The Newt and Demon

Theo tapped his fingers against the side of a flask. Morning light poured into the lab, casting through the trees above to dapple the wooden floor in motes of yellow. Where a sense of dread should have washed over him, owed to the coming trade deal, he felt calm. The pressure vessel completed its run during the night, resulting in 500 units of [Refined Decay] modifier essence. While he tried his hand at refined modifiers before, this felt pure. His [Drogramath Alchemy Core] sang at its purity, reaching out with hungry intent. The alchemist had made an offering to the shrine that morning of [Widow Lily], something that seemed fitting.

Tresk marched into the lab, placing a plate of Xam’s delicious food on the table joined by a cup of her tea. Theo managed a weak smile. He’d refused to spend time eating at the tavern this morning, bucking their new trend, and he knew it was all he could do to banish the idea of the trade deal away. While he might be calm, it was only because of his constant motion. He had a feeling that the moment he stopped moving, it would come back in a horrid wave of anxiety.

“Eat up and make me some poison,” Tresk said, bouncing on the spot.

Theo obeyed, pressing his fingers onto the essence before taking a bite of the food. As always, it was the leftovers from last night that the woman served. He inspected the new item.

[Refined Decay]

[Essence Modifier] [Refined Essence Modifier]

Rare

Created by: Belgar

Grade: Excellent Quality

Drogramath (Middling Bond)

Alignment Effects:

Resulting modifier will be more effective.

High chance to add an additional modifier to the resulting potion.

500 units (liquid)

Add to a completed potion to add the “Decay” modifier. Decay applies necrotic effects to offensive potions.

The second tier [Poison] was already incredibly effective, and the alchemist had 500 of them in his lab. Theo had a feeling this modifier was more potent than anything he’d brewed before, and a flash of fear ran through his body. It was another item he didn’t want to share with others. His poisons carried implications that were better left unsaid.

“Keep this one a secret, if you can,” Theo said, withdrawing a [Poison] potion and applying the [Refined Decay] modifier. The poison bubbled more than normal, twisting the dark liquid until it glowed with an eerie red-black color. Writhing seams of decay ran through the length of the potion, pulsating as though it had a heart to beat. He inspected the poison.

[Poison]

[Accelerated Decay]

[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 and decay increases the effects of all poison damage.

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.

“That’s the longest description I’ve seen on a potion,” Theo said. He could feel the power of the potion, even at a distance.

Tresk let out a low laugh, cradling the poison in her hands. A look flashed across her eyes, but she shook her head. “Zaul is screaming for this item, Theo.”

“I have to imagine the item is worth a lot,” Theo said, nodding. He didn’t want to confront the whispers of another god right now. “There’s so many effects on that thing.”

“I’m gonna be real strong,” Tresk said, flexing then pocketing the potion.

Theo noticed she placed it in her dimensional bag and not the shared inventory. Perhaps she wanted it close at hand.

“And the process is easier with the enchanted water,” Theo said. “I can keep up with your high demand for poison now, as long as you bring me [Widow Lilies].”

Tresk was happy to help Theo perform the rest of the reactions. Despite his confidence with the new techniques, he took his time with these. There was something that radiated malfeasance from the vials, and he didn’t want it to get out. It took several hours for them to bottle them all. A sharp knock came from the door shortly after and Alise entered the lab.

“The delegates are arriving soon,” Alise said. “We’re meeting in the Adventurer’s Guild.”

“Alright,” Theo said with a nod.

Alise departed, and Theo turned to Tresk.

“The Tara’hek grows stronger,” Tresk said, a wicked smile painting her face. “I can feel what you want me to do.”

“Just shadow them,” Theo said.

The alchemist was unsurprised she could feel his intent. As the core grew stronger, their thoughts bled more freely. Theo’s intent was for her to coat her weapons with the new poison and watch the merchants, although Aarok likely thought of that already. Any hostile action would see the activation of the towers, and the incineration of anyone who dared betray Broken Tusk’s trust. There was no reason to not be cautious, though.

Tresk scampered out of the lab and Theo followed, not able to keep pace with the excited Marshling. He stood in the empty lab for some time, taking a moment to appreciate how clean it was. Azrug had all his new wares in [Dimensional Storage Crates], and the shelves were stocked with a decent amount of potions. It was enough to supply a few adventurers, but they needed more. The Newt and Demon always needed more potions, it seemed.

A thunder of hooved feet echoed through the town. For a moment, Theo thought it was the delegation from Rivers and Daub. After listening to the pattern and the volume of the sound, the alchemist determined it was Fenian. That was a surprise. He made his way north toward the center of time, the sound of the demonic Karatan growing louder. Iron-shod hooves struck the cobbles, sending sparks and magic flying as the carriage drew to a perilous stop at the center of town. Fenian dismounted with haste, affecting a bow to Theo at a distance.

