by Grey Arney
Struggling to anchor himself, and to avoid staring for too long at any one universe, Arcturus switched his gaze to a tiny acorn on the ground near his foot. He could no longer resist the massive draw. It pulled him closer, and he shrank before it, until the acorn grew bigger than a horse, and then a house, and so on, and he shrank smaller and smaller until he was nothing more than a weightless mote, a speck that was invisible in the shadow of the towering nut.
As he gathered himself, he found that he was no longer shrinking, but standing on an imposing landscape, surrounded by large brown dunes that were peppered with blades of grass taller than skyscrapers. He looked all around, trying to decide what to do next, and then he heard a voice behind him.
As he turned around, he saw that three rock pillars had risen through the dunes, and on each sat an imposing figure.
On the left was a wizened woman with shining silver hair, who wore a brown robe and no footwear. In the middle was an older man with a long, cloudy beard speckled with faded spirals of pigment. His eyes looked screwed shut, but they may have been open just enough to see. The man wore a brown robe and sandals. On the right was a man with no hair at all, whose keen gaze fell on Arcturus in judgment. He, too, wore a brown robe.
The woman raised her voice to speak first.
“We are here to decide whether you, Arcturus, can be a Druid,” she said simply. Her words somehow lacked the pompous verbiage one might expect to hear amidst all the gravitas.
The man in the middle spoke in a similar, unaffected way. “We will explain what it means to be a Druid, and answer any questions you might have.”
The man on the right continued, “When we’re done, we’ll ask you one question. If we like your answer, you will be a Druid. Simple?”
The woman continued, “A Druid is neutral. She does not take sides, but seeks balance and to create a space where all things can exist together.”
The bearded man said, “A Druid is wise. He grows daily in knowledge, and shares this knowledge with all who come asking.”
The bald man said, “A Druid is kind. He gives aid to all who are friendly, whether bunny rabbit or black bear. Elf or troll.”
The woman continued, “But a Druid is also dispassionate. Without shedding a tear, she will amputate the arm to save the child; she will kill the deer if it is the cougar that must be spared. She will let a whole town burn if it will stop the war.”
The bearded man said, “A Druid will do what is needed, killing neither with joy nor regret.”
The bald man said, “A Druid has the wisdom to know what must be done, the intelligence to decide how to do it, and the endurance to hold steadfast to the path he has chosen.”
There was a pause as Arcturus processed what he was told. Basically, Druids followed a higher responsibility than simple good or evil. It sounded like they could be unpredictable in some ways. The last statement was a blatant clue that he would need to invest in wisdom, intelligence and endurance to be an effective Druid.
After giving him a moment to consider these words, the woman continued. “If we allow you to become a Druid, we hope you will advance along the path, and follow this ideal. You will also be responsible for completing special Druid quests. Do you agree?”
Arcturus hesitated for a long moment. He wanted to gain the power being offered to him, but he wanted to make sure he knew what he was signing up for.
“Are there any rules? Conduct that is forbidden?”
The woman looked down. “No, it’s not that simple. A Druid must be wise enough to judge. For example, you may think that 'neutrality’ means favoring neither man nor goblin. But in truth, it is not so. Goblins are more violent, and it may be necessary to cull them. In fact, long ago, Druids once culled an entire race, removing it from Lydia, because it could not exist with the others.”
So he’d be joining an ancient order of possibly genocidal tree-huggers. Other than a few platitudes, there were no specific rules to follow except “maintain the balance” and “follow your heart.” In return, he’d get enormous powers.
“What kinds of abilities will I have as a Druid?” he asked.
“Druids can command the plants and the animals, as you have already begun to do. They also can shape the land itself, a power you have begun to discover. Druids are also the most advanced of all the shapeshifters in Lydia. In addition to changing their own shape, Druids can help others to change shapes, too. Sometimes even permanently. A master Druid can learn almost any shape, including that of a dragon.”
That last part sealed the deal.
“I will accept the path of the Druid, if you think I am worthy.” said Arcturus.
There was a long silence, while the three considered him. They all nodded.
“Then you will be a Druid.”
Arcturus opened his eyes to find that he was back underneath the tree. He was normal-sized, and the illusions had vanished. He found the half-finished potion nearby and recovered it, placing the stopper back on the phial and putting it in his bag. Then he eagerly looked at his new notifications.
You have completed the quest: The Path of the Druid
You are now a Druid, which earns you new bonuses and powers, some of which are available immediately:
- Shapeshifting, Earth Magic and Alchemy can develop freely without any level capping.
- Class-specific bonuses to Shapeshifting: you can use Shapeshifting on other players. Daily limit on Shapeshifting removed. You can shapeshift with clothes and items. You can remember unlimited shapes. You can learn the shape of any creature by touch. You can learn shapes without endangering the target.
- Class-specific ability: Charm Animal. Charmed animals will serve you until you release them or until death.
- Class-specific ability: Summon Animal. Nearby animals will come to your aid. More effective for animals whose shape you know.
- Class-specific ability: Sense Animal. Find nearby animals. More effective for animals whose shape you know.
