[F1-SP] Days into Nights <<The First Few Lessons>>

[Wildfire 0]

Faces in the mist…. Their eyes pleading, begging… you can't recognize them but you are so close. They see you, they know you…

 ‘Why did you abandon us?’ They shout in unison 

The mist swirls, their bodies shimmer and shift as they approach, slowly reaching their hands out. Reaching out to take hold of you, you feel your breathing catch you try to scream but nothing comes out. They are upon you now, ready to grab you, rip into you, they- 

 

Echo shoots bolt upright on the uncomfortable tavern bed in a cold sweat, breathing heavily. The curtains sway softly in the breeze from the open windows, playing tricks with the pre-dawn light against the wall. Echo moved the worn, scratchy blanket off their lap and got up to stretch. The swollen blanket left in a heap besides them, the tattered pillows had fallen off the bed during the fitful night they had. Another bad dream, another rough sleep, it was becoming more and more common these days. How long had it been since they got some good rest? It had been a while since the announcement of their Imprisonment in this game and what did Echo have to show for it? Nothing. They had heard of those people who had progressed the ranks, even heard of some of the higher floors opening up but alas they were once again in this old tavern. They could feel the self loathing taking over, though it was quickly overpowered by the sudden, and louder than expected rumbling of their stomach.

 

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WC: 258

 

Content Warning:

Spoiler

Depiction of Panic Attacks

Quest:

Spoiler

Floor 1
<<The First Lesson>>
Party Limit: 4 | 20+ Posts
Repeatable only if escorting someone who has never run the quest.
Escorts may not offer any aid, and only earn standard thread rewards.

Welcome to the First Few Lessons quest! If you're here, it's likely because you're a newcomer to the floating castle. If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to ask (post in the Discord, or create a support ticket). Please be sure to remember this important information:

• This quest can only be completed for quest rewards once. However, you may run it again if you're escorting someone who has never taken it before. You will only receive standard thread rewards, not quest rewards, for escorting another player through.

• The quest is structured in parts that introduce new players to key aspects of the system, but can be undertaken at any time.  It does not need to be your first quest.

• The requirements for the quest are per person. Each person must meet the demands themselves. For example, if four people take the quest together, each participant must perform the requirements of each part.. While you may roleplay helping your companions, you may not mechanically offer any aid to reach those requirements.  

• Escorting players are not required to complete the quest requirements.  Their role is to be mentors and provide moral support.

Quest Rewards:
Remember: these rewards are given to all participants completing the quest for the first time. They are in addition to the standard thread rewards. Be sure to track your potions somewhere (a spreadsheet, your journal, etc.).

• 800 Experience Points (Each)
• 2,000 Col (Each)
• Zackariah’s Special Draught (Each)
  • A ruddy-colored drink mixture that looks like it definitely came out of an apprentice alchemy class.
  • Tierless Perfect HP Recovery Potion)
• Initiate’s Draw (Each)
  • A mundane but reliable bit of gear provided by Lyle Tealeaf for services rendered.
  • T1 Perfect [Weapon of Choice], [Armor of Choice] or [Trinket of Choice] - type and standard enhancements (i.e. no unique enhancements) must be specified in thread closing.
• Big Bertha Braciole (Each)
  • A restorative fish entrée that helps restore some spent vigor.
  • (5x) T1 Rare Vitality Consumable (Snack)
• Treasure Chest Contents (Each)
  • Keep all rewards found inside the treasure chest opened during Part 3 | The Third Lesson.
• POTENTIAL REWARD | Materials
  • Equal to the number of successful foraging rolls made during Part 1 | The First Lesson, if any.

Requirements:

• Must roleplay speaking to Dorian to receive the quest.
• Complete Part 1:
  • Roleplay interacting with Zackariah.
  • {Optional} partake of Zackariah’s fondue
  • Make at least 3 gathering attempts (they do not need to succeed)
  • Return to Zackariah with the materials.
• Complete Part 2:
  • Roleplay interacting with Lyle Tealeaf
  • Borrow a weapon and Bag of Tranquilizer Truffles from Lyle
  • Defeat or sedate (3) boarlets (stats found below. Can be spawned individually or as groups.)
  • Return boarlets and/or tusks to Lyle.
• Complete Part 3:
  • Roleplay meeting Pete Larkin.
  • Find a treasure chest
  • Open a treasure chest
• Roleplay returning to Dorian in downtown Tolbana and giving him Pete Larkn’s letter.

Summary:

"You there! Stop, please!" A man approaches you with long, purposeful strides. "Pardon me, but I am in need of some assistance, and you appear quite capable." Giving the NPC your attention, he heaves a quick sigh, adjusting the monocle over his right eye. "My name is Dorian, and I am the mayor of this town. As part of those mayoral duties, I issued a small loan to a member of the community a few months ago. Well, the time to collect had come around and I-" Flustered, Dorian systematically runs his fingers over his perfect moustache. 

