Beefs and Breads: A Cozy Dwarf Tale - Book 2: Chapter 60: Balin, The Endless Plain

Raysdotter stretched and popped her back. “Finally out of that elfin’ Aaron be-cursed swamp!”.

“Technically it was a lake,” Aishablue provided, helpfully. Her normally clean, white robes clung tightly to her short brown frame. She was coated in a thin layer of blood and grime.

Raysdotter swung her spear to point back towards the lake. “Ya want me ta drown you, Aishablue?”

“Don’t threaten our mage.” Starshine chastised.

With a final series of squelching footsteps,Team Brighstar emerged from the Emerald Lake. They had finally reached the center of the dungeon, the hub from which all the other zones branched.

Balin twisted his back to adjust the shield strapped across his shoulders. It was a marvelous black and gold affair that Tania had given him at the going-away party. It was made with a combination of adamantium and goldsteel and had a fairly common pair of enchantments on it to reduce its weight and increase its strength. Nothing fancy, but it could be the difference between life and death.

In front of them stretched a seemingly endless plain. The heat here baked their skin, and the air was distinctly parched. Golden grasses as tall as a man whipped back and forth in a constant wind, and the sound of roaring and trumpeting was carried with it. The scent here was quite different from the must of the Emerald Lake, or the green dampness of the Darkwood. It was a dry and dusty smell, with a promise of scorched and thirsty days ahead.

They had reached the appropriately named Endless Plain. Roughly an hour north of here was the portal, along with an outpost – or small town – for adventurers staying within the dungeon. Far off to the east lay the Nightmare Tangle, north was the Teeming Jungle, and the Flowering Fields lay to the west. As soon as they reached the outpost, they would have graduated to become intermediate adventurers.

With their arrival came a welcome notification in Balin’s vision.

*Bing!*

Milestone Gained!

Congratulations dungeon explorer! Reaching a dungeon’s centre for the first time has granted you the ability to choose a Milestone!

Please accept one of the following:

Possible Milestone: [Dungeoneer]!

Dungeons are how you have plied your trade as a [Knight]. You know them inside and out, and will never get lost within one. You know the direction and distance to the nearest exit of a dungeon.

This is always active.

Accept [Dungeoneer]?

Yes/No

Possible Milestone: [Long Stride]!

Some [Knights] ride upon horses, others upon goats. You eschew both for your trusty feet, and now they carry you forward quicker than ever before. Increases your agility by four for the purposes of walking or hiking

This is always active.

Accept [Long Stride]?

Yes/No

Possible Milestone: [Fasting]!

A [Knight] has no time for mundane tasks, and this is especially true within a dungeon where food can be scarce. You need half as much food and drink to survive.

This is always active.

Accept [Fasting]?

Yes/No

Possible Milestone: [Party Finder]!

You put in extra effort to know where your party was at all times. Know the location and distance to up to eight people. Your target must agree to be selected for your party.

This is always active.

Accept [Party Finder]?

Yes/No

“Anyone else just get that?” Flowerpott asked with excitement.

“Aye. Knew it was coming.” Raysdotter shrugged.

“You knew!?”

“It’s common knowledge that reaching the center of a dungeon for the first time is a Milestone, ya’know. You can make good gold ferrying nobles here. If you spent more time chatting with other adventurers in the guild you would know that, ya shut-in [Golemancer].”

Flowerpott sniffed. “And spend less time with my babies? Not a chance!”

“Your babies are made of glass.” Aishablue sniggered, and Flowerpott’s mouth immediately snapped back shut.

“What options did everyone get? Formation two.” Starshine said. She plunked down in the dirt and everyone sat in a rough circle. The past few weeks had been especially hard on Starshine, with her heavy plate armour. Her Abilities made it like a second skin, but it was still heavy! “[Dungeoneer] should be the standard option. You can take it if you want, but only one of us really needs it.”

“[Dungeoneer] for me” Raysdootter said immediately. “Since I’m always headin’ off alone to scout, that makes the most sense.

“[Long Stride].” Flowerpott and AIshablue said together. They looked at each other and smiled.

“Lazy-bones.” Rasdotter mocked. They both gave her a rude gesture.

“I got offered [Hold Breath] for the amount of time I spent being choked or underwater.” Starshine shook her head. “I’m inclined ta take it.”

