Scar 0 Posted yesterday at 03:42 AM #1 Share Posted yesterday at 03:42 AM (edited) Post Action: Talking to Maggie — Jack pushed open the tavern door, and a wave of warmth hit him like a friendly shove. The smell inside was impossible to ignore: roasting meat, sizzling onions, fresh herbs, and a faint sweetness that teased his curiosity, and his stomach, simultaneously. He froze in the doorway, taking in the cozy chaos. Wooden tables gleamed under the soft afternoon sunlight filtering through the windows. Patrons murmured quietly over mugs of ale, the occasional laugh punctuating their conversation. From the kitchen came the rhythmic clatter of knives, the hiss of a hot pan, and the faint whiff of something baking, something sugary. "Hi hun!" A cheerful voice called out, slicing through the din of the room. Jack's head snapped toward it. A woman, middle-aged but lively, poked her blonde head out from the kitchen. Her amber eyes sparkled like polished honey, and her warm smile seemed tor each across the tavern like sunlight. "We've got a bunch of different meals in the works, so what is that you're hungry for?" Jack shifted his weight from one foot to the other, suddenly feeling very conspicuous. He had faced monsters, dodged arrows, and navigated countless dungeons, but standing here, in a tavern, talking about cooking, made him feel.. strangely exposed. Taking a deep breath, he said, "I want someone to teach me how to cook." The woman's face lit up instantly. "Oh, my goodness, I would just love to teach you my favorite recipes. Unfortunately, today's lunch wiped out most of our ingredients. If it isn't too much of a bother, would you mind picking up a few things?" Jack nodded, reaching for the small list she handed him. It was neatly folded, the handwriting careful and precise. He tucked it into his pocket and felt a mixture of curiosity and anticipation stir in his chest. Simple enough.. Stepping back outside, the sunlight seemed almost sharper, the world more vibrant than before. Leaves rustled gently in the breeze, birds called to one another in bursts of song, and the distant chatter of townsfolk preparing for the afternoon market carried faintly on the wind. The thrill of adventure was still there, but quieter, subtler. No monsters, no swords, no armor, just materials to collect. Somehow, that made his pulse quicken in a new way. Jack adjusted the strap of his pack and looked at the path leading toward the grove she had mentioned. Each step felt oddly significant, a small test of focus and patience. He realized that this quest, gathering materials, learning to cook, creating something with his own hands, might challenge him in ways he hadn’t expected. There were no battles here, but there was still a kind of discipline, a careful attention to detail, and a small thrill in discovery. With a deep breath, Jack set off toward the first area where the materials could be found, letting the sounds of the village, the soft rustle of leaves, and the faint, homely aroma of the tavern linger in his mind. This was a different kind of adventure, one that promised rewards of a quieter, but no less satisfying, sort. * * * PT: Unspent SP: 35 SP Removed | Katana R5 --> +30 SP Removed | Cloth Armor R5 --> +30 SP Added | Keen Sight R5 --> -25 SP; +10 LD Added | Discerning R7 --> -70 SP; +7 CD; +7 LD Spoiler Level 32: HP: 640/640 | EN: 102/102 | DMG: 1 | BH: 7 | LD: 24 | CD: 9 | True Tier: 4 skills Spoiler | skills mod count: 0/5 KEEN SIGHT | RANK 5 [BASE: Proficiency] +10 LD DISCERNING | RANK 9 [BASE: Proficiency] +9 CD; +9 LD ENERGIST | RANK 1/1 [BASE: Proficiency] + 20 EN BATTLE HEALING | RANK 1/5 [BASE: Proficiency] Restore 1% of MAX HP per turn. SEARCHING | RANK 5/5 [BASE: Proficiency] +5 LD; +5 SD SURVIVAL | RANK 1/1 +10% received healing. Immune to all environmental attacks/effects. | expenditure Spoiler Total SP: 160 | Spent: 157 | Unspent: 3 SKILL: Keen Sight (25) SKILL: Discerning (90) SKILL: Energist (8) SKILL: Battle Healing (4) SKILL: Searching (30) equipment Spoiler basic clothes [#000000] | TIERLESS | VANITY [desc.]: What every new adventurer wears. basic leggings [#000000] | TIERLESS | VANITY [desc.]: What every new adventurer wears. WC: 518 Edited yesterday at 08:34 AM by Scar Link to post Share on other sites
