Chapter 2.12: Face Your Demons

Chapter 2.12: Face Your Demons

Azrug and Theo spent some time messing around with the new modifier essence. When mixed with a [Lesser Vigor Potion], the essence fizzled, then exploded violently. The alchemist began making mental notes about what worked and what didnt. It was logical what would work and what wouldnt. When they were done having their fun with the first modifier, they inspected the second modifier hed crafted.

[Surge]

[Essence Modifier]

Rare

Created by: Belgar

Grade: Great Quality

50 units (liquid)

Add to a completed potion to add the surge modifier. Surge applies bonuses as an instant, temporary effect.

The description of the modifier was confusing. The alchemist determined it was derived from the [Moss Nettles] surge property, but couldnt figure out what it meant. He found another healing potion and applied the faintly green liquid to it in a 4 unit vial. The effect was instant, creating a pungent citrus smell throughout the lab. He inspected the result.

[Lesser Healing Potion]

[Surge]

[Potion] [Modified Potion]

Common

Created by: Belgar

Grade: Great Quality

A lesser healing potion. Drink to restore health.

Effect (modified):

If the user is at full health, add 30 health to their maximum and restore that amount. Effect lasts 1 minute.

That makes more sense, Theo said, nodding to himself.

Wow. The modifiers really change the potion, Azrug said. Both effects you made are great. I can sell these.

Theyre useful, Theo said. I want to find all the modifier properties. I know theres going to be some cool stuff.

Better get fermenting, Azrug said.

The pair went to work with transforming what stock they had and creating new stock for the store. Every potion he modified with the modifier essences granted him a small amount of experience, something he was grateful for. He now had more steps in the process which would give him more experience. While the modified potions cost more in reagents than the base potions, it would net him more experience. If Azrug could get double for the new potions, that would help make up for the additional cost in raw materials.

Theo made plans in his mind to ferment everything he could get his hands on. It turned out the 10 barrels hed commissioned were going to be exactly what he needed, even if the lab didnt have the space for it. There was also the idea of experimenting with different motes during fermentation. His intuition, and references in his book, said that this would produce different modifiers. The day was getting late, though. The unexpected arrival of Grub and Fenian had already drawn the labors of the day out, forcing him to focus on things other than alchemy. He felt the slow tide of responsibility washing in and focused the rest of the day on his mayoral duties.

Azrug retreated down to the shop, intent on manning it for the rest of the day. Theo consulted his mayors screen, flicking through the population screen. Broken Tusk had grown marginally, but not enough. With the roads clogged, only the adventurers already in the southlands could come to inspect the town. The alchemist needed to entice more people to make this place their home. Population was one marker that determined if the town upgraded from town status to something larger.

Theo let out a sigh at the financial screen, focusing on the sales tax section. Grub had calculated the taxes he owed, likely using some administration cores, but the screen the alchemist viewed was barren. It listed all parties that had to pay taxes, but their entries were mostly blank. The section regarding property taxes was filled out, although he didnt know why. It was another section that revealed how derelict hed been in his duties. To further drive the point home, the export tax section was also empty.

Theo felt as though he didnt have an option anymore. Manually calculating all the taxes was a burdensome task that he wanted nothing to do with. He resolved to push Fenian for that governance core, dismissing the entire thing from his mind and turning his attention elsewhere. After a moment of staring out the window, sullen, he felt Tresks approach. The sun was getting low outside, signaling the end of her adventuring day. She burst into the lab, the wide smile on her face washing away any sense of sadness from the alchemists mind.

Azrug told me about the modifiers, Tresk said. Gimmie!

Theo smiled, producing several modified potions from his inventory. The Marshling took them, pressing a vial close to her face and whistling. Thats some fancy stuff. The adventurers are asking about your bombs, now.

Of course they are, Theo said. I regret my demonstration.

Nah, they just want to blow stuff up. Who doesnt? Tresk asked. Im sure you have a plan.

I do, Theo said. Im relying on the modifier essences. Theres one that makes it so a firebomb will only affect monsters.

Youre worried people will blow themselves up, Tresk said, shrugging. I mean, if you saw how they conduct themselves out there, youd be more worried.

Theo nodded. The modifiers are going to set us apart.

Have you talked to Fenian? I think hes still in town, Tresk asked.

Theo craned his neck, looking out the window and into the colors of approaching dusk. He has a way to travel long distances quickly. I guess he doesnt need to worry about having sunlight.

Yeah, theres something fancy about that carriage, Tresk said. Come on, hes still at the Marsh Wolf.

Tresk tugged on Theos arm, forcing him to his feet. She dragged him up the avenue, his diminishing stamina bar making the journey exhausting. By the time they reached the Marsh Wolf Tavern, it was alive with the sound of excited patrons. The pair pushed through the front door, waded through the crowds, and found their way to Fenians table. Grub was there with him, the small Brogling grimacing as he ate through Xams legendary soup.

Most of them are, Grub said, smiling. But, loans are an important thing for a growing town. You should a few outtake me up on my offer to finance your [Governance Core].

There it was. The hidden piece of information the Brogling was holding back about the free core theyd provide him. The man wanted Theo to go into debt to the crown, something he wanted nothing to do with. If Broken Tusk couldnt afford to pay for it with coin, they wouldnt buy it. But, now wasnt the time for picking fights. It was a time for playing nice with the important government functionary taking his dinner in the alchemists town.

