I have to warn you all, these chapters will vary in length. Some might be around the length of the fifth chapter, or they will be more like the first. Sorry to disappoint but that's what it is going to be.
WARNING: HUGE DATA DUMP IN THIS CHAPTER!
Recap: Jon Snow, a young man at the age of 16, has been bound to the Gamer's Grimoire, a mysterious magical artifact that has turned is life into a game. Previously, Jon has received word from Garth Greenhand, a legendary figure out of mythical times, warning about an imminent threat to Jon's very way of life.
Now... a few weeks after the conclusion of the previous chapter...
It had been near a moon since he had met Garth Greenhand. When he had gotten back to the Cave of the First, Lord Stark, Robb and Theon had come upon him. Naturally, Lord Stark had been caught between relief and anger upon seeing Jon was safe. After a quick interrogation from several people including Eddard, Robb and Arya when they got back, Jon had been, for lack of a better term, grounded. Lord Stark had decreed that due to Jon's reckless behavior, he was not allowed to leave the castle for ten days. This meant that he was not allowed to go on hunts, ride with his brothers, or simply to allow Ghost out for a walk. To add onto that, Jon wasn't allowed to go to his lessons as well, taking away any sort of fun out of his day leaving it to consist of chores, free training, or reading. What's more, he was to have an escort in some form to keep an eye on him.
That was the embarrassing part because everyone in Winterfell heard about it within a day. The Bastard of Winterfell was too wild to be left alone. What utter rubbish! Out of Theon, Robb, and himself, Jon had been the responsible one of the three. It was Theon who frequented to brothels, and any woman who'd spread her legs for him, while Robb acted carefree most of the time.
Usually the 'escorts' that Lord Stark had imposed on Jon had consisted of normal people: guards and smallfolk who worked in the castle. The second Jon came close to any of the four gates of Winterfell, he'd immediately see someone coming to ward him off while another went to Lord Stark. Most of the time it was either Ser Rodrik, when Jon went to practice on a training dummy since he couldn't have his lessons with the Master-at-Arms, or Maester Luwin when he went to the library. Other times it was Jon's own cousins. Yes, it had not been easy, but Jon had managed to come to terms with thinking of them as cousins now, even though they would always be his siblings in his heart. Accepting that he was a Targaryen was still somewhat painstaking though.
After eventually reaching level 10 he had acquired 3 attribute points. He had added 2 points towards his Intelligence and the remaining one to Agility bringing everything to a rough balance. Over the course of the few weeks he had accomplished several quests. Including...
Legendary Quest Completed: Maester Luwin's Star Pupil
Rewards: 3750XP + (30%) = 4875XP and a new Title!
Bonus Objective Completed:Raise three non-intellectual skills other than Melee to 30 [3/3]
Bonus Reward: Make two perks of your choice that were received from your Teacher permanent!
Experience: 8875/5500
Title Earned: Scholar: + 20% approval bonus towards the well-educated people like nobles and leaders, -10% disapproval bonus to uneducated people like peasants and guards.
Description: Learn all that Maester Luwin has to teach you. After having done so, you have become Maester Luwin's pride as the student who has pushed himself to higher learning.
Maester Luwin was indeed proud, having boasted of Jon's rate of learning to Lord Stark and Ser Rodrik, the Master-at-Arms having taken it as a challenge to see if Jon could do the same with his martial skills when he got the chance to push him. As for the bonus reward, even with his intelligence stat low, Jon still would've picked the Quick Learner and the Educated perks. This ensured that he would grow faster to face whatever threat Garth had foreseen. Jon knew he would have to be ready. He would still try to prevent the outbreak of war regardless of what Garth said, but Jon knew it would be best to be prepared just in case.
But that did not mean he solely focused on the quests. During his nights, he made use of Fast Traveling to Garth's island and learning of the Grimoire, the Gamers, and Jon's family history. A majority of the Grimoire's ability did not pass over while he was in his so called astral form save for the discovery and codex abilities, as Jon had found every time he dived into the past with Garth. Time moved differently when they were in that place, as Garth made it seem like years, decades even when it was all just hours. He saw a great many things during these nights.
He saw the Gamer Huzhor Amai. He had been a tall, long of limb, brown skinned man with hair and eyes the color of night, clad in his iron armor with a great cloak made from the pelt of a king of the Ibbenese, or at least that was what Garth said it was. Jon had heard of the Hairy Men of Ib once or twice. Tales from traders who met other traders that came to Winterfell from time to time, but never really thought of it until now. Huzhor Amai rode a scythed war chariot which was driven by one of his wives. Jon bore witness as Huzhor united three kingdoms into one, founding what would be the Kingdom of Sarnor.
Next came in a strange turn of events and what Jon could only presume was a bitter irony to Garth as the next Gamer was the one who founded the Old Empire of Ghis. He was a fierce man that could only be described as a warlord nor did Jon catch his name. He wore none of the cloth that Garth had described the Ghiscari wore of in his day. None of the silk, jewels, or perfumes, but instead he was a copper-skinned, battle-scarred, mean-looking man with a matching spirit, and was brutal with his enemies. He lived for battle and seemed even more alive when he killed. He only wore two bronze pauldrons which covered his shoulders and arms, but left himself shirtless and vulnerable as both a taunt and a boast. Jon watched as he enslaved those he spared and took what he wanted, who he wanted, when he wanted. Jon watched as the man made his own sigil by conquering his own people and uniting their arms as one under his own until it finally depicted a fanged woman with leathery wings for arms, the legs of an eagle, and the tail of scorpion, clutching a thunderbolt in her talons. How he made the women he took to be his bed slaves and let others use them at his whim. How these women became the first Graces that would one day be the priestesses of the Ghiscari religion. Jon was somewhat ashamed to say that he was pleased to watch as a disease took this Gamer out of this world in a slow, debilitating way. To Jon, this Gamer served as a lesson that not all Gamers were like him and Garth.
After him came about six more who died early on in their 'Games' as Garth called them with a few showing magic here and there, until they finally got to Garth himself. It was just as Garth had described it, though Jon was frightened to watch what happened to Garth's family. Garth certainly had no wish to see it either as he skipped over it for which Jon was grateful not having the stomach to see such horror after the Ghiscari Founder. Jon watched as Garth led the riots and rebellions in different cities until he led his freed people to Westeros. He saw the Hammer of Waters in action as it smashed the Arm of Dorne as well as the Children of the Forest and the Giants. It was one thing to hear of them in legends, but another thing to see them for real. They were the size of children, but their eyes were wide and yellow, and they almost looked plant-like to Jon. The Children also seemed to sense their presence, looking around for them, to which Garth quietly explained that he was being extra careful as to not be seen by those with magical sensitivity like the Children and further on, Garth's past self. Jon saw the days of peace under Garth's leadership. He noticed the way Garth would smile slightly at seeing his women and children. And Garth had many. So many that Jon had to wonder that if he did not have the Grimoire, could Garth have remembered all of their names?
Then came the war between the First Men and the Children of the Forest. Jon watched the First Men hunt the Children like animals, slaughtering them in droves. He wished to cry out for them to stop but knew they wouldn't hear him. It was at the climax of the war when they entered, the Others. The Night King. Jon had been stunned by his visage. He was pale blue and his skin was shriveled yet pulled back. Bright, luminous blue eyes just as the tales said and his head was adorned ice spikes which gleamed making it look like an actual crown. He was clad in black ancient looking armor. Jon had watched as the Garth of the past confronted him. Garth communicated with the Night King, speaking in the tongue of the First Men, but Jon did not understand him, nor did he understand the Night King's crackling reply. Jon watched as the two battled it out and he saw what a person with a level 95 could actually do. It was incredible to watch as Garth and the Night King clashed. Magical wooden staff against magical ice blade, melee on melee, magic against magic.