Scar 0 Posted yesterday at 08:23 AM Author #2 Share Posted yesterday at 08:23 AM (edited) Post Action: Gathering materials for Maggie (2/5) — Jack stepped onto the sun-drenched plains, the tavern now a faint warmth behind him, replaced by the vast openness of rolling grasslands stretching toward the horizon. A gentle breeze tugged at his coat, carrying the faint scent of wildflowers, fresh grass, and distant soil turned rich and dark by the morning sun. The plains were alive with quiet movement: birds calling to one another, insects buzzing in the tall grass, and the occasional rustle hinting at small creatures hidden among the greenery. He adjusted the strap of his pack and studied the landscape. No monsters, no traps, no danger, at least not of the usual variety. Just materials to collect, and a quiet, open space that demanded his attention. Simple enough, Jack thought, letting the tension in his shoulders ease. Patience, observation, and a steady hand. That’s all this requires. Jack knelt near a cluster of plants swaying gently in the breeze. The first materials were easy enough to spot: leaves, stalks, and blooms that seemed to glimmer with vitality in the sunlight. He examined each one carefully before gathering it, making sure not to disturb the roots or damage anything. The scent of fresh green filled the air as he worked, sharp and earthy, and he inhaled deeply, letting it ground him. The rhythm of the work was oddly meditative, the motion of bending, picking, and storing each piece settling a calmness over him that he rarely felt outside a battle. After a few minutes, he had gathered his first material. A small rush of satisfaction coursed through him. One down, four to go, he reminded himself. As he adjusted his pack, his eyes caught sight of another patch of unusual plants nearby, their leaves shimmering faintly in the sunlight. Curiosity tugged at him, and he approached carefully. Gently, he picked a small portion, realizing that this could serve as an additional material. A quiet thrill ran through him; even though it wasn’t required, finding more than he expected felt like a small personal victory. Now with two materials in his pack, Jack looked across the wide expanse of the plains. The remaining three pieces of the puzzle lay somewhere out there, hidden among the rolling grass, wildflowers, and scattered rocks. He scanned the horizon, plotting where to search next. The openness was deceptively simple, it required focus, patience, and careful observation to spot what might otherwise blend into the scenery. Jack took a deep breath and began walking toward a distant rise, letting his senses absorb the gentle sounds and subtle scents of the plains. The swaying grass brushed against his legs, and the sun beat pleasantly down on his shoulders. Each step was deliberate, each glance a search for the next clue, the next hidden material. He felt a quiet satisfaction in the challenge, not one of swords or spells, but of observation, awareness, and persistence. Somewhere beyond the next hill, Jack knew the remaining materials awaited. This task was simple, yet it carried its own small thrill, a sense of discovery that he hadn’t expected. With a small smile, he adjusted his pack and continued forward, ready to see what the plains would reveal next. * * * Spoiler foraging. ID: 256799 | LD: 11+24= 35 | CD: 9+7= 16 | Success; bonus material! +16 EXP; +2 materials WC: 529 Edited yesterday at 09:31 AM by Scar Link to post Share on other sites
Scar 0 Posted yesterday at 08:35 AM Author #3 Share Posted yesterday at 08:35 AM (edited) Post Action: Gathering materials for Maggie (4/5) — Jack scanned the horizon, letting his eyes roam over the gentle waves of grass, the occasional clusters of wildflowers, and the scattered stones that dotted the plains. The sun hung high, warm but not oppressive, and a light breeze carried the scent of earth and wild growth. Each step was deliberate, each glance a careful search for something out of the ordinary. After all, the plains were wide and open, but the materials he needed weren’t going to announce themselves, they required attention, patience, and a little luck. He moved toward a small rise in the distance, where the grass grew slightly taller and more tangled. The subtle shift in color caught his eye: a faint shimmer amid the green, almost like sunlight dancing on a hidden surface. Jack crouched, brushing his fingers through the blades of grass. There it was, a plant unlike any he’d seen before. Its leaves were sturdy yet delicate, the stems nodding slightly under the breeze. Carefully, he plucked a portion, examining it briefly before tucking it safely into his pack. One more of the materials accounted for. Jack leaned back for a moment, letting the gentle wind soothe his rising excitement. He had expected this task to be simple, almost mundane, but each find brought its own thrill. The