3.64 - To Found a Kingdom

3.64 - To Found a Kingdom

Theo avoided confronting his feelings about Yuri departing. All this time he was thinking of him as Khahar, another man entirely, and that wasnt a lie. So much time in this world had changed him, but there was a glimmer of that Russian spy in there somewhere. But as that realization hit him, another one of solace came in just as strong. He didnt belong in this world. The realm of the gods awaited him, and there couldnt have been a higher calling than that. Right?

Aarok went on about the defense of the town, doubling patrols and increasing the size of squads. But Theo was left feeling a deep sense of comfort where he expected grief. Reports rolled in from adventurers about the departing Khahari, others from the walls stating that everything was quiet. If the Burning Eye had plans to strike, he didnt play his hand now.

More concerning reports came from Aaroks lips, telling of reports from Gronro-Dir.

Theyve already been hit, Aarok said. A small wave of [Skeletal Warriors] made their way down Murder Passage.

That reminds me, Theo said. I have a communication crystal for both leaders.

The midday sun filtered through Aaroks lone window. Just like Theos bedroom, this room could have used a few units of [Cleansing Scrub]. There was dust in the air, blown around by the constant buzz of the air conditioner. The alchemist splashed some cleanser on the ground, watching as the magic scrubbed the room clean. It didnt remove the particles of dust in the air, leaving them floating through the shafts of light. Maybe that was a change he could make for the air conditioners Throk had invented. An air purifier.

But those were just idle thoughts brought to stave the accusatory stares coming from Aarok and Luras. Tresk didnt seem to care.

Those would have been useful, Aarok said.

I have to hand it to them myself, Theo said. They attach to the first person they touch. Thats what Fenian said.

Fine. Well sort it later. But I had a point, Aarok said. Their defenses are crap. We should send aid.

In what form? Theo asked. Arent we already helping by training their people?

Immediate aid. Even a single [Chain Lightning Tower] would help, Aarok said.

So, its a matter of money, Theo said. Right. You want to split the cost with the town?

Assuming Fenian has one, Aarok said, softening a bit. If we cant get one today, theres no point.

Theo let it sink in for a moment. Undead had already reached as far south as Gronro. What that meant for the northlands was beyond him, but it couldnt have been good. There were also the towns between the south and Qavell to consider. How long could they hold out without the aid of the kingdom? All these facts made the defense of Murder Passage even more important, placing it at the top of the alchemists priorities.

Did we misjudge something? Theo asked, trying to see a flaw in their logic. Theyd prepared well, but had no experience working with other towns. If the horde descended on Broken Tusk, theyd be fine.

Were new to this, Tresk said. Well stumble a few times, but well get it.

Tresk is right, Luras said, cutting off Aarok before he could speak. We cant expect to get it right every time. Aarok is doing his best.

The phrasing of that statement was specific. Theo took a moment to study the Half-Ogre guildmasters face. Anger lingered on his face, but the thing resting behind his eyes was fear, and disappointment. He realized, perhaps a little late, how this affected Aarok most of all.

I said we, Theo said, punctuating the statement by smacking his fist on the table. No one in the command structure carries a burden alone. If everyone in this roomand the administration staffmissed something as simple as arming Gronro, were all to blame.

Broken Tusk doesnt carry the burden of outsiders, Tresk said. Were not some well-funded empire.

Well said, Luras said, patting her on the head. Theo often forgot how close they were before he arrived.

Fine. Done grabbing each others butts? Aarok said, huffing a breath. Heres the plan. Ill spend the guilds funds on towers. Well use Theos contracts to give them on loan to Gronro. Pitch in whatever you can from the towns funds, and your personal funds.

I have some cash, Tresk said with a shrug.

Yeah, me too, Luras said.

I have 50 gold to pitch in, if needed, Theo said. But that was all his money.

Right. Perfect. This doesnt leave this room. I dont want people thinking were in a financial pinch. If they think we need to collect money from random people Yeah, I dont know what theyll do, Aarok said.

Theo could see the Half-Ogres nerves wearing thin. He didnt realize how stressful the defense of the town was, let alone the defense of another one. The alchemist stood, placing a hand on his shoulder.

Well sort it out. Stop stressing, Theo said. Ill find that Elf and see how many towers he has in stock.

Theo turned to leave the room without another word, Tresk following close behind. The Marshling cradled Alex in her arms, kissing her on the head. Aarok and Luras remained, falling into discussion the moment they cleared the room.

It was getting harder to find Fenian in town. Even if the traders carriage train was resting near the ranch, the Elf himself was nowhere near it. Theo had to run around town, asking if anyone had seen him before getting a tip. He was near the mine, hanging out with the miners and trading tales to anyone that would listen.

Theo and Tresk headed to the southern part of town, finding Fenian outside the mine. He was standing on a crate, all the miners of Dead Dog Mine sitting cross legged and enraptured.

