by Paul Bellow
* * * * *
We reached our destination later that afternoon.
“There’s the castle,” Benji said, breaking me out of my thoughts.
In the distance, I saw Castle Casteel for the first time. Four walls, twenty feet high—surrounded a massive stone complex with towers and other defenses. The unique architecture intrigued me.
Sarah pointed ahead and to the left. A grizzly bear growled ferociously as a peasant cowered in fear.
“Let’s help him,” I said then rode off in that direction.
Your Alignment has changed!
+5 alignment you are now +90 (very good)
“Wish we were near a river,” Sarah said as she caught up.
“Huh?” I asked.
“Never mind,” she said. “We need to hurry.”
I spurred the horse which took off faster.
“Over here!” I yelled to get the bear’s attention.
Where’s Benji?
Is he going to help with this at all?
The horse, terrified of the bear towering in front of us, lifted up on her back feet. I tumbled to the ground, landing with a thud.
You take 2 damage.
You have [56/58] health remaining.
Gah. At least falling can’t poison me.
The bear lumbered forward, swiping its paw.
The grisly grizzly claw INJURES you for 11 damage.
“Be gone!” Benji yelled and swung his mace to the bear—catching its attention. I scrambled back and stood.
Six golden bolts shot through the air, striking the bear, as I cautiously moved toward it.
Die, stupid beast.
The greasy brown bear growled then dropped to all fours. It charged toward Sarah, intent on taking her out.
“Benji, get him!” I yelled while rushing to intersect. “Eat my steel.”
I stabbed it with my sword.
Your thrust INJURES the grisly grizzly for 12 damage.
The bear screamed in pain but kept barreling toward Sarah. She stepped out of the way as Benji caught up and connected with his mace.
We really should invite him into the party.
I ran over and swung my sword.
Your slash HITS the grisly grizzly for 8 points of damage.
The bear didn’t look well. It stood on its two feet for a moment before it fell forward. I leaped to the side, barely avoiding it.
The grisly grizzly is dead!
You get 1,200 xp divided by two party members.
You get +600 xp (-10%) = 540 xp
You have 10,634 xp
You need 5,366 xp for next level
* * *
You have a new skill: Dodge Basic Level 1 of 10
“Thank you,” the peasant said as he ran off toward the collection of ramshackle buildings outside the castle walls.
“We should bring the bear to the castle,” I said. “They might want the fur or something.”
“I hope it wasn’t Captain Riggard’s pet or spiritual animal,” Sarah said.
“How are we going to move it?” Benji asked.
“We don’t have a cart or wagon,” I replied. “Let’s leave it here for now.”
“Sounds good, boss,” H e said. “The peasants will probably be back for the meat. Bear is a bit gamey, but it’s good with the right sauce.”
“Let’s go,” Sarah said as she climbed onto her horse.
“Wait, where’d my horse go?”
I turned all the way around looking for it.
“Mine’s gone too,” Benji said.
Sarah laughed.
“Looks like you boys are walking the rest of the way,” she said.
Benji, who’s always positive, shrugged and said, “At least it’s not far.”
“True,” I said. “Let’s go. It’s getting late, and I want to get inside the castle walls before we’re attacked again.”
As we approached Castle Casteel, I saw a half-dozen men in full-armor standing near the closed gate. Two watchmen on the walls called out.
“Strangers approaching. What is your business?”
I nudged Benji then held up my empty hands.
“We come in peace seeking Captain Riggard,” I said in a loud voice.
A guard on the ground walked over.
“Get off the horse, elf,” he said—the name sounding like an insult. Clad in shining armor, he stepped forward.
Sarah hopped off the horse, still holding onto its reins.
Then the guard turned his attention to me.
“Why are you wearing that garbage goblin armor?” he asked.
I wondered if everyone in the game was racist against goblins.
“Just a family heirloom,” I said. “Can’t afford to get new armor.”
The guard snorted then spat on the ground.
“Goblin-lovers aren’t allowed at Castle Casteel,” he said.
“We’re here to see Captain Riggard,” I repeated.
“He’ll want to talk with us,” Sarah added.
“We don’t need no fancy-prancy elves around here either,” the guard said then crossed his arms over his chest.
Benji stepped out from behind me.
“You got something against men of the cloth?” he asked.
The man smiled then dropped his arms to his sides.
“Benji Bigelow? Is that really you?” he asked.
“In the flesh and blood, Rathgar, my friend,” Benji said.
“Not sure about that friend business,” Rathgar said. “But come here.”
The two men briefly embraced.
“Stop.” Benji pushed him away. “Your armor is crushing me.”
“I remember when we wore the same armor.” The guard glanced up at the top of the wall. “All clear down here. It’s Benji Bigelow of all people.”
Had our priest been a soldier in the Great War with the goblins?
“My friends and I need to talk with Captain Riggard right away,” Benji said. “It’s concerning Magi Inyontoo.”
Rathgar stopped smiling.
