Begin at the end.

The four of us spread out to face the oncoming mob of goblins and orcs. Equipped in his field plate armed with sword and shield Anasch took the point. Although he was a little short, he looked every bit the man-at-arms he was, festooned with weapons both bladed and blunt. His armor and helm covered the stone grey of his skin and hid his obsidian eyes. To his right, towered Rumm, half again as tall as I was. Armed with a glaive even taller, he dominated his section of our battlefield. Any who got past his weapon would have to deal with the ivory tusks that jutted a full span away from his face. He was clothed in a metal cuirass over a thick set of leathers and his own shaggy pelt. I covered the left armed with my hewing spear and magic. Even now my magic coated me in a thick protective layer of bark that was as supple as my own flesh, not impeding my movement at all. Falah followed further behind providing ranged support with deadly accuracy. In her black leather armor, she seemed like a shadow come alive on this cold fall morning. Only her dusky skinned face and stark white hair provided any contrast. The short bow she wielded was already under tension as she let fly the first arrow.

Flame Dart. It’s not actually what I say but it is what I think. The incantation is “Lam Ot Scon Dor”, but thinking flame dart triggers my mouth to produce the words and my off hand to make the gestures to necessary to cast the spell. Out comes an arrow like projection of semi-solid flame.

Two of the orcs leading the charge fall before us, one with an arrow buried in his eye and another clasping his chest where the magic had burned deep into the flesh. With a yell Anasch drew the eyes and the ire of all of our foes as they approached. The two-foot-long blade of Rumm’s glaive decapitated two more of the monsters while their attention wavered. Then things became too chaotic for me to focus on anything but my own struggle. Just as I was taught, I used the speed of the spear and its wide range of motion. High, low, thrust, and sweep. Our opponents started falling in waves at the expense of a few minor cuts and bruises. Unfortunately, more were boiling out of the ramshackle huts that made up the encampment. We held the line with the cliff face rising up to the left and a treacherous drop-off to the right, they only had a narrow corridor of the road to come at us.

All we could do was to keep killing. When one orc grabbed my spear long enough for his goblin partner to try and gut me, I cast my next spell. Releasing my spear, I cast Acidic Lash. From my palm unfurled a nine-foot whip made of acid and held together with my will. With a flick of my wrist, I wrapped it around the little opponent’s head to devastating effect. Jumping back to create space the top on his skull was removed as the cord tightened and the acid ate the rest of the way through. I lashed all around me using the superior reach to harass and wound my foes. Taking a quick glance around I saw that my companions had whittled the opposition down to a few remaining gobs. That moment my skill Alertness flared a warning signal to my brain, causing my eyes to be drawn up the face of the cliff.

Running along it twenty feet above us was a small goat trail that was near invisible from the level we were fighting from. a massive puke green ogre outfitted in a crude breast plate wielding a massive sledgehammer, had just jumped off of. Now tons of ugly, angry monster were headed straight for Anasch. “Incoming from above. Dodge!”

Anasch and Rumm both jumped backwards immediately while looking for the new threat. As the ogre landed and slammed his stone hammer into the ground, visible shockwaves rippled outward. Whether the waves collided with friend or foe the result was the same, into the air we all went. Rumm was the least affected using what must have been one of his abilities, he braced himself and rode out the shockwave without leaving the ground. The shockwaves did more than launch the rest of us into the air though. The force rippled through my body doing severe damage to my health. By the time I crashed into the wall my little red Life Bar had slid down to less than a quarter. Shakily rising to my feet, I took a brief moment to send my awareness into my body and activated the Mani chakra located in my belly. Immediately I could feel my body ramp up its healing as the regeneration took effect and my Life Bar started to inch back up. I limped forward to rejoin the fight.

The ogre’s name was Brakval and I was sent here to kill him. Along with the strange looking octopus-like thing that was latched onto his head like a helmet. It was a long and arduous journey through dense forest that had not seen the presence of humans for an age. We were all exhausted from the stress of constant fighting and traveling and just wanted this to be over. Fortunately, the end of the divine quest was upon us. I didn’t get the quest from just one God, but two different ones. We had already broken the army of goblinoids and now we just had to finish it by removing this last foe. The worst part in all of this is that they didn’t even mention a reward.

Congratulations, you have been issued a divine quest! This quest cannot be refused.

Defeat your Enemies

Hector, the God of Valorous Combat, has commanded you to immediately set forth and remove the threat of the goblin hoards originating from Broken Fist Mountain. In addition you must kill the Agent of Yatur, the ogre commander Brakval. Fight and defend your faction.

