Vladimir laughed a deep booming laugh, “It is part of you now. Do you not know how maps work?”
Alburet mentally asked for his map and it appeared in his hand. “I get it now, just wasn’t expecting it.” He willed it away and it vanished, “I will of course bring anything of similar value to you first, Vladimir. Have a good day and a wonderful night.”
As he exited to the street after the assistant showed him out he found the sun waning. He checked his map and headed off to finally see his trainer with a jaunty whistle as he walked. The game was really picking up, even if he was a little more geared then he should be. He still needed to sell off the junk and see about a real weapon. After he found the trainer would be soon enough he figured.
He ended up back at the inn right next to the small cemetery. He frowned, as he had been sure this would be the Necromancer hang out. Shaking his head, he went into the inn to find it fairly busy with people drinking and laughing. Raising a brow at the sheer number of people, he walked to the bar where he greeted the cadaverous bartender. “What you got here?”
The bartender looked him over before replying, “Anythin' ya could want really, minus the real exotic stuff like dwarven ale or elven wine. What ya havin'?”
“Dark ale, please.”
“Five coppers.” The bartender set the mug down with a thump and Alburet dropped ten copper coins beside it.
“Where can I find a trainer for the path of demon mastery?”
Smirking, the bartender picked up the coins and pointed out a man in a long black cloak sitting in the corner all by himself. “Talk ta Stewart, if he thinks ya worthy he’ll teach ya.”
Picking up the mug, Alburet sampled the contents and smiled at the thick, heavy taste of good dark ale. Nodding his thanks to the bartender, Alburet crossed the room to the lone man. “Stewart, might I join you for a moment? My name is Alburet.”
The person raised his hooded head, allowing Alburet to get a good look at the man’s red skin and glowing eyes. “What do you want?”
Taking the seat, Alburet took another sip of ale, “Looking for someone to train me in the path of Summoning.”
Pursing his lips Stewart sat up, really looking Alburet over. His gaze lingered on the boots before he stood with a nod, “Follow me, trainee.”
Draining the mug, Alburet left it on the table before he followed Stewart down a hallway, then down a set of stairs. They entered a cellar where Stewart produced a light crystal which he released in midair. Alburet blinked watching the crystal float by itself as he followed Stewart to the back wall. Stewart pressed a stone inwards, causing a section of wall to slide away.
Staying silent, Alburet followed Stewart into a tunnel which twisted and turned as it led them down. Eventually it came out into a huge room with the ceiling supported by columns. Each of the columns were sculpted into likenesses of undead or demons. As he marveled over the artistry, the smell of rotting flesh hit him.
Gagging slightly, Alburet held his nose as he continued to follow Stewart through the room. As they walked he noticed some people at desks poring over tomes while others ran from person to person. Ah, class training area for Summoners and Necromancers, he thought. At the far back of the room was a desk without anyone at it and Stewart slid into the chair. Next to the desk was a glowing pentagram just large enough for a person to stand on.
“Okay, would-be Summoner Alburet, what can I do for you?”
Noticing the lack of other chairs Alburet leaned against the desk. “As you can see, I’m relatively new here. I need to know what would be the best way for me to grow as well as hoping you can teach me my first ability.”
Stewart pulled his hood all the way back, revealing small horns on the top of his head. “Fresh blood, eh? Most Summoners focus on Intelligence and Wisdom with Constitution coming in a close third. As we aren't big on melee or non-magical ranged combat, we normally ignore strength and agility. Some pick up charisma, hoping that will help sway others into viewing them with less distrust and hatred. As for an ability, you have two choices right now.”
Stewart opened a book and slid it across to Alburet, “Pick either one.”
Alburet looked down at the book to see two options. Personal Spells, which would let him change the gestures and words for each of his spells to his own liking was the first choice. The second choice was a flat 10% boost to all fire based spells called Infernal Fire. Flat DPS increase versus a mostly cosmetic ability. He knew what the most likely choice would be for most people. Yet, he hesitated. The flat bonus was nice and all, but being able to customize the spells would be a different edge. It would make people pause to figure out what you were doing if you used non-standard movements and words to use your spells.
Stewart watched him curiously, as every other Summoner he had trained had quickly taken Infernal Fire, laughing at the other choice. His eyes narrowed as he watched this Summoner, who was clearly not average with the boots he was wearing.
Alburet chewed his lip before tapping the page with Personal Spells, then tapping the pop-up asking him to confirm his selection. “Well, this ought to be interesting,” Alburet chuckled as he glanced up to find Stewart watching him with interest. “Thanks for helping me out, Stewart. Can you give me any advice on where I should go hunt for the next few levels?”
Stewart smiled, “I can indeed. There is a goblin fort to the east of the city, out in the plains. The goblins should prove a challenge for you. You can get there by leaving the main gates and traveling east past the few villages that way. Or, if you have the coin you can get the portal guild to transport you to the small keep the king keeps there to stop the goblins from advancing.”
“I’ve got no money to speak of so I guess I'll have to hoof it,” Alburet said with a shrug. “Oh, where can I set my Homestone?”
“The graveyard next to the inn has a bind point. The tall obelisk is where you set it, just touch the stone to the indention there. Don't you have the gold for a simple teleport? You should have been able to pick it up in the village all adventurers start in.”
“I didn't start there, so no can do. Oh well, I just need to sell off some junk and then I’ll be on my way I guess. Does the king's fort have quests for killing the goblins?”
“Of course it does,” Stewart said, truly puzzled by this anomaly of an adventurer. “Your staff there is going to let you down though. I would suggest you stop at a shop and pick up a better weapon before you head out.”
“Will do,” Alburet said, pulling his map out, “just show me which shop you think would be best for me.”
Stewart blinked at the Traveler’s Map, “How in the Infernal Hells did you get a Traveler’s Map?”
Chuckling, Alburet shrugged, “Same place I got my boots and bag. But I'm not giving away all my secrets the first time we talk, Stewart. So, can you mark a good shop to pick up a staff appropriate for where I’m going?”
Shaking his head in disbelief, Stewart touched a shop on the map. “Grimgar's Weaponry will do fine for you. Tell Grim I sent you and he should knock 10% off his price.”
Alburet looked at the map before making it vanish, “Sounds great. Thanks again Stewart, see you later.” He turned to walk away when Stewart called out to him.
“Alburet, just step on the circle. It will take you to the graveyard.” Stewart said, pointing at the pentagram.
“Thanks again,” Alburet said with a nod and did so. He blinked at a flash of red light before his vision cleared and he found himself in the graveyard. “Handy teleport out, at least,” Alburet muttered as he walked over to the obelisk and touched his Homestone to it. “Alright, bound to the city and ready to go, shopping then the open road.”
Before he moved on he pulled up his character sheet to add his points and to check his spells. He quickly added his stat points then checked the two spells he had picked up.