Creating A Skill Out Of Mockery.

"I never thought that the system would ever create a skill out of my joking and insults to others."

"Though thinking about it more, it made perfect sense."

"These skills would be very useful over my long in-game career."

"As being able to provoke people at will can be very useful."

"Especially when facing a prideful opponent in war." 

Reginald Coulan, creator and head of House Aurellion in Dynasties Online.

....

Rain fell from the heavens, crackling angrily with thunder and lightning, soaking the raiders and soldiers of House Aurellion alike. The cold rainwater seeped through the metal chain links that made up their armour, slowly chilling them as they retained their formations. Water droplets fell from their helmets to the soggy, sodden ground.

Railius was surprised when he saw a system notification appear before him. It seemed that the system had finally decided to reward him for all the people that he had insulted and pissed off in the world.

And to be fair, they are both many and powerful.

[Intimidate skill (Novice) has been acquired]

[Active skill 'Vicious Mockery has been acquired]

'This arrogant piece of shit!'

Demarcus cursed the young, arrogant leader of this mysterious cavalry force, trying to keep his anger in check. However, he did not charge the enemy shield wall out of emotion, knowing that what their enemy was hoping for was to get them out of formation so they would be cut down like undisciplined rabble, similar to how they had ambushed and killed the rest of his men he was just surprised at how lethal these mysterious men were as within a few minutes the raiders in the village had been cut down from 150-50 showing that these men were experienced at combat and.

Thinking about how quickly they had died and seeing the military-like discipline that each of the men, including the teenagers, had displayed made Demarcus believe that this group of mercenaries was likely led by experienced officers who had once been in the military. These officers had brought their training and expertise to their new professions and trained their members in the same way a nation's military did.

The question that needed to be answered now was just which nation's military these men were a part of and who their leader was.

Neither side moved, retaining their shield walls and their standoff, but Railius was in no rush to make a move. The young lord held all the cards, even if the raiders did not know it yet.

The raiders would need to break through sooner or later for a multitude of reasons. The first is that in the two or so hours that Railius spent travelling and setting up this trap for the raiders, the local lords would have learnt of their arrival. Even if they could bribe a few nobles to look the other way while they looted, as long as they did not destroy villages and infrastructure of their territory, they did not have the money to bribe all the barons and vice counts around. 

Within half a day, Railius could have told them of his men's presence and the raiders' weakness to persuade them to march out with their limited troops to kill them and take the brigands' loot for themselves. After all, while the fish was not valuable due to its proximity to the sea, the salt was a different matter entirely.

Salt was an important strategic resource in the medieval world and could always be sold for a reasonable price, which would more than make up for the 10 or so men these lords may lose by working with Railius and his caravan guards to defeat these raiders after all that Railius wanted was for his men to gain experience of the world and the battlefield and was not too interested in the loot. After all, his caravan had 30,000 gold worth of goods, so the money that could be got by selling this loot would be pennies for Railius, whose business had expanded at a rapid rate thanks to the expertise and contacts of Kaila or, more specifically, her father that had been built up for over two decades.

The help of these lords looking for rewards and glory would help lower his casualties, so if he could wait for a few hours, his position would only improve. 

The second reason is that now that they had been fought back to prevent his deal from being found out and used against him, Baron Rushe would appear and kill the raiders to dispel any rumours that he stood and watched terrified with his elite 200 men while his lands were ravaged.

Especially if a few villagers, 50 caravan guards, a few knights, and minor lords could band together to destroy them, such an outcome would be very embarrassing for the Baron, let alone needing to kill the raiders' leadership to ensure that no one could leak his secret deal with them.

Therefore, the Baron should kill the raiders and anyone else who knew about his plan to protect his position.

One may ask how Railius came to this conclusion.

How did he know for sure that the Baron had made a deal and would want to eliminate these raiders now that they were close to defeat to ensure his dirty little secret would never come to light and threaten his position?

The reason was simple.

It was due to the inaction of this skilled war leader who had made great contributions on the battlefield and had a master fighter and at least 200 elite soldiers under his command. 

Such a man would not fear the raiders and allow them to threaten his ships and villagers unless he had come to some sort of agreement with them.

He just had to make sure that his liege lord and the royal court did not learn about this matter, and the only way to do that now was to take out these looters and pillagers to cover for his crimes.