Jon could not look away as he watched the earth crack and upheave from the clash of Garth's magic over stone, water and plants against the Night King's powers of ice and darkness. It was Spring vs Winter personified as Garth's vines and roots grew to enormous size to attack the Night King only to freeze and break against his powers of ice. Garth fought valiantly and harder than any of the previous Gamers Jon had seen so far almost taking out the Night King several times.
But in the end, winter came... and killed spring piercing Garth through his chest.
The Night King seemed to sense their presence after killing the past Garth. His stoic eyes gazed over the shattered landscape in every direction in search of them before Garth placed a hand on Jon to take him away. Jon knew the Night King had caught a glimpse of them when his cold blue eyes stopped in their direction. After that one, Garth told Jon that they would take a break for a time and told him to go do some quests. Garth ordered him to specifically be back at level 15, and to improve his magic and intelligence as it would help Garth with managing their sessions when they dived into history.
Location Discovered: Astapor
Location Discovered: Old Ghis
Location Discovered: Meereen
Location Discovered: Sarnath
Location Discovered: Skirling's Pass
Location Discovered: Yunkai
Codex Update: [Bestiary]
Codex Update: [Characters]
Codex Update: [Culture and History]
Codex Update: [Items]
Codex Update: [Magic and Religion]
Legendary Quest Update: Ancient Roots
Repeating Objective: Learn the history of the Grimoire, and your ancestors, from Garth Greenhand.
Reward: 1000XP * 9 = 9000XP + (30%) = 11700XP
And that is what Jon did. He leveled up focusing on whatever quests he could get his hands on. But he made sure to not let the quests dictate his actions. Coincidentally he spent a lot of time with his cousins over his punishment, hardly paying any attention to the quests that popped up when he was with them. Curiously they had the most experience too which made it all the more better! It always came about when one of them had to watch over him during his punishment.
Robb, for instance, would usually stay with Jon when he was available. The two would spend time together practicing their sword skills or reading when Jon wanted to boost his skills by a bit, though it was for not as he couldn't get himself inspired enough to keep reading books. The most he could get were one or two out of the time he was being punished. Robb had appeared bored during these times before breaking down and asking Jon why he started reading so much. Jon in turn replied that Robb could learn a lot from reading books like he had with the Knights of the Seven. That was when Theon walked in trying to debunk his reasoning with the fact that no one would respect Robb if all he did was read. Jon merely said it wouldn't be all the time, and that a lord needed to be smart as he was strong otherwise others would think him stupid when he was away. When he saw Theon about ask him how he, a bastard, would know anything about it, he added that they should look at Lord Stark, and then asked Theon if he believed Lord Stark was a man who was just an idiot who practiced his swordplay. Theon left in a huff after that. Afterwards, in those private moments was when Robb and Jon really started speaking seriously to one another, voicing personal doubts of themselves and that was where the first quest during his punishment appeared.
Quest: Robb's Rock
Description: Robb is your brother and close friends for life. He also suffers doubt about being a good leader when he became the next lord of Winterfell
Objective: Help him by learning politics and tactics with him and prep him for royal courts
Reward: 2000XP and ?
Optional Objective: Help deal with his stress by doing weekly sparring practices
Reward: 500XP, ?, and a permanent +3 to Melee, Politics, and Tactics each
Failure: Robb will lose respect and friendship with Jon
Failure Penalties: -25 Disapproval with Robb and Winterfell may have a darker future.
Jon took the matter seriously upon seeing the penalties, because all the previous quests had something which only affected Jon himself, not his home. Jon listened as Robb voiced his doubts about himself. How he compares himself to his father and finds himself lacking considerably. How he feels that he doesn't know or even understand everything that Lord Stark talks about in his personal lessons. Robb even said he sometimes envies Jon for being exempt from these lessons. Jon in turn told Robb that it was perfectly natural to not completely understand. He told Robb to never wish himself to be like Jon because Jon envied Robb greatly, much to his brother's shock. Jon told him that he had far less than Robb ever would as Jon had no mother growing up, and instead of a life of nobility and a future ahead, he instead has to live as a bastard with people thinking the worst of him all because of a name.
Robb attempted to defend Jon who waved it away, saying that he has accepted it. Jon then told Robb how Lord Stark looks at him when he's not looking. He spoke of how Lord Stark has this gleam of pride in his eye every time he looks at Robb, how Robb was better at him than everything. When Robb brought up the spar in the courtyard, Jon told him that one fight doesn't guarantee he'll win the next. Jon also told him how better he was hunting, riding and girls. They joked about how all the girls loved Robb to which his cousin replied that there was a lot Jon did not see when his back was turned. At Jon's curious look, Robb elaborated at how father had that same look when he saw Jon himself that he had described, and how Jon managed to keep up with him at everything else, except maybe hunting to which Jon laughed and added girls, and for Robb to remember that out of the two of them he was the virgin. Robb had laughed too saying that it was his choice to be one even though Ros was right in front of him, paid and willing. But Jon was surprised when Robb mentioned that when the girls didn't see him, and Jon's back was turned, all the girls ogled him like they did Robb.
The two had a good laugh about it, before Jon told Robb, that if he was feeling doubts about himself, just remember what happened with Lord Stark. He wasn't really prepared for a lordship and in fact had to become one in a time of war and look what happened: He is well respected in the North and good friends with the King, ruling his keep well and does a great job as Warden of the North. Robb at least is prepared for the job unlike Lord Stark had been. Jon then told Robb if his doubts still persisted he could always talk to him or get more lessons from Lord Stark or Maester Luwin. Hell, he could even learn how to rule by finding a book detailing the accounts of the previous lords of Winterfell and their rulings. Jon then told him that if those did not work they could spar like they did before which Robb said yes to. And so Jon and Robb ended up sparring once every few days.
Quest Completed: Robb's Rock
Objective: Help him by learning politics and tactics with him and prep him for royal courts
Rewards: 2000XP + (30%) = 2600XP and +25 Approval from Robb
Bonus Objective Completed: Help deal with his stress by doing weekly sparring practices
Reward: 500XP + (30%) = 650XP, Black Frost Style, and a permanent +3 to Melee, Politics, and Tactics each
Description: Robb is your brother and close friend for life. He also suffers doubts about being a good leader when he eventually becomes the next lord of Winterfell. Your suggestions of extra lessons with Lord Stark and Maester Luwin as well the spars between you will give Robb the confidence he needs to one day lead the North.
Total Experience: 3250XP
Unlocked Fighting Style: Black Frost Style
Black Frost Style is the fighting of style of House Stark. It was created during the Long Night by Brandon the Builder, and perfected over the millennia by his descendants. It is a style primarily based on Endurance more than anything else, something with was greatly needed during the war with the never ending winter and ever winter that has passed since. One could say that this fighting style is what shaped and preserved House Stark through tests of time. A consequence of this style however is that is based on strength and endurance over anything else. When using this style, the fighter's speed is reduced to a much slower pace as most of their concentration is on defense.
Jon now understood that this was the style Robb had used against him during their spar, and continued to use against him with every spar since. At least he got to understand it now. When he couldn't do anything else and everyone was busy, Jon took his time watching over Bran which was when his second quest showed up during his punishment.
Quest: Bran's Buddy
Description: Bran is your little brother who likes to explore which often worries his mother. Be his friend on his adventures and keep a close eye on him.
Objective: Keep a close eye on him when goes exploring as it further deepens your relationship with him.
Reward: 2500 XP
Optional Objective: Stop him from exploring unstable areas
Reward: +10 Approval from Bran Stark and ?
Failure: Bran may get heavily injured one day on an exploration
Failure Penalties: -45 Disapproval to all of Bran's family and friends.
