Last Horizon: Live

by Daniel Schinhofen

  “The capsules were indeed the biggest draw at the start of Last Horizon. However, many people now think the AIs might be the thing to have the staying power to keep people playing.” Ashley said before checking her notes. “Was it an AI that started this event then?”

  “No it wasn't. Two groups of players were the driving forces behind this event starting. The AI did set up a quest for one side of the event, though.”

  “What can you tell us of the events that led to this current situation?” Ashley leaned forward again as she spoke.

  “We have only lightly delved into the why at this point. From what our initial reports can tell us, one of the winners of the Beta Carnival set up the keep they won right outside of an NPC town, called Stoutbank. The player who founded that keep was able to establish a guild and as such was able to levy taxes on the local area.”

  “So building a keep is the way to form a guild in your game?” Ashley cut in, as this was news that hadn't been covered before.

  Paval paused then chuckled, “Oops, that wasn't supposed to get out yet. Oh well, cat is out of the bag now. Keeps and Castles when built allow the one building them to form a guild. Guilds get a shared bank that the Guild Master controls. It helps with the taxes and if you have a fee associated with the guild to help pay the upkeep costs on those buildings.”

  “So the major buildings also have upkeep costs like the other houses?”

  “Of course they do, but at a much higher level. After all, if you want to be a lord it will cost.”

  “I seem to have side tracked us, Paval. Sorry about that. Let's get back on topic again. So one of the groups built a keep and taxed the NPCs?”

  “The group known as Vengeance set up their keep just down the road from Stoutbank. From what we have been able to tell the leader of the group, Executioner, accidentally set the taxes at their maximum. We have since reset the tax rate for him so he can set it as he originally wanted to. During the time when taxes were hiked through the roof the NPCs of Stoutbank began to get agitated with Vengeance.”

  “Can you tell us what you mean by agitated?”

  “Vengeance visited the town and were told they were not welcome. It seems the NPCs had taken a dislike to the new lord of the land. While this was going on another group of players known as the Bananas showed up. Our information gets a little hazy here, but it seems the Bananas influenced the NPCs into leaving the town.”

  “Wait, so the Bananas talked the NPCs into leaving the town?”

  “That is what we think at the moment, Ashley. We are still digging into the event, though. As the NPCs went to leave, Vengeance approached them and tried to explain the misunderstanding and get the NPCs to return to town. The AI at that point generated a quest to defend the caravan. So the Bananas and the other players nearby jumped Vengeance. It seems the quest is to kill any player seen to be attacking the caravan.”

  “So Vengeance was attacked by the others with the NPCs?”

  “We are still looking into it but yes, at the moment that is what we know. Since that point the group called Vengeance was a little upset as you might imagine. Here a simple misunderstanding was costing them a town, for all intents and purposes, and the Bananas were helping facilitate this. So Vengeance decided to live up to its namesake and try and attack the caravan in earnest.”

  “So now you have the two sides engaged in a running battle going north. The rumors we have heard is that Vengeance is attacking the NPCs in the caravan. Since NPC deaths are permanent, it seems like Vengeance will win before too long just by attrition.”

  Paval nodded, “Yes, it very well might lean that way. So far though Vengeance has only killed two NPCs while losing a half dozen fights. So depending on where the NPCs are going, they might lose more.”

  “Do you have any idea where that might be?” Ashley asked.

  “They are headed towards Veno, the capital of the area as far as we can tell.”

  “That is a long trip, almost two weeks of travel for NPCs.”

  “Yes, so we are keeping an eye on it as Stoutbank used to be a starting town for our game. We since shifted it to another nearby village until NPCs return to Stoutbank. We are very proud, though, that the game is dynamic as we wanted it to be. You can change this world even by mistake, so if you build a keep be careful with the taxes.”

  Ashley giggled, “Unless you want to start an event, maybe. Thank you for joining us today Paval.”

  “It was my pleasure Ashley, I am sure I will be back again at some point.”

  The screen blinked, leaving just Ashley before the camera, “Thank you for tuning into our interview with Paval Romonov. We will be right back with a recap right after these messages.”

  Miriam killed the tablet as she finished her food. “That seems off.”

  “Larry and Jazzy were told better than that,” David grumped sitting back.

  “I'll contact sis when we get home and see if she’ll respond before we get back in game.” Lavender said as she pushed her empty plate away. “The food was good.”

  Will dropped a few bills on the table, “Not bad. I am puzzled about Paval's answers as well, though. See you guys tonight.” He stood up and hugged his friends goodbye leaving David and Miriam at the table as he and Lavender left.

  David watched them go, smiling slightly, “He seems to have found something good.”

  “Yes, they both have. She needs him just as much as he is happy to have her.” Miriam leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. “Let's head home and relax for a few hours before we get on.”

