I awoke to a rumble on my nightstand next to my bed. Snarling like a bear freshly awoken from hibernation I checked the time, 12:31pm. Four hours. I grabbed my phone in anger, eager to see who had woken me from my beauty sleep. I’m the kind of man that needs his eight hours after all, or else I’m a monster. Four hours wasn’t enough for me.
I checked who was calling. It was dad. Of course. I accepted the call, “What!? I was sleeping damnit!” I yelled at him, he should’ve known better than to wake me up.
“Heyyy, wake up sleeping beauty.” His voice was slightly slurred from lack of sleep himself. Not to mention alcohol, he had probably had a few wine coolers too many.
I had once mocked him for his choice of drink to which he responded: ‘If I wanted the taste of someone pissing down my throat I’d ask your mother.’ Not the most pleasant mental image I’m sure.
“We got levelin' to do! I’m up to level 8 and you’ve been slacking!”
“Right, right. I’ll be on in a few, just let me get some food in me.” I hung up and put the phone back on my nightstand. Stomach growling, I hopped out of bed wearing naught but my boxers and walked towards my mini-fridge. After I had wolfed down a few health bars and downing an energy drink I was ready. I donned my headset, jumped back onto the bed and logged into Reckoning.
In an instant I found myself where I had logged out, lying in a barracks bunk. As soon as I arose from the bed and walked to the door I received a party invitation from dear old pops. I accepted, “Hey.” I mumbled as I made my way towards the mess hall. My hunger and thirst bars were pretty low, so I decided to pick up some food and a drink to fix that problem.
“Quit slacking boy, back in your day you used to do midnight releases like a champ. Played hooky from school the next day just to play that much more. Where’s your passion boy? Your drive?”
“Well excuse me for having to work.” I grumbled as I ate a bowl of what seemed to be oatmeal. It tasted pretty good actually so I wolfed it down and drank three mugs of water.
“Excused. Ya know I used to work like a dog myself back in the day.” He spoke thoughtfully. “Oh how I miss those days…”
“No you don’t.” I returned the bowl and mug to the kitchen crew and walked outside. The bright light caused me to raise my hand over my eyes to shade them.
“Damn right I don’t, work sucks boy! Now get your ass in gear, I don’t want to leave you too far in the dust.”
“Yep.” I said simply, my mind was still refusing to wake up.
I quickly found my squad in the training yard; they seemed to be the only ones around. Strange, just yesterday this place was packed. I shrugged, too tired to care. I found Ice training with her bow. Gamble was sleeping beneath a tree next to a meditating Oak. Redclaw took after Ice’s example and was busy unleashing a flurry of blows on a training dummy with his twin bronze blades.
It was interesting to watch him smack the dummy about; dual wielding would almost certainly become very popular among players. I myself wasn’t into it, but I could see the appeal. Especially as I saw Redclaw throw out strike after strike in rapid succession. I decided to pick a dummy next to him and drew my blade. I had to practice what I had studied last night or I’d never be able to pull my weight in battle.
Redclaw crossed his blades towards me when he noticed me approaching. A slight bow accompanied the motion so I nodded his way. Now first thing…I searched my addled brain to recall what I saw. First would be stance, stance was the most important aspect to any form of combat. Losing your footing in battle was a quick way to the graveyard after all.
I took my stance, left foot sideways with my left leg and shield arm facing my target. Legs spread enough to give a firm and reactive stance, shield up ready to block and sword held ready to stab and slash at will. A few minor adjustments for comfort and I was ready.
Stab!
Slash!
Thwack! Thwack! Kchunk!
Oh yes, I could feel the difference. My strikes felt more powerful than they had last night.
“Lookin’ good there Captain!” A boisterous voice called in my direction. Gamble had awoken it seemed. I kept on practicing my slashes and stabs. “Oi, ye best stop Cap. Got yer cut of the coins we got yesterday. Unless I can keep em.” I stopped,
“Nah I’ll take my cut. Thanks Gamble.” He handed over 7 silver and 50 copper. My share of the thirty silver in loot we collected from our battle with the Gnolls. I sheathed my sword, “Tell everyone to meet at the west gate in an hour. We’re gonna go for some live training today.” I turned to the Gnoll striking a target beside me, “Got that Redclaw?”
“Yes Touched One, I obey.”
He bowed once more and sheathed his blades on his back. I turned to leave. Practicing on a dummy was one thing, but I’d get better at fighting by being in actual combat. The sound of footsteps behind me caused me to turn to see Redclaw follow in my wake.