This was where his Athletic Acrobatics really came in handy. In short, he had to do the same things that Bran did to keep up with the boy. Jon had to climb up and down walls, and saw the castle in a way he never had before. Every stone sticking out was something to latch onto, every edge a place to perch. He wasn't nearly as good as Bran was, but he managed to keep an eye on him better than anyone else. In fact, Jon saved Bran's life at one point over the days when Bran climbed onto an unstable area of one of the walls. Jon just barely managed to catch him in time before he could plummet to his death. After a few scary seconds, Jon forced Bran to promise him to always watch where he was climbing on
Quest Completed: Bran's Buddy
Reward: 2,500XP + (30%) = 3250XP
Bonus Objective Completed: Stop him from exploring unstable areas
Bonus Reward: +10 Approval from Bran Stark and +15 Approval to Catelyn Stark!
Description: Bran is your little brother who likes to explore which often worries his mother. Be his friend on his adventures and keep a close eye on him. After saving Bran from a rather unstable area on the walls, you've managed to persuade him to be more careful when climbing. Whether this helps him out in the future remains to be seen.
When his family heard of what had happened, Lady Catelyn attempted to make Bran promise to never climb, but Bran obviously lied to which she merely looked at him fondly as she called him out on it. When she turned to Jon she regarded him for a moment. Jon braced himself for cold blue eyes to try and glare a hole in him, but instead all he got was a soft thank you from a stoic Catelyn Stark. He nodded and quickly left not being used to any real measure of gratefulness directed at him from the woman.
If he wasn't with any of his brothers, it was Arya staying joined to him at the hip. For some reason she believed that Jon would leave her somehow, some way if he wasn't in her line of sight since wherever they went, she would latch onto an article of his clothing whether it be his jerkin or trousers and would not let go. It was almost as if she had reverted back to the days she would toddle after him and Robb. Even back then, he was her favorite person to hold on to, which is why he didn't put up much of a fuss when she did it. What he did have a little bit of trouble dealing with was when Arya staunchly refused to attend her lessons if it meant leaving Jon. Not even with both her mother and Septa Mordane ordering her, would Arya budge on the issue. When both women saw this, they glared at Jon who in turn merely stared back stoically which troubled them since he would normally look down at his toes or away in shame. This went on for a couple of days until finally, Jon caved and attended Arya's lessons as it would be the only thing to mollify Arya into going, and while both Septa Mordane and Lady Catelyn were less than happy with the idea they accepted it with great reluctance.
And that was how Jon ended up spending time with both Arya and Sansa. He sat right by Arya, watching her try to sew a direwolf on a piece of cloth while Sansa, Beth Cassel, and Jeyne Poole twittered on about the girly things that Jon could not bring himself to care about. Arya seemed to be absolutely miserable during this time and was excluded from the other girls which Jon took notice of. When she got called Horseface by Jeyne Poole, Jon had to really suppress the urge to snap at her. This was Arya's fight, and he knew she would want to do this alone. His anger was further roused when he saw Sansa, not only not help, but actually join in, pushing Jon into making a resolve to say something. Only when Septa Mordane stepped out for a few moments did Jon ask why they called her that.
The reply he got was that she always acted so un-ladylike, and had a long face that it was the perfect nickname for her. Jon in turn replied that he thought Arya pretty which got the three girls giggling. He also then added that Lord Stark thought her pretty as well to which Beth giggled that he had to since he was her father. The sullen look that came on Arya's face made Jon's chest burn in anger. Jon then spoke of how Lord Stark would say how Arya was very similar to Lyanna, who acted very un-ladylike at times and yet was considered such a great beauty that she caught the eye of a married prince and even caused him to turn from his own wife for her, whatever his reasons may have been. Jon then said that chances are Arya might turn into such beauty, and if they doubted his words they can always ask Lord Stark about it. When he finished speaking, Sansa and her friends had quieted down and were looking at him with an expression as if his words had stunned them into silence before he looked right at Sansa, and said how disappointed he was in her, that she wouldn't defend her own sister, regardless of their differences, and that she would allow her own friends to make fun of their Lord's daughter which was very unbecoming of a lady. By the time Septa Mordane came back, Sansa was sullen, Beth and Jeyne were quiet, looking as if they had been slapped and Arya was blushing and smiling as they kept sewing.
When Septa Mordane came by to inspect their stitches, she cooed over Sansa's work but criticized Arya's for not being anywhere near Sansa's level. Jon looked at his sister's stitches to find that while they were crooked, they were still functional. That was the important part as far as Jon was concerned and he could see that Septa Mordane's chastising wasn't helping Arya in the slightest. So he opened his mouth saying that Arya wasn't Sansa bringing the Septa's attention to him. When her eyes crinkled and her lips thinned at his words Jon merely explained that Sansa had at least two years of sewing over Arya, so of course Sansa's would be better. Then there was also the fact that what they were sewing didn't have any real use so Arya wasn't really motivated to do it.
At those words, the Septa began to chastise Jon, asking him what he knew of sewing or anything ladies do. Jon replied that he hardly knew anything about what ladies did. When Mordane opened her mouth to be smug and tell him to be quiet when Jon cut her off by telling her that he did learn a thing or two about sewing from Maester Luwin which had been true as the Maester told and roughly taught Jon on how to sew wounds closed since it was a necessary skill for Injury Kits which were decided by Jon's Survival skill as well as his Alchemy skill. When Septa Mordane said that the two were different, Jon nodded in agreement, sewing up wounds was much harder and messier which was why you had to be good at it.
When Septa Mordane glared at Jon, he proposed a test. He then took off his jerkin, having only a linen shirt underneath it. At Sansa's scandalized question of what he was doing, Jon promptly ripped a hole in the back of it before handing it to Arya, saying that it mattered now more than some favor for a knight. Arya had looked at him, stunned by his behavior before he encouraged her with a nod. Arya determinedly took a needle and some black thread before sewing the hole shut. It took some time, but she gave no mind to anyone else in the room focused on fixing her brother's jerkin. By the end of it, Mordane assessed Arya's work, and while it wasn't up to Sansa's standards, it was better than anything she presented before.
It was later that night, that he was called in to Lord Stark's solar. Inside were the Lord and Lady, with Sansa and Arya. Apparently Sansa and Arya had gotten into a fight over his words and what had happened in the sewing room and Lord Stark had asked Jon if what they had said was true. Jon admitted to the truth. He admitted to everything and even filled in the blanks. Lady Stark was not pleased with his telling, and in fact inferred that he may be lying about the words of Sansa and her friends, to which Jon replied that whether she believed him or not that was the truth. He gave names and told them of everything right down to Arya stitching his jerkin which he showed them as proof. He then looked Lady Stark right in the eye and told her that while he may be a bastard, he was still his father's son. Jon would never forget the face she made when he said that to her. Eyes simultaneously widened and narrowed in anger at his audacity, teeth clenching in her fury. She snarled at him before Lord Stark called her back and reprimanded Jon for his attitude.
Jon then replied with an apology, but said he didn't like being called a liar under pretty southron words which made Sansa gasp and Arya scowl at her mother. Jon then asked if that was all he needed. Lord Stark told him to refrain from saying anything like he said to Sansa, or Lady Stark, again and that if he had any issues about Sansa's behavior or any of her friends' behavior toward any of his children that he was to come to him. Jon wanted to explode in anger at Lord Stark right then and there for basically telling him not to act like a brother with Sansa and Arya, but held it back. It would do no good to throw a tantrum at his uncle at that moment. He calmed himself down and acquiesced to his uncle's request before he was dismissed. Later he found out that Sansa was reprimanded for her behavior by Lord Stark, something he heard that Lady Stark actually agreed too because Sansa admitted to it eventually when she was pressed by her father. Even Jeyne and Beth were chastised for their teasing of Arya who, while still un-ladylike, was still their Lord's daughter.
