A Cleric's Chronicle of Rwby's Remnant Chapter 5: Visiting Vacuo Part 2, a rwby fanfic

AN: Really sorry this chapter took so long, I've been recovering from Covid-19, an ear infection, and I may have to get my Tonsils removed soon as I have been in a 2-year-long period of constant sinus inflammation and headaches.

TWO IMPORTANT POLLS!

Poll 1: The Pairing! I have no idea how adept I would be at writing a pairing, so, I'm going to put it to a vote. You can either be FOR having a pairing, or AGAINST having a pairing. If you are FOR having a pairing, then you may also vote for whether there should only be ONE, or MORE! In your votes, you may also suggest which characters you would like to see Mowgli paired with. However, there will be no guarantee that I accept any of the suggestions.

Poll 2: GhostlyDrew had brought it to my attention that the rolls and calculations for various skill checks and attacks may be distracting from the story. So, I want y'alls opinion on the matter. Do you want them moved to the end of the chapter, the end of the scene, just after the action occurs, to stay in place, more of them, less of them? Let me know in the reviews!

LAST CHAPTER TO VOTE!

Oh! and if anyone has a Beta that they could recommend that would be greatly appreciated!

Disclaimer: I do not own RWBY or D&D, they are properties of Rooster Teeth and Wizards' of the Coast respectively

Second Disclaimer: I want to try in use this story as a sandbox for creating worldbuilding for Remnant. As such, there is two things you readers need to be cautioned of. Numero uno: I'm going to add a bit a realism to the worldbuilding which means some topics may get 'gritty' to say the least. If you are one who prefers not to deign in reading such topics, you may skip past them at no slight to me. Second: THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT! None of the topics that are discussed in this story are in anyway supposed to reflect, make commentary on, insult, praise, nor satirize any aspects of our own world. Any parallels that you draw are not purposefully intended and the story is not written in a manner designed to make you connect them.

Story Reviews:

raxon1221: Great, I'll put down your votes for multi-pairing, keeping the rolls where they are, and Weiss for pairing, though I can't reasonably write Glynda as a pairing with the massive age gap, and that Mowgli is a minor.

CelticWiccan: Ight, I don't know if its explicitly stated for Velvet either, so I'll put one vote down for Velvet and Weiss each.

GhostlyDrew: Alright mate, this chapter is for you. It's not quite what you suggested as I also tried out General Shepherd's suggestion, but I did my best to try it out while simultaneously not fucking up the math when I moved it around.

dlmauricio19: You got it, I'll put your vote down for a Mowgli x OC pairing, which I think we all know would be a Mowgli x Noémie pairing at this point.

General Shepered: Okay, so a vote for no pairing and I tried out what you suggested in this chapter.

Vertias123: So a vote for Both of Ruby and Yang, and yes Arkos is life! I'm glad that you like them, depending on the vote I will see if they stay or are moved to the bottom like I did in this chapter. Don't worry, Mowgli will be able to perform basic functions. In my time as a DM I have learned that with dice rolls, LESS IS MORE. As for Aura, don't worry, when Mowgli reaches level 5, then it gets significantly more powerful. Finally, thank you, I had a great time at the Grand Prix!

brisinger115: Great! I hope to see you next chapter as well.

Sreym Sallad: Maria is Awesome! Mowgli and her get to bond this chapter and in the next!

...

Stat Sheet:

Name: Mowgli De Coquina Belladonna

Alignment: Lawful Good

Race: Faunus (lynx)

Background: Noble

Class/Classes: Arcana Cleric 4

Character Level: 4 (Exp: 5,900/6,500)

Proficiency Bonus: +2

AP: 40/40 (1 Aura Point = 2 HP)

HP: 31/31 = 8 (Base) + 8 (2 Con. Mod. X 4 Level(s))+ 15 (5 X 3 Levels over 1st)

Hit Dice: 4D8 (1D8 Per Level)

AC: 17 = 14 (Scale Mail ) + 2 (Dex. Mod.) + 1 (Shield)

Initiative Bonus: +4 = 2 (Dex. Mod.) + 2 (Racial Trait)

Speed: 30ft

Passive Perception: 16 = 10 (Base) + 4 (Wis. Mod.) + 2 (Prof. Bonus)

Saving Throw Proficiency: Wisdom and Charisma

Strength: 0 (10)

Dexterity: +2 (14)

Constitution: +2 (14)

Intelligence: +2 (14)

Wisdom: +4 (18)

Charisma: +2 (14)

Skill Proficiency: History, Perception, and Persuasion

Channel Divinity: Turn Undead and Arcane Abjuration

Spell Attack Bonus: +6 = 4 (Wis. Mod.) + 2 (Prof. Bonus)

Spell Save DC: 14 = 8 (Base) +4 (Wis. Mod) + 2 (Prof. Bonus)

Cantrips: Light, Sacred Flame, Thaumaturgy, Hand of Radiance, Guidance (Cast once per long rest), Mage Hand (Cast once per long rest), Blade Ward (Always Prepared), and Firebolt (Always Prepared).