“We’ve heard reports someone stole the Cursed Pendant of Visions,” he said. “Was it you three?”
“Correct,” I said. “But we still need to destroy it.”
“You can’t bring that thing in here,” Rathgar said. “It’s cursed.”
“Please,” Sarah said. “We want to get rid of it.”
Rathgar sighed.
“Come inside,” he said. “I’ll get the Captain. You’re right, he’ll want to talk to you three, especially to you Benji. I never thought I’d see you alive again.”
Rathgar turned then walked toward the main gate. I glanced over at Benji, who only smiled but said nothing.
“Good job,” I said.
“Don’t mention it,” he replied.
The fortified wooden gate swung open, and we walked toward it. After passing through, I saw dozens of soldiers milling about.
“Someone get this horse,” Rathgar yelled in an authoritative tone.
A man with half his armor missing walked up and took the reins.
“Be good to him,” Sarah said.
“Yes, ma’am,” the man replied.
“Don’t worry,” Rathgar said. “We haven’t had to eat horse meat in years. Things are getting better for humans. One of these days, it’ll go back to the old ways.”
I kept my mouth shut as he turned. Benji, Sarah, and I followed him toward a four-story brick and stone structure inside the courtyard.
“Can we trust this guy?” I asked Benji on the sly.
He nodded but said nothing as we reached a door. Rathgar opened it then walked inside. We followed with Benji in the lead.
“How do you know him?” I asked.
Benji frowned and stopped.
“I...um...I can’t tell you,” he said.
We stopped. Benji nodded his head toward a man sitting at the head of a long oak table. The warrior stood up and walked toward us.
“That’s Captain Riggard,” Benji said.
To my surprise, he stepped forward before throwing his arms around our priest and giving him yet another hug.
“You knew I’d be back,” Benji said in a strange accent.
I glanced over at Sarah then back at Captain Riggard.
“And who are these two?” he asked.
“We may look like riff-raff,” I said. “But we were the ones who stole the Cursed Pendant of Visions from Magi Inyontoo. We’re working on destroying it. Can you help?”
“Do you know who I am?” Captain Riggard asked.
I shook my head.
“No. Who?” I asked.
“Consider me carefully.”
[PC] Captain Riggard the Warrior
* * *
METAToG WARNING: Do NOT talk OOC with me on this level. If you do, the rest of the guild is instructed to take appropriate actions. You will not escape our wrath. We do not forget.
My eyes widened in shock.
Yet another player? No OOC warning?
“And who are you?” Captain Riggard asked.
“My name is Drex,” I said. “Of Harrisburg.”
I might as well stay in character.
“That’s a mighty offensive armor you’re wearing,” Captain Riggard said. “Why shouldn’t I have my men kill you right now?”
“I’m just doing my part to make this world more inclusive,” I said.
Captain Riggard snorted derisively.
“The world would be great with no goblins at all,” he said. “Like the dwarves. If you only knew half the things they’re doing to people in this and other realms.”
“We’ve had our run-ins with them,” Sarah said. “That’s why we came here. We need your help.”
Captain Riggard turned to Sarah.
“And what do you need help with, elf?” he asked.
Sarah stared him down, not looking away.
“We need the list of ingredients for Dawn Acid,” she said. “With that, we can destroy the Cursed Pendant of Visions.”
The Captain turned his attention back to me.
“Dawn Acid, huh?” He tilted his head back. “That stuff’s not safe.”
“We know,” Benji said. “The recipe is still around, isn’t it?”
“You know it is, old dog,” Captain Riggard said.
“Do you want to join us and help?” I asked.
Captain Riggard laughed again then said, “I’m too experienced to join the likes of you three, but I’ll help you with the ingredients for Dawn Acid. Destroying that pendant is important if you ask me. Magictology needs to be stopped for good.”
“Thank you,” Sarah said.
Captain Riggard continued looking at me and ignoring Sarah.
“The only problem is that I don’t personally have the recipe,” he said. “It’s so powerful that the only known copy was hidden away after the Great Wars. Everyone on both sides have left it alone.”
“Where is it hidden?” I asked.
“The Ruins of Esterhollow,” Captain Riggard said. “My scouts tell me Snargao the Impatient is headed there to retrieve the list of ingredients. Word of your theft is spreading, and the forces of evil are worried. This is a perfect time for us to attack them as a united front.”
“You’re coming with us?” Benji asked in a suddenly Scottish accent.
“While I normally wouldn’t travel with the likes of you, I’ll come along to make sure this potent magic item is destroyed,” Captain Riggard said. “Besides, Benji. You and I have some catching up to do.”
Something about his hardcore role-playing struck me as positive on a personal level. I wanted to go OOC, but I kept my mouth shut.
“We need new horses,” Benji said. “And supplies.”
“Not a problem.” Captain Riggard patted him on the shoulder. “You three rest up and eat. In the morning, we ride.”
He turned and left the room.
