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Chapter 24-1 [Aurora’s Journal: Rowan]
🕑 Added 2023-10-14 15:15:01 +0000 UTCI’m… Speechless. How can someone like Rowan have so many rare and powerful Cards? Nathaniel, sure… but Rowan? Even after Nathaniel’s mind-blowing revelation of the existence of these… Promotion Cards… the one that Rowan earned on the First Floor only had eight uses! Rowan has twentyHoly Cards and tons of Blessed Cards besides!
I’ll have to work harder if I even want to dream of catching up to these two. Nathaniel said that the ‘in-between’ after the Fifth Floor—the challenge that all Wielders must face to prove they’re worthy of moving forward—has a set of Achievements that will earn us Blessed Promotions. Pursuing those Achievements will make the challenge more difficult… but that’s alright. After what I’ve seen, it’s safe to say that I have faith in these two. As for Locke… we’ll have to see.
Still… I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous. Not just that, Nathaniel said that a minimum of five Wielders must ascend at once for the Tower to increase the ‘in-between’s’ difficulty. Rowan says not to worry, that even if the Promotions aren’t common knowledge, that most factions know that completing the higher difficulty provides better rewards; Blessed Cards, more Essence, unique Relics. He’s confident that Parties short on members will be waiting at the stairs, keeping their eyes peeled for strong Parties to ascend with.
He says stuff like that all the time. Why is he so confident? How does he know so much? I’m rambling. I need to jot down his build plan before we move to Nathaniel. His build is odd. Let’s see… he said he was structuring his Deck in a way that would allow him to get more powerful as time passes while his opponents get weaker. Something of an… assassin with Summons to shore up his weak points? Locke asked him why he wouldn’t take the toxic Summon and his answer was strange…
“Toxins are powerful, true, but there is one poison that’s much more potent than any toxin.”
After that he mumbled something about getting old and I’m sure I caught the word ‘decay’. I’m not sure what he’s planning but I’ll copy his current build down without the Cards he plans to remove once we return to the Origin Floor. He said he’d be taking out… Movement, Dash, Pierce, and Rend.
Author Note: The Cards documented below are listed at base value for their Levels and Ranks. All figures are shown without the amplifying Effects of the Origin Card or Enhancements. For those listening in, feel free to listen to Aurora’s commentary at the beginning of each of these four parts, then skip ahead to Chapter 25 if you don’t wish to sit through the current Party’s Card descriptions. Aurora has not copied down his prior life’s Origin Card but I will be including it as a reminder for those who need it.
Origin (Prior Life)
[Card Name: Origin]
[Class: Origin]
[Rank: Origin]
[Level: X]
[Description: Steals the life energy of the Wielder. This Card Levels based on the Wielder’s Life Score and does not accept Essence. Life Score is rewarded passively, trading the Wielder’s longevity for points toward the Life Score. All acts that benefit humanity reward additional points. With every Level, this Card gains a new Effect. The Wielder will be unaware of this Card’s Effects until specific conditions are met.]
[Life Score: 121,200,083,654,999]
[Effect 1: The Wielder has lived for a century, gaining vast wisdom and experience. The Wielder gains a flawless memory, allowing them to access this wealth of knowledge on command.]
[Effect 2: ???]
[Effect 3: ???]
[Effect 4: ???]
[Effect 5: ???]
[Effect 6: ???]
[Effect 7: The Wielder has removed an Anchor. For each Anchor done away with due to the Wielder’s actions, the Wielder will receive one Promotion Relic to support them in their endeavors. Each additional Anchor removed increases the quality of the Relic.]
[Effect 8: ???]
[Effect 9: ???]
[Effect 10: The Wielder has perished. The Wielder shall be returned to a time before receiving this Card with all memories intact. This is a one-time Effect. This Origin Card cannot be re-obtained, though its Effects shall persist and can still be unsealed, providing conditions are met.]
[Effect 11: ???]
Origin (Current)
[Card Name: Summoner’s Blessing]
[Class: Origin]
[Rank: Origin]
[Level: 3]
[Essence: 0/100,000]
[Description: The Wielder gains an increased affinity for Summoning.]
[Effect 1: Summons’ cooldowns are halved.]
[Effect 2: Summons’ durations are doubled.]
[Effect 3: Requirements to use Summons are reduced by 1 Level.]
[Effect 4: The Effects of Tame Creature are increased by 100%.]
