Cass’ computer flared to life with the click of a button. Purple light scattered across his office as he took his seat and adjusted his headphones. He navigated to Flicker, the software he and his friends used when gaming, and opened it to see two of his friends were already in a call.
*Ding!*
“Yo,” said Cass.
“What’s good?” asked Ian.
“Hey, Cass,” said Jake.
“What are you guys up to?”
“Not really anything, we’ve been looking for something to play,” said Jake.
“How long are you gonna be on?” asked Ian. Cass looked at the time. It was only a bit after six o’clock, so…
“About an hour? Tara’s gonna be cooking soon, so I’ll probably hop off for a bit to eat.”
“Wow dude, making your girlfriend make you dinner? That’s scuffed.”
“Can’t even make himself dinner. Grown ass man.”
“No,” Cass protested, “she offered! She’s the better cook.”
Whatever his friends said after that went unheard as his vision went dark. A small white box appeared in the forefront of his vision, bearing the message:
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Welcome.
This is the Admin. It may surprise you to learn this, but you are in a simulation. You are what is known as a data construct. I created you.
What the hell? What is this? Cass’ mind spun. The text in the box changed, but whether it was in response to his questions, Cass didn’t know.
All will be explained. I created everything you know. In the beginning, at least. After a time, I let things go their own way. The people and events you have experienced are very real in that sense. I have become bored with the Earth. With its people. With their potential.
Are you God? Are you going to kill us? Am I dead?
I suppose to you I would be like a god. I do not intend to kill you, although I will give you the choice to refuse my next offer. The people of your Earth have created simulations not dissimilar to the one you’re in right now. You’re familiar with these, yes?
What, like, video games?
Correct. These interest me. Your kind have created worlds in which they can experience the impossible. I seek to give you a new world. One reminiscent of these simulations. Would you like to accept?
Is there any way to talk to my friends? The ones I was talking to before this? Or my girlfriend? There was no answer. The box disappeared and suddenly the space was flooded with light. Tara materialized in the blink of an eye, followed by Ian and Jake. Cass rushed to Tara, nearly crushing her in his hug. “Oh! Hello, my love!” She squeezed him back before he let go and turned to face the others. “Did everyone get the same message I did?” he asked. Jake and Ian nodded and he heard Tara agree to his side. “Okay. So the Admin wants to put us in a new world, right? One like a video game? What do we think?”
Remember that you are free to refuse.
“What happens if we refuse?” asked Tara, a hint of suspicion rising in her voice.
You will be deleted.
“Okay. Apparently, the Admin isn’t completely benevolent. We aren’t doing that, then, right?” she turned to face the others.
“No,” said Ian, “we play a ton of games. We can totally do this. We even have enough for a full party.”
Jake nodded and asked, “Is there any way to start this new world together?”
That can be arranged.
“Wait!” Cass called out, “What kind of game?” There was no answer as Tara, Ian, and Jake were swept away and Cass’ vision went dark once more.
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Cass’ eyes shot open with a start. He was on a bed. No, a sleeping bag? Scrambling to his feet, he scanned the room. It was small, only big enough for a short table and the bedroll he had woken up on. Light from a lantern on the table washed across the room in a warm dance, giving him just enough light to see the door across from his bedroll. The walls were made of rough stone bricks, the floor from splintering wooden planks. Okay. Obviously man-made. With a glance at himself, he realized he was dressed in little more than tattered rags barely holding together. He gave himself a sniff and pulled his head back, his face contorted in disgust. Ugh, I reek like fish. A knock at the door jolted him out of his own head. “Are you awake in there?” a voice asked from the other side. “Um, yes?” Cass answered. The wooden door swung open to reveal an old man with thin eyes and glasses staring at him.
“My, my, up and at them already, are we?” The man asked.
“No offense, but… do I know you? Where am I?” The old man chuckled and shook his head. “No, you don’t know me, but my name is Olin. You washed up here two and a half days ago with some nasty wounds. The apothecary did what he could, and it looks to have been enough.” Olin smiled warmly at him from beneath his white beard. “Can I ask your name now?”
Cass’ vision was pulled away from his head as he found himself looking at a man he didn’t recognize. A pale blue menu popped into view.
What is your name?
Character creation. Got it. “Cassian,” he said aloud. He always used that in fantasy games. It was close enough to his real name that it wasn’t confusing. The menu asking his name disappeared and the stranger in front of him morphed to match his real-life appearance. Short brown hair, brown eyes, and… Surely I’m a little taller than that, right? Another menu appeared now:
Please choose your Race. This cannot be changed later.
