I forgot everything as soon as I passed into my new world. And that was what this was, my new reality. Any personal history I had with me had simply been erased. Parents, siblings, friends. Wiped from my mind. Perhaps the one solace being that I knew the caveats of this new world and thus it was likely I had none.

They were selective of what memories we were allowed to keep. For one, I remember signing the papers. The rustles of the large stacks of sheaves. I knew what a contract was. I knew a handful of things, but as my mind alighted upon them, they were whisked away. The details were far away, like the faint memory of birth, if I had it. I was doubtful they would be having any bearing of me thus forth.

Personality. That was one thing they allowed, else what were we but empty shells, blank slates once we entered? Tabula Rasa. I raised my mental attention at the term, or rather the clear theory in my mind? That was funny, in a way, even though despite not even knowing my name but nonetheless feeling firm in my own mental state I very well might be shaped into something new.

"Greetings, Player. Prior to your arrival in the world below there are a number of things to be taken care of. What shall we call you?" A voice spoke, like a ripple in a calm pond.

My answer came to me fast, a small clue to the value I held in sentimentality. "Is it at all possible to postpone my naming until I arrive down below? I believe... or rather, I think I used to believe a name to be something of value and meaning. I have no interests, no loved ones, no experiences, nothing to call my own. Nothing yet that defines who I am."

"Very well. For the remainder of our time I shall simply call you Player. Next, your [Race]. You must choose your people, the culture you belong to. Beware the [Race] you choose will affect the location of your arrival. Take your time perusing as there are many choices." As the voice echoed into the void, my surroundings became crisp, real.

"Thank you, I will." I responded mechanically, fearing rudeness to this voice.

Where before there was nothing, I now walked forth, feet hitting upon a smooth floor. My reflection stared back up at me, so glossy was the ground I walked, yet my features were indistinct, foggy.

To either side of me, people. Or more likely, different [Races]. I might've spent two hours just walking through the endless path. I played an amusing game as I walked, some part of me feeling as if this stroll was a luxury I had never been able to afford before. 

Each [Race] was given its own section to inhabit. In accordance with my gender, it was the male form surrounded by items pertaining to their culture and lifestyle. My game was to guess the type of creature I stared at before I actually checked if curiosity got the better of me, which it usually did.

This one had small whiskers and from its urban surroundings and bluntly noxious items, I'd guess it had evolved from a rat.

[Race]: [Ratborn]

Small and agile, the ratborn live together in large numbers and can often be found hidden under large cities or caves. They are a culture focused on personal belongings and hoarding.

Racial Bonuses:

[DEX] + 7

[Quickfooted]

I stroked my chin and paused at an odd memory. I might've had a beard before. My mind alighted on my previous age like a feather, but the memory was whisked away like leaves in an autumn wind, swirling just out of reach. I couldn't remember for the life of me after that.

The creature was small and gangly, surrounded by trash and valuables alike. It was interesting to me and caught my eye, but did little to pique my interest. I had no idea what might do that.

And that was the problem I suppose. With nothing to define me, I had no inclinations, no preference. I was certain others might immediately throw themselves into the fantasy, I was not them. Something spoke to me to take my time, to think and contemplate. That was my normal habit, but this was something else.

Human. Yes, that was something you were allowed to remember. But the memory was detached, almost nearly as if that [Race] was not my own. Even though it was. There was no racial pride that one might normally have. And yet, I found myself still curious. I did not know how a human looked like.

"May I see a human?" My words were soft.

"Certainly, Player."

I strolled forth, not witnessing any particular change. Up ahead, however, there was a section that stood out. I walked slowly in front of the human, familiarity rushing to me as I inspected its features. It was surrounded by technology, weapons, books, medicines, and more. 

[Race]: [Human]

Humans are people capable of great adaptability. They are people that change drastically depending on circumstance. While they are capable of great kindness so too are they of great cruelty.

Racial Bonuses:

+1 All Stats

Choice of Regional [Skill]

Again, I found my hand stroking my chin. My curiosity was sated. And I stood there, feeling for any type of connection and found admittedly a small one. Those three sentences spoke to me, as perhaps they should've, yet my mind was made up to choose something else. Perhaps an analog?

This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

"Is it possible to view those [Races] similar to humans?" I asked politely, placing my hands behind my back. 

"Walk forward, Player." The voice came like a rustle in the leaves.

And so I did, strolling forth and taking my time, as the voice had once told me. The [Races] were all very interesting, yet I could not see myself as them.

There was a turn in the pathway, much to my surprise, left to be precise. Seeing no reason not to, my stroll turned on a dime, and I continued walking. Two-legged peoples surrounded me, surrounded by various environments. Some stood in the wilderness, others by intriguing items. 

I walked and played my game, musing as to their origins. I walked that way for hours, simply enjoying the displays. Somehow, I felt I was one to enjoy museums. One who delighted in observing things and contemplating them.

It was a [Race] that I passed, not checking to see if my answer was correct, that hooked me. I had been walking thirty minutes before my curiosity burned me like a flame and I simply had to turn around. I had regretted that I passed without truly looking the second that I did so.

