Dragon ancestry granted Anser two Draconic Bloodline spells: Dragon's Breath and Alter Self.
Both are relatively powerful 2nd-level spells, and each casting consumes 3 points of magic power.
Dragon's Breath is a spell that simulates a dragon's breath; after all, the bodily structures of humans and dragons are completely different.
It allows the caster or an ally to exhale a cone of breath with a range of 4.5 meters. The damage type can be chosen from acid, cold, fire, lightning, or poison. All creatures within the area must make a Dexterity saving throw. On a failed save, they take 3d6 (3–18) damage; on a successful save, they take only half damage.
A "Dexterity saving throw" can be understood as the enemy reacting quickly enough to dodge and avoid the center of the breath, thereby not suffering severe injury.
Alter Self can change the body's outward form and mainly grants three abilities: "Change Appearance," "Aquatic Adaptation," and "Natural Weapons."
"Change Appearance" is exactly as the name implies, but the basic body outline does not change—for example, one cannot transform into a quadrupedal or large-sized creature.
"Aquatic Adaptation" involves growing gills and webbing, thereby gaining underwater breathing and swimming ability.
"Natural Weapons" is more interesting. One can grow claws, fangs, horns, or hooves. When making unarmed strikes or attacking with these organs, the damage dealt is 1d6 (1–6), and the damage is adaptively adjusted based on the spellcasting ability, rather than Strength.
In other words, one can grow claws and engage others in melee combat, empowered by Charisma, thereby changing the predicament of being ineffective in close combat.
"Under non-essential circumstances, it's still better to resolve combat at range."
Anser curled his lips; he seriously lacked confidence in his melee capabilities.
Choosing new spells was rather troublesome.
There are many excellent 2nd-level spells, such as Misty Step, Invisibility, Hold Person, Enlarge/Reduce, Scorching Ray, Earthbind, See Invisibility…
Unfortunately, a Sorcerer can only master one spell per level—fewer than a Wizard—so he is destined to follow a specialized path.
He possessed the bloodlines of both a gold dragon and a silver dragon. After reaching 6th level and mastering "Elemental Affinity," he gained affinity with fire and cold. For these two types of spells, he was more proficient and their damage was higher, so his spell selection was best aligned with his own bloodlines.
However, survival and control spells were equally important.
After struggling with the decision for quite some time, he ultimately gave up the long-coveted Misty Step and chose a powerful control spell instead: Hold Person!
He now had a team to back him up, so single-target short-range teleportation was of limited significance.
Hold Person, also known as Human Immobilization, is a 2nd-level enchantment spell. Its base range is 18 meters, and with attribute bonuses and feats, it can exceed 48 meters. It is effective against all humanoid creatures.
It can cause the target to enter a paralyzed state for up to one minute, during which the caster must maintain concentration. The target must make repeated Wisdom saving throws, and only by succeeding can it break free from the spell's effects.
Concentration is a special spellcasting state. Certain spells require sustained guidance and attention; during this period, the caster may still cast other spells that do not require concentration. However, once concentration is interrupted for any reason, the spell's effects immediately end.
Wisdom saving throws are easy to understand. After being controlled, the target will continuously attempt to regain control of its body—the stronger its Wisdom, the harder it is for the spell to restrain it.
If Anser had known this spell earlier, perhaps by using Metamagic to cast it instantly, he might have been able to control the opponent for several seconds, which would have been quite useful for survival.
As soon as Anser finished confirming his choice, a surging torrent of magic power welled up from deep within his body—roiling and rushing, spreading throughout every part of him. At one moment it was like searing magma; at the next, it transformed into frigid ice.
It was both brimming with vitality and extremely docile.
A faint dual-colored glow of gold and silver surfaced on his skin, and subtle changes quietly took place throughout his body. Each time a Sorcerer develops their innate magic, it is an elevation of their life form.
After a long while, the surging magic power returned to stillness, yet that powerful sense of fullness continued to overflow within his mind.
Anser quietly absorbed the three newly mastered 2nd-level spells and felt absolutely wonderful.
During those years when the original owner had painstakingly studied in the wizard's tower, he had more than once doubted that he was intellectually deficient. That kind of torment and pain—being unable to learn no matter how hard one tried—was something most people could never truly experience.
No—perhaps those students in a past life who mistakenly enrolled in mathematics majors could empathize a little!
"Nice."
He brought up his character sheet and checked his current status.
