Private Eastern Brisshal (Reaping Season I) Awakening to Ambushes, Assaults and Satisfaction

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Her eyes opened only seconds after her feet hit the ground, the feeling in her stomach slowly dissipating as she settled into the new world. The game hadn't started in any way that she had expected - the character creation had been far more realistic, far more definitive than anything else she'd ever experienced. Then had come the free fall, the literal plunging into this new world.

"Which brings me to...here. Wherever the hell here is..."


Her eyes roamed around the forest, trying to figure it out, trying to determine where in the hell the game had dropped her. Dropped her in nothing less than a flimsy shirt and weaponless. Must be a glitch. There's no way this game would actually start everyone off with nothing, and drop them in the middle of nowhere. No way. Not with how dangerous this thing is...well, if you believe the media.

She frowned as she looked around, trying to figure out what was going on. The sound of something in the distance caught her attention. The sound of fighting. A grin spread across her face as she considered the chances, dropping in on some fighting. It seemed her luck was changing for the better already.

"Looks like I get to jump right into it. The gods must be smiling down on me, or whatever there is in here for gods...Blood for the Blood Gods."


Her grin widened as she began heading in the direction of the noise, hoping to find something, anything that was more interesting than an open forest. Hoping to find something forth fighting.

Too bad for them...I'm here now, and I'll show them fear.

 
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Zelrius

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Zelrius barely managed to stop the first strike when he raised his blade horizontally. But this brigand was tenacious, if unskilled. His hand axe clanged against the red blade with a spark, bouncing the enemy's wrist up and allowing him to follow it into a swipe motion. One that cut across the adventurer's abdomen and tore away at the light-weight armor that protected Zelrius had there. "How do you like that, Bastard?" The bandit asked with a snarl.

The red head turned the blade in his hand, flipping it around, though breathing heavily. The situation wasn't dire - but perhaps he had underestimated this enemy. The Merchants had said that they'd be largely peasantry, and armed like a militia levy. He imagined rakes and small scythes, perhaps even some bows and arrows, but not a woodcutter's axe. Which, given the environment of Eastern Brisshal, and the location of Hovelis deep into this forest, was a stupid outlook.

And this one knew how to swing that weapon. A burly man in his thick, padded, stripped shirt and pants. Perhaps something of a lumberjack once that now took up arms with those that opposed the nearby village, and the merchants who took up the road from the far west to the area of the starcalled. Another small mistake, having deciding to hone the use of his right hand to give it the dexterity that his more dominant left had. Noting in his previous encounters that, even though the man usually dual wielded, he was relying on his dominant hand to do far too much of the heavy lifting.

So what'd this idiot platinum ranked adventurer do? Go and find a bandit, and leave his left-handed blade up against a nearby tree, just leaning there in the forest. Deciding to challenge this current opponent with only one blade. It was perhaps time to stop playing around so much.

With a tilted head, and focused eyes, Zelrius let the warmth of his flames flow through his body, and then begin radiating out of every pore. The air around him getting stiff, the moisture silently singing and running away. This man passed the first test, could he pass a real trial, though?

He didn't bother responding - never a fan of the trope of people talking mid fight unless it was to taunt each other, or give a moment to create distance. The last thing the normally reckless swordfighter wanted at this moment. He stepped forward, cutting down and slashing at the target.


BANDIT
❰ 109 / 170 ❱

Normal Attack
@Zelrius



-62 HP


Bandit Normal Attack| Fantasy Limit | 1348

ZELRIUS
Normal Attack (-10EN)
@Bandit



-46 HP


Bandit Normal Attacks Zelrius | Fantasy Limit | 1348

ZELRIUS
Trial By Fire (Passive) (-10EN)
@Bandit



-15 HP



Zelrius | Trial by Fire passive | 1348


Shadow has agreed to test some of the mechanics and ideas presenting in the Fantasy Limit system from Vesuvyan's Bird cages.

For Shadow Wolf, in this portion, we'll be kind of refining the idea of abilities, their budgets, as well as damage and movement on the Map. For this, Nymoria will be treated as new character in her Tutorial phase of a brand new RPG, with Zelrius acting as her Tutorial NPC/Mentor. Any and all feedback and ideas are welcome - please be nice, I am trying to make a fun experience that is fulfilling <3

Nymoria will, for this turn, be able to assess the situation and decide whether she wants to help or not. Having just spawned, she comes with no weapons, but perhaps has access to some base magic, or can move to pick up the spare sword that Zelrius left leaned up by a nearby tree. Forge your own path. We can come up with abilities and ideas for her!