When Jon sat beside Arya the next day, the girls apologized for their behavior to which Arya forgave them, after a quick look to Jon who merely nodded. Jon would sit down next Arya and just be silent watching them and listening to the sounds of thread and cloth being sown as well as the distant sounds of the other recruits practicing their archery skills outside. The silence eventually came to a point where Arya broke it by asking Jon if he really did intend on leaving to which Jon answered with a yes. Sansa and the others listened in on the conversation while Arya and Jon carried on with Arya begging Jon not to leave, and Jon saying he couldn't stay here his entire life. Sansa attempted to weigh in, but one sharp look from Jon caused her to look down at the ground in silence.
She knew Jon was mad at her for her behavior towards Arya. It was no secret that Arya was the closest of them to Jon and she knew that he would not take an insult towards his favorite half-sister lying down. What she had not expected was for Jon to criticize her and her friends at the same time. Even her father had said that while he had not agreed with how Jon had gone about it, he did agree with the sentiment behind his words. He then reminded Sansa of the meaning behind the phrase 'When the snows fall and the white winds blow, the lone wolf dies but the pack survives.' To pile on to it, her mother had reminded her of House Tully's words which were Family, Duty, Honor in that order. While they were not the Stark words, Catelyn expected all of her children to adhere to the principles behind them. To have Sansa, her pride and joy, make light of them with her actions and for Jon Snow of all people to reprimand her of it before her parents found out was a sting which Sansa still felt. To have Jon, the most quiet of them angry with her made it all the more worse. So all Sansa could do was listen as Jon said that he might travel to see the wonders of the world. When Arya asked if she could go with him, he merely replied she would have to learn how to use a weapon besides a bow and arrow, to which Arya giggled and punched him right in the arm.
Sansa for the life her could not understand how Arya and Jon could be so close, even with Arya acting un-ladylike she seemed to be the favorite of her father and brothers, but their half-brother was Arya's favorite. Arya was the one most affected by Jon's sudden decision to leave. She had been surprised when Jon voiced his desire to leave Winterfell, and more so with his rebellious behavior towards their father. Sansa had been shocked that her quiet half-brother would ever defy her lord father the way he did, storming out in the middle of breaking their fasts. She, like the rest had noticed Jon's odd behavior, while he was normally quiet and distant, he had seemed even more so, reading books and apparently from what Jeyne had said making leaps in the training yard. She barely understood Jon before, now he was different. Then there was his reckless behavior of going out alone. Why would he do that? After that he ended up chastising Sansa on her teasing of Arya, and what was worse was that her parents sided with him. Well, not really sided with him but supported his cause. And here she was watching Arya smile and giggle with Jon who was smiling as well.
It had hurt her to see that Arya seemed to have more fun with their baseborn brother over her own sister. She had seen how miserable Arya was when they were sewing, but as far as Sansa saw that was Arya's problem. One day with Jon, and Arya is giggling somewhat like a girl though it sounded more like a cackle to Sansa, and she was smiling, something which the elder sister hadn't seen before in this room. Then Arya began asking Jon to teach her so she could travel with him to which he agreed with if she could get Lord Stark's permission. Septa Mordane tried intervene, but Jon merely replied that it wasn't up to either of them, but Lord Stark would have the last word. All Arya had to do was ask him. Either way Jon would be more than happy to teach his sister. Sansa felt a small stab of jealousy though she did not understand why.
That was when Jon acquired three quests at same time, all of which pertained to his sisters/cousins.
Quest: Lady of the Thorny Rose
Description: Prep Sansa Stark on the cold world of politics. Her belief of fairytale kings and royal courts is naive. One day it may cost her life.
Objective: Teach Sansa that her mind is her greatest weapon against the nobles and leaders of other regions or kingdoms
Reward: 700 XP and +15 Approval to Sansa
Optional Objective: Get Catelyn or Maester Luwin to give her their advice on politics among the courts.
Reward: ?
Failure: Not even trying to help her which weakens your relationship with Sansa.
Failure Penalties: -25 Disapproval to Sansa and potentially her death.
Quest: Arya's Mentor
Description: Arya looks up to you as a mentor
Objective: Give her tips to refine her combat skills.
Reward: 700 XP
Optional Objective: Repair Arya and Sansa's strained relationship
Reward: 1,000 XP, +10 Approval to both Sansa and Arya
Failure: Putting her training off to the last minute makes Arya's combat skills are weaker and her relationship to Sansa continues to weaken
Failure Penalties: -15 Disapproval to Arya and -20 Disapproval to Sansa (if optional objective is not completed)
Legendary Quest: Stand Together
Description: The relationship between Arya and Sansa has been tenuous for years, but if they can learn to work together, the two may be able to do great things.
Objective: Increase Approval from Sansa and train Arya
Rewards: Unlock Legendary Quests Princess's Prince, and Needle in a Haystack.
Jon took the quests with a grain of salt before he reread the failure penalties of the Lady of the Thorny Rose quest. This was the second quest that mentioned dire consequences for one of his siblings. Garth had mentioned that as Jon would progress so would the amount experience and the penalties. Garth then went on to warn Jon to be very careful regarding the failure penalties. The book can predict them with a certain accuracy, but the consequences can be very disastrous if Jon failed certain quests. The premise was not lost on Jon as he was beginning to fear what would happen should he fail. For it to say Winterfell may have a darker future was foreboding yet vague. To say that his actions, or inaction, could lead to the death of one of his siblings was frightening.
It had taken the better part of a fortnight, but Jon had managed to complete the Lady of the Thorny Rose quest. It had started out with Jon making small-talk with Sansa which was awkward on its own. Eventually, it came to a point where Sansa would take a shift on watching him during his punishment and, afterwards spend a little time with him when his sentence was over. The turning point had been when Lady, Sansa's direwolf, went missing.
It had started out in the kennels when they were going to feed the direwolves which was the proper place to feed them their food after they had been weened off milk. Ghost stuck to Jon's side as usual both being quiet as they followed Sansa towards where Lady normally stayed when she was in the kennel. Sansa had been having trouble carrying the bucket full of meat when Jon had come upon her. Having offered to help, here he was waiting for her to open the door.
As soon as that door opened, two things happened simultaneously.
First, Sansa cried out "Lady's missing!"
Second, a new quest window popped up.
Side Quest: Lady in Distress
Description: Upon arriving at the kennels, you and Sansa have discovered Lady has gone missing.
Objective: Help Sansa find Lady.
Bonus Objective: Use your skills to follow Lady's trail.
Reward(s): 500XP, +10 Approval from both Sansa and Lady
Bonus Reward(s): Various
Failure: Not helping.
Failure Penalties: Lady may be hurt, -10 Disapproval from Sansa, Sansa will be depressed.
After calming her down, Sansa insisted that Lady may have been stolen as she never would've broken out since she was a good girl. Even though he had not picked up a perk from his Lockpick skill, Jon still had it high enough that he could now understand how to pick a lock and find signs of tampering. For instance he knew the door was not lock-picked due to the fact that when you do lockpick a door, you can't lock it back. This reduced the likelihood of foul play, but Sansa insisted that someone could've gotten a key and took Lady then.
Jon would have agreed if it wasn't for the fact that there was no sign of a struggle, as Lady, small and docile as she is, wouldn't have left unless it was Sansa herself and anyone else who would try to steal a direwolf was at risk of losing a hand. As there was no blood or drag marks, it was safe to say no one had been in here recently. Jon then used his Sense to see the room. Sansa had looked at him strangely for a moment before shaking her head. When he asked what was wrong, she replied that in this light, his eyes looked more silver than grey. Apparently the Sense caused his eyes to change color, which thankfully Sansa confused it with a mere trick of sunlight.
With the Sense, Jon noticed that some hay near the wall had been recently disturbed. Shutting off the Sense, he walked over and moved it to reveal a nice hole dug right under the wall, leading outside.