Spell Points: 17/17

Prepared 1st Level Spells (Casting Cost: 2): Find Familiar (Can be Cast for No Cost once per long rest), Detect Magic (Domain Spell: Always Prepared), Magic Missile (Domain Spell: Always prepared), Cure Wounds, Guiding Bolt, Protection from Evil and Good, and Bless.

Prepared 2nd Level Spells (Casting Cost: 3): Magic Weapon (Domain Spell: Always prepared), Nystul's Magic Aura (Domain Spell: Always prepared), Spiritual Weapon, Lesser Restoration, Prayer of Healing, and Continual Flame.

Currency: 11,392Lien

Inventory: Amulet, 4x Fine Clothes, 20x Crossbow Bolts, "Crackdown" Light-Crossbow/Mace Hybrid, Scale Mail, Shield, Signet Ring, Luggage, Tinderbox, and Waterskin

Proficiencies: Light Armor, Medium Armor, Shields, Remnant The Game, and Simple Weapons.

Languages: Vytalian, Vacish, Mistralian.

Visiting Vacuo with a Valiant Venerable Vanguard: Part 2 (Chapter 5)

The Belladonna family had always shared a sick sense of humor. The type of humor where they gave a brief bark of laughter at some ironic tragedy.

It was necessary for them, with the work that they did and the reports they read. They needed that joking cynicism to make it easier to swallow. To not mourn every soul that was lynched in some backwater town because 'Their horns make them look like Grimm!'; The locals would say, as if it justified the vacant eyes of the teenage turtle Faunus with a snapped neck, as his human mother wept at his hanging feat, begging the God of Darkness to treat her son well in the afterlife. It was believed that all that was created by the God of Light, would eventually return to the Spiritual Oasis where the God of Darkness would guide all that had been destroyed or died, to the afterlife. Or at least that's what those who followed The Church of the Brothers believed. While it was the primary religion of Remnant, there were a few others, but they all either worshipped at the feet of the God of Darkness (who they called Xanthus), the God of Light (who they called Ramesses), or both as well.

Mowgli would later theorize that the family's sometimes abrasive sense of humor might have originated from Ghira's tales of growing up in Mantle as a practitioner of faith ( before he had converted when he moved to Menagerie). Where he would go to mass seeking to find wisdom and guidance in the struggles he faced, but only received vitriol from the preacher's, claiming that all Faunus were heretics as they were clearly mocking the Gods by emulating their animalistic features, or they were trying to steal The Brother's divinity, or they were spawn of The Sister (The evil deity of The Brother's Church, the middle sister of The Brothers, one who sought to end the holy cycle of creation and destruction, known as Onoskelis); every time their explanation for why the Faunus were heretics would change. Perhaps it was the way that their father had illuminated The Brother Church's Bullshit in such mocking manner, which had led Blake and Mowgli to adopting their abrasive humor. That's not to say that they couldn't laugh at anything else, but their humor was certainly skewed.

Mowgli could vividly remember the first time the family had laughed or even smiled after Blake had left.

~2 Months After Blake's Departure~

The remains of the Belladonna family sat on the cushioned floor around the dining room table, yet they had the sensation of a bed river stones, and the house still felt cold, even in the humid Menagerian Summer.

Dinner was quiet, only the soft periodic clink from tableware knocking together broke the void of sound. Somehow the dining room had lost in regular echo, as if the room itself dared not to breech the silence.

Mowgli looked over to the faces of his parents. It was funny to him in a morbid way, how his parents seemed to have flipped in their usual mannerisms. His father was usually one of soft contentment in joy and stoicism in grief, while Mowgli swore that his mother tried to outdo the happiness of the world around her, no matter the occasion, and only showed gentle remorse for sorrow. Yet now, as the prince looked upon them, Ghira seemed to be in a constant internal argument with himself his face constantly morphing between guilt, anger, and regret, dried tear tracks could be seen marring his noble visage, like a weeping angel; meanwhile, his mother held a faux and brittle smile to mask the pain that her eyes screamed out with their hollowness. The dichotomy was jarring, and Mowgli could tell he wasn't the only one who thought so. Currently Edward was doing his best to keep his face a mask of indifference, however Mowgli could clearly see the unease depicted in the wrinkles around the corners of his eyes. No doubt he was wondering whether it was his place to step in and try to offer condolences, all the while dealing with the loss of Blake as well.