In this, movement is doubled. Your character can move between adjacent hexes in any direction, though two characters cannot occupy the same space. Melee attacks will be able to be made from adjacent tiles, where as ranged attacks have a base range of two tiles away. Feel free to move and attack.

The grey tile is where the sword currently is. Picking it up would requre walking over the tile.

*This is all work in progress, i know my map is ugly pls be nice.


@Nymoria
 
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The clanging of weapons was far from what she had expected to find. A redhaired man, with what appeared to be a short blade - likely a shortsword of some sort as far as she could tell - facing off against some sort of giant with an axe that Nymoria was sure would cut him in half if it managed to get past the redhaired man's defences.

She considered helping the man - he looked like a character from a cutscene, which meant to her that he was likely a player. At the same time, however, she considered the fact that she had just dropped into the game, and had no real experience with the entire system. Considering it now, she had foolishly turned off all the auto-controls, choosing the realism option. A choice that she was starting to think might have been a mistake in the end.

"Look at you two go...one would almost think that you saw someone fight before! Hey, axe-man! He's weak on his right side, you should wide swing at it on your next attempt!"


She called out to the two as she leaned against a tree, folding her arms across her chest and smiling wickedly at them. She doubted the axe-man would listen, but what did it matter? Likely it would provide an opening for one of the two, and she'd get to see what she really wanted to see. Carnage.

A quick glance around brought her attention to something else, a blade that was nearly twin in appearance to the one being held by the redhaired man. Her smile only stretched further as she realised the man was only partially armed, either having been caught by surprise - or worse - having chosen to leave the blade aside in arrogance. Either way, it benefitted her greatly.

Subtly, she slid over and grabbed the blade, giving it a twirl before leaning back against the tree again. She had no doubts that the other two saw - but for the moment she had no desire to fight either one of them.

"How long have you two been at it anyways? And you've not yet managed to overcome each other? Sheesh, you must be as new to this as I am...that, or really, really bad at fighting. I bet red-head there is going to win this through sheer luck."


A casual glance at her nails as she held her right hand out in front of her, as if eyeing them for breaks or imperfections. She was rather enjoying this, taking the time to heckle them.


BANDIT
❰ 109 / 170 ❱



 
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Zelrius

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The newcomer made things odd. At first, Zelrius gritted his teeth, wary that it was another arrival. He took a swift step back, catching only a glance of the beastfolk that had rocked up. The basic shirt and pants was a sight all too familiar in this area. Only to look back in time for another swing. He stepped to the left, leaving a firey visage of himself and then watching as they both stopped for a moment. "Half a minute or so?" The pyromancer answered her first question. It wasn't that long, and a lot of it was trying to talk the situation down.

The Bandit listened, responding with an "Oh, yea?" And a grin as he looked to Zelrius's right side. Stepping forward just as the man raised his weapon, and getting a nice shaving of armor and skin on that side. Something that caused the redhead to practically seethe and breathe sharply through a clenched jaw. Why she would offer something like that was beyond him. But it left the man opening to, in the split second his weapon was down, his right arm raised, cleaving into that of the Bandit's own left arm, gashing into it, leaving a cut that was similar to one might find when chopping a tree. A Red flow of blood, that left the limb slack and hanging, unable to really flex or pull up much with many of the tendons cut.

The brigand called out in pain from it, quickly placing the hand his axe was holding over it, unable to do much of an attack on his own from the agony. It left him completely vulnerable, turning around and stumbling away. His eyes blinking trying to fight the blinding pain from it. Would it be the end of him, or would he find the strength of desperation?




BANDIT
❰ 30 / 170 ❱

Normal Attack
@Zelrius



-57 HP


Bandit | Normal Attack | 1348C2

ZELRIUS
Normal Attack (-10EN)
@Bandit



-64 HP



Normal Attack | Zelrius | 1348C2

ZELRIUS
Trial By Fire (Passive) (-10EN)
@Bandit



-15 HP



Zelrius | Trial by Fire passive | 1348




In this, movement is doubled. Your character can move between adjacent hexes in any direction, though two characters cannot occupy the same space. Melee attacks will be able to be made from adjacent tiles, where as ranged attacks have a base range of two tiles away. Feel free to move and attack.

Nymoria picked up the sword.

*This is all work in progress, i know my map is ugly pls be nice.


@Nymoria
 
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The larger of the two seemed to grin at her advice, bringing his axe down to bare on the redhead's weaker side, before succumbing to the deft strike that shot up and under his defences, striking the weakspot that the beast of a man had left in the wake of his assault.