For real? Other races? Sweet.
-Human-
Humans are the most plentiful race on Erisen, boasting flexibility with no innate strengths or weaknesses. Gain 10 free starting points and 1 Extra Language Token
-Elf-
Elves, hailing from the time before Humans, were once the true rulers of Erisen, before a war with the Giants wiped most of them out. Gain Low-light vision, Extended Life, Elvish, and 3 free starting points
-Dwarf-
Dwarves are a proud race, burrowing deep into the planet to seek riches untold. Gain Dark-Vision, Extended Life, Small Stature, Dwarvish, Stone-Sense, and 1 free starting point
-Gem Born-
No one knows why Gem Born come about, nor why they are born seemingly at random, but one thing is certain. Their bodies are as tough as the gems they take after. Gain Hard Body, Poison Resistance (increased with each level), Bleeding Resistance (increased with each level), Low-Light Vision, and 2 free starting points
-Empyrean-
Empyreans are similar to Gem Born in that no one knows how or why they come about, seemingly being born at random. Empyreans are molded from the Heavens themselves, gaining Extended Life, Radiant Resistance (increased with each level), Low-Light Vision, 2 free starting points, and 1 Extra Language Token
-Thonic-
Chthonians (typically spelled phonetically as Thonians), are the antithesis of Empyreans, being shaped after the Hells. Gain Extended Life, Fire Resistance (increased with each level), Low-Light Vision, 2 free starting points, and 1 Extra Language Token
Cassian looked over the list one by one marveling at the changes they made to his body. Elves were slender, with sharp eyes and large, pointed ears. Looking at Dwarf made his height plummet and made him sprout a long brown beard. Interestingly, Gem Born looked similar to humans in skin tone, but his eyes rotated between brilliant reds, blues, greens, and purples. Upon closer inspection, certain parts of their bodies were actually rocks or gems, with veins of what looked like precious metals running through them. Sweet. I like these guys. Next were the Empyreans, an angelic race that gave off a faint yellow glow. His eyes shone with gold and his skin was bronze or silver, changing with nothing more than a thought. The system reading my intentions is going to take some getting used to. Finally, he changed over to Chthonic. His skin changed to a deep red and horns shot out of his head. Behind him, a long tail flicked about as if it had a mind of its own.
Hmm. Fire resistance seems strong, especially since I don’t know what skills I’ll be using, but… Once more, Cassian’s eyes flicked over to Gem Born and his body shifted again. With a thought, he matched the skin to his own olive tone and selected amethyst as his gem of choice. His eyes, shining purple, scanned over the rest of his body. The system had given him a body he could only dream of, but maybe that was just the sort of body adventurers were expected to have. Jagged crystals of amethyst were embedded in his knuckles, like teeth waiting to bite into whatever flesh they could find. This was the one. Cassian confirmed his selection with a thought and his vision shot back into his body.
“Cassian? Strong name,” Olin said, apparently unaware of the thirty minutes he had just spent staring at Cassian. “Don’t get many Gem Born around these parts, or really any parts for that matter, but we’re glad to have you!”
“I appreciate it,” Cassian said, “but where exactly am I?
“Oh, you probably wouldn’t know it. You’re in a little coast town called Renfield,” said Olin. “I can show you around, if you’d like.”
Cassian gave a nod. “That’d be great! You wouldn’t know where I could get some more clothes, would you?” He gestured vaguely to his tattered clothes. “These aren’t quite my speed.”
“Certainly!” said Olin. “I put your other belongings in the hallway, but don’t worry, they haven’t been touched.” With that, he turned and left the room, beckoning Cassian to follow.
Cassian started after him, saying, “Other belongings?” He rounded the corner into a small hallway lit with the first bit of natural light he had seen since arriving. Throwing up his hands to cover his extra sensitive eyes, Cassian winced and recoiled from the change in brightness. Was this his Low-Light Vision recoiling from moving into the light too fast? “Whoops, probably should have warned you about that, with the Low-Light Vision and all. Probably more sensitive than usual with you being cooped up in the dark for so long. Here’s your bag,” he heard Olin say. As his eyes adjusted, he saw the man holding out a small knapsack about five inches across. He reached for the bag as another message come into view:
Please choose your Class. This cannot be changed later.
Bard: Mid HP Support caster. Mana allows for buffs and minor healing. Major role is in restoring expended Class resources for others (Bards cannot regain Mana from other Bards, instead regenerating Mana at an increased rate in and out of Combat).
You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.