While Mowgli had stated that he wanted to be chieftain one day, his father had not yet explicitly stated that he would be. After all, Blake was the eldest child, and therefore had the stronger claim to the position. It had been three years prior when Mowgli and Blake had started their informal war of attempting to convince their father of who would make the better future chieftain, or chieftess in Blakes case.

Of course, Blake was gone now...

"Hey dad?" Mowgli called, resulting in the slow halt to the various movement of silverware across the table.

"Yes." The chieftain's voice was soft and hoarse, most likely from his expressions of grief.

"I don't suppose I need to continue to campaign for my positioning as your heir, yes? It appears that the other candidate has 'dropped out of the race' so to speak." Mowgli asked.

Surprisingly enough, the father laughed, it was gentle and soft, and more a collection of repeated humorful snorts, some even sounding like sobs, but he laughed. "No Mowgli, I do suppose that leaves you as the winner."

Mowgli smiled happily up at his father, Kali's smile was no longer fake, and the room grew a little bit warmer.

All the while, Edward watched from his position at the wall of the room, a warm smile stretched across his features. Glad, that the family was finally beginning to heal.

~Coquina, Vacuo~

It was because of his sense of humor that Mowgli merely laughed at the middle finger the universe had sent him. For a moment thinking that he had been lucky enough to find the Summer Maiden that quickly. So, he sat down beside Maria Calavera and accepted the cashew from her hand.

"Thanks. I'm Mowgli by the way." Mowgli spoke.

"Calavera," She answered, "you're not from Vacuo, are you child?" Maria concluded.

"Nope, born and raised on Menagerie for my whole life, you?" The cleric inquired.

"I've lived in lots of places, there was a time I used to travel all over Remnant, but now I'm back here in the small town of Coquina. Though, its sadly not that small anymore." Maria answered, peering out onto the horizon dotted with high-rises.

Maria looked over the weapon on Mowgli's hip before speaking, "Are you training to be a Huntsman?"

"Nah, my career is in politics, but I'm certainly not useless in a fight." Mowgli admitted.

"Good, because I'd be severely disappointed if the Huntsman in training these days had as poor awareness as you. Mowgli Belladonna." Ms. Calavera said, as she held up the paper she had swiped from Mowgli's pocket.

'How in the fuck did she do that?!' Mowgli mentally exclaimed, 'I have a passive perception of 18! How did I not notice her?'

Maria continued reading over the paper she had taken. It was his scroll of pedigree, which had taken the form of an officially certificate/ID of who he was so that no one could question his identity as the ambassador of Menagerie. "Mowgli De Coquina Belladonna." The Grimm Reaper read aloud, she turned her head and squinted at Mowgli, seemingly considering something. "Your mother wouldn't happen to be Kali De Coquina, would it?" Maria asked.

"Uh yeah," Mowgli answered confused, "Also, can I have that back please?"

"Hah! Hahahaha" The old woman threw her head back and began to cackle uproariously.

Taking the opportunity, Mowgli snatched back the paper and watched as Maria continued to cackle, "What's so funny?"

Finally, the former Huntress seemed to get a hold of herself, "Ah, your mother was the brattiest child I ever knew." Maria said wistfully.

"Um, what? You knew my mom?" Mowgli was thoroughly lost.

Maria began to explain, "I used to babysit for her mother, when I retired from Huntress work. The pay was good, but boy did I have my hands full. Her sister was very well behaved and knew to treat me with respect. Your mother however, I probably went through 15 bars of soap with her. She'd get into a tantrum and swear worse than a sailor from Solitas." Maria erupted once more into a fit of laughter.

"When she left to help with the efforts in Menagerie, she sent me a note listing every curse under the sun, saying that I couldn't wash her mouth out with soap now." The silver-eyed-warrior eventually got a hold of her laughter, though a mocking smile still graced her face.

By this point, Mowgli was laughing alongside her. The ambassador couldn't wait to write his weekly letter and tell his parents about who he had met. He knew that his father would get a real chuckle out of it.

"Come, I want to hear more about your mother, but it is getting far too dark to see, even with my mechanical eyes." Maria hopped up from where she had been sitting and began walking, seemingly expecting Mowgli to follow.

Having no reason otherwise, Mowgli did just that.

Soon, the pair arrived at a quaint house that while well maintained, clearly was several decades old.

Maria invited him inside, and he found himself in a quaint little traditional Vacuoan home. It was filled with various candles on shelves, a kitchenette that opened up into a breakfast room. Outside of the breakfast room, Mowgli found himself being led onto a small gardened porch.