Nymoria found herself clapping in response, the wicked grin spreading across her face as she began to step away from the tree. The blade she had picked up was gently tucked underneath her arm, held in place in such a way that she could easily draw it if she needed it. She couldn't believe that the man had actually taken her advice, not that it had helped him in any way. Not that I was going to give him any sort of help to begin with...

"Well done...well done. At least we know you can follow directions well. Now, if I were you I'd turn tail and run at this point, cause Reddie over here is going to chop you to pieces if you don't. Unless, of course, your purpose here is to allow him to do just that."


She flashed a smile towards the redhaired man, rather enjoying the chaos that had occurred. She doubted that he was very pleased with her - she had pointed out a weak point in his form, but in the end he had only benefited from it.

"Assuming of course...that you're going to let him get away if he so chooses to run. For all I know, you're going to slash him down on the spot like some sort of animal, leaving him to lay in a pool of his own blood as an example to anyone else who comes across you."


She gave the redhead a wink, before sliding the blade out from underneath her arm, giving it another test flick, feeling the weight of it. It was well designed, comfortable. And very obviously dangerous in this world...maybe let's not play with fire here, so to speak.


BANDIT
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Pissed at Nymoria


Odd was a nice way of putting it. She might straight up be stupid. Given her attire, and the fact that was she here in Brisshal, holding on to only a weapon Zelrius had left behind, the girl was new. Yet, had plenty to say about the game, and smugly giving praise and directions. Her wink at the thought of mercilessly murdering someone who she didn't even know sent a small shiver down the man's spine. Sure, this was an NPC, a character made of code. But, they were just as real as people back in their world, or acted as such.

The man would have said something, if it wasn't for her unintentional taunting springing the bandit into action. His movement was sloppy, and the redhead was far too experienced to let it mean anything. A wide overarching swing of his axe left his midsection wide open. Zelrius countered by plunging his blade into the man's chest, leaning his neck to the side so that there was no chance the side blade of the axe could catch him in the head. A pierce through the lungs had all the sickening sounds of a man dying as one would expect. The squelching of his blood, the way his throat tightened, yet still tried to painfully choke down whatever small breaths it could muster. Blood loss would get him before the lack of oxygen, his body weakening, and weapon clattering to the dirt. A pull back with a flourish to let a slathering of blood stain the mud below his feet, as a way of declaring his victory.

"What are you, some kind of asshole?" he asked the beastfolk girl holding his sword. Wiping the blade he was holding clean using the back of the now dead-man's clothing, and turning to get a look at the girl. She made a pretty character, was the first thing he noticed. As did most people when given the chance to customize their own looks. His free right hand held out and fingers gesturing for his weapon back from her clutches.



ZELRIUS
Normal Attack (-10EN)
@Bandit



-43 HP



Normal Attack | Zelrius | 1348C3


Battle Won! Loot may be extracted from the defeated, and Energy and Health will regen out of combat.

@Nymoria
 
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Nymoria glanced down at the weapon in her hand, as if considering whether to hand it over or not. The pause only lasted a few seconds, before she stepped forward and relinquished the piece to the man. Even if she'd had the fantasy of doing so, she had no doubts she couldn't best the man - he'd just decimated the axe-wielder, even with her interruptions. An experienced user from the looks of it, definitely not someone to trifle with...

Maybe...but with the way you handled him, I don't think my help would've been all that required...nor beneficial, if we're being honest.


She waved a hand over at the man, glancing down at the body quickly before returning her gaze to the redhaired individual. Holding her hand out as if in greeting, she put on a gleaming smile.

Nymoria, by the way. You're...?


She waited calmly for him to respond, making it clear that she was in no rush to escape the area they were in currently. Not that she really had anywhere specific to go. You're stuck with me until you manage to shake me...poor guy.

What brings you out to a forest like this, anyways? Looking for...a fun time?


Her eyes twinkled ever so slightly with the mischievous grin on her face. She was aware that she likely shouldn't push the man too far - he had just easily killed someone - and yet, she couldn't help but play up the attitude a bit. It felt nice to be...Nymoria. Different. In ways that she couldn't quite explain, and yet somehow knew she enjoyed.

Actually...that brings me to the big question. Where are we?



 

Zelrius

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He took the sword back into his hand, spinning it around in his palm a few times, and then slipping it back into the red and gold sheath that hung on his side, the other one used to kill the bandit soon joining it. He had learned his lesson about trying too hard for style points, or practicing. Next fight wouldn't need to be nearly as hard if he just kept with his more usual style.

