Bren

____________________________________________________

Feeling his legs complain, Bren stood and followed their newly met friend into the other room. She was an interesting one. Outspoken to a fault, but intelligent, good-hearted, and clearly used to combat. When he’d heard that there was a Witch out in these woods, he was honestly dubious whether she would be a good fit for their team. They could have run into the various versions of the Path from the more potion focused practitioners to the darker magics like hexcraft.

A Druid though? A Druid was good. Especially since the Warped tended to be perversions of the natural order, someone somewhat connected to it could be invaluable to their objectives.

Rosalyn led them into what appeared to be used as a storage room. Crates and barrels were stacked high on shelves around them, with a lantern in the middle providing light. It was larger than he expected for the house, but made sense for someone living out here by themselves.

“So, honestly, I need some help with the high places. I haven’t been able to reach to dust and take stock of the things up there,” she said, kicking her feet with embarrassment.

Kat and Ann laughed and asked where they should start. Bren looked up, realizing that he’d be of no help next to the towering women.

“How may I be of assistance?” he asked, approaching Rosalyn.

“Oh, well, they’ve got the tall stuff, so I guess we can work on the lower things. It’s mostly reagents, materials from hunting, some crafts and other stuff I’ve worked on over the years. You’ll see. Mostly just need to dust things, get it all set out, reorganize. It’s not spring yet, but cleaning’s important!”

“That it is. So, I will start over to the right, and you the left? Work until we meet at the center. Is there any specific order you would like things?”

“Um, gosh. I guess hunting materials can start by me, the reagents by you, and anything that’s otherwise, just move to the center and we’ll work that out.”

“That sounds good to me,” Bren smiled down at the Druid before turning to his task.

As he shifted through boxes of pelts, some from what had to be Warped, his muscles complained constantly. He was a healer, but it didn’t mean his Path did not take a physical toll on him. Channelling Mind through his body left the muscles it passed through tender in a way physical labor did not. 

Kat understood this, but still poked at him for being scrawny. A product of their upbringing together. She was the brawn, and he was the backup, and they’d happily settled into these roles.

Bren looked over at Kat, who had handed Ann a box to go through before returning to her own shelves. He was happy for her. She seemed full of life lately. Well, more than usual. They had not known Ann for long, but she and Kat had quickly formed a bond he could not deny. He worried at times that Kat was falling a bit too quickly for the Vulhardrin. That she was setting herself up for pain by jumping in so deep with their new companion. Ann had not given him cause to doubt her yet, but he just could not ignore that portion of himself that felt protective.

“Rosalyn, I think these would be for you,” Bren said, handing her a stack of pelts he’d separated from the various herbs and powders he’d been going through.

“Ah, thanks. Oh, and these are for you!” She replied, handing him a few jars with bones.

“Thank you.” Bren smiled as he returned to his crates. “So, you moved out here with your parents nearby? What do they do?”

“Oh, all sorts of things,” Rosalyn said, moving on to another box and cracking the dusty lid to rummage through it. “Dad’s done farming for most of his life. Path took him that way from his years with his dad before him. Mom’s always been more of a homebody. She helps with what she can, cooks, sews clothes, and all that.”

“A simple household. It sounds lovely,” Bren said, shifting through a couple more things. He paused for a moment, considering what to say next. “My home was always a busy one. If it wasn’t for me, I doubt my parents would have taken any breaks from their studies. Unless, of course, they got some outside interference wanting to talk to them. That was actually what made us move to the capital. Katlyn’s father caught wind of them and assigned an envoy through more subtle channels to invite them to a gathering.”

“Ah, so you’ve been through a move yourself. How’d you take it?” Rosaslyn asked.

“Not well. I had my own friends, teachers, and others that I knew despite being young. Even at that age I was not fond of change.” Bren sighed, setting aside a box of powdered bone as memories washed over him. “I, well, ugh. I threw several tantrums. I was young, I know, but it was unfair to my parents. They were just trying to do their best for themselves and me. I wept, screamed, and most likely hit them. I feel terrible about it, but they never bring it up in a negative way. In fact it almost seems to be a fond memory to them.”

