Ghular Stonehand has died.

You receive 320 experience.

The message distracted Jack from his throbbing shoulder and the replay of the gruesome death. I am over halfway to level 5 now, he thought as he put pressure on his oozing shoulder. He quickly checked his status.

Name: Jack Herring

Race: Human

Level: 4

Experience: 560/800

Health: 84/100

Strength: 8

Agility: 12

Vitality: 10

Intelligence: 12

Skills:

Inspect level 1

Haggle level 2

Fire Starting level 1

Butchering level 2

Cooking level 1

Woodworking level 1

Spears level 3

Boons:

Polyglot

Contestant

I need to stop getting hurt, Jack fumed as he saw the missing 16 health. Annoyed, he dismissed the window and approached the orc. Is that a coin purse? Jack grasped the small bag dangling from the orc’s leather belt.Time to check out the loot. Turning it over in his hand, the bag was heavier than he expected. He struggled momentarily with the drawstring before spilling the contents into his upturned hand, Nice, 3 silver and 30 copper. Returning the coin to the pouch he surveyed the corpse. I think I can use the armor too, he inspected the bloody leather.

Cured Leather Jerkin

Defense 16

Durability 28/40

Cured Leather Trousers

Defense 16

Durability 36/40

Agility reduced by 1

I wonder how defense works. I’ll have to test it. Jack struggled to remove the armor from the dead weight of the orc. The leather was slippery with blood. Back and forth, he rolled the orc as he slowly dragged the armor off him. Pausing for breath, he complained, He’s so heavy, what has he been eating?

Eventually, he wrestled the armor off and tried it on himself. Jack was pleased to find it only slightly too large. Hell yeah, I didn’t even have to pay for it! He thought, admiring his luck. This is awesome!

He stretched back and forth, testing his movement. Due to the stiff leather, the motion of his legs was slightly restricted. That must be why it lowers my agility by 1. His arms however had the full range of motion as it had no sleeves.

This armor smells so awful.

Now done with his looting, Jack concealed the body in the nearby bushes. Once satisfied that it was not easily seen, he struck out in the direction the orc had come searching for his next kill.

He was not sure how far behind the other contestants he was, but he could not stop hunting until the end. I will not die. He again resolved as he navigated a thicket. Luckily, his next kill stood on four legs, straight ahead.

The brown bear sighted him immediately, it snorted warily. Jack quickly inspected it.

Brown Bear

Level 7

Health 130/130

I can do this, he thought, Time to test out this armor. Setting his spear at the ready, Jack charged forward, the bear responded in kind. Jack tightened his grip and thrust forward into the bear’s chest.

Misjudging the mass of the charging bear, the spear was ripped from his hands. His loss of the spear allowed the bear the advanage, and pain engulfed his shoulder. Unable to gnaw his shoulder through the Jerkin, the bear shifted onto his chest, crushing him to the ground with its full weight.

Breathless and shaken under the bear, he slipped his hand along his leg for his knife. Knife in hand, he assaulted the bear’s side. It grunted and shifted enough to allow Jack to roll from under its mass.

Jack struggled to his knees. Casting about for his spear, he was astounded to find it still lodged deep in the bear’s chest. What does it take to stop this thing? Dodging the next swipe, he grabbed hold of his spear and ran forward to the bear’s side, pulling with all of his might.

“RAAAAWWWW!” the bear roared, yet the spear remained. It's stuck! he despaired, realizing he was defenseless without it. All I did was widen the hole, I have to get the spear back.

He pushed forward and then pulled back again on the spear, using his full weight. It finally ripped out, pulling flesh along with it. Jack fell on his rear, rolling backwards before sprightly getting to his feet.

Pivoting, he prepared his spear. Thrusting forward as the bear once again charged, Jack recoiled when the bear slapped his spear away.

Jack regained his balance and thrust forward again. Yes! A perfect hit.

