Chapter 4
“Today marks your first month here. I know you won't have enough time to spare working here but I hope you'll still visit me for some afternoon tea.”
“What are you saying René!? Don't you worry, I still have no idea what I'm supposed to do out there.”
“Don't be like that. I know full well what all foreigners that stay here do. You'll go out on adventures, sure you'll have to start small with some hunting but you will most certainly leave soon.”
“Well maybe. Don't you have any advice on the professions out there? You've spent the most time with me here.”
“What I know is that you have talent brewing beverages and for storytelling. What I can advise you on is to go to the Information bureau and go hunt the animals. I'm sure people will buy the meat and pelt you bring back. I'll introduce you to the butcher I know, he'll give you a fair price on the meat you bring him. Sadly I don't know any tailors or furriers though.”
“Thank you René. You've made my stay here wonderful. Then I'll be on my way to the bureau for now, I'm sure I'll be back soon.”
Henkel went again to the Information bureau, last time he was there they couldn't help him as they didn't have enough information on him. This time he was hoping for another answer. He opened the door the the agency and rang the bell on the front desk.
[Ding....ding....ding,ding,ding,ding...]
“Yes. How may I help you rude sir. If you want to know where to change your class there is a list on the wall to the right.”
“No, I actually came because I need help in choosing a class.”
“Oh, a proper lost customer! Your kind have become a rarity, recently everyone that comes here already have their future planned. Step into my office and we'll talk more.”
“We have two different packages to offer: the first one at a price of 1 silver will tell you the general information on what your class could be and our premium offer at a low price of 21 silver and 73 copper we will tell you all much more specific information on the class that fits you and some valuable gossip we have acquired.”
21 silver 73 coper! Isn't that all the money I have right now?! Is this one of those moments where the computer knows how much you have and takes it all. I should have bought more things before coming here. I only spent 13 silver on necessities like: Brewing equipment, cutlery, soap and flint. I still have no weapon.
“No pain, no gain. Just endure, as when exercising.”
“What was that?”
“I'll gladly pay you. Here.”
“Glad to do business with you.”
The information broker took a look at Henkel's stats, after some light thinking he told him of his future prospects.
“You have high charisma and leadership stats, highly unusual. You have the possibility to become a knight, tamer and with some work a bard.”
“No I don't really play any instruments or sing so I don't think it would suit me.”
“Ok then let me tell you about the classes.”
Knights are a melee class that can master swords, lances, maces, bows and shields. They are expert horsemen and really shine working with other knights as they get a bonus working together. If you are choosing the knight class then you should really consider buying or hiring a horse as charging at your enemies on horseback makes you 2-3 times stronger. Knights have high vitality and strength with moderate leadership and charm. They are the only class with the honour stat which makes them stronger in adversity.
“If you go to the knight academy you will be accepted there to train. Here comes to kicker. With your high charisma you will be able to learn specific skills even without changing to the knight class, well if you know how to reason with them.”
“Then we have the tamer class. I don't tell people about this class as I haven't seen anyone who had what it took. That isn't to say there are no who have become tamers. It is more usual that people change into the class down the road.”
Tamers are reclusive people who rather associate with non humans. They use animals as companions and fight together with them. The stronger a tamers abilities the stronger animals they can tame as well as monsters of low intelligence. Charisma is especially important for them but so is wisdom. Tamers also usually put their fighting power in strength or agility.
“There is no tamer guild so you should head over to the hunter guild, there they raise dogs and other animals. Arvin is the one in charge of managing the animals. Not many people know but tamers also have a special stat that help them teach the tamed animals skills.”
“So are you interested in them?”
“Very! Then I will make my way there now.”
“Wait! There are still things I haven't told you.”
“Like what?”
“You don't think you paid all that money for only that. You additionally get to know some tips on what to do when you leave town.”
“That so?”
“Yes. In Kallamore Kingdom they are looking for help in fighting against the constant monster invasion, Knights are rewarded with a lot of honour points and fame there. A bit closer to home there is going to be an archaeological expedition in two months to the north west. They are not looking for any guards though and they are being a bit secretive which raised my suspicion. They might be interesting to investigate. Would you investigate them for me?”
