To Pellin and Orla, seated beside him at the table, he was the same happy-go-lucky person they’d met at the start of Foundational training. He was still trying to be as helpful as possible, offering sage wisdom when necessary, or telling jokes to counteract any emotional turbulence that arose. But within, he was worried.
Janine was still in the infirmary from what he’d heard, but that was all he’d heard. Adya was still out there, and no messages had reached him, much to his dismay. To compound all of that, Moore quietly informed him on his arrival at the Registry that two Cloners had been discovered. One in a small shop near the west wall, and another at a restaurant just outside of the City Council’s Chambers.
Cass decided there were only two options available to him. He could sit there and plant himself in some minor form of despair, or he could try to do something that would help.
So he went to work.
The Guild had a need for extra Quests that moved beyond the walls. Since so many Company people were at the Red Tower, still defending against Monsters and Incursions that appeared seemingly at random, a significant amount of important deliveries and messages weren’t being completed. Even the standard runners employed by the Liora Guildhall were taken up with movements to the besieged location rather than their usual routes. This was where Pathfinder had a chance to shine.
That day, twenty-five citizens with Guild Passes were visited with a request. Deliver to our satellite locations and earn a bit of extra pay beyond the experience gained. The messengers, brown-robed and serious, gave the Pathfinders plenty of safety tips.
There were monsters out there.
There were other things too.
But so too were there opportunities.
You can go with friends if you'd like. You can travel in a group if you choose. You can move slower, faster, or even loaded down in weapons if you agree. It’s up to you, and you don’t have to take it on if you don’t feel you’re ready. This was a choice, and Guild assured them that there was no intended pressure being applied.
Overall, eighteen of those who had passed Cass’s test signed up. It was a much higher number than Moore had expected, for once proving the talented man wrong as he’d guessed no more than ten. But then, as his father would say, the pot was on the stove.
Cass spent the majority of his day, even foregoing heading out to the Forge on their daily trips, just to plan everything out. He’d discovered, almost by accident, that for every individual part of a Quest that’s assigned, Waypoint updated.
So it was a contest with time.
How did he design a Quest that had multiple parts, but allowed the Questor to spend the least amount of time possible beyond the walls of Liora? How did he create a path that moved from one sheltering location to another, keeping the eyes of the world closed to the Pathfinders for as long as possible?
How did he keep them safe?
The messages and deliveries that needed to head out to the satellite locations were essential. Food and water to some locations. Messages with updates to the current ongoing battle at the Red Tower. And one Message Moore had informed him, detailing suspicions about locals who they’ve learned might be Changelings.
One set of deliveries was all the same. It was a collection of the self-same electrical buttons Moore had presented to him a few days past. Liora had twenty-three satellite locations, and all of them needed at least a few. Even the types of delivery sites varied. From fields and mines to mini-self-contained cities for population growth and scouting.
But one thing was true of them all. They were all dependent on the greater city for the majority of their needs.
The routes were difficult, the planning immense, but Cass didn’t let up. This was his Calling, his job. These Quests needed to be completed, but he couldn’t forget to protect the Questor at any opportunity.
So, he worked at it, planning an a-b-c route that grew more complicated the longer he worked. When it was finally done, every single Delivery Quest had reached the third Tier by necessity alone.
Quest ID: CV-0102-D-LIA
[Tier 3 Delivery Quest]Assigned Questor: Registered Pathfinder
Quest Objective:
Collect the following from the Registry:
One pre-drawn map of Satellite locations.
One checklist and delivery signatory document.
Collect the following from the Liora Guildhall barn:
One pre-assigned horse and wagon holding the following materials:
- 3 insulated crates of rations
- 3 water filtration kits
- 2 sealed message container (One Red Tower update, one message from Guild Master Hollis)
- 4 Changeling buttons
Delivery Sites (in order):
- Edgehill Relay Station
- Silva Cradle Farmstead
Instructions:
- Travel in pairs or approved triads if possible.
- Stick to the mapping provided by both the Quest and Waypoint. Exit the southeast gate of the Grounds and follow the South Alpha loop. Always stick to wreckage and shadows as you move. Go to the Relay Station first, stay off the main path.
- The Edgehill Relay Station is located at the top of a hill. The Silva Cradle Farmstead can be found in a depression near the southward-running Lioran River.