Foundations
[Card Name: Strength]
[Class: Foundation]
[Level: 3]
[Essence: 0/100,000]
[Description: Increases the Wielder’s physical might]
[Effect 1: Increase of 100% to the amount of force the Wielder can exert]
[Card Name: Vitality]
[Class: Foundation]
[Level: 4]
[Essence: 205,004/1,000,000]
[Description: Increases the Wielder’s ability to recover]
[Effect 1: The Wielder’s stamina is recovered 150% faster.]
[Effect 2: The Wielder’s wounds heal 150% faster.]
[Card Name: Endurance]
[Class: Foundation]
[Level: 4]
[Essence: 0/1,000,000]
[Description: Enhances the Wielder’s physical form]
[Effect 1: Increases the Wielder’s physical stamina by 150%]
[Effect 2: Increases the Wielder’s resistance to physical damage by 150%]
[Card Name: Agility]
[Class: Foundation]
[Level: 3]
[Essence: 0/100,000]
[Description: Enhances the Wielder’s physical speed]
[Effect 1: Increases the Wielder’s speed by 100%]
[Effect 2: The Wielder’s actions become 100% more instantaneous.]
[Card Name: Dexterity]
[Class: Foundation]
[Level: 3]
[Essence: 307/100,000]
[Description: Enhances the Wielder’s control over their body]
[Effect 1: Increases the Wielder’s reaction speed by 100%]
[Effect 2: Increases the Wielder’s coordination by 100%]
[Effect 3: Increases the Wielder’s flexibility by 100%]
[Card Name: Perception]
[Class: Foundation]
[Level: 3]
[Essence: 4,667/100,000]
[Description: Enhances the Wielder’s ability to perceive the world around them]
[Effect 1: The sensitivity of each of the Wielder’s five senses increases by 100%.]
[Effect 2: The Wielder’s accuracy is increased by 100%.]
[Card Name: Intelligence]
[Class: Foundation]
[Level: 4]
[Essence: 0/1,000,000]
[Description: Enhances the mental faculties of the Wielder]
[Effect 1: Increases the Wielder’s comprehension by 150%]
[Effect 2: Increases the speed at which the Wielder can comprehend information by 150%]
[Card Name: Wisdom]
[Class: Foundation]
[Level: 4]
[Essence: 0/1,000,000]
[Description: Enhances the Wielder’s focus and control over their being]
[Effect 1: Increases the Wielder’s focus by 150%]
[Effect 2: Increases the Wielder’s control over their various skills by 150%]
[Card Name: Will]
[Class: Foundation]
[Level: 3]
[Essence: 0/100,000]
[Description: Enhances the Wielder’s mental endurance and resistance to numerous magics]
[Effect 1: Increases the Wielder’s resistance to magical illusions and debuffs by 100%]
[Effect 2: Increases the Wielder’s resolve by 100%]
Enhancements
[Card Name: Amalgamate Agility]
[Class: Enhancement]
[Rank: Holy]
[Level: 3]
[Essence: 0/100,000]
[Description: Enhances the effects of the Wielder’s Agility based on the number of surrounding allies]
[Effect 1: Increases the effects of the Wielder’s Agility by 6% for each ally within range, up to 6 allies]
[Card Name: Amalgamate Intelligence]
[Class: Enhancement]
[Rank: Holy]
[Level: 3]
[Essence: 0/100,000]
[Description: Enhances the effects of the Wielder’s Intelligence based on the number of surrounding allies]
[Effect 1: Increases the effects of the Wielder’s Intelligence by 6% for each ally within range, up to 6 allies]
[Card Name: Appraising Eye]
[Class: Enhancement]
[Rank: Holy]
[Level: 3]
[Essence: 0/100,000]
[Description: Observe more than just what’s on the surface.]
[Effect 1: The Wielder can see information on most items or Relics. The amount of data shown is determined by the Wielder’s Will and Perception versus the Rank of the object.]
[Effect 2: The Wielder can see the information of any Plagued Beast. The amount of data shown is determined by the Wielder’s Will and Perception versus the Will and Level of the Beast.]
[Effect 3: The Wielder can see the information of any other Wielder. The amount of data shown is determined by the Wielder’s Will and Perception versus the Will of the Wielder.]
[Card Name: Condense]
[Class: Enhancement]
[Rank: Holy]
[Level: 3]
[Essence: 0/100,000]
[Description: Reduces the Cooldown of all skills]
[Effect 1: All skills experience a Cooldown reduction of 15%.]
