Name

Kandis Hammond

Profession: Phantasmal Artificer

Level

4

[Unspent Ability Points]

5

Age

24

[Unspent Skill Points]

3

Abilities

[Unspent Development Points]

0

[Strength]

3

[Unspent Spell Levels]

0

[Agility]

3

[Unspent Rune Levels

6

[Finesse]

4

[HP]

240/240

[Soul]

3

[Stamina]

480/480

[Intelligence]

5

[Mana]

800/800

[Charisma]

10

Skills

[Body Dev.]

2

[WM: Dagger]

3 (4)

[Stamina Dev.]

4

[Deceive]

2 (5)

[Perception]

2

[Charm]

3 (5)

[Identify]

4

[Conversation]

3 (5)

[Scribe]

2

[Dodge]

3

[Calculate]

4

[Jump]

1

[Mana Sense]

2

[Climb]

2

[Mana Dev.]

3 (4)

[Run]

3

[Illusion Magic]

3 (6)

[Stealth]

3

[Creativity]

2

[Memorise]

3

[Disguise]

2

[Bargain]

2 (3)

[Intrigue]

2 (3)

[Advanced Mathematics]

2

[Persuasion]

3 (4)

[Sing]

2

[Teach]

2

[Intimidate]

1 (2)

Enchanting

3

[Research]

2

Unlocked Skills

[WM: Axe] [Thrown] [Hunt] [Gather]

Traits

[World Walker]

Level prerequisites for Professions are overridden. +1 bonus to all stats

[Gift of Tongues]

All languages are understood.

[Female]

+1 bonus to Charisma

[Silent Casting]

Allows you to cast spells without a chant

[Subtle Casting]

Allows you to cast spells without gestures

[Disease Resistance]

You are more resistant to disease of all types.(Upgradeable)

[Extra Spells]

15 more spell levels per Casting Skill Level

[Socialite]

+1 Bonus to all social skills

Spells

Mana

[Static Image]

Creates an unmoving image of a single object not more than 1 cubic metre in volume. (upkeep 1/hour)

5

[Light]

Creates a light that can be moved, brightened, or dimmed. (upkeep 1/hour)

5

[Unseen Sound]

Creates a sound from a source you designate. (upkeep 1/hour)

5

[Simple Invisibility]

People and Creatures are unable to see you. (upkeep 3/hour)

15

[Disguise]

Modify your appearance and clothing as required (upkeep 3/hour)

15

[Conceal Mana]

Hides a casters mana from others (upkeep 2/hour)

10

[Greater Invisibility]

Invisible to all senses, can be cast on others (upkeep 6/hour)

30

[Improved Blind]

Blocks sight, sound and smell from reaching one target (upkeep 4/hour)

20

[Phantasmal Object]

Creates an illusory object not more than 1 cubic metre in volume. (upkeep 3/day)

15

[Phantom World]

Cast on a single target, generates an entire illusory sensorium.

Only target can perceive vision. (upkeep 6/hour)

30

Runes

[Cool], [Heat], [Effect: Touch], [Constant Effect], [Sense (Temperature)], [Trigger], [Accept Energy], [Sharpness], [Target Self], [Trigger], [Generate (Fire)], [Target (Cone Projection)], [Undead Bane]

Gustave Langelier, the Guild Master of the Iron-workers Guild, took his time, carefully examining the sword in front of him. I knew what he was seeing, but I couldn’t help taking another look for myself.

[Identification]: Holy Avenger - Quality: Good - Damage : 80 - Properties: Enchantment (Undead Bane)

He looked up, and at the man beside me. “This is your work, Marsilius?”

“The sword, yes.” Marsilius said nervously. “I sold it to the lady two days ago. For 50 gold.”

“And bought it back again now. For how much?”

“400 gold, Guildmaster. And… this meeting.”

“Well.” The guild master turned to me. “Its quite flattering to think my time must be worth upwards of 100 gold. What can I do for you, Madame Hammond?”

I leaned back into my comfy chair. The Guildmaster lived well. “I heard that Anchorbury does not have a resident Enchanter.” I said.

“Indeed, that is true.” Gustave agreed. “Shall I assume that you are one, and that this is an example of your work?”