- + 10 intelligence
- + 10 endurance
- + 10 wisdom
- + 30 to Shapeshifting
- + 10 to Earth Magic
- + 10 to Alchemy
- + 30% Resistance to poison and disease
- 10,000 experience
You have leveled up, reaching Level 12. You have new attribute points to spend.
Arcturus opened his Character Display and was awed by the sudden increase in power.
Character Display
Name: Arcturus
Level: 12
Race: Human
Hit Points: 150/150
Mana: 150/150
Vital Stats (35 available)
Strength: 15
Perception: 19
Endurance: 25
Agility: 20
Dexterity: 15
Intelligence: 25
Wisdom: 25
Luck: 11
Abilities
Stealth (Level 11)
Archery (Level 10)
Short Blades (Level 1)
Alchemy (Level 18)
Crafting (Level 1)
Fire Magic (Level 8)
Earth Magic (Level 30)
Shapeshifting (Level 40)
Death Magic (Level 15)
Traits (4/4)
- Original. As the oldest sentient being in Lydia, you have the privilege of access to powers that were banished from the land long ago.
- Wolf-Blooded. Canines are friendly unless attacked. Nightvision. +5 to agility.
- Blessing of the Vampire Queen. +10 to strength, endurance, agility, dexterity, intelligence, wisdom. -9 perception in direct daylight. +15% to movement speed. Undead are less likely to be hostile. Stealth bonus against undead.
- Druid. +10 to intelligence, endurance and wisdom. Shapeshifting, Earth Magic and Alchemy level without restrictions of player level. +30 to Shapeshifting. +10 to Earth Magic and Alchemy. +30% disease and poison resistance.
After many moments had passed, he realized that he had
been studying his Character Display for a long time. He was trying to decide how to invest his attribute points. He knew that endurance would raise hit points and intelligence would raise mana, and that wisdom would improve his mana regeneration rate. But he still wasn’t sure how he should proceed, so he decided to wait.
When he finally opened his eyes again, Lyle was standing over him, as were several of his undead minions. Someone had approached his camp.
Dismissing the notifications about his player progress, Arcturus called to the undead birds in the trees. One came and landed on his arm. It was a sparrow with a broken, rotting wing hanging off at a gruesome angle. How it managed to remain aerodynamic was anybody’s guess.
“Find the intruders approaching our camp. Show me where they are.”
The bird flew into the air with an awful shriek, and many followed it. In just moments, they all dove down again, on top of the large boulder.
“God! Damn! Stop it!” a voice screamed from the boulder. Walking to where the birds congregated, Arcturus used the branches of a tree to gain a foothold on the rock and climb to the top.
On top of the rock was a little goblin, dressed in dark clothing. He was bald, with pointy ears, and his skin was an eerie tint of pale blue. He had bold, azure streaks across his face that looked like war paint. He was swatting at the disgusting undead birds with his hands.
Arcturus dismissed the birds and called out to the stranger.
“What are you doing here?” he asked.
“Ummm, can I borrow a cup of sugar?” asked the goblin weakly.
This was the first goblin he had encountered that had a sense of humor, let alone the ability to form complete sentences.
“I’m just kidding,” continued the goblin. “Look, I’m a player, not a construct. I decided to try being a goblin, and I’ve had a nasty time. I saw your camp and was hoping you were friendly.”
“I am friendly.” Remembering his calling, he was to aid those who came asking, whether elf or troll. But that didn’t mean he trusted the little creature. “Come on down, then, let’s have a chat,” said Arcturus, motioning towards the campfire.
“Nice place you have here, except for the creepy, dead birds,” said the goblin. “Are you some kind of necromancer?” he asked.
“No, I just like to recycle. Are you hungry?” he asked.
Over the next hour, the goblin gladly ate his fill from the Arcturus’ supplies. He related some of his story. He introduced himself as Fish. He had come up for respawn recently, and on a whim, decided to play as a goblin. He was spawned in the Mudluck Goblin Camp, where he had lived since then. Almost all of the goblins there were constructs, except one other.
A recent turn of events had spurred him to leave the goblin encampment and strike out on his own. The Mudluck goblins were facing a dwindling supply of game meat which they depended on for survival. So they had begun to hunt in the forest here, as well as in the Great Plains to the north. Fish had already been barely tolerated by his clan. The fact that he had a fondness for fresh flowers didn’t help and had earned him ridicule and abuse. Therefore, he had decided to leave because the goblins had begun supplementing their shortage of food supply with the meat of humans, dwarves and elves. And the other player, who was the leader of the clan, was an intolerable sadist.
“So the Mudluck goblins are capturing and eating people?” asked Arcturus.
“Yes,” said Fish, “and honestly I can’t do that. It’s gross. And killing other players is not for me. I couldn’t live with myself if I was taking people away from their friends and sending them to wait for respawn. There’s a small town on the edge of the plains. I’ve overheard others say that we’re planning to raid the whole town, and eat everyone there. That’s when I decided I’d had it, and I set out on my own.”
The conversation was interrupted by a sudden quest notification.