"Actually, an extra attack or two certainly never hurts in these kinds of games. And, it'd have been an easy way for you to get a test for things." Dismissing her point about her not being much help if she did join. They respawned afterall, and these little NPCs didn't. Worst that would happen is she'd lose her first fight, and probably end up with a slashing mastery to boot. Not so bad. Hands ran over his clothing to smooth out the crinkles of battle, and redo any of the buttons necessary to do so.

"Zelrius." Answering his name out plainly, acknowledging her own naming of Nymoria. Some took to their username faster than others. he pointed to the bandit, his pool of blood and lifeless body. "Ruffians, looters. These highway-man types have been growing in this area. Supposedly there's some issue with merchants pricing out locals, and these types don't like us players. Starcalled, the people of the land call us." Explaining the first part, a natural lead into the next.

"This area is called Brisshal, specifically, the Eastern Part. There's a western part, marked by the flat line between two of this world's country. Eastern on the Falderen side, Western on the Astorea side." A Finger pointing to one side of the forest, between the trees and toward the direction the sun was lowering itself for the horizon. He couldn't help the slight turn of his mouth. it was getting later, and he had only met mr Dead over there. One who didn't really have much in the way of information, and was hardly the way to solve the larger problem. And, with these kinds running around he couldn't just... let her try to walk by herself somewhere. She'd get stabbed in the neck for money she doesn't have at best.

"There's a village not too far, by the name of Hovelis. It's either we go there, or Honeyhome. The former is where this problem is sourced from, and is closer." He was just stating facts at this point, not really sure how to bring along his next point. "I am uh, gonna go to Hovelis. Sell what this one was holding, and asking some questions." Still wasn't even what he was getting at. "Do you want... to come with?" He managed to squeak out with raised shoulders. Ready for her to just outright say no thanks and head the opposite direction. As did most women - or even people, did with him in similar situations in the real world.

@Nymoria
 
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Nymoria leaned against the tree again as the redhaired man spoke, explaining the different areas - including the one they were in, as well as those surrounding. The information was certainly useful, especially seeing as the game seemed to drop her in with, well, nothing of use. She made mental notes of the current area - a forest known as Eastern Brisshal, noting that it also had a western portion. In an entirely different...kingdom?...interesting. Wonder what that's all about...

You're heading to the nearby...village? I mean, sure, I'll come along. Kinda makes sense, rather than standing around here with no weapons, waiting for...


She waved a hand towards the now-dead bandit on the ground, surprised that the body hadn't disappeared and respawned yet. They did say this game was very realistic...maybe they don't respawn until you leave the area. She shrugged the thought aside, standing up from her spot against the tree.

Besides...it's not like I have much else to do right now, so hanging out with someone who knows what they're doing, might just be the smart play. Assuming you know what you're doing, that is.


She flashed a sarcastic grin at the man, before stepping up to him, leaning in to whisper in his ear. She made sure to twitch her ears as she did so, brushing against him gently.

Which...considering I had to give him some advice, well...


She pulled back suddenly, dancing a couple steps away as she watched for his reaction. She had no idea how he would take the insult, but something inside of her was pushing her onwards, driving her to be a bit more...playful.

So, oh great and mediocre swordsman...which way?


 

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His jaw clenched as she drew closer and whispered in his ear. That was, weirdly personal to then tease him for having to give some advice. An advisor that he didn't ask for or need. Her small dance back and then second insult made him tense up some uncomfortably. "I didn't need your help. Just not used to fighting one handed. And not humans." Shooting back his defensive explanation, though it was a lame one at that, even he realized that.

He turned on his heel, making the same motion as he had previously when asking for the weapon to beckon her along the path, headed westerward and between the trees. Eyes looking back and forth along the foliage and underbrush. Feigning this idea that he was looking for something, when, in reality, her words were jingling around in his head. And more, his flaccid response to them. It wasn't a good impression to be so down. It was something Terrasphere had been teaching him. No one found it endearing, no one cared.

Why not try playing back? There was a time in his life, years ago, where he was more quick witted than that. Always one to talk mad shit in other games, even more so with his late-wife there. "You talk big for someone with nothing on them. Maybe I can gut you too, those starter tunics have to be worth some gold." The insensitivity of a threat like that after having just killed someone was entirely lost on the man. His own blue eyes drifted over to see her reaction.

At best it'd be a way to pass the time to the nearest village. Maybe he could help her get started at the very least, lead her to some smaller monsters. Few hours, she'd be on her way, and he'd be back to finding Bandits with a bit less of a death wish.

Maybe.