- If you should see Monsters and unknown individuals, do not make contact. Avoid them at all costs for your own safety.
- Rest at pre-approved locations as necessary.
- Do not open or tamper with any carried materials.
- Confirm delivery with each site’s signature via the provided document.
Status: Active
Timeframe: 2 days max
Questor XP Awarded: +22 XP
QuestWright XP Awarded: +2.2 XP
System Reputation: +4
Expected Satellite Reputation: +5
Modifiers:
Complexity (+100%)
Multi-Site Delivery (+100%)
Hostile Terrain Risk (+80%)
Secure Communications Required (+50%)
Protected Items Transport (+60%)
Strategic Route Optimization (+40%)
Optional: Co-op Efficiency Bonus (+25%)
What he drafted was a whole other matter. It was his nerves getting the best of him. These were normal, everyday Liorans, not combatants. Each time he drafted things, it went to shit, with his emotions outputting enough fear and terror into the writing that nobody in their right mind would take on the Quest.
In the end, he enlisted not only Mr. Moore’s help, but Kara’s too, after she returned from her day in the Forge.
“You’re overthinking this,” Moore said after placing the most recent draft back down. “These are necessary supplies. Your outline is more than fine, and I appreciate that you’re creating Quests that are greatly aligned with the safety of our people. But what happens if the materials don’t arrive at the locations?”
“He’s right,” Kara doubled down, “You’re a QuestWright, Cass. What do you think assigning Combat Quests will be like? Go for a walk in the daisies and pretty please make the monsters leave?” She snorted, “It’s go out there and kill things. Always has been, always will be. If you’re ever going to be a managing QuestWright like Guild Master Hollis, you can’t get squeamish about these things. I’m betting that he’s directing the war efforts at the tower with a vicegrip on his heart.”
Cass shook his head, his eyes trained on the outline and not looking at the two behind him, “I refuse to put the Pathfinders in any unnecessary danger. These aren’t people with combat Callings, they’re Tradesmen and the occasional Administrator.”
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He made a slight change to the outline as a thought came to him, then leaned back. “I know what you’re both thinking,” his fingers danced a tune on his forehead. “I’m not blind. And maybe, on some level, you’re right. But I’m the one sitting here. I’m the one who’s sending these people out. Yes, the Quests are necessary, and I fully understand that. But I can’t stop myself from worrying, and you wouldn’t want me to. If I were just some other guy who thought of people as tools instead of their friends and neighbours, the Quests would turn out exactly the way you want them. But then, you wouldn’t want me in this chair, now would you?”
Nodding without looking at them, he tried again as the silver glow of Quest creation erupted around him, modifying his previously drafted vellum for the sixth time.
[Tier 3 Delivery Quest]
You’ve been flagged, Pathfinder. This one’s not glamorous, but it matters, and what you’re intending to do will help many people you’ll likely never meet. Two outposts outside Liora’s walls are waiting on critical supplies and sealed communications, and we’re short on trusted hands. That’s where you come in.
You’ll head south, not by the main path, but with a pre-loaded wagon from the Guildhall barn. Inside, you’ll need to check the following: three crates of rations, three water filtration kits, four Changeling buttons, and two sealed message containers. That last bit contains a Red Tower update and something directly from Guildmaster Hollis. Do not open them or attempt to look inside.
You’re a trusted Pathfinder of the Liora Guildhall; you need to remember that.
You’ll hit the Edgehill Relay Station first. Please use the map and stay safe. The station can be found on top of a middling hill, so stay away from the ridge that runs along beside it. As soon as you’ve delivered that, descend toward the river bend and deliver the rest at the Silva Cradle Farmstead. Both teams are waiting and have instructions to confirm with a signature. You’ll have the paperwork.
Avoid monsters. Avoid strangers. Stay in pairs or groups of more than two if you can manage it. Stick to the wreckage and the shadow lanes. Sleep only where the map says to sleep. And for the love of all that’s efficient, don’t improvise the route unless you absolutely deem it a must. It’s optimized.
You've got 48 hours. That’s not a suggestion based on nothing, as these supplies and materials are required for those locations to continue functioning safely.
You can expect twenty-two experience from this, and the Guildhall is willing to pay you an additional twenty Crests per delivery. That’s a lot, but it’s not worth your life. Please be safe, be smart, and come back to us. Additionally, a secondary quest will be available within the final message container. That’s so you know how to get back to us.
