“Ssssoooo, you can do ssssome levels more then once and ssssome only once. It is all listed in the pamphletsssss. The goal of being a player issss two fold. To become ssstrong, potentially earning a place in some of the guard or with the crafters here in the Diamondlandssss or collecting and going to the other continentssss to play their levelssss. Thissss is not asss popular though, asss there is not really money in thissss sssssorta game other than what you earn in the levelssss. Which can give you loot that you can ssssell, but the prizesss and pricessss will vary.” This was being explained to Terry by a small and adorable pet ball python.
Terry had entered the Tavern to see that it was crowded in full of other patrons. The front desk manned by a bored dwarf, complete with a medium length beard and kilt. Terry introduced himself and Rosa than the dwarf had then pointed Terry to a section of the room that was apparently full of other humans. He had been introduced to a group of other freshly out of tutorial ‘Players’. A young talkative girl had Introduced herself as Penni. She was from a planet called Terff, much like Earth from the description and they even had snakes. Terry just sort of nodded along and got some information from the two foot long snake she kept twirled around her hand, that hand had only three fingers.
Penni had short black hair and a round cherub-like face. She wore all black and what must have been a band tee shirt on her planet as it read ‘The Draining Isles’ to his translation ability. She was shorter than Terry and was the most outgoing of the group of humans. Each had introduced themselves and only one other was from earth. He was middle aged and named John, he had a far off look in his eyes and did not really talk he just drank from his mug and stared at the other patrons.
The first floor of the Tavern was apparently all new players or semi regulars in the ‘low ranks’ Penny had explained. Apparently the rule was once you made it past each type of level you were allowed upstairs or to get a room in the inn.
The snake, Tempest, and Rosa had hit it off immediately and had gone over the different types of levels to him and one other fresh-out-of-tutorial player named Morris, a local of the Iron Bay. Morris was slightly Taller than Terry and very broad and stout, Terry was shorter than a lot of people though so this did not phase him. Morris had dirty blond hair and his arms were hairy with the same color, but also extremely well muscled and very toned. He was wearing a plain dirty orange shirt and blue jeans with a large leather apron. He had introduced himself as a blacksmith apprentice.
Terry learned there were 4 main types of levels and each was set in the stage like the one he had arrived in. There were random task levels which were very unpredictable and could be done multiple times for experience and possible loot, these were often easier and a lot less dangerous. Another was the obstacle course, or platformer, level that sounded a lot like what Terry had faced in his tutorial.
One of the gateways would lead to a Minibosses, it was actually called that. Where a larger boss enemy had to be eliminated before you could get your prizes and exp, short for experience. The levels would provide various gear and weapons, but only the prizes at the end were able to leave the level. The last gateway led to a Hoard challenge, these were apparently very tough so people often did them last and in groups. You would be placed in an arena fighting several waves of drone like enemies and could only leave once all were defeated. These sorts of levels could only be played once.
For your first stages, a player got an upgrade to their attributes and utility skills. You would only get physical prizes if you did extremely well in the levels and the judges were the gods. Or at least this world's equivalent, the Joker, King, Queen and Jack to keep with the theme of a deck of cards.
They had been finishing this discussion when the snake had put in that note for Morris and Terry. Penni was waiting to get her last attribute, but had not won any prizes.
“I think I will put a party together this afternoon, and try to tackle the hoard. But you and Morris could see if there is anyone else here and go try for a Mini Boss level. It’d be a quick leap in progress and you could get 3 attributes in a day. That is close to a record I think” Penni put in.
Terry looked to Morris, who had only spoken to really introduce himself. Morris shrugged and they went to go talk around the room. Not every table was differentiated by race, most were mixed up and some people were even talking familiarly. Morris seemed to take the lead moving toward an honest to goodness goblin. He was much shorter than either of them and was pulling away from a table full of his kind of different races and species as they approached. He was wide set and stocky with no hair except massive unkempt eyebrow above beaty little black eyes with a pointed nose, face and ears. He was wearing straps across his bare chest attached to a thick belt holding up loose shorts and no shoes. He even had a weapon at his hip, a spiked club of some sort of dark wood. He was actually pretty intimidating till he opened his mouth.
“Morris! Good to see they let you in here, I was almost worried you’d not get a tutorial, hay” the goblin laughed and reached up to pat Morris on the back. “What is this lanky lad doing with ya, you look like the wind could toss ya bout a bit aye?” His laugh was high and loud and his voice almost carried over the room. He seemed genuine and nice, not like the tricksters goblins of legend from Terry’s world.
Morris introduced him, “I was looking for you. This is Terry, an out-of-towner who just got here through a tutorial and we are looking to put together a party. Terry, this is Hurk Grubhul. He has been working to be a Tank since he was even smaller than this!" They both seemed to be good friends and Terry shook the hand of Hurk who seemed very pleased to meet him.