[Card Name: Incantation]
[Class: Enhancement]
[Rank: Holy]
[Level: 3]
[Essence: 0/100,000]
[Description: Reciting the name of any Spell while casting enhances its potency]
[Effect 1: Effects of the recited Spell enhanced by 30%]
[Effect 2: Duration of the recited Spell increased by 10%]
[Effect 3: Cooldown of the recited Spell decreased by 10%]
[Card Name: Integrate, Shade]
[Class: Enhancement]
[Rank: Holy]
[Level: 3]
[Essence: 0/100,000]
[Description: The Wielder is one with the shade]
[Effect 1: The Wielder merges into the shadows, making them 30% harder to detect.]
[Effect 2: While in a shaded area, the Wielder’s movements are muffled by 30%.]
[Effect 3: While in a shaded area, the Wielder’s movement speed is increased by 9%.]
[Card Name: Luck]
[Class: Enhancement]
[Rank: Holy]
[Level: 4]
[Essence: 0/1,000,000]
[Description: Increases the drop rate of all Cards within the Tower. The Wielder must deal the final blow.]
[Effect 1: Drop rate increased by 20% of existing rate]
[Card Name: Mastery]
[Class: Enhancement]
[Rank: Holy]
[Level: 3]
[Essence: 0/100,000]
[Description: Boosts the Effects of all Foundations]
[Effect 1: Increases the Effects of all Foundations by 6% of their current value]
[Card Name: Threat Acuity]
[Class: Enhancement]
[Rank: Holy]
[Level: 3]
[Essence: 0/100,000]
[Description: Gain a sixth sense about those who wish you ill.]
[Effect 1: While interacting with a living entity, the Wielder will feel a slight discomfort if the individual harbors malicious intent. Can be thwarted by individuals with a strong Will.]
[Effect 2: Once the Wielder has determined that another individual bears them ill will, the Wielder’s Will is 20% more effective against said entity.]
Abilities
[Card Name: Featherfall]
[Class: Ability]
[Rank: Holy]
[Level: 3]
[Essence: 0/100,000]
[Description: The Wielder can fall and land as if they were light as a feather. Drastically reduces fall damage. Once activated, Effects end upon cancellation or landing on any non-gaseous surface.]
[Effect 1: Reduce the force of impact when landing by 3% times the Level of Dexterity]
[Effect 2: Reduce the effects of the Wielder’s mass when landing by 3% times the Level of Agility]
[Cooldown: 3 hours]
[Card Name: Tracking]
[Class: Ability]
[Rank: Blessed]
[Level: 2]
[Essence: 0/10,000]
[Description: For ten minutes, the Wielder is able to follow the tracks of any entity without the skill to hide them.]
[Effect 1: Within 6 yards times the Level of Perception of the Wielder, all tracks or markings left by entities will be revealed as a shimmer. This Effect is dependent upon the entity’s stealth. The luminance is affected by the age and transparency of the tracks.]
[Effect 2: The obscurity of older or hidden tracks is lessened by 12% times the Level of Perception.]
[Effect 3: While active, the Wielder can use detection skills on a track as if they were looking directly at the entity.]
[Cooldown: 30 minutes]
Spells
[Card Name: Affliction, Shadow]
[Class: Spell]
[Rank: Blessed]
[Level: 3]
[Essence: 0/100,000]
[Description: For one minute, the Wielder’s weapon gains an aura of shadow.]
[Effect 1: With each successful strike, debilitating shadows flow into the target’s wound. Each strike reduces the effectiveness of the target’s Agility by .5% times the Wielder’s Level of Intelligence.]
[Effect 2: With each successful strike on a target, the duration of the blade’s aura is reset. If the target is already suffering from full stacks of Affliction, the duration is not reset. One target can be afflicted with up to twelve shadows.]
[Effect 3: The target’s Affliction persists for one minute, resetting with each additional Afflicting blow until the target has reached full stacks. Once the Affliction has worn off, the target is immune to the Effects of this Spell for one hour.]
[Cooldown: 1 hour]
[Card Name: Cleanse]
[Class: Spell]
[Rank: Blessed]
[Level: 3]
[Essence: 0/100,000]
[Description: Washes away impurities affecting the target.]
[Effect 1: Purges all non-magical contaminants affecting the target. This Effect extends to any clothing or accessories worn by the target.]
[Effect 2: Over time, weakens or nullifies the adverse effects caused by harmful Spells or Abilities. Cleansing persists for 12 seconds times the Level of Intelligence.]
[Effect 3: Can be cast on a number of targets equal to the caster’s Wisdom]
[Cooldown: 30 minutes]
[Card Name: Greater Heal]
[Class: Spell]
[Rank: Holy]
[Level: 3]
[Essence: 29,995/100,000]
[Description: The Wielder can heal most non-magical wounds. Cannot regrow organs or limbs. Healing wounds uses the nutrients within the target’s body.]