“Yes.” I said. There was a pause as Gustave considered his next question. Despite common belief, there was a way to get the [Enchanting] skill without being a level 7 mage. If a mage had both [Teaching] and [Enchanting], he could quite easily teach others the skill, in theory. In practice, no one ever did it.

Exactly why that was hadn’t been spelled out to me. I thought at least part of it was that [Enchanting] used up gemstones at a prodigious rate. Having another Enchanter around meant more competition for resources.

“Can I ask where you learned the skill?” Gustave finally asked. Of course he would ask that, an endless source of Enchanters was worth much more to him than a single one.

“Unfortunately, I’m not at liberty to disclose that.” I said, with a sympathetic smile. He grimaced, but that answer can’t have been unexpected.

“What then, brings you to us?” he asked. “Enchanting is not under any Guild regulation, so you don’t need our permission to operate.” That was true. Enchanting wasn’t regulated, because no one regulated a high-level mage. They did whatever they wanted.

“Rather than operate independently, I was thinking my needs might be better served by working in partnership with the guild.”

“And what would those needs be?” he asked, but I could see his eyes glaze over as he started thinking of the benefits the guild could get from having their own source of enchanted goods.

“Oh, you know, items to enchant, materials and tools. A secure workspace. The security that comes from being a part of a larger organisation.” I said, watching him trying to control his greed. “If I could have access to enchanted items to study, that would benefit us both as well.”

“With such an arrangement, would enchantments to order be possible?” he asked.

“Of course, as long as I have knowledge of the runes and the materials are available.”

“Of course… well, we’d have to work out the details of such an arrangement-“

“There’s just one problem,” I interrupted. “A small detail that might prevent me from setting up shop in your lovely city.”

“Do tell,” Gustave said, keeping the smile on his face with an effort. He was experienced enough to know he’d taken the bait, and was now going to feel the hook.

“I’ve been having a certain amount of trouble from a certain lordling…” I hinted.

“Lord Aubert,” he groaned, and I nodded in response. “He has a certain… reputation, its true. He’s never actually forced a woman, but there have been some… complaints.”

“I have to say that even his current harassment would be too upsetting for me to stay in this city, if it continues.”

“Of course, I understand,” he assured me. “It’s difficult though. Really the only one who can restrain him is his father, and he hasn’t shown any inclination to do so.”

“Is the Count a reasonable man? Someone who understands the business requirements of his people?”

“In most cases… perhaps…” Gustave trailed off, clearly thinking furiously. He had clearly had an idea and was thinking it through. A moment passed, and he addressed me again. “In truth, madame, we would rather the situation with Lord Aubert was dealt with. We’ve had to deal with a number of… distressing situations for daughters of our members.”

“How terrible.” I felt bad that he was going to do something for me, when he hadn’t for them, but there wasn’t much I could do about that.

“In those cases, the women involved didn’t want to raise a formal complaint about his Lordship. Since it would be adjudicated by his father they felt…”

“It would be a lot of distress for them, and would just get swept under the rug.” With only a token support from the Guild no doubt.

“Yes.” He had the grace to look embarrassed. “But this time, we have an unusual confluence of factors. You have a very forceful personality, and a noble bearing. If you were to lodge a formal complaint, with the Guild’s full support-“

“Including legal representation?” I interjected.

“If it comes to that, which it won’t.” he declared confidently. “Count Lowel will definitely want this to be settled before it comes to open court. Transcripts are sent to the capital after all - he’d be a laughingstock. No, he’ll put pressure on you to drop the complaint - maybe even try to buy you off. But if we were to impress on him how important you were to the future of the city… he’d be forced to negotiate in good faith.”

“So in the end, it would come down to me.”

“I’m afraid so. The Count will be able to put pressure on whichever link he feels to be weakest. That will be you - but I suspect he will find he’s wrong. After that he may try to pressure us, but anything he brings to bear on us is going to impact his own revenues. In theory, he has ultimate power over us, but so far he has kept to much more reasonable limits.”

“Alright,” I said reluctantly. He smiled.

“Then let us discus much more pleasant matters, like our future profitable relationship. Marsilius, can you fetch Ancelote and Calandre from downstairs? Oh here,” he passed my sword back to its owner. “You’ll be wanting this.”

