Chapter Three
“Jason! There you are. The rest of us have been waiting.” Daniel sounded upset.
“Sorry, I was caught up in a fight,” I said.
“Listen, we’ve got a problem. Hector is a Dwarven Guardian, and I am a Seraph Healer and we appeared in Dumeril just like we planned. Jim and Pat both got hit with some BS ban and now our Halfling Ranger is an Elven Blade Dancer, and Pat is some kind of Tiger-man Berserker.” Daniel sounded very upset.
“I know all about the ban. I am a Fox-kin of some kind. But, how did you guys get your classes already?”
Hector laughed, “Well, we really aren’t those classes yet. We’ve all just started the Path pre-quests. You can’t Class until ten, until then you aren’t considered a full player.”
“Yeah. I tried to send you guys a Tell and a Friend and found out that it’s blocked until ten. I haven’t even made it to a town yet, I got started in the middle of nowhere. Any of you heard of Yangsan? That’s the closest town to me.”
“I overheard a couple npcs talking about something they got from Yangsan, it was a couple weeks travel on the east side of the Great Forest.” Pat added, “Man, you aren’t even in the Empire. Checking… If this website is right you are in the Qin Empire, too far away for the Western Empire to bother with. The Elven Nation is between us.”
“How the Hell did you end up there? That area isn’t open to players yet?” Patrick added.
Jim spoke up, “Pat and I are like a week’s travel out of Dumeril. We started in the same town.”
“Well, damn, I will try heading that way, but it sounds like it will be a long time until I get there.” I sighed, “I have to say though, this game is incredible, even the cutscene was well done.”
“Damn, dude! Not even to a town and you already got a cutscene? Bogus…” Dan moaned.
After we all disconnected, I ordered a pizza. The game enforced a two-hour cool down before re-entering the game, and a maximum fourteen hours a day in the game. Hitting the spoiler sites really showed me how little was known about the game.
Pizza in hand I was reading the posts over on God’s Eye, three other players had found themselves outside the known lands. Two had deleted and rerolled, the third remarked how none of the game rules applied in normal ways when you were off the map. The third had yet to post again.
I called up a video of a manriki chain in action and then browsed the forums. No one else had commented about weapons like them yet, that made me smile. Videos about new things got lots of hits, and lots of hits was lots of money. Not that I needed the money, but more was always better. Other related weapons I saw would be problematic in tight spaces. The Kusarigama or Meteor Hammer needed a lot of open space, far more than the typical three-meter corridor.
=-=-=-=-=-
Logging in I checked my status
:: Titles – Merciless
:: Name – Growlf
:: Race – Fox-kin
:: Primary Class – Commoner L2 (42%)
:: Secondary – Undefined
:: Tertiary Class – Undefined
:: HP – 62
:: Stamina – 72
:: Mana – 59
:: Piety – 0
:: Alignment – Neutral
:::: Order – 0
:::: Chaos – 150
:::: Balance – 100
:: AC – 13 (Damage Reduction 3)
:: Evasion – 8% (7% + 1% Trait)
:: Dodge – 10% (when activated)
Stats – Points Available 3
:: STR – 10
:: CON – 10
:: AGI – 14
:: INT – 10
:: WIS – 6
:: CHA – 7
:: PER* – 14
:: LUCK* – 2
Skills – Points Available 1
:: Tracking (P, I) – 3
:::: Scent Tracking (P, I) – 2
:: Chain Weapons (A, S) – 2
:: Dagger (A, P) – 1
:: Sling (A, P) – 2
:: Hand-to-Hand – 1
:: Aimed Shot – 1
:: Medium Armor – 0
:: First Aid (W, I) – 1
:: Dodge – 1
:: Evasion - 1
:: Stealth (P, W) – 3
:::: Sneak Attack – 2
::Observation – 2
::Lore – 1
::::Beast-Kin History (I, W) – 5
::::Fox-kin History (I, W) – 10
Professions (0/4)
-None
‘*’ Cannot be raised with Ability or Skill points.