"Uh oh." Jon said while Sansa blushed embarrassed. Apparently she had misjudged her direwolf's manners. Sansa began calling out for Lady, her voice sounding out loud and clear thanks to Septa Mordane's singing lessons. Jon briefly wondered how high Sansa's barding skill would be if he could see it then shook the distracting thought off. When Lady did not come, he got an idea before questioning Sansa about if Lady had a special area she always lay down on in her room. At Sansa's confused look, she nodded prompting Jon to request going to her room. Sansa nodded thinking Lady might somehow have gotten there searching for her. When they did, Sansa opened her door to find that Lady hadn't in fact been there and thought it a waste of time.
Jon merely sighed and asked if Lady had a blanket or someplace she usually slept on in the room. Sansa nodded and entered but Jon refused to go in much to her further perplexity. The hidden prince said that it would not be looked well upon if the Bastard of Winterfell entered the Lady Sansa's room. The servants would talk, and considering how gossip got around and changed, Jon was sure that Lady Catelyn would hear an outlandish rumor of some kind involving her favorite daughter and the boy she despised being in the same room together. And Jon did not have any desire to be interrogated by an incensed Catelyn Stark. Sansa in turn flushed having not really considered it, which she found unusual since she didn't think Jon would do anything wrong, but since he was a bastard, her half-brother still, she could see what could happen. Even more so since she and Jon were not that close anymore. She still looked nostalgically back on when they were small, playing princesses and knights at times when her mind wandered. Before she learned what being a bastard meant and what a lady was supposed to be.
Sansa nodded in understanding before entering into her room and coming back out with a plush pillow. Jon snorted when Ghost looked at him with a whine upon seeing it, apparently jealous of his sister's comfortable looking bedding. Jon snarked that he sometimes still let Ghost sleep in his bed despite the fact of his increase in size, so he shouldn't whine about something like this.
He then commanded Ghost to smell the pillow and find Lady. Ghost did just that before going down the hall, sniffing the ground. Sansa, after placing the pillow back in her room and closing it, had professed surprise that Jon still let Ghost into his bed to which Jon replied that it helps when the fire goes out, even though he didn't really feel the cold anymore. Besides it was only sometimes now since Ghost was the size of hound. Jon had no wish to spoil Ghost the same way as Sansa seemed to spoil Lady. When Sansa defended against doing that, Jon brought up that none of their other siblings gave a pillow to their direwolf. At best they got blankets. Sansa then said that it wasn't spoiling, it was just her taking care of her direwolf, Jon spoke of the meat she was using which were choice cuts. Very good looking, cut properly and fresh off the bone. The rest of the Stark children as well as Jon always gave their wolves something with a little bone, unless it was sausage. When Sansa denied it once more, Jon left it alone instead of arguing further. He'd seen Sansa and Arya both squawk and squabble like two fishwives for long periods of time and he was sure he had neither the patience nor stamina to take an argument up with Sansa on this.
The two were led out of the castle and toward the East Gate when they suddenly stopped while Ghost passed the threshold before stopping to turn to them. This had been a bit of a conundrum as Jon hadn't been allowed to leave the castle yet, not even to Winter Town just outside the walls, and Lady had obviously left the castle by this point. Jon would've left Sansa to be escorted by someone else if he could but the problem was that Sansa did not want word of Lady getting out, knowing Lord Stark would be disappointed in her. It took them a few seconds of thinking before he took Sansa and headed in the opposite direction of the gate. Towards the Armory.
A quick explanation to Sansa of his idea and she was practically dragging him towards the building herself. That was when Arya showed up asking Jon why he was spending time with Sansa. Jon explained the situation and quickly quieted Arya's snarky comments by saying that now wasn't the time. When Arya suggested that she lead Sansa to Winter Town, Jon merely shook his head no, saying that the two going out into the town with no escort would be suspicious, not to mention tempting for less than savory folk in the crowds. Arya agreed and invited herself onto their little adventure before running to fetch Nymeria.
When Sansa tried to say no, Jon merely told her it was for the best since Arya would tell someone about this happening if they excluded her out now as Jon and Sansa both knew Arya could be vindictive when she wanted to be. By the time she came back Jon was already in the armory grabbing a suit of guard armor. A few minutes with Sansa and Arya keeping a lookout, Jon exited the armory wearing a cloak with the sigil of House Stark with a matching shield and a halfhelm. He also had a sword ready too just in case.
Both of his sisters took one look at him before they started giggling. At his question of what was so funny, Arya said he was a bit short for a guard to which he said she couldn't talk given that she hadn't grown much since her last nameday. Jon had been glad he decided to wear the schynbalds along with the outfit as Arya's kick would have had him walk with a limp and a hop, so it was sort of funny to watch her hop on one foot while she clutched the other one in pain.
The three made their way into Winter Town following Ghost, and Nymeria who took up the trail with him, while Jon walked behind the two sisters to make it appear that he was no more than a simple guard escorting them. When they asked if anyone had seen wolves like the Ghost and Nymeria, people who had somewhat nervous expressions began pointing to the Smoking Log, the inn and alehouse of Winter Town. Bewildered and slightly worried, the three ran over to the inn. A quick look inside showed all that they needed to know.
Chairs had been overturned, some people were practically hugging the walls and on top of the bar, all the while Lady was helping herself to a Leg of Lamb that had fallen onto the floor. The innkeeper had demanded for Jon to put Lady down, calling her a beast. Sansa snapped that Lady was not some beast and the situation rose from there. Then the innkeeper cursed at her having not realized who she was before brandishing a cleaver. Lady whimpered at seeing his intent to kill. Arya blowed for the man to stop and Sansa shrieked in horror as Jon leapt at the man, catching him by the wrist. Jon twisted the man's wrist until he was the one whimpering, dropping the cleaver onto the floor. Jon told Lady to go to Sansa which she did obediently after Sansa called her over. With Lady safely by Sansa's side, Jon released his captive's limb and made his way back over to Sansa and Arya.
It ended with Lady being taken from the inn, though not without her lamb leg. The innkeeper tried to squeeze some money out of them for 'damages and losses' for all the spilled drinks, food that had fallen on the ground and driving away his business. Before Arya and Sansa could try to offer anything, or throw an insult, Jon merely tossed a gold dragon into the air towards the innkeeper who had been stunned to get such an amount from him. Jon merely told him in a gruff voice to keep the change before escorting the two back. Just before they left, Jon turned to the innkeeper and told him how disrespectful of him for cursing in front his Lord's own children making the innkeeper turn nearly as pale as the snow outside.
On the way through the gate, Sansa asked why he gave so much money to the innkeeper. Jon merely replied it was meant to shut him up so he wouldn't complain anymore, not to mention, that Lady had cost him some business. Winter Town was mainly used during winter hence its name so the population was spare during the warmer seasons. Sansa thanked him for saving Lady with Lady affectionately rubbing up on Jon's leg. Jon merely told her she was welcome as they kept going.
Side Quest Completed: Lady in Distress
Reward(s): 500 + (30%) = 650XP, +10 Approval from both Sansa and Lady
Bonus Objective Completed: Use your skills to follow Lady's trail.
Bonus Reward(s): +1 to Lockpick.
Description: Upon arriving at the kennels, you and Sansa have discovered Lady has gone missing. After a few minutes of searching and with some help from Ghost, you found Lady at the Smoking Log having taken some of the food for her own. The innkeeper wanted her to be put down, but you managed to save her. Hopefully Sansa will keep a closer eye on her from now on.