“Yeah. I get it. I was probably older when we moved. Had to say goodbye to all my friends and extended family. It sucked. I actually did the opposite. I holed up. Got really sad and quiet. I think it’s when I got comfortable being more alone, now that I think about it.”

Bren paused, glancing over his shoulder. Rosalyn’s tone was matter of fact, but there was something in how her shoulders slumped that indicated a familiar pain behind her words. “Would you like to speak on it?”

“Hmmm, nah. I just kinda retreated into myself. Didn’t talk much and stuck to being around my parents. After I got into my teens I wandered the woods. My parents hated it, thinking I’d get in danger, but I never did. The time alone let me think through what I was feeling. I got comfortable, and eventually came back to my old self. It was a rough patch, but is what made me, me. Wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

“Indeed. Luckily, I met Katlyn at the ball seeing as we were both bored and around the same maturity, and we quickly got into trouble together. The rest is history,” Bren said, feeling a smile tug at his lips. “So, what are your plans for the future? Will you remain this land’s guardian?”

“Hmm, I guess I could, but being out here, all by myself, does get lonely. I did have dreams of being an adventurer or something like it when I was a kid. Strike out and see the wonders of nature. Figuring out why the Warp is distorting nature and a way to stop it. Just never found the opportunity to try, though. I was useful here, and I had my own space, so I just kinda stuck here. Eventually, I’d love to go south, where it’s warmer, and see what life is like down there. I hear reptile and insect related Vulhardrin are more common down there. Not to mention the ocean to the east. I just want to see more, ya know?”

Kat chuckled, shooting a look at Bren. He knew that look. She’d caught his game, and they’d gotten the answer they were looking for, but Bren was not going to push the question further at this time.

For the next hour or so they went through box after box of items, before finishing up their work.

The four of them returned to the main room, taking seats on the couch and chairs next to the fire. Kat and Ann had reflexively snuggled up together, the tall women easily taking up the whole couch. Bren rolled his eyes at the level of casual affection they’d reached so quickly, and sat in his own comfortable chair.

“So, I believe we have something to discuss. At least Kat, Ann and I. Before we discuss, I do want to ask something, Rosalyn. In the storage room was not the place to ask, however I believe it is a question better asked sooner, than later.”

Rosalyn perked up in her chair, attention fully on Bren. “Sounds important. What’s going on?”

Bren sighed. Considering his wording on how to ask the question in the most appropriate manner. How much context to provide the woman. “Rosalyn, we initially did not plan to come out here for the Warped. We, in fact, came here seeking you.”

“Me? What for?” Rosalyn asked, cocking her head in confusion. “Oooh, wait, you said what you asked in the storage room. Am I being recruited?”

Bren blinked a couple times, taken aback she’d picked up on the thread so quickly. “Yes, actually. We were hoping you would join our group. Clearly, we are in need of someone with magic capabilities, and when my contacts in Graven Keep told me about a Witch out here, I figured that may be a good choice. It was only the day after we learned about the larger Warped out here.”

"Oh, is that so? I mean, I guess we mostly take care of our own out here. Why me though?” Rosalyn asked.

Bren rummaged through his bag, pulling out his favorite tea, and setting the kettle to boil over the fireplace. Ann had called the tea chamomile. Not a word he recognized, but just another oddity to the time-displaced Warrior. “Well, we were looking for a fourth fairly quickly. We intend to be investigating the Seeds. Ann’s, hmm, situation is giving us cause to believe there is more that can be done for the blighted gifts from the Gods. The unfortunate part being the dangers are still as present as ever. A balanced team is required. Why you specifically? I think I prefer Ann to explain that further, considering events last night.”

Bren watched as Ann sat up, color tinting the woman’s cheeks. A hand reached up and scratched behind an ear; a habit he’d come to understand as a sign of nervousness. “Guess that’s the big thing. This isn’t really going to be a big secret soon, but for now, could I get you to promise to keep it under wraps?”