The next day, I walked into the courthouse. There were no signs, but I’d received directions.

“Is this where I file a formal complaint?” I asked the young clerk, who quickly straightened up as I approached him.

“Ah.. Yes?” he said, somewhat awestruck. “Yes. This is where you file complaints.” He said, pulling himself together.

“Here you are then,” I said, handing over the first document. I had to admit, handwritten legal documents looked very impressive. The clerk glanced at it, then did a double-take. “Um ma’am?” he said, quickly trying to read the entire document as quickly as possible. “Are you sure you want to…”

“Here,” I said. “This letter is for the Count.” I handed over the Guild’s declaration of support. The clerk looked at the seal and swallowed. “I’ll see that it gets to him, ma’am”

“You do that”, I said, and left.

The next day, a soldier knocked on my door, hand delivering a letter inviting me to the Count’s residence… for a chat.

I sure am regretting not taking the Phantasmal Emissary spell now, I thought as I approached the entrance to the Count’s fortress. That said, I had no idea if the range of that spell would have been sufficient. I approached the fortress from the inner gate, that connected the town to its rulers. I had brought my letter as an introduction, but it wasn’t necessary. A man wearing indigo and blue - the counts colours - was waiting for me.

“Miss Hammond?” he said briskly. “Come with me.” he continued, not even waiting for confirmation. He led me past the outer walls and into the building. Taking me through a bewildering array of corridors and rooms, all of which were richly furnished, he led me deeper inside. I would have been quickly lost without [Memorise]. Finally, we came to a small room set out with a low table and two comfortable chairs.

“Please wait here, and do make yourself comfortable, he gestured to the fresh fruits displayed on the table. “The Count will be with you shortly.”

“Thank you-“ I said, but he was already gone. I took a seat, and a slice of orange, and waited.

It was not, in fact, very long before Lord Duvost made an appearance. He swept into the room unannounced, and took the seat opposite mine without ceremony. I had jumped up and somehow managed a quick and graceful curtsy. [Charm] had somehow improved its game with my [Charisma] increase - I could swear that I’d started moving before he’d entered the room. Since he hadn’t said anything, [Charm] told me that it was OK for me to sit, but that I should sit composedly until he decided to speak.

Lord Duvost was tall, but even sitting down he exuded power. He looked about 50, his hair just starting to go grey, but his beard was still brown. He stared at me with an expression that was difficult for me to read.

“I’ve spoken with my son on this matter,” he said suddenly. When he spoke, it felt like waves of pressure were coming off him. “Even assuming everything he said was true, the insult that he claims is not worth pursuing. I’ve instructed him to leave you alone, and you will drop this complaint.”

“Thank you for your consideration, my lord.” I said, bowing my head. I couldn’t say the words I wanted to say.

You have been defeated in a Tier 3 Social Contest.

You may not act against the winner for one day.

I guess this is the power of the nobility, I thought. I wanted to protest. Yes, this was what I wanted, but it wasn’t enough!

“May I ask a question, my lord?” I managed to say. It wasn’t acting against him I told myself, or maybe the unseen force that was holding me back.

He looked surprised, but nodded permission.

“The guild told me that you were a reasonable man,” I said. It was a struggle for me to even speak at all, but thanks to [Charm] my voice was calm and unwavering. “So why do you permit your son to act the way he does towards women?”

Duvost frowned, and I felt the pressure come back with full force. “My son’s behaviour has been exemplary, this isolated incident notwithstanding. There have been no other complaints like yours.”

“Are you really so naive-“ I had to stop for a second, due to the pressure at the insult. This is helping him, not hurting him. I thought to myself, focusing on that. “-to think that a commoner girl would come to you with such a complaint? Have you thought about inquiring as to what the townsfolk think of your son?”

“And what is it that you think I would find?” At his words, the pressure lifted, as I was answering a direct question.

“I was warned of your son on the carriage ride into town,” I said bitterly, “The Iron-workers guild contains only a small fraction of your townsfolk, but its master knew exactly who and what I was talking about. He has had to help daughters of his members in the past recover from your sons attention.”

