My first thought on waking, was that I was happy. Not so much because I was living the life of a king (although I wasn't complaining about that), but because I had a reason for living: a mission. It was such a different feeling, having a purpose in life, to waiting around for the COVID restrictions to end. While Greyland was starting in a very difficult situation, I believed I could turn it around.577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVY3B4Kh9NC
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For a start, I had to ramp up iron production and correct my earlier mistake. As my first action, I assigned the realm's three iron ingots to the Smithy for more steel pickaxes.577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6nriHdc3F
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Crucial to my success in this world would be my personal character progression. With some anxiety I called up my character sheet to see if I'd managed to improve it by my efforts of the previous day.577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSKSg4UWUm
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Sean de Courcy, king of Greyland577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cm5dUjXsW
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Str 7577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2FePp3OUJ
Dex 4577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wDN8aOB1J
Con 8577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFfYfbjzZb
Int 16577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZfi5MIZFd
Wis 16577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNx139pgTvE
Cha 4577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCZ6IMgcLo
577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDhZ3vVRgN
Please choose a character archetype:577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PX8VgzhSD
Fighter; Wizard; Healer; Scout577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPi0hnYH91
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Of course, neither my Strength of Constitution had shifted. I sighed to myself. How many more days of exercise would it take to test whether those stats would rise? Should I give it a week and then give in and choose a Wizard or Healer path? The people who had summoned me here wanted a battlefield leader and my own desire led me to want to be a martial class of some sort. But it would be idiotic to aim for that if I was stuck with these stats.577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvHxOPehs8
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Then I noticed the final attribute, Charisma. It had gone from 3 to 4. Yes! Yes! And again Yes!577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJhBmQvNFx
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Stats could be worked on. A glow of pleasure rushed through me. Okay, so it wasn't a Fighter stat that had moved, but really, after one day, even if I had focused on Strength, I could hardly have expected to see progress. I had a hunch that the reason I'd seen Charisma move was that it was a lot easier to raise a 3 to a 4 than a 7 to an 8.577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZwNBa7SAg
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Following that last thought, I had to admit to myself that it might take months to move Strength to something useful in battle, but even so I decided to take the risk and commit to Fighter. It was time to get going. I missed being the most bad-ass warrior in Storm Wars and couldn't even imagine what it would feel like to be on top of the game be like in a world where it really mattered? Still, it was pointless, counterproductive even, to daydream. There was a mountain to climb. And I hadn't even taken one step yet towards the summit.577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjAxrX4HIJ
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I selected Fighter and got a message:577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ImjsgBUEv
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Welcome Sean de Courcy, to the path of the Fighter. You have chosen to stand toe to toe with your foes, dealing blows to them and evading their own attempts to harm you. It is a path for the brave and for the resolute. If you are fortunate and progress, in due course you will unlock specialisations within the Fighter class.577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7VzsCZEIU
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You will also unlock new skills by discovering them through action. For now, you have 10 skill points to assign among the following:577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYB45WYbw1Q
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Bash: action, shield users only, additional attack with shield577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5erEW41Id
Block: passive, shield users only, wards melee attacks if successful577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4P1pK4Yl1s
Deflect: passive, shield users only, wards missile attacks if successful577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRImQ72Qd04
Defensive Stance: passive, reduces damage of hits received if successful577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNd8cPZUEEX
Dodge: passive, avoid an opponent's attack577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkZN9rYiWA
Grapple: action, unarmed attack that restricts opponent if successful577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIEdTHWcPt
Lunge: action, pointed weapons only, additional attack at up to +1m range577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOo4HP6V2XO
Parry: passive, intercept your opponent's attack with your main hand weapon577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7mLoxM6cd
Quick draw: action, produce hidden or sheathed weapon577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvq9K325Ql
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Quite a lot to think about there. And I had to make my choice right away, as the screen couldn't be flicked away in the usual fashion. Generally, I preferred a min-max approach to RPG gaming. It was usually better to be really good at one skill and adapt your strategy to that skill than to have no particular specialism and be somewhat competent at everything. Ideally, I would have had a taste of fighting before make my choice, so as to get a feel for what would be the best skill to invest in. Here, though, there was going to be a lot of guesswork.577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3XY3ykwXf
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On the assumption I'd have the support of the high level people who had summoned me, I decided I should focus on attack rather than defence. Back in Storm Wars defence was crucial but here, at the low levels at least, I felt it best to try to rack up experience fast through killing mobs. Lunge appealed most, surely an extra attack and a bit more range on an attack was going to prove useful? When I tried to put my ten points into the skill, however, I got a message.577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoyy2ZDyjN
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Skills are capped at Level x 5577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTLIkKjAVV
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Adding 5 points to Lunge worked. So for my other choice? Was I going to use a shield? Probably but not necessarily. I didn't know what weapons were going to be available to me here. Parry then. While Quick draw had its appeal, it was very situational. Whereas pretty much every fight I was in would involve the opportunity to parry.577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFc3gGbBbn
