----------------------------------------
Glaucus’ dark eyes burned as he loomed above the adventurers. His frown creased as he processed her final words. He hesitated and stopped. His face became thoughtful as his confidence was torn apart. Indeed, he had become bored and upset that no one had come to challenge him. He slowly came to understand from Mira’s rant that perhaps he had greatly misunderstood how to achieve his true goal.
Glaucus was a genius. Now faced with an attack on his very character; he realized she might be right. His mind whirled with possibilities, but he remained uncertain. His façade cracked and he floated down to Mira’s level. With a pained expression, he spoke.
“Ah. Bother. This is more difficult than I supposed, but please accept my apologies. I have…some questions. Do you think you could provide me…with some tips, perhaps?” Glaucus hesitantly asked with a sheepish expression. Mira glared down at him.
“Please?” He asked contritely.
“A good first step would be to let me down and uncage my dragon.” Mira hinted coldly. Mira was excellent at poker. Inside she was screaming in victory, but she would never let it show. It was time for a different type of role-play.
----------------------------------------
Glaucus guided Mira into his grand library, one of the few rooms she hadn’t seen in her sneaky quest. The Library of the Cloud Palace had lots of movement, due entirely to its enchanted automata. There were no people that she could see, other than herself, Tiamat, and Glaucus.
She ushered Tiamat in and softly closed the door behind her. Mira’s eyes flashed over the room in appreciation, taking in the scene. This, at least, she could appreciate. Décor for her own wizard’s tower was difficult to be both cozy and impressive. Somehow Glaucus had managed it.
There were large comfy reading chairs. A game board was set up near the side wall and had an enchanted chess set that seemed to be playing its own game or perhaps replaying a previous one. There was a pair of podiums stationed near the reading chairs. The first podium had two books opened side by side, one book was empty of writing, but a magical quill surveyed the first book and then traced the characters with rapid certainty. The second podium had another blank book , but its quill hovered and waited attentively for direction.
“Please, sit and be comfortable. I’ve put the question on pause so we can have a discussion.” Glaucus said. The quill on the second podium began writing furiously. Mira almost giggled, as she crossed near to sit. It had transcribed Glaucus’s words. She craned her neck. More wonders awaited.
A peculiar tapestry hung on the far wall with a loom below slowly winding threads of many colors. The pattern was chaotic in the extreme, but Mira could sense some powerful Faen energy coming from it. She imagined she could see scenes of epic battles in the weave but when she looked closer the pictures shifted and faded away rather than solidifying.
Mira and Tiamat sat together enjoying the scene. Glaucus summoned clay golems to serve snacks and tea. Glaucus began by asking her probing questions about her history with the game. Mira told him the many tales of her conquests and her desire to leave the game with a bang. The Grand Magister wore a troubled expression. He clearly was looking for something more.
This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.
“Come on, Glaucy. What's weighing on your mind? I’ve told you my story, what about you?” She asked. Tiamat hissed as Glaucus stood and began pacing.
“Mira…the Cloud Palace is a complete failure. I haven't had an adventuring group in here in years. The Scenario Division Directors have been sending me disconcerting threats. They say that I must improve my player engagement numbers soon, or they will terminate my position. I’ve tried to change it. But nothing has worked. I’m afraid the problem is deeper than that. I must confess to more. There is something that I've kept hidden from some of the Division managers.” Glaucus said hesitantly.
“What is it, Glaucus? You can trust me.” Mira urged.
“You see, Mira, I'm not what I seem. I'm not really a player or even a human Mystic Realms employee. I’m a certified citizen Artificial Intelligence. I've been tasked with running this dungeon all along and I’m afraid I just don’t get humans very well. You’re all so very contrary. I don’t understand you.” Glaucus admitted.
“An AI? So what? Several of my best friends are AI. It certainly explains your capabilities in setting up the Cloud Palace's mechanics. Maybe I can help? What can we do about the threats, then?” Mira soothed.
“I don't know, Mira. That's why your unexpected parting monologue intrigued me so much. Please…tell me more about what you might do to make this place better. I would like your help. Maybe together we can succeed, where alone, I’ve failed.” Glaucus begged.
“Wow, we huh? Okay, then. As a matter of fact, I do have some good ideas that I think can help you out. Firstly, we let the little fish escape with valuable treasures and tales of their bravery. Legends can’t grow with no one to tell the tale. If word gets around, they will come. Trust me on this. Soon you will have powerful adventurers knocking on your palace doors. They will bring in their own gear, which you can claim if they should…perish. You should know that you don’t need to be so over the top. A good dungeon has a respectable mortality rate, not a perfect score. The idea is to generate a flow. A cycle that becomes self-sustaining.” Mira said with confidence.
“That sounds like a step in the right direction, Mira. But how can I start? I think I’m running out of time. I can’t lose this job. I hate my real job. I run the Tyco City server farm all the time. It is so boring. This is my only real fun.” Glaucus urged with real fear creeping into his response.
“Hey now. Don’t you worry. I can get the word out. Get ready for a huge uptick in delvers, Glaucus. I’m what you might call a networking master. A super connector. I have contacts all over the realm. We can kick-start your grand reopening in no time. The owners will be sure to take notice. They'll see the surge in engagement and appreciate your dedication to improving the player experience.” Mira crowed.
“I hope you're right, Mira. I really want to make this work. And if it does, I promise to provide you a boon in return. The Gaming Board is looking for a new manager of the narrative department. I'll do my best to get you an interview with the gaming board for a staff position. I’ve peeked at your own tower. Your ideas are fresh, and your vision is remarkable.”
Mira was surprised. She realized that Glaucus’s problems were like her own. Her lessons for him could be applied equally to herself. She had gotten stale playing the same part, but her excitement at new challenges hadn't faded like she had thought yesterday. It wasn't about winning the game but rather playing it well. Something that mattered…from both sides of the game.
“Thank you, Glaucus. This is quite unexpected. You know, this could be the start of a very lucrative partnership. Now before I go, let’s talk about a better power escalation, both for challenges and rewards. Here is how I think we should alter your setup, first…” Mira quickly became absorbed in the potential before her. She mused that maybe be should press for that artifact as part of the deal and dismissed it. There was a bigger game to be played here, and she wanted a seat at that table.
Glaucus listened aptly as Mira rolled out a multitude of changes from her experience and enjoyment of the various challenges of the Realm. He shook his head but promised himself to do his best. Mira had a spark he was lacking, maybe if he figured her out, then he could develop a spark like hers.
----------------------------------------
- END -