Suddenly the pressure was gone entirely. Duvost had a stricken look on his face. “There have been rumours,” he admitted. “But the girls denied it when my people asked about it, or were gone…”

“No one wants to admit to being used.” I said. Reluctantly, I added, “And no one wants to think ill of their children.”

There was a long silence then. Duvost was lost in thought, and I had nothing more to say. I would have liked to get up and go, but [Charm] informed me that the audience was not yet over, so I watched as his face went from shocked, to something more calculating.

“You are an unusual woman,” he finally said. “Capable, strong minded and charismatic. The guild’s letter didn’t say why they stood by your claim.”

Something they didn’t do for their own members. I felt the question there. Apparently not being able to act against also meant not keeping information from. Despite my reluctance, I was compelled to answer.

“I’ve entered into a joint venture with them, to provide Enchanting services.”

His eyebrows rose. “So young? What level are you?”

“Level 4,” I said. These questions were becoming dangerous.

“Ah. A patron then.” That was not a question, so I could stay carefully still. “So quiet all of a sudden? Oh, of course.”

Your social penalty has been rescinded!

“Thank you,” I said, somewhat shocked. I really needed to learn more about social combat. He waved off my thanks.

“I have no need of help from the [Status].” he said. “I’d like to know more about your patron, but I will not compel you.”

“I’m grateful for your consideration, but I’m afraid I’m not able to tell you anything about my patron,” I said, on account of him not existing.

“That you didn’t call on his support on this matter is interesting, but is headed away from the matter at hand. I’d like to engage you as my son’s tutor.”

“What?”

“My son needs educating, and I’m simply not in a position to do it. You strike me as the ideal candidate.”

“Why should I educate your son? I want nothing to do with him!” I objected.

“For one, I’d be paying you,” Duvost said calmly. “For another, if not you, then who?”

“Anybody?” I suggested.

“I’m afraid not. There are very few people in this town who will stand up to my son. Even without my support, they know he will be the Lord someday, and they don’t want him to bear a grudge.”

“Even so, there must be-”

“There are a few that I could name,” he conceded. “But they don’t fear him because they have important positions in my administration, or they are mercenaries who plan on leaving before the transition. I can’t spare any of my officials, and the mercenaries that I know of weren’t hired for their social skills. And then there is you.”

“I can’t control your son.” I protested.

“You have been dealing with him well so far. He seemed quite upset with you.”

“I came to you because I couldn’t deal with him!”

“You were concerned, because eventually he would resort to violence and you would have no legal recourse, correct?” He asked and I nodded. “That will not be a problem anymore. I will inform him that he now answers to you, and you may command him as you wish.”

“That's… not going to just work like that.”

“True, he will no doubt try to intimidate you into leaving him alone. He may still resort to force, but if he does, the law will be on your side - and he will know that. He fears my word enough to keep it a social contest, and you will win that, I have no doubt.”

“I can’t… I don’t know how to teach someone that. I can’t sit him at a desk and have him write ‘treat women with respect’, that's not going to work.”

Duvost smiled, no doubt because he was winning. His [Persuasion] was just too high! “I suspect that - for a start - it will be enough for him to keep company with a woman that will stand up to him. Formal lessons do seem unwise.” He thought for a moment. “You are an adventurer, are you not?”

“I dabble,” I said cautiously.

“You’ve no doubt noticed that there is no Adventurers Guild in Anchorbury. Jobs that they would normally handle are taken care of by either my household guard or mercenary teams funded by me. I propose that I fund another such team, with you as the leader. You’ll take on jobs I assign you for rewards similar to the Adventurers guild, and when there's no jobs, you can raid the dungeon.”

“My skill set isn’t great for your dungeon,” I admitted.

“All the more reason to have a team,” he countered. “You should have no problem attracting members when there is a retainer of 1 gold a day.”

“Seriously? You’d pay that much?” That sort of money was nothing to me with my Enchanting gig, but it seemed a lot compared to what the townsfolk made.

“That's about standard for these mercenary groups,” Duvost said, “Its little enough, compared to what they could be earning in a dungeon. I’d need to pay more if I wanted you to stand ready at all times, but as an incentive to keep the team together, it suffices.”

