Corvayne threaded his way back to their table with a pair of fruity coconut drinks. He could sort of see the tables in the bar shifting around him as he moved back to the table, pulling aside a green wood chair to rejoin his friends. He set Wick's drink in front of her and she grabbed it and practically attacked the straw. Corvayne couldn't tell if she was excited or angry at a glance, just that she was intensely feeling something. Nyxion was still flipping through a thick pad of paper Seru had set down.

Seru was just grinning, facing Nyxion but looking sideways at Corvayne. “I told you, I'm good.”

The only person not extremely interested in the pad was Mister I, who was instead picking at a large plate of appetizers he had ordered when Seru had come back with a plate of her own. The older man stopped eating a moment and nudged the plate towards Corvayne, hand gesturing for him to try what looked like seasoned steak strips teleported into french fries drizzled with cheese, peppers, and onions. The fries and steak looked to be fused at a molecular level, as a french fry cleanly bisected by the steak let him pick the piece up, and eating the meat he could taste parts where there was both steak and fry and pepper mixed in. Wick had spent a solid thirty seconds laughing at the name of the dish, the 'Philly experiment'.

Nyxion passed the pad to Corvayne and Wick's side of the table, Nyx and Lady Blood Claw both looking between them and Seru who was buffing her nails. LBC met Corvayne's eyes and nodded, skin a business-first charcoal gray. “Some of it sounds like things I had forgotten... so I think we can trust most of what's in here.”

The first page of the legal pad was a list of people, then questions and answers. There were two questions on page one, then he could see Seru put a single question on the other pages to make sure everything fit. He read along as Wick flipped through it.

A1: Burly cyborg with leather and chain mail armor. Lots of weapons, unshaved. 10 silver per question. Nobody else at table.

A2: Serious tall thin elf with glasses, staff. 1 Gold per question. Rest of party thin female elves and one young man with black hair brown eyes.

Kept moving closer as we spoke.

A3: Sharp-eyed man with a flat straw hat. Green eyes may have glowed, slightly. Had three shadow-people sitting at the table with him. Made me promise that I do 3 quests for 'Gygax on behalf of Lythandies and Falenti' and he'd answer any number of questions.

A4: N/A

Q: How do you for-sure transfer worlds in the tower?

A1: You daft? Go sideways. Keep your eyes peeled for anything that don't show up on your planet forming a doorway. Once you go through a few, step over, sink, and leave. Oh, have a destination in mind or you'll just (unintelligible) right on back to where you came from.

QA1: Sink?

A1: I'll give you that free girl. Sink means go down steps. Doors work better the further up you are. Keep your silver, anyone will tell you this free.

A2: Go through doors. Five usually is enough as long as you don't walk into floor types you see in the base tower you are leaving. Walk down to the bottom floor and out an exit arch while thinking about going to a different world.

A3: Go through world bending doors on a fifth or tenth layer. Go into the section's challenge waiting room. Waiting rooms tend to draw from the world the rift is rooted on. When you get two in a row that shouldn't or couldn't exist on your world, go down and out. Clearing a challenge then going up and out works pretty well on one-way floors as long as they don't match the planet you're trying to leave. As far as I know about going to a specific planet, you need to know if the rift is rooted there and go through it up or down willing yourself to go to that place.

QA3: Rift?

A3: You call them towers so I'll try to remember that term, but same thing.

Q: How can you stay hidden in the tower from people tracking you?

A1: It's a bitch. Zig zag between Under-Sky and the real world. Change up your exits and entrances by doing at least a few sideways doors... a few miles make a difference. Make yourself hard to call out in a single sentence. Keep your real name to yourself. Never travel with someone well known or easy to describe. (laughs, points to cybernetics on face) I'm a bad example, ain't I?

A2: (looked over at the party leader, smiled, then nodded) If someone tracks you, they either have a power or you have a bounty. Dispelling effects work for powers. Paying off your own bounty is an option, or at least slows them to post another bounty to keep following. Most tracking powers, like bounties, need for the target to be inside the dungeon-scape with the target or close on the outside. You can outrun the range of a tracking power if there's lots of doors and floors between you and who's hunting you. If you are alone, a large party could even the odds, especially if you have someone super strong.