“Something the matter Redclaw?” I questioned.
“Nothing Touched One. Spirit says to keep your company, so Redclaw follow.”
“Well, alright then…”
I didn’t know what to make of the strange Gnoll, but I liked him. He seemed to respect me so I’d respect him in turn. It’s the way things should work. Though I’d like to know exactly who or what this spirit was that talked to him. If there even was a spirit talking to him.
Upon leaving the barracks and walking towards the main plaza I had noticed more and more players wearing basic armor obtained from the barracks. A few had even started replacing the leathers with locally crafted chainmail from the blacksmith. But strangely only a few had squads with them. I spied a disheveled and familiar guard captain speaking to a large group of players in the plaza.
“I’m sorry Touched Ones, but there just aren’t enough men to…” The captain was quickly interrupted.
“That’s a load!”
“There’s already a bunch of players with squads of their own!”
“I want a squad too!”
More and more voices chimed in yelling at Captain Dehaven.
“I apologize once more Touched Ones, but there simply aren’t enough men to go around. We can provide you with equipment however.”
“Man whatever, fuck this place.”
“NPCs suck anyway.”
“Anyone wanna group up and form our own squad?”
“The internet community never changes.” A large black Orc spoke who stood next to me.
“Sup old man.” I looked at him; he still had all his basic equipment.
“Bout to sell some crap. Got about two gold saved up already, you?”
“Seven silver.” He made a straining sound.
“Farm more cash!”
“Yeah, yeah. My squad is meeting up in an hour at the west gate. We’ll farm all day today.”
“Good, good. Soon we’ll have our-holy hell what is that thing!” My dad said pointing at the Gnoll who stood behind me.
“That would be Redclaw, a member of my squad. Redclaw say hi to my old man, Musclewizard.”
Redclaw bowed, “Greetings Touched One. May the spirits watch you.”
“Man why does my boy get the cool companion! My squad is boring compared to a Gnoll! I’ll trade ya boy! You take my squad and I’ll take yours!”
“No deal.” I walked into the plaza and laid a hand on Captain Dehaven’s shoulder. “Long time no see, Dehaven, how’s it going?”
“Ah! Geo.” He saluted, “Captain Geo I hear, congratulations. And greetings to your companion and Musclewizard as well.” Redclaw returned Dehaven’s bow while my father gave a thumbs-up. “Things are as they appear more Touched Ones show up every day yet we have not the manpower to support them with a unit. I’ve sent those that asked to the barracks for equipment, but many ignore me by that point.”
“Yeah us Touched Ones can be a bit touched.” My father commented. “Some more touched than normal if you catch my drift.” I ignored his obvious pointing towards me behind my back. Dehaven chuckled and shook his head,
“You two certainly know how to brighten up a day.” He rubbed his chin in thought. “Say I got a job for you both if you’re interested. We’re short on recruits see, Orhu can only supply so many per year after all. So if you’re interested could you two go out to the nearby towns and see if you can gather volunteers for the army?”
-Quest Revealed-
Local Recruitment.
Captain Dehaven has requested you to go to nearby towns and recruit willing volunteers to join the Gerheld Empire’s army.
Volunteers Gathered: 0/-
Rewards: 100 Exp per Volunteer, 1 silver per Volunteer, +Gerheld Reputation per 10 Volunteers, +Orhu Reputation per Volunteer.
Well that was no choice, accepted. I’d rather do this than the tough quest General Ledric hinted at earlier this morning. “Any advice on where to start?”
“Well there are three nearby towns, all within a day’s journey. Gabelten is to the south near the marshes. Talenwood is an elven settlement near the forest with the same name to the south east. And to the northeast is Bredicht’s Crossing, a city far larger than Orhu. Each town should have its own garrison, but those are for city guards only.”
“I’ll head to Gabelten and Talenwood. You can take Bredicht’s Crossing pops; you’re more of a large settlement type of guy anyway.”
“Kay, I’ll head out immediately. Don’t fall behind boy.” With a wave of the hand my dad walked off back towards the barracks.
“Before I head out, where can I find the Alchemist and Herbalist shops?” I questioned Dehaven who had just sent another player towards the barracks to be outfitted.
“Ah, head east out of the plaza. Both shops are right next to one another along the north side of the road. Can’t miss them.”
“Thanks, good luck Dehaven.”
“And to you Geo.”
