Congratulations on Leveling Up! Please check your soul-board for further information.
“Oh did you get that?” Steve turned mid-rant
“Yeah strange to have it now, I guess it too wanted to hear you…”
—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Steve I got some weird stuff going on?” Ryland asked.
“Yeah…Hardly any options are available for me. What you got? Steve replied
“Well hang on…”
Congratulations on reaching level 8! That is a huge jump in power, I bet you are SUPER excited! You have gained two skill points and one super special skillpoint. Chose carefully!
Passive: Manager of the Dead, +1 Will, +1 Charisma
Tired of dead ears? Your commands, suggestions, and directions are magically reinforced. Lower tier creations scales on Will, Higher tier creations scales on Charisma. Precursor to leadership skills
Passive: Unfair Fight, +1 Strength
Honor is for the dead. Well, more like the dead and buried. When fighting alongside your Body, boost all of its stats by +1. Scales on all stats, each proportionally increases the body. I.E Higher intelligence gives Intelligence. Precursor to brawling and fight skills.
Passive: Eerie Existence, +1 Perception, +1 Charisma, +1 Presence
Ever see a shadow in the darkness? Feel like somebody's watching in the woods? Now become that spooky creature! While in the dark, unnerve those nearby. Scales on Presence and Perception. Precursor to territorial-based skills.
Active: Stay Frosty, +1 Presence, +1 Intelligence
Your mastery of frost only grows stronger! When activated, drastically lower nearby temperatures, Snuff out minor flames, and just be a big annoyance!
Active: Ghostly Jaunt, +1 agility, +1 Presence
Walking is for the living, travel in style. Expend Presence to teleport a brief distance. Scales on Agility. Precursor to scouting and movement skills.
Active: Siphon Life, +1 Presence, +1 Will, +1 Intelligence
Feeling drained? Then drain others! Thrive on death and decay! As things weaken, steal their essence and empower your own. Restore Presence, Stamina, Health, or other pools of power. Scales on Will. Precursor to skills that interfere with the balance of life (Warning! Some deities may not appreciate meddling).
AND THE SUPER SECRET SKILLS!
Active: Assume Direct Control
Sometimes you have to do it yourself. When activated, fuse with targeted undead and gain access to their skills and abilities. Higher level or more headstrong creatures may resist this effect. Precursor to Avatar style skills.
Active: Body Swap
Things not going your way? Then perform a tactical retreat. Want to get the jump on a bad guy (who am I kidding with how many you’ve killed you are the bad guy ;) then surprise them with a quick ambush. When activated, swap positions with your body. Some barriers and restraints may prevent this.
Passive: Empower Undead
Seems like you discovered your innate talent a bit early. That’s ok! Take this to gain a bit more control over your inner power. No more transforming cute lil mice into exploding balls of flesh!
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“Oh wow, those all sound really strong.”
“Yeah…How about you?” Ryland replied.
“All I got was”
Congratulations on reaching Level 8 7. You have gained one skill point!
Active - Bolster Friendship +1 Intelligence, +10 Mana, +10 Stamina
Get it done together. When one falters, the other is there to help. Shift stamina, mana, and even health (at higher levels) to your friend! Precursor to buffs and other manipulation skills
Passive - Battle Buddies +1 Strength, +1 Will
You’ve been through hell and back. The trials and tribulations only increase your fighting capabilities. When near your friend, both gain a minor boost in stamina and strength. Precursor to other presence based skills.
“Both not nearly as exciting as yours…” Steve wanted some secret skills, but instead he got…that. At least The Will of the World was done being angry.
“I uhh, I think I’ll go with [Bolster Friendship] seems like it could be a good use. Plus you can’t take potions. Might be a good way to keep you topped off.”
“Awesome, cool, yeah. I think I’ll put some points into [Ghostly Jaunt] and [Siphon Life]. Didn’t realize how strong [Chilling Touch] would be and a bit more battle-centric skills would be useful”
“Good enough for me, what about the secret skills?”
“Oh that’s simple, [Body Swap].” Ryland replied
“What why. Don’t you want a body again?”
“Yeah, but not like undead. They got worms and stuff in em. That’s gotta feel awful. Besides, swapping places can get it out of a jam. Combine that with my little teleport and I’ll be zooming!”
“Huh, not to bad I guess. Well, confirm the skills and lets get going. Don’t want them waiting for dinner.”
The two left the room and towards the mess hall. Other members shuffled down the dank pathways, a few glancing at Steve with hate. He’d brought that monster that killed their friends and now he was isolated from the rest. Being back home never felt so good…
Geraldo smiled and signaled for Steve to join him. They had their own private dining area, the room lit with floating balls of light. Minions sauntered around the table depositing food, drinks, and cutlery. It was a full-on feast, roasted turkey, plenty of sides, and cheap wine to wash it all down. Yet for such a fancy meal, none dared to speak. Instead, the three ate their meals in silence. Only when Geraldo finished did he turn towards Steve.
“So, Tell us what happened and how you got…that THING”
Steve went through his life’s story. Explaining how Faust was murdered by an adventuring party, when he found the zombie in the cave, the encounter with the priest, his duel to the death with bandits, and finally arrival at ambrosia. On occasion, either Geraldo or Reas interrupted. Simple questions to clarify the timeline. Steve took a sip of wine and sat back, his throat hoarse from the monologue.
“Hmm, what did Faust do…” Geraldo muttered
“Who cares what he did! We have a walking locus. That is groundbreaking, we can practice on the road, no longer fear of our base getting discovered!” Reas interrupted.
“Yes but how can we accomplish that? WE still can’t figure out WHAT drives the minion.”
“Well, it kind of listens to me. It took a lot of work, but it has some innate intelligence behind hit”
“Yes yes Steve, you keep treating it like a dog. But this isn’t a animal, the undead have no soul. They have no conscious. Sure some may be intelligent, planning and leading others. But all have a singular purpose–the consumption of life.”
“I understand Geraldo, but this one is different. Even I know you can feel it.” Steve retorted
“Geraldo he is correct. The strands of mana intersect on Steve. Hardening when he is near the creature. The two have formed a different type of bond outside of minion-master. I am sure it is why the army ignored him” Reas added.
“Still, that doesn’t EXPLAIN how it has this power. Are you sure you know of nothing else? What could possible lead to this development?” Geraldo leaned in. Those burning eyes flicking inches from his own.
“No…Nothing. That’s why I brought it here, for testing.”
“Hmm, well, you did right on that. For all Faust's faults, at least he instilled some general intelligence in you,” Reas said.
“Hmm, I need to read. I need to STUDY. This is a discovery of a lifetime and I DON’T intend to waste it. If we have had our fill, I’d say we BREAK for now”
The two others nodded in agreement.
“Steve, I am putting you on lockdown. No, leaving this commune until we find a way to contain your…thing. I can’t have another calamity.”
“Yes Reas. I understand.”
“Good, I’ll be retreating into the lab for testing. Do not worry, I’ll not allow permanent harm to your discovery. Geraldo would kill me if I did.” Reas shook Steve’s hand and departed.
Steve waited a bit and then continued to eat. He’d been craving a fresh meal, and his stomach wouldn’t allow him to pass on the banquet. With a full belly and drunken mind, he stumbled back to his room and passed out. Completely ignoring his friend's attempts to speak, he decided whatever it was could wait until morning.