@Nymoria
 
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She'd struck a nerve, that much was for sure. She smiled at the threat - wondering if he would actually follow through with it or not. Not that it really mattered, if he did, well...Well...I get an early introduction to the respawn system, then. Although probably should've put the pain limiter on...ah well.

I'll pass on that one, thanks...I'm more curious about this 'And not humans', piece. Do you usually hunt not-humans, then?


She cocked her head to the left, raising her right eyebrow in a questioning way as she did so. It seemed an odd choice of words, considering that she was technically not human, herself. The way he spoke, Nymoria was getting the feeling that she'd put him on edge - perhaps in a way that had him...concerned? As if he has something to be concerned about from a new player...

As they walked, her eyes roamed around them, keeping an eye out for anything of interest. She'd noticed almost immediately that her hearing appeared to be far superior, as if the beastfolk ears actually accented the capability.

So...tell me about this village we're going to visit. What'll we find there? Specifically...I mean. I'm...kind of lacking in gold, or currency, or whatever is used around these parts. And I'd prefer not to have to sell more...delicate things, if at all possible.


She was still amazed at the area around them - the realism of it all. Her composure during the fight may have appeared calm and collected, but she still felt overwhelmed in a sense by the game. It had been so much more...realistic, than she'd expected.

Hey...why didn't we loot the dead guy, by the way? Probably respawned already now...although we could go back and you could stab him again. At least then I'd have something of worth, right?


 

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This was a much better conversation for Zelrius, information, explaining his thought process. He took good pride in his understanding of games, and of systems, in his experience with this game. Having played four years ago, and again now. Spending as many hours as he possibly could learning anything and everything about the world.

"There aren't many human or humanoid beligerents in this world. Pirates, Highwaymen, crazy wizards - sure. Those are few and far inbetween, especially in the recent months. But, it's a fantasy world, and there are plenty of beasts, bugs, and monsters around. He started the explanation, looking around with his blurred vision for any sight of magical presence at all. Instead, hearing only the rustling of smaller creatures and the hooting of owls in the forests of Brisshal. "Most of the work I do is for the Adventurer's Guild, they don't do much in bounty hunting unless it's rounding up criminals in Stokbon, and I am not exactly stealthy. So, it ends up being a lot of favors for villagers, merchants, and rural nobles." He went on to explain, even taking a moment to turn and show her the pale green, platinum pin attached to his lapel.

A perfect lead into the second part of her questioning. Trying his hand again at this playful thing. "There goes my plan to sell you to the highest bidder." A small laugh, waving away his awkward joke. "Joking, joking. I have plenty of gold, so that is not too much of an issue." But to just buy weaponry and gear for her? And then let her walkaway? Wanna-be hero that he was, even that was too selfless for him. Definitely wouldn't go those lengths just because she was a cute raccoon girl. There was a long side glance at the beastfolk, weighing his options, before delving into her final question.

"That bandit back there, sure his leather shirt and pants might be worth someting, even his axe. But, he is someone's son. Someone's nephew, brother, perhaps even lover. It's bad optics to take his belongings and try to turn a profit for murder, even if he attacked first." His manner of fact speaking and flat tone. Even to Zelrius, it wasn't about morals or even self image. Just a way to convey his own personal experience with having done something similar before.

There wasn't much greenery this late into the year. Many of the trees were a golden or deep crimson color, their hedges and canopies getting thinner spoke of the changing season, as they swayed in the cold breeze. In this, an idea came to the Adventurer. On how to handle this strange woman, to learn more about her, see if he could get heras hooked on this game as he was. "I tell you what - I will buy you a weapon of your choosing, but you gotta hang out for the rest of the day. Help me stick more of those bastards, even get some questions." His neck craning with a smile as they inched closed to the village of Hovelis, waiting for what her reaction to that offer.
 
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The way the man explained the game, going over the details of the world and how it was almost...realistically fantastical, only to suddenly explain how looting the dead was heinous caught Nymoria off guard. She hadn't expected the man to have an issue with it - what was wrong with looting dead NPCs? Wasn't that how games went? How you gained new gear, new skills?

Okay hold up...you said that the bandit was someone's son? Isn't this just a game? How can it be someone's son if it's just...an NPC. That doesn't make sense. I mean, it's not like people are born in this world or anything. Although that would be a cool system, I guess.


She suddenly spun on her feet, as if trying to twirl while continuing to walk, her voice taking on a higher, ear-hurting pitch compared to her previously high voice.

Oh my yes I was born in the world of TerraSphere...where's that, you ask? Well a video game that real people play! I'm just a little tiny speck in a game, but I was born to it!