Cassio Vale
Liora Guildhall
QuestWright
Moore picked it up, and Kara read over his shoulder after the glow faded. He tsk’d once, which was a positive sign in Cass’s mind. He was proven right just a moment later.
“This will do. You’ll have to build a second Quest for each of these with a final destination of the Guildhall barn. Possibly having them deliver the same cart and horse they originally traveled in.”
“That’s what I was thinking as well.”
“Very good,” Moore gently placed it back down on the desk. “Create the other seventeen, and then you’re done for the evening.” He started to step away, then paused. “You know, I don’t say this very often, Cassio. Not to anyone. But…” He paused for a long moment, cleared his throat, then started again. “I’m proud of you. You’re exactly who Gerald had hoped you’d be.”
After saying that, he didn’t linger. Walking out with that same fluid grace that constantly amazed, he was gone. Cass couldn’t see his face, but Kara could.
“Holy shit, Cass, you got Moore to get choked up in his feelings. I didn’t even know he had those!”
Cass turned and looked down the semi-light pathway the man had taken, “Neither did I.”
Kara left soon after, and Cass was grateful for it as she tended to be distracting when there was nothing to do. Buckling down, he created every Quest and secondary Quest, pumping out several Tier 3s for the supply trips, with a simple Tier 1 for the return.
It was a sweaty, terror-filled time for him. Several what-if scenarios went through his mind as he considered the map and what might happen if he wasn’t as careful as possible. But as each drafting stage had approached, he would calm himself by thinking of Johnny and what was happening up north at the Red Tower. Things could always be worse.
That evening, he ate dinner alone per usual, considering the day and what he might’ve done differently. His workout for the night was an intermediate, just to feel the burn, then he knocked out with some light reading on old roads and why some lasted longer than others. The next morning was a start with a grumpy horse. He’d been distracted enough not to visit the day before, and she really let him have it.
“I’m sorry…”
“Bella, I said I’m sorry…”
“Please don’t try to eat my hair, I really mean it…”
“You can feel my emotions, you stubborn daughter of a mule! You know I’m not lying!”
When he finally calmed her down, he took stock of his Survivor and Stalwart tokens. He still hadn’t had the balls to use the new Supercharge function. Mostly, because with all the stress he’d been under lately, failing his first Daily Quest was not something he wanted on his plate right now. But at just shy of fifty Stalwart tokens, and with sixty-three Survivor tokens in the bank, he was doing well on his path to the next Way.
The workout was tough, as was the double-up, but with four more Stalwart and one three more Survivor tokens, he was happy with the results. Fixing his hair on his way back to his room for a quick change, he was shocked when a flash of warmth lit up his whole body. Turning around, he spotted none other than Adya, a hesitant smile on her lips.
“Hey…” She said when their eyes locked on one another, her fingers pushing away a stray lock of hair. “Long time no see.”
“Yeah…yeah,” Cass said stupidly, more than a little surprised to see her appear from nowhere. They both began speaking at the same time.
“How have you-”
“I was worried about-”
Cass waited a tick for her to finish, but when she just smiled instead, he finished his sentence, “I was worried about you.”
“You didn’t need to be,” She said, taking a step closer. “It’s my job. I’m a scout, and some areas needed scouting.”
“I know, but it doesn’t make things any easier,” Cass said with a shake of the head. “But you’re right. Anyways,” He gave her a smile, “It’s nice to see you.”
The warmth he felt from both her smile and the emotions bouncing back to him was so intense that he was surprised his robe didn’t catch fire. She reached out and put a hand on his shoulder, then her eyes widened.
“Wow.”
Cass rubbed the back of his head, “Yeah, I uh, made a lot of Quests while you were gone.”
“Cass, I hit Level 7 while I was out there. This just leapfrogged me toward Level 8.” Stepping back, she folded her arms, “I thought Administrative types moved in bursts, but that’s ridiculous even for a Combatant. What don’t I know?”
“I…” All he felt from her was curiosity at that moment. But the longer he stalled and didn’t continue speaking, the more an acrid feeling began to project from her emotions. It was spiky, and he thought he knew what she was sending his way. He was hurting her.
He made a decision right in that moment to break a secret that he’d been holding back, “Follow me.”
