a pacification expedition as soon as it is reasonable to do so." Frank stated in his Imperial edit tone. "For now my escort will need to camp here to maximize healing and recovery before we continue on our mission." 5.3 - Portents of a Dark Future at Iron-dome Caradon Day 10 - Earth: March 4, 2020 A huge, domineering hunk of rock rises rapidly more than 2 1/2 km above a small quiet clump of houses and crafting shops. Iron-dome, the name of the inspiring mountain that towers above the sleepy village, is the location of a recently discovered iron mine where two miners toil within its depths. A large miner with taut, powerful muscles turns toward his young apprentice. ¡°This vein seems to be thinning out. I am going to move deeper into the mine to search for a more productive location.¡± ¡°Yes, sir!¡± Rupert responds. His apprenticeship will be over in three weeks, and he will not endanger his promotion with a snarky comment. The beam from headlamp strapped around the head of the master miner illuminates a grotesque figure standing ten feet away. A bipedal creature with four arms and a oval shaped translucent head covered with nightmarish insects in constant motion over the surface of its glass like head walks calmly toward both miners. The master miner¡¯s scream is cut short by an overpowering command resonating within the minds of both victims <Stop moving, continue to breath, and open your mouth.> The master miner struggles to disobey the command, yet he is helpless. The horrendous creature grabs two of the crab like insects with its hands as the creature continues to walk forward. The middle of the crabasect is encased in a see through crystalcovering with an oversized brain taking up most of the mass of the crabasect¡¯s body. A frayed tail of nerve ganglia flutters back and forth behind each crabasect. The creature plops onecrabasect on the master miner¡¯s tongue, the master miner screams within his own mind, and breathing heavily while hyperventilating from fear. The crabasect crawls along the tongue to the back of his mouth before he feels an incredibly sharp pain as the crabasect crawls through the new opening into the base of his cranial cavity. The crabasect positions itself; so that, the ganglia stab into the brain seeking out the amygdala. Once the connection is made his fear reaches an unbelievable intensity. He cannot see that the brain of the crabasect pulses with a red glow with each wave of pain, nor can he see the simultaneous pulse of red glow within the creatures brain. He is trapped with a hellish reality of fear.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. The creature feels the pleasure of this fabulous meal as he places the other crabasect on the tongue of the frantic, wild eyed apprentice. As the implantation process begins again. ***** Paul Entrobius, the envoy from Thudor for the village of Pickaton, could not believe even rock headed miners would name their village Pickaton. He was already anxious to find the leverage his lord needed to bring this hovel into the Kingdom; so that, he could leave for the grandieur of the Thud-un. He had not even arrived, and he could not wait to leave. "Excuse me good woman! Can you point me to the location of the mayor?" he asked a woman crossing between a house and a blacksmith forge directly across from the house. The three soldiers accompanying him pull back on their reins as he stops to converse with the woman. "See the largest hut there at the other end of the village. That is his home. He should be there." She replies before continuing her short journey. Paul could not believe her rudeness, but he was in a hurry to complete his mission. One of the soldiers behind him glares at the woman hoping the envoy will punish the churlish wretch. Sadly, the envoy simply urged his forward to go meet with the mayor. He dismounts in front of the mayor''s hut handing his reins to another soldier. "Your honor! May I enter to discuss a matter of state?" he calls loudly. A gray haired, stern looking man opens the door. His disgust is evident as he stares at the envoy. "Who the hell are you? Where are you from? We are not fond of outsiders young man!" the man grumps. "Excuse me. Are you the mayor?" Paul asks in a neutral voice despite his desire to rip out the man''s spine for daring to address him in this manner. "Yes, I am the Mayor. Answer my questions!" the angry Mayor shouts. "I am Paul Entrobius, envoy from the Kingdom of Thudor. I am here to discuss how your village can benefit from a closer relationship with the Kingdom." he replies calmly in diplomatic voice. "I do not trust you, and I fail to see what you can offer. I will give you one hour to make an offer that convinces me it is worth my time." The Mayor grumpily relents.