Berserker: High HP Tank martial. Stamina allows them to resist/ignore damage and increase raw strength. Can be used to intimidate or attract enemies.
Cleric: Mid HP Support caster. Mana allows for healing and buffs, as well as cleansing debuffs. High level Clerics can revive the dead (within a time limit).
Druid: Mid HP Flex caster/martial. Mana allows them to shapeshift and use various Nature based Spells, depending on their Subclass choice.
Fighter: High HP DPS/Tank martial. Focus on traditional combat, masters of all weapons. Stamina allows for quick repositioning, high damage strikes, and small AoE effects
Monk: Mid HP Unarmed DPS/Control martial. Stamina allows for increasing damage, damage evasion, and single-target control.
Ranger: Mid HP ranged DPS/Utility martial. Stamina allows them to move quickly or fire special arrows. Navigation and Survival specialists.
Rogue: Mid HP melee DPS/Utility martial. Stamina allows for stealth, sneak attacks, and damage evasion. Gains Skill Experience faster than any other class.
Warlock: Low HP Debuff/Control caster. Mana allows for AoE debuffs and control.
Wizard: Low HP AoE DPS/Control caster. Ultimate caster class, more spells and Mana than anyone else. Additional increases to Mana per stat point of Intelligence.
Woah. Lots of choices. Cassian skimmed over the Classes for a few moments, gathering what information he could. Focusing on a Class showed a menu of their starting stats. As much as he would love to play a caster and use magic, the playstyle never called to him, so he decided to focus on the martials. He’d played plenty of Fighters before, so he skipped them for now. He settled on a choice between Rogue and Monk. Wait, he thought, I need to be thinking about party composition as well. He mentally tried to reach out to his friends and was met with a list containing three names.
Kit - Lvl 1 ??? (In Menu)
Keaton - Lvl 1 ??? (In Menu)
Tara - Lvl 1 Ranger
Cassian laughed at everyone’s habits. Kit and Keaton were the screen names Ian and Jake used for everything, just like Cassian was for him. As for Tara, she had always been terrible at coming up with names. Apparently, she had already chosen a class. Her choice wasn’t too surprising. Her father had taught her how to use a bow, so it seemed natural that she had gravitated toward a ranger. Cassian opened a message to the three of them.
Cassian: What classes are you guys gonna pick?
Tara: Should I not have chosen yet? Sorry lol
Cassian: No, it’s fine. Just making sure we have our bases covered.
Kit: I was thinking Fighter? Kinda feeling heavy armor might be fun
Keaton: I was leaning towards healer so that works for me. I’ll play Cleric.
Cassian: I’m between Monk and Rogue. What do you think?
Tara: Idk, maybe Monk?
Kit: Can Monks use weapons?
Keaton: The description said ‘unarmed’
Tara: Yeah but like, you could definitely use a staff or something, right?
Cassian: I’ll let you know, I’ll go ahead and choose it.
Cassian closed the messages and mentally focused back onto Monk. Opening his starting stats, he saw the following spread.
Vitality - 13
Endurance - 13
Toughness - 10
Strength - 12
Dexterity - 15
Perception - 12
Intelligence - 10
He confirmed his choice and Olin passed him the bag. Looking inside, an inventory menu overtook his vision. A 5x5 grid, his inventory already had a few items in it. He fished out his change of clothes, surprised as they snapped onto him according to his will. His new clothes were a set of dark brown robes with wraps around the forearms and legs below the knees, as well as a set of thin leather shoes. While the robes were loose-fitting, they stayed close enough to him that he didn’t imagine them getting in his way. The other items appeared to be a bedroll, a torch, a thick wooden staff, a stack of ten throwing knives, and ten potions split into two stacks. He retrieved the potions and inspected it more closely. The red ones he assumed were Health potions, which meant the yellow ones were likely for Stamina. After a moment, he jumped as a notification sprang into view in the corner of his vision with a Ding!
Skill Gained: Identify (Common)
Identify helps do just that. Identify people, items, and monsters. As the skill levels, more information becomes available. Growth rate influenced by Perception.
“Oh ho! Got Identify, did you?” Olin asked. “Go on, try it on me!” With a nod, Cassian focused on the old man. Something in his core stirred as the skill activated, giving him basic information on Olin.
Olin Graywater - Lvl 1 Human
“As you go, you’ll get more information from it,” said Olin. “Eventually, it’ll give you Health and Class breakdowns, too. You’ll be using this one a lot as you explore, since it’s also used to learn about items you find in the world.”
