[967] – Y04.067 – Ever Green I

[967] – Y04.067 – Ever Green I

Soon the walls of Ever Green, built upon raised ground, greeted them. The gate, set under the walls thick stone walls, loomed at the end of a long, swerving road, paining all traveller’s soul upon the way there. All traveller’s save Adam and his companions had brought along a wagon and cart, so their calves remained cool.

The guards allowed the group in after the appropriate gate fee, which hadn’t changed even under new management.

Ever Green’s roads were wide, with small clusters of buildings dotting the area, small, but stacked high, three to five stories tall. Yet, scanning from one side to another, all one could see was greenery. Green greenery, the greenest greenery one could possibly see. There were as many parks as there were roads, some of which became pathways from one area to the next, and even though sections of the town were formed upon a grid, some sections of town gave way to a more natural layout, vestiges of old.

“You know, it’s so much nicer travelling through the levels with a wagon,” Adam said, letting out a long sigh, the wagon following the large side road. “So much better.” Adam continued to look out at the town, which soothed his heart. “I should have taken cues from this place.”

“It is beautiful,” Jurot admitted.

“I should take Vonda here once our baby is born. The fresh air would do her good.”

Jurot noted the smiled on Adam’s face, which was both genuine and apprehensive. “It is a good idea.”

“I should buy some tea while I’m here, I ended up running out a short while ago. I should also buy that damn pouch I’ve been wanting to get ever since we set out, but screw Red Oak if it thinks I’m going to spend another penny there!”

The Adventurer’s Guild in Ever Green was slightly larger than the one in Red Oak. It was fairly similar to the Adventurer’s Guild in Red Oak, made of stone for the first floor, with a tiered design of wood above. However, one could have gotten lost within the flowers and vines growing around it, and there were small sections on the roof top where older folks relaxed. The fenced off area to the side also housed herbs Adam could only envy.

‘I should get myself a herb garden.’

The sweet earthy smell invited him in, the flowery scent coaxing him to the front desk, where an older man sat, reading a book.

“Barks.”

“Adam, wasn’t it?”

“Tha’s right. How’s it going?”

“Fine enough. You?”

“Not too bad.”

“What brings you to Ever Green?”

“We were hoping to adventure. I’ve got a little one on the way and I thought, why not make some coin before they’re born, get them a nice little something, and something for the missus too,” Adam said, his voice lower and slower.

‘Why’s he talking like that?’ Lucy thought.

“If you’re interested, there’s a forest drake about that’s been giving me a headache, and if you could handle it, we’d greatly appreciate it.”

“Sure,” Adam replied.

After a lovely bath, the group went to sleep. The next morning, the group set out to the nearby forest, allowing Jurot and Kitool to lead them, trekking through the nearby forest.

“Adam, you need to let us fight first,” Lucy said. “If you fight, it’ll be too boring.”

“Fine, but I need to do a little bit at least.”

“You can’t do much!”

“Fine, fine.” Adam shrugged his shoulders. “I’ll let it go for your sake.”

As the pair of Iyrmen trekked forward, they began to notice the disturbed nature all around them, from broken twigs, to trees which had seemingly been cut by a blade, tearing off the bark.

“Adam,” Jurot said, raising his shield quickly, as the wind around them rushed.

Adam quickly donned his shield.

Dexterity Save

D20 + 1 = 18 (17)

Health: 91 -> 65

The wind blasted the group, enough to push even Jaygak back, who slammed up against a tree with a grunt. The wind gathered together to form the shape of a long wyrm, branches and leaves forming the body of the creature, the whistling wind screeching in the air.

Battle Order

D20 + 1 = 2 (1)

The roar of the Rage Dancers filled the forest, and the blades struck against the long creature, while Adam could barely see what was happening through the debris. He raised his shield up, hiding himself behind it, while hoisting up Wraith.

“Jaygak, you alright?” Adam asked, though the shining blade cut through the air, literally, striking through the creature, which writhed in pain, the leaves and branches pulsing.

Fighting Spirit: 3 -> 2

Health: 65 -> 70

Attack - Wraith (Advantage)

D20 + 10 = 13 (3)

D20 + 10 = 19 (9)

Hit!

Wraith: 3 -> 2

Mana: 25 -> 24

Ability: Divine Smite

2D6 + 2D6 + 2D6 + 9 = 36 (8)(10)(9)

36 damage!