Because of these reasons, Railius was relaxed, knowing that one way or another, these raiders would die because if they waited, the local nobility would come for him. If he charged, then the 10 cavalry Railius had hiding in wait would flank his enemies, disrupt their formation, and crush the raiders.

Either way, one thing was certain.

 From the moment that Railius trapped them on the pier, the seas became violent and storm-ridden.

These raiders were destined never to live to see another dawn.

It just depended on how they would die and how many men Railius would lose to get it done.

Railius yawned loudly in the rain. While everyone else was tense and preparing for the confrontation between the two small forces, the young player was relaxed, as if everything was under his control. However, only one thing slightly worried him.

Would the baron allow him to live?

This was very important and something that could not be ignored.

What was the baron most afraid of in the current situation?

Obviously, his collusion with the raiders would be exposed now that their death or capture is almost guaranteed, so it is not entirely unreasonable to think that he may decide to kill both Railius and his men alongside the raiders to make sure that his dirty secret is buried.

After all, dead men tell no tales, and the consequences for him if his dealing were to be found out would not just end with the loss of his titles.

It would likely cost him his life as the count that Baron Rushe was sworn to, Count Mevron, was a particularly righteous and thoroughly annoying man who would gladly take away his titles and life for daring to work with criminals.

If he were sworn to a more corrupt liege lord, he would have no problems; in the worst-case scenario, he would just have to promise military support or pay some gold.

But attempting to promise something like that with Count Mevron?

If the righteous count did not have him killed for his crimes, he would kill him for attempting to bribe him.

That's just how that righteous noble was.

And why he was known as 'Pain In The Neck Meveron' amongst the more morally dark noble society.

'To wait or not to wait, that is the question….'

Railius was deep in thought. His men were already secretly surrounding the village, so he did not worry about not being able to escape, as the Baron's men would be no match for Aldorus and the Pelican guards. However, the young lord did not want to have his identity exposed for a few years.

'In that case….'

'Finishing this up early would be for the best.'

Railius thought, finally coming to a decision. His eyes were determined, as he had also used the time he spent waiting for the raiders to make to move to look up what his new skills did.

….

Intimidation (Novice) (Passive):

Description: Like other skills that are based on the charisma attribute, this skill helps when the character attempts to use force or intimidate someone by increasing the pressure on their mind and emotions. It should be noted, however, that, like with negotiation and persuasion skills, outcomes depend more on the cards that someone holds in their hands than their ability in this skill, as even a grandmaster intimidator cannot do anything if they are tied up and gagged.

Effects: Increases the chances of threats being successful.

Increases the anger and emotional damage that taunts do.

Successful intimidation attempts still require you to be somewhat threatening or have a real chance of being carried out. Character traits and reputation can help with this.

….

Vicious Mockery: (Active Skill)

Description: Using scathing words, you hurt or taunt an enemy, putting great mental strain on them and, depending on the words used, may make them act in a far more aggressive manner or be manipulated into taking an action you desire. 

Effect: Attacking an opponent mentally will allow you to influence their actions if the opponent has excessive pride or low willpower.

Cost: 5 mana  

….

'Damn to think the game even made my jokes and mockery of enemies into a skill.'

'Not that it won't be useful, though.'

Railius thought absentmindedly as he walked directly behind the shield wall protecting him. He said something that stunned the soldiers guarding him in an authoritative voice.

"Make way."

"Captain, what if they shoot and kill you? We can't do that!"

One of the soldiers said, managing only just to keep Railius' cover because they had been calling him captain for the last few months at their lord's instance precisely for times like these when he did something that took them off-guard.

"Railius now is not the time to be reckless. You are the last of your line. If you die here, your house will go extinct."

"Have you thought about how they will affect us?"

Vegrif said as a man who had grown up and trained alongside Railius since he was 8 years old, he was one of the few people here who may be able to talk Railius down from doing anything rash.

"Yes, captain, if you die, then the grand commander will take all our heads before going on a rampage."

"Dying here affects not only your life but that of thousands of people."

"Don't throw it away so recklessly."

Jordis said from behind him, keeping his spot as a loyal bodyguard a meter behind him to the right. The main reason he did not join the shield wall was that he needed two hands to wield his halberd and was not skilled enough yet to deflect or defend against incoming arrows and bolts.