Sitting down into one of chairs that Maria directed him to, Mowgli took a moment to appreciated the scenery. It was kind of like a small little alcoved oasis, hidden away from the wider city of Coquina.

He was brought out of his adoration by the soft sound of footsteps behind him.

"Tea?" Maria asked as she walked over, a teapot and set of cups in hand.

"Yes, please." Mowgli agreed gratefully as Maria poured him a cup.

"Sugar?" She offered, as she held up a small container of sugar.

"No thank you." Mowgli denied, having never really had a sweet tooth.

"Hmm." Maria hummed in acknowledgement, "Your mother would have asked for the whole cup of sugar."

Mowgli gave a light chuckle, "She would have indeed. My father and I are still amazed to this day about how much sugar she consumes. Him and I are more into the savory culinary experiences."

The former Huntress smirked, "That's the right mindset to have. Though some spice in your food is never a bad thing either."

"Indeed it is." Mowgli agreed as the two of them gently *clinked* their cups together and began drinking. Mowgli was pleasantly surprised by earthy taste of the drink, "Cinnamon?"

"And ginger." Maria told him as she sat back in her chair.

"Its delicious, thank you." Mowgli told her courteously.

"Your welcome. Besides, it is nice to have company." Maria answered kindly.

"Its a nice place to have company in." Mowgli responded in kind. "This place is beautiful and so tranquil."

"It wasn't that way with your mother and aunt here, I'll tell you that." Maria joked lightly.

Mowgli rose a brow, "You brought them here to babysit them?"

"No, they lived here." Ms. Calavera denied, "I was good friends with your grandparents and after they passed they left me with this house. It was nice since it meant I could stay in the city I loved after the costs of rent kept getting higher."

"Wow," Mowgli voiced his appreciation.

"How is your mother doing?" Maria asked amicably.

Mowgli thought for a moment before sighing and setting his cup down, "Not the best I'm afraid. I'm not her only child, I have a sister-an older one- who ran away from home a few years back."

Maria stopped drinking her tea as well and turned to him, "Do you know why she did that?"

"Yeah," Mowgli spoke, "she got caught up with one of the more extreme members of the White Fang. She was convinced that they were meant to be and that he would lead the Faunus to a brighter future. In actuality he is a killer with little regard for who gets in his path towards domination over others."

Mowgli gently combed his fingers through his hair as he continued, "I haven't spoken to her in several years, and I'm honestly not certain what I will say to her when I do."

Maria seemed curious about something, "I'm sorry to hear that. Though from what you said, it sounds like you will be meeting up with her again, no?"

Mowgli thought on his answer before speaking, "Yeah, I think so. I've heard a couple rumors that she left the Fang in Vale. I'm planning on finding an excuse to head out there soon and look for her."

"Are you angry at her?" Maria asked calmly.

"Yes." Mowgli answered without a moments hesitation, "Even if I ignored how much it hurt me when she left, when she was my only friend and left me behind, I have other reasons to be angry with her. Her leaving devastated my parents, cause they thought it was their fault. I know that when the day comes when my parents see her again that they will not be waiting for her to ask for forgiveness, but giving it to her themselves. So, I plan to be the one that actual gives her the lecture she needs to hear after a stunt like this."

Maria smiled as she took a sip of her tea before speaking, "Good. Its nice to see that the youth still maintains the same determination that everyone was once full of. Its the only way to truly seek out your goals; to pursue them with vigor and confidence of not 'if' you will succeed, but rather 'when'.

Mowgli smiled and raised his glass to her in thanks.

They got along well and continued talking until the sun went down, with Maria telling Mowgli stories of his mother's childhood, and him telling her stories of his mother now.

Somewhere along the way, Mowgli got the notification that he had completed a long rest and his Spell Points were restored to full.

Mowgli already knew the answer to this, but he felt like asking anyway so that he could help her, "Hey Mrs. Calavera, you said that you babysat for my grandmother after you retired from being a Huntress, what was that like?"

"Hmm... Well, I must say that the travelling is what stuck with me the most. Unlike most Huntresses, I apprenticed under a Hunter rather than attending an academy, my father actually. So, when I went out into the world, I di dn't have a team to back me up. It wasn't until I was out there in the Wilds that I realized how full every town is. It might have been lonely, but it was also nice just to listen to the sound of the world. Not the whining of you youngsters and all the idiotic and flashy weapons you build. I once came across a Huntress who used a violin as a bow. Ugh, she's going to get herself killed some day." Maria griped.

Mowgli was about to ask another question when shit went South. He didn't even need the spell active this time to sense the burst of magic. It felt like an explosion as it echoed out in a wave from within the city.

