Ethan hurried back out into the morning sunlight, still shocked by his kiss from Siv. He frantically looked around for her, but she had disappeared.

“Fuck.” He muttered, rubbing his beard as he turned around and went back into his hut.

What the hell was that about? His mind raced as he haphazardly shoved his few belongings into his pack. Should I hold off on leaving and find out? No, that would be stupid. Everyone is probably waiting for me already. Siv is amazing, but she’s still an NPC. A distraction from what I’m supposed to be doing.

When Ethan finished packing, he walked slowly back towards Hertha’s longhouse, hoping to see Siv again on the well known path. But she was nowhere to be seen.

It’s really for the best, he mused, chewing on his lip. Maybe I’ll come back eventually and see her.

His mare, was still waiting for him by the column to the Vættr of Fire.

“Ready to go home, girl?” He asked, running his hand across her muzzle. His horse responded with her usual nudge of her head against him.

“Alright, alright.” He smiled at the warm welcome from his mount. “Let’s go then.”

He climbed into the saddle and they began down the road leaving Skaro. As usual, children played and adults worked. But this time, people stopped and waved at him. Recognition of who he had become was on their faces.

If this was just a regular game, and I wasn’t trapped here. I could see myself here always. He realized sadly. But this isn’t my home. My parents aren’t here, my family isn’t here. And as much as I love Skaro, I miss my home.

As he steeled himself in determination, he could sense Grenat’s presence and approval. Ethan knew he was making the right choice to return to Startesgarde.

Seconds after passing through the gates of Skaro, golden light surrounded him in a torrent of air.

Congratulations you have reached Level 16!

Congratulations you have reached Level 17!

Congratulations you have reached Level 18!

Congratulations you have reached Level 19!

You have 8 unspent skill points.

Notifications began flooding his vision. The rush of so much experience at once caused him to get light headed. Luckily he didn’t fall off his horse.

Quest Complete! - Path of the Battle Shaman.

Through training with War Shaman Hertha Korrisdottir, you have reached a level of communion with the Spirits of the World. The Battle Shaman class is now unlocked. For additional training, see a Battle Shaman Class Trainer in most major cities.

Rewards:

Path of the Battle Shaman class

Frostbound Weapon (Class Spell)

Fiery Rage (Class Spell)

Windstom (Class Spell)

Stone Weapon (Class Spell)

Ignite Weapon (Class Spell)

Minor Elemental Affinity (Class Spell)

Totem of the Wolf (Class Ability)

Initiates Broken Back Seaxes

Increased reputation with residents of Skaro, including Siv Horisdottir, Torag Merksson and Hertha Korisdottir

When he finally got over the rush of experience points, Ethan pulled up his character information for the first time in weeks.

Player Name: Ethan Holliwell

Level: 19 (4672/6000 XP to next level)

Archetype: Fighter

Class: Battle Shaman

Health: 288/288

Rage: 0/100

Stamina: 491/491

Mana: 0/0

Strength: 76

Dexterity: 50

Constitution: 65

Intelligence: 33

Wisdom: 26

Charisma: 30

Enrage

Enter into a state of blind rage, increasing strength and constitution. weapon damage increased by 50%, cost 10 rage. Drains 14 stamina per second.

Charge

Charge at target opponent, dealing moderate damage and stunning the target for 2 seconds, generates 8 rage

Cleave

Swipe with a melee attack dealing 93% weapon damage to up to three targets in front of you. Cost: 5 rage

Leap

Launch forward through the air up to 10 feet high for a distance of up to 25 feet. Targets hit on impact take 75% weapon damage if struck with weapon or 4 damage if hit with body. ***Caution: launching at objects may cause damage to self*** Cost: 1 rage per foot of distance traveled.

Earthen Spikes

Using a weapon or hands, the caster sends forward jagged shards of rock dealing damage to all targets in a line for 20ft dealing damage and knocking them back 10 feet. If used with an elemental enchanted weapon the shards will gain additional properties based on type of enchantment. 30 second cool down. 30 rage

Ignore Pain

By focusing your mind against the pain your wounds will heal faster. For 30 seconds your next source of healing in increased by 5%

Second Wind

Instantly gain 25% health and stamina and an additional 10% health and stamina over 10 seconds. 5 minute cool down

Ignite Weapon

Imbue your weapon or fists with the element of Fire. Attacks cause additional fire damage and have a 25% chance to leave the target burning.

Frostbound Weapon

Imbue your weapon or fists with the element of water. Attacks cause additional ice damage and have a 20% chance to slow or a 10% chance to freeze the target.

Stone Weapon

Imbue your weapon or fists with the element of Earth. Attacks deal additional nature damage and have a 15% chance to knock your target back 10 feet. Attacks also interrupt spell casting

Windstorm

Attack speed increased by 18% (passive)

Fiery Rage

Your rage burns so hot your body bursts into flames, your strength and constitution are increased and each attack deals additional 20% fire damage and has a 50% chance to leave the target burning. Costs 25 stamina per second

Minor Elemental Affinity

Using your connection to the Elemental Spirits, you are able to ask for small blessings from each of them. Blessings can include, but are not limited to:

- produce small flames

- Repelling of water

- Longer duration to hold your breath

- Create small stones

Battle Shaman Totem: Wolf

Your connection with the Spirits is aided by your chosen totem. This totem allows you perks and bonuses based on your choice.

Wolf:

- increased attack speed for all party members when grouped with two or more people.

- Increased movement speed for all party members when grouped with two or more people

- Increased health regeneration for all party members grouped with two or more people.

- Increased damage when using blades weapons (axes, swords, daggers)

Ulvevakt Bracers

Quality: Good - Crafted

25 armor

+8 strength

+4 con

20% resistance to cold damage

65/65 durability

Ethan unconsciously ran his fingers over one of the cold iron wolves adorning the bracers as he read their description. Even though they weren’t as high in quality as his swords, he valued them just as much. Siv’s gift, as well as her parting farewell, would be a cherished reminder of a memorable few weeks.

As his horse created the hill where he’d first seen Skaro, Ethan drew her to a stop. Turning back in the saddle he looked down across the open area to where he knew the village to be. Against the shores of the massive lake, nestled in the forest of evergreen trees, he could just barely make out the location of the town.

I don’t know when, but I feel like this isn’t the last time I’ll see Skaro.