Logging back in Pep-Ri realized that living as a pixie in Rhodium was going to be a challenge. She had received many bonuses when she spawned in Rhodium, all of which could be considered useless due to the mandatory boundary limit set on new players within the game.
Looking back on it the forums were all saying the same thing after all. Thousands of complaints from the players, all declaring that Unicorn Corp cheated the players out of the experience gained in killing mobs. Some went so far as to demand a refund! When these particular threads began to gain the support of the Premo’s (this is a group Keith named: for those who did nothing but complain about the system, while expecting to be waited on hand and foot and having their every whim taken care of… short for Premadonna). They began complaining nonstop saying, “experienced gamers like us shouldn’t have to sit around for four weeks being treated like babies in the crib. It’s not like we’re newbs to gaming after all.”
After about an hour of surfing the web Keith was relieved to find not only some information about his race; but an official notice from Unicorn, about the unofficially dubbed newb-crib act. Pulling up the video feed Keith sat back and watched as a series of reporters assaulted Unicorn’s Head of Public Relations with questions. Sweating profusely the rather short man finally began to answer in broken wheezing sentences.
“We at Unicorn made Royal Road to be the height of gaming experience... Wheeze wheeze.. As such it was determined that players in Royal Road should spend up to four weeks within their starter cities. This is more for the protection of the players than anything… Huff… To give the ultimate experience even the easiest mobs are set around level 10… If a level one player even got hit by so much as a rabbit, half of their health bar would disappear!”. Smiling the man thinking everything was going well continued after stammering for a bit. “Thi.. thi.. this would obviously have some variability based on race and any personal benefits that can given at such a level. All the same though players need to…"
Perking up at that one reporter interrupted the poor man shouting, “Is there really such a difference in player ability based on race?”
Looking out at the mass of reporters slightly aggravated he tried to maintain his failing poker face revealing his embarrassment confusion. “There are two things that Royal Road bases beginning stats on. First and foremost is race. Race specifications allow players certain advantages in certain classes. A human archer starting out would be outmatched by an Elf archer. A Barbarian would make a wonderful Tank with enhanced Vitality and ability to wear heavier armor, while say an elf would be limited in only wearing medium armor at most. Some of these short comings can be overcome through gained stats, unlocking and mastering abilities and so on. To say the least what race a player chooses helps determine what they are going to be most suited for. A hulking Barbarian would make a not so silent assassin for example. A player should use their chosen race as a base, before entering the game, if they already have a class type in mind. Yet that doesn't mean you are limited to a specific class type either."
“The second base used to determine beginning stats is the player’s athletic ability in the real world…” Waiting for a question that never came he continued on yet again saddened by the fact that they never asked him questions when he wanted them to. While in reality the reporters had wanted to ask more than one question about what was just said. It’s just that the last statement left the reporters in shock not knowing what to ask first.
“Basically when the capsule installed for the game scans your body to create your avatar, it also records your current athletic ability, and registers brain activity for a simple IQ estimation. Some stats will be altered by this. Although It is minimal and only about 5 points can be added or subtracted altogether. Leaving no one with a great advantage or disadvantage. It is only a way to encourage physical fitness in the real world while a player spends their time playing. This also includes skill sets. Someone who is a professional Chef would obviously be able to level their cooking mastery quite fast compared to someone who typically can only make burnt omelettes for breakfast like my wife.”
Roaring out with more questions the reporters pestered the man until he finally excused himself and made his escape. Never finishing what he was supposed to a young man rushed out to finish the interview stating that the original plan behind the four week restriction was to allow players to get used to their new bodies, raise experience through easy quests, gain gold silver and copper for armors, and train until they were capable of taking care of themselves.
on a side note Unicorn Corp hired a new head of Public Relations that day. Their previous Head had only made his way into his position through family contacts and leeching off the hard work of others. As soon as he reached home with the news about his unemployment. He was greeted by an empty house with nothing in it except a chair and a note. Reading it he despaired. "We will see who can only cook burnt omelettes by himself from now on. You said that on national television you scum! Now your probably even unemployed! You will be receiving the divorce papers in the mail by Monday. Have fun in your game!"