“I got offered [Party Finder].” Balin commented. “I’m thinkin’ I should take it, then I’ll always know where you lot are.” It would also be helpful for keeping track of his distractible brother and darling Annie. Given his end-goal as an adventurer was to help keep them safe, that seemed a safe bet.

“That’s a handy one. Uncommon too.” Starshine remarked.

Balin agreed and hit ‘Yes’ with his mind.

*Bing!*

Specialisation Possible!

Please select 5 Milestones to combine into a Specialisation!

You have selected [Basic Block], [Shining Armour], [Party Finder], [Sure Footed], and [Sense Ambush].

Merge Milestones?

Yes/No

“Specialisation!” Flowerpott crowed. “I can if I want to!”

“Aye, me too.” Balin added.

“Me three.” Starshine said.

There was a general round of congratulations.

“I’m not going to do it without at least an uncommon or rare Milestone.” Starshine sighed. “I don’t want bad choices. If we go kill a region boss I’ll be guaranteed one. I can Specialise then.”

“I think between [Glasseye] and [Call Guardian] I should get at least a few good choices.” Flowerpott said. “I’m doing it!”

His eyes took on the far off look of someone going through notifications. Starshine rolled her eyes. “At least give us time to prepare you old goat.”

“Between [Shining Armour] and [Party Finder] you should be safe to Specialise too.” Aishablue reached over and patted Balin on the shin. “Do it!”

Balin thought about it, then nodded. “Aye, I will.”

“Formation one everyone. Around Flowerpott and Balin.” Starshine announced. There was general shuffling around until Balin and Flowerpott sat at the center of an outward facing circle.

Balin selected ‘Yes’.

*Bing!*

Specialisation Gained

You have decided to Specialise! Specialisation is an important decision that will guide your future growth. Your selected Milestones will combine to give you powerful new Blessings that will help you down your chosen path. Choose wisely, for what you choose will come to define you.

The following four Specialisations are available to you.

Banneret

Defender

Warden

Watcher

Possible Specialisation: [Shining Banneret]

Combine [Shining Armour] and [Basic Block] into the Blessing [Shining Armament].

Combine [Sure Footed] and [Sense Ambush] into the Blessing [Rally].

The Milestone [Party Finder] is not affected.

As a [Knight] you inspired others to fight hard. While you may not have been the commander, you lead by shining example. Others flocked to you not for your pretty words or handsome looks, but for your strength of arms and comforting presence. As a [Banneret] you are even more visible to your party, and are a beacon and rallying force in times of darkness.

Increases the chance of developing leadership Milestones and the chance of spotting hidden enemies.

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[Shining Armament] – A knight is a beacon in the dark, sometimes literally. Your body is encased in a set of shining golden armour. The armour disappears if it is removed. Additionally, you may call forth or enchant up to eight weapons or other armaments. They glow with inner light, and can be wielded by others. The weapons cease to exist after one day has passed.

This Ability can be used once per day.

[Rally] – You are never truly off-guard. You are given a warning the moment before an ambush, and your agility and dexterity are increased by four at the same time. Additionally, you can grant this effect to a number of people equal to your charisma. Lasts for eight minutes.

This Ability can be used once per hour.

Possible Specialisation: [Defender]

Combine [Shining Armour] and [Party Finder] into the Blessing [Aegis].

Combine [Sure Footed] and [Basic Block] into the Blessing [Rock-steady].

The Milestone [Sense Ambush] is not affected.

As a [Knight] you guarded your party from danger. With shield, armour, and your own body you protected them against blows meant to slay them. As a [Defender] you can become their immovable shield.

Increases the chance of developing defensive Milestones and the chance of surviving a fatal blow.

[Aegis] – Summon a golden shield capable of protecting your party from anything. Call forth a wide-range translucent spherical barrier around your party. Prevents all external attacks or effects for up to eight seconds. Has an eight minute cooldown.

This Ability can be used twice per hour.

[Rock-steady] – You are as immovable as the stone. While you are standing still, greatly reduce any effect or attack that attempts to forcibly move you. Increase your vitality by eight while your feet are properly planted.

This Ability is always available.

Possible Specialisation: [Warden]

Combine [Party Finder] and [Sure Footed] into the Blessing [Sanctuary].

Combine [Basic Block] and [Sense Ambush] into the Blessing [Automatic Block].

The Milestone [Shining Armour] is not affected.

