15 Meeting with the king (5) [14]

„If we consider talents as the presents that the gods give in the hope that we reach new heights, than title are rewards we get for exceptional achievements.

As they are special rewards, they come in form of a permanent boost of strength and are the primary source of power that would surpass our actual level.

There are three known types of rewards that titles can give. The first one, and most common, would be in form of a certain amount of stat points. They range from titles like [bravery] which gives 3 points in will power, i'm going to explain willpower and defense together with the other stats, up to titles like [indomitable] which is said to give 70 points in endurance. But while you can earn [bravery] by protecting a lady from some thugs, who would beat you up in the worst case, [indomitable] can only be achieved by shielding the lady with your own body from a monster thats out to kill for a long time without falling even if you have a hole in your stomach.

The second type of reward is similar, as they still give stat points as rewards, but they are different in the way they do it. They it in form of a percentage boost of 1-60% in one or more stats. It is known that the [hero] title is by far the best of these, with a balanced 10% boost in all stats. there are others that give equally high boosts, but most come with other disadvantages, one of the most well known would be the [musclebrain] title which only very few can earn. It may give a 20% boost to all three physical stats, but reduces the mental stats by 50% each.

Ah, but you don't need to worry, even if you should get one, most titles with detrimental effects are possible to get rid of if you put in enough work. Also, you wont just suddenly get weaker or stronger, after you receive a title your stats will increase or decrease by one point in a timeframe of 30 minutes to 2 hours until the full effect is applied.

The last type is the most rarest one, and they come without exception from unique titles that can only that would need you to do things that go down in history. The first king of Loreley, who was also the leader of the rebellion was said to have received this kind of title, they can have many different effects, ranging from totaly unique skills to even forcefully changing ones talents. But at the same time, they often can have restrictions, be hereditary, or be passed on with a position."

„It is as Eberhardt said, In my youth i had actually the talent of [bard]. Singing, dancing, playing music and writing stories and love letters. Only when my father became old and i inherited the position of king as well as the [rightfull king of Loreley] title did my talent change to [king], well im quiet satisfied with that, or else might just have had to marry a woman i don't like for political reason."

„Kuhum... Too much information!"

„Ah, sorry, i just got a little sentimental."

„Yes, that as well, but that title is supposed to be a state secret!"

„Ohhh, come on! It's not like nobody knows that the existence of a royal family with generations of capable kings and queens would be impossible without such a title! Also, have a bit more trust in our heroes! Also, less complaining more explaining! You were the one that wanted do this!"

„Sigh, were was i? Right, one last thing about titles, while it is also because they live quiet lives without much adventure, most commoners earn a maximum of 5 titles in all their lives. The reason is simple, it is impossible to get most titles by actively trying to. If you think about it it is actually rather easy to understand. Lets take as example the [bravery] title, as long as you bravely jump in to save someone while risking getting a beating, you can get the title regardless of losing or even winning against the odds, you get it because you were brave. But as soon as you jump in in hope of getting the title, it isn't bravery anymore but a calculated move, thats why you won't be getting the title. Also, most titles are considered to be a kind of status symbol."

„Ha! My son Jakob once told me that there seems to be joke among the city guards about this. ‚If the gods just stopped giving out the [bravery] title, half of the doctors in the capital would lose their jobs!'"

„Pfft.", Aya, who had difficulties since a while ago, barely couldn't suppress her laughter anymore, at the antics of this king and cardinal.

„Yes, it is as Joseph says, few people are immune to the the temptation of trying to get this title like that, even i tried once, and i can tell you it was everything but a pleasant experience. Well, sometime later i earned the title , not like a certain someone who got himself beaten over twenty times and doesn't have the title till this day."

„Urgh, don't tell them that story, leave me at least a little dignity as the king!"

„If you want me to treat you like a king than start behaving like one and don't interrupt my explanation to make stupid jokes! Well, anyway, i got sidetracked, but you should have gotten the point, right?"