[Effect 1: Instantly heals superficial or minor wounds. Severe and lethal wounds are healed at an accelerated rate. All healing uses the nutrients stored within the target’s body. More nutrients are required to heal the wounds of those with a higher Vitality. The higher the caster’s Intelligence, the fewer the nutrients needed to heal wounds.]
[Effect 2: Injuries that are suffering from any adverse magical or non-magical Effect are more challenging to heal. Wisdom offsets the difficulty.]
[Cooldown: 15 minutes]
[Card Name: Healing Wave]
[Class: Spell]
[Rank: Blessed]
[Level: 3]
[Essence: 0/100,000]
[Description: For up to 15 minutes, the area around the Wielder becomes a place of restoration. This Spell cannot be used while moving.]
[Effect 1: A healing aura surrounds the Wielder. The range of this aura is three yards times the Level of the caster’s Wisdom.]
[Effect 2: For all non-hostile entities within the aura, the Effects of Vitality are increased by 30% times the Level of the caster’s Intelligence.]
[Cooldown: 1 hour]
[Card Name: Hex]
[Class: Spell]
[Rank: Holy]
[Level: 3]
[Essence: 0/100,000]
[Description: The Wielder can weaken their foes with a touch. These debilitating Effects last for one minute.]
[Effect 1: When cast on a living entity, reduce the Effects of each of the target’s Foundations by 14% plus the Level of Wisdom. Effects of the reduction are decreased by 50% if the Level of the target’s Will is the same as the caster’s. For each Level the target’s Will is above the caster’s, reduce the Effect by an additional 25%.]
[Effect 2: If the target dies while under the Effects of Hex, the Cooldown resets.]
[Cooldown: 30 minutes]
[Card Name: Overcast]
[Class: Spell]
[Rank: Blessed]
[Level: 3]
[Essence: 0/100,000]
[Description: A haze descends from above, casting shade over the wide area for five minutes.]
[Effect 1: A thick mist surrounds the target location. All hostile entities within this mist experience a 30% reduction to the Effects of their Perception.]
[Cooldown: 2 hours]
[Card Name: Pull]
[Class: Spell]
[Rank: Blessed]
[Level: 3]
[Essence: 0/100,000]
[Description: The Wielder extends their reach beyond the physical.]
[Effect 1: The Wielder can focus on any inanimate object and will it into their grasp. The mass of the object can be no more than 9% of the caster’s times the Level of the Wielder’s Intelligence.]
[Effect 2: Object does not have to be within direct line of sight to be Pulled but does have to be within a range of 9 yards times the Level of the Wielder’s Wisdom. The caster must be able to clearly picture both the object and the path between them.]
[Cooldown: 30 seconds]
[Card Name: Radiance]
[Class: Spell]
[Rank: Holy]
[Level: 3]
[Essence: 0/100,000]
[Description: For 15 minutes, bring light where it cannot reach and reveal those who hide within.]
[Effect 1: Can be cast on any one inanimate object. The target chosen will give off a glow, lighting a 15-yard area times the Level of the Wielder’s Intelligence.]
[Effect 2: Nullifies or lessens the Effects of any concealment within its range. The Level of the Radiance plus the Level of the Wielder’s Will must be greater than or equal to the entity’s that cast the concealment to cancel its Effects. Concealments that are cast by entities whose added Levels are within two Levels of the Wielder’s shall have their Effects weakened.]
[Effect 3: Friend or foe, within the confines of Radiance, all darkness-based Effects shall have their potency reduced by 50%.]
[Cooldown: 15 minutes]
[Card Name: Shroud]
[Class: Spell]
[Rank: Holy]
[Level: 3]
[Essence: 0/100,000]
[Description: For 14 minutes times the Level of the Wielder’s Wisdom, the caster embraces darkness.]
[Effect 1: A blanket of darkness surrounds the Wielder’s skin, concealing their appearance. It does not extend to clothing or accessories.]
[Effect 2: While active, the Wielder is twice as hard to detect by any form of divination Effect.]
[Effect 3: Effects are amplified by 30% throughout the night. During the day, Effects are weakened by 70%.]
[Cooldown: 6 hours]
Summons
[Card Name: Tame Creature]
[Class: Summon]
[Rank: Holy]
[Level: 3]
[Essence: 0/100,000]
[Description: The Wielder attempts to cleanse a Plagued Beast of its affliction in an endeavor to befriend or capture it.]