With a wave I walked off towards the shops where I would train my chosen professions. I had thought of doing Blacksmithing and Mining, but Alchemy never lost its usefulness. Potions would always be in demand. After a short walk I found my objective. I entered the Herbalist first, obtained a Tome of Basic Knowledge (Herbalism) for a silver. This let me identify local herbs to use for basic potions.
The Alchemist was a bit more expensive. A Tome of Basic Knowledge (Alchemy) for a silver and a whole bunch of tools for another 2 silver was a significant blow to my funds. Not that I’m a penny-pincher, but I like to have funds to fall back on just in case. Still, it was nice being able to make a few potions. I currently had three recipes.
Craft Basic Healing Potion:
Requires: Sten Grass, Red Berry.
When consumed heals the user for 50hp.
Craft Basic Strength Potion:
Requires: Stubborn Root, Sten Grass.
Increases Strength by 4 for 30 seconds.
Craft Basic Mana Potion:
Requires: Mind Flowerx2
When consumed the user recovers 50 Mana.
With my goal of learning Alchemy completed, I headed to the western gate to wait for my squad. Redclaw and I watched players run by as we leaned against the city wall. Many still had their starter clothes while the rest had obtained the standard leather armor.
“Many Touched.” Redclaw said simply.
“Yep.” I responded, opening my status screen and assigning the five points I obtained from completing the quest last night.
Name: Geo
Level: 4
Experience: 656/4000
Health: 200
Mana: 180
Energy: 100
Strength: 17(+2)
Agility: 10
Endurance: 10
Intelligence: 18(+3)
Increasing my damage potential was my main concern for this level. Next one I decided to dump all 5 points into Endurance for an extra 100hp. Satisfied with stats I moved on to check my abilities and see what I could do with my 2 talent points. With 18 points in Intelligence, my Lightning Bolt hit for 54 and my Stone Strike for 72. Putting a talent in each would raise their damage by a bit but would also raise their mana cost as well.
A point in Summon Fire Elemental would raise the Mana cost by 50, but increase the duration to 1 minute. I didn’t have that kind of mana bar yet so that was out of the question. Quick Strike seemed a good choice. Going from 110% weapon damage to 120% while increasing the energy cost to 20 and the cooldown from 5 seconds to 6. Allocating a point there seemed the most beneficial for the least cost. One point down, one to go.
I put the point in Stone Strike to see exactly what changed more closely. Its damage increased from 72 to 79, mana cost from 50 mana to 60, and the cooldown increased from 8 to 10 seconds. Honestly, I really didn’t know what to put the point in. My sleep deprived mind just gave me the thumbs-up so I accepted obtaining a better Stone Strike.
Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.
Besides, I much preferred instant attacks to cast times anyway.
Soon after my talent point dilemma Ice showed up. “Sup Ice?” I asked politely. She shrugged in response before standing at attention next to me. Now all we had to do was wait for Oak and Gamble.
“Oi stop pushing ye big lizard!”
Speak of the devil, here the pair came. An agitated Gamble being driven towards us.
“I couldda made a few more coins! We still got another twenty minutes!” Gamble argued with the large Misawi.
“Early to the hunt means more of a catch pack brother. Look, our pack waits for us.” Oak nodded towards us.
“Yo.” I said raising a hand.
“Captain.” Gamble spoke sullenly.
“Pack leader.” Oak nodded.
“Change of plans guys. Captain Dehaven has requested we obtain more recruits from nearby towns. We’re to head south to Gabelten and then north east from there to Talenwood. Don’t give me that look Gamble; we’ll be fighting plenty along the way so loot won’t be a problem.”
“Alright, even five-way split now?”
“Yep, Redclaw is one of the Rumblers now so he gets a cut of all future profits. Red, you don’t know how we operate, but Gamble here collects loot to sell off then gives us each a cut that we can use to improve our own gear. You can save up for some new armor or swords or whatever.”
“Thank you Touched One.”
I nodded, “Let’s go then. Any of you know where we can pick up some food and canteens to hold water? I doubt we’ll be back at the barracks any time soon, so we’ll need to be prepared.”
“Worry not pack leader. I can cook when we require food. General store sells containers for water. I shall lead.” Oak said as he strode ahead of us. I shrugged and followed, I didn’t know where the general store was after all. Thankfully it was easy to find, after a short walk I spied it along the street that head south out of the plaza. Canteens were 20 copper a piece, so I threw a silver down for two and received my 60 copper in change. Everyone else bought two as well, even Gamble; though he grumbled as he spent the money.
We filled our canteens at a nearby well and proceeded to make our way south out of Orhu. More players ran around outside, killing off the local wolf population in a hurry. We paid them no mind as we kept our pace. There would be more packs of wolves further out after all.