Rosalyn looked up at Ann quizzically before her expression solidified. “Yeah. I can do that. Swear on my tree.”

“Guess that’s as good as I’m gonna get,” Ann sighed. 

Bren watched as the gears in her head worked. He knew what it was like trying to explain something when you don’t know how it will be received. Explaining some of Katlyn’s escapades had put him in that awkward situation often enough.

“All right, so I guess my Path is where I should start. I get it’s all kinda private, but it’s the most important part right now.” Bren watched as she squeezed Kat’s hand for reassurance. “It’s Warrior of Orenous. Just like it sounds, I was chosen by the Goddess to figure out what’s going on with the Seeds.” Ann paused, gauging Rosalyn’s reaction.

The Druid sat back in her chair, taking a moment to process. Bren watched as she folded her hands in her lap, hands fidgeting together. “That sure is an interesting Path. I’ll give you that. Kinda surprised you’re only level eight on it so far. Seems low for someone who’s, at my best guess, mid twenties? Definitely in your prime. You should have had this for years. I’m twenty seven and have had a fairly active life compared to most, and I’m only a level ahead of Kat and Bren.”

“Yeah, well, that’s the other thing. I only got it recently. Like, a week ago recently,” Ann said with a nervous grin. Bren could see her trying to fight the anxious fidgeting as she revealed more of herself. That, and that Kat was holding her hand tightly, offering support. “I… that’s part of this, ugh. Yeah. So I only woke up to all of this over a week ago.”

“Woke up?” Rosalyn interrupted. “Sounds like you were sleeping for a long time? A sickness? Maybe a curse of some sort? I’ve read a story or two left here of curses like that. Did you break it Bren?”

“No, no. That was not my role in her life,” Bren laughed, waving her off. “Ann was not magically cursed by any person, nor does she display any signs of illness. Her past is far more a shock, and explains things more clearly.” With that he gestured for Ann to continue. The woman pulled up her legs in front of her, hugging them defensively as she began to explain the circumstances she’d come into this time.

Bren watched as Rosalyn leaned further and further in her chair, to the point he worried she might fall out.

“Wow,” the woman whispered as Ann finished her story. “That’s nuts. And you two believe all this?” she asked, staring at Kat and Bren.

“Aye, she’s shown me ‘er status sheet,” Kat confirmed.

“If you want, I can show you too? I know it’s a big deal and all that, but I feel like I care less than you lot. Or I can just write it out?”

“I think that would be a better option,” Bren advised. Looking over, he pulled out paper and something to write with. “Here. I think we should all note our progress. So we all know what we are dealing with. Oh, Ann, we did engage with multiple Warped. Did you advance at all?”

The woman’s eyes unfocused, looking at something else. “Oh, yeah. I did. Cool. Up to ten now. I’ll write out the skills.

Bren passed sheets out to everyone to write down what they had. Looking over his, he made sure all the information was correct before adding it to the pile.

“All right, well, that’s cards on the table,” Ann sighed. “Guess I know what Kat’s is about in general, but I’m excited to see yours, Bren.”

They all took turns passing their sheets around to get a better idea what their team was working with.

Name: Annita Kronforst

Age: 23

Race: Lupine (Warped 2)

Path: Warrior of Orenous (10)

Title: Chosen of Orenous

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Racial Skills:

Cold Resistance: Reduced damage from cold effects. Comfortable in colder climates.

Keen Hearing: Able to hear sounds from greater distances with greater clarity.

Natural Weapons: Claws and teeth are considered weapons for any skills that would affect weapons.

Endurance Hunter: +2 to Strength, +5 to Dexterity, +5 to Stamina

———————————————————————————————

Unique Passive:

Chosen of Orenous: The Bearer is burdened with a task from the divine. Growth of one’s progression is accelerated by a factor of 1.5 once a Path is chosen. For each lover in the current party, increase the multiplier by .0.2. This bonus will apply to all party members of the same or lower levels as the owner. Further benefits will be unlocked upon progression of the Bearer’s Path.

