Martius 3 48,965 BPS
Seven more drained and three more rendered barren, this has to end...
- J
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March 5, 2035
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"Fine, can you bring the wheel chair over here."
"Here, do you need help getting in?"
*Stares at the chair*
"Yes."
...
"Thanks, is everything setup in the bathroom? I don't know what my parents brought as far as supplies and clothes."
"They put everything in the closet, until you needed it. I'll grab everything while you head to the bathroom, do you think you'll need help?"
"No I'll be fine."
Well, I've never had a chance to mess around with a wheel chair before, lets see how this go's.
*Knock Knock*
"Chris are you ready, I grabbed a change of clothes, as well as supplies for your bath and brushing your teeth."
"Yeah, you can come in as well, I'm not naked or anything. Just testing out my new elevation and perspective."
...
"Well let me know if you have trouble in the bath, I'll be outside until you tell me you got in and are good to go."
*Sigh*
*Turns faucet on*
...
"Thanks Elyse, I'm alright now."
"I'll be back in about 30 minutes to check on you."
...
*Leans back in tub, and slides down*
Dammit, is this how things are going to be from now on?
...
Why the hell did this happen to me?
...
I've never done anything to anyone; hell I haven't even had a chance, been too busy moving and being a good son.
-------- Eight Months ago --------
"I'm sorry we are moving again Chris, but keep up with your online courses, and you'll be able to get into whatever university you want."
"I know dad, I'm just tired of jumping around everywhere, especially when we keep moving to these small houses with no yards."
"Well this is the last deployment before our terms are up and we can talk about what we will do then, when the time comes."
"Yeah right, you both love the military; plus, I'll be going to university soon after, so what will it really matter."
-------- Now --------
What was supposed to be a two-year deployment, turns into six months. During which I was only awake for the first two of them; I guess that is the shortest deployment they've been on.
Most of my life I've been active, and outside, now I'm stuck with no legs, no sports, and basically forced to start my Avatar over; there is no way I can continue to grow him properly with my disability.
...
What exactly is there left over?
I guess my online courses/marks are still there... Wait I was supposed to write the final exam for three of them by the end of February.
...
*Sigh*
*Looks around*
Great, I literally can't look myself in the mirror, it's too high up.
...
*Deep Breath*
...
"Okay, I'm still alive and still me. So what if I can't use my legs? The doctor said that it should just be a case of regaining motor-control; its not like the nerves were severed or my legs were permanently disabled.
Time to figure out what I'm going to do now."
*Deep Breath*
...
"First, I need to start accepting this shitty situation; I'm sure my parents aren't any happier then I am, knowing them.
Second, I need to setup my new Avatar, try and recover some of my previous lifestyle; hopefully this 'Neural Interface' will work properly.
As to the rest I'll deal with them as they come."
*Blush*
I can't believe I just gave myself a pep-talk...
"Chris are you done in there? Let me know if you're having any trouble."
"Umm, Elyse, how long were you there?"
"Long enough to say that the doctor believes that you'll regain some motor-control, the only question is how much."
...
"Any other critiques or addendum for my pep talk?"
"Nope, and for the record I've heard better and worse, at least you didn't use the words 'Man up'. I mean since when is that a useful or legitimate way to get over an injury like this?"
"Thanks Elyse, I'll be out in a few minutes"
<< >>
Finally, I can open this thing...
"Elyse, are you sure there's nothing else planned for me today?"
"No Chris, your next round of testing is scheduled in 3 days. The doctor has stated that you are to get at least eight-ten hours of sleep a day; any less and you get a lecture and a visit from the pharmacy."
*Gulp*
"Okay, can you help me with the packaging then, please."
*Box demolition begins*
*Styrofoam peanut battle begins*
"Victory!" "I let you win!"
"Well let's take a look at the next generation of greatness."
"Ooh" "Ooh"
"That looks fancy, do you know when they become publicly available?"
"Nope, all I know is there's a very limited number of testers; and I'm not supposed to say anything about nothing."
*Flips the box upside down*
Ah setup manual... Looks like it just needs to be put on, no plugs or charging... I wonder how they did that, the old gear required a full charge every 6 hours.
"Huh, Chris, you may want to read the warnings in the manual; it even mentions using the gear while driving... and is 30 pages long"
"A) I thought all cars were self driving and most transportation was mass transit now; B) isn't taking care of my immediate health a nurse's duty?"
*Sigh*
"Ill make sure Dr. Markson reads over this, he may stop by afterwards."
"Sounds fine, I don't get seizures or motion sickness, I'm sure that covers 90% of the medical stuff they talk about anyway."
"Well I'll leave it to you then, any feeling of discomfort and you take a break."
So this is the future of 'The Game' huh, definitely an improvement over the old gear.
Time to create my new Avatar...
*Puts on device*
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Booting, please wait...
Accessing link system...
Accessing...
Adjusting link protocols...
Connection established
New user detected...
Analysing...
Initiating account creation...
"Welcome new being, we will now begin the creation of your account; after which you will go through the system tutorial. WARNING Some creation options may be disabled and or hidden due to your current connection."
