Adam felt like his body was floating, weightless through a blackness so dark that he wasn’t sure he was able to see anymore. A small light appeared ahead of him and without willing it, his body moved forward. As he got closer the light grew bigger and bigger. He moved faster and faster until the light was so bright that it was as blinding as the darkness. Then he felt a rush of air and a small pop in his ears.
When he opened his eyes, that he hadn’t realized he’d closed, he was standing on a small grassy hill. That was it, just a hill with bright green grass, that happened to be surrounded by utter darkness. It was like a small little island in the middle of space. He couldn’t tell where the light source was coming from, but the hill was lit up nicely. There was even a small breeze that made the blades of grass dance slightly. A small ball of golden light about the size of his hand floated out of the darkness. As it got closer Adam could see that it wasn’t a ball of light at all, but a small humanoid figure with wings. It wore a golden dress that sparkled with every movement.
A pixie? Adam thought. He smiled to himself. It all felt so real. He could smell the grass. He could feel the breeze on this skin. He was part of this world.
“Hi, nice to meet you,” said the small figure that was now floating in front of Adam’s face. Its voice was high to the point that it was almost comical. “My name is Himoka and I’ve been sent here to welcome you to Ethera.”
Adam looked at Himoka and asked, “So, you’re like Guide from the nexus?” Adam knew a tutorial when he saw one.
Himoka did a quick backflip leaving a trail of golden sparkles in her wake.
“Exactly! I was created to imitate Guide’s functions in the world of Ethera. Shall we get started?”
“Sure,” said Adam.
“Perfect, if you look up you’ll notice a timer. This is the time remaining before the birth of the world.” Adam looked up to see a timer counting down. The numbers were made of millions of little stars making the dark sky look like a beautiful galaxy. It currently had an hour and forty-five minutes remaining. “Once the timer ends you will be able to join the world. If you joined with others in the same nexus room they will start at the same starting location as yourself. And if you finish creating your character before the countdown timer expires you will be sent into rest-mode until the birth of the world. Now for a little bit of magic!”
Himoka flew in a wide circle around the hill. As she moved the golden glitter rained down all around. It created a perfect circle that encompassed the hill and Adam watched as the glittering light touched the grass. A ring of golden light formed together where the light had touched the grass swirling like molten gold. Five intricate golden mirrors rose from the swirling light as Himoka came to land on Adam’s shoulder.
Adam walked over to the first mirror. As he got close he saw what this was all about. Instead of himself standing in the mirror there was an image of a man about four feet tall with long pointed ears and deep purple eyes staring back at him. Its skin color changed slowly from midnight dark to light brown before his eyes. The figure before him had short hair that changed from blue to green to white just as the skin color. Then the body type changed from a very clear male to an androgynous figure then to a very clear female form. Before Adam could ask a question Himoka spoke again confirming Adam’s suspicions.
“These five mirrors depict the five races of Ethera new inhabitants may choose from. Here you can see the possible choices of looks, body type, and attributes. These are known as the Rinklin. They are small in stature, but make up for it in speed and cunning. They also have a natural tendency to lean toward shadow and time magic as they were born from the aftermath of a war between shadow and time itself in the form of Draskkal the shadow beast and Elyssa the time goddess.”
Adam had more questions then he possibly had time for. He looked up to see that he only had an hour and thirty minutes remaining. This was one of the most important choices he could make. His race could determine everything. His mind was racing, but he tried to stay focused.
“Can I see more information on them?” he asked.
“Certainly, all you have to do is focus on the image of the Rinklin in front of you.”
Race:
Rinklin
Starting Attributes:
Str: 4
Dex: 7
Int: 7
Vit: 3
Wis: 4
Description:
Small and fast the Rinklin excel at ranged combat and magic with some expertise in small melee weapons. They have a natural propensity toward time and shadow magic.
So, pretty much the same information Himoka gave me. I wonder what exactly the attributes effect.
“Can you tell me what the attributes do?” He’d need this information to make the best decision.
“Of course!,” she said next to his ear. She flew in front of him and floated there looking thoughtful for a moment before she came close to Adam’s face and tapped him on the forehead. A screen appeared in front of him.
Strength:
Determines how strong one is physically. This means how hard one can hit with melee weapons, how much one can lift, and can affect the power of certain abilities pertaining to strength. It will also help one to learn higher level strength based skills.
Dexterity:
Determines how accurate and powerful ranged weapons are along with one’s ability to react to certain situations. This attribute will also affect speed. It will affect one’s power of certain abilities pertaining to Dexterity. It will also help one to learn higher level dexterity based skills.
Intelligence:
Determines the power of many offensive spells and allows for the ability to learn higher level spells. It also increases maximum mana.
Vitality:
Increases maximum health points, and also increases health regeneration. If your health points reach zero then you die, and are never allowed to return.