Additionally provides +5 to Faith.

Health Points: 250/250

Strength: 14

Intellect: 10

Dexterity: 26

Faith: 20

Stamina: 15

Mind: 10/40

Endurance: 14

Resilience: 12

Libido: 80/150

Desire: 120/130

Path Skills

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Passive:

Weapon Proficiency: Light weapons and small firearms.

Armor Proficiency: Medium Armor

Health Points: Stat has been unlocked.

Libido: Stat has been unlocked. Increases by 5/hour. Once full, sexual inhibitions will be greatly reduced until release is achieved.

Desire: Stat has been unlocked. Gained through relations with trusting partners.

Stat Increases: +5 to Faith, +10 to Mind, +2 to Endurance, +2 to Resilience

Compatibility: You’re a large lady, in more ways than one. This will help make sure things go smoothly in your conquests.

Deft Hands: Increase dexterity by +5. Any complicated manipulation of your digits becomes moderately easier.

Rogues Do It From Behind: +0.1 of your Dexterity to enemies when attacking from their flanks.

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Active:

Stoke the Flames: Consume 10 desire points to inflame the target, incensing a heightened emotion of your choice for 1 minute.

Smite of Orenous: Enhance an attack to deal additional Holy damage. Adds 40% of current Faith to the attack. Cost: 5 Mind. When used on Warped, it cauterizes the wound, preventing normal healing abilities in the area.

Predatory Sensuality: Cost: +40 Libido. Requires a display of sensuality to activate. Your force of will and pure sensuality make you irresistible, lowering your opponent’s guard. For a single strike, lower the target’s Endurance by 5 points.

Lover’s Intuition: Cost: 20 Desire. Gaze longingly into your lover’s eyes. Gain insight into their desires at the moment to better satisfy their wants and needs.

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Passive Stat Increases:

+100 Health

+100 Desire

+50 Libido

+2 Strength

+11 Dexterity

+20 Mind

+2 Endurance

----------------------------------------

Name: Katlyn Farragher

Age: 43

Race: Alfhindur

Path: Stalwart Protector (12)

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Racial Skills:

Keen Hearing: Able to hear sounds from greater distances with greater clarity.

Long Lived: The blessings of your ancestors have increased your lifespan beyond most other mortals.

Darkvision: You are able to see clearly in the dark to a certain distance.

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Health Points: 360/360

Strength: 19

Intellect: 5

Dexterity: 12

Faith: 0

Stamina: 15

Mind: 0/0

Endurance: 27

Resilience: 25

Tenacity: 28/46

Path Skills

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Passive:

Weapon Proficiency: Light weapons and all shields.

Armor Proficiency: Medium and Heavy Armour

Health Points: Stat has been unlocked.

Tenacity: Unique Resource Unlocked. At the cost of taking damage, one may use points to fuel skills that would reduce damage elsewhere.

Stat Increases: +5 to Endurance, +5 to Resilience, +2 to Strength, +3 to Stamina

Protector’s Constitution: Increase Endurance and Resilience by 3.

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Active:

Reactive Defence: Consume five points of Tenacity to reduce the damage you would receive from an attack by twenty percent. The barrier which you create must be precisely placed.

Stand Your Ground: Once every minute you may choose to not be moved by an attack that would otherwise move you. Spending two points of Tenacity allows you to reduce forced movement.

Taunt: Your words aggravate your enemies. Enemies affected will prefer you with their attacks while under the influence of this effect. Damage taken may cause the target to lose focus.

All In: Consumes all remaining Tenacity. Sets Endurance and Resilience to 0. Sacrifice all that defends you for a single offensive strike. Deals the total amount consumed plus thirty percent additional.