Maria seemed to have been able to sense it as well. Whether that was because of her Aura or the fact she previously had Silver Eyes he didn't know, but she quickly stood up and looked in the direction of the city.

"What was that?" Maria asked rhetorically.

Mowgli attempted to answer but was interrupted by the pounding of the Earth. It took him a moment to realize that it was the sound of Grimm charging through the city. Screams followed soon after.

After setting Maria down from his back after she insisted that he bring her with him to fight the Grimm, Mowgli surveyed the area. The outside of The Owl's Oasis was covered in flames as they burnt the wooden balconies of the building. The Grimm surrounded it, with some charging in periodically.

'What in the fuck is going on?' Mowgli thought.

Quest Initiated: Burn The House Down

Objective: Prevent the death of the Summer Maiden. [0]

Bonus Objective 1: Save the guests trapped inside. [0/5]

Bonus Objective 2: Save the guests trapped inside. [0/10]

Bonus Objective 3: Save the guests trapped inside. [0/15]

Reward: 3,000Lien, Proficiency with Perception, and 1,000Exp.

Bonus Reward 1: 1x Random Common Loot and 250 Exp.

Bonus Reward 2: Respect of the Coquina people and 500Exp.

Bonus Reward 3: Adoration of the Coquina people and 1,000Exp.

Dismissing the notification, Mowgli got to work.

Initiative: 14 (Rolled) +4 (Initiative Bonus) = 16

First in Turn Order

Flipping his crossbow up from his belt Mowgli fired a bolt into the eye of the nearby Beowulf, already moving on as the beast keeled over dead.

Ranged Attack: 10 (Rolled) + 2 (Dex. Mod.) + 2 (Prof. Bonus) = 14

Success

Damage Given: 8 Piercing (1D8 Rolled) + 2 (Dex. Mod.) = 10 Damage

-1x Crossbow Bolt

Taking a deep breath Mowgli made his way into the building, briefly hearing the sound of Maria kicking ass outside as he went in. Once out of her line of sight, Mowgli looked at the prompt in the corner of his vision that he had activated on his way over.

Cleric Clothing (Medium Armor requires 5 minutes to don)

Time Left: 0:00

Would you like to equip the Outfit?

Yes/No

Clicking yes, Mowgli saw a brief flash before he was now wearing his battle outfit.

Holding his mace at the ready, Mowgli made his way through the smoke filled building. While the inside was mostly stone and therefore not flammable, there still was the ever lapping flames from the windows that had broken from the heat. Mowgli found the first floor filled with 5 juvenile Beowolves, and quickly grabbed his pendant with one hand while pointing the end of his mace at the Grimm closest to him. "I burn the embodiments of darkness, with the Sacred Flame!" Rapidly the end of Mowgli's fingers began to flow with Radiant magic that licked the air around it like billowing fire, before the light fired off from his hand and struck the creature of darkness. The Beowulf screamed in agony as the holy fire rolled over it, burning it until it was naught but ash.

Cantrip: Sacred Flame

Damage Given: 6 Radiant (1D8 Rolled) X Vulnerability = 12 Damage

Raising his shield, Mowgli blocked off the swiping paw of one of the other Beowolves, while the other three began flanking him. They snarled and bit at him, though most only found purchase in the metal of his armor, allowing Mowgli to shrug them off. Letting the spell charge up once more Mowgli fired it into the Grimm attempting to bite into his arm, resulting in half of its face being eviscerated.

Cantrip: Sacred Flame

Damage Given: 3 Radiant (1D8 Rolled) X Vulnerability = 6 Damage

The cleric finished it off with a bash of his mace to the monster's now unprotected head.

Melee Attack: 10 (Rolled) 2 (Prof. Bonus) = 12

Success

Damage Given: 4 Bludgeoning (1D8 Rolled) = 4 Damage

One Grimm was able to bite into his arm resulting in minor damage to his Aura.

Damage Taken: 5 Piercing = 5 Damage (-2.5 AP)

Thinking quickly, Mowgli charged the cantrip in his arm instead, resulting in the glowing fire exploding out from his arm and knocking the remains of the Grimm back into the wall.

Cantrip: Sacred Flame

Damage Given: 5 Radiant (1D8 Rolled) x Vulnerability = 10 Damage

"Fuck, these assholes have pack tactics, don't they?" Mowgli asked the open air.

Turning around, Mowgli's arm darted outward, and his open right hand snapped around the neck of the last Beowulf as Sacred Flame charged up one final time and burnt away the beast.

Cantrip: Sacred Flame

Damage Given: 6 Radiant (1D8 Rolled) x Vulnerability = 12 Damage

...