Absolutely, Theo said, receiving a swift kick under the table from Fenian. Once I sort our long-term finances out, Ill be talking to my contact.

Fenians brow knit for a moment, then the deep tracks on his forehead vanished.

Well, I think it's about time we get going, Fenian said, straightening his ruffled coat. Galflower doesnt enjoy waiting.

Grub reached out a hand for Theo to shake. Its been a pleasure.

Theo rose from his seat, affecting a shallow bow. Youre welcome here any time.

The pair departed the table, setting off into the onset of dusk.

Were not going into debt, are we? Tresk asked.

Absolutely not, Theo said. More people are trying to manipulate me. As long as Im alive, Broken Tusk will be as free as possible.

Good. I dont want any of that crap, Tresk said.

The pair settled into their meal, watching as Uharis withdrew a flask from his robe several times, draining the contents. As the sun set, the Archmage stumbled upstairs toward the rooms, vomiting at the landing and disappearing through a door. The sound of raucous conversation died down after a while. Theo felt himself falling asleep at that dingy table, but endeavored to finish his soup. With the last spoonful of the bland liquid down his throat, he blinked heavily. A sudden sound came from outside, a sound that seemed foreign in his dazed state.

Tresk bolted upright from her chair, withdrawing her two wicked daggers. She shouted something that Theo couldnt hear, the words blocked out by his exhaustion. The Marshling withdrew a yellow potion from her inventory, tipped the alchemists head back and poured it down his throat. A rush of energy flooded through his body, banishing his tiredness away in a single heartbeat. He recognized the sound. The clanging bell that signaled a call to arms.

Lets go! Tresk shouted, pulling Theo along.

The tavern was a blur of motion, adventurers hoisting their weapons and downing their own potions. Out on the street he spotted Fenian, cramming monster cores into the monolith at the center of town.

Of all the days to leave late! Fenian shouted. I pick the one where youve failed to upgrade the town.

Aarok emerged from the adventurers guild, shouting orders among the gathered adventurers. Pandemonium set in over Broken Tusk, the sounds of a pitched battle coming from the western gate. The guildmaster shouted something at Tresk and she vanished from the spot. Luras appeared from the southern road, removing something from his chest before inserting something else. He was equipping his [Hunters Core] in preparation for a fight. The pain was evident on his face.

Whats happening? Theo asked, the haze of the night still clouding his thoughts.

Monster wave! Grub shouted, his voice quavering. By the Gods, a monster wave in the southlands. Were dead!

Someone remove this idiot, Aarok shouted, pointing at the Brogling. We trained for this. Ranged attackers on the wall, everyone else in reserve near the gate. Someone go raid Theos stash of potions.

A pair of adventurers escorted Grub into Fenians black carriage, the Brogling screaming the entire way.

Theo! Fenian shouted, shoving monster cores into the monolith. Your prompt should appear. Now!

A prompt flashed into the alchemists vision.

[Broken Tusk] has advanced to level 15!

[Broken Tusk] is eligible for an upgrade. As the Mayor, you may make a section of the following:

[Watchtowers]

Your [Town] will gain watchtowers placed along the border. The watchtowers will move to match the edge of your borders, should you expand. 12 watchtowers will be placed.

[Water Tower]

Your [Town] will gain a single 1,000 unit water tower in its center. The tower will not automatically fill.

[Defensive Emplacements]

Your [Town] gains weapon slots at each gate, and sporadically along the wall. You may place a single [Defensive Artifice] in each slot.

Theo selected the [Defensive Emplacements] upgrade, hearing the gate rumble from the west. Aarok shouted more orders as the adventurers scattered. Tresk reappeared from nowhere, nodding to the guildmaster.

The boss is there, Tresk said. Leading an army of goblins, wolves, trollssome other things in the swamp I couldnt see.

Mount the [Chain Lightning Towers], Theo, Fenian said, his face painted with grim resolve. My Galflower can get us out of here, but I wont see your town fall.

Theo nodded, walking on shaky legs to the western gate. This was a day hed feared for a long time. The manifestation of a monster wave was something people talked about a lot, but it seemed so far off. He thought he had more time to mount his guns, but was grateful that Aarok was taking command. The [Lesser Stamina Potion] flooded through his body, speeding his thoughts up by the moment. Any desire for sleep was banished, leaving only a resolve to defend his town.

Stay close, Tresk said, crouching low. Her daggers caught the light of the rising moon, glinting with a pale blue glow. She removed a [Basic Poison] from her inventory, coating the length of both blades.

The alchemist spotted the western gate. Flashes of fire streamed over the top, sending adventurers tumbling onto the ground below. Theo froze on the spot, watching as the defenders pulled the wounded away from the wild battle. Flashes life on Earth drove an iron spike through his skull, sending him to his knees. The sharp sting of pain brought him from his stupor. Looking up, he saw Tresk huffing angrily. Shed slapped him across the face.

Move, Tresk said. To the battlements. Plant the [Chain Lightning Tower]. Defend Broken Tusk.

Those simple words were enough to bring him to his feet, moving in lock-step with the Marshling woman. His feet played an unhappy sloshing song to join in chorus among the ring of steel and the loosing of arrows. Nausea spread through his stomach, but he swallowed the bile down. He couldnt run any longer. He needed to face his demons head-on.