Wisdom:
Increases mana regeneration and the effectiveness of healing and other beneficial magic. This will also increase magical defenses. Wisdom also increases mana regeneration. If you run out of mana you will be unable to cast spells or use abilities.
Warning: Upon leveling up each race will receive +1 to all attributes and +5 points to spend as they choose. Due to attribute gain race choices should be based off of the new inhabitants preference not solely numbers.
Okay, so this seems pretty straight forward, Thought Adam. A healer would want a mix of wisdom, intelligence, and vitality. A fighter type would want a lot of strength, some dexterity, and vitality. An offensive mage would probably pump a lot of points into intelligence and probably nothing else because they like to do those kinds of things.
He knew he wasn’t interested in this race though. It wasn’t his style to sneak around or use a bow although he did like the idea of shadow and time magic.
He moved on to the next mirror a few feet away. This one showed himself as he remembered it from the morning before his accident. The clothes he wore seemed to fit the setting. He had on some plain looking leather jerkin, some tan leather pants, and boots. He looked down at himself and noticed he was actually wearing the same thing the mirror showed. Then the image slowly started to change in height, hair color, skin tone, and gender just as the Rinkling had.
Damn, he thought, I make a pretty woman.
“These are the Humans of Ethera. They are a race that does not excel in any one attribute, but instead are able to adapt to whatever their situation calls for. They are able to take on any class without restriction as long as requirements are met.”
Ah, the old favorite. Human. It wasn’t Adam’s first choice, but he did like the idea of not having a restriction on class.
“Can you tell me what classes are available? And what kind of professions are there in Ethera?”
“Do you know what a class is?” Adam nodded and Himoka continued. “You will be able to choose a class specific to you at level five based on the skills you decide to train. You will have a choice of three classes based on your accomplishments and skills upon reaching level five. You will then upgrade your class throughout your journey or even change it completely depending on the circumstances. You may also learn one profession which will level separately from your skills and class, but you may replace your profession at any time and start from level one. I am sorry, but I am unable to reveal what classes or professions you may choose from. It is for you to discover as that is part of the adventure.”
Hmmm, that might make things a bit more difficult.
He focused on the image of himself for a moment and the description appeared.
Race:
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Human
Starting Attributes:
Str: 5
Dex: 5
Int: 5
Vit: 5
Wis: 5
Description:
Humans are known to be the most adaptable of all the races of Ethera. They are unrestricted in their choices of paths or professions as long as they meet the requirements. They are Jacks of all trades until they choose to master one.
Adam moved to the next mirror. This one gave Adam pause as he got close. The figure before him looked to be made of glass with swirling pink smoke inside of it. It was humanoid in shape, but that was where the similarities ended. As he watched the swirling smoke within was the only thing that changed color.
“These are known as Elementals of Ethera. They are masters of elemental magic be it destructive lightning, burning fire, or healing earth. The Elementals start in a shell as you see here, but over time they are able to form bodies themselves. Until such time, if the shell is broken, they will dissipate.”
So, there are hints at least to what classes might be available. This one makes it seem like elemental mages are a thing, the Rinklins seem like assassins, rangers, or some sort of time or shadow mage. I’ll have to think about this. But first I need to see the Elementals stats.
Race:
Elemental
Starting Attributes:
Str: 3
Dex: 4
Int: 8
Vit: 5
Wis: 5
Description:
Elementals are the highest order of magic users in the world of Ethera. They are a force to be reckoned with on and off the battlefield. After reaching the peak of their abilities they are able to leave their shell behind and take on their true forms. Magic has become uncommon in Ethera as have the elementals over the last thousand years. However, they seem to be resurfacing all around the world.
Adam moved to the fourth mirror. Before him stood a massive figure with skin that looked like still lava. Two twisting black horns protruded from the top of its smooth head. It had to be at least seven feet tall without the horns. It smiled at Adam with sharp teeth and tapped on the glass with its sharp fingernails. A thin hairless tail whipped around it. He was startled slightly by this and moved back a step. Slowly the form began to morph as the others did. It lost considerable height and morphed into a famine devilish figure as its skin tone changed to a brighter red.
“These are known as the Overlords of Ethera. They excel at both physical combat and demonology. Their race was born for war and they enjoy nothing more than a good fight: win or lose. Their main attributes are strength and intelligence.”
Demonology, that sounds pretty good. They look sturdy too.
He focused on the image.
Race:
Overlord
Starting Attributes:
Str: 7
Dex: 5
Int: 7
Vit: 4
Wis: 2
Description:
Overlords are rumored to be spawned from the blood of demons. They are a race that revels in battle be it through their massive physical strength or their monstrous companions from the depths of the underworld. Sporting high strength and intelligence they are a foe that nobody wants to meet on the battlefield.
Adam looked up at the floating countdown above him again. He had an hour and ten minutes left. Without further hesitation he stepped to the last mirror. The figure in the mirror looked once again like Adam in everything except for the skin. The man in the mirror instead had skin that looked like it was made of crystal. It had a pale blue hue to it. As he watched the skin changed from blue to red, and then to green.