You have 11 days remaining to complete this quest.

Congratulations, you have been issued a divine quest! This quest cannot be refused.

Preserve the Sanctity of the Forest

Misaki, the Goddess of the Untamed Wilderness, has commanded you to immediately set forth and cull the goblinoids that are despoiling the Deep Woods. In addition you must destroy the Agent of Ooscut, the huvrite procreator. Fight and defend your faction.

You have 11 days remaining to complete this quest.

The gods in this world are constantly skirmishing over control. I was an Agent of Misaki and she was, for the time being, part of Hector’s alliance. Any of those gods in the alliance could issue me a binding quest when I agreed to become an Agent. For the chance to see my son again and the gifts I received when I arrived here, I agreed to their terms. So, what it boils down to is the people on the ground here in Fayoria did the fighting because the gods were prevented from engaging direct conflict. Yatur is the God of Wanton Carnage and Ooscut is the God of the Endless Hungering Swarm. Killing the representatives of people who represent murder and carnivorous bugs at least puts me on the side of the good guys in my book. Damn it, I’ve got to get my head back in the game.

Falah was far enough back that she was unaffected by the shockwave and had spent her time well by delivering the coup de gras to the downed and wounded orcs and goblins. Rumm was grappling with the ogre trying to hold him back while we recovered from the impact. As strong as he was, he couldn’t hold him for long. Anasch had lost his sword in the chaos of the new opponent’s arrival but luckily had a veritable arsenal strapped and sheathed around his body. He was now armed with shield and warhammer and was charging back into the fray. I stopped to grab my spear and with a quick step and a jump, executed a Ki Strike called Lunge. By harnessing the power of my body, I focused every muscle to a single task of extending my spear forward and was rewarded by the blade stabbing into the monster just below its armpit.

With a bellow of rage and pain, Brakval threw Rumm high into the air over his shoulder and turned to me. An arrow struck his temple but the bug attached to his head had a surface like steel and the shot shattered on impact. It did distract him enough to allow me another hit. Unfortunately, the blow glanced uselessly off of his armor with a horrible screech. Anasch let loose with his taunt ability and thankfully pulled the monsters focus off me.

Kicking the wooden sledgehammer up off the ground with his foot, he caught it in one hand a swung it at the stout fighter. Anasch took the blow squarely on his shield and was rocked back on his feet. Falah was using her Penetrating Shot and expert skills to sink arrows through the layers of fat, filth, and muscle every time an opening presented itself. A wall of semitransparent force extended out in front of Anasch’s shield insulating him from the car crash levels of force the ogre was generating while he returned blow for blow with his own hammer.

Rumm came rushing back in using Charge to amplify his momentum and plowed into the giants back knocking him to his hands and knees. No one wasted any time in taking advantage of the beast’s new vulnerability. Using the very first Ki Strike I learned, Attack of Opportunity, my spear was guided into the exposed gap of his armor at the shoulder. The spearhead penetrated deep enough to render the joint useless as the broad spear blade separated the tendons and cartilage holding the bones together. Anasch smashed his warhammer down on the left arms elbow with a meaty wet thud and sickening crack. Rumm rained blows to the back of the giant’s head keeping him stunned and disorientated. We all continued our frenzy of blows as Falah, unable to get a clear safe shot with her bow ran forward while drawing her short sword. Rumm latched his broad hand on the parasitic insect helm and wrenched Brakval’s head back so that Farah could send her blade deep into the confused eye of the wounded foe.

The Huvrite Procreator abandoned its thrall and detached itself from the ogre’s skull leaving behind gaping holes straight to the exposed brain where its feeding tentacles had been foraging. It struggled to escape from his strong grip before I drove my spear through its soft fleshy underside and its limbs stilled. In the moment only the wind blowing through the mountain pass and the heavy breaths from our exertions could be heard.

“About fucking time. I’m never doing another quest for your damn god again. Eighty days without even a taste of ale is too much to ask of any dwarf.” Anasch’s words broke the moment of tension and we all started to chuckle. Which then devolved into uncontrollable laughter as the tension of these last few months lifted from us. The quests were done, finally done, it even said so right there in my interface.

Quest “Defeat your Enemies” has been completed.

You have gained 412 Faction Points

Quest “Preserve the Sanctity of the Forest” has been completed.