“So we’d- they’d make most of their money from delves and quest rewards”

“Yes. Incidentally, with Aubert in your party, you would get to use the dungeon free of charge.” The count smiled, he’d noticed my slip, and could tell I was seriously considering the job.

“And keep stuff we find?” I asked. Damn, but that was a nice incentive. The deeper levels of the dungeon were expensive.

“Of course.”

I groaned, but only in my mind. [Charm] kept me from making such an undignified noise. Was it the arguments, or his [Persuasion]? Whichever it was, I knew he’d be getting his way. Again.

“Fine, I’ll do it.” I sighed.

You have been defeated in a Tier 3 Social Contest.

You may not act against the winner for one day.

You have defeated Aubert Duvost in an Intrigue. You have earned 80 XP

Your social penalty has been rescinded!

“Excellent. Do you want to come with me while I inform my son of the new arrangement?”

“Gods, no!” I exclaimed, somehow remembering to use the plural. “Though, he would have gotten a notification about losing an Intrigue, so he will be thinking something's up.”

“He should be in a fine mood then.” Duvost said, unconcerned. Well, it wasn’t like he had anything to fear from his own son.

“Have him come to my house, at… 10th bell. We can discuss the team then…” I trailed off, a bit uncertain.

“You will have full discretion as to the team composition. I recommend not more than 5 in total. Aubert may have some suggestions as to who to hire, but the final decision is yours.”

“Then, if that's all my Lord,” [Charm] once again providing me with the proper form.

“Yes, you’ll need some paperwork once you’ve decided on your hires, but Aubert can bring it to my Seneschal.

“Then I shall take my leave,” I said, curtseying.

There was another servant waiting to lead me out, so I didn’t need to test [Memorise]. About halfway out of the building, I thought I heard an outraged shout, loud enough to be heard through all the doors and corridors in the way.

“Father!”

The next morning, just as the bells were ringing, there came a knock on my door. When I opened it, Aubert Duvost was standing there, resplendent in an outfit that glittered with bad fashion decisions.

“Good morning Aubey, why don’t you come on in?” I said brightly. I’d spent last night thinking about how to greet him, including his new nickname. He loved it, I could tell from the way his face went red. I didn’t give him time to complain though, just left the door open and went back into my house.

It took him a moment to compose himself, but he eventually came in to find me standing by my workbench, which held my travelling trunk containing most of my worldly goods.

“Rule One.” I said sternly. “Never let me see you wearing something like that again. Dress like a normal person.”

“This is normal,” he said, frowning. “And you can’t tell me how to dress.”

“I can’t?” I asked. “Didn’t your father tell you to obey my instructions?”

“Yes, but- “

“Was there some exception, like ‘all her instructions except on how to dress?’”

“No but-“

“So if you’re unable to follow my simple instruction, then go back to your father and tell him that.”

He glared at me in silence, but there was only one way it could end. He wasn’t going to defy his father on this.

“I- I understand,” he said.

You have defeated Aubert Duvost in a Tier 3 Social Contest! You have earned 20 XP

“Do you?” I asked. “Because if you don’t understand how to dress like a normal person, I can take you to the nearest tailor and have them dress you in a craftsman’s outfit.”

“I can dress more plainly,” he said, and took a deep breath. “Did you want me to go back and change?”

“No, lets not waste time, we’ve got a lot to do today.” I tapped my trunk. “Take this, and follow me.”

“I thought we were going to be discussing a mercenary team?” he asked, confused. When I narrowed my eyes at him, he quickly moved to take the trunk.

“And we will,” I said. “But first I’m going to have you help me move house.” I picked up my three books, that were my contribution to this effort, and then, like it was the most normal thing in the world, headed out, leaving him to follow me.

“Manual labour?” he said, his voice in a higher pitch. I ignored him, leaving him no choice but to follow.

“That's right,” I said once we were outdoors. After easing my trunk through the door, he hefted it with one hand and balanced it on his shoulder. “Best you get used to following my orders now, with easy stuff, before we move on to life and death matters.”

He wanted to dispute that, I could tell, but he couldn’t really. It was quite a good rationale, if I said so myself. I didn’t want to leave it there, though.

“Besides,” I said brightly. “You’ll be saving me as much as one silver, working for free.”