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My character sheet now had my class and skills, also, an EXP bar, showing that I needed 100 to get to Level 2 and HP. I had hit points! Not many though. And an armour class that at 0 probably reflected the fact that I had no armour on at all. Even if I did, that poor Dexterity score probably carried a penalty.577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsWqhsIPRW
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Sean de Courcy, king of Greyland577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8y5FFDyGG
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Fighter, Level 1 HP 8 AC 0577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukCU8JFaB3
577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLD3XNdlUjq
Str 7577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUoZ3EfjSg
Dex 4577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLk7Tb112u
Con 8577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVFOw8xVmZ
Int 16577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIcUe08bde
Wis 16577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXznwbyhKVM
Cha 4577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgSNiZx5s7
577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcvzbRvLbW
Lunge 5577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MRkrBu5mn
Parry 5577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfGPnj61Uw
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Exp 5/100577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVzeDt6BzL
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With the help of the PCs in Greyland, I should be able to level up fast.577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFuc43qsZt
577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3BbzR8MrO
If it wasn't for my heavy body, I'd have leapt out of bed with a spring in my step and an eager desire to get going. As it was, I had to lever myself up and then struggle with every single garment before managing to get dressed. It didn't help that I ached all over from yesterday's marching around the barracks square. At last, I was presentable and down I went to breakfast.577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3x9zyxNf2O
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Today, the castle servants were ready for me and along with a glass of apple juice was a bowl with more apples and a plate with two poached eggs. I felt desperately hungry and was tempted, when a new servant tentatively approached, to ask for more. But I had to get down to a size where armour could fit me and a horse could carry me. So I had to diet. End of. Back home, I had sometimes tried to cut out unhealthy snacks, and managed for a while, before invariably returning to them and sometimes bingeing while hooked up to Storm Wars. Here, I felt differently. Here, getting the king's body into shape was just as important as levelling up and sorting out Greyland's food supply. There was no 'Will I? Won't I?' discussion to be had with myself. It had to be done.577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJJjoWXhJS
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After breakfast, I left the keep and walked slowly in the direction of the barracks. The citizens of the town hurried away from me or redoubled their efforts if they were working. For the first time, I noticed that stored away in the shadowy corner of a large cobbled square was a gibbet and a chopping block. Had my predecessor really executed people by hanging and beheadings? It was not a question I could ask anyone except one of the three who had been there at the summoning.577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMHhHBWgbD
577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABj1BGj5Wr
The soldiers were already drilling when I got to the barracks and I was pleased to see archers firing at straw scarecrows. Thirteen, fourteen… yet fifteen. Those were my new recruits. It might have been a dumb move using up all my iron before the steel pickaxes were completed but I was glad to see the archers all the same.577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ717JC0P8xh
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Carradock was there, marching some foot soldiers back and forth. He passed the duty to one of the men and came over at a brisk walk on seeing me.577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1oxFPgcyUR
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'How are you today sire? Able to continue?'577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZ7P8r93wh
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'Stiff, but yes.'577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEO2Qtjc80n
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'I suggest another march then. Sixty circuits.'577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRQAVXH4qr
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'Right so. Before I set off, I've a question you might know the answer to.'577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnx2YGoZYzO
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He looked at me expectantly.577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcY85GrYza
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'I just learned the Lunge skill. Do you know how I utilise it?'577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLtrCeBENi
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Surprise, then caution crossed the trainer's face. 'Not I sire. Skills like what you're talking about are special. You need to talk to someone like Lord Arval.'577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0TvnnCIdY
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'Good idea. Send someone to fetch him will you.' As was my nature, I almost added 'please', but no doubt that would be taking my change in character too far.577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GvkDwWNjc
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On lap six, Lord Arval fell in step. 'Sire?'577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35BGzwhXGZ
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'Two questions.' I already felt the need to be economical with my breath. 'Active skills like Lunge, how do I use them? And what's the quickest way for me to level up? Got some giant bats I can kill?'577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFo5gF6QVa
577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76BtAGNTbG
'Skills? You'll see them as selectable icons when the right conditions are met. I mean when timers are ready; or the right weapon is in hand; or you've moved yourself into the right position. Skills are very experiential. You get to discover them and advance them mostly by practice.'577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszOyhRMXSP
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I nodded, hands swinging like pendulum weights as I strode determinedly around the square.577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfBcgTNw3V
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Lord Arval kept pace effortlessly. 'For levelling up, I think quests. Without access to the menus I can't be exact, but I felt that just by performing chores for the townspeople I became significantly stronger. Perhaps reaching level three or four.' He gave me a sharp look. 'It helps with your reputation with them too.'577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGBCw4KaYw
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'Good. I'll be done here by midday, come with me this afternoon and show me these quests.'577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdMEhFMnZn
577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVQd9ZObBS