NEW DRUID QUEST: END THE MUDLUCK GOBLIN THREAT
Due to food shortages, Mudluck goblins have increasingly been seen outside of their territory. You have reason to believe they have been capturing and eating humans and elves. If the population of goblins is allowed to grow too large, they will threaten other sentient beings. Find a way to stop the goblin threat, and bring balance to the forest and surrounding lands. Reward: Unknown.
“I think if I could make it north to Eastport, I might be able to find a new life there, where all races are accepted. But my level is too low right now for a solo journey. I was hoping to find a smaller group of travelers to level up with before heading north, but so far, you’re the only one I’ve run into. Would you want to team up?”
Arcturus considered this for a moment, but he already knew what he was going to do.
“You are welcome to stay here, but as a Druid, I have made a commitment to follow a neutral path, which means I must remain independent. If you want to run with my pack, you’d have to follow my lead. Are you okay with that?”
Fish had a few questions, but after they were all answered, he seemed satisfied. He was then presented with a Contract offer.
CONTRACT
Arcturus the Druid will protect you, feed you, and offer you the chance to develop your skills and earn experience. In exchange, you must follow his command, and refer to him as “Boss.” This contract is indefinite unless one party breaks the terms. Do you accept? (Yes/No)
Fish gladly accepted. “Okay, Boss, what do we do next?”
“Tell me about the skills that you have.”
“Right now, I’m moving towards a cloak-and-daggers type. Goblins get bonuses to Stealth and Short Blades. I’m only Level 9, so there are a lot of ways my character could go. I’m not sure yet.”
Arcturus thought for a long time, but he couldn’t think of any tasks to assign.
“Do you know how to build simple structures? I’ve been sleeping here in the open.”
“I don’t know how to do that, but I can try to learn!” the Goblin appeared eager to be helpful.
“What about hunting? Can you bring food in?”
“I don’t have the Archery skill, but I could learn.”
“Okay. For now, I’ll need to you to gather herbs, clean out the wolves den, that kind of thing. Actually, can you go clean up the wolf droppings now? It’s starting to smell foul over there.”
The goblin looked disappointed but didn’t protest. As he sauntered off, Arcturus summoned one of his birds. “Watch the goblin,” he said. “Alert me if he leaves, or if he meets with anybody, or if he attempts to harm any creature in the camp.”
Arcturus still had much to do. He took a moment to try to prepare Lyle mentally for the experiment that was about to take place, and then he spent the 50 mana to use Shapeshifting on Lyle, turning him into a Golden Eagle. The dog seemed confused at first, but quickly learned to use his new body, flapping his wings in a powerful lift-off. And that’s how his pet became Lyle the Dog the Bird. Satisfied that Lyle had gotten his bearings, he turned into an eagle himself. This time he could do it while wearing his clothes.
In addition to that, the transformation happened much more quickly. His first uses of Shapeshifting had each taken several minutes, but now he could get to Golden Eagle form in less than thirty seconds, and he had more hit points than before, too. These must be bonuses from increased endurance, intelligence and wisdom. He soared up into the air, Lyle flapping close behind, and he flew all the way to the lake where the vampire lair had been. It took only a few minutes to arrive there. There was no activity down below, but he could see with his enhanced vision that there were still human bodies everywhere.
Flying further, over the lake, he scanned the bottom of the shallow waters. He saw turtles and fish everywhere in the abundant pool below. As the lake got deeper, he was unable to see the bottom, but he could discern the massive shadow of some unknown creature swimming its depths. A moment later and he was in the middle of the lake, where three islands sat in a cluster. He noted some kind of structure on one of the islands, a cobblestone walkway covered in we
eds and dotted by limestone pillars. He decided to investigate later.
Swinging towards his starboard side, he changed course and followed the shore of the lake to the south as a large goblin encampment came into view. Columns of thick, gray smoke unfurled into the sky as hundreds or maybe thousands of the green men scurried about their business below.
The goblin settlement was built in four quadrants, each of which were dedicated to a village function: a training grounds, a marketplace, a sickly area full of humanoid captives and their remains, and a residential area made up of reed huts.
In the center was yet another square, this one an open space suitable for assembly. In the middle of that area was a structure that looked like miniature ziggurat, a pyramid whose top had been truncated to function as a platform, the apex of which could be seen from all around. Each side was accessible by a flight of broad steps. Unlike the crude construction of the rest of the settlement, this structure was made of stone, and would surely stand here for many thousands of years.
Turning again to face his forest territory in the west, he flapped his powerful wings, increasing altitude, and prepared to sail over the cliff face that he had first awoken on. Lyle followed happily, gleefully. Turning his head, Arcturus noticed that Lyle the eagle flew around in the same joyful manner that Lyle the dog had on the ground.
Sailing over the cliff face, they passed the alcove where he had first awoken, and further down the cliff were small holes that led into the cave of the Blackfang Ridge wolves. Climbing higher, Arcturus saw a massive cave entrance yawn into view, of some chamber hidden on the very peak of the cliffs, inaccessible to all below. They continued west, over the river, and into elven territory. In a few moment’s time, they were flying over the city of elves, nestled carefully in the woods and intermingled with the trees. The village was hard to see, obscured as it was by the foliage, but it looked like they lived in tree-houses connected by a red brick road.