It wasn’t long before we encountered a pack of four wolves on our journey. A quick warm-up was agreed upon and we unleashed hell. Me leading with a Lightning Bolt and Stone Strike on one target while Ice shot at another. Oak, Gamble and Redclaw formed a wedge in front of us with Gamble in the center, shield held at the ready. Only two of the four wolves hit our position and were quickly dispatched.
It felt great being able to attack from range and not having to attack an enemy awkwardly with a weapon you barely knew how to use. We moved on to the next group after collecting our loot. At one point we had encountered a pack of five normal wolves led by a silver wolf named ‘Ghost Fang’.
Positioned once more with Oak, Gamble and Redclaw in a wedge we began the fight. Lightning, stone and arrows flew through the air hitting their respective targets. At once the wolves turned to us and charged. Two fell before they hit our line. Gamble intercepted Ghost Fang while Ice and I helped Oak and Redclaw with their targets. Really we just had to help Oak; Redclaw took his down in a few strokes. What a beast.
Ghost Fang proved to be slightly more durable than a normal wolf and could make it self incorporeal for a split second. It used that moment to dash through Gamble and made a quick strike from behind. A guaranteed unmitigated attack was nothing to scoff at. It fell shortly after however, dropping a fang marked as a bounty item and a ring.
Gamble described the bounty item as something to turn in at a barracks for a reward of cash and possibly an item. I tucked the fang back into my bag; we’d be able to turn it in at Gabelten. The ring however was interesting.
Bronze Sapphire Ring.
A simple bronze ring with an enchanted sapphire inlaid in it. Grants the wearer +2 to Intelligence.
“Anyone want this?” I questioned. I don’t know what Intelligence did for companions; they didn’t have a mana bar to improve after all. Heads shook,
“Och, gotta be worth at least 5 silver that ring.”
I rolled my eyes at the greed Gamble and stuck the ring on my finger. Equipping the ring put me at a nice 200 mana. Enough to summon my Fire Elemental and throw a Stone Strike after a few seconds. I felt dangerous.
As we continued our hunt I started picking nearby grass, berries, flowers and roots for alchemy. Oak questioned what I was doing so I explained by making a basic healing potion and handed it to him. He smiled, “Shall I assist you pack leader?” I shrugged and explained what I needed. He nodded and began to hunt for alchemy supplies as well.
An hour of gathering and battling later I had used up all of the vials I had bought on health potions. Everyone received a supply of 3 health potions each. I would have to buy many more vials when we finally made it to the city. Everyone agreed to not use their potions until it was vital. I felt a little better for our safety.
The further south we travelled the more water we had found. At first it was the odd creek off the side of the road that led south. Then we passed over a bridge that rose over a large river. I had to say the water looked appealing in the heat, so we stopped for a break to rest and relax. Oak gathered some grass and wood for a fire to begin cooking some wolf he had butchered.
The rest of us took a dip in the river. All except for Ice who watched us with a raised brow, she stayed away from the river. Thinking nothing of it I jumped in after a quick strip to my underwear. It was nice, cool and relaxing. For the first few minutes at least. Then the fish began to bite.
“Argh something bit me foot!” Gamble called out as he rushed to the shore.
“Huh?” was all I managed before feeling something bite my arm hard. “Ah fuck!” I swam after him, full speed ahead. Redclaw howled before he dove under the water, resurfacing a moment later holding a large fish over his head.
“Redclaw know when bit to bite back harder!”
So we dined on cooked wolf and fish and laughed about the whole ordeal. Redclaw fit right into our group, mocking my mad swim to the shore howling with laughter. Even Ice cracked half a smile. I was sure we’d have to give her a new nickname soon. The Ice was melting.
After our break we continued south into notably wetter territory.
“Say Oak; know anything about what we can expect heading south?”
“Spiders. Large ones, big as mountain lion. Spit poison and web, meat is especially tasty when prepared.”
I nodded, but inside I shivered. Fuck spiders. Though there was one person I knew who hated spiders more than I. I had to grin as a plan formed in my mind. Wake me up after four hours will you?
“Also hear rumors of walking dead recently. Not sure if true however.” Oak finished.
I remembered undead in the character creation screen. “More than likely true, keep on your toes everyone.” They all nodded. We stuck to the road. I didn’t want to find ourselves lost in this land that was becoming more and more marshy as we went. As we cautiously walked along the road a loud voice shouted in my head.
“Hey boy, look what I found!” My dad exclaimed with a voice of glee.