She laughed as she finished her jest, falling in beside Zelrius again. She had to admit, for whom she could've come across when first landing in the game, this guy had proven most entertaining. Although, she doubted that he'd meant to provide the entertainment to her.

Next you're going to tell me that when the NPCs die, they stay dead...as if.


At the mention of him buying her the weapon though, her entire behaviour changed. Her joyous mood suddenly turned dark and suspicious, her eyes narrowing slightly as she stared at the man. Behind her, the large bushy tail had stopped wagging.

Awfully nice offer...do you do this for all the new girls that drop in on top of you?


There was an odd hint to her voice, an almost dangerous tone to it. Her lips had curled back ever-so-slightly as she spoke, and the dark look was spreading across her face. Unconsciously, she'd also begun to distance herself from the man, if only slightly.

 

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His gaze turned back away, blinking a few times, unable to hide his own smirk of amusement at her impression of a random npc. And more, about her complete lack of understanding about one of the primary draws to a game like Terrasphere. If, there were even other games like it. "That, but unironically. He started out with, slowing down to point to a squirrel in a high up tree, holding up a nut." "Perhaps eight years ago, when this game came out, things sort of just 'popped' into existence, as you're used to. Generated by the game engine. Maybe even that guy back there, given he seemed a little more than eight years old." The squirrel chattered, bouncing along the branch in a circular pattern and then freezing again.

"But, as far as I can tell, since then, everything has a far more natural process. These people live full lives, influenced by changing circumstances and stimuli. By risk and reward, and their own full personalities. That man, given by his lack of gear and actual skill, likely wasn't a bandit until recently. If I had to guess, he was a Lumberjack, - or something, - driven to crime." His own mood darkened, but not in the twisted, crooked smile her's did. His thoughts deepened. "For some reason..." Only reigniting the fuel of his interest for this quest. It was a recent development, that a village known for being the center of legendary heroes in their fairytales would turn to petty robbery and thievery.

"Yea, they stay dead. That dude is worm food back there." He dismissed the thought, trying not to scare the girl away too soon with his fatalism and seriousness. It wasn't that big of a deal - just a game afterall, all the same.

He couldn't help but laugh out and shake his head. "Only the ones that land directly ontop of me. Try that next time, I might buy you more than weapons." He shot out without even thinking, just taking her words all the more literally and shifting them around, completely unaware by the way she began to lag behind distantly.
 
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Pierce Weapons ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Battle Spirits


Nymoria tailed the man in silence for a few moments, considering everything he'd said. If there was one thing that had been made clear to her, the man had no idea what she'd implied. Something that she considered beneficial, at least. All bravado, but no bark...means he's likely harmless. Relatively. Not that she was going to simply let relatively harmless be the reason her guard was down.

More importantly, however, was the way he spoke about the game itself. The thought that this could be more than just...a game. The way that the man had used the word natural to describe the events that occurred, the way that the game moved with time - and the fact that he had confirmed that the NPC was dead. Not destroyed and respawned, dead. Something about that changed everything for Nymoria, the way she viewed the world around her. If the NPCs died when you killed them, permanently, then...Then how is this any different from committing murder in the real world...? Are they conscious? Aware? Sentient? Are they...people?

Too many questions, all at once. Not something she could delve into and determine right now, but something that she would have to consider before going on a murderous rampage through a village. Not that she had any intention of doing that, any time soon.

You mentioned something driving them to crime...are you saying that there could be factors in this world that...impact how these...people...behave? I mean, aren't they all just coded to be...NPCs? Like, you talk to one, it gives you a few predetermined lines, then goes back to whatever meanial task it was doing before you bothered it?


That was how games normally worked, but Nymoria was getting the feeling this place was anything but normal. Even the way that the bandit back on the road had reacted to her jests, to her suggestions. No computer generated program should act like that. I didn't notice it at the time, but that was almost too real. As if it was aware, reacting to understanding, not just...

She shook her head, trying to clear the thoughts. Those sorts of ideas would make being engaged here that much more difficult. She hadn't come to start fresh in a new world, with the same problems. She'd come to escape her own real world.

 

Zelrius

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His neck twisted again, realizing she hadn't even reacted to his joke, probably for the better. Only now processing what it was he had said. Probably best to just leave it there. Ahead, the first buildings of the nearby orchards that began to mark the border of Hovelis's influence, as well as the distant dinging of a small bell. They were getting closer. Yet, Nymoria seemed way more serious. Had he said something... wrong?

