Prologue: The Children's Journey

load previous
Jun 15, 2023 6:21 am
OOC:
ok ive written, erased, rewritten, and erased, at least 3 times, I'll try again when I wake up
Jun 15, 2023 1:50 pm
Ok. Can't wait to see it when its written.
Jun 16, 2023 1:56 am
In a realm where battles and quests filled the days, Woody, a valiant warrior, yearned for some respite after a grueling battle. He longed to heal his wounds and plunge back into the fray, but fate had other plans for him. The rest of his team, however, had grown fond of taking extended breaks, pushing their return to the battlefield further and further.

Unwilling to idle away, Woody led his companions back to the bustling town, determined to repay a loan owed to the esteemed Mr. Buckeye. As the debt was settled, they found themselves in a joyous mood, seeking solace and revelry at the local inn. That night, they indulged in an array of delectable sweets from the bakery and savory meat pies from the inn's kitchen. Though the bottle of wine they procured turned out to be unsatisfactory, they managed to salvage it by diluting it with fruit juice. The following day, plagued by the consequences of their indulgence, they nonetheless found solace in their shared experience, knowing it was a small price to pay. Each member of the group was rewarded with an unexpected windfall of 240 gold coins as they departed, making their way back to Grandma's house.

After warmly embracing Flora, Woody bid her farewell and, accompanied by Ollie, set off for their guild. Upon reaching their destination, Woody dutifully offered Lady Aramina, the guild leader, 40% of his earnings, explaining that the mission remained incomplete, despite receiving partial payment. Reaffirming his loyalty to her, he retreated to his lofty room, although not without a minor skirmish with some overconfident young guild members who foolishly believed they could best him.

Over the following five years, Woody found himself assigned menial tasks due to his failure to complete the initial mission. Paradoxically, this setback worked in his favor as he was able to establish connections throughout the city while taking on various low-paying jobs. One day, his friend Jocko presented him with an intriguing challenge. "Lie to me about something every day," Jocko declared, "and keep it up until I can no longer discern your lies from the truth."

Embracing this peculiar task, Woody, when assuming leadership roles, primarily served as the guild's enforcer. With each report he delivered to Jocko, he skillfully wove in a falsehood, prompting his keen-eyed friend to expose the lies for months. However, on a particular day, Woody decided not to utter a single falsehood. Surprisingly, Jocko mistakenly identified a truth as a lie. This incident taught Woody a valuable lesson: sometimes people perceive deception even when presented with the truth. From that day forward, Woody adopted a mindset of treating everything as a potential falsehood, successfully confounding Jocko's attempts to unravel his web of lies.

As a means to supplement his income, Woody engaged in fights for money and prizes. Although he may not have held the title of guild champion, he possessed a remarkable talent for assessing his opponents and manipulating the odds in his favor. Occasionally, he would purposefully lose a few battles, ensuring that the expectations of his victory remained low. When the opportune moment arrived, he would unleash his true prowess, stunning his adversaries. During this time, he diligently saved enough funds to acquire a wizard's tattoo, meticulously etched by magical needles, which adorned his entire left leg. The intricate design depicted a majestic wall winding through hills and valleys, imbued with arcane power. This newfound enhancement greatly enhanced his chances of triumph.

Along his journey, Woody delved further into the realm of magic, guided by the wisdom of the enigmatic Wizard. He acquired the ability to cast spells and infuse his arrows with

mystical energies when wielding his bow. Despite his proficiency with a scimitar and hand crossbow, Woody sought opportunities where his stealth and thievery skills could be employed without causing harm. Yet, time and again, he was reminded that his formidable combat abilities were too valuable to be wasted on such tasks.

Then, two weeks ago, Flora reached out to him through their enchanted communication stone, a cherished method of staying connected. She informed him that the time had come to venture into the depths of the cellar, for Grandma Sophie's health was deteriorating. Filled with determination, Woody sent a message to Ollie, notifying him of his impending return to Grandma's house by the week's end. Gathering necessary supplies and securing a trusty steed, he informed Lady Aramina of his intentions to finish the long-due task. The guild leader, acknowledging his commitment, assured him that upon his return, he would be granted full membership, unlocking the true privileges bestowed upon loyal guild members.
Jun 16, 2023 4:22 am
Excellent account of Woody's time. Nice Eyes!
Jun 16, 2023 1:09 pm
That was awesome! Awesome job Woody. We'll continue this in the Chapter 1 thread.

I don't know what Ollie did for 5 years but we'll find out.
Jun 18, 2023 11:34 pm
Not long ago, Ollie embarked on this familiar journey on foot with his childhood companions, but now it dragged on, seemingly endless. The sky draped in somber darkness and the driving rain added to the weight of his anticipation, causing nervous tremors to ripple through his body. Lost in his thoughts, memories flooded back, a bittersweet tide of old times. His friends, Grandma Sophie, and now, a reunion tainted with tension.

In the past five years, he had scarcely laid eyes upon his once-close companions. How would they perceive him now? No longer the timid and insecure boy, but a young man seasoned by too many trials. A year dedicated to studying the arcane arts of ritual magic under the enigmatic Black Mages, followed by another year as a squire, honing his skills in the warrior arts. And then, his return home only to be dispatched overseas to aid Jocko and Captain Dan. Did his father hold a grudge? Such prolonged absence and rigorous training might suggest so.

The flickering lights of the cottage suddenly yanked him back to the present, dispersing his wandering thoughts like startled birds. "Steady Ollie... No, Oliver," he murmured, slowing his steed to a halt and recalling his familiar. Only then did he approach the tiny cottage, a sense of unease clinging to his every step.
Last edited June 18, 2023 11:37 pm

You do not have permission to post in this thread.