The Great Hall was immense. Nate had expected it to be impressive. But he hadn’t been prepared for the raw scale of the place.
Like the room he had entered through, the ceiling towered high above, graceful buttresses of stone and wood reaching holding back the sky. He could make out the swooping forms of what he assumed to be birds in those rafters, though the distance was so impressive that it was impossible to see them in detail.
Past the entryway, the room sprawled out to either side for an impossible distance, and the large crowd, hundreds at least, filled only a small portion of the available space. The white stone of the floor, inlaid with intricate geometric patterns, reflected light that poured in from the far wall, where a series of large archways looked out on the open air, unobstructed by glass. Cool air and brilliant sunlight washed across the assembly. Through the openings, Nate could see a city. The sight sent a flutter through his chest.
The Grand Cathedral must have been situated on a hill, for from his vantage in the Great Hall Nate was looking down over a vast complex of buildings. Few of the buildings were taller than two or three stories, but they were neatly arranged in a spiraling pattern that stretched out from a central point. At that center stood a slender obelisk, a pillar of white stone that stretched towards the heavens. It towered over the city, yet strangely seemed to cast no shadows, letting the dazzling sunlight reflect off the surrounding buildings, the same white stone as the obelisk, making the whole scene glitter as though jeweled. The sky was the picturesque, deep blue of an oil painting, marred only by the occasional fluff of cloud that shone with the same dazzling white as the city below. In the distance, Nate could see mountains framing the scene in every direction, giving the impression that the city itself lay in a sheltered bowl, protected from whatever mysteries might lie in wait in the wider world.
It was a beautiful view, a city unlike anything Nate had laid eyes on before. Granted, he had only been in the world for 23 years. But he had traveled more than most. It wasn’t the biggest city he had seen, nor, perhaps, even the most impressive. But there was a vibrancy there, a glamour cast by the play of light on the pure white of the stone and the vivid blue sky clinging to the mountains that left him in a state of wonder.
Still gaping, Nate did his best to shake away his awe and focus. It was still a city. That meant, like any city, it would have its back alleys, its dark corners, and its shady inhabitants. He could not let himself be lulled into a false sense of security. There were people here. Some of them might not be people, in the technical sense, but his brief encounter with Grundar left him inclined to believe that, human, orc, or anything in between, the diverse beings of this Universe were fundamentally the same. Where there were people, there was danger. And opportunity.
The crowd was a murmuring, restless mass, and there was a tension to the air that made it clear that some had been waiting for a while. Despite the available space to spread out, most people were pushed together near a raised dais that sat beneath one of the open archways, framed by the sky behind it. The dais was currently empty. Nate was grateful he was in the back. He used the space to experiment a bit. He had been surprised when the text has appeared above Grundar’s head, identifying the orc by name, race, and level. Scanning over the crowd, he discovered that it wasn’t an isolated incident. If he focused on an individual for a few moments, a similar row of text would appear, floating in his vision above his target’s head. It was not instantaneous but required a few seconds of unbroken staring. It might have come off as a bit creepy if it weren’t for the fact that he could see many others clearly engaged in the same activity. At least, that’s what he hoped they were doing.
As the last stragglers entered, the tension in the hall rose, impatience building. Nate didn’t know what they were waiting for, but the sense that something was about to happen was palpable. Fortunately, he didn’t have to wait long.
The air was shattered by the ringing of horns as, with great pomp and ceremony, a man ascended to the dais. And what a man he was.
The man was tall and broad, with a flowing mane of dark, shoulder-length hair framing a chiseled face. He was resplendent, in shining plate armor engraved with intricate floral patterns along the shoulders and breast plate. A heavy looking broadsword hung at the man’s waist, and despite the heavy metal encasing him the man moved with a fluid grace.
Nate glanced down at his own armaments, his vest of plain leather and the dagger on his belt. If he were forced into a fight with the man on the dais, he doubted he would last more than a few heartbeats before being slashed in half. Nate’s own blade was perhaps seven inches long. He doubted it would even scratch that plate armor.
As he studied his armor and weapon, his brow furrowed in confusion. He shifted his weight around, testing.
When he had first put on the vest and dagger, he had not been comfortable with them. The vest was too stiff, hindering his movement, and the dagger had felt like it was in the way. That discomfort was gone now. The vest seemed molded to his body, moving easily with him. Only the two coin purses pressed against his chest prevented him from completely forgetting he wore the armor.
Before Nate had time to consider it further, his thoughts were interrupted by a booming voice.
“Greeting, Travelers, and welcome to Farandway!” The man on the dais called out in a melodious baritone, sweeping his hair back with a flourish and smiling down at the crowd of onlookers. He paused, as though waiting for applause, but only silence followed. The man proceeded on.
“Today you stand in the Great Cathedral of the city of Dawn, also known as the First City. Many of you come from established factions and may have been preparing for this moment all your life. You may think you know what to expect. Despite that, I warn you to pay close attention as I speak today. Farandway is a realm governed by strict rules, and inattention or overconfidence may lead you to disaster. Others are from the far reaches of the Affiliates, or perhaps even from newly Affiliated worlds. I am Terral, Captain of the Dawn Guard. It is my duty to ensure that you, Farandway’s newest citizens, have a firm foundation for building your new life here.”
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The man paused again, and the ground fell into quiet murmurs. Despite the armor and title of Captain, this Terral did not have the bearing of any soldier that Nate had ever seen. His voice was ringing and theatrical, as though the dais he stood upon was a stage and the armor a costume. He gave the crowd a wide, artificial smile.