The bear roared as Jack braced to pull the spear out. Wait for it, he paused as the bear raised its arm to slap again at the offending weapon. Jack ducked sideways, avoiding the swipe and drove his spear further into its chest. As he pulled back, the barb caught.

The bear swiped his claws, catching Jack on his bare arm.

“Ahhh!!!” Jack screamed.

Jack flinched to the side, and with another pull freed his spear. He scrambled away. Ducking behind a large tree, Jack paused to breathe. The bear, now limping, pursed. Screw this, it has to be bleeding out. I need to stall.

Jack turned and fled. The bear raced after. Jumping over fallen logs, and dodging around trees, the bear followed close on his trail. The faster it moves, the heavier it bleeds, he thought as he ran through the forest.

Jack continued to run, occasionally glancing behind. Finally it collapsed, sliding across the ground.

Breathing heavy, Jack braced his hands on his knees, eyes locked on the motionless creature. When his breath steadied he stepped forward, slowly approaching the inert bear. Taking advantage of his notifications he confirmed it was truly dead.

Spears is now level 4.

A Brown Bear has died.

You receive 640 experience.

You have gained a level!

You receive a free attribute point to place.

Sweet! I’m already a quarter of the way through level 5 already. Opening his status revealed he had 71 health. The temporary distraction of leveling faded as he realized how close to death he had come. He had seriously underestimated the bear. It seemed levels did not always correspond to danger. What was I thinking? I almost died. Without the armor, I‘d be dead. Why was I so stupid?

Jack gazed at his injured left arm where four deep slashes seeped blood. If it had been my leg or my right arm, I would be done for the day.

Jack added another point to his agility, bringing him up to 13. I need to be faster, especially with my leg armor slowing me down.

He warily set off in hunt of his next prey.

A rancid smell was the first thing Jack noticed about the clearing in the distance. I wonder what that is, he thought as he cautiously approached it. Taking cover behind a tree near the edge he spied a small primitive village. Crude small huts circled fires. Various orcs went about their daily business of mending armor, cooking, and eating. There even were children playing around a fire.

What was the horrible smell coming from?

Jack recoiled when he spotted the source of the rot. At first, he could not make out exactly what they had piled on the far side of the huts. He squinted, leaning forward onto his hands. Fabric? No, not fabric. Wait! A small hand lay upturned against the dark mass. Its bodies. It’s a pile of HUMAN bodies. What the fuck? He now could make out the individual forms, they were missing limbs and chunks of meat off their chest. It was obvious they were being used to feed the camp.

Jack backpedaled, swallowing the bile that had risen in this throat. I have to get away from here. The smell of rotting humans pervaded everything, he could not risk being caught.

This is evil, Jack thought. No wonder Islar wants them all dead.

Pausing in his retreat, he had a thought, Maybe I can help. A plan began to take shape in Jack’s head. He drifted back toward the village. Concealing himself in the shrubbery, he sat down to heal while he surveilled.

Jack sensed an opportunity when an overly large orc strolled out of the village. Creeping behind at a respectable distance to veil his presence, he promised, I'll be the ambusher this time.

The orc seemed to wander randomly through the forest. Jack was hesitant to make his move as he was not sure why the orc had left. Suddenly, the orc paused and seemed to inspect the ground. Jack froze, unsure. Do I Attack? Wait? What is it doing?

The orc jerked up, and then lumbered on. With one eye peeled as to not lose his quarry, he approached the place where the orc had crouched. It was a snare for small game. He's checking his traps, Jack realized.

Jack followed the wandering orc for the next hour, failing to find any animals caught in his traps. I need to wait for the perfect time to attack. At 83 health, he was too injured to engage in anything remotely resembling a fair fight.

Again, the orc paused, but this time he seemed to be removing his armor. What is he doing? Jack crept closer, closing the short distance between them. As he approached, he could see that the orc was defecating in the woods.

This is it.