“Thanks, Olin. I appreciate that.”
“Of course! Although I’m not above asking for repayment for my help to you so far,” Olin said.
“I’d love to,” said Cassian, “but I don’t have any money.”
Olin chuckled. “No, that’s quite alright. I was just wondering if you could make a delivery for me. Just to the other side of town. My knees aren’t what they used to be.”
Quest: Olin’s Delivery
Olin has asked you to deliver something across town. Accept? Y/N
Cassian smiled and nodded. “Yeah, Olin, I can do that.” Olin reached into his own inventory and retrieved a small parcel wrapped in paper. “If you could just take this to the Innkeeper, Braun, I’d really appreciate it. He should have some money ready, too. Feel free to keep it.”
Quest Accepted: Olin’s Delivery
Reward: XP, 30 Gold Shards (GS)
Item Gained: Olin’s Parcel
“Well,” Olin said, “go on now, you’ve lost a good bit of daylight here.” Cassian started toward the door, calling out, “Thanks, Olin! I appreciate it!” A flood of light spilled into Olin’s home as Cassian opened the door and finally reached outside. “Woah.” Cassian’s eyes scanned his surroundings.
Renfield was definitely a little coastal town. Olin’s home was built from sanded down stone that matched the rest of the village. The air smelled like fish and ocean water. Salt floated by on a warm breeze, carried from the massive sea to the south. Fields of golden wheat swayed in the wind to the east, birds circling the scarecrows erected to keep them at bay. A stone pathway led into the center of town, where a small well sat in a circular pavilion. Many of the buildings here were a single story, with a few exceptions creeping up over their neighbors. Cassian headed toward the center of town. After a few minutes of walking down the cobbled streets looking for the inn, Cassian felt a body slam into his shoulder. “Hey!” A dark haired young man ran past him and sprinted down an alleyway to his right.
Item lost: Olin’s Parcel
“Little bastard!” yelled Cassian. He tore after the boy, skidding around the corner as another message popped into view.
Monk Skill Gained: Dynamic Movement (Always Active)
While active, allows you to trust in your instincts and move with increased alacrity. Instinctually vault, slide under, and climb over obstacles.
As the skill came online, he felt knowledge flood his mind. His body would do as he willed it. A stack of boxes tipped over as the thief knocked over everything in his way to slow Cassian down. Cassian launched himself at the wall, planting his left foot onto it and springing over the crates as they tumbled. Sprinting after his quarry, a few more turns led them to a dead end behind what looked to be someone’s home. Cassian was surprised to find himself not tired from all the exertion. The thief, however, was breathing hard. The boy must’ve been seventeen at most. “Come on, kid,” Cassian said calmly, “hand it over.”
Monk Skill Gained: Martial Arts (Always Active)
You are a master of hand to hand combat and weapons with the ‘Monk’ tag. Where others need a blade, you rely on your body.
Damn tutorial mission. I don’t wanna beat up a kid. Cassian’s thoughts were interrupted as the boy charged him and swung wildly. Cassian let his instincts take over and stepped to the side. “Listen!” he yelled, “I don’t wanna hurt you!” The boy stepped in close and struck three times at Cassian’s body, each blow being knocked away calmly. “Okay. Go to sleep.” Cassian parried a fourth punch and opened up the thief to a counterattack. Dropping low, he thrust a palm strike at the boy’s stomach, causing him to double over. A swift elbow to the back of the head planted him firmly in the dirt. Cassian focused on the unconscious boy, activating Identify.
Carlo Baylin - Lvl 1 human
Cassian sighed. Reaching for the boy’s bag, he retrieved the stolen parcel and placed it back in his inventory. He jogged out of the maze of alleyways and steered himself back to the streets. After a few minutes of wandering, he found the inn he was looking for. A wooden sign suspended by chains dangled from the awning of the building, reading The Battered Bale. The smell of bread and grilled fish wafted through the air, inviting Cassian inside. He pushed open the double doors and was greeted by a well lit taproom just entering the dinner hustle.
A dozen wooden tables were scattered across the tavern floor, each one surrounded by four chairs. Mugs of ale and plates of food were being brought to the tables before being torn into by the patrons. Two servers sauntered between the tables, deftly delivering meals and topping off drinks. As he entered, Cassian got several glances of surprise from the townsfolk. “Not many Gem Born around here. Right,” he said to himself. At least they just look interested and not hostile. Gathering himself, Cassian made his way to the bar and flagged down the broad-shouldered man behind it. The innkeeper turned and faced Cassian. His salt and pepper hair was cropped short and obviously something he cut himself. Thick, calloused hands worked a rag into a bowl as he made his greeting. “What can I get for you, kid?”
