FICTION | GAME | MEDIUM ADVENTURERS LEAGUE ⚔️

Cheating Perion with Magic

Part of “Welcome to Perion’s Pit — The School of Hard Knocks”

This is part of a story that works as an interactive game. You’ll need to have some paper and dice at the ready! Click here for the beginning of the Medium Adventurers League, and find a reminder of the rules here. Or go back to the previous chapter.

You evade or block the half-orc’s blows as best as you can. His fighting skill is incredible, and the realisation that he seems to be holding back frightens you. If this guy goes full force, you are minced meat.

When the half-orc slows down for a few seconds, you use your chance to retreat and strike back with magic. You gather magical energy in your free hand and send a salvo of telekinetic jolts. In terror, you watch as the half-orc deflects your jolts with his sword. Every time, he defends against one of them, his sword flares up in blue light.

Faster than you can react, he has closed the distance. In one flourishing move, he hits your weapon out of your hand with his sword before sheathing it. At the same time, he drops his hand-axe and hits you with his off-hand on your right carotid artery.

While your view blackens and you are dazzled by the unexpected strike, he breaks your meagre defence and twists your right arm onto your back until you cry out.

“What did you think you’re doing, you fool?!” he says while keeping your arm locked in his grip.

“You attacked me!”

“Did any of my attacks strike true?”

“No!” you cry.

“That is Perion’s first lesson for you! Observation. You must remain aware of your surroundings even in the heat of a battle.”

“Am I to meet Perion now?”

“It seems my lesson didn’t have the desired effect,” he says, releasing you, “I am Perion.”

“Oh,” is all you can say at first. “Will you teach me then?”

“You? Only your lack of honour outmatches your meagre skill. Return when you have refined both. Now, leave.”

You stare at Perion dumbfounded. Your mouth opens for a short moment but closes when you see Perion’s angry glare. Silently, you leave Perion’s Pit with hanging shoulders and a blushed face.

It becomes known that you tried to cheat Perion with magic. You lose 3 points from your reputation.

Perion will not receive you again before you have a reputation of at least 5 or higher. Perhaps you can find another trainer?!

Click here to return to the Adventurer League headquarters and Yorrick’s disapproving silent treatment.

Thanks for reading — and playing! ⚔️

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