Groaning, Dave sat up in bed, his stomach growling more effective than any alarm clock. He was then confused at why he was in a bed at all, since he didn’t remember anything except beginning his performance. Gingerly getting up, he realised his body had back to its true form, the crumpled clothing he was still wearing straining as it tried to cover his strange shape. Quickly he shifted back to the form he’d been in last night, wondering what had happened. Apparently his body would change back when he slept, but he had to wonder if it was instant or not, but it seemed no one had seem him change yet, otherwise he wouldn’t have woken up at all.

Looking around, he saw that he was in a small room, consisting of the thin bed he’d found himself on, a rickety looking table, and a dresser that looked like it had been stolen from a much nicer inn. A single illuminated the room, giving him a view of a brick wall a few feet away, likely the warehouse from what he could remember. A thin strip of a mirror had been mounted on the wall, which was enough to at least make sure that he looked human.

Seeing there was nothing else he could do appearance wise, he walked to the door, the cold floor reminding him to get a pair of shoes as soon as he could, and opened it.

“Ah there’s our performer!” a cheerful voice shouted, making Dave wince.

Turning, he saw the paladin from last night, coming out of another room, the heavy armour from the night before removed. Instead she appeared to be wearing a golden nun’s habit, the stark contrast between the two images making him do a double take.

“Wait,” he said, “I thought you were a paladin? The knight...something.”

“Knight champion. It’s good to see you can remember things after last night. But with the state of our order, we must take on many roles, so I also serve as mother superior.” She said with a shrug.

“Your order seems like its seen better days.”

“We aren’t what we used to be, it’s true, but our ideals and faith shall not waver!” She said with zeal. “The sun continues to rise, and we shall rise with it.”

“Heh, well at least you’re staying positive. But about last night...” he started, not sure where to begin.

“A few gaps in the memory? Not really that surprising considering things. What are you missing?”

“I remember reaching the stage, and waking up.”

She laughed brightly. “Just a small thing then. Come, I've finished my morning prayers so let’s head down stairs for breakfast, and I’ll fill you in.”

Wandering down they made their way to the barroom floor, which was now all but empty, a few people chatting about the place, as well as a few people fixing up some of the heavier damage from the night before. He watched as Gid, the gnome he’d met before, waved his hands at a table that had been cracked in two, only to have it straighten out and reform good as new, or as what passed for new in this place.

Lindel noticed him watching. “That’s one of main reasons why the Swill stays open. He might hate having to deal with people, but Gid’s one the foremost alteration mages in the country. Saves a bunch on having to replace the furniture almost every night.” She said as they sat down at table. Waving at a man behind the bar, she made a few gestures to which they nodded and brought out two plates of food.

“Haven’t seen much magic before to be honest, but it looks impressive. Now, what exactly happened last night.” Grimacing as he looked down at plate that had been put in front of him. It was a full breakfast, the sort he loved in real life. Toast, eggs, were there, plus a few sausages and what looked like some left over hash browns. It looked great, but one whiff told him he was not going to be able to stomach it. Lindel had no such concerns. In between bites she recapped the previous night.

“So as you remember you went up and managed to catch their attention for a moment, which is a feat in itself. Then you started playing a few songs, upbeat sort of stuff, not like a few who’ve tried to be all dramatic and soulful. You started out a little scratchy, like most of the newcomers I've heard, but after a couple of songs you began to even out, and people started enjoying it. I mean they still fought, but they listened while they fought, and I saw a few who even tried to fight to the music! ...it didn’t go well for them. Anyway, people were having a great time until you got taken out by a stool someone threw at your head.”

“Someone hit me with a stool?!”

“It was nothing personal, not really, just some guy who didn’t want to hear anymore and figured that was simplest solution. Lot of people disagreed though, which was a first, actually booing the orc who did it. They put the boots to him in no time at all, had to intervene myself. After that, Gid, who’d actually left his room to come and listen, teleported you up to your room after seeing if you were injured. He said you’d be fine, and well enough to play tonight if you wanted, which people seemed to look forward to.”

“People liked it that much?” Dave asked, concerned about what Gid may have seen when examining him.

“It’s been a long time since we’ve had music here, at least, more than half a song before they take off or are taken out. So do you think you’ll stick around?” she asked, looking at him closely.

“I mean, I’d like to but isn’t that up to Gid?”

As if summoned by magic, the gnome appeared beside them. “Always up to me. My place, my rules.” He said in his normal sharp manner.

“So what’s the verdict then?” Dave asked, mentally crossing his fingers.

Gid scratched his head. “Thought you’d be rubbish. Was right at first but you got better. Elf says you were polite enough. And didn’t run off or die, which is good. Don't want guard asking questions, drives off drinkers. Here’s the deal then, you play as long as you can at least... four times a week. You get room... and five silver a week, more if you play more. Agreed?”

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“Done.” Dave said with relief. It wasn’t exactly fame and stardom, but a guaranteed roof over your head isn’t something to sneeze at.

“You’re not going to feed him as well?” Lindel asked with a trace of concern, making Daves stomach clench.

“Don't need to. Newcomer is fasting yes? Not going to be eating around here?” Gid said pointedly, staring into his eyes with clenched fists.

So he had seen something then, Dave thought. But instead of attacking, or even outing him, he’d hired him anyway.

“Yes, something like that, so need to provide board, I’ll handle all of that...elsewhere. So we have a deal.” He said offering a hand to the gnome, who took it hesitantly. Lindel looked confused at first, but apparently wasn’t the type to pry, and instead wasted no time in grabbing Dave’s plate for herself, having finished her own already.