“Oh, I’m here for a delivery. Are you Braun?” asked Cassian.
“Sure am. Olin send you?” said Braun.
“He did.” Cassian retrieved the parcel and handed it over to him.
“I appreciate that. Can’t fish if my net’s torn, can I?” Braun laughed.
“Well,” said the innkeep, “here’s the payment for it. I appreciate the delivery. I’ll cover your food for the night if you want to join your friends over there.” Cassian followed Braun’s gaze to a table in the corner where three figures were in deep conversation. “Thanks,” said Cassian. Crossing the floor, Cassian slid into the empty chair at the table.
Cassian took in all of his friends and the changes they’d gone through. Ian, now Kit, was a tall, dark-haired Elven man sporting shoddy chainmail with a sword strapped to his waist and a shield on his back. Large, sharp ears poked through his hair and his eyes were a soft blue. Jake, now Keaton, was a human who looked much like he had before. Long, sandy hair that reached his shoulders and brown eyes stared back at Cassian. He was equipped with a flanged mace and kite shield, and his half-plate armor was overlaid with a blue and white tabard. Tara had obviously chosen Empyrean and was stunning. Her golden hair reached down to her waist in a tight braid with copper hues coming through where the evening sun hit them. Her skin shone with a faint golden glow; her eyes, as green as anything he had ever seen, shot through him as if he was seeing her for the first time. A simple bow was propped up next to her and two short swords rested on her hips, fastened to her mundane leather armor. “Wow,” he marveled, “you look incredible.” Tara blushed and smiled. “You look as handsome as ever. I can get used to the rocks.”
“Ahem,” coughed Kit, “we’re right here.”
Cassian flushed in embarrassment. “Sorry, guys. You look sick.”
“Did you guys do your introductory quests?” asked Keaton. The three of them nodded their agreement,
“Okay, so what do we do now?”
“Maybe we could spar?” said Kit.
“That could be good. We could get some practice with our new abilities,” said Tara.
Cassian nodded. “We should probably eat first, right?”
As if on cue, a server slipped into view beside the four of them.
“You all looking for some food?” The young man asked through his shaggy blond hair.
Cassian nodded. “Yeah, Braun said it was on the house?”
The server smiled. “I’ll bring it out to you.”
The food was simple fare, consisting of grilled fish and bread, but was well made and flavorful. Cassian hadn’t realized how hungry he’d been, and by the way the others tore into their food, he suspected the sentiment was shared. After the meal, they stepped out into the streets, breathing in the salty sea air and starting toward the beach.
“So,” said Tara, “who’s up first?”
Cassian thought for a moment. “Maybe you and Kit? I can take next and Keaton can heal you both up.”
“Sounds like a plan to me. Do you think we get experience for something like this?” said Keaton.
“I can’t imagine we would,” said Kit, “otherwise it would be too easy to level up.”
Tara drew her swords and handed Cassian her bow as he and Keaton took a seat on the sand. “I don’t want to put holes in you,” she teased, turning to face Kit.
Kit smiled and drew his sword and shield. “I appreciate that.”
Tara sprayed sand as she launched at him with a flurry of strikes. Kit defended each attack, waiting for his chance to make an opening. After a few moments, Kit struck out with his shield as Tara’s blade made contact with it, sending her reeling off-balance from the impact. He lashed out with the flat of his blade and smashed it into Tara’s ribs as the sand shifted underfoot. Tara cried out in pain but didn’t give up as she jumped backwards to give herself distance. Regaining her balance, she said, “Damn. That one hurt.”
Kit nodded. “My class gave me a sense of how to fight. Probably better than most.”
“Mine did the same thing with unarmed combat,” said Cassian.
“Yeah,” said Tara, “mine gave me a bit. It makes sense that mine would mostly give me bow skills.”
“Again?” asked Kit. He raised his sword in challenge.
“Again.”
The two of them traded blows for the next few minutes, each earning a few bruises and cuts from the other. After the bout, Tara and Kit staggered over to Keaton, who was dusting sand off of his tabard. “I haven’t actually done this yet, so let’s see what happens. I’ll need to touch both of you.” Cassian watched as Keaton closed his eyes and focused. After a moment, his eyes opened and gave off a brilliant yellow light, like a lantern was being lit behind them. “Te Curo!” He chanted, and placed a palm on Tara’s shoulder. Instantly, the cut above her eye closed and the blood evaporated. Bruises disappeared and swelling reduced as she gave a sigh of relief. “Woah,” she said, “that’s incredible.” Moving aside, she let Keaton heal Kit as well.
