Wow, those all look pretty awesome. What are you thinking, buddy? I wanted to keep this decision her own.
Well, the Cry of Courage would be helpful, but we travel with the warrior and she gives us her strength, Pachi reasoned, and I thought she was referring to the party buff that Madi had. And the Talon Strike sounds fierce. I love to rend my enemies, you know.
Yes, Pachi, I have noticed.
She continued, ignoring my sarcasm. But the Wing Storm would be the best choice for now. I can use it to stun our enemies, soften their skin so we can slay them easier. Do you agree?
I do, Pachi, none of us has a stun ability yet. It could turn the tables for us in future battles.
First beans and now tables. Who taught you to speak, girl? Pachi had always been sassy, verging on smug at times, but downright humor was an interesting development. There is another choice that must be made, Pachi said. This time, the voice that filled my mind was serious, almost reverent.
What is it? Is everything okay?
I will just show you.
The same mental pressure touched my mind and another prompt ran before my eyes.
Companion Elemental Affinity: By helping your companion’s power grow, the gods themselves have noticed. Choosing one of the three vardeen gods is allowed. Choice of deity is permanent. If your companion does not wish to choose a deity now, other affinities can be unlocked by seeking out powerful deities and completing quests on their behalf. All actions performed that honor the chosen deity will contribute towards increasing Faith Rank.
Affinities:
Light: By choosing the Light affinity, the vardeen warrior swears to worship and follow the Goddess Citlali. All attacks are enhanced by starlight. Paradox, Charm, and Solarburn debuffs can be learned as Affinity Level is increased. The Holy Light skill tree is unlocked.
Ice: By choosing the Ice affinity, the vardeen warrior promises to worship and follow the Goddess Khione. All attacks are enhanced by Ice Damage. Freeze, Slow, and Frostburn debuffs can be learned as Affinity Level is increased. The North Wind skill tree is unlocked.
Fire: By choosing to the Fire affinity, the vardeen warrior promises to worship and follow the God Ogun. All attacks are enhanced by Fire Damage. Scorch, Blindness, and Fatigue debuffs can be learned as Affinity Level is increased. The Warrior’s Forge skill tree is unlocked.
No way—that is awesome! I shouted to her mentally. I want you to do them all.
Yes, my thought as well. I will not choose fire. Though it is a powerful path, many vardeen have been led astray from honor following Ogun. He is vengeful and violent. My… my father died trying to fulfill his requests.
I watched Pachi’s reaction as she dropped her head, her golden eyes tinged with a distant pain. I stroked the fur under her chin and tried to soothe her. I know a lot about fathers disappearing. I’m sorry. Maybe you can tell me about him some time.
Yes, sister, and you can tell me about your father. I am sure he was a brave warrior like mine was.
I smiled despite the pain in my chest. It was funny thinking of my dad as a warrior. In a way he was. So… Ice or Light, girl? Ice sounds good with the Freeze and Slow debuffs. The Frostburn and the Solarburn seem to be similar. But Paradox sounds weird. I wonder what it is. And Charm. Do you know about these abilities?
Yes, my den mother was of the Light. Following Citlali is a noble path, though I have much respect for Khione as well. Paradox can make an enemy think you have longer wings than you do, or that you are not a threat.
It confuses them? I guessed at her vague wording.
Yes. And Charm is more powerful still. My den mother could make an enemy serve her if it was even a little bit less powerful than she was.
I rolled on my back imagining the implications of being able to control an enemy. Having the surprise of turning one of their ranks on each other was intriguing.
Well that sounds more useful in the long run. What about the Holy Light skill tree and the North Wind skill tree? What do those mean?
The North Wind is a path that grants many powerful attacks. There is a tale of a vardeen princess slaying an entire clan of nezumi with a single blast of her icy powers. The Holy Light uses the power of Citlali, the goddess of the stars. She gives the power to heal and also to destroy beings that have allowed darkness to overtake their hearts.
Thinking of the Rat King, I felt I knew which branch would help us the most. But I could not choose who Pachi would worship and follow. What is your choice, friend? Thank you for including me, but you need to make this choice on your own.
I want to follow Citlali, like my den mother.
A good decision. Our enemies all seem to have darkness in their hearts. They will come to fear you, Pachi.
She growled quietly and rested her head on her paws. I am sure they already do. Of the three skills, I want to have Solarburn. What do you say?
I looked at the skill description she sent me and grinned.
Solarburn (Active): By invoking the wrath of Citlali, a ring of celestial fire is cast to scorch your foes. Area of Effect: A circle 5 yards in diameter. Damage output: 5 points of damage every second (effect increases by 50% each Affinity Level). Duration: 1 minute. Cooldown: 24 hours.
It looks amazing. I’m sure all the skills are good, but we don’t have anything that effects a