"I mean, kind of? The same way in the real world a coffeeshop worker has a few things they'd say depending on what you asked them. On who they are. Again, anyone older than eight, that personality would have been predetermined, by events that were written or generated. Probably by some advanced AI rather than all by hand by a collection of people on a forum or hovering over computer screens. But after that, they can change and grow in their 'life' the same way people we know do. Even more so than most 'real' people, I'd argue." He reasoned, having thought about this exact thing a few times. Though, it wasn't lost to him that, back on other programs, most avalible AI were middling at best. Some could make the occasional convincing artwork or conversation, but there was always abnormalities that gave them away. That didn't make the interaction Human. Certainly not in the same way Terrasphere did.

"Who knows with Fantasy video games, right?" He asked with a shrug of his shoulders. Terra was just advanced, that was it. And awfully addictive with how real it was. With how someone like Markus could pretend to be Zelrius for days at a time, and not be left with any gaps for his own mind to fill. The world did it for him. The road turned to crunching gravel, as the more collected portion of the village came into sight, and some cheering in the distance.
 
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Pierce Weapons ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Battle Spirits


Nymoria had many more questions to ask, blank understandings to fill. But the village was upon them faster than she had expected, and she found her mind turning towards the unknown ahead as the gravel crunched underfoot. She could just barely see the form of the village in the distance, the sound of a low-toiling bell ringing across the air. Finally...some sort of safe zone, or civilisation.

The thought brought another question to her - one that she had been too preoccupied with to ask before. Turning to look at Zelrius again, she began her inquisitive behaviour once more, the questions flowing from her with a sudden urgency and energy that had seemed to dwindle mere moments earlier.

I guess I should've asked this earlier, but the whole entry-into-game thing, and then the fight...and well, everything that came up until now. How do you...do things? I mean most games have like an interactive HUD, or a menu or something to signify where you can...look stuff up, I guess? I don't see that here.


She moved her head around again, looking for anything that would give hint to how she accessed the main menus - an issue, considering she'd need to log out at some point in the future. No matter where she looked though, she saw nothing in front of her.

The realism is definitely nice and all...but not if I manage to get myself trapped in here on my first dive...I like the place, but there's real life too...


Another thought occurred to her suddenly as she thought about the menus themselves. She'd been given the option during the character creation, but had figured on placing it aside in hopes of developing her character a bit more before choosing.

Uhm...also, how do I...get skills? And stuff. I saw during the creator there was the option to pick a few to start...but I kind of skipped over that, a bit...that was probably stupid, to be honest. Should've at least chosen something to start with...


She shrugged as she finished her stammering. It was probably as bad an idea to tell her new acquaintance that along with having no weapons or armour, she also had no abilities to call upon. Yet, she somehow had the feeling that she was safe - if only for the moment.

 

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They came closer and close, the source of the bell revealing itself. A man, with a fine-cocked hat and a long, flamboyant feather sticking out of the top of it. His fine jewels jingling as did the small, rectangular golden bell in his hand. "Five'o'Clock! It is FIVE, dinner time will be soon!" He declared loud enough that even with his distance, the words were discernible. Now it was time for Zelrius to get teasing, to find amusement from her. He stopped, his face tightened as he tried his best to contain the incredulous chuckle that bubbled underneath, becoming a series of short huffs in and out. "You didn't pick any skills? Just decided to wing it?" He managed out, again, fighting the urge to laugh in her face about it, trying his best not to be rude.

"There's an auto-assist for helping you get the hang of fighting. The game sort of wills your character-avatar to act as a fantasy character would with whatever knowledge they have." He started by explaining, turning to her now that they were close to the center of the almost text-book Fantasy-Forest Village of Hovelis. "And your meters and inventory are accessible through the palm menu." He held his hand out in a closed fist that was upright, unfurling his fingers as if exposing something there. From his view point, all the buttons and meters would come in, but for her, it would just be an egg made of air being cracked open. Something Zelrius was aware of, starting by showing her the normal way of doing it, before stepping close.

He seized her left wrist in his hand, lifting her own up, his grip trying to be delicate and uninvasive. If she tried to pull away, he'd let her without fight, and try to explain how to do it either way. If not, his fingers would close around hers, as though making her hold onto something in the woman's hand. "Hold it up and close like this. Then you open it. Speed doesn't matter as long as it isn't extremely slow."