  When they got home David checked his emails and looked at the one from Thomas Newsley, the producer from GNN. It looked like GNN wanted him to comment on Paval's interview and the implication that the Bananas were somehow at fault.

  David considered his reply for a moment, then his lips twitched as he considered another angle. He sent Lavender a text and asked her to see if her sister could talk with them when they got on. Once that was done he turned his computer back to sleep mode and joined his lover in the living room to watch an episode of the old TV show Firefly.

  Plans

  Dumadin sighed in relief as he blinked and stretched, glad to once again be in the game. His pain meds had started to fade which meant when they logged off later he would need to take them again so he could sleep.

  Kittish, Terets and Amythyst all appeared in short order as well. As they were getting out of the wagon Dumadin paused as a bright light flashed behind him. He smiled at Jazzy and sat back down, “Thanks for coming. I just have a request and wonder if you can do it, pretty please.”

  Jazzy's eyes narrowed a little at his sweet tone, “Well, this sounds ominous. What are you asking for exactly?”

  “You guys record the game, the only ones who can. If GNN got one of their anchors here to do an interview could you get the clip of them doing that and let them have it for their broadcast?”

  “Huh? Wait, how is that even related to anything currently?” Jazzy asked, trying to come to grips with the question.

  “Since Paval all but slandered us I want to set the story straight. GNN asked me for a rebuttal to the interview and I think this is a much better idea than me spouting off about one of the Devs.” Dumadin chuckled, his smile slanted as he did. “So what do you say?”

  Jazzy laughed, “Oh that is a curve ball indeed. Yes, I can get that done. Do they know of your plan yet?”

  “Nope, wanted to clear it with you first. If you sign off on it then I’ll toss them an email from the game here asking them to get a reporter here tomorrow. I’m sure they have one at least in Veno if not already on the way for a firsthand look.”

  “Okay then, I will have it arranged and done. Was that all?”

  “Pretty much. I know you and Larry had nothing to do with his answers and evasions. Thanks again, Jazzy.” Dumadin smiled before she vanished with another chuckle.

  As Dumadin slid out of the wagon Bjorn looked at him, “Again you speak with a messenger like its normal. He
r voice sounds so familiar, though. Next time do you think you could introduce me?”

  “I don't see why not. She just doesn't want the other adventurers thinking she’s taking sides.” Dumadin shrugged, “Might be a few days. At least, I hope it is.”

  Bjorn nodded and went back to driving the wagon as Dumadin turned to find his friends talking with Garthur. “What's going on?”

  Garthur shrugged, “Only one attack all day. So you are probably going to get shafted tonight.”

  Terets chuckled, “We have a plan for what we think they are going to try and do.”

  “Well good luck. My timer is about out,” G gave them all hugs before he got into the wagon and logged out.

  “So I talked with Jazzy and set it up so GNN could do an interview from inside the game. I need to toss the producer an email real fast and ask how long it will take them to get a reporter here.” Dumadin told them before following through on his words.

  “Ah, that explains it then,” Amythyst nodded. “I was really curious as to what you had in mind. This is your idea to counter Paval. You’re going to have them talk with the NPCs.”

  “That was what he was thinking, yup.” Kittish agreed hugging Dumadin. “Shall we circulate for a bit? I’m sure they won't come to attack until the caravan stops in an hour or so.”

  “Sounds good,” Terets said taking Amythyst’s arm and wandering away to chat with people.

  Kittish waited for Dumadin to finish his email before linking arms with him. “Let's go say hi to Alvira,” she said tugging him gently along.

  “Of course,” Dumadin matched her stride as they strolled along, greeting people who called out to them. Before they got more than a few feet they paused as Camelia called out to from her wagon.

  “Greetings, Heroes,” Camelia smiled, “do you know if Kristof will be around shortly?”

  “We do not,” Kittish replied with a slight frown, “I take it he wasn't about earlier?”

  “He said he wanted to be here for your plan tonight. So I was hoping he might be with you.” Camelia sighed and shook her head slightly. “I will wait.”

  “If we see him before you do, we’ll be glad to send him this way at speed Camelia.” Dumadin said and gave a small bow before they moved on.

  “Maybe they are making up after all,” Kittish mused.

  “Good, happiness for everyone who can grab it,” Dumadin chuckled as they came along side Alvira's wagon.

  “Well, hello you two,” Alvira grinned and slid over on the seat slightly. “Plenty of room up here for you.”

  Dumadin jumped onto the running board and sat down before hauling Kittish up and onto his lap. “Yes indeed, lots of room. How have you been?”

  Alvira smirked at him, “I see you didn't offer your hostess that seat.”

  Chuckling, Dumadin winked at her, “Only one lap to go around. I will try my best to stop by after we camp to see you. Probably after we repel the assault, though.”

  “So you’re going to charge into the fray first? Can I have your word to check me for wounds afterwards?” She batted her lashes at him as she said it.

