by C. M. Carney
“Lex, just the facts,” Gryph said, and he saw what may have been the hint of a smile cross Zeckoth’s face.
“Jeez, tough crowd,” Lex whined. “Anyway, air guys can make shields, knock people on their asses with big gusts of wind and hurl bolts of lightning. So zapp, singe, singe, oh no, where’d my eyebrows go. Earth folks are usually stodgy grumps who talk way too slow. Water wizz-ards,” he paused for effect. Gryph refused to take the bait. “Um, well they can breathe underwater, create ice and control water. They’re essential first picks if you ever get into a snowball fight.”
Gryph sighed and almost asked Zeckoth if he could get a new banner.
“Yo, pay attention,” Lex muttered in annoyance. “This is some good shit.”
Gryph rolled his eyes and made the “get on with it” hand motion.
“Fine, jeez. I hope everyone else in the game ain’t as grumpy as you. Anyway then we have the so called higher magics. These spheres are empyrean, beloved of people who believe in angels and celestial trees and crystals and junk. The chthonics, now they’re more fun in my book. Demon summoners who love wearing dark robes and talking in funny voices they think are intimidating. Life and death magic are self explanatory. Healers and killers.”
Lex stopped his rambling and while Gryph found the silence welcome, he had only counted twelve spheres of magic. “And the thirteenth?”
“Soul magic. Can’t say I know nuthin’ about that one. Affinity for that one is ultra rare.”
“Affinity?”
“Everyone in the Realms has an affinity and an antipathy for every sphere of magic. An affinity of 100% means that you can learn that magic up to level 100, the maximum measurement of proficiency in the Realms. 50% means a max of level 50, etc, blah, blah.”
“Affinities and antipathies are connected. If you have 100% affinity in life magic for example, not only will you be some kinda boring do-gooder, but you’ll also have a 100% antipathy, or 0% affinity, for death magic. It’s an oil and water kinda thing.”
Gryph nodded. Despite his childish methods, Lex was a fountain of information. He supposed he was lucky to have the annoying banner with him.
“So when Chuckles here laid hands on you, he opened your affinity and your antipathy. Open your Skill Sheet and you’ll see what’s what.”
Gryph did as bidden.
Magic Skills: Level (Affinity) (Tier)
Fire: 0 (25%) (Base)
Air: 0 (75%) (Base)
Water: 0 (50%) (Base)
Earth: 0 (25%) (Base)
Chthonic: 0 (0%) (Base)
Empyrean: 0 (100%) (Base)
Chaos: 0 (50%) (Base)
Order: 0 (25%) (Base)
Life: 0 (50%) (Base)
Death: 0 (25%) (Base)
Thought: 0 (75%) (Base)
Aether: 0 (25%) (Base)
Soul: 0 (50%) (Base)
Martial Skills: Level (Tier)
Unarmed: 5 (Base)
Small Blades: 5 (Base)
Staves/Spears: 5 (Base)
Thrown Weapons: 5 (Base)
Stealth: 5 (Base)
Light Armor: 5 (Base)
Dodge: 5 (Base)
Knowledge Skills (Tier)
Alchemy: 5 (Base)
Perception: 5 (Base)
Lockpicking: 5 (Base)
Traps: 5 (Base)
Perk Points: 0
Divine Perk Points: 0
Gryph closed out his Skill Sheet and nodded in appreciation. He was eager to try out magic. Chortles of laughter broke his reverie.
“Ha, ha, ha. Of course you’re an empyrean. Bet you’ll get your halo any day now,” Lex said, continuing his fake laugh several seconds too long.
“You done?”
“Not quite yet,” Lex started his fake laughter again.
“Well, be done,” Gryph said. Lex stopped, but even though his banner was still a disembodied voice, Gryph could sense his pouting. “Why don’t I have any magic skills?”
“Did you know any magic on Earth?” Lex said in an irritated tone.
“Um, no. But I have an affinity in several”
“Affinity is potential not actual. Affinity means you have the potential to master a sphere of magic, but you still have to learn it.”
“And how do I do that?” Gryph said through gritted teeth.