"You see, I've forgotten who it was I loaned the money to. Terribly embarrassing, I know, but I am a very busy man, and I cannot keep track of everything that happens. I'm sure you understand." With a wave of his hand, Dorian continues, "Should you be willing to track down the loan recipient for me, and collect the col, I would be eternally grateful. Just, maybe don't let anyone else know I forgot who the loan went to?"

Upon acceptance of the quest, Dorian nods. "Excellent, I knew I could count on you! You might start with Zackariah, the alchemist. He's often doing projects for the town, so it may have been him that borrowed the money."

The player(s) will be sent to aid various NPCs around Tolbana, starting with Zackariah, then Lyle Tealeaf, and finally Pete Larkin.  Each will require a task or service to be performed which will help introduce you to various aspects of the system, and provide some basic tools to help get started you on your adventures in Aincrad.

Outline:

PART I | THE FIRST LESSON
As you enter Zackariah’s shop, you are met with shelves and shelves of colorful potions in various vials and jars. 

“Oh, hello," comes the distracted greeting from behind the counter. A man with a long, snow-white beard glances up from a bubbling cup of sweet-smelling purple liquid. "Are you here to order something? I’m sorry, but I am currently swamped with orders, and I’m running out of supplies.” Light comes into the man's dark eyes, a lightbulb going off to signify a brilliant idea. “Would you gather a few materials for me? Flowers, herbs, rare woods, whatever you can find outside the city walls. I promise I’ll help you fill your order as soon as you return. In fact, I would be willing to show you how to do it yourself.”

Zackariah offers each player a sample from a small bubbling pot of fondue in the back of his shop.  Those who accept are granted a +3 to their Loot Die scores for rest of the quest.  This effect counts as a consumable enhancement and will not stack with other LD consumables. Eating the fondue is optional, but requires a post action. Players must update their stats on the same post where they partake, to reflect this change. Escorts gain no benefit, but may roleplay their participation, should they desire.

After receiving your instructions from Dorian and Zackariah, head out into the wilds of Floor One and roleplay attempting to gather the necessary components.  An LD roll of 15 or higher is required to successfully find a material.  Players with the Forager profession may use their current proficiency with that skill instead.  Note that Zackariah’s fondue helps with gathering rolls, but not the foraging profession. 

After everyone has made at least 3 attempts, excluding any escorts, return to Zackariah.  Should you fail to return with any materials, he glances at you over his glasses with fatherly disappointment, but you suffer no other consequences.  Either way, he responds the same way to your queries about Dorian’s debts:

"Leave it to Dorian to forget something so important. No, I'm afraid it wasn't me that borrowed the col. You might try Lyle, the blacksmith. I've seen him talking with the mayor frequently the past month or so, and he's just up the road. I wish you luck!"

PART II | THE SECOND LESSON
The steady clang of metal on metal greets you as you enter the dimly lit shop. A man stands behind the anvil, rhythmically striking a heavy hammer against his newest project. Like Zackariah, the man sports a long white beard, and is pushing seventy years old. Unlike Zackariah, there is no warmth or gentleness in the NPC's eyes. Instead, Lyle regards you with annoyance, bordering on disgust. "I'm busy," he states tersely.

As you attempt to explain the situation or introduce yourself, he will cut you off with a wave of his leathery hand. "I don't do anything without payment. Go deal with a few of those pesky boarlets for me, and bring them back whole or else just their tusks. I don’t care which.  They're pretty weak, so even you shouldn't have any trouble.  Do that, then I'll hear you out." 

Lyle will loan each player the following, which disappear at the end of the thread:

• T1 Perfect [Weapon of Choice] | ACC 2 | DMG 1
• Bag of Tranquilizer Truffles (puts a boarlet to sleep on BD 5+, requires a post action to attempt using)

A post action is required for any player to equip the borrowed weapon, at which time they must also update their combat stats.

Each player must choose to kill and/or sedate three boarlets.  A mix of both approaches is acceptable.  Note that boarlets will become hostile and attack if you attempt to sedate them, generating 2 hate with every attempt as you taunt them with those sweet, sweet num-nums.  Sedated boarlets are not eligible to be looted.  Slain boarlets each drop a set of tusks.

When you return with your task complete, Lyle gives a curt nod of approval. "I use these on hilts," he explains simply, before setting any tusks aside. Any whole boarlets might very well be turned into dinner instead, after parting with theirs.  "Now, I'll have you know that I don't take loans from anyone, especially men the likes of Dorian White. You might try old Pete Larkin. He spends all his time fishing for river monsters or some such nonsense." With a scoff, he adds, "Without a real job, the man could probably use the charity." Lyle turns back to his work.