“What’s the mana consumption on that?” asked Cassian.
Keaton paused for a moment before saying, “Not bad. Ten mana per cast. I have 130, so I’ve got plenty.”
“Nice. Hopefully soon you get a ranged heal. What’s it like? Using magic, I mean,” said Cassian.
Keaton thought and eventually said, “It’s… warm. It feels like I can feel the magic pulled into my chest. When I release it, it’s almost like my hands are giving off warm air.”
“Is that the only spell you have?” asked Kit.
“No,” answered Keaton, “I have a simple offensive spell, too. It’s called Spirit Bolt.”
“Flagra!” Keaton’s extended palm exploded into light as a white dart of energy shot into the water, sending a spray several feet wide.
“Woah! Sick,” said Cassian.
Keaton grinned widely. “It’s pretty cool. Want to give it a go with me?”
“Sure,” said Cassian, “but I’m not sure-” Cassian’s next words were cut off as a crossbow bolt buried itself in his stomach. A scream erupted from his mouth as his body flared in pain he’d never felt before, driving him to his knees. As his adrenaline pumped through his body, his eyes scanned for his attacker. Close to fifty yards out, a figure stood on top of The Battered Bale, reloading a bolt into its crossbow. “Te Curo!” A wave of relief washed over Cassian, ejecting the bolt from his gut and sealing the wound. To his left, Tara had nocked an arrow in her bow and loosed it at the attacker. The figure staggered as the arrow bit into their leg.
“Are you alright?” asked Keaton. He extended his hand toward Cassian.
“Yeah. Thanks. That hurt like hell.” Cassian took his friend’s hand and lifted himself to his feet. Tara fired a second arrow just as Kit’s shield intercepted another crossbow bolt, this one headed for Cassian’s heart.
“Look!” shouted Kit, “They’re running!”
“After them!” said Cassian. The four of them broke into a run as the figure dropped down from view back onto street level. Cassian overtook the other three and dashed around the corner of the inn, seeing no trace of his attacker. As the others caught up, Cassian turned and shook his head. “I lost them,” he said.
Tara scanned the ground. “One sec,” she said, “I might be able to find a trail.”
“Some kind of tracking skill?” asked Kit.
Tara nodded as her eyes shone with a green light. “Got it. Blood trail, right there, see?”
Cassian focused where she was pointing and saw a muddy red trail, barely visible in the shadow of the inn.
“Lead the way,” he said.
Tara moved quickly, weaving through the cobbled streets toward the center of town. Cassian and the others followed, eyes scanning the area for hidden enemies. After a few minutes of tracking, Tara led them to the plaza Cassian had crossed through to get to The Battered Bale. She pointed to the well in the middle and said, “There. The well. The blood stops there.”
Cassian sighed. “Shit. Do we have to go down there?”
Tara nodded. “Yeah. No way around it if we want to find whoever that was.”
“Who goes down first?” asked Keaton.
“Maybe me,” said Kit, “since I’m the tank. You guys follow behind me.”
The group nodded their agreement and followed as Kit grabbed the rope dangling down the well and clambered over the edge. Cassian watched as he rappelled down and disappeared into the darkness. One by one, they followed. Cassian’s Low-Light Vision kicked in once he was completely in the darkness and his surroundings came into view.
“Keaton,” he whispered up the rope, “you can’t see, can you?”
“No,” said Keaton, “it’s too dark. I’m just going to scoot down slowly until we can light a torch.”
Cassian wasn’t sure how long it took them to reach the bottom, but eventually he heard Kit splash into a pool of water.
“It’s okay,” said Kit, “you can drop down. It’s deep enough.”
The rest of the party dropped into the water one after another. Cassian looked around with his enhanced vision and found the cavern they were in was bigger than he would have thought. The water was deep and a spring flowed into the pool they were in from a crack in the wall. Stalactites dangled from the ceiling and slick, wet moss covered most of the rocks. A rugged stone path led into a tunnel nestled into the far wall. Swimming to the rock path, Cassian climbed onto the outcropping at the mouth of the tunnel as his friends did the same.
“Do you still have the trail?” he asked Tara.
She nodded. “Yeah. Straight into the tunnel.”
“Okay. Kit, you’re up first. Let’s try to keep quiet.”
Kit murmured his agreement and slipped ahead of them, shield raised, into the tunnel.