The Forest of Doom: Lucky's Background

Skill: 8

Stamina: 17

Luck: 12

      Interesting that I have another stand out. Very lucky, not terribly skilled, and on the lower side of Stamina, at least for a hero of this kind. Good to know. Let's shape things a moment...

     Luck isn't always something you are born with. Kajal had not been born with much luck. Her family was poor when she was born, and poorer afterwards. They prayed to the usual host of gods and goddesses in the hope of greater luck. It never seemed to take. Kajal's parents turned to hard work and dedication to craft, but Kajal thought that was a silly choice when there was Luck in the world. She began to grab up lucky charms at a young age, learning the arts of superstition to banish bad luck and gain good luck. She devoted herself to an incredible array of these superstitions and checked her luck each day at the gambling halls. When she won big, she bought more charms, when she lost she went through her rituals.

    She became known not as Kajal, but as Lucky, and she kept the name, for she thought it too would bring her luck. With luck she ran into a sword master when he was broke and penniless, and could be bought with food and loose change. With luck she got her first jobs fighting with wicked forces, and with luck she triumphed.

     It was also with luck that she cleaned out a casino and found herself on the run from the criminals who owned it. And, of course, it was with luck that she stole a luck potion on her way out into the wilds. Luck provides, but the Lady is finicky.

     Since then, she's been more careful with her luck. Testing it only when necessary, and hoarding anything that can get it for her. Jewels, potions, holy blessings, whatever. She's made her way in the world as a thief, mercenary, vagabond, and occasionally, when things got really bad, actress.

     Potions are back this game, and Lucky is obviously grabbing a Luck Potion (because, once again, increasing Initial unique to the Luck Potion, and that's pretty great). Potions only have 1 measure now, not 2, so there's that to worry about.

      Oh, hey, 3 books in and we finally have a section that explains how the actual reading works. Kinda.

     See, that's useful information.

     Okay, no History, no Rumours, just...

     My kingdom? Ha. The kingdom owns me, not the other way round. I touch my rabbit's foot and my horseshoe. Maybe one day, though...

In fairness, I think village life spurned Lucky first.

     If only life was as simple as only killing evil men and beasts. More than a few men have fallen to my blade who may well have been good, or at least acceptable. Sometimes there are misunderstandings. Sometimes there are opportunities. I say a prayer to the lady and kiss my her image on my necklace. 

     Perhaps I should give up on all the adventure, and just live in the woods...

     I think of the snow in this land, and decide that is a fool thought.

Rabbit is not a feast.

     I frown at the full moon. I take time to reapply the henna symbol on my right hand, the blazing sun. The stain is far from fading, but I will have it as bold as I can if we are to face a full moon. I lay a ring of salt around the sheepskin, and place the necklace of the lady beneath my pillow.

      I wave a hand at the moon and say, "Foul Moon, I know what ill you bring. It is not welcome here. Take it somewhere else," and I ring the bell secured on belt. I make sure to mute the bell again afterwards.

     Ah, it is to be one of these nights. I curse the Moon, but silently now. No need to draw more anger. Perhaps if I–

     Thoughts of the troll visions and the ill fate of those who rest under a full Moon fill my mind. Any manner of foul thing may happen now...

How little? Can he fit in my palm?

     I come to the man cautiously. It could be a trap... but, no... I think the Moon's ill fate has befallen this man, instead of me.

     I wince at the sound of the shouting, and try to shush the man, with a finger to my lips. "Even if you are not stalked by your assailants," I hiss at him, "It is still bad luck to raise your voice in the night!"

     I immediately regret rousing him. Should have just let him rest.

     "Yes, yes, whisper, let us speak calmly. It is fine, you are not yet lost!"

Friend? That's a bit presumptuous.

     "Wait," I say, studying the dwarf, "You were by the little people? Aren't you the little people?" I take a note of Yaztromo and his magic, though. Sounds like a useful thing to have.

     And a foul breath it is, too. I scrunch my nose as I retreat from it. 

     30 Gold Pieces... and a map. I think the Lady has given me luck, even as she has taken it from this dwarf. Such it is. I fish her necklace up from where it still sits on the ground and kiss her image again. "Thank you, my Lady."

     Then I unfurl the map.

Oh, it's beautiful! So much useful information!

     The map shows a few useful features, but most of it is dominated by the uncharted Forest before me. The Darkwood. It is a most unlucky place. 

     When you are dealt a lucky hand, you play it.

     I bury the man deep, despite the difficulty with what equipment I have. It's unlucky to bury anyone shallow, and dwarfs belongd eep below, I think. I pray over him. Hopefully he will find some rest.

     I hope this Yaztromo is well chosen by the Lady.