As a [Knight] you always had a place to call home. After each and every adventure you had a warm and inviting place where others awaited your return. As a [Warden] you turn your focus to protecting that location and the people within it. Whether a hut, a house, or a keep, your home will be your castle.

Increases the chance of developing defensive Milestones and reduces the chance of natural disasters striking your sanctuary.

[Sanctuary] – All [Wardens] have a place of great meaning to them. They protect it with all they have, and know every stick and stone within it. Always know the direction and distance to your Sanctuary, as well as who is within it. As long as you are within your sanctuary, all of your Statistics are increased by four. Use this ability to set a location as your sanctuary. You may only set a location as your sanctuary if every denizen within it accepts.

This Ability can be used once per month.

[Automatic Block] – A [Warden][ is never truly asleep. You are capable of protecting yourself even if you are unaware of an attack. Automatically summons a translucent shield capable of blocking anything for a single moment. Does not require you to activate it.

This Ability can be used once per hour.

Possible Specialisation: [Watcher]

Combine [Shining Armour] and [Sense Ambush] into the Blessing [Revealing Armour].

Combine [Basic Block] and [Party Finder] into the Blessing [Intercept Blow].

The Milestone [Sure Footed] is not affected.

As a [Knight] you studied and learned. You explored strange dungeons and saw strange sights. You have looked into horror and watched horror look back. As a [Watcher] you hone your ability to see what cannot be seen, while guarding your allies against hidden blows.

Increases the chance of developing perception Milestones and the chance of spotting hidden enemies.

[Revealing Armour] – A knight is a beacon in the dark, sometimes literally. Your body is encased in a set of shining golden armour. The armour disappears if it is removed. The armour does not inhibit any of your senses, and grants you a bonus four to Perception while you are wearing it. Also grants you the ability to see through darkness, bright light, and one foot of matter.

This Ability can be used once per day.

[Intercept Blow] – You are capable of stopping blows that your party doesn’t see coming. If you see an ally about to be attacked you may teleport next to them in the path of the attack.

This Ability can be used once per minute.

Balin smiled as he read over the notifications. He thought back to the time Pete had gotten his, and how normal these felt in comparison. His brother was truly something special.

Of course, Pete was also uncertain of himself, something that he would eventually grow out of. No dwarf spent too much time being unsure of themselves. Balin knew the road he planned to take, and his decision was easy.

[Warden] would be helpful for protecting his clan holdings, but he planned to protect them with his reputation. [Defender] gained the powerful [Aegis] that had defended them all from the Stoneants, but lost his golden armour. He was partial to that armour, and an early moniker of ‘Balin of Goldenlight’ meant that his best route forward was to lean into that mystique. [Watcher] was nice, but felt too passive.

Specialisations with more prefixes were usually more powerful too. So he chose [Shining Banneret].

He felt a rush of power, and then he was Specialised. It was that simple. Balin glanced at his character sheet to see how it looked with all the changes.

Status: Provided by the Firmament

Name: Balin Roughtuff

Age: 66

Conditions: None

Race: Dwarf

Blessings: [Heroic Moment], [Greater Challenge], [Sense Emotions], [Strength: Held], [Shining Armament], [Rally]

Title: [Shining Banneret]

Milestones: [Party Finder]

Strength: 21

Vitality: 20

Agility: 12

Dexterity: 16

Wisdom: 14

Intelligence: 10

Perception: 16

Charisma: 20

“Are you two done?” Starshine muttered. “I think the welcoming party is here.”

Balin nodded. “Aye. I’m a [Shining Banneret] now.”

“I’m a [Living Crystalmancer].” Flowerpott said smugly. “Exactly what I wanted! I can make my golems harder, stronger, and faster!”

“Oooh, prefixes!” Raysdotter cooed. “Fancy!”

“My new Abilities – “ Balin was cut off as a large lanky feline form pounced on them out of the grass. Balin smoothly transitioned into activating his new ability. “[Rally]!”

The entire party began moving half-again as fast as they had a moment before, flowing easily to meet the ambush. The monster – a creature that looked quite similar to a tiger-lily, except this time with a matted hide seemingly made of straw and a mane of what looked like grass seed – opened a 5-pointed white flower of a mouth and roared.

“Grasslion!” Aishablue shouted. “They’re resistant to most weapons! I’ll need some time to prepare!”