“As many of you already know, the population of Farandway is carefully maintained. Whenever that population falls below a critical threshold, new recruits are summoned from all Affiliated worlds to replenish our numbers. The five hundred assembled here are only the latest in a long, proud tradition. The city of Dawn has been here since Farandway’s first days to welcome these new recruits, a haven where you may train and build your skills before entering the wider world.”
Nate focused intently as the man spoke. As he did, the now familiar text appeared above his head.
{Terral, Captain of the Dawn Guard Class: Unknown Race: Human}
Nate noted the absence of information about the Captain’s class and level. He didn’t know for sure why that was, but guessed it had something to do with the man being too many levels above him for Nate to identify him.
After another dramatic pause, the man continued.
“This city and the surrounding valley are an established safe zone, protected from all beings, whether sapient or monster, above level 10. That is not to say there is no danger here. Within the valley reside many deadly beasts, forbidden ruins, and even the occasional dungeon. There are also treasures to be found.”
The man’s smile widened still further as the crowd fell to murmuring again, this time excitedly. Nate felt more dread than excitement. Treasure was well and good. He was a great fan of treasure, in fact. But the mention of monsters had sent a chill down his spine.
“Be patient, be diligent, and grow your strength. Find trustworthy companions. When you feel yourself ready, you may venture into the world beyond this valley. That is when the Games truly begin!”
With a consummated wave, the man motioned to wide opening behind him and the distant mountains beyond the city.
“Farandway is a beacon at the very heart of the Affiliated Worlds. The power the realm generates makes life as we know it possible. Yet that power needs tending. Left unchecked, crystals of wild, raw energy form and grow. If these crystals are not dealt with, they become a cancer, stealing the very lifeblood of Farandway and threatening to destabilize the very order of the cosmos.”
The excited murmuring shifted as some in the crowd began turning to their neighbors with dark, knowing looks. Nate had no idea what any of this meant, but it was obviously well understood by most of his fellow Travelers.
“Fortunately for us all, the ancient seers who created this place, in all their wisdom, devised a solution. Volunteers from across the Affiliated Worlds are brought into Farandway’s unique System, tasked with finding these crystals, the Jewels of Farandway, before they begin to fester. As the newest Travelers, all of you are now a part of that glorious tradition, making sure your loved ones back home can continue to life safe, happy lives.”
Nate’s eyebrows rose at this pronouncement. Volunteers? He didn’t remember volunteering for anything. The man continued.
“Many opportunities for gain and glory exist across the expanse of Farandway. But the retrieval of the jewels forms the heart of the Games of Farandway. Any who succeed in collecting one of these jewels may bring it to the High King’s palace in the city of Lanivar, Capital of Farandway, to receive a rich reward. Any Traveler who retrieves three of the jewels may ask a boon of the King, a prize beyond value. Finally, any Traveler who succeeds in acquiring five jewels will earn a private audience with the High King himself and earn that most coveted of all prizes. They may return home!”
The Captain paused again, and for the first time he got the cheers he had been waiting for. The crowd erupted in excitement. Feet thundered on stone and fists crashed on shields. Though not everyone seemed so jubilant. Nate noticed several figures in the crowd who had not joined in, and some were exchanging knowing looks.
For his part, Nate wasn’t sure how to feel about this latest news. It was true he was not here by choice. But that didn’t necessarily mean he wanted to go back. Not right away, at least. The last few months had been a daily struggle, and even within the last week the noose had started to feel like it was tightening around his neck. A few months in a decidedly unreachable location might prove to be more of a boon than any the King could offer.
“You will surely learn more in the coming days and weeks.” Terral called, quieting the crowd. “For now, you should find a place to rest. For those with permanent factions in the city, you should have no time finding your kindred. For the rest, there are many fine inns throughout the city to choose from. If you have neither the backing nor the coin for these options, all are also welcomed at the Traveler’s Retreat, where lodging and training facilities are available free of charge, all funded by the generosity of the High King.”
There was a smattering of chuckles in the crowd at that comment.
“Once night falls, there will be a welcoming celebration at the city center, under the Pillar of the Dead God.” Terral gestured casually towards the city, indicating the direction of the incredible Obelisk. “Remember, violence will not be tolerated within the boundaries of the city. The City Guard is constantly on patrol, and they will quickly and efficiently end any conflicts.”
The Guard Captain’s eyes hardened, and for the first time his jovial, performative demeanor fell away. He stared at the crowd with the gaze of a raptor in flight sighting a mouse. The crowd stilled. Nate swallowed a sudden lump in his throat.
Then the moment passed, and the smile returned.
“With that said, let me again welcome you and wish you all the best of luck! I look forward to seeing you at tonight’s celebration. If you follow the path, you will quickly find yourself in the city. Let the games begin!”
Without pausing, the Guard Captain turned sharply and exited the dais before marching smartly toward the far end of the Great Hall.
The crowd stood frozen for a moment, caught off guard by the sudden departure of their presenter. Then, with a sluggish heave, the mass started to move, shuffling slowly in the same direction the Captain had exited.
Nate shadowed the crowd, deep in thought as he cataloged his questions. If he was going to survive here, without the background that many of his peers clearly possessed, he was going to need information. He needed to find a base of operations where he could take stock and rest in safety. He needed to test his new stats to determine what, if any, differences he could detect from his baseline. He needed to find food and supplies, as well as figure out how far the money he had on hand would go.
First and foremost, he needed to find somewhere he could purchase a needle and thread. His clothing was serviceable, but there was a critical shortfall that needed to be rectified immediately.
He needed pockets.