Enemies Defeated: 60Exp (10Exp X 6 Juvenile Beowolves) = 60Exp Gained

Mowgli allowed himself a sigh of exhaustion, but he quickly marched his way up the steps at the sound of screaming from above.

Making his way upward, Mowgli came across the charred remains of an Ursa. He peaked into a few of the rooms and saw groups of people hiding in them. He did his best to reassure them as he moved further into the hotel.

He came across another Beowulf midway through, and sent a blast of spells at it.

Cantrip: Sacred Flame

Damage Given: 4 Radiant (1D8 Rolled) x Vulnerability = 8 Damage

...

Cantrip: Sacred Flame

Damage Given: 3 Radiant (1D8 Rolled) x Vulnerability = 6 Damage

Coming to the roof, the door was already open giving Mowgli a view of the carnage.

There, floating just slightly off of the ground was Noémie, around her orbited rings of fire and lightning as she launched flames and thunder upon the Grimm. Her eyes were alight with red fire as she screamed with righteous fury. What Mowgli had thought was a call for help was actually a battle cry. Behind her the hotels denizens were huddled together, cowering behind overturned tables.

"Well, I've found the Summer Maiden." Mowgli remarked dryly.

Mowgli barely had time to react as he heard a whooshing sound, as a Griffon dove from above and tackled Noémie out of the air.

The cleric went to aid her but had to dodge as a fist swung into the position he was just before. Turning, Mowgli was faced with a hulking Beringel that had climbed up the side of the building.

"Shit!" Mowgli swore as he ducked under another swing. Part of him wanted to keep his magic under wraps, but he currently doubted he could win with just physical attacks. 'Hopefully, the guests won't be able to see anything with all the chaos.' Mowgli thought.

"Magic's wrath flies true with its Guiding Bolt" Mowgli cast, resulting in an arc of golden light to streak out from his outstretched hand.

1st Level Spell: Guiding Bolt

-2 Spell Points

Ranged Spell Attack: 8 (Rolled) 6 (Spellcasting Attack Bonus) = 14

Fail

However, the Beringel quickly side-stepped the attack and charged at Mowgli.

The fist of the Grimm came rocketing forward and Mowgli didn't have enough time to lift his shield before he was struck. Mowgli flew backward before smashing into the countertop. Pain lanced across his spine as his Aura flared, and Mowgli grit his teeth to keep himself focused.

Damage Taken: 19 Bludgeoning = 19 Damage (-9.5 AP)

Rolling to the side, Mowgli dodged as the Beringel's fist crashed into the granite countertop shattering it.

"Savage sorcery shall strike with its Spiritual Weapon" Mowgli canted as he lifted his shield arm in front of him, causing a purple floating spear to manifest before stabbing towards the Grimm.

2nd Level Spell: Spiritual Weapon

-3 Spell Points

Melee Spell Attack: 14 (Rolled) 6 (Spellcasting Attack Bonus) = 20

Success

Damage Given: 5 Piercing (Rolled 1D8) 4 (Wis. Mod.) = 9 Damage

Standing up and quickly dodging to the side as the Beringel's arms crashed down into his previous position, Mowgli casted Guiding Bolt once more.

1st Level Spell: Guiding Bolt

-2 Spell Points

Ranged Spell Attack: 9 (Rolled) 6 (Spellcasting Attack Bonus) = 15

Success

Damage Given: 13 Radiant (4D6 Rolled) X Vulnerability = 26 Damage

This time striking the Beringel in the arm, tearing away the flesh.

The Beringel was clearly pissed off by the attack as it quickly ripped up the remains of the stove top and threw it at Mowgli. The cleric rapidly angled his shield to redirect the projectile away, before following with another volley of attacks.

1st Level Spell: Guiding Bolt

-2 Spell Points

Ranged Spell Attack: 20 (Rolled 1 and 20 with Advantage) 6 (Spellcasting Attack Bonus) = 26

Critical Success!

Damage Given: 31 Radiant (8D6 Rolled) X Vulnerability = 62 Damage

This time, the Guiding Bolt exploded against the Beringel's chest, ripping the cavity asunder and spraying Grimm blood everywhere, yet it still stood, even as the Spiritual Weapon Spear stabbed at the open wound.

2nd Level Spell: Spiritual Weapon

Melee Spell Attack: 15 (Rolled 15 and 4 with Advantage) 6 (Spellcasting Attack Bonus) = 21

Success

Damage Given: 4 Piercing (1D8 Rolled) 4 (Wis. Mod.) = 8 Damage

The furious Beringel Howled into the sky before charging at Mowgli.

Dexterity Saving Throw: 10 (Rolled) 2 (Dex. Mod. ) = 12

Fail

...and launching both of them off of the edge of the building.