  Kittish giggled, “If he doesn't, I will in a heartbeat.”

  “Oh the tent I have will hold both of you and two sets of eyes will work better than one.” Alvira leaned over and gave Kittish a quick kiss. “I would never turn you away from my bed, either of you.”

  Dumadin set Kittish next to Alvira, “I'm glad to hear that. Hun, why don't you stay here for a few. I’m going to check in with the others.” He hopped down before either woman could reply and walked quickly away.

  Alvira watched him go with a thoughtful expression, “Did I say something to offend him?”

  Kittish watched her lover go, sadness in her eyes, “No. He won't be with us for very much longer. A sickness has hold of him that can't be cured. He wants all the happiness he can get in the time before he leaves, but he also feels pain that he will hurt those he loves when he does go.”

  Alvira blinked then nodded slowly, “Of course. What about you?”

  Kittish turned her tear filled eyes to the elf beside her. “I want him to have as much as he can before he goes. It hurts, but I will not deny him anything no matter what it might be right now.”

  Alvira pulled Kittish into her side and held her gently, “I understand, but will you also be leaving me then?”

  Kittish's head snapped up and her eyes met Alvira's to see a touch of fear in them. She quickly leaned over and kissed the beautiful elf fiercely. “Not unless you turn me away. I will need your love and strength to make it through my loss and pain.”

  The duo wound up touching foreheads as the horses plodded on. Alvira got control of herself and her voice was very soft when she spoke next. “I am glad the gods have let me meet you both. You have both given me joy and happiness in the time we have known each other. I would keep you both forever by my side if you would let me.”

  Kittish smiled softly and kissed her one more time, gently. “Thank you.” They rode in comfortable silence for a time after that.

  As Dumadin walked away from the two women he chastised himself. He had left as he felt the ache in his heart. He wanted nothing more than to stay with the two women he had come to love. However he already knew Kittish was going to be hurt when his cancer took him, so he was loathe to hurt Alvira as well.

  Shaking his head and blinking back the tears of sadness and rage, he was oblivious to those calling out to him. He wanted to turn around and go back to the women, but he didn't even know if Alvira cared for them as much as they did for her. He could be working himself up for nothing, Alvira might consider the two of them an interesting fling and nothing else after all.

  He came to a sudden halt and took a few deep breaths to try and center his mind. As he got his emotions under control he looked around and found Kristof walking towards him.

  “Dumadin, greetings to you,” Kristof called out, coming up beside the dwarf. “Camelia told me about your plan for tonight. I hope you’ll count me among those in the ambush party.”

  Putting a smile on his face even though he wasn't feeling it, Dumadin nodded. “Sure thing. In fact, take Camelia's wagon for that. She was looking for you just a bit ago as well. It seems she’s afraid you might run off again.”

  “I do not blame her, considering the hurt I caused last time. I shall go see her right away. Thanks for the heads up.” Kristof broke into a jog toward Camelia's wagon.

  Dumadin watched him go, his spirits buoyed slightly knowing he’d helped at least one person find happiness.

  As Dumadin turned to walk on Terets approached him, “Yo, man. I talked with the players here and they’re all ready to go with the plan.”

  “Good to hear it,” Dumadin said falling into step with his two friends. “Let's go find Bjorn. I’m sure they’ll be stopping soon.”

  Amythyst eyed Dumadin, “We’ll go find him and see what he thinks. Why don't you go see Alvira?”

  Dumadin paused, his heart clenching slightly at her words. He forced himself to put a smile on his face. “Yes, that is a good idea. Thank you,” he quickly walked off before his friends could see his smile falter.

  Terets watched him go, shaking his head, “He’s torn.” Amythyst looked at him questioningly so he explained, “He wants to enjoy what Alvira will offer. At the same time he’s afraid he’ll hurt her when he dies. He already feels a heavy heart over Kittish being left alone and is trying to get her and Alvira together.”

  Amythyst watched him go with a sad look, “Oh. I was wondering if I had upset him. Now I get it. What should we do?”

  “Nothing. This will be up to him, maybe Kittish can help.” Terets said linking arms with her again and going towards the lead wagon. “Let's find Bjorn.”

  Dumadin meandered along the wagon train, talking to anyone who greeted him as he still didn't want to go and face the women. Just as he was getting to Alvira's wagon, Bjorn called for a halt and the wagons all went off the road and formed a circle as the sun was
dropping behind the mountains.

  As soon as the wagons were in position the drivers dismissed their horses and collected the figurines. Dumadin was behind Alvira's wagon when Kittish found him.

  Seeing his face, she grabbed him and knelt down so they could be at eye level with each other. “Stop this. Yes, it will hurt her but not nearly as much as it will me. She wants to spend as much time with you as possible, we already talked about it.”