You have gained 734 Faction Points

I had a million other notifications pending but I would take care of them later. Right now, we had looting to do and also had make sure there were no stragglers in the camp. Wiping the laughter’s tears from my eyes I addressed my friends. “Thank you all for assisting me with this, there is no way I would have been able to do it alone. It has taken us a long time to get here and not all of us made it. I will never forget Kemes’ sacrifice and will do my best to honor and repay it going forward.” No one spoke for a minute as everyone processed the long chain of events that led us to this moment.

Falah was the first to break the silence. “Let’s get these bodies looted and then we’ll start ransacking the shacks. Pile everything worth taking in the center, we’ll divvy it up at the end.” I guess you don’t make a career out of killing monsters without stunting at least some of your emotional growth. I have been living in this world for over a year now and I’m constantly surprised at how cold these people can seem, but I know that they care. We have fought and bled together for months now, spending all our time in each other’s company. In rare moments alone and unguarded I have seen how the toll of stress, death, and destruction weighs on them. To survive in this new world, it requires a degree of pragmatism and callousness. Especially when monsters like the ogres, goblins, and orcs are everywhere.

We all got to work doing the grotesque task of stripping the dead of their valuables and piling them up in the middle of the collection of huts and shacks. Say what you will about goblinoids construction was not their forte. Each shack we entered looked like it would fall apart as soon as stiff wind hit it. Luckily, they were built against the cliff and in the lee of giant boulders. None of the shacks had more than a collection of vermin to go along with the odd valuable hidden within. I guess nobody trusted their home to be secure from the other thieves living alongside them. The loot pile was steadily growing though a piece or two at a time.

“That was the last shack all that’s left is the cave up above where I would guess the ogre lived.” Said Rumm in his deep basal voice.

“Let’s get this divided and stowed before our luck has a flight of Jilka’s swoop down and steal it all while were busy inside.” We all agreed with Anasch and started the tedious process. Out came his precious Jeweler’s Loupe of Appraisal. With the magical device he was able to get an approximation of every item’s value and we went around haggling over who would get what. Only a few of the items were noteworthy.

Orug’s Fist- Unique

This massive sledgehammer is crafted from a solid piece of gabbro stone and is incredibly dense. The haft is carved from the heartwood of an ancient koanga tree. The head is carved to appear as a double sided fist.

Each blow strikes with double the force.

Once every 24 hours can produce a shockwave when struck against a surface.

Approximate Value 40 Crowns

Rumm wanted the oversized hammer and was the only one who could pick it up much less use it. The appraised value of it was astronomical though and he had to agree to forgo his share of the rest of the loot until and if the value was matched by the other shares. 40 Crowns was more gold than I had seen at one place, in the entire time I was in this world.

“Bah. It’s an approximation, not many would be able to use it as a proper weapon and trying to find a collector willing to part with that much coin would be an epic quest in and of itself.” Anasch told us.

Shield Bracer- Rare

This item extends from wrist to elbow and is made from well tanned leather and orenda silver. The metalwork is embossed in intricate patterns surrounding a large opal.

Extends a weak field around the wearer that has a chance to deflect projectiles.

Approximate Value 10 Crown 8 Scepters

“I knew I wasn’t missing my shots on that wretched bastard. Three shots I wasted on that orc before Rumm here spilled the fucker’s guts on the ground. I want the bracer although the dagger does look tempting.” Falah informed us.

Dagger of Rapid Strikes- Rare

A foot-long double sided blade forged from orichalcum with the hilt bound in ammit hound hide. The blade is reddish gold in color and the pommel is shaped into a dog head.

Produces a blink effect upon command that will allow the weapon to appear three different times when striking. Holds 3 of 5 charges

Approximate Value 2 Crowns 1 Scepter

I took the dagger as my choice, it would make an excellent backup weapon. Anasch drew the last straw and took the final noteworthy piece with a bit of grumbling.

Whistle of Whispering Winds- Rare

A hollow brass tube four inches in length. Etched in its entirety with curving graceful lines.

Once every 24 hours may send a short message when spoken into it to any recipient within ten miles.

Approximate Value 9 Scepters

The rest of the coin and valuables were divided until each had an equal share except for Rumm. We also made him carry all of the bits of armor and weapons that looked in good enough shape to repair or sell. He loaded it up without complaint while looking fondly at his new weapon. All told we each got 3 crowns or so when we split up the coin, jewelry, and loose uncut gemstones.