PART III | THE THIRD LESSON
You find the rugged old fisherman on the end of the dock, just tying off his small boat and ready to unload an assortment of traps recently retrieved from the bottom of the lake.  Like the two men you’ve just previously assisted, Pete sports a long white beard.  You can't help but think it likely that they must all be related somehow? When you explain why you're there, Pete looses a deep, hearty belly-laugh. "Yer tellin' me Mayor Dorian's taken to sending players to do his dirty work? Fine, fine, he’ll get his money, as soon as ye help me finish pulling it out of the drink!”

Pointing to his catch, you find glimpses of metal concealed amidst the traps.  It seems Pete has been pulling up more than crustaceans.

As part of a single post action, players must roll LD to search the pile of netting, traps, and goodness knows what else Pete has stashed in the back of his rickety old boat.  Repeat the roll as part of that same post until you get at least an LD of 15+ (all rolls in one post).  Each player must find their own chest. Escorts cannot find a chest in this manner, but could still do so per the normal rules, if the thread meets the requirements.  Chests found as part of the quest do not count against searching for one in the normal manner.  Note that players who partook of Zackariah’s fondue still retain their +3 bonus to LD to find their chest!

A second post is required for each player to open their chest.  Each player must roll LD and obtains treasure according to the the treasure chest table in the Site Guide and Rules.  Note that, while opening chests, only the LD bonuses from the Picking skill, Dismantling mod and key sold by the general merchant apply.  The bonus from Zackariah’s Fondue does not.

With a grin so bright it rivals the sun, Pete bestows upon you a sealed letter for Dorian, saying that its contents will more than settle his debts.  He wipes it against a stale barrel of day-old catch before handing over to you.  “That should serve Dorian right, for how he treats his debtors,” spitting into the lake to accentuate his dislike.

---

NPCs:

<<Dorian White>>
A mayor of Tolbana. A pleasant enough man, though he seems a bit absent-minded, and he's always in a hurry.
 

<<Zackariah Stroll>>
An older gentleman, and expert alchemist. He is kind, intelligent, and speaks softly.

 

<<Lyle Tealeaf>>
An old blacksmith. He's set in his ways, with a bit of a temper, and a tough exterior.
 

<<Pete Larkin>>
An old fisherman with years of experience, the aspiration of the biggest catch keeps him going.

 

---

Enemies:

 

<<Boarlet>>

They've killed more players than all of the floor bosses combined. Don't let the cuteness deceive you.

HP: 5/5 | DMG: 3

 

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Stats & Equipment

Spoiler

20HP | 20 EN | 2 DMG | 1 Mit | +1 LD (Search R1)
Uncommon Halberd - DMG mod

Uncommon Leather Armor - MIT mod
5 Starter Healing Potions

 

Edited Tuesday at 02:02 AM by Wildfire
Added Content Warning & Gear

[Wildfire 0]

I should probably go get breakfast, then a walk might do me some good. If this is how life is going to be then I guess I have to accept it at some point. Besides this was meant to be a game right? I should probably get some experience under my belt. Maybe today will be the day that I actually make something of myself. I mean what would Lo- 

Echo bites their cheek

Right breakfast first, one step at a time.

Equipping their simple leather armour they make their way down the stairs. They let out a pained creak as Echo descends, the boards long since past their expected use. The tavern was empty, this was nothing new for Echo, most had left the first floor long ago, still there was food for the hungry and beds for the weary and the hospitality shown by the bartender was good enough for what it was, though sometimes the reality of how fake it all was would creep back into Echo's mind. All of this “simulated reality” crap was doing wonders to further their derealization. 

 

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WC:184

Edited Saturday at 02:30 AM by Wildfire

[Wildfire 0]

Echo sat down at the bar and waved over the bartender.

“What can I get ya?” asked the portly man

He was tall with a large round belly, rosy cheeks and a white mustache that seemed to age the man far beyond his years. 

Echo found themself getting lost in looking at the man 

How do they get it so lifelike? It has to be the direct neural interfacing but if that is the case does that mean everyone sees the same thing? How can they portray the same image to two different people whose brains work differently? I guess this is why I didn't go into bio, too many questions. I think I might have spent my whole life spiraling down a rabbit hole. I wo-

“... uh you gonna order somethin’?” the bartender prompted

“Oh.. -eh-hm- uh yeah, sorry” Echo snapped back into reality by the bartender, their voice still lightly raspy from the early hours “I would greatly appreciate a meal, whatever you have is fine” 

The bartender looks down at Echo smiling softly with a hint of sorrow “I'll get you some broth and some bread then” 

The man walked off leaving Echo to their own devices. 

I guess I really do have to at least try to get out of here, either I am going to did from the pseudo coma that this game put us in or I'm going to die from the game. I wander, as through Lost Carcosa, and the only way out is through. 

 

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WC: 253

Edited Saturday at 02:30 AM by Wildfire

[Wildfire 0]

The bartender returns holding a shallow bowl of some indefinable broth and a loaf of stale bread 

“Let me know if you need anything else” he says as he places the plate and wrapped loaf down in front of him.

Echo nods and begins to eat, it wasn't much but this meal had kept him going this far.