...and then I said to the Shadow Prince, if you want him, come and get him!, Fenian said, ending the statement with a flourish. Oh. The alchemist is here. Sorry, but Ill have to continue this story another time.

The miners issued a collective groan, all eyes turning to Theo.

I need some towers, Theo said, shrugging off the stares.

Business? A worthy reason for interrupting a tale, Fenian said, jumping from the crate and grabbing Theo by the arm. He dragged him down the road, Tresk following closely behind. I have 2 [Chain Lightning Towers] in my inventory. The last towers Ill get my hands on for a while.

Standard price? Theo asked.

Indeed, Fenian said.

Theo removed 20 gold from his inventory and handed it over. If everyone was in such dire financial straits, he was happy to carry that burden. The less the people felt the strain, the better.

Thanks, Theo said, placing the turrets in his inventory. Actually, I wonder if you could deliver these to Gronro for me. And the communication crystals.

[Potion] [Modified Potion]

Epic

Created by: Belgar

Grade: Excellent Quality

Alignment:

Drogramath (Middling Bond)

Drink to enhance vigor.

Drink to increase resistance scaling.

Effect:

+14 Vigor for 1.75 hours.

For 1.25 hours, your physical resistances scale 1.30 times better than normal.

The scaling effect is the important part here, Fenian said, comparing the [Vigor Potion] and a [Dexterity Potion]. Yes, the attribute enhancement is great but These potions would be effective no matter what your level. Hard to say what price Id get these for. Anywhere from 5 to 20 silver a potion, depending on the buyer.

The problem with making more powerful potions was finding the right buyer. Thats why Theo was focusing on making tailor-made potions for the citizens of Broken Tusk. The point with that wasnt to make a massive profit, but to provide the most benefit to his people. Everything influenced everything else. If the adventurers were performing better, the laborers could work without fear theyd be eaten by a monster. If the laborers were happier, they produced more, which made more money for the town.

There would come a time when Theo had to renegotiate his contracts with everyone, something he didnt know how to approach. The more industry he owned in town, the more he felt like a fascist dictator. Those thoughts never stopped him from expanding his holdings, which didnt help matters. He wondered what the difference between someone who held all the power for the good of their people, and one that held it for themself was. But he was never one for politics. He just wanted to see his town, and the alliance grow. Maybe that was enough.

I dont feel like negotiating, Theo said. Were in a transitional period, and Broken Tusk considers you a close ally. Whatever you can pay.

Well settle on the bare-minimum of market value, Fenian said. With a 10% discount because you love me so much.

Fenian was very interested in the [Potions of Lesser Foresight]. Theo made sure he knew the limitations of the potion. Anyone who drank them could only drink one every 6 hours, otherwise theyd grow deathly ill. Theo had plenty of [Pozwa Horns] from the ranch, and began brewing a full batch for the Elf as they went over the other potions. Fenian needed as many health, mana, and stamina potions as they had, but took interest in his other creations. Especially poisons.

We dont normally sell poisons to outsiders, Tresk said. But youre our dude.

The one with [Anti-Mage] interests me, Fenian said.

This was the poison that Tresk considered a mage killer. She wasnt wrong. As Theo inspected the poison, he reflected on how deadly it was.

[Poison]

[Anti-Mage]

[Poison] [Modified Poison]

Epic

Created by: Belgar

Grade: Excellent Quality

Alignment:

Drogramath (Middling Bond)

Coat your weapon to deal additional damage over time to an enemy.

Chance to inflict 2 stacks per hit.

Effect:

Cripples an enemy, reducing their Dexterity by 5.

Applies a stacking DOT effect based on poison quality. Maximum 15 stacks. Poison inflicts DOT damage. Targets inflicted with this poison take 1 point of damage for every mana spent, multiplied by the amount of stacks. This applies to ongoing spells cast before the poison was applied.

Stacks of poison take twice as long to fade.

Removing a stack of poison through any means other than the natural expiration of the effect causes the remaining stacks of poison to explode, dealing their remaining damage to the target.

If a mage didnt understand the effects of the poison, they would die quickly. If they did understand the effects, they were locked down for the duration of the poison. Both options meant it earned its name and reflected Fenians desire to fight at least one mage.

After the [Pozwa Horns] were distilled into [Lesser Foresight Essence], and brewed into a variety of potions with different modifiers, they settled into negotiations. Theo paid little attention to this part, letting Fenian set the terms. The alchemist was just happy to have weapons for Gronro, and more [Monster Cores] than he needed. They ended the deal, settling on 30 gold for potions worth far more than that. Those potions included an array of [Hallow Ground] potions, both in bomb form and otherwise.

Well, this has been an eventful day, Fenian said, stuffing everything in his inventory. Pretty Half-Ogre Lurking on the other side of the door. Care to join us for dinner?

A lilting, stammering voice came from the other side of the door before Salire stumbled inside. Her red-tinged skin was stained a deeper shade as she tried to get the words out.

Well take that as yes, Tresk said, giggling.