[Effect 1: The Wielder casts Tame Creature before injuring the target. If successful, the target creature is cleansed of its Plague and becomes a Summon. The Summon dropped cannot be of a higher Rank than the equivalent Rank of the targeted creature, but it can be lower. The probability listed below this Effect is applied after the likelihood of whether or not the targeted Beast will drop a Card.]
[Pure: 50%]
[Blessed: 14%]
[Holy: 1.4%]
[Sacred: 0.14%]
[Angelic: 0.0014%]
[Cooldown: 22 hours]
[Card Name: Golem, Earth]
[Class: Summon]
[Rank: Holy]
[Level: 4]
[Essence: 0/1,000,000]
[Name: Larry]
[Description: The Wielder Summons a Golem companion. All mental Foundations must be of an equivalent Level or higher than the Level of the Summon.]
[Duration: 2 hours]
[Cooldown: 30 minutes]
[Skill 1: Rock Toss. The Golem pulls a boulder from the earth and launches it toward a target.]
[Skill 2: Burrow. The Golem swiftly digs into the earth, forming a tunnel or concealing itself.]
[Skill 3: Stone Manipulation. The Golem manipulates the earth from a distance.]
[Skill 4: Mud Torrent. The Golem siphons the earth through its feet, liquifying it to blast out in a stream through its palms.]
[Card Name: Spirit, Glacial]
[Class: Summon]
[Rank: Sacred]
[Level: 4]
[Essence: 0/1,000,000]
[Name: David]
[Description: The Wielder Summons a Spirit companion. All mental Foundations must be of an equivalent Level or higher than the Level of the Summon.]
[Sacred Effect: As a Sacred Summon, the Spirit, David, has been blessed with natural awareness. Will not required for this Summon, but be warned, this Summon has a Will of its own.]
[Duration: 2 hours]
[Cooldown: 30 minutes]
[Skill 1: Minor Fear. The Spirit instils a feeling of dread into its target.]
[Skill 2: Spectral Connection. The Spirit forms a link with its Summoner as well as other Summons, allowing them to communicate through thought.]
[Skill 3: Frost Field. A domain of frost spreads around the Spirit, chilling and slowing enemies within its range.]
[Skill 4: Phantom Evocation. The Spirit calls upon the memories of the departed and forms a link for the living to commune with the deceased.]
[Card Name: Pixie, Nature]
[Class: Summon]
[Rank: Holy]
[Level: 4]
[Essence: 0/1,000,000]
[Name: Rosie]
[Description: The Wielder Summons a Pixie companion. All mental Foundations must be of an equivalent Level or higher than the Level of the Summon.]
[Duration: 2 hours]
[Cooldown: 30 minutes]
[Skill 1: Nature’s Restoration. The Pixie casts an aura of healing around the target, which borrows energy from the surrounding wildlife to heal the target’s wounds.]
[Skill 2: Nature’s Concealment. The Pixie chooses a target area, obscuring it with an illusion that harmonizes with the surrounding wilderness.]
[Skill 3: Entangle. The Pixie calls upon the power of nature, sending nearby vines or roots from the earth to ensnare their target.]
[Skill 4: Invigorating Spores. The Pixie plants a seed which swiftly cultivates a young blossom that discharges spores into the air around it. While within the blossom’s range, it doubles the Vitality of those nearby.]
[Card Name: Beetle, Hercules]
[Class: Summon]
[Rank: Holy]
[Level: 4]
[Essence: 0/1,000,000]
[Name: Francis]
[Description: The Wielder Summons a Beetle companion. All mental Foundations must be of an equivalent Level or higher than the Level of the Summon.]
[Duration: 2 hours]
[Cooldown: 30 minutes]
[Skill 1: Reinforce. The Beetle hardens its shell, becoming tougher to injure for a brief time.]
[Skill 2: Crunch. During its next attack, the Beetle’s horns gain additional crushing power.]
[Skill 3: Flutter. For a short period, the Beetle flaps its wings, allowing it to hover for a short time.]
[Skill 4: Gust. The Beetle flaps its wings furiously, sending an intense burst of wind toward a target location.]
Comments
Zachary Blevins
That’s a neat way to release a character sheet as entries in her journal I think that’s clever idea Of course at one point someone’s going to have to steal them journal and the team will have to get it back Yes, a clever way to break the fourth wall in a book to have one of the characters give the reader information as a journal entry There was a Tom Clancy book where someone was doing that and I remember I really liked the idea
Ullyr
-2,-3, and -4 will be the other three's Decks
Shawn Lockhart
Thanks for the chapter! Can you explain why this is 24-1?