The bread seems to get more stale and the broth more watery the longer I stay here. Echo thinks to themself as they eat. It was white bread, it always was. Supposedly there were other players who had fancied themselves cooks early on and ran restaurants but Echo was worried about showing up to one and having to deal with the interactions and besides, the broth here was okay. Though it really only tasted like red meat and pepper. 

I wonder if this was originally intended to be fed to the sick and dying players. Can you even get sick here? I know that there are poisons and other similar ailments but it doesn't mention sickness in the manuals I read though they definitely could still exist.

With breakfast taken care of, Echo stands from the table making sure to push the chair in as to leave as little a trace of themself as possible and walk outside. The streets of Aincrad were as dead as the night itself, not even the sun was awake yet it seemed. The only sound was the clicking of Echos boots reverberating off of the buildings, the light clicking was nice, familiar even. Though the Cobblestone thoroughfare of this place is dissimilar from the concrete sidewalks of their hometown, boots seemed to sound the same regardless as to where you walked them. If they were on a hard surface they would make the same sound regardless. 

------------------------------------------

WC: 300

Edited Saturday at 02:30 AM by Wildfire

[Wildfire 0]

A cool breeze graced Echo's cheeks sending a light shiver down their spine. The smell of cedar in the air. They walked in silence observing the shops all closed for the night, stepped aside as the NPC guards made their rounds. 

I don't really want an interaction with them, it always ends with them trying to see if you have stolen goods, while I don't carry any it is still obnoxious. I wonder if that was intentional or not. I mean if they could put so much personality into some of the other NPC's why did they have to go and make the guards so one sided? I guess with the amount of guards they would need to give backstories and personalities to it would be something of an impossible task. Still it is interesting to see the limits in the creativity of the creator. Are there other characters that are as one sided? Perhaps it is exclusive to those Characters deemed less important? Hard to say, and besides with the intricacies of the rest of this game it is probably best to give them some slack. Also, who's bright idea was it to put a brain fry chip into the headset anyways? Surely someone stopped to say “hey this is a bad idea” or something but no, instead we have to be trapped in a death game. You think they took inspiration from Saw? 

 

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WC: 235

Edited Saturday at 02:29 AM by Wildfire

[Wildfire 0]

The sun barely began to crest the horizon as Echo stepped over the threshold of the safe zone. They remembered once when the prospect horrified them, but once they noticed that the enemies here seemed to have a consistent spawning pattern they figured that it was probably safe so long as they avoided other players. No one can take your life if you don't talk to anyone.

The grass crunched softly under their boots letting up motes of dust as they walked their unmarked trail. They had made this same trek everyday for months, the small hill they enjoyed watching the sunrise on was always empty this time of day and today was nothing different. The small hill with a lonely tree sat overlooking a field. 

I remember when this field would fill up with those noble enough, or perhaps crazy enough, to shoot for the stars would train. The raining up of those shattered creatures were always so interesting to watch. I always Thought them fools, cute fools, but fools nonetheless. Though if they were fools then what would that make me? I have been sitting around waiting for help this whole time. At least they did something with their time, and look at them now, many have formed clans with other players and they continue to push forward leaving me in the dust. That could have been me, that could be me now if I just tried. Baby steps… Echo takes a deep breath reaching the small peak baby steps.

Sitting down on the peak of the hill they look out and watch as the sun turns the dark night sky into progressively lighter shades of blue. The chirping of birds begin to be heard and Echo looks up the tree to the small nest of sparrows, as they begin to wake for the day. As always, they place some of the crumbs from breakfast on the ground near the tree. They know birds aren't really supposed to eat bread but figure that this is a game and the developer probably didn't think that far ahead. Regardless the crumbs were always gone in the morning so either they despawned or they got eaten. Either way putting them out felt nice.

 

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WC: 372

Edited Saturday at 02:29 AM by Wildfire

[Wildfire 0]

Echo lay basking in the sun as the rays began the slow process of changing the temperature of the land, the warm energy bringing to life the rest of the world and with it the day started in earnest.

It is interesting that the developers made this floor so well appointed for extended living, I have heard tell of floors that are significantly less hospitable. Did they realize how many people would be stuck on the first floor unable or unwilling to progress? Perhaps that would explain it though. One would think if their goal was to encourage people to play their game to completion they would have made things more dangerous, though that might have scared off beta testers and the media. ‘Come one come all to this VR horror of death and destruction. No safety could be found here, only violence and death.’ 