I guess that makes sense, they wouldn't want everything to be leaked before the device launches.
"Please provide the following information"
UIN Avatar Name
Hmmm, what should my new name be? My last one was made when I was five years old, and well there's a reason I like the idea of a new Avatar...
How about...
UIN 29FK054M4A-WzpoQbjAPA-8uyE6ttGEp-4549232325 Avatar Name Methenor
Analysing...
UIN validated...
Avatar name invalid...
"Apologies being, your Avatar name must be the same as your current name. Custom names and or titles will be made available as you progress in the world."
That's stupid, don't tell me I found my first bug? They removed the naming rule soon after 'The Game' was released; to many people complained about privacy and being tracked down for their idiocy.
Oh well...
UIN 29FK054M4A-WzpoQbjAPA-8uyE6ttGEp-4549232325 Avatar Name Chris Raphael
Analysing...
UIN validated...
Avatar name valid...
Initiating Avatar creation process...
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Wow...
I can actually see the avatar in front of my bed, it looks just like a person is standing there; the detail is better then the current Avatar pads render.
I wonder how the head gear managed to duplicate my body from before the attack...
Now let's see what I get to pick for my new Avatar.
Loading customization options...
"Please select from the following options; Character appearance, Character class"
Hmmm... No race option? I guess the rumours were false after all.
"Racial options currently disabled due to ongoing Database analysis"
Interesting... I guess that rumour monger actually may have gotten one right this time.
Display Character Class Options
Loading available character classes...
Currently available character classes: 3
... I think they are taking this testing thing a bit to serious, from over 20 classes down to 3? I better be able to re-class after the testing is over.
Displaying class options...
Soldier Direct combat focused class, tends to be first in the fight, and last on the battlefield. Can usually be found causing trouble when not on missions or in the field, never to be underestimated.
Advantages:
- Bonus to physical stat gains
- Able to use all weapons
- Able to use all forms of Armour
Disadvantages:
- Reduced skill gains in non-combat fields
- Reduced skill gains in intelligence based professions
- Reduced gains to intelligence stat group Healer Usually found far from the forward battlefields, in tents, behind lots of guards and other fighters. Primarily responsible for undoing the damage caused by other people. Given a reputation for being squishy, those that brave the battlefield to help their comrades tend to get free drinks during the engagement (after work of course).
Advantages:
- Bonus to Intelligence stat group gains
- Better able to use objects based on ‘alloys and compositions and things with... molecular structures’
- Easier time learning all skills that don’t involve direct combat
Disadvantages:
- Reduced stat gain for both physical stat groups
- Unable to wear armour heavier than ‘Light’ class
- Restricted to weapons with a range below ‘Medium’ class Scout Only found on the battlefield when they mess up. Usually found on the fringes of battles performing various activities; scouting, assassinating, sniping, causing trouble. They have a reputation of both problem solver and problem causer.
Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
Advantages:
- Bonus to Agility stat group gains
- Able to use all ranged weapons
- Starting access to the Stealth tree
- Likely to be hired to fix problems you caused, in multi-faction engagements
Disadvantages:
- Reduced stat gains for physical stat group
- Unable to wear armour heavier than ‘Medium’ class
- Decreased chance of being invited into factions permanently
- Restricted to single handed close range weapons
- Unable to use ‘Heavy’ class weapons
So not only are they limiting my options, they are even giving me brand new classes to pick from? These classes are even the most annoying types; might as well just label them 'Archetypal RPG representation 1-3'.
I wonder if they made the classes this broad, so that users aren't as limited in what they can do. I remember I got very frustrated not being able to hit anything with a bow; made my usual soloing even more difficult.
Select Class Scout.
Loading Class data...
Applying Class data to Avatar...
Appearance updated...
Stats updated...
Displaying stat growth rate for class: Scout...
Strength 2 Vitality 2 Endurance 5 Agility 5 Dexterity 3 Speed 4 Intelligence 3 Wisdom 3 Logic 3
Looks good, but I wonder what the growth rate indicates?
"Growth rate is defined as; stats gained per class level, stats gained through actions, and stats gained through attribute point usage at a rate of 1 to 1"
So that means most of my gains must come from my class level then, otherwise it's all through actions.
Okay, I'll admit it, the new graphics engine looks amazing; even from across my bed, the materials on the Avatar look 100% realistic.
What's next?
"Next step is to finalize Avatar stats, then appearance; after which you will begin the tutorial."
*Sigh*
I can see some people getting annoyed with the neural interface; I doubt people will enjoy having their random question-thoughts considered commands.
Display Avatar Stats
Analysing User...
Physical degradation detected; accessing previous physical form data...
"What?"
Previous physical abilities loaded...
Calculating Avatar stats...
Well I guess that guy did mention bonuses from my previous Avatar...
Name Chris Raphael Age 18 Race Human Class Scout Basic Info Level 0 EXP 0 Health 1524/1524 Stamina 2116/2116 Energy 97/97 Attribute points 10 Basic Stats Strength 168 Vitality 120 Endurance 166 Agility 183 Dexterity 219 Speed 135 Intelligence 194 Wisdom 86 Logic 123
*Blink Blink*
Soooo... how exactly are those my new Avatar's stats?