A3: Wear a piece of equipment that blocks psychic tracking, one that blocks soul attacks, and something with at least a little 'fate' resistance. If you are not close, say, on the same planet or same layer the distance severely limits the ability for someone to find you via bounties. I personally recommend setting traps and an ambush at a hard to reach door and kill bounty hunters until you're marked as 'Extremely low value' or you kill the person hunting you.

Q: What's at the top of the tower?

A1: Don't know. Past 50 is dangerous. Starts getting nasty. Risk isn't worth it.

A2: I've heard a few people boast they've hit floor 100 but I don't think it's true. One said it's paradise. Another said they met their god and fought them. A third story is that reaching the top of the tower you can trade everything you got there for a wish. The last is that people who reach the top ascend and become something we can't understand, a silly thing to say. How would we know that? Since your paying well, I can tell you that the first time you clear certain big round number floors is important. We've cleared floor 60 twice. Many groups never go past 30, as that's where it gets hard.

A3: A roof! Ha Ha Ha!

Q: What's the fastest way to get stronger?

A1: Find an Under-sky that that's easy, like a fire theme if you got a set armor that blocks fire entirely (held up a bracer with red jewels), find the floors that are easy to hunt on, run around each of them or one lucrative one with weaklings for a while, then go up and clear it. Repeat until you get sick of it and settle down and pop out some kids because it takes forever. Don't try to get strong fast, kid. You'll be at a table alone, trying to tell some fresh faced newbie not to trade their friends for this. (Gestures to himself)

A2: Given you asked about a bounty before, first make sure nobody is hunting you! Of course, with strong friends like us, that wouldn't be a problem. Anyway! Find a pillar near a high danger rated area, ideally dense and with no projectile monsters, and one near a village or some other safe area. You want a safe area where you have an ally or someone you hired to help patch you up. Put essence into the safe pillar to go to the danger area pillar, fight until you're exhausted or in danger, then recall back to the safe pillar. Do this a few times then clear the section of the dungeon-scape. We have a few spots for newbies we know about that work great for this.

QA2: Pillars? Like the stone ones?

A2: (wanted another coin) Correct. You can return to one you've attuned to that you think of as your home pillar. Feeding them essence, especially your blood essence, attunes them better and powers movement. It's expensive, sadly. You don't have a mentor to help you, do you? We are always looking for outstanding kids to join us.

A3: Get strong allies. Do what you're doing, and put money down for information on the system. Complete barkeeper requests, like the ones you're doing for your god on those being's behalf. Search out all the other special waiting rooms and use them. Develop powers that synergize with each other and your class. Ask aloud to reroll ones you don't like after you clear a section challenge before you walk to the treasure room. You're a monk? Don't let me forget to show you [Springwind] so you can learn it later.

Q: How do classes work?

A1, A2: (A1 wanted 10,000 to go over the 'basics', A2 said they had a book for 500,000 that covered everything a system researcher knew about tier 1 through 3 classes. I said no thank you.)

Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.

A3: Intent with a little luck and a lot of doing. The system isn't well understood by any one person because very few skills or powers can actually look at everything. Your systems seem rooted in actions, skills, and jobs. Like a baker is someone who uses their cooking skills or [Skill] to make a lot of bread, a spear man trains their [spear skill], a soldier has class abilities for an army. Try to keep in mind your destination and then follow through. For you, young lady, I'd say consider aiming for a class concept like [Bloodhound] or [Street Enforcer] or [Bareknuckle Inquistor] if you want to punch things and ask questions.

*Used 'air quotes' for brackets.

Q: What is essence?

A1 (laughed) I think you should go home. You are in over your head. It's money and power. That's on the house.

A2's Male friend: Do you know what experience points are? Also, are you here alone? Oh, that's a shame, but yeah, the same as EXP is an easy way to think about it.

*He was elbowed by a third party member for asking.

A3: It would take hours to get into what it is in terms of how it connects matter to the realm of collective unconscious to potential universes that powers transpose. Just think 'soul energy' or 'experience points' or 'chi' but essence is the usual name, given the name because more of it makes you more YOU in some way.

Q: How would one get essence?

A1: Kill monsters. The stronger they are, the more likely they crystallize some when they die. I'd rather just kill lots of weak ones, but if you get cocky? Big ones give a lot more. Going higher in the Under-Sky or a super-dungeon, places where the Under-Sky warns you there's danger is the most lucrative. I'd tell you it's not worth it but I see the greed on your face... just promise me you'll stay the hell away from ultra-risk areas where it tells you to bring 10 or more people.