 Echo chuckles

Yeah that probably would have been a bit too on the nose huh? I don't know why they wouldn't have gone for the market of those intense gamers you hear about online, they would in theory have the most drive to complete the game but from what I can remember it was all about the innovation and a fun fantasy game. Sure you would still pull from that crowd but it wouldn't be your main audience. I wonder if there are people who didn't make it that are sitting on the outside wishing they did. I can only imagine how those on the outside feel…

Echo thinks back to their parents

I have to remember their faces and keep them close. This game has already taken my community, my life, my profession, and everything else from me. I can't let them take their faces too, no matter how long I am here. I wonder if I can find an artisan who would make me pictures of them. Could I properly explain the faces to them? Would I even know if they weren't accurate? How long would it take to forget that they aren't? I hope that mom is taking good care of Archie and Dusty, I know she hates snakes though… Maybe she paid Johnny to do it, I will have to pay her back for that. 

 

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WC: 374

Edited Saturday at 02:29 AM by Wildfire

[Wildfire 0]

With a stretch and a yawn Echo stands. 

I ought to get my morning jog started, I know it doesn't really do anything but the routine is nice. 

Echo does their pre-run stretches and begins to run the familiar perimeter of the safe zone, the difference in the amount of activity would be startling to someone unfamiliar with how the NPC's of this game worked. The bustling of the village could be heard from even all the way where Echo jogged. 

I wonder if they will still go through the effort of making this town seem realistic like this when there is no one on this floor. Then again I guess there will always be people on this floor. They can't rightly move the orphanage up at all and I am sure there are those who are elderly here, content to wait for people to rescue them. Perhaps they will live out the last of their lives in this game, how would you be able to cope with that? Already in the swing of retirement, your grandchild offers you a cool new game and wanting to connect you jump in and now you might not even make it to the games completion. Not everyone's bodies can withstand this amount of paralysis for long, some people sure have died either from lack of medical care or natural causes in association with their inability to withstand it. I wonder how many died from infection to the IV sites, surely there has to be more than 0 right? People are playing this from all over the world and not everywhere has good medical services.

 

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WC: 271

Edited Saturday at 02:29 AM by Wildfire

[Wildfire 0]

The consistent padding of feet like a metronome begin to slow as Echo finishes their round. It was a good thing too, the sun was climbing into the sky. It was time to get the day started in earnest. Today would be the day, Echo was sure of it. They stood at the town entrance wait… and waiting… and waiting

Come on Echo, you can do this. One foot in front of the other. It can't be that bad right? People have taken these steps before. You have taken these steps before. You're just going into town, nothing crazy. Just going into town

Echo attempts to calm down their breathing as they stand at the threshold. Though it seems their lungs want to betray their will as the breathing picks up instead of slowing down. 

It's okay, you're okay just focus.

Echo sits down on the road, allowing themself to feel the smooth stone underneath them, focusing on their breathing they begin to calm down

That's it, deep breath, you can do this! Look at all of the other people who have succeeded… Yeah but look at all those names o-.... No! You can't think like that, The future, think of the future. You have people waiting on you. Depending on you! You have to do it for them. Maybe your help is what those on the higher floors need to make it to the end. They say every person helps, why not you?

 

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WC: 244

[Wildfire 0]

Echo stands, taking a deep breath. This was the day, it had to be. One shaky foot in front of the other, that's all it took. Step after step, into the bustling streets. Their nose was quickly assaulted by the smells of the main street, salted meats, fresh baked bread, sweet pastries being put In windowsills as the artisans began their day. Slowly but surely Echo made their way to the town square. They are stopped dead in their tracks as an NPC approaches Echo looks to them as they speak

Spoiler

 

"You there! Stop, please!" A man approaches you with long, purposeful strides. "Pardon me, but I am in need of some assistance, and you appear quite capable." Giving the NPC your attention, he heaves a quick sigh, adjusting the monocle over his right eye. "My name is Dorian, and I am the mayor of this town. As part of those mayoral duties, I issued a small loan to a member of the community a few months ago. Well, the time to collect had come around and I-" Flustered, Dorian systematically runs his fingers over his perfect moustache. 

"You see, I've forgotten who it was I loaned the money to. Terribly embarrassing, I know, but I am a very busy man, and I cannot keep track of everything that happens. I'm sure you understand." With a wave of his hand, Dorian continues, "Should you be willing to track down the loan recipient for me, and collect the col, I would be eternally grateful. Just, maybe don't let anyone else know I forgot who the loan went to?"

 

Once the man stops talking Echo takes a moment to mul over what Has been requested.

“Y-yeah I guess I can help you with that, I am not much a fan of being a debt collector though”

Spoiler

Upon acceptance of the quest, Dorian nods. "Excellent, I knew I could count on you! You might start with Zackariah, the alchemist. He's often doing projects for the town, so it may have been him that borrowed the money.

“S-sure I can do that” 

With that the man walks away

What a strange interaction, is that how all of the quests start? Being a debt collector is going to feel weird normally I am giving them the run around for Ma. Those stooges always are trying to wring people for every penny. I guess this is different because they are NPC's but it still doesn't really feel right. I guess it's what I have to do, I'll get it over with quick and then I will be on my way to the higher floors. They probably all did this quest already right? So it's not like you are harming anyone… still feels wrong though.