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Passive Stat Increases:

+240 Health

+36 Tenacity

+4 Strength

+2 Dexterity

+2 Resilience

+4 Endurance

----------------------------------------

Name: Bren Hedera

Age: 26

Race: Human

Path: Scholar of Restoration (12)

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Racial Skills:

Adaptability: Comfort comes in all climates. After spending several months in a harsh climate, you will become accustomed to it, and the effects will be lessened.

Learned: Because of your upbringing, you are inclined towards the scholarly pursuits. +5 to Intellect.

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Health Points: 170/170

Strength: 10

Intellect: 30

Dexterity: 12

Faith: 0

Stamina: 15

Mind: 120/120

Endurance: 12

Resilience: 12

Absorption: 58/130

Path Skills

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Passive:

Weapon Proficiency: Wands and staves.

Armor Proficiency: Up to light armor.

Health Points: Stat has been unlocked.

Absorption: Unique Resource Unlocked. Using healing effectively allows you to further protect your allies. Per ten points healed, gain five points.

Stat Increases: +10 to Intellect, +2 to Resilience, +2 to Endurance, +3 to Stamina, +10 to Mind

Scholar’s Focus: Reduce Mind consumption by 10% when casting defensive spells.

———————————————————————————————

Active:

Restore the Body: Cost: 5 Mind. Heal one target within 50 feet that you can see for 80% of your Intellect.

A Preventive Approach: Cost: 10 Absorption. Utilize your Absorption resource to create a barrier in the space of your choosing. Able to deflect minor projectiles and enemies completely. Reduces damage of attacks that overwhelm the barrier by 10%.

Study Time: While reading a book you have not previously read, restore Mind at an accelerated rate. Must be focused on the book. +2 Intellect

Detox: Removes up to moderate poisons and diseases from a target within 50 feet that you can see. Can be used three times per day.

 ———————————————————————————————

Passive Stat Increases:

+120 Health

+120 Absorption

+40 Mind

+6 Intellect

+2 Endurance

----------------------------------------

Name: Rosalyn Losenska

Age: 27

Race: Vulhardrin (Ovine)

Path: Druid (13)

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Racial Skills:

Wooly Warmth: Reduced damage from cold effects. Comfortable in colder climates.

Danger Sense: Sensitive to upcoming threats. You will be more likely to notice danger.

Natural Weapons: Your horns are considered weapons for any skills that would affect weapons.

Stick to the Flock: Increases your Endurance by 2 when standing within five feet of an ally.

———————————————————————————————

Health Points: 230/230

Strength: 12

Intellect: 28

Dexterity: 10

Faith: 0

Stamina: 14

Mind: 140/140

Endurance: 12

Resilience: 12

Storm Winds: 70/170

Path Skills

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Passive:

Weapon Proficiency: Staves and Druidic Foci.

Armor Proficiency: Up to Medium Armor.

Health Points: Stat has been unlocked.

Storm Winds: Unique Resource Unlocked. Using offensive spells builds the storm within. For every 10 mind spent, 10 Storm Winds is generated.

Stat Increases: +10 to Intellect, +2 to Resilience, +2 to Endurance, +2 to Stamina, +12 to Mind

Druidic Resolve: You are resistant to mind-altering effects. Stronger abilities may be able to overwhelm this resistance.

———————————————————————————————

Active:

Thorns: Cost: 5 Mind. A spire of thorny roots or vines form at a point of your choosing, dealing 20% of your Intellect stat.

Entanglement: Cost: 15 Mind. Concentration. A field of vines erupts in a ten foot diameter circle, causing all targets to be slowed. If a creature is knocked prone in the field, the vines will ensnare them, preventing further movement. 

Unleash the Storm: Cost: 40 Points of Storm Winds. Lightning jumps from your hand or weapon, dealing 80% of your Intellect to the target creature. 

Camouflage: Cost: 20 Mind. Creates an illusion, hiding yourself or another creature of your choosing. Those who do not see past the illusion will see a natural alteration to the world before them.