rhythm of scanning, bending, picking, and storing was oddly satisfying, almost meditative. And just as he prepared to move on, his attention was drawn to a small cluster of silvery-green leaves nearby, partially hidden behind a larger bush. Curiosity tugged him forward. Jack knelt, brushing aside stray blades of grass, and discovered the plant fully: a variety he hadn’t noticed before, its leaves shimmering faintly as if dusted with morning frost. He hesitated for a split second, then carefully gathered a few stems. Though not explicitly required, it could serve as an additional material, another small reward for his observation and diligence. His pack now held four materials, and a quiet satisfaction filled him: two required, one bonus from earlier, and this new bonus. The plains around him were alive with subtle movement. A flock of small birds lifted from the grass, startled by his presence, and a distant rabbit darted into cover. Jack’s eyes lingered on the horizon, scanning for the remaining material he still needed. The openness that had seemed so peaceful moments ago now felt like a gentle challenge: he needed patience, attentiveness, and a willingness to explore. Each small success reinforced the idea that adventure didn’t always have to be dangerous to be rewarding. Jack paused again, leaning on his knees to catch his breath and adjust his pack. The weight of the four gathered materials was comforting, a tangible sign of progress. He let himself take a moment to enjoy the breeze, the warm sunlight, and the quiet music of the plains, the soft rustle of grass, the distant calls of birds, and the faint whisper of wind over the land. A small smile tugged at his lips. This was different from any battle he had fought, any dungeon he had cleared. It was quieter, slower, and yet it demanded a different sort of skill: observation, patience, and care. With renewed focus, he rose and started moving toward a distant patch of low shrubs, the last stretch of his journey for today’s gathering. The plains stretched on, golden waves of grass rolling gently under the sun, and somewhere among them awaited the final material, and perhaps even another surprise, if he was lucky. Jack straightened his shoulders, adjusting the strap of his pack. Four materials now, and a sense of quiet pride settled over him. He could feel the rhythm of the plains, the pulse of life in every blade of grass and rustling leaf. With one more push, he thought, he could complete his task, or maybe even stumble upon yet another bonus. * * * Spoiler foraging. ID: 256800 | LD: 12+24=36 | CD: 3+7= 10 | Success; bonus material! +16 EXP; +2 materials WC: 644 Edited yesterday at 10:15 AM by Scar Link to post Share on other sites
Scar 0 Posted 15 hours ago Author #4 Share Posted 15 hours ago (edited) Post Action: Gathering materials for Maggie (5/5) — The wind had grown cooler as the sun began its slow drift across the sky. The once-bright light mellowed into gold, brushing the plains in warmth and long, dancing shadows. Jack's footsteps left faint impressions in the grass behind him, a wandering trail that marked his quiet progress through the open land. Four materials now rested safely in his inventory, each one a small victory of patience and luck. All that remained was the last piece. He moved further from the main path, toward a patch of uneven ground where the grass thinned into rougher soil. The change in terrain caught his attention, the dirt here was darker, richer, and the air carried a faint, earthy scent. Jack crouched and sifted through the sparse vegetation, fingers brushing over loose soil, stones, and dry stems. His focus sharpened. This was the sort of place where something unusual might grow. A flicker of color caught his eye, a muted orange tucked between two small stones. Jack leaned closer, brushing the grass aside to reveal a plant with sturdy, spiked leaves and a cluster of bright, waxy bulbs at its base. It looked resilient, thriving in the harsher soil where softer plants had given up. He smiled faintly at that. Carefully, he worked the plant free, brushing off the excess dirt before slipping it into his pack alongside the others. That was it. The last one. Jack straightened slowly, rolling his shoulders and exhaling through his nose. The tension he hadn't realized he'd been carrying melted away. For the first time since he stepped into the plains, he wasn't searching, he was finished. The realization brought a small wave of relief, followed by a quiet pride. He looked into his inventory and then out across the open expanse around him. The