 

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WC: 243

[Wildfire 0]

Echo let's out a breath they didn't know they were holding and makes towards the alchemist. 

How do they predict your answers? I don't think that mayor would have done a good job of predicting my answer if I had been more firm. Perhaps they have different algorithms depending on what their purpose is? Does that mean they have a more complex algorithm if they don't have a specific assignment? That feels backwards, I guess I wasn't a software engineer for a reason.  

Echo approaches the alchemist shop, pushing through the crowded streets 

I wonder why they felt the need to populate the town as much as they did. Did the NPC's pop up as the floor became more empty to give the illusion of a bustling town? 

They stop outside to look at the various wares in the window, examining each one to see if they can determine what each of them do before walking in. A small bell dings overhead as they enter 

Spoiler

“Oh, hello," comes the distracted greeting from behind the counter. A man with a long, snow-white beard glances up from a bubbling cup of sweet-smelling purple liquid.

“Hi I'm W-”

Spoiler

"Are you here to order something? I’m sorry, but I am currently swamped with orders, and I’m running out of supplies.” Light comes into the man's dark eyes, a lightbulb going off to signify a brilliant idea. “Would you gather a few materials for me? Flowers, herbs, rare woods, whatever you can find outside the city walls. I promise I’ll help you fill your order as soon as you return. In fact, I would be willing to show you how to do it yourself.”

“O-oh sure I guess I can do that for you, i mean I have some on me”

“No, no that won't do you need to get the experience. Oh speaking of which while you are here I have some left over fondue from a previous order if you want some. It should help with your search”

“Yeah I'll try your fondue, how much do you want for it?”

“Oh don't mind a price I am just happy to be rid of leftovers and besides it's very good”

 

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WC: 255

Edited Saturday at 04:56 AM by Wildfire

[Wildfire 0]

Man these questions givers are forceful, maybe it's the programing but I wonder if there isn't some amount of resentment for those of us who stayed behind baked into the Cardinal system… you know I never really stopped to think about.

Echo looks around for something to eat the fondue with 

“Oh here is a spoon you can use”

The alchemist says passing a spoon to Echo while working at his crafting station

“Just a spoon, huh? Y-yeah that'll be fine”

I can't say I have ever eaten fondue with a spoon before… actually I don't know that I have ever had fondue before. It's cheese right? I feel like I should be putting it on something but if that's all I have and it will help with the quest then I guess it's fine

Echo begins to eat the fondue with a spoon it is good for fondue but that amount of cheese will be negatively impacted by its shear size and lack of differentiated flavors

“What do you think? Pretty good right?”

Echo does their best to disguise a grimace at the sheer amount if cheese they just ate all at once and give the alchemist a smile that doesn't quite reach their eyes

“Mmhmm it was very good thank you”

 

 

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WC: 213

Fondue Consumed +3 LD

 

New Stats

Spoiler

20HP | 20 EN | 2 DMG | 1 Mit | 4=1 LD (Search R1)  + 3 (Consumable)

 

Edited Saturday at 04:56 AM by Wildfire

[Wildfire 0]

Echo stands

“Well I will be back as soon as I can”

“You best, these potions aren't going to brew themselves”

“Y-yeah, yep I'll be right back”

Echo begins to walk back out of town, choosing a route that will avoided the mass of people in the town square. Whatever the purpose of the plethora of NPC's Echo didn't want to know the was wasn't long, though the sun was high in the sky at this point.

I guess I don't need to get lunch now, not that I think I could eat another bite without it all coming back up. That much cheese would be enough for even the heartiest of people I think. Though I could be wrong, maybe if I were… French? French people like cheese right? I've heard that English people like cheese too so maybe them? Then again there are those cheese caves in Missouri and was Fondue like the quintessential upper middle class dish in the 70's? Maybe I should be built to consume that much cheese. It would probably have been better if I had something to go with it but it felt wrong to bother Zackariah about it… that's weird right? They are an NPC it's not like they are actually filling orders or anything.

 

---------------------------------

WC: 213

[Wildfire 0]

Making it to the edge of town Echo walks out of the safe-zone and begins to search. Opening the menu they check to make sure that they did in fact take the right skill. And there it was, a lonely rank 1 search skill. It said it was passive so it should activate automatically. Closing the menu Echo took a deep breath and began putting their well trained eyes to work, hoping that they were even in the right spot for those materials to spawn.

With single minded intent Echo had Ended up mindlessly walking into the treeline, the chirping of birds and crying of cicadas creating a soft murmur in the background of their mind as they searched

You know that alchemist wasn't very clear about what I should be looking for. I guess it is something like a flower? I think that is what you would generally use in alchemy, right? I wonder if you can use the same material for every profession or if you have to find specific Material depending on the profession you have chosen. I mean it would m-

A twinkling light as though a glare from a camera lens catches Echo's eyes. Their head snaps over to it, hoping to not lose the moment

Ah-ha! There is one! 