Tania rushed forward with her mace and caught the beast in the side. It jumped back into the grass with a hiss and they could hear it rustling through the grass around them. “Ugh, it’s like pounding straw.”

Balin considered the dilemma as Aishablue began tracing sigils in the air. “I may be able ta help. Give me yer weapons, quick.”

“Formation one around Balin.” Starshine called out.

While everyone clustered around him, Balin touched their weapons and armour. “[Shining Armaments].”

His own axe and shield gained a golden glow, while Raysdotter’s spear glowed white, and Starshine’s maul and armour erupted in silver light.

“It says it’ll do more damage. Might help.” Balin commented.

“Now we really are Brightstar.” Raysdotter commented. “Monsters’ll be able to see us comin’ a kilometer away. Can I turn the glowing off?”

“Sorry, don’t think so.” Balin shrugged.

“Pity.”

At that moment the glasslion erupted back out of the tall grasses at their side. Balin met it with an enchanted shield, and Starshine swung her maul with a [Basic Slash]. This time the grassy hide smoked and burned where the maul struck, and the creature pulled back with a hiss of surprise. Which gave Raysdotter the opportunity she needed to plunge her spear into its side.

Its pelt resisted at first, but smoke erupted from where the spear had stabbed, and it slowly buried deeper and deeper. The grasslion’s roars turned into a keening cry, and it turned to flee.

Aishablue completed her spell and a lance of white-hot light the thickness of a dwarf’s thumb struck the grasslion. It swung back and forth as Aishablue guided it with her wand. Everywhere it touched, the beasts’s hide smoked and charred.

Unable to free itself from Raysdotter’s spear, it turned to attack, but Balin’s axe found its neck, and it burned through like melted butter.

There was a moment of shocked silence. Then Flowerpott muttered. “Showoff.”

“All clear.” Raysdotter said a moment later. “Glassflies see anything?”

“Nothing.” Flowerpott said.

The party relaxed again, and Raysdotter moved to start picking over the corpse for anything valuable.

“Well. Safe to say that Balin’s Specialisation is quite helpful!” Starshine said, looking over her shimmering plate armour. “Which brings me to an important discussion. Balin, you’re planning on leaving soon, to go to Kinshasa, aren’t you.” It was a statement more than a question.

Balin looked down uncomfortably. “Aye.”

“Aya, what a shame!” Flowerpott moaned. “We were just doing so well as a team!”

“We’ll miss you.” Aishablue said, her soft accent carrying concern and melancholy.

“Actually.” Starshine coughed. “I was thinking of taking Brightstar to go with him.”

There was a cry of surprise and shouted questions. Starshine waved them all down.

“We’ve proven we can reach the center of a dungeon. But we still need more time on the fringes before we go any deeper. You all know that. None of us are ready for the Flowering Field, let alone the Nightmare Tangle. Now’s the time most parties either spend the next few decades honing themselves in the Darkwood or Emerald Lake. Or they make their way to Kinshasa. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m not looking forward to spending a decade in that horrid lake.”

“Gods forbid…” Flowerpott shivered.

“But yer da!” Raysdotter said, referring to the Captain of the Guard.

“Father will be fine.” Starshine said resolutely. “This is an opportunity for me to get out and stretch my legs. And I feel we have something really special here, as a team, and I don’t think I’m ready to lose it. If Balin leaves, we just wouldn’t be Brightstar anymore.”

“I agree!” Aishablue said, raising her hand. “I can’t imagine a group I’d rather adventure with, and I couldn’t stand another week in that horrid lake, let alone a decade.”

The others gave their agreement in short order, only Flowerpott seeming to have reservations.

“What about my glassblowing shop?” He winged.

“We’ll get you a new one!” Starshine tried assuaging him.

“It won’t be the same!”

But even he came around in the end.

And so it was decided. Brightstar would travel with the Thirsty Goat to Kinshasa, as guards and future adventurers within Kinshasa’s Deepcore dungeon.

“Here, Balin. It’s no stick, but didn’t your brother ask for anything?” Raysdotter snickered as she presented Balin with a handful of grass-seed from the grasslion’s mane.

“Aye! He did.” In fact, he’d specifically asked for anything with small white flowers or a grass-like appearance. Between its head and mane, the grasslion seemed to meet both criteria. Idly Balin wondered if this would be just like the jellyfish skin, a seemingly innocuous ingredient that would change the fate of the Sacred Brew forever.

Only time would tell.