The prince had no time to even comprehend the whistling of the wind against his ears before he struck the ground, the Beringel falling on top of him.

Damage Taken: 20 Bludgeoning = 21 Damage (-10.5 AP)

...

Condition Inflicted: Prone

His Aura struggled immensely to hold under the pressure, even sparking at points.

The Beringel lifted off of him, before sending both of its fist down on his prone form.

Damage Taken: 19 Bludgeoning = 19 Damage (-9.5 AP)

The Grimm's hands pummeled Mowgli's face into the dirt and dented the earth beneath them.

Mowgli hissed in agony before clutching his amulet and sending another Guiding Bolt.

1st Level Spell: Guiding Bolt

-2 Spell Points

Ranged Spell Attack: 10 (Rolled 12 and 10 with Disadvantage) 6 (Spellcasting Attack Bonus) = 16

Success

Damage Given: 14 Radiant (4D6 Rolled) X Vulnerability = 28 Damage

The spell went directly into the Grimm's face, scorching out its left eye. Mowgli telepathically commanded the Spiritual Weapon to spear into the Grimm's wounded chest, granting him the opportunity to stand up again.

2nd Level Spell: Spiritual Weapon

Melee Spell Attack: 15 (Rolled 15 and 4 with Advantage) 6 (Spellcasting Ability Mod.) = 21

Success

Damage Given: 6 Piercing (1D8 Rolled) 4 (Wis. Mod.) = 10 Damage

...

Condition Removed: Prone

Though his respite was brief as the Beringel once more was on the offensive, launching a large stone that smashed into Mowgli's hip.

Damage Taken: 12 Bludgeoning = 12 Damage (-6 AP)

Gritting his teeth, Mowgli finished it.

He sent one final Guiding Bolt that blasted through the spawn of Darkness' chest, leaving a black bloody hole in its wake.

1st Level Spell: Guiding Bolt

-2 Spell Points

Ranged Spell Attack: 14 (Rolled 14) 6 (Spellcasting Attack Bonus.) = 20

Success

Damage Given: 15 Radiant (4D6 Rolled) X Vulnerability = 30 Damage

Then, sprinting at the beast, he grabbed hold of the Spiritual Weapon spear and stabbed it down the Beringel's throat, pinning it to the ground and killing it.

2nd Level Spell: Spiritual Weapon

Melee Spell Attack: 12 (Rolled 12 and 11 with Advantage) 6 (Spellcasting Attack Bonus) = 18

Success

Damage Given: 2 Piercing (1D8 Rolled) + 4 (Wis. Mod.) = 6 Damage

...

Enemy Defeated: 3,900Exp (Beringel) = 3,900Exp Gained

Mowgli heard a soft trill as Archimedes landed on his shoulder, covered in rapidly decaying Grimm blood.

Enemies Defeated via Familiar: 30Exp (10Exp X 3 Beowolves) = 30Exp Gained

"Well done bud." Mowgli praised, his companion nuzzling into his neck as he did so.

A second later he turned at the sound of a crash. On the ground to his left Noémie razed the decaying body of the Griffin with a torrent of fire and lightning.

Her blazing eyes turned to him.

"Easy Noémie." Mowgli said softly, "You got them, the Grimm are dead."

Persuasion Check: 8 (Rolled) + 2 (Prof. Bonus) + 2 (Chr. Mod.) = 12

Success

Noémie's breathing began to slow, the flames calming in time. Eventually, even the fire of the building had smoldered out.

They both soon heard the sound of sirens.

Mowgli turned to her, "Alright, I need you to trust me on this. Stick with your parents, if anyone asks what that was, you tell them it was your Semblance and nothing else. I'll meet you after this and we can talk then, okay?"

Persuasion Check: 14 (Rolled) + 2 (Prof. Bonus) + 2 (Chr. Mod.) = 18

Sucess

Noémie looked a little unsure and that she wanted to ask questions, but eventually nodded and headed inside the charred hotel.

Quest Completed: Burn The House Down

Objective: Prevent the death of the Summer Maiden. [X]

Bonus Objective 1: Save the guests trapped inside. [5/5]

Bonus Objective 2: Save the guests trapped inside. [10/10]

Bonus Objective 3: Save the guests trapped inside. [15/15]

Reward: 3,000Lien, Proficiency with Perception, and 1,000Exp.

Bonus Reward 1: 1x Random Common Loot and 250Exp.

Bonus Reward 2: Respect of the Coquina people and 500Exp

Bonus Reward 3: Adoration of the Coquina people and 1000Exp

...

Error! User already Proficient with Perception!

Correcting...

Expertise with Perception Gained!

...

Generating Random Common Loot...