Turning back to his treasure trove of information found on the Royal Road Wiki page the Keith concentrated on his new race specifications. In Royal Road the Pixie race origins showed them to be a long lived species that maintained their youthful appearance once they reached adulthood. They had once been a proud and mischievous race causing all sorts of mayhem for the sake of fun. Originally the Pixies had also been born with wings allowing flight and a large wind affinity. They loved nature and many were thought to have been raised to consider animals as siblings. Due to circumstances neither side was willing to reveal, the Pixies entered a war with their ancestral Fairy brethren. After a long war with their ancestral Fairy ancestors the triumphant fairies had plucked the wings of all pixies leaving them wingless. Ashamed at their loss the King of the pixies Kratoth the flightless, killed himself leaving his wife alone to rule a now desecrated kingdom. Since then every pixie to be born was torn from their wings by the ruling Fairies. Leaving a resentment and hatred of fairies and a longing to fly in all pixies.
The pixie subclass is extremely a physically inferior race. They start out with low health, stamina, strength, etc. They have also been denied many forms of education preventing them from having high intelligence stats despite being creatures of nature and magic. This can be offset by reading books and other buffs, but It would start out low. Pixies are naturally curious and should be great for any magic class. Physically though Stamina and agility stats are earned at 2x’s the normal rate. Pixies were always considered fast while beign extremely weak. In game it took twice as long to earn strength stats. In fact it would cost 2 points from the five level up stat points for a single stat to appear. That is if stats were distributed to strength. This would not count for temporary buffs but permanent strength stats would take forever to raise.
Getting his mind back on her current dilemma Pep-Ri noticed that she was now thinking of herself as female.. Huh? Thinking back the update about her neutral gender would affect how NPC’s and some Players perceived Pep-Ri. But why was she thinking as such? Thinking about it hard she put her hands on her hips to think about it for a moment. Looking down she realized that her character had just developed well….. Yeah her shirt was now tighter around the chest for some reason. Screaming out loud Pep-ri attracted the attention of the Guard who was still standing duty in front of her.
“Miss are you alright?”
“Huh?... Uh uh uh….. I’m a girl!”
Thinking the girl insane the perplexed guard responded only how he felt was appropriate. “Of course you are little miss, what else would you be?”
Knowing that she wouldn't get anywhere with him around she ran off embarrassed. Hiding her face in her hands she ran through the streets into the market district. Passing by strangers Pep-Ri didn't notice the constant change her Avatar was going through. Not until she ran into an elderly woman pushing some groceries in a small but heavy cart.
Wham…
“Oops I am so sorry mam here let me pick those up for you.” Bending down Pep-Ri picked up the various produce placing them in the cart. Looking up at the woman he asked, “Are you alright?”
Looking down at Pep-Ri while nursing her elbows she said, “Well it’s not every day that a young man runs head first into me what were you thinking when you did that?”
Looking down at himself Pep-Ri realized he was yet again had the flat chest of a man. In fact thinking on it he had barely noticed that as he was running through the city his body changed with practically every person he passed. On a side note his short run through town cost him over ¾ his current stamina. Looking back at the woman he hastily responded, “I’m sorry mam I was well running from something I found to be quite horrible. It scared me quite dead in fact.”
Looking down at the ashen faced and young Pixie the kind grandmother like lady felt the sincerity in his words. Realizing that he was new in town and probably scared out of his young wits at being somewhere unfamiliar she reached out her hand. “I understand young man but that doesn’t excuse running into beautiful young women just for kicks. In fact I think you may have cracked the front wheel on my cart. The least you could do now is help me get my things home before dinner.
Tring*
Quest: After damaging the cart the old lady has asked you to help bring her groceries to her home nearby. Help the old lady with any groceries she needs to get along with returning her groceries home.
Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.