First checking no one was close enough to overhear us, Lord Arval leaned closer and dropped his voice. 'I'd never disagree with a command of yours, but I was intending to take the new archers down to Three-Ways Fort and check on our defences. I could ask Carlena to show you the easiest town quests?'577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYY30EcbYQY
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I caught his – grey – eyes and gave the slightest of nods.577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMwylBbpHU
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'Very good sire,' Lord Arval spoke loudly and deferentially. 'As you ask, so it will be.'577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMvW5ZcSQQ
577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYP8rFplEE
The laps today were a little easier and even a soft rain didn't deter me. Walking was good for studying the menus too and I drilled down into the kingdom's various options, reading up on descriptions of buildings and balancing their various benefits against the immediate need to solve our food problem and be able to resist an attack if Southway and Trolland continued their alliance.577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVC7ljw2yj
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After I finally completed my sixty laps, I took a salute from Carradock and went back to the keep for a bath and change of clothes. Then I sat in the very large throne in the large hall on the second floor, the solar they called it. Outside, beyond the lead crosses that contained the window glass, the day was still grey. I could have rested there, alone, for some time, but Carlena arrived and waving away the servants who had brought her to me, came over.577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvif2ghTW7u
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'You wanted me to help with quests?'577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVOrQHfe82
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'Yes please. I've started as a Fighter but, honestly, I'm not in the shape to hit things yet. So quests are perfect. And Lord Arval said they would level me fast.'577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpdvk8oQt6
577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuKwzJMudm
'Yes, they will. At least, they got me to my third spell. After that, you'll need to battle monsters. Also, your combat skills won't increase unless you do.'577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XNkcFzuJu
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'Right so, let's go and do some quests.' It was painful, moving again after being seated for a while. But pain meant gain, right? And I had the incentive of levelling up to encourage me.577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbu92oU0Jge
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'It's been a while since I did these…' She looked thoughtful, long, silver hair tied back so I could see her severe face clearly. 'And try to be more like King Carlos. Everyone is talking about you. About how you've changed.'577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnh5t9hnJ0
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'He was a thug, right?'577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNWZ0oHLvf
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'More of a sly creature, like a fox. Watching and waiting … then punishing. Never trusting anyone. You didn't know where you were with him. Not even me, who – forgive the lack of modesty – is the most important person in the kingdom. There was a time when I thought he was going to hang me for treason. Even though that would mean no sorcerer for our battles.'577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ188iXsEhUV
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Having reached the large, double doors Carlena went silent and waited for me to lead her out. From just behind my right shoulder, she muttered directions as we walked down narrow cobbled streets until we came to a bakery.577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI45OjCKguI
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'In there is a female baker who needs a large rat killed.'577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWuGRjINbt
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I barged in, under the swinging sign of a loaf of bread. My bulky body made a small room feel even smaller: counter with several loaves; bare planks for floors; whitewashed walls; back room with an aroma of newly baked bread that made my mouth water.577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBS2VQaEj1
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A boy, about ten years old, was sweeping dust. His mouth dropped open. A thin woman behind the counter looked at me with pure horror, then said quietly, 'Miya bless me!'577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcSeLyom87
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'I believe you have a problem with a rat?'577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1820Yi4O3D
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No one moved or spoke, until the boy dropped his brush and ran. Then the woman did the same.577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwHJxPCwWV
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'Guards!' yelled Carlena. When two soldiers came running, she instructed them to bring the baker back.577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlqefKOzgw
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Feeling impatient, I tried to strum my thick fingers on the wooden counter top, but couldn't, they just thumped down in a group. My crappy Dexterity? Or simply lack of practice with this body?577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuMBHF2Ivt
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At last the guards returned, holding the woman between them. She was clearly terrified and I would have said something comforting, except that Carlena wanted me to stay in character.577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9XIOFn4TF
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'You have a task?' I asked.577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzs0ASMw4Md
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'But…' she was looking at the floor. 'But… you've already done it.'577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsFqNSPu6n
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I shot a glance of alarm at Carlena who remained perfectly impassive. No doubt for the benefit of the guards.577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIaMDMFXigv
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'Give it to me again.'577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡveddYR6nxG
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'I can't sire, I really can't. Please don't kill me, I have three children.'577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAX8imDQ30
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'Just try. Just say the words. I'm sure it will work. Go ahead!'577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXjiBP3PUb
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But she couldn't. Her mouth opened and closed without a sound coming out. Tears ran down her face.577Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWpzcC6hf8
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Exasperated and not wanting to cause the baker to suffer any further, I strode back outside, took a second to orientate myself, and set off back toward the keep. Levelling up was going to require a rethink.
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