Attack - Wraith (Advantage)

D20 + 10 = 11 (1)

D20 + 10 = 26 (16)

Hit!

Wraith: 2 -> 1

Mana: 24 -> 23

Ability: Divine Smite

2D6 + 2D6 + 2D6 + 9 = 36 (10)(9)(8)

36 damage!

Adam darted forward, through the blizzard of debris, flailing his axe wildly, managing to strike through the leaves and earth and wood, and as his blade flashed cold and hot at once, the whipping wind fell still.

Victory!

XP Gained: +1500

XP: 13 000 -> 14 500

“Huh. That was... easier than expected.” Adam turned to face the rest of his companions. “I didn’t even do that much.”

‘Oh,’ Adam thought. ‘Red Scarf, right?’

“Aha!” the merchant called, rushing up to the fellows. “The Divine have blessed me! Sir Stephen!”

“Yes?” Stephen replied, eyeing up the woman for a moment. “How may I assist, miss?”

“I was praying to the Divine to send me a group of great warriors, and thus the Divine have brought to me such fine warriors. I require escorting to Jaghi immediately.”

“We will not be able to leave today, but if you are willing, we can arrange to leave tomorrow morning.”

“That is acceptable,” she said, shaking the man’s hands with her own. “Unlike other petty adventurers, you are not only strong, but of good company.”

“Red Neck Stephen, wasn’t it?” Adam called. “It’s been a while.”

“Has it?” Stephen replied, before narrowing his eyes. “Yes. A short while. Last year?”

“I fought Eddard,” Adam said. “Black Blade, was it?”

“Black Blood,” Stephen corrected. “You fought well.”

“Thank you.” Adam smiled. “I know it’s rude of me to ask, but would you be willing to spar?”

“What is the purpose of the spar?”

“I’d like to gain some Experience.” Adam’s lips twitched into a small smile. “I want to know the different between you and I.”

“I am similar in strength to Black Blood,” Red Neck said, glancing aside to notice the Iyrman who had an eye on him. “I fear I would only disappoint you.”

‘What am I even doing? She riled me up and now I want to fight Red Neck Stephen? He’s apparently one of the nicest guys around.’ “Ah, I’m sure you must be tired from your journey, how could I be so rude to ask you to spar now. Sorry about that, Sir.”

Red Neck bowed his head politely towards the half elf.

‘Wait a second.’ “Sir Stephen, do you by any chance wield a magical weapon?”

“I do.”

“Is it rude to ask what it does?”

“It is Greater Enhanced, and strikes harder than a typical weapon of its appearance,” the man replied calmly.

“Do all of your companions possess magical weapons?”

Stephen remained silent for a long moment. “No, two do not.”

“Which weapons do your companions prefer to use, the two without magical weapons?”

“...” Stephen furrowed his brows slightly. “Pike and greatblade.”

“Good to know. Well, apparently you’re about to make some coin, so if you need magical items, we sell some at our business, the United Kindom. If you follow the road west from Red Oak, right at the border of the Iyr, you’ll find our business.

“Which magical weapons?”

“Basic or Greater.”

“How much are your Basic weapons.”

“Typically around a thousand.”

“Unfortunately, that will be difficult to procure for some time, as we often accept whatever little coin the commonfolk offer.”

‘Ah! I knew I wanted to make this deal for a reason.’ “Well, perhaps we could... work out a deal?”

“What kind of deal?”

“The merchant is about to offer your party fifty gold a day for your journey to Jaghi. Let’s say, five hundred gold total, for two Basic weapons, and a favour from the Red Scarves?”

“We will consider it.”

Adam bowed his head. “It’s an honour to formally meet a hero like you, Sir.”

“You as well, Adam.”

‘He’s a merchant who works for an enchanter?’ the woman thought, entirely befuddled by the conversation.

‘A favour?’ Jurot thought, wondering if part of the favour could be a spar with Red Neck Stephen.

The group decided to relax that day, having no idea the old faces they’d see tomorrow.

These rolls are crazy. The amount of old faces we're meeting is hilarious.

Also! I posted up two chapters today because I was going to make another offer for this week, from the 22nd to the 30th, for every new patron, Silver or Gold, I'll post up an additional chapter a day. Someone ended up subscribing yesterday so I decided to count it. Silver and Gold tier patrons get the same thing, +40 chapters, and by the time you read this, Y05 should have begun!