Investigate for the Information bureau
Investigate the archaeological team and their purpose.
Difficulty level: E
Quest restriction: Fail to get any information and you won't get any rewards.
Reward: Cheaper price on information.
“I am fond of archaeology and I'll happily investigate. Point me in their direction and I'll be on my way if that is all.”
“That is the problem. I don't know where they are. You will have to find them yourself.”
***
All right I'm finally starting RR today! I'm so happy, even though they are getting their machines installed tomorrow I'm going to start early. They'll forgive me, I hope.
[Ringring, ringring]
“Hello, Christine speaking.”
“I'm calling again Christine. I was going to tell you that I can finally leave town today.”
“Oh, Henkel what pleasant news. Actually I'm going to connect to RR now. I'm planning to start where you are and I wonder if we can meet up inside?”
“Sure that will be no problem. Right now I'm staying in town for an unknown time, at least 2 months though I will go hunting as soon as I have chosen my class.”
“So you're still undecided. I already know what I'm aiming for. I'm planning to play as a warrior with an axe or hammer.”
“Well I'm glad you have a plan, unlike me.”
“Yep, I'll go to the café you're working in as I want to try your tea. I hope we'll meet soon. Bye”
“Good bye.”
“Welcome to-...”
Ok no time to waste.
Female
Half-wolf
Name: Ru-Lan
Yes I want to adjust my appearance: more thick silver hair on my body, always adored the werewolf look, no hair from my breasts to my crotch on the front; give me sharper teeth and a bit wider mouth, I want to look intimidating; wolf ears and tail, yes please; last but not least muscles, I removed the hair so I could see my abs.
Perfect.
Same location as Henkel and I'm done.
Start please.
***
I've been thinking more about the time I spent with Camilla on the various travels we did back in the day since I met with Sanova. Right now I'm thinking back on the time we spent in Norway investigating the local pagan religions pre-dating Christianity. The symbols were fascinating, carved in stone and left in various caves by the shores. It really was a mystery how they could live up there were 9 of twelve months was freezing cold. The paintings on the walls here had some of the earliest known drawings of fire breathing beasts. Her guess it was from there the Vikings got their idea of dragons.
Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.
Now I got a new story brewing.
It never got boring walking slowly down the road, I always had something to think about. Right now though it was time to check in with the animal trainer. A helpful person inside the Hunter guild showed me the way to the back where a large area was fenced in.
Connected to the area was a long shack with four doors. A mishmash of sounds were heard coming from inside. Snoring, wailing, growling and barking were a mixture of annoying sounds. Henkel was left here by the person who showed him around, he had said that breakfast was soon to be served and someone would be out shortly. A waft of blood flowed through the air. Turning around Henkel saw an older gentleman carrying two large buckets filled with raw meat.
The man saw Henkel and furrowed his brows.
“Hey you can't be here!”
“Me?”
“Yes, you! Don't you dare disturb my pets!”
“Good, I take it you now about how to become a tamer? I was sent here by the information broker.”
“Tch. I hate getting unannounced guests. So you want to be a tamer?”
“I'm not sure if I'm qualified but I could try.”
“Try? HA! If you think trying will be enough then follow me. I'm Hyt'r.”
“Henkel.”
Following after Hyt'r Henkel listened intently on what he had to say about the animals he raised. They were all dogs, not the ordinary kind but demon hybrids with varying levels. Lowest levels were the cubs at 10 and lower. Then the adults had a hierarchical system with the alpha-dog being the strongest at level 40. The ones up to level 20 consisted of about 80% of the pack. The ones below level 20 were tasked with helping hunting for meat and wolf extermination. The rest could be hired by knights and mercenaries but if they killed an enemy they didn't share the experience and thus were rarely in demand.
Entering the enclosure Hyt'r explained his test was about to begin. He gave Henkel some pieces of meat and opened the door at the end of the shack.
Small dog like creatures ran into the yard. The size of dachshunds but with obvious scales under their thin fur.
“I will leave you here and wait on the other side of the doors. I want you to enter one of them, then we might start the real challenge.”