Recipes Know
-None
Equipment
-Rough Leather Tunic – AC3 9/10 worn
-Rough Leather Pants – AC3 10/10 worn
-Rough Leather Cap – AC2 10/10 worn
-Rough Leather Bracers – AC3 10/10 worn
-Rough Leather Belt – AC0 10/10 worn
-Rough Leather Boots – AC3 10/10
-Copper Dagger (light slash/pierce) 10/10 worn
-Shoddy Sling (Range 3-20m) 100% worn
-Shoddy Shot Pouch (size 2, max stack 20) worn
-19x water polished stones (light crush) (in pouch)
-Bronze Manriki (light crush+), 2m
-Basic Bandage (7) Heals 2-8, stops bleeding
-Beginner’s Bag (8 slot)
-Beginners Backpack (20 slot)
-Small Coin Purse – (166/200) 27sp, 130cp, 9 small gems
Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.
-Mary Merrow’s ring (quest)
-Harris Merrow’s ring (quest)
-Private Letter (quest)
-Bandit Heads (2x L1, 1x L3) (bounty)
-Fancy Necklace (unidentified)
-Field Rations (6) (plain)
-Water Flasks (4)
-Cracked Lesser Dark Soul Shard
=-=-=-=-
The first thing I noticed when I logged into the camp was the trash and blood were still there. At the four-to-one compression rate, my two-hour break had taken me from dawn to near noon.
The fully loaded buggy with the shaggy pony was there waiting. With a sigh, I gathered the traces and led the buggy north to the town the bandits had been heading towards. Barely a few minutes later the tall grass ended in tilled fields. Across the river, the forest was cut back what seemed nearly to the horizon. Just a field of stumps remaining. Shortly the wall of the stockade became apparent, hundreds, no thousands of trimmed trees cut and replanted upright. Coming up on a gate, two guards sat in the shade of a sun I was finding all too warm.
Squinting a bit, I observed them,
Oscar Greene
L5 Half-Orc City Guard
120/120
Barry Ascot
L6 Wolfen City Guard
240/240
“Hey, the Gate!” I called out when I was still a good 15-20 paces away.
“Hey! Isn’t that the Merrow’s buggy?” The Wolfen called out. The two of them both having their hands on their swords as they lifted shields.
“I would guess it is. Listen, call the Sheriff or Guard Captain, I would prefer only explaining this once.” I walked the buggy over towards the horse trough.
The two guards watched me until I sat down in the shade of the wall.
“Oscar, the Captain is likely at Millie’s about now, run quick.
I watched the guard, he had similar fur and legs to what I had, except his was brown and grey. The boiled leather Cuirass and front plates on his legs. The odd boots intrigued me, soft leather uppers reached to his knees, the ‘foot’ was what looked like hard leather and strips of banding. Barry walked over, giving a quick look into the buggy, he shuddered and stepped away.
“Damn. The Merrow were nice folk.” He didn’t seem to expect an answer, so I didn’t offer one.
Taking the time to open the sealed letter.
From one Upright Man to another,
These three I send to you in hopes you can make them into what I could not. Victor is their leader and my younger half-brother. They have the skills, just not the discipline. Trusting the force of muscle, failing to understand other means.
Do with them what you must, if that means ending them, at least it won’t be my hand holding the blade.
*ding*
Quest Offered – Path of the Rogue 1
Even though this letter was not about you, maybe you can barter it into a class invite?
Type – Class, Chain
Difficulty – Moderate
Rewards – Thieves’ Guild Faction, XP
Time Limit – none
Accept the Path? Y/N
*ALERT* Your Account is banned from accepting the Path of the Rogue and related questlines.
Damn. Wouldn’t you know, the only path offered so far and I couldn’t take it. Well, in a town this size there had to be other trainers.
I put the letter away and closed my eyes…
“Yo! Stranger!”
I was startled awake by the call.
The Guard Oscar was back, he had three others with him, looking at them,
Thimon
L8 Ogre City Guard Lieutenant
440/440
Titus
L8 Ogre City Guard Lieutenant
440/440
Anders Narrows
L15 Human City Guard Captain
1100/1100
Okay… these guys weren’t joking around.
“Sorry, Captain. Didn’t want to seem rude, but I was up all night.” I tried to be polite, giving a grim smile.
“These your work?” The Captain scowling.
“The Bandits, yes. The Halflings, not a chance.”
“Tell me what happened, don’t skip anything.” Ordered the Captain.
Opting for the raw truth,
“I woke up face down in a swamp…”
The Captain looked at me with a piercing gaze. I tried to relax but felt more like squirming.
“Well, Hell. Damned shame, the Merrow family were the only growers of pipe weed in a week’s travel. So, you really have no idea or memory of any involvement with the brigands?”