plains stretched endlessly, shifting hues under the evening sun, green fading into gold, gold into a deep, mellow amber. The horizon rippled gently, broken only by a few scattered trees and the distant shimmer of water reflecting the sky. It was beautiful in its simplicity, untouched and alive. Jack took a slow breath, letting the air fill his lungs. There was something grounding about it, the scent of grass, soil, and the faint sweetness of wildflowers carried on the wind. For a moment, he just stood there, taking it all in. The plains weren't loud or dramatic like the dungeons or towns he'd seen before. They didn't need to be. Their beauty lay in the quiet rhythm of life that persisted here, the whisper of wind through the stalks, the call of birds overhead, the hum of insects hidden among the blades. He found himself thinking of Maggie and her tavern, the warmth of the kitchen, and the aroma that had pulled him in. Soon, he'd return with everything she needed to teach him how to cook. It was strange, he hadn't expected this small errand to feel like an adventure, but it did. Not the kind marked by danger or combat, but one defined by patience, care, and discovery. Jack adjusted the strap of his pack, the weight of the gathered materials steady against his back. The wind tugged at his coat as he turned toward the distant outline of the town. He didn't move yet. Instead, he lingered, eyes tracing the horizon one last time. The plains glowed under the soft, late-day light, endless, calm, and quietly alive. For the first time since arriving in this world, Jack allowed himself to simply stand still and appreciate it. No quests. No fights. Just the world, vast and open before him. He smiled faintly, a small, content expression that came naturally for once. Then, with a slow breath and a final glance over his shoulder, he began the walk back toward Maggie's tavern. The gathering was done. The real lesson, whatever that might mean, was about to begin. * * * Spoiler foraging. ID: - | LD: 4+24= 28 | CD: 1 | Success! +8 EXP; +1 material WC: 646 Edited 14 hours ago by Scar Link to post Share on other sites
Scar 0 Posted 12 hours ago Author #5 Share Posted 12 hours ago Jack trudged through the golden grass of the plains, his pack a comforting weight against his shoulders. The sun had begun its slow descent, painting the sky in streaks of soft orange, pale pink, and muted lavender. Each blade of grass caught the light differently, casting a gentle shimmer across the rolling hills. He slowed his pace, letting the world open up around him, taking in the quiet spectacle. The breeze tugged at his coat and lifted loose strands of hair across his face, carrying the earthy scents of the plains, warm soil, wildflowers, and the faint tang of distant water. Jack tilted his head back, letting the wind brush over him, and felt a rare, unhurried sense of peace. The plains had a rhythm of their own, soft and steady, and for a while he let himself fall into it, matching the pace of his steps to the sway of the tall grass. Here and there, small bursts of life caught his eye. A family of birds darted through the air, weaving between the hills and disappearing behind a cluster of shrubs. A rabbit paused mid-hop, ears twitching as it studied him, then bounded off into the undergrowth. Even the insects seemed to move with purpose, skipping across flowers and grass blades in delicate, erratic patterns. Jack found himself smiling at the tiny choreography of the world, the way each living thing followed its own simple rules, unaware of the broader concerns that so often consumed him. He paused on the crest of a small hill, looking back over the path he had taken. The plains stretched endlessly, a rolling tapestry of gold and green, softened by the late-day light. Shadows lengthened and shifted with the sun's angle, highlighting dips and rises in the terrain that had seemed uniform from a distance. Jack squinted, appreciating the subtle variations, the way the light played across the grass, the occasional shimmer of dew clinging to the stems, the gentle ripple of wind like waves frozen in time. His thoughts drifted briefly to Maggie, the tavern, and the kitchen where the scents of cooking had first drawn him in. Soon he would return with the materials, and that strange, domestic adventure would begin. But for now, he allowed himself to linger in this quiet space, to breathe in the expanse and feel the simplicity of the world around him. There was a satisfaction in it, a reminder that not all progress required conflict or danger. Some victories came quietly, in