“We always get the most OOTs in the four nations, the Joker loves to put’em here first, not sure why. But welcome to the world! What were you thinking of tackling first mate?” Hurk put in and turned to Morris.
Morris said, “I was wanting to get the miniboss outta the way, but I want at least 2 more for the group.”
“Ohh Aye, I know some others who wanted to tackle a mini. They are a little green, but should be okay in the group. What sorta fighting you got under your belt, lad?” Hurk asked, looking at Terry.
Terry was hesitant and did not want to lie, but he had no real fighting experience at all. “Well when I was young I took some martial arts classes in my home world and I have seen all the ‘90’s Jackie Chan movies…” Both Morris and Hurk did not seem impressed.
“Well why don’t you and Morris talk it out a bit he can get ya something to work with and I will grab the twins and meet you at the stage outside town?” Hurk put in and Morris and Terry agreed to that. Hurk wandered off and Morris took Terry to the front.
“As a OOT, you get some starting supplies to become a player or get matched in a family to start your life here. If you are wanting to be a full-timer I can help get your supplies and we can do some practicing before heading out to gateway. With at least 3 attributes in you’ll get a better idea of your abilities to fit a role without too much training.” Morris explained and they continued some idle chatting heading up to a window in the wall to get his supplies.
Terry was given a bag and purse. The money was simple coins and Morris explained the exchanges of the money to him. The coins were bright colors and easy to remember, Green was 1, blue was 5 and Red would be 20 and up and up. Terry got just about $150 in the purse and a pack containing some easy supplies. About 3 days of meal tickets for the tavern and Morris was not against having a meal before we headed out.
Terry’s first meal in his new world was a chowder like fish soup. It was warm, creamy and filling. He was even able to procure some vegetable scraps for Rosa, who munched on them appreciatively before Morris led Terry out and to his Master’s smith. He grabbed a large hammer and showed Terry to a wall of simple tools and weapons.
This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.
“These are old, but you can have any of them that you want to use or know how to use. We don't really keep old tools around here, so these can help ya in the fight to come...” He explained gesturing to the wall.
Most were slightly rusted, but were in fine enough condition. After some discussion and deliberation, Terry settled on a wicked looking pick. It had a simple wood handle and an addition of a custom leather grip. It was sized for a smaller figure, so it fit better in one hand. The head was long, curved and sharp at one end while the other was blunt like a hammer. As they left the town, Morris gave instructions on swinging the weapon with one or both hands and Terry took to it with vigor.
It was like swinging a bat in baseball, but the head of the weapon made the swing much less controlled. Morris gave him space as Terry swung the weapon, getting a feel for the weight and motion.
“You have never had to use a weapon before have you?” Morris asked.
“Is it that obvious?” Terry replied
“A bit, but you have an alright form, it just takes practice. Life here can be a bit tough, there is a lot of magic and not all of it manifests in great and wondrous ways. More of it is dangerous.” Morris said. Finally away from the crowd he seemed to open up more.
“The gateways concentrate the magic but outside their influence magic generates into several manifestations.” Rosa explained, she was becoming more intelligent it seemed and proper the more she spoke and got used to this world.
Morris agreed, “That is why we build near or around the gateways, it is like a natural protection and can even be a good source of income and tools if you have enough players in a town. Iron Bay is a medium settlement compared to others, but I have been there my whole life. I have traveled to other towns with caravans as part of my apprenticeship.I want to travel more and grow as a crafter and player.”
“That could be a really nice life and I would also like to see this world more, if you are looking for company” Terry put in a bit sheepishly.
“If you are good in a fight I might just consider it.” Morris smiled and Terry smiled at the jibe.
“Is it just you? I have no siblings, but do you?” Terry asked not wanting the conversation to stop. He liked the easy attitude of Morris.
Morrice replied, “I have a sister, a couple seasons older. She earned all four of her attributes a couple weeks back, it was at another gateway. She should be getting back to the bay in a couple days.”
“Is that regular going to another town?” Terry asked.
“Sometimes” Morris went on to explain, “She was born with a proficiency for healing songs. She has a beautiful voice and went to learn at a bardic school in another city. The campus City south of here”
Rose elaborated, sensing Terry’s questions, “Some people are born with natural talents and don’t need a particular attribute to awaken their magic. Healing is a rare one. Using a medium like song or gesture is common enough to teach to others with some skill in either. The campus City is a town of Universities and schools that instantly accept these awakened individual” Terry nodded in recognition.
Morris continued, “Schools mostly only teach people with natural talents and proficiencies or those who have money to pay for the classes. Selina and I are orphaned, so she jumped at the chance to get into the school and so did our patron. Mother Martin adopted us when it was clear Selina had a gift and got her ready for school before sending her off. I stayed behind and took a common trade.”