Servants came in a moment later with plates piled high with fresh bread, fried chicken, and all the fixings.
“Eat up, Benji,” I said. “Sarah and I need to talk.”
“I’m kinda hungry,” she said.
“Can you hold off a bit?” I asked. “This is important.”
“Sure,” she said. “What’s up?”
“Come outside with me.”
I walked across the room toward the door we’d come in. She followed me outside to the muddy courtyard.
“This game is driving me nuts,” I said. “Why won’t this player talk with us like a normal person?”
OOC penalty!
-10% xp in your next encounter
“What did you want to say OOC?” Sarah asked.
“Just needed to vent,” I said. “It’s about Captain Riggard. He’s a PC, but the game told me he would kill anyone who went OOC with him.”
Her eyes narrowed, and her cute elven nose scrunched up.
“That’s odd,” she said. “But thanks for telling me. I wonder why I didn’t get notified of that information.”
“I have rogue skills,” I said. “We need to watch out for each other. There doesn’t seem to be any designated PvP zones which means he can probably kill us anywhere he wants.”
“I’m so tired of this game…” Sarah glanced around the courtyard. “We’ve been in here for days and days, and we’re no closer to getting out. I’m scared.”
“Me too…”
Another slight lie wouldn’t hurt. While trapped, the ability to walk and have fun in the game felt great. Sarah being with me made it even better.
“Really?” she asked while staring into my eyes.
I opened my mouth to speak, but Benji walked over.
“Everything okay?” he asked.
I nodded. “Yeah. We’re fine.”
“Good night, you two,” Sarah said. “I’m off to get some rest and think.”
“Don’t stay up too late reading your books,” Benji added, as I watched her go back inside.
“We’ll finish this quest, boss,” Benji turned to me. “I’m with you until the bitter end.”
“Thanks.” I put my hand on his shoulder. “We do appreciate you.”
He perked up.
“Enough to let me join your party?”
“Not now, okay?” I shook my head. “Soon. I promise.”
Lips pursed tightly together, he nodded.
“Anything you want to say?” I asked.
“Yes…but…I can’t…”
He groaned, and I narrowed my eyes.
“You okay?” I asked.
“Forget it,” he sighed. “Just forget it…”
He turned and walked back inside, leaving me curious and confused.
Then I stayed up a few hours, scouting the castle on my own. When I didn’t find anything odd, I made my way to the room and settled into bed.
And sleep overcame me.
23
Random Overland Encounters
SARAH
We woke early the next morning. Captain Riggard met us in the dining hall. More food filled the table than the night before.
After getting our fill of all sorts of treats, we mounted horses then rode east toward the Ruins of Esterhollow.
End of the quest?
Captain Riggard rode ahead of us.
“I’ll keep my eyes open for new spells when we’re at the ruins,” Charlotte said. “We should always look to expand our power.”
I smiled.
“Good idea. Maybe we’ll find something useful.”
As I rode next to Eric, I wondered if we’d ever successfully complete the main quest and get out of the game.
How I miss reality.
Miles went by in silence.
Could we trust Captain Riggard? Why didn’t he want to talk out of character with anyone? Penalties?
I’d seen the message about his guild when we first met him. But what did any of it mean? I rode—lost, deep in my thoughts.
“
Riders approaching from behind,” Benji warned.
I peered over my shoulder. Four dark figures in cloaks rode toward us. Each had a hood over their head, covering their faces.
“Whoa,” Captain Riggard yelled and stopped his horse.
Before they reached us, the mysterious riders went off the road and galloped around us. I watched as they quickly returned to the road.
“What was that all about?” I asked.
“Likely bandits,” Captain Riggard said. “But we’re on another quest. We should keep going. Destroying the cursed pendant is important.”
“I can scout ahead,” Eric said.
“Not necessary.” Captain Riggard pulled out a glowing gem. “I have powerful magic to help warn us. Let’s ride.”
He spurred his horse then took off down the road.
If he wasn’t worried about them, I shouldn’t be either.
“Won’t they attack us later tonight?” Eric asked as his trotted to the left of Captain Riggard.
“They wouldn’t dare fight me,” the high level PC replied. “Only one man in the realm has the power to defeat me, and we’re on the way to deal with him now. Soon, I’ll be the most powerful man in the realm.”
Was he stuck like us?
I felt tempted to go OOC and straight up ask him, but I held off. Questions continued to fill up my mind as we rode.
After so many days in the game, I had no proper sense of time. Everything ran together in a blur—including my dreams.
We rode all morning and into the afternoon. At dusk, we stopped and made camp near a group of trees. I glanced to the left and saw a long since abandoned field overgrown with tall grass and weeds.
Scary spot.
Captain Riggard took charge, setting up camp quickly. I appreciated the light and warmth from the decent campfire.
Eric shifted next to me on the log we’re sitting on. The flames in front of us flickered, casting strange shadows.
“Quiet.” Captain Riggard tilted his head.
I heard a wagon approaching.