Things took a brief turn for the worst when they returned to find both Lord and Lady Stark on the other side of gate waiting for them with stern expressions and crossed arms. Lord Stark immediately called Jon out upon seeing Ghost walking alongside him. After removing his helmet, he stared down his uncle unflinchingly. Whatever trouble he was in, he found himself uncaring of it. Jon glanced at Lady Stark to see her cold blue eyes trying to bore a hole into his head while she silence Sansa and Arya who were trying to get a word in. When his uncle asked if he had any words to explain his actions, Jon found himself at a crossroads. He could out Sansa's problems and clear his name, but Sansa would most likely get in trouble; or her could simply not tell them about it.
"Would it matter?" He had asked. Lord Stark replied that might or might not. It all depended Jon did not wish to extend his sentence, but he did not wish to get Sansa in trouble, and if he didn't say anything soon, Arya may blurt about it. What could he say? Then it occurred to him that he could knock Lord Stark off his guard with some shocking information. Just a little of it should be enough.
"Promise me." He said much to the confusion of those near him.
"What?" Lord Stark question with a raised eyebrow, his stern expression softening just a smidge. Time for the shock.
"Promise me, Ned." Both of Lord Stark's eyebrows rose while his eyes widened in terrified shock as Jon continued, "Those were the last words my mother spoke on her deathbed. I remember that much of her."
He paid no real attention to the soft gasps coming from Arya and Sansa, nor the sharp intake of breath from Lady Stark, but he did see Lord Stark turn nearly as pale as the innkeeper had earlier. Seeing his opening, he pressed on.
"I'm no longer the child she forced unto you all those years ago. So stop treating me like one. Now I'm going to return these to the armory. By your leave, Lord Stark." With that Jon turned and almost soldier walked to the armory, his heart hammering in his chest, his legs slightly shaky. He didn't know if he truly won that particular encounter or not, but he didn't care. He just wanted to be way from them all for a while.
Later that night, Lord Stark entered his room to tell him that his punishment was over. Sansa had confessed to what happened with Lady with Arya supporting her sister's testimony. Lord Stark asked Jon if his recent behavior was due to remembering his mother's words. Jon merely nodded. It was the truth in a way. There were other reasons of course, but that was one of the bigger ones.
The two had brief heart-to-heart about why Lord Stark had come down so hard on Jon, which was because he feared that Jon would somehow hurt himself, or worse could've gotten himself killed. But then Lord Stark conceded that Jon was no longer a child, but nearly a man grown now, and Eddard wasn't doing him any favors by keeping him confined to the castle. Brandon and Lyanna never would've lasted as long as Jon had anyway if their father had given this punishment.
The two shared a quick hug, before Lord Stark left. Jon went to bed, his heart which had felt heavy since he had gotten the Grimoire now felt somewhat lighter than before which put him at ease as he thought of how long he should sleep as he lay his head on the pillow.
After that, Jon resumed his lessons and increased at a fast pace. The days turned into weeks as he gained more experience and leveled up until finally nearly a moon after he had acquired the Grimoire Jon reached level 15, and not a moment too soon.
Jon Snow | Aegon Targaryen Level 14
Experience: 8000/7500
Level Up? [Yes] or [No]
'Yes.' Jon mentally responded.
Alchemy: 30
Archery: 30
Armor: 25
Astronomy: 50
Athletic Acrobatics: 30
Barding: 20
Blocking: 25
Etiquette: 30
Language: 20
Lockpick: 20
Magic: 30
Melee: 53
Pickpocket: 15
Politics: 23
Riding: 30
Smithing: 30
Sneak: 15
Speech: 28
Survival: 25
Tactics: 28
Unarmed: 33
Jon added the now 19 skill points he had gotten.
Alchemy: 30
Archery: 30
Armor: 25
Astronomy: 50
Athletic Acrobatics: 30
Barding: 20
Blocking: 25
Etiquette: 30
Language: [25]
Lockpick: 21
Magic: 30
Melee: 53
Pickpocket: 15
Politics: 23
Riding: 30
Smithing: 30
Sneak: [20]
Speech: [30]
Survival: 25
Tactics: [33]
Unarmed: [35]
After that the page turned to the now familiar perk page.
You have [2] perk points to spend.
Current Perks:
Barter & Bribe
Basic Riding
Basic Strategy
Bowyer
Combat Training
Composite Bows
Creation Magic
Deft Hands
Dragonborn
Dual Wielding
Empathy I
Green Thumb
Herbalism
Herblore
High Valyrian
Hunting
Intimidate & Brawl
Iron Fist
Leather working
Light Armors
Miscellaneous Weaponry
Padded Armor
Persuade and Lie
Shields
Short Bows
Skinchanger
Stealth
Sword-fighting
The Sense I
Tracking
Vantage Points
Wolf's Blood
Available Perks:
Axe-Handling: From simple hatchets to the long-axes of battlefields, learn all of the axes of the known world and become proficient with them.
Requirements: (8) Melee
Hammers of War: Instantly learn all of the clubs, maces and hammers in Westeros and become proficient with them.
Requirements: (16) Melee
Spearing: The spear has been used since men have hunted and to this day remains a favorite used from hunting to war. Learn all of the spears that can be made and use them to skewer your enemies.
Requirements: (20) Melee
Polearms: Sometimes you want to hit someone but you don't want them to hit you even if they can see you. These people might be strong and/or wearing tough armor. A halberd or a poleaxe can easily take care of both.
Requirements: (24) Melee
Champion's Fighting Stance: Heavy attacks and Power attacks with melee weapons cost 25% less stamina.
Requirements: (53) Melee
Survivalist: You can detect the presence of nearby creatures with their level being the same as your Survival Skill.
Requirements: (25) Survival and (4) Perception
Trapper: You have learned to construct traps and lures from common components. Their lethality and complexity depends on your Survival Skill. This also gives you the ability sense traps too.
Requirements: (25) Survival and (4) Intelligence
Iron Man: Your will has allowed you shrug off exhaustion for few days. Stamina does not drop below 25 % for three days straight. You will only be able to use this ability once every two weeks, however.
Requirements: (5) Will
Novice Locks: Novice locks are much easier to pick with your pick instinctively beginning near the proper placement for the lock.
Requirements: (20) Lockpick
Blending: You now can hide in plain sight whether it is on benches, in crowds or otherwise so long as you wear clothing that does not draw attention to you.
Requirements: (20) Sneak
Long Bows: Become proficient with Long Bows
Requirements: (18) Archery
Crossbows: Become proficient with Crossbows
Requirements: (24) Archery
Haggling: Buying and selling prices are 30% better.
Requirements: (25) Speech
Allure: 10% better prices with the opposite sex.
Requirements: (30) Speech
Poison-Maker: You are now familiar with the delicate process of making simple poisons. Increase your alchemy to make even deadlier ones or to simply know them. There is no harm in that, right?
Requirements: (25) Alchemy and (5) Intelligence
Physician: Poultices and draughts you mix that restore health or stamina are 25% more powerful. You also have a better understanding of living creatures and their strengths and weaknesses. Specifically, what hurts and what doesn't. This both helps your understanding of mending injuries as well as causing them.
Requirements: (30) Alchemy and (5) Intelligence
Improved Combat Training: You're allowed to use live steel outside now in actual combat, and gain a +10 bonus to stamina and mana regeneration.
Requirements: (25) Tactics and (4) Intelligence
Intrigue: Gossip, rumors, and secrets can provide all sorts of information. Listen for it and use it to benefit you and your allies or simply undermine your enemies.
Requirements: (18) Intrigue, (4) Perception and (5) Intelligence
Shield Wall: Blocking is 40% more effective.
Requirements: (20) Blocking and (4) Strength
Poleturning: Craft and improve spears, poleaxes, halberds and even lances.
Requirements: (16) Smithing
Iron Smithing: Shape and mold iron to your will. You can now melt down anything iron and reuse it if needed or craft anything made of it like armor and weapons. Provided you have the corresponding perk for such items.