They bend over the small daisy-like flower to Inspect it. The flower's blue/purple pedals give way to a stem far too green to be anything natural. 

So it is, like, an actual flower as though the game knew I was looking for alchemy supplies. That's good to know! Still leaves my question from earlier open though. I will have to ask one of the more experienced shop owners how that works. Oh! Yeah! That's what I'll do

They reach down and as delicately as possible pick the lone flower, taking care to put their fingers at the base of the stem. The stem breaks with a light popping sound as they go to pick the flowers 

I'll go to a blacksmith and order something and then just drop a bunch of flowers on the table as payment!

Echo chuckles As they picture the scene. Unfocused on the world around them as they stand and start their search anew.

Oh no, no I don't think I could actually do that i will leave busting into a shop to pay with non-standard goods to the bold. I wonder if I could pay someone to do that? Maybe that is the move, then I don't have to do the thing myself… but if it goes poorly I'll feel horrible so maybe I will just stick to wondering about it.

They stop dead in their tracks as they see in the distance, having not noticed the lone player or perhaps not being close enough to warrant fleeing, a lonely deer stopping at a bush to seemingly eat. Echo slowly lowers themself to the ground. 

Do you think that it is programmed to act the same way as a deer would in real life? Perhaps if I take it slow I can find out.

-----------------

WC: 514

ID: 237249

LD 15 (+1 T1 Mat) = 11 Roll + 3 Consumable + 1 skill

Edited Tuesday at 01:23 AM by Wildfire

[Wildfire 0]

Man this reminds me of when my old man took me hunting for the first time. The cold night air nipping at my skin, the soft crunch of autumn leaves under our boots, mine far too big for my feet had been stuffed with socks to keep in body warmth. The air nipped at us with the tinge of winter, biting playfully at my face that was not quite covered by my scarf. I wasn’t old enough to use a gun yet so my pa gave me binoculars so I had something to do while I was out there. Sometimes I wonder if that was actually a test of patience. The long morning hours watching the sun come up trying to keep movement and noise to as much of a minimum as possible. We never did see one, not that day or that trip, my young mind didn’t take kindly to sitting still for long hours. Is it possible that I alone scared the deer away but my pa wasn’t much for being strategic about where to put the blind. 

Echo walks slowly toward the deer doing their best to not make too much noise as they approach. The deer suddenly snaps its head up and makes eye contact with Echo. A moment passes and the deer begins to slowly walk away.

Should I follow it? Maybe it will lead me to more materials, I think I probably need to wait to harvest from here again, or is that how this works? I know games like Runescape worked that way but that technology was far past. 

Echo follows the deer for a spell getting ever closer while they walk, as they do Echo does their best to keep their eye out for some more materials, almost stepping on one as they walk. 

“Oh, sorry little guy I almost overlooked you. I hope you don’t mind helping me out today”

Echo smiles at the small shimmering tulip as they bend over to pick it up, doing their best to take as much of the plant as they can while leaving enough that it might grow back.

 

------------------

WC: 355

ID: 237251

LD 22 (+1 T1 Mat) = 18 Roll + 3 Consumable + 1 skill

Edited Tuesday at 01:44 AM by Wildfire

[Wildfire 0]

Doing their best to keep track of the deer they continue to walk deeper into the woods. A moment passes over them where they worry about how far into the wild they are, not having been this far from the safe zone in their whole time being in this game. 

Deep breaths Echo, deep breaths. You have your halberd if something comes for you. You used to be so competent at games, and yeah your life wasn’t in danger back then… 

Echo grips their chest as it begins to feel tight, their breathing picking up involuntarily, their eyes begin darting around as they slow their pace. The quick movements of their being driving the deer off, they listen to the picking up hoof beats as it runs.

I… I’m alone… I-I need to get back to the safe-zone. I-I Cant, I have too…

The forest begins to take on  a darker cast, the feeling of the trees closing in around them blocking paths out becomes suffocating. Echo approaches the nearest tree, their back hits it and they slide down, wrapping their arms around their needs. The shadows become increasingly imposing. 

Something to do, I need something to do. M-Maybe there will be another thing to pick, I can focus on that and then maybe I can use the completed quest as a way back home

Shakily the try to look around but the tiers that cloud their vision make finding something impossible.

I shouldn’t have come out here, I should have stayed in the safe-zone. I don’t think I was actually cut out for this. And now what? I am stuck in the woods. Alone.

--------------

WC: 275

ID: 237252

LD 10 (Failure) = 6 Roll + 3 Consumable + 1 Skill

Edited Tuesday at 03:03 AM by Wildfire

[Wildfire 0]

The thing about panic attacks is that you aren’t in there forever. They come and go, eb and flow, and like they are tend to do, once you ride them out they are over. The same can be said for Echo who, while shaken and unsteady, brings it upon themself to stand. With shaky breaths they turn in the direction they believe the safe zone to be, putting one foot in front of the other. They walk so that they are close to the trees keeping one hand on the closest tree when possible, anything to maintain grounding. As they walk they keep their eyes to the ground, trying to pick up on any kind of shimmer, anything to latch onto. 