Dificulty: E
Quest rewards: Increased familiarity with the old lady. No money or experience shall be rewarded. Any additional rewards will be determined in your work ethic.
Quest requirements: Have knocked the cart over, must be below level 5, must be sincere in apologizing.
As you have just met the woman and she has poor sight it is possible to refuse the quest and run away without any consequences as she doesn’t know who you are.
Do you accept the quest Yes / No?
Looking back on his upbringing and how he and his sisters were practically raised by his grandparents when his parents went away on business trips, he couldn't possibly refuse. Besides he loved old people they were fun to spend time with and always gave him cookies.
“Yes I accept.”
Going over to the cart Pep-Ri grabbed the handle Bars and tried to lift it up. Straining his small muscles he was able to finally get it upright and in a position to wobble along. Pushing the cart Pep-Ri realized that even before the cart was busted it would have been extremely hard to push. It was made out of solid stone with small stone wheels! The fact its tiny wheels could even allow movement of the cart surprised him. Looking back at the old woman he realized something. Despite her advanced age she was pushing this thing along the road. All be it she had be struggling, but if she could do it why couldn’t he? Thinking it must be normal for people to use Stone carts and his character’s low strength stat he looked around. Wooden carts here, wooden carts there, everywhere everyone was pushing or filling up wooden carts. Looking back on the old lady he gaped in astonishment.
Walking with a slight limp the old woman crouched over was slowly making her way towards a side street in the market, every once in a while pausing at a stall and bargaining for food, spices, trinkets, etc. All of which she would pile into the cart as Pep-Ri followed along. Half an hour later Pep-Ri watched as his stamina bar decreased past the 10% mark. Immediately after the woman stopped her shopping a message popped up in front of him.
Tring*
You are exhausted.
Due to your low stamina and Strength you become exhausted extremely fast. Strength left you because you haven’t rested for a long time. Your Stamina, Strength and Agility attributes are reduced. It is suggested that you rest. If you don’t do it, you may lose consciousness because of exhaustion.
Tring*
you are hungry. If you do not eat soon you will starve.
Thankful that her shopping was over Pep-Ri picked up the cart from where he placed it. His pace was quite slow but thankfully so was the woman's. Following the old lady through the streets was not only a drain on his stamina and satiety, but also his tolerance levels.. Walking around town Pep-Ri began recognizing some of the statues and buildings around him. Normally he would complain about something not being right but he kept his mouth shut out of respect. After all she lives in this town and he had partially broken her cart.
Every once in a while the old woman would briefly stop and look around only to walk up to a door and knock on it. During these times she would hand out some of the food she had bought. Or she would place a gift or tool the person might have needed into their hands. Leaving immediately she would continue on her journey towards home. Or so he hoped.
Continuing to push the cart though was leaving a toll on Pep-Ri’s body though. His only consolidation and motivation to continue on with his good deed, was despite his growing frustration his patience skill was quickly gaining experience. He hadn't leveled it yet but he had it up by 67%! Additionally he was getting increasingly annoying stamina and agility stat updates.. Over 7 points in stamina and 6 in agility under 5 hours!! Even so, he had only earned 1 strength. So while he was able to continue the task longer, it did not necessarily get any easier.
Tring*
You are severely exhausted.
The Stamina recovery has stopped. Health is gradually reducing. To prevent collapsing from exhaustion you are strongly advised to rest.
Tring*
You gained new stat sustenance.
You are likely to use less stamina in action. You are prohibited from distributing stat bonus points to this stat.
After the sun began to fall Pep-Ri really began to feel like he was about to fall to the ground any moment. Turning around the corner they finally made it to a building that appeared to be the right one. She opened the door and entered the little shack. Taking the few things left in the cart Pep-Ri brought in the groceries and placed them on the small counter near the front of the room. Looking around the home Pep-Ri realized that this home was stacked with cloth. Some clothes were hanging up and on display. Looking even closer he noticed it was a shop.
Realizing what just happened he forced his tired body to walk up to the old woman so he could ask, “Mam may I assume this is your establishment?”