“This race,” said Himoka, “are known as Gemstones. They are able to make their skin as hard as stone and focus on defensive and beneficial magic for themselves and the people around them.”
Adam waited a moment for the description window to pop up.
Race:
Gemstone
Starting Attributes:
Str: 5
Dex: 3
Int: 3
Vit: 7
Wis: 7
Description:
Gemstones are protectors at heart. They covet their friendships and family as a dragon covets its horde. They will protect at all cost, and help their companions through beneficial and healing magic. Though they are scarce they are considered to be the most neutral of all the races welcomed in any city and any land.
Adam walked back to the middle of the small hill and sat down. He looked up at the timer. He had an hour to decide and make his character. He still had so many questions, and Himoka seemed reluctant to answer most things. He needed to know what situation he and Josh would be put into so that he could make use of it. The little pixie still sat on his shoulder in silence seemingly waiting on him.
“Himoka, can you tell me what Ethera is like?” He had to get as much information as he could. This seemed like the best place to start.
Himoka seemed to perk up at the question. “The world of Ethera was once full of wonder and magic. For thousands of years monsters, magic, and mystery made the world turn. Slower than anyone, even a god, could see the world began to lose its magic. Monsters started vanishing, magic began to fade, and finally the gods were gone. The world became a mere husk of its former self.
“The people of Ethera forgot what their world once was. That is until She awoke. She is a being that even gods feared. Something so ancient that it is incomprehensible. She had been gathering her power, draining the magic from Ethera for millenia. Many would see this as malicious, but they would be mistaken. She was once nothing more than an observer. But as the people of Ethera grew some ascended into gods. These gods would have never known of her existence, but even beings of unimaginable power can grow lonely. She revealed herself to the pantheon and their jealousy was instant. They wanted her power. With tricks and treasures they stole her power and locked her away, unable to destroy her even weakened.
“Betrayed by the people she loved she was struck with pain beyond comprehension. She turned in on herself, in her prison, disconnected from everything. Unknowing, even to herself, she pulled the power back into herself. The jealous gods had created her prison too well, and by the time they realized what was happening they could no longer release her. They perished over thousands of years slowly draining away.
“It is now that she has finally woken. With her again comes life and death, magic and monsters, might and horrors. However, the people of Ethera will not be alone this time. They will have visitors from far away to help them. They will have you.
“The planet itself has an array of terrain, monsters, dungeons, treasure, and magical items. Some even say there are gods who survived. Ethera is also home to hostile kingdoms and war. It is not a place for the faint of heart, but one for the adventurous soul.”
Adam nodded to himself. He thought he understood. She was the woman in the crystal. He still had some questions though. “When did She wake up?”
“Last week,” said Himoka. She smiled and flew around my head.
Well, thought Adam, that’s really going to mess up people’s week.
“Is there PvP in Ethera?”
“Yes, there is player versus player combat in Ethera. Players are able to establish kingdoms so they must be able to protect them as well. There are also safe-zones which will be announced when entering.”
So, pvp and city ownership. A little more information. Something small and hard to hit would be good, but I don’t think it’s worth the stats for my style. I most likely won’t be able to pick a skin color that will blend in with all of the terrain. If I know Josh he’ll be going with Gemstone or Overlord. Maybe something to compliment that. Overlord seems like a decent choice, but without knowing the classes or professions it’s difficult. I think it might be best just to keep myself open.
“Is there a level cap?” He knew they choose classes at level five so there had to be a cap.
Himoka nodded. “The current level cap is fifty.”
Adam instantly understood. There would be ways to raise the level cap in the future. His stomach floated with butterflies as his mind raced through the potential of the world. He looked around at the few mirrors he could see while sitting. They all showed the different races sitting in a position like himself. He sighed as put his face in his hands. The hardest decision. Adam enjoyed min/maxing his characters in games. Finding the best route and making every single point and choice count for him. This world though wouldn’t be like one of his games. There were no online guides. There were no streamers he could watch. He was starting on the same playing field as everyone else. The thought excited him more than the fear of making a mistake. He finally resolved himself with a sigh and stood up. Himoka flew off his shoulders and around his head.
“Have you made a choice?” she asked.
“Yes,” he said and walked to the Human mirror.
“That’s fantastic! If you want to change your body type or appearance all you have to do is think about what you want to look like and the magic will take care of the rest. This is where my guidance comes to an end. Enjoy your adventure!” Then she flew up and burst into a thousand glittering golden stars that rained down over his head.
He looked at the mirror for a bit. He looked like himself from before except it was the most perfect version of himself that he could have imagined and he liked it. His body was that of a top professional athlete, his thick dark hair fell down to his shoulders, and his short beard looked perfectly scruffy. Blue eyes looked back at him, and he nodded to himself. Instinctively he knew what he had to do, and walked through the mirror without a moment more of hesitation.