FICTION | GAME | MEDIUM ADVENTURERS LEAGUE ⚔️

Surprising Perion

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 start of the Medium Adventurers League, and find a reminder of the rules here. Or go back to the previous chapter.

You draw your weapon and retreat, blocking the half-orc’s strikes as well as possible. Relentlessly, he follows you and presses on with his attacks.

The half-orc’s attacks guide you through the cage like a herding dog leads a runaway sheep. At that moment, you realise that he is holding back. Not to torment you, but to test you.

With a flourishing move of his sword, he deflects one of your reluctant retaliations, and your weapon ends up between the cage bars. He smiles for a second and hits your hand with the hilt of the hand-axe in his off-hand. A sharp pain shoots up your arm from your wrist to your neck, and you let go of your weapon.

Embarrassed and blushing, you look at the half-orc, undecided about how to react. But he doesn’t continue his attacks or mock you. Instead, he gives you an appreciating smile and sheaths his weapons.

“Are you Perion?” you say sheepishly.

“Am I not like you expected?”

You remain silent, still embarrassed about your earlier ignorance.

“Observation,” the half-orc says, “One of my first lessons for any prospective student. You must always remain focused and perceive your surroundings. Do not give in to fear, anger or frustration.”

“I must have been a big disappointment then.”

“Not at all,” Perion says and smiles. “I could see how you resisted my pressure, and tried to keep your focus.”

You smile at Perion’s words.

“So you’ll teach me?”

If your reputation is below 5, read on. Else, skip to the next section.

“I will only train the worthiest, and you are like an unrefined gem. You got the skill, and I can cut the gem from the rock. But I have to know that it will shine. Proof your honour and return to me.”

You are unsure if you should feel proud that he acknowledged your potential or sad that he thinks you are not worthy yet. But before you can descend into a brooding mood, Perion smiles again and pulls something out of his pocket. It is an amulet in the form of a shield forged from simple steel and held by a chain made of old chainmail rings.

“When I started as an adventurer, this saved my life. Wear it. Go out into the world, and learn to fight. Learn to survive. But most of all, learn about yourself and your surroundings.”

“Thank you, Perion,” you say, ready to leave.

“Wait, please,” he says, handing you an iron coin engraved with his crest, “Watch carefully over this coin. I forge these coins from old weapons, and they grant you access to my arena and my smithy in town. If you lose it, I won’t replace it unless you succeed on a test to prove your worth again.”

Your face lights up. He deems you worthy, after all. You exchange farewells and leave Perion’s Pit with your head held high.

“It is time to prove I’m worthy of his training,” you say while leaving The Bastion’s greatest fighter to his exercise.

Add "Perion's Coin" to your inventory and increase your reputation by 1.

Add the "Amulet of Protection (+1 Health)" to your inventory. The amulet can be combined with other forms of armour.

When you reached a reputation of 5 or higher, you can choose the adventure "Training with Perion" (work in progress) at the Adventurers League Headquarter.

You can now return to the Adventurers League Headquarters.

If your reputation is at least 5, read on.

“Yes, I have heard of your deeds and am willing to teach you.”

Perion smiles and pulls something out of his pocket. It is an amulet in the form of a shield forged from simple steel and held by a chain made of old chainmail rings.

“When I started as an adventurer, this saved my life. Wear it. Go out into the world, and learn to fight. Learn to survive. But most of all, learn about yourself and your surroundings.”

“Thank you, Perion,” you say, ready to leave.

“Wait, please,” he says, handing you an iron coin engraved with his crest, “Watch carefully over this coin. I forge these coins from old weapons, and they grant you access to my arena and my smithy in town. If you lose it, I won’t replace it unless you succeed on a test to prove your worth again. Return to me when you are ready to begin your training.”

Your face lights up. He deems you worthy and will train you! You exchange farewells and leave Perion’s Pit with your head held high.

“I am SO ready!” you say and perform a happy jump outside.

Add "Perion's Coin" to your inventory and increase your reputation by 2.

Add the "Amulet of Protection (+1 Health)" to your inventory. The amulet can be combined with other forms of armour.

When you reached a reputation of 5 or higher, you can choose the adventure "Training with Perion" (work in progress) at the Adventurer League Headquarter.

You can now return to the Adventurers League Headquarters.

Thanks for reading — and playing! ⚔️

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