Gripping his spear he hefted it into position, Jack quickly positioned himself behind the orc. He checked the orc’s level as he neared.

Astagh Bigtoes

Level 5

Health 110/110

Opting for speed over stealth, Jack sprang forward.

“Ahh!” Astagh screamed, whipping his head around, startled.

Fumbling for the trousers draped around his knees, Astagh lost precious seconds. Too late to raise them, he instead reached for his knife.

Jack rushed forward, bracing his hands. The spear’s impact sent the orc flying backwards, his clothing hindering his stance. Catching himself, Jack recoiled and thrust the spear forward again, impaling the orc's outstretched hands.

Screams of agony filled the air as Jack kept up his ruthless attacks. The orc continued to brace his ruined hands, desperate to protect his face. However, the attacks fell too swiftly. Jack’s higher agility sped his assault, and allowed him to place his strikes with an increased accuracy.

It's him or me, Jack thought as he brought the battle to a close. The failing orc was no longer able to block his attacks. With a last stab through the eye, the orc’s arms fell limply to his side.

“Yes!” Jack cried out in victory.

Astagh Bigtoes has died.

You receive 160 experience.

Jack basked in the experience he received as he wiped off his spear. 560 experience total, another 1,040 to go. Now let’s see how much coin this orc has. Jack unbuttoned the coin purse from Astagh’s leather belt and upended its contents into his hand. Aww, this guy only had 10 coppers.

Jack again concealed the body. He left the armor untouched, the armor he wore was much better. With a last glance, Jack strode back in what he hoped was the direction of the village. I hope I can find it again. There was no obvious trail as they had spent the afternoon wandering the forest.

Where is it? he worried, as he searched throughout the woods. Just before he despaired, a slight breeze carried a hint of rancid meat. The smell of rot led him on. It became stronger and stronger as he neared the camp.

They will eventually miss the two orcs I killed, he thought as he hid nearby. Tonight might be the last time I can catch them unaware, they’ll be on alert once they realize something is taking them out. I better make this count.

A disturbing thought crossed his mind. What if I kill them while they sleep tonight. That was followed by another. Is that wrong? They‘re evil, he countered, they kill innocent humans, torture and eat them. By killing them, won’t I be saving humans?

These thoughts warred within him as he waited for nightfall.

It had been dark for hours, Jack was tired of waiting. If I’m going to do this, I can’t put it off any longer. He sat his spear to the ground. The spear will be too suspicious. Walking upright, trying to exude confidence, he proceeded into the sleeping village. He had healed to full health while he waited and no longer limped.

In the darkness, he was the same general shape as an orc and would not cause a second glance. The occasional orc was still awake, gathering warmth around fires and socializing with friends. They were oblivious, they assumed their camp was secure. Why wouldn’t they after all, who would be dumb enough to attack a village of orcs?

Careful not to ruin his night vision with firelight, he made his way to the center of the small village. Jack’s target was the largest building in the village, which he hoped was the chief’s hut. Go big or go home. He wouldn’t waste his only chance on a low level target.

The door to the large circular hut was closed. Please don’t be locked, he thought as he tested the door. It's open! he thought in relief as he quietly entered.

Faint light entered the room through small open windows on each side. He heard snoring from the direction of the bed. Quickly, he retrieved his dagger while searching the room. Near the door, an axe rested with it’s handle propped against the wall. Bending down close, he inspected the axe.

Battle Axe

Damage 14

Durability 34/44

Strength required: 9

Agility reduced by 2

The battle axe did a high amount of damage, but lowered his agility by 2. Well, I won’t be having to dodge if things go to plan anyways. Jack sheathed his knife and hefted the axe. This will make it so much easier, he thought as he approached the sleeping form. As he closed, he inspected his target.

Chief Guntar Strongheart

Level 18

Health 210/210

Holy crap! This guy is seriously high level, can I even hurt him?

Jack hesitated.