Terry felt assured knowing family might be an awkward subject for Morris as well, so he did not dwell on the matter of him being an orphan. “Not to change the subject away from your obviously talented sister, but I just realized I am not familiar with the political situation in this world.” Terry put in quizzically.
Rosa took the opportunity to educate, “Each continent is different, here in the Diamondlands there is what would be considered a ruling dictatorship. The dwarves are the ruling race and specifically Rudius Silverbrush Cobbletight IV is the King. His family the Silverbrush married into the ruling family and presides in the capital keep of the Silver Spire, it is near the center of the Diamondlands.”
Morris continued for her, “The keep is supposed to be a work of art. Created and maintained by hundreds of dwarves. Only a dwarf can rule as the dwarves were the first and main race in the Diamondlands to complete the levels though there are several independent mines like the Iron Bay around the perimeter of his territory. Lord Rudius is a very hands-on leader and sends dignitaries to these places to spread news and gather taxes. You’ll probably get to see some of them if you stick around here, they are often high ranked players.”
“I have nowhere else to go right away” Terry put in. They continued to talk and banter the entire way to the gateways and once there, Morris took some time to show Terry some simple striking techniques and forms with his pickaxe. Penni and her group showed up part way through and she waved as they entered the arch that looked to be made of circle cut stones.
After an hour or so Morris saw Hurk approaching with two others. As they drew near Terry noted they were identical in looks and small size. They were even shorter than Hurk was and shared his bald head. Both had a twirl of white chin hair, a goatee, but no other noticeable hair anywhere else. They had beaty blue eyes like crystal pools of water and round red noses. They wore alternating colors. One had a blue coat, white shirt and red pants and the other a red coat, blue shirt and white pants. The effect was almost funny if you did not see the scowls they had looking at Terry’s clumsy attempts at fight styles.
“Who is the rookie? I wanna know what to put on the headstone.” said Blue coat.
“Please, brother, you know we can’t carry the body out.” replied Red coat.
“You’re right of course, far too many limbs to carry out anyway.” Blue coat shot back with a snicker.
“Great it’s Siddly and Tiddly, didn’t realize you two got your tutorial.” Morris rolled his eyes at their remarks.
“Yeah Sid got it two days ago and we were waiting to go to our next levels together.” Blue coat, apparently Tiddly, pointed to his brother. “We can't rush off and do whatever we want, right Morris?” These two just seemed like real jerks to Terry, but if they were all that were available to get through this. He was not going to try and fight back too much. It sounded to Terry like they would have enough to fight inside.
“We got the same attributes upgraded, and are looking to get them all.” Siddly started
“We’re going to get clear of this nothing dwarf’spittin town and go more in land to the tournaments at Silver Spire.” and Tiddly finished. “I got Strength and Chill. With the time before Sid got chosen I even learned a spell for the chill.”
“And I got Quickness and Clever, don’t gots a spell but I did lift this from me pop before heading out today.” He pulled a snub-nosed, gun-like weapon from his bag. It looked like a revolver, but had no hammer and no trigger guard. He also produced a small supply of green balls from a pocket.
Hurk shook his head, “not a great place to keep those…”
But Sid cut him off, “you worry too much, it takes a lot for those to break.”
Terry did not know what the weapon or the ammo was, but he did not feel inclined to ask. He did turn to Morris and ask, “what attributes did you get upgraded?”
Morris turned to him, “I passed the Queens tutorial, she gave me 3 skills and only one attribute instead of two. I got an upgrade called Endless, and the skills Inventory, Fuse, and Break. They are sorta straight forward.” He shrugged, explaining the 5 slots of a quick-select-like bar on his HUD, as well as a small pocket dimension he could use for small tools and other supplies.
Hurk had the Break Spell as well, he also gained the upgrades Gains, a potential booster, and Burly, a second level strength upgrade. The twins degraded each of his and Morris’s upgrades during and after the discussions to the point where Terry almost did not feel comfortable about his own skills and their potential usefulness.
“I got the Determined and Wind upgrades, my skills were straight utility though” Terry put in trying not to dwell too much to avoid the banter from the twins.
“You got determined? I couldn’t get that from looking at you” Siddly put in under his breath
“Do you really have to be a jackass?” Terry asked almost honestly.
“I don’t really know what jack has to do with any of this?” Tiddly replied without missing a beat.
Terry was almost fed up, he had barely slept the night before and this was still his first day, “I will show you how determined I am” he said stepping forward. But Morris held up a hand.
“Just don’t, Terry. Let's just get in there and get this over with. Once we’re done, they leave for the capital, right?” He turned to the twins and they just seemed sneer before grinning and turning toward the Miniboss gateway.