Requirements: (25) Smithing
Leap of Faith: Dive off of a high structure and land, unharmed, into a cushioning material such as hay, leaves, spice carts, flower petals, and bodies of water.
Requirements: (30) Athletic Acrobatics, (4) Agility, and (4) Endurance
Dothraki: The language of the Dothraki, the indigenous nomadic horse people that roam the Dothraki Sea. It is known to be a rough, harsh language.
Requirements: (12) Language and (4) Intelligence
Old Ghiscari: The Old Ghiscari language, culture, and gods were largely forgotten over time and the Ghiscari adopted the language of their Valyrian conquerors. Today they speak a dialect of High Valyrian. The Gamer's Grimoire, however, remembers all skills and talents of its previous Gamers, and so has them ready for the latest bearer. Use this perk to be able to understand the dead language.
Requirements: (18) Language and (5) Intelligence
Old Tongue: The language of the First Men, brought to Westeros during their invasion over twelve thousand years ago. It is a harsh, clanging language. The language is all but extinct in the Seven Kingdoms, where the Common Tongue has become dominant, however it may come in handy should you ever travel to the lands beyond the Wall.
Requirements: (20) Language and (4) Intelligence
On Garth's advice, he had not neglected the other perks from different skills as he leveled up and while he had been skeptical of some, all of them were very interesting.
Learning High Valyrian had been strange instance for him, suddenly learning an entire language in an instant. However it wasn't that simple. Unless his language skill was at hundred, he would never be able to fully understand High Valyrian and its pronunciation as he would with the Common Tongue. But it wasn't just the oral part of the language he had learned. He also had a knowledge of how it was written down which was something else since it was very rare to find anything of the sort in the Seven Kingdoms.
He had been skeptical and more than a little reluctant about the Deft Hands perk when he had gotten it. Given that it was from the Lockpicking skill, he thought it dishonorable to have something like it but now he enjoyed it. It had granted him some understanding of opening locks and spotting traps, and also gave him particularly dexterous hands. He had noticed how steady they were now, his fingers not even shaking or twitching when he really focused on it.
Stealth had worked well into his repertoire. While black had been his color, he had also taken it to stay out of sight. He scarcely liked having attention thrust upon him since it was usually the reprimanding and judgmental kind. So he tried to lessen it as much as he could. With the Stealth perk now active, Jon began to notice some people, particularly ones with a low Perception score, not even notice him until he was close enough which spooked some of them.
Green Thumb was another one he had been skeptical about, but it had helped him well when he went collecting for herbs and food. Instead of a low amount like 1 or the occasional 2 herbs, Jon now got twice that much every time. Maester Luwin was pleased to say the least when he came with nearly twice as much as he had sent Jon out for.
Barter and Bribe had been one that he had mixed feelings about. On one hand he enjoyed being able to sell things as well as buy them, making a small amount of money in return, but bribery just felt wrong. Intimidation and Brawl was similar. He enjoyed a fight every now and then, taking a brawl with a few men in a tavern now that he was free. Intimation made him feel like a bully. Though he would concede that both perks did have their uses as with the innkeeper of the Smoking Log who had taken to being very respectful of him when he saw him.
Basic Strategy had been very helpful as he found himself planning his moves when he was in the sparring yard. Theon and Robb had been stunned when Jon had anticipated his opponents' attacks and countered them most of the time. It also doubled outside of combat when Maester Luwin introduced Cyvasse to him. The game had been interesting, but Maester Luwin beat him in every round.
Leather working and Bowyer had enabled him to craft better with leather and to fletch his bows and arrows, something which Mikken had noticed and praised Jon on for catching on so quick.
Part of him felt dishonest about these perks as if he hadn't truly worked for it. Sure he went to his lessons, put in his time and effort, but it felt... too easy, like he had cheated. When he had brought these concerns to Garth, the Old King had told Jon that it was perfectly natural to feel that way, and in a sense it was true. The Gamer's growth is much more fast-paced with the Grimoire at their side allowing them to have something instead of completely struggling for their work. But then Garth told Jon not to think of it as a shortcut, but as a key to his ultimate potential. Garth said to him to think of each skill as a pathway with every perk being a locked door and the Grimoire as the key to it. All the experience, quests, and training was merely Jon walking down that path and opening the doors. Jon had accepted this analogy, helping him to come to terms with it.
Creation Magic had been... very interesting. As soon as he had said yes to it, it had brought up a list of spells. Creation magic was in its nature a defensive and healing branch of magic. Healing Spells, Enhancements, Glyphs, and Barriers were the main categories of it. While the spells did not require points like the fighting styles did, they did require he be a certain level as well as his magic skill be at certain point. He had the basic spells but none of their advanced forms or any other spells. When he tried his first healing spell, he couldn't help but marvel at it. He had been cut by one of the knives he and Maester Luwin used when making a poultice. One small flash of magical light with a chime like whistle, and Jon watched as the severed flesh mended together in seconds. Jon had to spend some time in the Godswood to practice his magical spells like inscribing a glyph onto the ground. All he had to say about that was thank the gods that a Paralysis Glyph lasted for around 20 seconds. Barriers were tricky they could be temporary if he found that he needed to be quick about it, but they could be maintained if he concentrated on it though he was near immobile doing it.
Vantage Points had been fun, mainly due to the fact he could see so much more from the top of a tower. He could see things now that he hadn't normally seen. The winding pathways, through the castle, how small the buildings looked and how smaller the people were. He could see why Bran loved climbing so much.
Iron Fist was one of the lesser ones, but still the look on his opponents' faces when out of nowhere, Jon punched them so hard that they dropped their weapons to clutch their bruised limbs was funny to watch. And they were bruised despite the padding they were wearing because Jon had to help afterwards and apologize to them. He tried to keep the punching to a minimum after that.
The only other ones paled in comparison to the rest since it was just Shields and Short Bows. And they were just like Sword-fighting. Knowledge of shields and short bows with how many resources he would need to make them.
Now looking at the newest ones Jon knew he would have difficulty. They were all tempting, but he had to be smart about this. Garth's warning had never left his mind. A threat from Beyond the Wall, and threat from the South. Beyond on the Wall was a harsh landscape, home to the Wildlings, a savage people who raided villages and slaughtered, raped and took people. And if Garth's visions were true, there was an even greater threat beyond them. One that require skill with a sword as well as magic.
Then there was the threat in the South. House Lannister was going to take power in the only other they could: By killing King Robert and installing Prince Joffrey on the Throne. Jon had heard from Robb that there were rumors of Joffrey being a right prick. While not anything to be really concerned over, Jon had realized that there was always more to something than just hearsay. He feared that there was something darker to the Crown Prince than what he'd heard given the description of the vision Garth had provided. The South was not like the North.
In a biased manner, Jon had heard that honor does not matter nearly as much South of the Neck as it does here in the North. Courtly intrigue and House name matter even more the further south you went apparently, and they were about to receive guests who have been at the very center of it for years now. From what he had heard from Lord Stark, King's Landing was in his uncle's own words a 'pit of vipers' where deceit is the norm and power plays were happening in some fashion everyday. The fact that people like that were coming to his, in addition to the warning from Garth had given, Jon's teeth on been set on edge.
With these morbid thoughts in mind Jon chose the perks Intrigue and Physician. Intrigue because it may help him when the Lannisters come since he knew he couldn't fight them conventionally here, and physician because it may very well save his life at some point whether it be by medicine or by taking someone down. With the Intrigue perk he saw visions of the Great Hall of Winterfell and what had to have been the Iron Throne room as well as other places that he had never been to. And it wasn't just well dressed nobles like the Starks and Targaryens, he saw other nobles, spymasters, and servants as well as others who brought news to these people. Then the information from the Physician perk kicked in. He now knew how many bones were in a body as well as how many organs and where they were. He knew their locations, what to check for, how to mend them or damage them.