“I love that hat!” Fenian shouted, turning and marching to the adventurer’s guild.

Azrug had called the trader to the town, intent on leveraging the man’s excellent knowledge of continent-wide trade. The shopkeeper had more tricks than Theo could count and he felt like more of a figurehead the longer time went on.

Theo found the inside of the adventurer’s guild barren of its normal chatter. A long row of tables had been assembled in the center of the wide hall, chairs ready for everyone. He appreciated the sight, moving forward to greet Azrug.

Before he could hail the young man, his mind filled with Tresk’s words, a sense of apprehension washing over him.

Yeah, they have a mercenary company, Tresk said. Guess it pays to be cautious, but that’s a lot of guys.

Theo changed his course, finding Aarok standing near the back of the room. The Half-ogre was talking in hushed tones with Xol’sa and Zarali.

“Hopefully you’re aware of the mercenary company these traders are bringing,” Theo said, whispering.

“Your spy is slower than mine,” Aarok said, flashing him a grin.

Theo only now noticed that Xol’sa’s eyes were glassy, as though he were staring into another dimension. He came to with a start, coughing into his hand. “Fifty men. I imagine they’re level 20.”

“Nothing the towers can’t handle,” Aarok said. “Well, I suppose there’s an eager [Assassin] trailing them, now.”

“I guess this is where I take my seat and leave these things to you,” Theo said, letting out a chuckle.

“Caution is a good virtue, brother,” Zarali said, nodding. She inhaled deeply, knitting her brow and giving him a scandalized look. “Did you brew poison? By my Lord Drogramath, that’s a potent one.”

“Extremely potent,” Theo said, still whispering. “I’ve never seen so many effects on a single potion.”

“So, the new barrels worked?” Zarali asked, not bothering to lower her voice.

“They did,” Theo said.

The alchemist cast his eyes around the hall. He felt something strange about the rafters. Ribbons of energy gathered near the corner where a figure crouched. He was perceptive enough to recognize Luras’ form, bow at the ready.

“Right, we’re not expecting any fighting,” Aarok said. “Azrug just wanted me to be prepared.”

“Prepared enough to send Baelthar’s own into the rafters?” Theo asked.

“Precautions,” Aarok said.

Theo broke off from the group, lingering near the head of the table. He watched Azrug and Fenian speak together, rapidly exchanging information. The alchemist was worried about the young man’s ability to head a trade negotiation, but with the Elf’s help it should be straightforward. This was especially true if the state of Rivers was as described. They needed materials more than anything else.

The soldiers stopped outside, Tresk said. That looks like a sign of good faith.

Theo relayed the information to Aarok, who nodded. That was to be expected, according to the Half-Ogre. Crossing from Rivers and Daub to Broken Tusk was safer than traveling to most other towns, but it wasn’t without risk. With the recent monster waves, and increased monster activity in general, any movement outside of a fortified area was risky.

Alise darted around the room, leading everyone to their assigned seats. They were meant to stand as the Merchant Guild’s leaders entered the building, then take a seat when they did. The poor woman seemed frazzled by the time everyone stood next to their seats, but the door swung open all the same.

5 humans entered the room, each corpulent in their own right. The man at the head of the group was especially wide, clothed in fine furs and jewelry. Theo did not have a good impression of the man from the start, but whatever bile built in his throat was squashed by Alise’s shrill voice filling the hall. She announced each of the trade members and directed them to their seats. Everyone sat at the same time.

“Broken Tusk thanks you for attending this meeting in good will,” Azrug said, bowing slightly in his chair. He went around and made introductions for everyone. Each time, the lead merchant named Alran Cherman, bowed his head to that person.

“Where I expected a single Dronon, I found two,” Alran said, letting out a deep laugh.

To Theo’s surprise, Zarali didn’t rise to the statement. She had a placid expression on her face. He wanted to speak out, but had no interest in ruining Azrug’s chance.

“The only living Drogramath Dronon alchemist in the civilized world,” Azrug said, gesturing to Theo before gesturing to Zarali. “And the only living Drogramath Dronon enchanter.”

Theo saw Alran suppress a look of surprise on his face, but his cohorts couldn’t manage it. Shock spread across their faces. The alchemist didn’t know if it was a good tactic to put a card like that on the table to start, but the effect was satisfying.

“Broken Tusk has a lot to offer,” Azrug said. “We reached out to Rivers and Daub first.”

“Not that you had much options,” a merchant scoffed.

“From here to the northlands, there is nothing,” Alran said, mopping his brow. “The mountain passes have grown more treacherous, as you know.”