A2: Kill strong enemies and high value chests to find crystals. Wish for essence whenever you sleep in this inn before facing the boss. Are you staying at the inn tonight?

(I told them that answer will cost them 5 gold.)

A3: Do exercise and eat in high essence areas. You can get some essence if you have dreams about fighting, if you are a lucid dreamer. Fighting monsters with tremendous power helps. Use a tool or ability that captures essence when you fight or kill things, otherwise killing is very inefficient. I mean, so is eating something alive but people do weird things to get more essence. Oh, you mean little crystals as in essence money? Ha, okay. Use a weapon or tool that crystallizes blood. For tools you can use it to extract from yourself or you need to tie the thing down. For weapons, don't use them on yourself unless you are tired of living. I don't need to tell you to use the pointy end when it's a weapon, do I?

Q: How do I learn magic?

A1: I never bothered with it. Waste of time compared to picking up power and levels.

A2: There are academies inside the dungeon-scape that can help you get better. Otherwise, on a tough set of floors, wish to learn to use magic when you defeat the guardian. Do you want tutoring? I know your limited on funds but we might work something out.

A3: Find a spell book or a trainer, or do moderately hard layer sets over and over and wish for a casting power until it gives you one and changes your class. Then find a spell book, or trainer, or keep gaining levels to learn more spells. All three together is better. You can also get a bunch of powers to look at and tinker with magic. I don't recommend the last unless you have resistance to the magic you're experimenting with and have a lot of time on your hands. It's not as easy as the books make it sound.

Q: How do I get more powers from my god?

A1: Why learn magic if you have a god? Greedy kid. Fine. Follow whatever people who worship him think a good person does to be a good follower, but be really careful. It's an ugly world out there and you're cute as a button and, no offense, as green as they come. You're going to meet people who want to rip you off and worse. Adventurer priests are more trustworthy then folks in a church.

A2: Oh! You're a priest? Talk to a high level priest of your goddess's church to consult your deity for quests. I recommend verifying with a detect faith scroll to avoid the number of troublemakers who pose as priest but are actually some form of demon or trickster god. Do you want an escort to a temple level?

A3: Depends on if they are manifest or ascended or both. Manifest? Just follow the most popular holy book and convert people if possible. Ascended you can 'negotiate' or appease by figuring out conducts that support them and their core concepts. Like, angry water gods like when you drown people who disrespect them in their own tub. A god who likes building things will be happy if you dedicate something impressive you make to her, or mark it with her holy symbol. Wear your holy symbol. Ah, a d20? Hahaha. Gygax likes D20s.

QA3: What do those terms mean?

A3: Manifest is when a god is made up whole cloth, out of thin air. Ascended is a real person who develops enough power and adherents that they become a god. Both is between the two. I suspect your god Gyxax, if your religion involves dice, is both manifest and ascended, with a more manifest bent if he's been dead a long time.

QA3: Wait, I never told you who I worshiped...

A3: That's not a question. What's the problem? Don't you have more to ask yet? Ah, you are learning. Courage is defying fear, not it's absence!

Q: How do I learn more about the system?

A1: Pay someone who has a class that revolves around the system to tell you whatever. A few slum it here, but the big shots sit in safe cities and universities on civilized floors. They will suck your wallet dry.

A2: Recruit someone into your guild or party who has observation based powers and set them up with tools and tomes that provide system mastery. Our party leader is a specialist, and you've spent a lot of money with us. We can examine you as a favor!

A3: Intent matters. Do you want to know about everything? The things around you? Or just how to develop yourself? Scholars get into deep questions, adventurers just care about if something is good or bad when they find it, and the lone wolf type looks inward.

Q: Any advice for fighting strong people?

A1: Run.

A2: If the difference is overwhelming in combat power, try to find another way to divert them. People are easy to trick if they see what they want to see. That's risky... easier to team up other strong people... Or run.

A3: Get stronger and don't sit on your short-term resources, I mean, potions, scrolls, one use tools. You can't use them if you're dead anyway. I mean, do all that if you can't just out and out run.

Q: What do you know of The Watchers?

A1: It's a class of gear the Under-Sky sometimes makes. Weapons and shields as far as I've seen, with a cloak that's extremely prized. Even the less impressive pieces are durable. (Shows me a black crystal knife slowly, then puts it away) Never broken or dulled on me once, best utility knife I've ever had.