Then came the styles. He acquired the Black Frost Style from Robb after several spars with him and decided to it best fill up the basic talents first which was balanced between offense and defense. He could almost match Robb with this style now. Though Robb had progressed too taking Jon's sudden growth in skill as a competition. Robb seemed close to having most of the style finished if not half of it which is more than what Jon had. But Jon could match Robb as he now had two styles to use and could change in between them which made it all the more fun for both boys.
But now there was no training or sparring for today. Because today was the day the king was arriving. Anxiety coiled itself in Jon's stomach like snake ready to strike. He had heard the stories and knew who was coming. Jon felt fear. Fear of the Lannisters striking. Fear of being found out as Rhaegar Targaryen's trueborn son. Fear of war breaking out.
Everyone was now amassing in the courtyard as the King and his retinue had been spotted on the Kingsroad. Almost in a trance, he had gotten in line beside Theon. They were behind Lord and Lady Stark, with all of their children lined up beside them to greet the Royal family. Arya had been missing before she came running up with a halfhelm on her head. Lord Stark stopped her and took the helm before handing it to Ser Rodrik who was just behind him. After Lord Stark motioned her to get in line, Arya made Bran move over so she could stand beside Sansa.
Then the King's retinue came in through the gates, numbering in the hundreds. They came in like a river of gold, silver and steel. Jon saw many banners carrying the crowned stag of House Baratheon. Then he saw a few men who stood out. Clad in their signature armor Jon saw the kingsguard in all their glory yet they were not close enough for Jon to be able to tell who they were save for Jaime Lannister, the Kingslayer, clad in golden armor. Then everyone kneeled down with Jon following suit.
Then a large man came off his horse and stood in front of Lord Stark. Jon just barely saw the man's fingers gesture for his uncle to rise. He did so with everyone else following his example. Lord Stark welcomed the King by saying Winterfell was his. They had an intense stare down, taking into the account of what the years had done to them.
"You got fat." The king said. Jon wanted to snort and say the man couldn't talk, but he choked it back. Lord Stark did not say anything before giving a meaningful glance at the King's large belly before nodding to it. For a brief moment all was quiet before the King laughed uproariously with Lord Stark chuckling along with him. Everyone seemed to give a collective sigh of relief as the two friends had stayed as such through the years.
Now that he was close enough, Jon could see the King's stats.
Robert Baratheon
Title: King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, Protector of the Realm, Demon of the Trident
Level: 78
Attributes:
Strength: 8
Perception: 6
Endurance: 9
Charisma: 8
Intelligence: 6
Agility: 5
Will: 8
Fate: 6
Aside from Garth, King Robert might be the highest leveled person Jon had seen so far. An older man, with white hair and lined features stepped up beside the king, clad in the armor of the Kingsguard. Even with his face covered he looks strong and graceful. The man took off his helmet revealing sad blue eyes.
Barristan Selmy
Title: Ser, Lord Commander of the Kingsguard
Level: 85
Attributes:
Strength: 8
Perception: 7
Endurance: 8
Charisma: 7
Intelligence: 6
Agility: 8
Will: 8
Fate: 6
Forget King Robert, Ser Barristan Selmy could probably be a threat to Garth if it what wasn't for the ancient king's magic. Jon couldn't help but stare in awe at the living legend's statistics. He couldn't help but wonder if it would take him as many years to get to Ser Barristan's level if he did not have Grimoire. Then Jon noticed the Queen and her twin brother approach the king who had asked to be taken to the crypts, no doubt to see Jon's mother's tomb. Garth's words of the king and queen came back to Jon's mind as the king ignored her words so blatantly. Jon saw that the queen was indeed pretty, but there was something about that set the hairs on Jon's neck on end.
She was beautiful, there was no denying. But her eyes screamed an ugliness that made Jon want to stay away from her. Her emerald eyes reminded Jon of venom he had seen once in Maester Luwin's tower. He saw she gave an observing look of Winterfell and for a brief moment looked as if she smelled something foul. Jon felt himself tense in anger at the way she had judged his home so quickly. There was an anger and disgust in those eyes that told Jon that this woman was dangerous, far more dangerous than Catelyn Stark on her worst day. He could easily see her doing something terrible to king, or anyone for that matter.
Cersei Lannister
Title: Lady, Queen Consort
Level: 10
Attributes:
Strength: 4
Perception: 4
Endurance: 4
Charisma: 4
Intelligence: 5
Agility: 4
Will: 4
Fate: 6
He switched his gaze away to her brother before anyone caught him staring. Out of the three legends he was surprisingly the lowest of them all. He looked more like a king than Robert did if one believed looks were everything. Jon was done being taking things at face value now. Ser Jaime had an arrogant, cocky look in his eye and a swagger in his step that reminded Jon a bit of Theon. He wore golden armor decorated with the Lannister lion, with what looked like a gilded longsword and an ornate lion's helmet.
Jaime Lannister
Title: Ser, Kingslayer, Oathbreaker
Level: 65
Attributes:
Strength: 7
Perception: 7
Endurance: 7
Charisma: 6
Intelligence: 5
Agility: 6
Will: 8
Fate: 6
Jon looked away to the others of the King's retinue until he saw a tall blonde boy on a horse, probably the crown prince, looking in his siblings' direction. He followed the boy's line of sight and saw it leading to Sansa who was looking down demurely with a little red blush dusting her cheeks.
'Oh, this is not going to end well.' Jon thought in despair as everyone went to what they were doing. When everyone was gone, he made his way over to the Godswood. He had to be ready for whatever was coming.
Jon Snow|Aegon Targaryen
Title: Bastard of Winterfell, Scholar
Level: 15
Attributes:
Strength: 4
Perception: 4
Endurance: 4
Charisma: 4
Intelligence: 6
Agility: 4
Will: 6
Fate: 4
Skills:
Alchemy: 30
Archery: 30
Armor: 25
Astronomy: 50
Athletic Acrobatics: 30
Barding: 20
Blocking: 25
Etiquette: 30
Language: 25
Lockpick: 21
Magic: 30
Melee: 53
Pickpocket: 15
Politics: 23
Riding: 30
Smithing: 30
Sneak: 20
Speech: 30
Survival: 25
Tactics: 33
Unarmed: 35
Perks:
Barter & Bribe
Basic Riding
Basic Strategy
Bowyer
Combat Training
Composite Bows
Creation Magic
Deft Hands
Dragonborn
Dual Wielding
Empathy I
Green Thumb
Herbalism
Herblore
High Valyrian
Hunting
Intimidate & Brawl
Intrigue
Iron Fist
Leather working
Light Armors
Miscellaneous Weaponry
Padded Armor
Persuade and Lie
Physician
Shields
Short Bows
Skinchanger
Stealth
Sword-fighting
The Sense I
Tracking
Vantage Points
Wolf's Blood
Weapon Styles:
Blazing Dragon Style
+10 Health and Stamina Regeneration
+4 Strength while fighting in style
Abilities
Berserk (Sustained)
-Endless Berserk
Adrenaline (Activated)
-Adrenaline Rush
-Adrenaline Rage
Barrage (Activated)
Ring of Pain (Activated)
Blood Frenzy (Passive)
Fervor (Passive)
Black Frost Style:
+2 Endurance
+5 Damage Resistance
Abilities
Stonewall (Activated)
Turn the Blade (Sustained)
-Steady the Foot
Resilience (Passive)
Block and Slash (Activated)
Pommel Strike (Activated)
Flow of Battle (Passive)
Whirlwind (Activated)
Mighty Blow (Activated)
Whew! Longest chapter yet, probably ever for this story. Finals are nearly done too. I hope you all have enjoyed this chapter. If not sorry, I needed to jump to where the story starts for real. Please leave a review that is hopefully more than two or three words. Constructive criticism is appreciated so long as it is not hateful.