A step back, to allow her some more personal space, to not be too personal with it. "Some buttons should appear. You'll be able to see your hunger, temperature, thirst, rest, health, and energy. And be able to access your inventory, as well as your 'map'. Log out, turn off and on the HUD, whatever you need." Grinning, opening his own menu and looking around it. Hardly containing going into a full on monologue about what he knew about every feature, and wanting to share every bit of knowledge with her. "You might be able to find some basic guides and information online in the hidden forums and stuff, but this game has no wiki... and is kind of illegal. So getting much info out of game would be hard. Unless whoever gave you the QR Code or link has some experience and you talk to them."

That was the cerebral, now it was time for the physical. To showboat some, and answer another question. He took a moment, showing her a small spark of fire, letting the newbie feel the air around them heat up from his aura. "As for skills, you can pick as you go, or let them naturally develop. Slash weapons was one I picked personally, and have practiced to get it to its rank. Pyromancy, however, came about spontaneously, naturally. Like it was apart of me being called upon." He let the flame extinguish, and with it, the warm air around his body die back down, careful not to spend too much energy showing off.

"You can learn skills either way. But there's only one way to rank them up and get better; actually doing things with them. Hitting monsters, learning techniques, growing stronger. Typical MMORPG stuff."
 
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Pierce Weapons ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Battle Spirits


She'd almost pulled back as he'd reached out towards her. Almost, but in the end she'd held firm. Whether it was to show she wasn't afraid, because she had come to trust him, or something else...well, that part she wasn't entirely sure of, yet.

He'd taken a few moments to show her how to access the menu, to describe its inner workings - and it's limitations - before speaking to the skills themselves. She had the odd feeling that there had been a bit of a jest regarding her choice to overlook taking any, before he began explaining how they came about. While he spoke, she pulled up the menu and passed through it - finding the spot where the skills themselves were listed.

She had just begun scrolling through it when the man brought up the small bout of flame, displaying it like a child showing their favourite toy. Nymoria paused in her reading to admire the skill, before smiling at the man.

Well, it certainly fits you. The whole redhair and all, and the fire...kind of matches. Although I don't sense the fiery personality behind it all. Not yet, at least.


She glanced again at her menu, reading the few pieces of information it gave. Not that it gave much, bare minimum descriptions that were designed to provide little more than insight into what she was reading. About as useful as... Her attention was pulled as she realised something suddenly.

I...actually chose to forgo the auto-assist and stuff. I want for the whole 'realism' aspect. Instead of the whole system assisted crap.


She glanced again at her menu, her brow furrowing as she read over the skill once more. Zelrius had mentioned that he had taken slash weapons - which explained the swords. But Nymoria's interest had lain elsewhere, and as she stared at the option, she couldn't help but ask.

Pierce weapons...that's like spears and stuff, right?


She hit the button even as the man answered the question, her mind already made up. At least now I should be able to do something once I get a weapon...so long as it can stab, that is...

 

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He stepped back to let her fiddle with it, adding something to her own comment. "Well, hang out long enough and maybe you'll see the fire flare up." Mocking finger guns at her to accentuate the tone of the line. "There's respect in that. I messed with it for my first day or so, but it certainly feels better and more immersive to know that the things you do are actually a result of you. Also lets you add your own style to your masteries and actions." Commenting on the girl's lack of auto assist.

"Pierce Weapons. Tipped Daggers, Rapiers, Lances, Spears, Javelins, blunted scythes. Also counts for Arrows if you stick with them. Anything for poking holes in things as opposed to cutting, or attacking from afar, or dinging them up." He watched as her finger pressed forward. Even though he couldn't see her buttons, it was easy to assume what she had just done, given her question. None too soon too, his smile widened.

"You ended up with Piercing huh? Do you want something small enough to hold in two hands like me?" He turned to keep walking, making his way to a man with bronzed skin, flanked on either side by massively tusked boars that lounged and slept. Their backs and sides completely covered in boxes and bags with handles sticking out of them, or other weapons. Having a low, knee high rounded stump in front of him with a scale and divider on it.

"Ahh, back already, huh?" The man stroked his dark beard, steely eyes glinting at the human and beastfolk. "You didn't want anything last time. Maybe you've changed your mind?" His style of speaking was airy, and light. As though every new detail and statement - even his own - was filled with wonder and amazement. The words coming out in a higher tone than perhaps his stature would initially insinuate. Zelrius gestured forward to indicate for Nymoria to step up.

"Not me, but this one. She's definitely got stares and looks that could kill - but only metaphorically. I was hoping you could outfit her with some defense. - Maybe even a bit of offense with that face." Unable to contain the small laughter behind those words, wondering how she'd take being given such a hard time for this. And being allowed to pick out a basic weapon to be outfitted with.

@Nymoria
 
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