“A Master of any sphere can teach you if they wish. They’ll lay hands on you like Lean Mr. Clean here did to awaken your affinities. Or you can use a spell stone to learn a spell along with the requisite magic skill needed to cast the spell.”
“If I have an affinity for that sphere of magic?”
“Hey, using that brain for smart making. Good on ya pal. As long as you don’t have an affinity of 0% you can learn a sphere of magic. But, your advancement is limited by the affinity. In your case you will not be able to rise above level 25 in Order Magic.”
Zeckoth stepped forward again with a blessedly welcome interruption.
“Our time together has ended,” the tall god said. With a flourish of his arm another slice in reality opened. “It is now time for you to visit the armory where you will receive your starter equipment.”
“Oooh, swag,” Lex said. “Love me some swag.”
“In addition Crusader,” Zeckoth continued. “Now that your character is complete your banner will take physical form as your personal NPC. Your NPC’s race, skillset, affinities and physical form will be auto generated. This will help balance any of your deficiencies.”
Gryph wasn’t sure he would enjoy a flesh and blood Lex being his constant companion. He was irritating enough as a disembodied voice. What would he be like in real life.
“You better not screw me dude.” Lex said with trepidation.
11
G ryph passed through another slice in reality and emerged onto a massive shelf carved inbot the side of a tall mountain. A range of smaller mountains range split the sky as far as he could see. Sweat pooled on his body and an intense gflow came from behind him. He turned to see a huge forge fed by red hot magma. He was standing next to the cone of an active volcano. The sound of clanging metal rang in his ears, jarring his nerves.
He turned and saw a lithe red haired woman banging away on an anvil. The large hammer she wielded seemed far too heavy for someone her size to lift, much less swing with such ease.
Her rhythmic work sung to Gryph. Her timing was perfection and Gryph hesitated to interrupt her. He waited and after a few more moments the woman laid her hammer down and turned towards Gryph.
Tanned by fire and forge and covered in sweat, she was still stunning. She smiled at Gryph. He felt his heart jump. She walked up to him and held her hand out.
“Welcome Crusader. I am Heleracon, Goddess of Artifice and the Forge. Blah, blah, blah.”
Gryph stared.
“Well, don’t leave me hanging cute thing,” Heleracon said with a smirk.
Her manner was so different from the other gods he’d met so far that he didn’t know how to respond.
“Lex?” Gryph said, his eyes squinting down in suspicion.
“No sweetie, I told you Heleracon, the Goddess of Artifice and the Forge. Try to keep up. I make cool stuff for the other gods, and sometimes for you mere mortals. If you make it worth my while.”
She walked around Gryph, analyzing him like he was a prized breeding stallion. Gryph was uncomfortable when Heleracon smacked his ass and bit her lower lip.
“Um, do you greet every player this way?” Gryph asked.
“Of course not. Do you think I’m some kinda floozy?”
“Ah. Well?”
“Just kidding handsome. Relax. To answer your question, yes, I greet every player this way. This aspect of me is programmed to be a tad more spicy than those other fellas.” She did a dance that was far more appealing than it should have been. “Market research shows that players, even the female ones, like saucy minxes. I do so enjoy the role.”
“Um,” Gryph said.
“You’re just the first high elf I�
��ve seen come through here. And I gotta say Rowwwr. How d'you manage that one? Buddies with Aluran?”
“Not exactly,” Gryph began.
“Yeah, I don’t really care. Just making conversation. Something you should work on. I like conversation. I also like not talking if you catch my drift? If you ever find yourself near the real Source Forge, look me up. I’m a girl who works hard and likes to play harder.” The goddess' eyes lit with an internal flame as she ogled Gryph up and down.
Gryph just stared in bewilderment.
“OK, you’re a bit slow, but I can work with that. Anyway, guess we should get to it. I bet you’re excited to meet your banner NPC in the flesh?”
“I’d say anxious,” Gryph said.
“Oh, he’s one of them types. I get it. Well, good luck honey because once your new buddy is made there ain’t no refund.”
“Great,” Gryph muttered and turned with Heleracon towards a large set of gilded doors.