patience and observation. Jack stepped carefully down the slope, letting his gaze sweep over the plains again. Each step seemed to carry him farther not just across the land, but into a kind of stillness he rarely experienced. The horizon stretched endlessly, the sky gradually darkening at the edges, turning the clouds into shades of soft violet and amber. The distant hills seemed to hum with life, their contours softened by the evening light. Jack imagined that if he stayed long enough, he might see the stars begin to appear, one by one, like tiny pinpricks in a vast canvas. For a long moment, he simply walked, letting his eyes drift over the scene, letting the wind, the colors, and the quiet fill his senses. This was a rare kind of adventure, one without immediate stakes or enemies, but no less rewarding. He felt it settle into him, a memory that would linger even after he returned to the familiar warmth of Maggie's tavern. Finally, the outline of the village came into view, the familiar shapes of rooftops and chimneys rising above the distant trees. Jack's pace quickened slightly, but he didn't rush. One last glance at the plains behind him, one last inhale of the wind and the scents, and he carried the tranquility of the open land with him as he began the walk toward Maggie's door. * * * WC: 647 Link to post Share on other sites
Scar 0 Posted 11 hours ago Author #6 Share Posted 11 hours ago (edited) Post Action: Crafting an item with Maggie's guidance — Jack stepped into the warmth of Maggie's tavern, the aroma of fresh bread, roasting meat, and sweet spices wrapping around him like a soft blanket. Sunlight streamed through the windows, glinting off copper pans and casting golden highlights across the polished wooden tables. Maggie's face brightened immediately as she spotted him entering, her hands flour-dusted and eyes shining. "Well, you're back! And with materials in tow, I see," she said, gesturing for him to set his pack down. Jack complied, carefully arranging the gathered items on the kitchen counter. The familiar clang of pans and the gentle hiss of a hot stove filled the room, creating a cozy, rhythmic backdrop to the task ahead. "Alright, hun," Maggie said, wiping her hands on her apron, "We're going to make something small and simple first. It's a snack I like to serve with tea, but it's a good test of your technique. You follow my lead, and I'll guide you every step of the way." Jack nodded, his eyes tracing her movements as she demonstrated. He observed the motions carefully: measuring, mixing, folding, and sprinkling, each step precise yet fluid. Maggie had a natural rhythm, a way of turning even the simplest tasks into something almost mesmerizing to watch. Jack mimicked her slowly, following her instructions to the letter. Once the mixture was ready, Maggie handed him a small tray. "Now shape them carefully," she said. "Bite-sized, hun. Even, round, and gentle on the hands." Jack bent over the tray, rolling the mixture between his palms. It was sticky and warm, and a faint sugary aroma clung to his fingers. His first few attempts were slightly uneven, but with Maggie's gentle corrections, the shapes began to look uniform, golden and inviting. She sprinkled a touch of sugar dust over the top, which caught the light and sparkled faintly, giving each snack a magical, delicate shimmer. Finally, the small caramel-colored treats were arranged neatly on the tray. Jack set them down carefully, stepping back to admire his handiwork. The snack looked simple, but in its sweet, crunchy, slightly nutty composition, it carried a quiet perfection that made him proud. Maggie took one, her eyes closing as she bit down. A soft hum of satisfaction escaped her lips, filling the kitchen with warmth. Jack watched her, heartened by the reaction. "Keep this up," she finally declared, opening her eyes to meet his, "And you're going to put me out of business!" Jack laughed quietly, a mix of relief and pride. It wasn't just that he had successfully crafted the snack, it was that he had learned something entirely new, something that required patience, focus, and care. The adventure of the plains, the search for materials, and the rhythm of Maggie's instructions had all led to this small victory. He tasted one himself, the sweetness and crunch of combining perfectly, a faint hint of nutty flavor lingering on his tongue. It was a small thing, but it carried the satisfaction of effort and discovery. Jack straightened, feeling the quiet glow of accomplishment settle over him. The journey of gathering and crafting, simple as it seemed, had proven that adventure didn't always have to be dangerous or chaotic to be meaningful. And in that warm kitchen, with sunlight catching the golden sugar dust, he realized that even small victories could feel extraordinary. * * * Scar obtained Golden Krackle Bites golden krackle bites. | [#256863] | TIER 1 SNACK | PROSPERITY III [desc.]: A sweet crunch that makes every Col feel heavier. Spoiler cooking. ID: 256863 | CD: 8+7= 15 | Success WC: 556 Edited 3 hours ago by Scar Link to post Share on other sites