This one looked on different from a human save for its eyes. There was a quality to them that wasn't immediately obvious. I stared for a few minutes before I alighted upon it. Intelligence, sharp and alert. The type to think. That alone piqued my interest further.

It was surrounded by of all things, what looked to be a college lecture hall. This section was among the larger ones, certainly not the largest I had seen though. Perhaps what baffled me most was that I could understand the numbers and symbols that appeared on the moving scenery, the digital board. While I could do that, I could not for the life of me make heads or tails of the equations, subject or topic. It was beyond me.

[Race]: [Stexpt]

The resultant people of a cruel experiment to artificially advance the minds of a race through intensive study. The Stexpt, before they were called Stexpt, were placed in a facility equipped with powerful learning technology and a database of science. It is said they were stuck there for millenium before emerging.

Racial Bonuses:

[INT] + 10

Racial Trait - [Higher Functioning]

Choice of Science [Skill]

Perhaps a [Race] fixed on the mind spoke to me on some level. I had little to go on, but I've learned a little of myself through my walk. I was a contemplative person, observant, and I took my time. The stexpt spoke to me. The choice wasn't a light one. I must've been there, standing in front of the display, for close to half an hour.

I peered into its eyes and spoke. "I choose Stexpt."

"Very well, Player. Your choice has been made, and your arrival location has thus been adjusted. You may now choose a personal [Trait], Player."

"In addition to the one inherent to the Stexpt?" I asked, making sure there was no mistake.

"Yes, Player. Your concern is appreciated."

The [Races] around me dispersed into a colorful and dull fog, and new things swirled into being. Stexpt, all of them, except this time rather than a museum, it felt like a slow-motion theater. They were all in the process of doing something, whether that be running through a forest, dodging through an obstacle course, or peering into the night.

I stared at one such display for what was called [Treasure Hunter]. It was a stexpt, he was walking a beautiful beach and I found myself mildly envious until his eyes turned sharply to the ground at his feet. He took his shovel and unearthed a rustic chest filled with jewels. "Are these to be demonstrations of these [Traits]?"

"Correct, Player." 

Curious, I stood watching the treasure hunter as he explored the surrounding forest too. My feet didn't seem to get tired, and so I was able to stand forever. At some point, the scene switched from slow-motion to real-time. I startled at the increase in speed and looked around in amazement as every scene seemed to burst with life. My confusion was apparent.

"For your viewing." The voice spoke simply. 

There were benches interspersed down the entire pathway for as far as I could see now. I spent hours watching the treasure hunter's adventures, even watching the intelligent stexpt solve various tasks. My mind seemingly flowed to what I might like as my own [Trait] and realized that so far, the one thing defining me was my [Race].

"May I see those of the [Traits] relating to academia?"

"Certainly." 

There again was another turn up ahead and I took it. This time, this branch of the pseudo theater was quiet. All of them were stexpt, except all were studying in silence. The clink of beakers, pouring liquids, whirring machinery. Similar sounds were the only things that traveled here.

I paused at one, taking a seat at the bench. It was a person who was working with animals. They were small, and handled with utmost care. He seemed to be taking samples of them, but they were enjoying the attention.

[Trait]: [Creature Study]

You have studied countless creatures throughout your life, now being able to infer certain behaviors, natural defenses, offensive implements, and capabilities. Some creatures sense this and do not see you as a threat.

Effects:

1% Chance to Tame a Creature

3% Chance to be seen as Friendly

10% Chance to Ascertain an Aspect of a Creature

40% Chance to be seen as Neutral

I found this particular study to be fitting when paired with the ancestral history of the Stexpt. I stood and watched for a long time before remembering the bench, and taking a seat. The researcher seemed to be quietly observing the creatures his extreme scrutiny plain to see. I could see myself in his stance, in that moment.

"I choose [Creature Study]." I said softly.

"Then you are ready to arrive at the world below, Player."

"As I'll ever be." I looked sadly at all the things to see. I could've walked here forever if I had been inclined. It was a nice place. Calm.

"A blessing for you for such enjoyable company." The voice spoke. "It is within my power, and I found our time relaxing, your games calming."

I paused, baffled. "I couldn't possibly accept. I believe I'll manage. Save your power." I said automatically. The refusal was second nature. Polite. The voice seemed like a busy thing, I couldn't trouble it with myself.

"All the more reason. Here, I meet the rawest form of a person. Void of memory, or history, all that is left is the core of their being. Not many are so polite as you, Player." The voice said. In its words, I conceded. "My gift is two. First, a word of advice. This world is not innocent as you think, prepare yourself for something much crueler than you've faced. Second, you will slip through the energies of world in order to arrive below. In them, you may reach out and attain a [Skill]."

The voice's word rang in my mind and I took them to heart. Preparing myself for something much worse than a stroll through a museum. I smiled ruefully. "Thank you. The advice and gift is much appreciated." I said sincerely.

"Farewell, Player. I hope you survive, kind souls such as yours are terribly needed below."