"Have you guys forgotten that guy is watching over us? Do you think he will just stand around and let me die?"

"If he were not here, then I would never dream of doing what I am about to."

"After all, there are no anti-magic crystals active."

Railius said with a scheming smile before ordering again.

"Make way."

"I have a way to break this deadlock we are in." 

The Pelican Guard shield wall made way for their lord, who came out with an arrogant swagger, and as if the archers aiming at him were not there, angering the raiders more at this young boy's reckless arrogance wanting nothing more than to punch his smug, self-satisfied face.

'Damn, I really look like one of those arrogant anime villains right now.'

'Well, not that it matters as long as it works.'

'Time to test out this new skill, I guess. Hopefully, my mouth won't be what takes me to the grave.'

'After all, I have become quite fond of House Aurellion over the last month or so.'

Railius thought to himself as he stopped between the two sides with a bored yawn.

"I am Captain Delron, leader of this selfless band of heroes, and I challenge you to a one-on-one duel, as this standoff is boring me to death."

"Unless you guys are afraid of a young teen like me, I advise you to take up my offer, or are you sons of bitches only good at bullying old men and women?"

"How embarrassing to think the great raiders who made the Baron piss himself and hole up in his castle only amounted to so much. If I were the Baron, I would not be satisfied until you guys ripped limb from limb for putting up such a façade and making me embarrass myself."

Railius shouted, making the villagers' faces turn white when they heard this mysterious man insult their lord. He was not one to take such insults lying down.

'Why is he including the baron in his cursing? Does he have a grudge against our lord or something?'

The old village chief wondered as this young, arrogant fellow was really taking things too far with his words.

The village chief also wondered how many fights had occurred because he was unable to control his mouth.

Even Railius' Pelican Guards wanted to facepalm and sigh at their lord's eccentricity, all having differing thoughts, but each was in the same direction.

'Isn't he only doing this because he wants us to gain experience?'

'Hero? Since when was our shameless lord a hero?'

'Thank god there are so few witnesses; otherwise, we may have had another fight on our hands with that damn Baron. If our lord is going to insult someone, he can at least leave out unrelated parties.'

The Pelican Guards all complained in different ways, as it was always they who had to suffer the consequences and fight when things got out of hand.

Demarcus was surprised that this young noble was confident enough to challenge them. Was he just a really arrogant fellow who looked down on him and the raiders, or did he have the skill to back up his words?

He almost ordered the archers to kill him, but no matter how arrogant and annoying the little shit was, Demarcus didn't think that he had not made any arrangements to ensure his safety from any underhanded schemes that he may try to pull off.

The player did not know that he was 100% correct.

What Railius was doing, coming out with no shield when archers were aiming for his life, was the epitome of stupidity, as all it would take was a few arrows to end his life; however, he had protection.

Aldorus, skulking in the shadows, would cast a spell to protect him the moment they tried anything underhanded, alongside dispatching the people who dared to do so with a one-way ticket to an early grave.

However, whether they would arrive at the underworld with all their limbs and minds intact would be another matter entirely, as it is almost guaranteed that he would not give them a quick death.

After all, things get lost in transit all the time.

There was also one more thing that Demarcus wanted.

That was to prove himself as a warrior to his men, something that he has been unable to do until now as he got his position based on his intelligence more than his combat skills.

Like almost every other player in Dynasties Online, his practical skill at combat was virtually non-existent, as many had never held a proper medieval weapon in their hands until they began to play the game. 

But six months had passed in-game, and he had been diligently training every day. While he did not have the practical skills of an expert or even a highly skilled adept, he was still far better than he was when he first started. He had also never heard of an 18-year-old NPC being able to be higher than the adept rank, which gave him a chance at victory.

Especially one as lazy as the young, almost boy-like, arrogant little bastard before him. It would take discipline to become so skilled at such a young age, and that was something that this arrogant prick would not have.

He would not get another chance like this, so Demarcus decided to take it. If worst came to worst, he could just order the archers to cover him as he ran away.

But if he won this duel, he could start to build up his reputation as a warrior, which is very important in Ubernoss culture due to their need to live on an island dominated by snow for large parts of the year.

"I, Demarcus Flintcut, accept your challenge!"

Finally, a month after starting the game, Railius was about to fight his first proper duel against another player.