Scar 0 Posted 1 hour ago Author #7 Share Posted 1 hour ago The tavern door closed softly behind him, and the sounds of the kitchen faded into the quiet rhythm of the street outside. The evening had deepened while he and Maggie worked, the light now soft and amber, spilling across cobblestones in long, honey-colored streaks. The air smelled faintly of baked bread and sweet spice, the lingering memory of his first successful attempt at cooking. Jack paused just beyond the doorway, glancing down at his hands. A fine dusting of sugar still clung to his fingers, glittering faintly in the fading light. He rubbed his thumb against his palm, the granules catching slightly, before brushing them away with a quiet chuckle. "Guess that's one way to mark progress," he murmured under his breath. He took a slow breath and started walking. The streets were calm at this hour, the last of the merchants packing up their stalls, the faint chatter of townsfolk drifting from open windows. Every so often, the scent of dinner, roasting meat, simmering soup, the crisp aroma of fresh bread, rose from a nearby home and mingled with the cool evening air. It reminded him of Maggie's kitchen: the warmth, the laughter, the clatter of pans, and the steady rhythm of her voice guiding him through each step. Cooking, he realized, wasn't unlike fighting, both demanded precision, awareness, and rhythm. But where combat burned hot and fast, cooking demanded patience. Every motion was deliberate, every mistake a chance to learn rather than survive. The difference made him smile. Maybe that was what drew him in, the contrast, the quiet challenge in creating rather than destroying. He stopped near the edge of town, where the open plains stretched out before him once again. The sky was painted in deep purples and muted golds, streaks of twilight brushing the horizon. Fireflies had begun to stir in the tall grass, their lights blinking softly, a silent chorus against the darkening world. Jack stood still, letting the cool air brush against his face. The plains looked different now. Earlier that day, they had been a place of searching and effort; now, they seemed calm, almost grateful. Maybe it was just his mind framing it that way, but he liked to think every adventure, no matter how small, left an imprint on the world. He reached into his pack and pulled out one of the leftover snacks he and Maggie had made. The caramel-colored treat caught the faint starlight, a soft sparkle of golden sugar dust glinting across its surface. Jack bit into it slowly. The sweetness spread through his mouth, warm, crunchy, a hint of nutty flavor beneath the sugar, and for a moment, everything felt still. He smiled faintly, a quiet satisfaction settling in his chest. The task had begun as just another quest, gather materials, craft an item, earn a skill. But somehow, it had become something more. A moment of peace. A reminder that not every path needed to be paved in danger to be worth walking. As the last light faded behind the hills, Jack tucked the remaining snack back into his pack and started toward the main road. The warmth of Maggie's words lingered in his thoughts, the praise still echoing in her voice: "Keep this up, and you’re going to put me out of business." He chuckled softly to himself as he walked, his coat shifting with the wind, the plains stretching quietly in the distance. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, new stories, but tonight, he carried the sweet taste of accomplishment and the quiet joy of creation. For the first time in a while, Jack didn't feel like he was chasing something. He had simply found it. * * * WC: 612 Thread Closed: Scar | [Word Count: 4152/5 = 830.4] * [True Tier: 4] * [Group Factor: 1] = 3321 EXP [quest.] 300 Experience Points «Cook» Profession ID: 256883 | Golden Krackle Bites Standard «Cook» Shop 5 Materials [summary.] 3321 + 300 = 3621 EXP «Cook» Profession ID: 256883 | Golden Krackle Bites Standard «Cook» Shop 5 Materials Link to post Share on other sites
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