Looking back somewhat surprised the old woman replied somewhat curious, “Young man why are you here right now? It is past closing time! Do you want me to call the Guards?”
Startled Pep-Ri called out, “Wait mam I’m the one who bumped into you earlier! You asked me to push your cart along so you could bring your groceries home.”
“D.. Did something like that really happen?” putting her hand on her chin she began to concentrate.. Looking down again she looked concerned.
“Young man I guess what you said must be true. Unfortunately I have forgotten any such meeting. You must forgive me but I don’t have anything here for you that would be appropriate for such a task. If you want once you get enough money I will give you a 5% discount on some decent cloth or leather armor.”
Realizing that this might be his only reward for half a day pushing the stone cart he could only sk one thing. “Mam I don’t usually like to pry but your grocery cart is made from stone… why is that”
Wait what!!! Why were you doing such a fool thing as using that old thing?!? I have another cart right behind the counter!! That cart used to be my husband’s. He was a stern soldier and he used that to train with as he did some chores for me.. Bless his heart I wish he was here again.”
In the back room a coughing sound could be heard as a gruff old voice shouted out. “Why are you always making it out as if I am dead!!! You old bat can’t remember a darn thing can you..” Making his way out a giant of an old man forced his way through the door. Reaching his hand out The man introduced himself as Jenkins the retired captain of the kings personal guard. His wife Estella was notorious for going around town these days when her memory failed her. Earlier that day Jenkins was about to go and get the groceries when he wife left the shop unattended. Having no choice but to man the counter he had waited all day for her to make her way back. Apologizing for his wife’s behavior he promised to meet up with Pep-Ri again in the afternoon in hopes to reimburse Pep-Ri for her hard work.
Tring*
Quest complete:
Despite all your hard work and efforts Estella was unable to remember your meeting. Unfortunately no familiarity can be gained.
Exiting the store in a huff Pep-Ri kicked a small piece of cracked stone lying on the ground. Picking it up she tossed it around as she slowly made his way to the central fountain in front of her. Drinking from the fountain Pep-Ri looked up at the statue of a young woman holding a flask above her head, out of which a trickle of water poured out. The water ran down her head and her body and into the surrounding basin.
Tring*
You have witnessed the fountain of eternal replenishing. This fountain depicts the goddess Freya washing her exhaustion and pain away after battle. For witnessing such a splendid masterpiece all your exhaustion has been washed away. Your health is fully restored as the grime of battle is washed away.
Permanent Art stat +30
Thinking back on it if it hadn't been for all those statues and pieces of art she had seen that gave her temporary stamina and strength bonuses she probably wouldn't have made it through the first hour of pushing the cart. So despite not getting anything decent from the quest at least she had gained stats and some experience for her passive skill patience.
Pulling up her stat window this is what she saw.
Character name: Pep-Ri Replica
Alignment: Neutral
Level: 1
Class: None
Health: 50
Mana: 180
Mana regeneration: (Wis x’s .1 for a total of 4.7 per minute)
Health regeneration: (Sorry need to do this now or I won’t ever figure it out. Health Stat x’s .1 per minute or 50 x’s .1 for 5 hp per minute. + the 5% per hour permanent increase from chapter 2 which will be based on the total regen not the health stat or whatever. Or 5 hp per minute x’s 60 For a grand total of 300 health per hour+ 5% of 300 or 400 as the stat goes up.. Namely over an hour he gains 315 Hp or 5.25 HP per minute. I will not explain it all again. Next time I will just write the overall answer as 5.25 per minute.)
Strength: 6
Agility: 31
Stamina: 19
Wisdom: 47
Intellect: 18
Sustenance 1
Luck: 10
Art: 74
Leadership:0
Attack: 1
Defense: 0
Magic resistance
Fire: 2%
Earth: 2%
Water: 2%
Dark Magic: -10%
(all 24 hour or 1-4 hour bonuses are now gone.)
Connect to Chapter 4? Yes | No