Lightning Crash: Cost: 100 Points of Storm Winds. Call down lightning on a target, dealing 130% of your Intellect to the target, and 50% to any nearby creatures. Latest content published on novel⸺fire.net

 ———————————————————————————————

Passive Stat Increases:

+130 Health

+130 Storm Winds

+60 Mind

+4 Intellect

+2 Stamina

“Damn, that’s a good skill tae pick up, Ann,” Kat laughed, ribbing her girlfriend. “Want tae destroy me more than ye already do?”

Bren sighed. He loved Kat, but her openness with her relationships sometimes grated on him. He preferred a more private approach to things when he’d been in relationships before. Another difference that they’d long since accepted wouldn’t change.

“I doubt the other choice was all that helpful in the long run?” He asked Ann, trying to steer the conversation toward a more productive avenue.

“Yeah, no. It was a small stat increase to my Endurance. Feel like that’s already all right where it is, so I chose the fun one,” Ann explained.

“I guess that is fair. Sex is part of your Path. Rosalyn, your skills are quite interesting. Definitely on the damage focused side, but you bring undeniable utility as well. Was it Camouflage which allowed you to save Annita from the Snail?”

“Yup! Comes in handy more than you’d think. Warped can come out of nowhere and having the ability to just let ‘em wander on past when I’m on my back foot has saved my life more than once. Your path is interesting too. A mitigation healer? All in one? Very useful, especially with Kat’s brand of tanking. You two work together really well.”

“Thank you. It was a difficult Path to use in the early days, but with each advancement it becomes easier and more powerful,” Bren said, trying to conceal the prideful smile brough to his lips. He loved what he did, but took his parents’ cautions of becoming overconfident to heart.

“And Ann, yeah, I can see why this is hard to explain to people. That’s definitely different. I haven’t really seen many Paths, but yours is way more lewd than what I thought. I’m guessing that’s why you and Kat… uh… yeah.” Rosalyn looked like she was blushing, if her skin could darken.

“Not all because o’ it, though it was the impetus, yeah,” Kat laughed.

“And last night was the first time I hit the cap on Libido, so, again, sorry about that,” Ann muttered, hiding her face behind her knees.

“Don’t worry, don’t worry. You didn’t know. And, well, we talked. So, any questions on my Path?” Rosalyn asked everyone else.

“Hmm,” Bren muttered, going over the details again. “No. It seems like a Path that spends Mind, builds up your secondary resource, and then unleashes the larger attack. It makes sense to me.”

“Yeah, me too,” Ann agreed, taking the sheet. “Druidic Resolve is really cool for a passive. Not sure what we’d run into that’s mind altering, but can’t imagine we won’t.”

“Aye. Some nasty tricks from some o’ the Warped. Spores, magical suggestion. That’ll help ye. I like it. Seems like exactly what we needed. Little less on the elemental side, but a ranged caster with multiple damage types is perfect. So, Rosalyn, I guess this’d be the formal request. D’ya wanna come with?”

Rosalyn sat back, her eyes losing focus as she thought. 

Bren could tell what was likely going through her head. Uncertainty, fear of leaving her home, the new people she’d just met. “Perhaps we save your answer for after we deal with the Snail? Give you time to think it over?” He suggested.

“Yeah,” Rosalyn replied distantly. “It’s a big change. Not like I’m afraid of change, but still. Makes me all nervous and I need a minute to sort it all out. You don’t mind?”

“Nah,” Ann replied instantly. “As the person who’s gone through the most change here, I get it. Should we just eat and get to bed for tonight?”

“Yes, I think that would be best,” Bren agreed, watching Rosalyn as her thoughts drifted.

Dinner was bread, whatever was left of the stew to fill things out, along with some mushrooms. They ate in relative quiet and returned to their rooms.

As Kat and Ann ascended the stairs, Bren stopped them briefly. “Please keep it down tonight. I am exhausted.”

“We will,” Ann assured, patting him on the shoulder.

Bren had his doubts, but smiled back and settled onto the soft couch for the night as the fire faded. He heard a few creaks from upstairs, but nothing he couldn’t ignore as he felt himself drift to sleep.