“What's the catch.”
“Picking the correct door.”
“Huh?”
“Behind the doors are cages where the dogs sleep, they are divided by rank. The door that was just opened is off limits. Good luck.”
Aaand there he goes. Now I'm standing here amongst “dogs”, probably hungry ones with slabs of meat.
Don't look at me like that!
Calm down.
Animals can smell fear.
They are more afraid of you than you are of them.
No that can't be, I'm level 1 while these here might be as high as level 10.
Ok, think back to what he said.
Ah! All I need to do is pick a door.
Easy enough, nothing hard about opening them all and looking inside.
“I forgot to tell you. No cheating, you only get one chance and then you're out.”
Great. First I need to calm down these demon pups. Here! Eat some meat.
“Aaaww... That's a good boy, share with your siblings.”
I only have enough for half of you after all.
Now is my chance to check out the doors.
Henkel put his ear to each door, closed his eyes and listened closely.
“There must be a way to know what's behind the doors.”
Though he listened intently he couldn't make out anything but heavy breathing.
“This isn't good. What should I do no- oh, why hello there little friend you still hungry?”
One of the pups had walked up to Henkel and was nibbling on his shoe laces.
As he bent down the little dog started sniffing his bag.
“Haha, the only thing that smells is the soap and tea leaves I have. There's no food.”
Henkel explained to the dog as he pet it's chest. He continued talking to the dog as more of them got closer.
As he petted all the dogs he complained about his situation and complimented them for their good behaviour.
“Go fetch! Come on bring those sticks back you trickster.”
“Haven't I played with you enough? I'm starting to get hungry you know.”
“Woof. Woof.”
“Yes, are you also getting hungry?”
“Woof!”
“If only I knew which door to choose. I got it.”
[Whistle]
“Come on over, gather around puppies.”
“Woof. Grr. Woof.”
“Can you help me? Choose the least scariest door and I'll give you a treat afterwards.”
“Woof?”
“...”
“Woof.”
“Listen up dogs! Go to the door with the least smell of death. NOW!”
“WOOF!”
[Dash]
“Woof, woof, woof!”
“Is it this one? Good job. Now, follow me!”
“WOOF!”
You have learned the skill: From the heart, beginner level 1
Compels the targets to follow your commands more thoroughly. Increases respect felt towards you. The effect persists as long as you are in a party together, one-time use only.
Increases charisma and leadership stat by 20% for 10 minutes.
Mana cost: 200 per use.
[+ 10 leadership, + 15 charisma.]
[Opens]
Henkel opens the door with a satisfied smile on his face. He looks inside and he sees that he's inside a cage. One cage. As in, all the doors led to the same cage. Henkel's mouth slowly opens and just hangs there with his tongue visible.
“Congratulations, you pass!”
“Wha...What is this?!”
“Well it never really mattered which door you took. All along I only wanted to test your disposition to see if you had the courage to take a step into the unknown. You passed, barely though. You: A, took far too long. B, you depended on the dogs to choose for you. C, you trusted the dogs. I think you are qualified to become a tamer.”
“All right, this is great news.”
“I'm glad you like it.”
“Eh... no I'm not happy to become a tamer. I'm happy I finally learned the skill I've been trying to figure out for quite some time.”
“What do you mean?”
“When I was playing with the pups I had already made up my mind not to become a tamer.”
“And you still went through with it?”
“Yes. The reason I don't think I have what it takes is because I'd feel devastated if an animal or monster I tamed and became friends with died in battle. Once they die they are dead forever. Isn't that correct?”
“Well yes. Once a pet dies it stays dead, as with all living creatures. The bonus a tamer's pets have is that they are much stronger than ordinary monsters and can learn various skills though. ”
“I believe it would be hard for me to live like that. You should know, when you get to our age we are bound to lose people we care for. To go through that again and again. No I'd rather spare my feelings.”
“I understand. It's regrettable, you could have become a wonderful tamer. Why don't we talk over dinner after I feed the dogs? I've come to like you.”
“I'd be happy to. Let me offer you some tea, blended by yours truly afterwards.”