“The gods bedamned ogre’s cave better have more loot than this or this was a piss poor return on near three moons worth of labor.” Anasch was just being cantankerous these weren’t the only spoils we had harvested on our journey here. All told we had made around three times this amount, in our previous encounters. A single crown was what a skilled tradesman made in a year and we hauled in at least ten. I didn’t start an argument though and we all trudged up the path to the cave after stowing our belongings.

Falah informed us, “I took a quick peek inside earlier while looting just to make sure there were no surprises waiting to jump us when we were cleaning up. It is just a single large cavern.”

“Bring out the glow lamp, twig boy let’s see what we got.” Anasch asked.

My companions thought it was just a novelty magic Item that produced light but it was so much more. Attached to a leather thong around my neck was a golf ball sized orb of crystal. If you peered close enough into its center you would see an open tome within it. Closer still and you would see words, formulae, and symbols appearing on those pages. I freed the orb of its rawhide bindings and it began to orbit above my head.

“Oltuk, I need some light here.” I projected along the mental link that connected us.

“Why are you disturbing me simpleton, do you even have an iota of understanding of the complexity of the calculations I am performing. When trying to convert the vagaries of an elementals mana flow into the precision channels of standardized casting modalities one cannot be interrupted.”

“Start shining or I’m going to start using you as a sling stone you ass.”

He had saved my life several times but he was definitely a grumpy bastard. Oltuk shut up and a bright white light started to emanate out. All around the cave were shattered crates and chests. In one corner was a massive pile of once fine cloth and silk that the monster had used as bedding. Everything was jumbled together in a haphazard mess. Anasch rushed over to an unbroken keg with a stylized acorn burned into the wood.

“Praise be to Weneb god of the Everfull Cask. Do you know what this is? Of course, you heathens don’t. This is a blessed drink crafted by the halflings that dwell in the burrows of the Hills of Homu. One of the finest draughts ever produced, Acorn Ale.” He was hurriedly putting it upright atop of an unbroken crate. Out of his bottomless pouch he produced a tap and slammed it home. Next out came a large ornate ceramic tankard. Before any of us could get over the stunning effect of the dour dwarfs heretofore unseen enthusiasm he was already downing the foamy beverage. A tear ran down his eye as the last of the mug slid down his throat.

The rest of us looked at each other and silently left the dwarf to his communion as we explored the plunder Brakval had acquired. Each of us pulled out any of the unspoiled goods we found and started making a pile in the center of the room while carting the broken bits and detritus to the side. All of this was the tribute various tribes he had gathered under his banner and had sent to him. The spoils from scores of raided trade caravans, solitary peddlers, and rural villages were laid out before us when we were done. Small sealed casks of spices, finely woven tapestries, chests of coin, a few locked small jewelry boxes, fistfuls of loose jewelry, an armful of books, and even two exquisite mechanical mantle clocks.

“This is gonna take me a while to go through. It’s getting late, let’s set up camp in here for tonight.” Anasch said. We all agreed and got to work. Rumm started moving the trash outside while leaving enough wood scraps to have a toasty bonfire through the night. Falah started work on picking the locks on the small jewelry boxes. I agreed to stand watch outside to make sure that any returning groups on patrol would be spotted with plenty of time to prepare.

Alone with my thoughts I set up in a position at the edge of the cliff to see any approaching threats. Past the north end of the pass, it led down into a series of foothills before rising up to become a proper mountain range. The southern end led down into the Deep Wood that sprawled for over 300 miles before reaching civilization. It’s where this expedition hurriedly set off from months ago. Hours went by and the sun began to dim as the moons took over illuminating the world with their wan light. No one approached up either end of the pass and I wrapped my cloak tightly around me to ward off the chill wind. It was truly a beautiful unspoiled world I lived in now but it had dangers I still wasn’t fully accustomed to.

Falah approached to relieve me of my watch and we embraced. The most unbelievable part of this new life was that I found a way to move past the tragedies of the old one. She had started cold and distant from me when we first met but shared trials had brought us together. As we kissed, I sensed a hesitancy in her.

“Is everything alright?” I asked as we broke apart.

“It’s fine, don’t worry about it. Anything moving about out here?” she asked as she gestured outwards.

I followed her gaze out over the forest, “I haven’t seen any movement other than some small game and some mountain goats.” I responded before feeling an agonizing pain shoot throughout my body.

“I’m so sorry.” She said with a tear in her eye as I fell backwards of the edge with the dagger still lodged in my back.