Given the class level of 0, and my amazing age of 18 whole years, there's no way those stats are right. They out class my old Avatar that was fully equipped with Tier 3 gear!
I would have needed to be physically active and training like an Olympic athlete since I was born to have stats that high, and be fully equipped.
Hmmm, I wonder if this will work.
Review Avatar Stat Gain Sources
Accessing...
Displaying list by overall impact...
* Race
* Lifestyle
* Physical Activity (NOTE - Gains applied are based on theory of working toward selected class)
* Age
How could my race have possibly provided the main source of my stat growth?
*Checks race*
Yep 'Human'... I wonder if this is the company's way of giving a basic boost to all Avatars. The forums have always been filled with people complaining about why they can't have crazy stats like in other games.
Looking at those stats, I think I'll keep the free attribute points for after the tutorial.
Display Avatar Customization
Accessing customization options...
Loading racial traits...
Loading Avatar clothing options...
Accessing additional options...
WARNING current connection state does not allow for additional options...
Sweet, there are a ton more customization options now. Where should I start?
No sliders?
"Avatar appearance will be adjusted based on desired options; if mechanical control is required please specify."
That should make things easier, sliders always frustrated me.
So let's see...
Change hair colour to: black
Change eye colour to: pale blue
Adjust muscle mass to be more: Athletic
"Please specify dominate athletic activity"
Soccer
"Changes applied, please review Avatar"
That looks about right, I've never been very creative when it comes to character customization. I'm usually happy when I don't make an Elf look like a Troll; hence the slider hatred.
Accept Avatar Customization
Saving changes...
Updating Avatar core matrix...
"Would you like to begin the tutorial now?"
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*Beep Beep*
Hmmm, what's this?
Abnormal connection detected...
Analysing connection...
WARNING Connection protocols should be updated soon...
WARNING Connection stability below 1%...
Isolating unstable connection to single location...
Analysis complete, connection using Pre-Caelorum protocols...
WARNING Pre-Caelorum connection detected, initiating Class 2 scan...
Estimated completion time: two planar months...
"Sul-mar, what's going on? We were talking about where to go for lunch."
"Yeah, you should see your expression; I didn't know your mouth could open that much, without food being involved."
*Points at screen*
"... Must be a glitch, or maybe one of the Elder races found an old interface and wanted to see if it still worked?"
*Beeeeeep*
Abnormal character detected...
Analysing character...
New character race detected, analysing for racial compatibility...
ERROR Racial database corrupted: data appears to be missing...
Initiating database reconstruction...
Estimated completion time: two planar months...
"So... I guess we'll be going to lunch without you Sul-mar."
"Yeah, congrats Sul, you found the first system error in Eons."
*Everyone runs*
Why me... it's even pizza day...
"SUL'MAR, why am I getting complaints about your station accessing other departments? You're not binge watching system competitions again are you?"
*Sigh*
System Initiate Connection Trace
Initiating connection trace...
Estimated trace time: nine planar weeks...
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*Door slams*
"Finally, we found a house that is suitable. How long do you think it will take to finish the changes for the new place?"
*Grunt*
"Don't give me that crap! You're both the same, I swear if it wasn't for the fact I gave birth to him, you'd be clones.
He acts all happy and perky, as if nothing happened or it was no big deal; you grunt and try and act all stoic. IF you don't cut it out now, I swear, I will erase all of your Play-Box saves."
"Now now, no need to go that far; we are both exhausted. The constant worry over Chris, as well as everything else, lets not say or more importantly DO anything we may regret..."
*Glare*
"Look... Once we sign off on the house, I'll feel better. The construction shouldn't take longer then a month or two; most of the time will be spent on the upgrades, mainly waiting for things to arrive... like your new appliances..."
*Sigh*
"Do you think he will like the new place?"
"Rhea, of course. He will have his own basement apartment, complete will everything he could need for his recovery. The first thing being done on the house is adding wheelchair access to the basement."
*Sigh*
"I just wish he was back with us, and could actually start opening up to us; every time I see that stupid smile on his face I just want to smack him."
"The doctor said that if everything goes well, he should be released by the end of the month. So I'll work on the house, and make sure everything is ready for him by then; and you make sure you visit him and try and get him to open up."
"Fine... You know we still need to explain to him what really happened over the last few months right? What are we going to tell him?"
...
"Where do you think your going Ian Raphael? Don't even think about leaving this room."
...
"I was just going out to start looking for contractors..."
"Oh really then... Why don't we go borrow two laptops from the hotel and we can do some research, WHILE we discuss what we are going to tell him..."
*Sigh...*
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Now we are finally getting into the game parts.
I haven't set a firm release schedule yet. I worked on the current releases with the goal of at least getting to some of the game parts/data.
Also, thank the Excel Gods for granting me access. I have several spread sheets setup, to handle the various aspects of an Avatar's growth. It took me a better part of a day just to get the formulae and components to link together; that doesn't include the balance testing I did by pseudo-random data entry.
As usual, PM me your comments and thoughts. I plan on writing up a few of 'The Game' chapters, at a time, then releasing them individually.