“Naturally,” Azrug said. “So, shall we start?”

What came next was the most boring span of hours in Theo’s entire life. The trade delegation went back and forth with Azrug and Fenian trying to hammer out something that would work. At first, Alran seemed rather interested in trade. He entertained every offer as though he’d accept on the spot. Only when they broke for lunch, something Theo never ate, did the mood of the room change. The trade delegation couldn’t believe the progress the town had made, and believed the regeneration of the resources even less.

Theo noted a broad grin spreading across Zarali’s face and an expression of nervousness on Xol’sa’s. The extra-planar even started fidgeting with something in his hands, a glowing cube. Azrug gave some silent sign and the priestess and the wizard stood.

“Curious,” Zarali said, pursing her lips. “Broken Tusk is self-sustaining, thanks to the power of my Lord Drogramath. She has the blessing of the Order of the Burning Eye, and the admiration of the crown. The favored daughter of Iaredin.”

That was poetic, Tresk said, laughing into Theo’s mind.

The alchemist searched the room but couldn’t spot the Marshling. Her stealth abilities were just too good.

No idea where she’s going with this, Theo said. These guys are just trying to bully Azrug down on the price. They were going to agree to a cost under market, then they got weird during lunch.

I saw one of them talking with a crystal, Tresk said. Maybe they got more information.

“Yet you employed an amateur to spy on her,” Zarali said, letting out a sharp laugh. “Some level 10 hedgemage, a dropout from a scholarly cult, no doubt.”

She paused for a moment, locking her gaze onto Theo. He could feel her arrogance for this moment, as though she was sitting on this information for a long time.

“Watch this, little brother,” Zarali said in Old Drogramathi. She switched back to Low Qavelli and continued. “If you’d be so kind, Xol’sa?”

Xol’sa set his cube down on the table and prodded it. Arcane symbols filled the air, interspersed with images of a town Theo had never seen. He swiped through the images, focusing on a lone tower near the outskirts until a hooded figure was visible. It was a mage overlooking glowing stone tablets. The merchants murmured among themselves, Alran wiping his brow continuously.

“I sensed many magical disturbances when I arrived in town,” Xol’sa said. “In a torrent of magical energy, it was difficult to pinpoint each disturbance. As I sifted through the information, I found this. A mage in Rivers and Daub employing scrying devices to observe our town. I intercepted his magic, which was quite weak, and have been feeding him a false image since then.”

“So, you were already aware of the regenerative properties of Drogramath’s power,” Zarali said, placing her hand on her hip. “And you’re stalling, although I can’t imagine why.”

“I believe it’s a crime to do such a thing,” Fenian spoke up, chuckling. The feather on his hat bobbled as he laughed.

“This is a misunderstanding,” Alran said. The cloth he used to soak the sweat on his forehead was dripping.

“But Broken Tusk is forgiving,” Azrug interjected, calming the mood in the room. Theo couldn’t stop appreciating how much he commanded the floor. “You approached us respectfully, leaving your mercenaries outside of our gates. You entertained fair offers—under market price, I might add—and we’re willing to go forward with those prices. We’ll provide as much metal, wood, and stone as you need. And you know we can meet the quotas.”

A warm wave washed over Theo, that familiar probing wind. He jerked his head, spotting Zarali concentrating. She leaned in, whispering something to Aarok, who nodded.

Yeah, I see him, Tresk said. Whoops, wrong channel.

What? Theo asked. His heart hammered hard in his ears. He didn’t want to show it, but Tresk’s health dropped, then sprung back up again. The alchemist leaned to Aarok, whispering his concerns. “Tresk is fighting something,” he said.

The sound of fighting could be heard, even through the thick walls of the guild’s hall.

What’s happening, Tresk? Theo asked.

Her health dropped again as Azrug went back and forth with Alran.

Aarok’s eyes went glassy. Theo pulled up the shared tactical map and saw movement on the walls and through the town. Tresk’s health dropped again, springing up just as quickly. A booming sound fired outside, the familiar blast of the [Chain Lightning Tower]. Her health dropped again.

Got the bastard! Tresk shouted.

The merchant’s eyes went wide. They were communicating with other people, somehow. They cast worried looks at each other, searching for answers. The room went silent for a long time, only broken by the sound of the massive double doors swinging open. Tresk, Zan’kir, Zan’sal, Bal, Dal, and Ral appeared. They carried two lifeless bodies with them.

“No one out-sneaks me!” Tresk shouted, throwing the limp body of a man into the entrance of the hall. His flesh was charred under his armor. The bodies were clad in black leather armor, silken hoods obscuring their faces. The group bound both figures. Zarali casually moved across the room, her purple robes gathering wind behind her before calling upon her healing magic. The figures stirred, shouting against their gags.