[Name: Anser Holrewen]
Race: Human — Silver-Brow Subrace (Medium)
Background: Noble
Class: Sorcerer (Draconic Bloodline)
Level: 3
Experience: 1117/2700
Hit Point: 28/28
Magic Power: 20/22
Sorcery points: 1/3
Armor Class: 15 (14+1)
Alignment: Absolute Neutral
Faith: None
— Core Attributes —
[Strength: 12]
[Dexterity: 12]
[Constitution: 12]
[Intelligence: 13]
[Wisdom: 13]
[Charisma: 17]
Skills: Arcana +2, History +1, Acrobatics +1, Athletics +1, Medicine +1, Intimidation +1, Survival +1
Languages: Common, Draconic, Netherese, Illuskan
Feats: Social Acclimation, Tough, Spell Sniper
Traits: Spellcasting, Innate Sorcery, Draconic Physique, Draconic Spells, Font of Magic, Metamagic
Metamagic: Twinned Spell, Quickened Spell
Equipment: Goodberry Staff (Uncommon), Protective Cloak (Uncommon), Ring of Spell Storing (Rare)
— Spells —
Cantrips: Light, Ray of Frost, Mage Hand, Prestidigitation, Sorcery Burst, Mold Earth
1st-level spells: Disguise Self, Feather Fall, Jump, Shield, Chromatic Orb, Command, Magic Missile
2nd-level spells: Dragon's Breath, Alter Self, Hold Person
— Other —
Adventure Traits: Magic Control, Extraordinary Talent
...
"Finally starting to look like something."
Anser was very satisfied.
Just looking at that experience total, reaching level four would be quite difficult. However, leveling naturally became slower the further one progressed, so he had long been mentally prepared for it.
At fourth level, he would be able to choose a new Feat or increase his attributes, which was still something to look forward to.
Anser opened his eyes and met Bratt's surprised gaze.
"You… mastered a new spell?" Bratt asked hesitantly.
"Mm." Anser did not deny it.
Professionals did not know about numerical levels, but every increase in strength carried a vague sensation. It simply was not as dramatic as leveling up; they required the gradual accumulation of training and study over time.
"Where are we going now?"
Since it involved professional privacy, Bratt did not ask in detail.
Anser looked at Finn. "What's the situation in the city right now?"
"Chaos!" Finn's voice was dry. "Even the Grey Eagle can't tell how many monsters there are—hundreds, maybe thousands…"
These monsters were roaming everywhere, sometimes in groups of two or three, sometimes in dozens, causing massive turmoil.
In fact, ordinary goblins and Kuo-toa were not much stronger than ordinary humans. The human side also had a large number of professionals, but very few were truly willing to fight to the death.
The Underdark's living environment was harsh; subterranean creatures were far more ferocious, cruel, and bloodthirsty than humans!
The largest group of monsters was blocked at the breach in the northeast corner, mostly Kuo-toa, and the situation was far from optimistic.
"No wonder there are so many fish-men. The breach at the river mouth was probably not an accident!" Anser said coldly.
The subterranean creatures were clearly organized and premeditated. This was a racial war—kill or be killed, with no room for mercy.
"Once they break through the defensive line, we… will probably find it very hard to organize any effective counterattack," Bratt said. He knew all too well the habits of adventurers and professionals—once things looked hopeless, they ran faster than anyone.
When that happened, if the Kuo-toa invaded in force, humans would find it nearly impossible to cross the river. Even boats would be useless. They would very likely be trapped here and then slowly devoured piece by piece.
"Then we'll slaughter them," Anser said with a faint smile, revealing a set of chilling white teeth.
He had originally harbored no hatred toward subterranean creatures. Different races, all struggling to survive. But when that dark-blue blade fell against his neck, his mindset changed.
I am human as well. Killing them needs no reason and no sympathy. With different forms of civilization, there is no such thing as empathy or humanity—and no psychological burden to speak of.
"Heh, exactly what I was hoping for!" Bratt clashed sword and shield together, the anger in his heart still not dissipated.
"Let's go." Finn slung his pack over his back, unusually proactive for once.
The three returned to Central Street and hurried north along the main road.
At this time, there were almost no living civilians to be seen on the streets. Anyone who could run had already fled, and the monsters were chasing the crowds deeper into the city.
Near the bridgehead, standing water was everywhere. Each step made a squelching sound. Corpses littered the ground—both human and subterranean.
The Flaming Fist fortress still stood tall in the night, like a silent giant seated upon its high platform, coldly watching this human catastrophe.
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