1lb Bar of Silver Gained!

...

Quest Completed: Searching for Summer

Objective: Travel to Vacuo and discover the identity of the Summer Maiden. [X]

Reward: +1 Piety with Mystra, 2,500L, and one Uncommon Magic Item

...

Generating Random Uncommon Magic Item...

Ring of Warmth Gained!

Ring of Warmth (Requires Attunement): While wearing this ring, you have resistance to cold damage. In addition, you and everything you wear, and carry are unharmed by temperatures as low as –50 degrees Fahrenheit.

...

Piety Score:

Mystra (Midnight): 2

...

Exp: 11,640/6,500 Until next level up.

Level Up!

Exp: 11,640/14,000 Until next level up.

Swiping away the numerous notifications and tossing the silver bar and ring into his bag, Mowgli stood. Heaving, he looked over his mace covered in the drying ick of Grimm blood. Around him laid the decaying bodies of Beowolves, and a Beringel, and a smoldering building behind him. The black smoke around him wafted upwards into the air as Mowgli heard the sound of a mass of approaching people.

Looking over, Mowgli saw a contingent of about 45 soldiers march in, they all wore desert camo with sand grey body armor pieces and tan cloth wrapped around the parts that weren't covered. Add to them the M16 rifles and M249 light machineguns, Mowgli could see a clear resemblance to the American military force from Earth.

They all began fanning out, various hand signals went up, most not understood by Mowgli, along with various bits of radio chatter. Once they had completed a full perimeter around where he stood, one of them called out to him. "Drop your weapon!" He ordered.

Slow with his movements, Mowgli gently placed Crackdown on the sandy earth, giving gentle care to the mechashift device.

"Kick your weapon away!" The commander ordered, ignoring his platoon's chatter, mostly around the phrase "White Fang".

Mowgli knew that he should be complying, but he truly was grateful to Midnight for her help, and there was no way in Hell that he was going to disrespect a gift she bestowed upon him. "No can do, this weapon was a gift." The cleric called out.

Mowgli just began thinking about how odd it was that there was this large of a group of nearby stationed soldiers when a new individual stepped in. Ignoring the various rifles all aimed at Mowgli, she walked over to the commanding officer, "Lieutenant Gutiérrez, report." She ordered.

The lieutenant began speaking to his superior after a quick salute, however Mowgli wasn't paying attention to his words. No, he was more focused on the recent addition to the equation, she was tall, maybe 7ft, salt and pepper hair, transformed most likely by both stress and age. She wore a series of badges and medals across her heart, a couple of them glinting in the Vacuoan sun. Her uniform was roughly similar to the other military operatives present, however there was a clear bit of pomp added to it, a very minor amount, but it was present none the less. The way it was placed suggested that it was worn begrudgingly and not out of choice. All of that, however, was ignored. Mowgli's eyes were on the clawed hands fitted into silver fingerless gloves. The claws themselves were mostly unremarkable, except for two factors. The first being the missing right hand pinky finger, and the second was the black gloss on the nail of the remaining pinky and adjacent finger.

Seemingly done with his report, the lieutenant finished speaking. Finally giving a proper look to the surrounded individual, the woman's eyes widened and then she smiled, "Identify yourself!" She called out, almost cheerfully, already walking towards Mowgli.

A little confused with her demeaner, but willing to comply, Mowgli answered, "I am the Mengerian ambassador and prince, Mowgli Belladonna. I'm here to meet with a Vacuoan Councilor to be escorted to the capital for a summit with the Council to discuss a series of negotiations between our nations."

By the time Mowgli had finished speaking, the woman was far closer now, only 10ft off, and he could tell by the look in her eyes that she already knew who he was before she asked. For some reason that Mowgli couldn't shake, he felt like he recognized her, but had no idea why.

Investigation Check: 8 (Rolled) + 2 (Int. Mod.) = 10

Failure

But nothing could come into his head before she finally had reached him. As she stood in front of him, being one of the view people that Mowgli had to crane his head to look at, her smile grew into a smug grin.

"Hey nephew, been getting into trouble?" asked Mowgli's aunt and Kali's sister, Amanda De Coquina, a Honey Badger Faunus, and General of the Vacuoan military.

"By the fucking Weave, Dammit Dad." Mowgli cursed.

AN: So, especially important! Did yall enjoy the increased world-building or did you just skip through it? This is also the final chapter to vote for the pairing so remember to do so if you want to have a say!

TWO IMPORTANT POLLS!

LAST CHAPTER TO VOTE!

I also tried out moving all the combat stuff till after the fight, let me know if you all like it that way or went it where it was originally.

I hope you all are safe and well!

Vale! (Goodbye!)