Theo rose, slamming his fist against the table. He took a deep breath, preparing to unleash every curse that would come to mind. Aarok’s powerful hand clapped over his shoulder, forcing him down into the chair.

“All according to plan,” Aarok said.

“I just have one thing to say,” Theo said, tempering his rage. He rose, raising his voice for everyone to hear. “You’re just… Incredibly lucky,” he started, feeling meek. The alchemist found his courage after a moment, facing it head-on. “If my Tara’hek wanted to, she could have skewered you all and no one would have noticed. If she didn’t hold back, your discount assassins would be worm food. Take the deal, you greedy idiots.”

Theo fell back into his chair, shaking with anger. Tresk pumped her fist in the air, withdrawing her daggers and performing a few moves. Whatever anger he was feeling didn’t translate to her at that moment. She was too embroiled in the flavor of victory.

“We accept,” Alran.

“Well,” Azrug said, holding his arms wide. “I think we need to renegotiate.”

The resulting conversation wasn’t a renegotiation. The representatives from Rivers and Daub had to work to earn the trust of Azrug. They ended up offering to pay market value for all exported goods, including the cost of transportation. Alran’s people would now have to arrange regular caravans to transport the goods between the cities. They also opened up to exporting goods to Broken Tusk, although they intended to work that part of the deal out later.

When Azrug was done working miracles, Theo forced each of them to sign a contract with his [Governance] skill. It included provisions that prevented the men from acting against the best interest of this new trade alliance, and Broken Tusk as a whole. The alchemist also forced the assassins to sign a contract, ensuring they could never act against any citizen of his town in the future. They refused at first.

“What’s the alternative?” an assassin asked after having his gag removed.

“According to the laws of Qavell?” Fenian asked. “I believe you’ll be executed.”

Both assassins signed the contracts without hesitation. They were unbound and allowed to return to their masters, who hung their heads low as they departed the town. The delegation returned to their mercenary company, the portcullis dropping with a clatter behind them. Fenian placed a comforting hand on Theo’s shoulder as they watched the group leave. Tresk was still dancing around, too excited about her victory.

“How powerful are these contracts?” Theo asked.

“I’m uncertain,” Fenian said.

“Quite powerful,” Xol’sa said, coming to join them.

Miana poked her head out of her barn, squinting to see what was going on. After a moment she vanished back inside.

“The contract you made with those assassins is tight,” Xol’sa said. “If they break it, an extra-planar beast will be set loose. It will hunt them for the rest of their lives. Only a powerful mage could stop it. The beast, not the contract. That is unbreakable.”

Tresk approached the group, dancing awkwardly. “Today was way more fun than I expected,” she said. “When Aarok told me to look out for assassins, I never thought there’d be actual assassins. Well, they didn’t have [Assassin’s Cores], but they did try to kill people. So that makes them assassins.”

The entire event rolled through Theo’s mind. It was a reminder about how competent his people were. Whatever the merchants from Rivers and Daub hoped to accomplish was dashed in an instant. He imagined they planned to take control of Broken Tusk, taking the enchanted land for themselves. He was glad it fell flat, not progressing past the initial stages.

Tresk beckoned for Theo to press his forehead against hers. He could feel her eagerness to check their exp gain from the trying event. Wherever something big happened with them, they got far more experience than normal. The alchemist put his forehead against the Marshling’s clammy skin, watching as a group of messages popped up. Their [Tara’hek Core] was on the edge of level 14, but the defeat of the assassins rocketed them to 15.

“Woah!” Tresk shouted.

This solidified the idea that they were after Theo, and Tresk’s intervention saved his life. The alchemist checked the core for its level 15 evolution.

[Tara’hek Core]

Legendary

Tara’hek Core

Bound

3 Slots

Level 15 (11%)

[Tara’hek] cores are given to those who accept a Marshling life-partner. You cannot change the skills inside the core, or remove it at any time.

Effect:

+6 Strength

+2 Vigor

The core gained a new slot, +1 to [Strength], and +1 to [Vigor]. As expected, there was already a skill in the 3rd slot. Theo inspected that next.

[Tara’hek Dreamwalking]

Marshling Bond Skill

Legendary

Walk in each other’s dreams.

Effect:

You may dreamwalk whenever both members of the Tara’hek are asleep.

Dreamwalking allows you to experience reality while dreaming. Actions taken while dreamwalking will influence your core development, allowing you to gain experience while sleeping. Experience gained while dreamwalking is less than while awake.

“Alright,” Tresk said, letting out a laugh. “That might be the coolest skill so far.”

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