I reach into my bag and withdrew the two Wedding rings.
“Here, you’ll know who is supposed to get those. As to any involvement with the Bandits, from what I heard we shared a drink that they drugged with something called Lethe.”
“Lethe, eh? Well, I believe you, but stay around town until the Magistrate can make a final judgment.” The Captain rolled the rings in his fingers. “Get on with you, but consider yourself on parole until the Magistrate rules.”
Completed – Who Killed Me 2?
Your dispassionate recounting of the crimes and your vengeance has confirmed many beings’ opinions of you. +150 Chaos, +100 Balance, +150 Good, +100 Citizens of Yangsan, +500xp.
Reward – Coin and items dependent on the Magistrate.
Forces of Order now look on you with distrust
Forces of Balance are now comfortable with you
Forces of Good are now comfortable with you
Citizens of Yangsan are now comfortable with you
“Hey, Captain Narrows? Anyone in town that could give me lessons in how to use this properly?” As I was holding up the Chain weapon.
“Ask the Monks on the hill.” He pointed towards the side of town well away from the river. Then walked off with his Lieutenants.
I grabbed the Bandit’s two backpacks and headed off towards the hill.
The town was both familiar and so different from what I was used to. Much more colorful than other game cities. The doorways were beads or even weighted streamers of silk. But the calls from the merchants were much the same.
I was feeling hungry and stopped at a booth, getting a bowl of rice topped with strips of meat in a heavy sauce that tasted of citrus before it seared my taste buds off. My antics were amusing to the booth owner at least.
“I have to remember to kill you if I survive.” I croaked out. For some reason that was the funniest thing they had ever heard.
When I saw the buffs appear and realized just how good the meal really was.
For the next twelve hours, +20 to max Stamina, +15 max HP, +2 to Str/Con/DR.
Spicy or not, I finished the meal.
Climbing the hill, there was a keep like structure there built out of stone columns and fired brick walls. Everything I had seen in town had been wood construction, this edifice was entirely of intricately laid bricks. I came to the open gates. No guards were on duty so I entered.
Imagine a large square tucked just inside the stockade. The far quarter was taken up by a tower that was at least five stories tall. The other far quarter resembled more of a jungle, plants, and flowers growing everywhere. The front half had several pairs facing off and sparring on various terrain. A pile of boulders, circles of sand, a field of short poles planted upright, all surrounded by baked brick cobblestones. I was fascinated by the complex interplay of weapons and styles.
“Excuse me, Traveler. How may the Temple assist you?” Gah! Where had this kid come from? Calming my heart, a bit. A young boy no more than maybe six or seven years old dressed in simple black linen pants and tunic, his feet bare.
“Uh, I had been hoping to speak to someone about training?”
“Ah yes. Master Lin will be done with his noon meal and should be ready to meet with you. Please follow.”
I followed along after the boy. Looking closer.
Bohai
L0 Human Orphan
5/5
The boy led me into the tower and up to a second-floor room. The east and south walls open arches that allowed light and a breeze to flow through. The scent of a thousand plants coming from the south where the tops of trees in the garden could be seen. A figure sat facing out over the garden, black robes and a bald head.
The figure sat on the floor, bent over a scroll that was spread on a knee-high lectern. Without turning to face us,
“Ah, Bohai. Who is this you have brought to me?”
“A Traveler desiring training, Master.”
“Is that so?” Turning to me I saw a man who looked almost ageless. A smiling face that could have been anywhere from thirty to sixty or more.
I focused on him,
*Master Lin Bao*
L??? Human Master of the Silver Dragon
?????/?????
Seeing his name, it suddenly came to me, the in-game translators had been at work. Thinking back on them, thinking hard, I could see the Chinese characters behind the westernized names. Even the Thieves’ Guild letter now showed a ghosting of the actual characters.
Calling up every memory of manners from the Manhua I had read I took one step forward and dropped to my knees bowing until my forehead touched the floor. Still bowed I spoke,
“Master. I must apologize for my appearing before you in such a state. I had expected to meet some lowly trainer assigned to deal with Commoners like myself. I…”
“Silence! What do you think I am, some spoiled Imperial Prince you must flatter and abase yourself to?” Hearing the anger in his voice, I knew I had screwed up, “Still, you do bow quite prettily. However, if you don’t sit up right this instant I might keep you as a sitting bench or footstool.” Hearing now the light teasing in his voice.