“Done then. You play tonight to celebrate new deal. Also, we speak later about payment and...other things. Now I'm sure you have... things to do. Go.”

Nodding, Dave got up and left, waving back to Lindel who was happily chowing down on the pile of food in front of her. That was going to be a very interesting conversation later, he figured, but for now he needed to deal with his stomach while it was screaming at him for food.

The markets were bustling as he walked through the streets, everyone up and about to get things done. There were people selling everything, assailing him as he walked with offers of trinkets and clothing, fresh foods and spices and a host of other things he had no need for. If he hadn’t been looking for a pair of shoes he would have avoided the market all together, but as it was he was forced to put up with it, but in doing so he spotted something interesting.

Between a couple of stalls he saw a busker, sitting on a rug playing a flute with a hat sitting in front of them. It wasn’t an amazing sight, and if he’d been in the real world he wouldn’t have even noticed, but two thing struck him. The first was the slight discord in his playing, a sign that they were a player rather than an npc, the first he’d recognized since the dwarf the other day. The second was a strange feeling that came through the music, subtle but just noticeable, that made him want to drop a few coins in the hat. Walking up to them, he dropped a silver in to the hat before speaking.

“Do you play out of the game, or just in here?”

The busker paused in playing and looked up at him. “Bugger off. I payed 10 silver to play here for the day, and I don't plan on wasting that time talking to random players.”

Dave raised a hand. “Just asking. I was just curious about that thing you’re doing.”

They hesitated. “What thing?”

“That feeling, to give you-”

“Quiet! You a bard then?” they asked, looking around to see if anyone was paying attention.

“Yeah, that a problem?”

The busker swore. “Just my luck to do it in front of a player who can spot it... Look, just keep it to yourself ok? I don't want to get in trouble.”

“Trouble for what? What did you do?” Dave asked confused.

“...Are you serious? You didn’t pay any attention in the tutorials?” They asked in disbelief.

He groaned. “My start was...complicated. Care to explain it to me?”

“No way. In case you hadn’t noticed, bards ain’t exactly warriors, so if we’re going to get anywhere, it’s by music and fame, which means you’re going to be competition for every gig in the city.”

“Actually I already got a job playing somewhere.”

They rolled their eyes. “Of course you did, which means you definitely don't need help. Look do you have any idea how hard it is to find a place to play at?”

Dave nodded. “I do. I had to go through a dozen places before I got to the Swill.”

“...You’re serious? You’re playing there? By choice?” they asked, eyes going wide. “I hear players die half the time they even go near the place.”

“It’s rough, yeah, but it’s not that bad. I mean I’ve only been knocked out once and I'm told most people felt bad about it.”

“Just once huh? And many nights you been there?”

“...One.”

They sighed. “And like that, you’ve pretty much taken yourself out of the competition. Ok, a quick pointer, if you’ll keep it to yourself.”

“Sure, I can keep a secret.”

“You seen your perform skill right? How it’s got known effects listed? Probably none by the sound of it, but you can learn them.”

“What are they?”

“They’re... effects. Feelings, ideas, suggestions, its kind of hard to explain. Some are mental or emotional, others physical. Basically they can cause that effect in people who hear it when you concentrate.”

“So that feeling before...”

They looked down at the flute in their hands. “Generosity. I’m not that great a player, so the extra money would really help.”

“And people are okay with that? Seems kind of shady.”

“No! No, the guards would arrest me if they found out, they’re hard on thought manipulation here, so keep it to yourself. Besides, generally only a higher level performer can detect it, which is why I'm surprised you spotted it when you apparently have no idea what you’re doing. What level are you anyway?”

He was about to answer when he hesitated. “Is this one of those things that shouldn’t be handed out?”

The busker chuckled. “At higher levels, definitely. But for a couple of players just off the streets? I doubt it’ll matter.”

Name: Dave Level: 2

Race: Mockerman Class: Bard (untyped)

Stats: hidden

Skills: Liquid core

Body Shaping - 1

Mockers Voice - 1

Mockers Hunger

Monstrous Nature

Mimics Ear

Perform Skills:

          Sing - 4

          Guitar - 2

“In that case I've hit 4 in sing apparently. I guess I played a lot longer last night than I thought. I also reached level 2... Do we get experience or something for playing?”

“Yeah, we get a bit based on performing for an audience, but I don't know the details, but it’s why regular gigs are fought over. You really got your skill to 4 in one night? That’s impressive. I guess you sing for real? I hear that helps early on.”

Dave nodded. “Pretty much. So how do I learn these effects and things?”

“A million ways, but the simplest one is to try. Just focus on the concept and try to push it into your music. Playing something with the right theme can help, but it’s all just practice and luck.”

“Huh. Well, thanks for the tips. Here.” He said, dropping a dozen more silver in the hat, as he left.

“Hey, thanks!”

“Don't mention it. I got more than I expected, so it’s only fair.”

With those new ideas in his head, he was going to keep looking for some shoes when his stomach growled, cramps making him almost double over. Apparently it was time for food right now. Hurrying towards the now familiar alley way, he waited for a moment as a guard looked around the area before moving over and jumping down into the sewers.

The first sign he had that something was wrong was the abundance of rats he could see racing around in the dark, they’re living bodies bright in his strange vision. As he headed towards where he’d left the dwarfs body, the rats grew more numerous until he saw what had happened. He’d been worries about being discovered, he’d been concerned about the sewer water itself, but he hadn’t considered competition. Crawling all through what remained of the body he’d been so eager to take with him, were rats, picking at the scraps left on the bones.

His stomach growled again.