A2: Not a clue, though the university of Eh-Fada-Flouri might know. See professor Vallis. I won't give my name, even for the gold, but bring her 3 goldfoil roses and it will warm her mood. That's my little tip, is that making connections will help you on whatever you need to do.

A3: The best of them broken apart, lost their way, lost their hope. Waiting for a chosen one. What do you think, Seru? Want to be the hero?

QA3: Did I tell you my name?

A3: (Just smiled at me. I thanked him for the interview and stood up to leave)

Q: What do you know of The Magus?

A1: He's worshiped by a bunch of cultists. If you see the three dot mask, you either kill em or run. That's it? Hey... (Pushes most the silver coins back) Listen, I just wanted money for a drink. I know you are happy now, this all seems big and exciting, but look at the scars and everything. Some day, if your lucky, something's going to tell you it's to quit this lifestyle. Remember me when that happens. Also... Don't trust people in here right now. You found me because I -always- wish I could tell a younger, clueless me to give this up. If you walked into this bar looking to get laid by someone with red hair, you'll meet a dozen people with red hair who want to sleep with you, get it? Everyone who you meet is looking for a nieve girl. Stay on the farm with mom and dad.

A2: I think he's some sort of boogyman, made up to scare mages, that took on a life of his own. Are you sure you can afford these questions? I can come to an arrangement for you to help us for a little while to get some gold back.

(I declined, very firmly)

We can help you. I know you have friends, but we're one of the best connected and funded adventurer's guild groups out there and we don't offer many people a chance to try out for our party (Idon'tcaretheseguyssuck). It's an offer most people would kill for, you know? This opportunity is your big chance...

(I left the table, have heard this pitch as an influencer too many times)

A3: (Prompted me to ask my last question as I was standing up to leave) Tell the foolish summoner, when you see him: To steal joy from a child marks you a villain. To steal clouds from the storm marks you as prey. To steal my flock from me marks you beyond death. I like you kid. Good luck, and stay away from porcupines. Oh, I told you I'd show you [Springwind]. (A shadow at his table stepped to an isle and did a dash back and forth strike like a windy yo-yo.)

Corvayne looked up from the pages of notes to a smug Seru.

“See? While you guys were goofing off, I got a good three interviews. Cost me a lot of money and I guess I got asked to do some weird stuff, but hey... I did good right?”

Wick as looking at her, hand trembling. “If you see question givers 2 or 3 again, tell me IMMEDIATELY and do not go with them or accept any deals with them. Seru, do you hear me?”

Nyxion waved Wick away and grabbed Seru's hands, pumping them in an exaggerated handshake. “You beautiful little snoop... Actually, before I praise you too much, how many sources did you turn down?”

“I rejected offers for information that seemed too cheap, too expensive, and from people who looked inexperienced. So five tables to get A1, two before A2, then A3 was next to A2's table.”

Mister I snapped his fingers. “I know this riddle! A2 is the first station, A1 is the second, and A3 is past a third train station!”

Wick was poking Corvayne. “Do you see it? Two of those...”

Corvayne shrugged. “I think the second group leader just wanted to sleep with her.” He looked at Seru. She didn't seem bothered. Maybe it wasn't that bad?

That earned him a punch for some reason. Wick shook her wrist. “Yeah, while ripping her off and asking her to go alone with them! Did they also have a white van?”

Corvayne looked over and nodded at Seru. Given the length, he must have been knocked out for a while. “It's real good work Seru. Wick can you take pictures of these real quick, then let's get to the boss?”

A few snaps later the conversation was preserved. Corvayne made his way to the door out, a pair of double doors right next to the bar.

As he put his hand on the door, there was a cough beside him, and he saw the barkeep push a drink his way. It looked... solid green. Looking up at the barkeep, Corvayne was struck by how everything about him just fit what he imagined barkeepers in stories to look like. In the same way that Stabby might fit how someone, or everyone, saw an assassin.

The burly man nodded. “From a friend. When you're less busy, come back.” He then resumed wiping the counter down.

Wick was tugging his arm, but Corvayne nodded and took the glass, then downed it. It tasted like chocolate milk. He looked at it. “Quintessence potion?”

The barkeep laughed. “The old nothing potion. Tastes great. That one's virgin.”

He finished the drink then let Wick drag him out as she yelled at the bar keep “Not after me, he isn't!”