“There has to still be something around here I only need like one more to finish this quest and I can call it. I guess that will be the determining factor. If I can find something I will know if it was 

worth it. I just need one more.”

Echo searches as they continue walking but seemingly in vain as they make their way through the woods. The sun no longer visible in the sky above them 

Its not that late right? Surely I still have time. If night falls there will be no way for me to get home, I might have to stay out here. What if- No I can't think that I have to push on I can't be that far out

---------------

WC:246

ID: 237253

LD 14 (Failure)= 10 Roll + 3 Consumable + 1 Rank

Edited Tuesday at 03:03 AM by Wildfire

[Wildfire 0]

The hours passed as Echo walked through the forest. It was hours before they realized they might be able to check a map. Feeling silly for the panic earlier they swipe their hand in the air and orient themself. 

Alright, see it will be okay you just have to take your time and think it through.

Echo takes a deep breath and begins on the new path towards the safe-zone.

“I hope that this is will get me answers to this quest, could you imagine if this quest had like four parts that will increasingly put me in danger or potentially take a significant portion of time that while being in earnest very useful to new players make this significantly longer than one might want to have for a tutorial? Pssshh that won't happen.”

Echo chuckles to themself and puts their eyes to the ground as they try to find that final material as they walk. Though still it seems that the materials are too elusive for their eyes to find even with the bonuses from that cheese they ate earlier. 

I will probably need to get dinner when I get back to town. I wonder if they still will have rooms… actually I am sure they will. I am generally the only person who stays there anyway. That is the nice thing about lower quality taverns, sometimes they are empty.

----------------

WC:231

ID: 237329

LD 11 (Failure) = 6 (Roll) + 3 (Consumable) + 1 (Search)

Edited Tuesday at 03:03 AM by Wildfire

[Wildfire 0]

It was longer than they would have liked but soon they saw the familiar edge of the safe-zone across a field. Echo lets out a sigh of relief as they walk the length of the clearing. 

“This is it Echo, you either find the last material or you call it here.” 

They stop and take a seat in the field, absorbing the air as it tends towards the cold of night, a cool breeze taking full advantage of the clearing brushes against their skin. Allowing themself to feel the calmness of their surroundings they look around, and as though the game hears their need a shimmering clover reveals itself. Swaying slightly in the breeze. 

“Hi friend! Thank you for showing yourself.” 

Echo says as they approach it. 

“I am going to need to use your parts for alchemy. I really appreciate your contribution”

Echo picks the clover from the soil, cradling it

“Well I guess I have my answer” 

They turn toward the city and begin walking. The day may be ending but the journey was just beginning.

--------------

WC:178

ID: 237330

LD 22 (+1 T1 Mat) = 18 (Roll) + 3 (Consumable) + 1 (Search)

Edited Tuesday at 03:03 AM by Wildfire

[Wildfire 0]

Echo let out a breath they didn’t know they were holding as their feet touched the cobbled streets of the Town of Beginnings. They watch the ever-deadening streets as they traverse, the masses all returning to their homes as the day turned into night. Shops were closing up, merchants sure they would not have any more sales this day. Echo picked their pace up slightly, a bit worried that Zackariah would be doing similar and they would miss their chance.

As they approached the store they were relieved to see that while the alchemist was closing up they had not closed their shop yet. The bell rings lightly as they enter the shop. 

“Ah you have returned! How was your hunting?"
Zackariah asks as he regards Echo

“It was, perhaps more fraught then I would have liked but I did it.”

“Oh well I am sorry to hear that it gave you trouble” Zackariaha says giving Echo a warm smile “You know what? I think I have what I need actually why don’t you go ahead and hold on to those”

“A-Ah yeah, I guess I can do that. I appreciate it.” Echo says fidgeting slightly “I actually came in earlier to ask you a question. I was sent by Mayor Dorian. Apparently he lent someone money and they haven’t paid it back yet. I was told it might be you or that you might know who it was.”

“Oh if that was all why didn’t you just tell me?” He says chuckling

Spoiler

"Leave it to Dorian to forget something so important. No, I'm afraid it wasn't me that borrowed the col. You might try Lyle, the blacksmith. I've seen him talking with the mayor frequently the past month or so, and he's just up the road. I wish you luck!"

Echo holds back a sigh and gives the man a half-hearted smile

“Okay, well, thanks for your help”

“Not a problem, enjoy your night”

Echo turns to leave, walking out with as much passion as when they entered. 

YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME they think as they get far enough away from the man to make sure that their facial expressions would not be associated with the interaction.

FINE but it will have to be a task for tomorrow because I am not dealing with this tonight. Plus they are probably closed anyways.

 

--------------------------

WC: 348

Edited Tuesday at 09:19 PM by Wildfire