Stepping back into the barn, they made their way over to Bella, who whinnied at him, then snorted at Adya with some rather intense emotions.
“Jeez, Bella. Calm down.”
Both the stomp and the feeling he got back from her were a complete denial of his request. Cass opened up the stall, then waved Adya in behind him. She stopped near the gate when Bella gave her a serious piece of side-eye.
“Bella! Seriously! She’s my partner!”
A stomp, shake, and whinny said enough to fill a vellum top to bottom.
“Of course you’re my partner, girl. But so is she! We’re a, uh, triad! Three legs that help each other stand! She’s not replacing you, you silly horse!”
“She’s never going to like me, Cass,” Adya said, still standing outside of the pen. “That’s very clear in her feelings.”
“To be honest, Adya. In fact, I’ll be honest with both of you. You don’t need to like each other. Don’t get me wrong, my life would be a lot easier if you both did, but it’s enough for you just to get along. Bella, you went through and modified our contract without talking to us.”
She snorted, then tried nuzzling his shoulder, but he pushed her off.
“No, I know you didn’t know what you were doing, but it’s still something that happened. Don’t try to cozy up to me now; you were wrong. If it were a contract just between us…well, no, I still wouldn’t have liked it, but there was a third party involved, and that’s her.” he hooked a thumb at the slowly waving and lightly incredulous Scout. “Neither of us knew it would affect you like that.”
“Or that you can talk to a horse.” Adya said quietly. When Bella turned toward her sharply and took a step, her emotions coming on strong enough that the Scout took a step back, Cass intervened.
“Draft horse. She’s very picky about that.”
Bella snorted.
“I think, she thinks, any other kind of horse is lazy and needs to be coddled.”
A second snort.
“How do you two understand each other?” Adya asked, “Is it like a Tamer bond? Like the one we learned about in our classes?”
“No, not quite. A tamer bond establishes a sense of subservience between man and beast. There’s nothing like that between us.”
The smugness coming from Bella was cloying, but she did take a few steps back, and as Adya stepped forward, they could both tell the draft horse had listened and accepted that they’d have to get along.
“Alright, Bella please keep watch, I need to tell Adya what really happened during my fight with the Skreels.”
So he did just that, detailing the driver taking off, the screeches, his fight, and the achievements that came from them. Then, he detailed Survivor and how his daily Quests worked. When he was all done, she looked at him with big eyes.
“Is that why you just kept getting faster. Your body is healing at the same rate as your muscles are being worked out?”
“Kind of?” Cass rubbed the back of his neck, “I know I’m a heck of a lot stronger than I used to be, but I’m not superhuman. I just have a few things that keep me alive now. Here, I’ll show you.”
Reaching into his bag, he pulled out the eversharp knife he’d received from Jack forever ago. A quick slip against his finger showed a few drops of red, but with how sharp the knife was and how fast his healing factor kicked in, that was all that showed. Adya’s eyes seemed almost to light up as she stared at his finger quickly stitching itself from the sides in.
“Wow.”
“That’s the second time you’ve said that in an hour,” Cass replied with a smile.
“Still, it’s a little-” She cut off mid statement. “Someone’s coming.”
“Cass!” A loud voice said, one he thought he recognized. “Cassio Vale, are you in here!”
“One second!” Cass yelled back. Shouldering his bag, he instinctively kissed the top of Bella’s snout, then stepped out of the stall, Adya right behind him. Kara was waiting for him when he got out, and she looked beyond frightened.
“There you are! You need to come quick, something’s happened.”
“What? Kara, what’s wrong?”
“Guild Master Hollis has been stabbed! He’s paralyzed!”
[Tier 1 Message Quest]
Assignment: Deliver the Gratitude
You should mark this moment for acknowledgement. Something went right, or someone made it less wrong, and you haven’t said anything yet.
Your Task: Choose one person who made a real impact on you this month. They may not know they did.
Step 1: Write them a message. Not a wall of praise. Just a clear, specific, honest thank you. No jokes. No disclaimers.
Step 2: Deliver it directly: by hand, by text, by voice, by old envelope. It must reach them. It must be received.
Completion Condition: Thanks given clearly. Message sent. No response required.
Timeframe: 1 week
Reward: 6 XP
Make people know how much they matter to you.
—
J.D. Mullenary Sr. The Original QuestWright