“Drum roll please,” Heleracon said in a loud announcer voice and the sound of deep bass drums emanated from nowhere and everywhere. “Lexicon, Banner NPC of Gryph of the Tasty Glutes, come on down.”
Gryph sent a sideways glance at the fiery goddess, but a loud clang of metal brought his attention back to the gilded entrance. A red light split them in two and the massive doors opened.
Illuminated from behind was a powerful figure of muscle and brawn. Shadows masked Lex’s features, but the NPC strode forward with purpose. The new Lex seemed impressive. He was a broad shouldered man dressed in flowing robes and carrying a large metal hammer. A flowing beard swung side to side as he approached.
As the space between them diminished Gryph realized that the distance had not been as large as it first seemed. As Lex got close, he could see his NPC’s swagger diminish. Lex strode up with a scowl and smashed his hammer on the floor of the forge. His head barely came up to Gryph’s chest.
“You have gotta be fricking kidding me,” Lex said with a growl. “What the hell is this?”
Gryph shrugged and tried to keep the grin from his face.
“Hey short stuff,” Heleracon said. “How’s the weather down there?”
Lex raised his hammer, ready to crush her pretty red skull. Gryph stepped in and put a hand on Lex’s shoulder. He bent down to get eye level with his NPC. Lex noticed.
“Uh buddy,” Gryph said in the soothing tone one uses on a drunk friend. ”Wouldn’t do that. Goddess.” Lex relaxed, lowering his hammer with a low grumble. “So, you look … good. What are you, a hill dwarf?”
“I’m an effing Ordonian.”
“Wait aren’t those the Viking dudes. Tallest race on Korynn?”
“Yes!” Lex howled in a rage.
“Well, that’s an average,” Heleracon said. “You may be on the lower end … height wise.”
“Lower, I’m only five foot four,” Lex raged.
“I’d say more like five three and three quarters.”
Lex glared up at Heleracon, his face as red as her hair.
“Hey love muffin, don’t blame me, I just build stuff. I’m not responsible for whatever this is.”
Lex bellowed and hefted his hammer over his head. He swung it down several times, smashing a crate of coal, a barrel of water and a table covered in metal ingots. Gryph sent a nervous glance at Heleracon, but she seemed more amused than annoyed.
“I see you like the hammer though,” she said. “I did make that for you.” She held her hand palm up and a golden apple appeared in a flash of light. A paring knife appeared in the other hand.
Lex eyed her a moment before turning his gaze on the hammer. “Yeah, it's pretty good.”
Gryph walked up and put his arm around his NPC’s shoulder. The sad look in Lex’s eyes was hard to take. Lex had been his constant companion for over a year and for the first time Gryph thought of him as human, with actual feelings. He made a promise to himself to treat the little guy with more respect.
“Wanna go get drunk?” Lex said.
May have to rethink that respect thing,”Gryph thought. “Let’s have a look at you,” Gryph said.
Lex’s eyes blanked as he turned his gaze inwards analyzing his Character Sheet. “Hrrmmmm,” Lex grunted in a tone that didn't sound thrilled.
“What is it?”
“It looks like I’m some kinda priest. My main affinity is for thought magic and I worship some dude named Cerrunian, whoever that is.”
“He’s dead,” Heleracon said as if it were nothing. She sliced a piece of the apple and eased it past her full lips.
“Dead?” Lex squealed in alarm.
“Yeah. Dead.”
“What do you mean dead?” Gryph asked.
“As in dead,” Heleracon twitched her neck to the side, closed her eyes and pulled up on an imaginary noose that made her tongue loll out of her mouth. “No longer of this world. Pushing up the daisies. Gone to meet his maker.”
“How can I worship a dead god?”
Heleracon shrugged. “Got me, never met one.”
“Great. So I’m a midget priest of a dead god.”
“Technically a midget is 4’10” or less. And I do believe that term has fallen out of favor,” Heleracon said slipping another slice of apple into her mouth with a crunch.
Lex glared and hefted his hammer again.
“Let’s not get caught up in semantics,” Gryph said. “Is there a way we can fix him?”