I immediately sat back on my feet. At first avoiding his face and eyes from simple terror. Taking a deep breath, I met his eyes and saw the teasing grin and knew I was being toyed with. It was the smile on that face that finally let me relax a bit.
“There now,” Lin Bao said with a small laugh, “Come join me. Sit, sit.” He gestured to a cushion by his side. As I sat he looked at the boy, “Bohai? Please brings us tea, something fragrant and relaxing I think today. Also, a few light snacks.”
“Of course, Master.” And the boy ran off.
We sat and exchanged simple pleasantries. I let him guide the conversation. Then the jasmine scented black tea, and a small platter of steamed buns stuffed with a sweet bean paste arrived. The conversation then shifting to the food and surroundings.
Then he turned and looked serious,
“Now, Traveler Growlf, how ever did you get such a name? Tell me all about how you came to sit here with me on this lovely day.”
“The name was I believe a punishment that I have yet to fix. As to the rest…” He seemed less interested in the events than in my reasoning behind them. Asking several painful why this and not that questions. Finally, looking at me, he spoke plainly,
“There is a rage inside you, vast and deep. Should you continue down the road you are now on you may do acts of incredible Good, but you will lose yourself along the way. You could remain here at the School and learn to avoid the rage, saving your soul, but the world would never know the Good you might do. Think of these options.”
Then he refreshed both our bowls of tea.
“In some ways, the Mistress of this school was once much like you. The forest that once covered this city and hill was home to many spirits and normal animals. She was a simple one-tail when Master Bai saw her at play. Her antics first amusing and then intriguing him. Over the course of long decades, he tamed her wild spirit, and she introduced the wild into his tamed spirit. This allowed him to create his school of Leaping Fox Wushu. Students started coming and we built the School on this hill. Even as the Master of this School, and all the secrets of Chi he knew, he barely lived to see the Mistress get her fourth tail when he fell to an assassin. She had the option to return to the wild ways and corrupt his legend and his teachings, as so many of her sisters would have. Instead, she remained true and has continued to teach his style in his honor.” Sipping at his tea he looked into the distance out an open window. “So then, what brings you to me today?”
I noticed it had started growing dark, we had talked the day away.
“Well, I hate to bother you with something so minor but I was wanting to learn more about how to use this.” I brought out the chain. He looked pensive and then spoke,
“Is that what you truly wish? To learn to use this simple chain, or would you perhaps seek to master it?”
“Umm, what is the difference?”
“Ah, the questions of innocents and children. When you arrived today, I could smell on your breath that you had visited Merchant Gwon’s Eatery. Now, anyone, even a talentless chef such as you and I, can boil a bowl of rice and drop grilled meat on top. With practice, we might even learn to add a sauce. It would fill the belly and might even taste good. This would be the Use of cooking. Merchant Gwon has learned the subtle use of the essence of his spices, and to let his chi enter into the food he makes and transform good into great with lingering benefits. This is the Mastery of cooking. Now again, I ask you. Do you wish to learn to use this chain, for that there are many below this hill that can show you how to flail clumsily? Or, perhaps, if you wish to learn of mastery, I might deign to give you a lesson or two?”
My heart was pounding, when an Elite offers to teach you something I couldn’t imagine saying no. Maybe it would delay my journey west to join my friends for a bit, but the things I might learn…
“Yes, Master. Teach me to be a Master.”
*ding*
You are offered the quest – The Way of the Leaping Fox 1
You accept the Leaping Fox Master Lin as your trainer while he chooses to teach you.
Type – Class, Chain, Story, Unique
Difficulty – Moderate
Rewards – The basics of Wing Chun and improved relations with the Leaping Fox school. Worsened relations with competing schools.
Failure – Abandon the Quest. Dismissal from the Leaping Fox school. Barred from the Leaping Fox path.
Time Limit – none
“Master no more. From now on you must call me Sifu. Your first lesson, drop that chain over there. If things go well, you might pick it up in a year or two.”
A year or two? Umm, what had I done?
“Now, student. Bohai will show you to your room. You will find clothing like Bohai’s there, dress in that come morning.
I soon settled in a small chamber with a bed that was little more than a cot. A folded set of black silk pants and a loose tunic hung from hooks. I dropped my bags in the corner and lay on the cot.
*Logout*