“Ow, dad. What’s got you so excite…oh…” I stared at the screen shot he sent me. He had made it to Bredicht’s Crossing apparently. The picture showed a peculiar building, with hearts painted on the side and scantily clad women standing out front. “Is that a….”
“Yep.”
“You don’t mean to…”
“Yep.”
He updated the screenshot that now showed him entering the building.
“Dad no stop! No I don’t want to see that shit!”
His manic laughter filled my ears as he kept updating his screenshots. I left the group, stopping the rapid screenshots. But not before I had gotten an eye-full of goblin. “I think I’m going to be sick.” I said aloud.
“Eh? Whys that captain?” Gamble asked.
“I just saw what pure evil looked like.”
A few dry heaves later and a smack on the back by Gamble and I was back on my feet. “Change of plans guys. Let’s find a group of spiders.” It was payback time. After a short deviance from the road we encountered a group of three spiders.
Willow Widow
HP: 250
They seemed like easy targets. Ice and I picked a target and unleashed hell. I took a screenshot before of course. Our attacks hit, causing the spiders to turn to us and spit out web and a green liquid at us. Their attacks fell short so they scurried closer, eight legs moving demonically. Eyes watching our every move. I shivered, perfect, more screenshots as they closed.
One died as they closed the distance, the other two fared little better other than hitting Redclaw directly with a web which we had to peel off of him after it was over. They had dropped strong spider silks which were used for tailoring. They also dropped venom for alchemy but I had no free vials to collect any from. I wasn’t too worried about that however, I had my screenshots.
I invited my dear old man back into the party, which he accepted.
“Ah boy, it was great. Who knew goblins could be so-AHHHHH WHAT THE FUCK! I’LL KILL YOU!” he had looked at the screenshots I sent. There’s no sound quite like hearing a grown man scream like a six year old girl. I let out my own manic laugh.
“Ye okay Captain?” Gamble asked,
“Better than okay. I got revenge.”
We made our way back to the road and continued south. Along the way we encountered two more packs of spiders that wandered onto the road, they proved no threat at all. An easy 50 experience per kill for each us. We’d hunt these marshes dry once we made it to Gabelten.
The marsh became more and more unnerving the further in we went. Birds stopped calling in the air. A light fog covered the land like a blanket. It barely obscured my sight but I’d seen enough horror movies to know where this was going. If my expertise on horror was spot on, we were in zombie territory as soon as we entered the fog. Luckily not far into the fog was light and a very visible wooden wall.
We walked towards the light with an urgency born of fear. I didn’t like zombies much more than spiders after all. Four guards stood out front the gate that led into the town.
“Halt!” The guard in the lead commanded. “State your name and purpose, failure to respond will result in immediate termination!” I heard the sound of bows being knocked.
“My name is Geo, squad captain of the Gerheld Empire! I came here to procure men and women willing to join the army back in Orhu.” The guards relaxed a bit. I felt better without the arrows pointed at us.
“Come forward.” The guard motioned, “Ah! My apologies Touched One. I didn’t mean any disrespect by threatening you. The walking dead you see…”
“Don’t worry sir…”
“Hommil sir.”
“Sir Hommil,” I shook his hand which made him gasp. “I’ll be here for a while to see if any of the locals wish to join the empire.”
“You’d find plenty eager sir, but you’ll find that none wish to leave their homes in the marsh’s current state.”
“Explain.”
“About two years ago a necromancer had taken residence in our marsh. We’re not sure if that was the exact time, but that was when the dead started to rise. We found signs of the necromancer living in a ruined tower to the south shortly after. The number of risen dead has only increased with time. We fear that soon there may be enough to overrun the town.”
“We won’t let that happen.” I said with confidence, “We’ll do whatever we can to secure this marsh.” The guard bowed deeply.
“You’ll want to speak to Mayor Kashella. Her residence is the tower in the center of town, can’t miss it.” He pointed his thumb backwards through the now opened gate. Wooden houses lined the main street.
-Quest Revealed-
The Marsh of Bones (1 of 5)
Meet with Mayor Kashella.
Reward: 500 experience, + Gabelten Reputation.
“Will do, thank you sir Hommil.”
“The pleasure is mine, Touched One.”
“Let’s roll Rumblers.” I spoke, asserting my position as the leader and led the way into the town shrouded in fog.
-----
Free talk zone.
Here's a new chapter I whipped up for you guys, pretty short imo, but its driving us forward. Next chapter should be a big one.
Thanks for reading.