“Fix me?” Lex raged. “There’s nothing wrong with me.”
Gryph wasn’t about to get into that debate and looked at Heleracon, repeating the question.
“Nope. I told you, no returns, no exchanges.”
“Okay buddy,” Gryph said stooping down to get eye level with Lex. “There’s gotta be a reason for all this.”
“Always is,” Heleracon said. “The Source always has its reasons.”
Gryph didn’t know what to make of that and kept his attention on Lex. “You and me against the Realms. Right buddy?” Gryph held out his hand and after a moment Lex grumbled and took it. Gryph’s massive hand swallowed up Lex's.
“This isn’t helping,” Lex said. “Nor is the kneeling thing you got going on.”
“Sorry,” Gryph said, standing back at his full height.
“Or maybe it was,” Lex muttered.
Gryph sighed and returned his attention to the goddess. “You said you had some gifts?”
“Oh yeah, good memory you got honey.” She shook her shoulders and much of the snark seemed to drain from her. She cleared her throat and then started a speech that seemed both pre-written and filled with user agreement style language.
“Congratulations Crusader,” Heleracon said. “As a purchaser of the Deluxe Beta Preorder, you have been awarded an Upgraded Starter Pack. This includes a minor magic weapon, a minor piece of magical equipment and a bonus potion pack. These items are influenced by your skill set and Attribute Points distribution trends. Note, in game treasure and loot awards are also influenced by your skill set and Attribute Points distribution trends.”
Before Gryph had time to miss the real Heleracon, her old personality came back. “Cuz getting a kick ass warhammer when you’re a knives and spear guy would just be no fun, now would it?” She winked at Lex who scowled and gripped his hammer with white knuckles.
Prompts filled Finn’s vision.
You have been awarded an El’Edryn Swift Spear (Spear)
Item Class: Base - Item Category: Active.
Base Dmg: 12 (+2 Base Item Bonus).
Active Powers.
Power(1): Quick Strike. 1% chance per point of mana spent to gain a second attack that automatically hits.
Mana Limit: 1% - Cool Down: 5 minutes.
The preferred weapon of high elf warriors, the swift spear is lightweight and imbued with powers that make it a weapon capable of dealing quick and deadly attacks.
You have been awarded a Belt of Deftness
Item Class: Base - Item Category: Passive.
Passive Powers.
Power(1): +3 to Dexterity.
This fine leather belt was cured with an oil infused with Quickvine Sap.
You have been awarded a Satchel of Holding
Item Class: Base - Item Category: Passive.
Passive Powers.
Power(1): Weight Reduction. Reduces the weight of stored items by 95%.
Power(2): Stasis Field. Items will remain in their current state for as long as they remain in the satchel.
Power(3): Soul Bound. This item is Soul Bound and cannot be lost or stolen.
Power(4) Autosort. This item will automatically sort and categorize anything put into it.
This fine leather satchel is, in fact, a portal to a pocket dimension. It can hold a vast amount of inventory and is useful for hauling loot and treasure.
You have been awarded a Bonus Potion Pack. Two Potions of Minor Health (50 points to Health). Two Potions of Minor Stamina (50 points to Stamina). Two Potions of Minor Mana (50 points to Mana). One Potion of Cure Disease.
“Sweet toys dude,” Lex said.
He glanced inot his satchel to see he also had a coil of rope, 5 standard rations, a torch, a locksmith kit, and a bag that contained 10 gold coins whose value he did not understand how to calculate in real world terms. Gryph smiled down on him, but had to admit the equipment was pretty impressive.
“Your very own Boy Scout survival pack,” Lex said.
“Now that you’ve both got your gift basket, it’s time for you to move on. The boss wants to give you a nice send off.”
The world around Gryph and Lex faded and a dim new one came to the fore. It was as if they transitioned to a new scene in a movie in a dissolve. Gryph watched Heleracon sway away. She must have felt his gaze, because she looked back over her shoulder and gave him a wink. Then Heleracon and the Source Forge disappeared, and he was back atop the mountain overlooking the world.
