Rescue (The Stork Tower Book 4)
Page 17
“Now, the Bell of Ascension is coded so that everyone who hears the sound becomes aware, subconsciously if you like, of who their true ruler is. Simply put, it gives the ruler a vibration and everyone who heard the bell, and their offspring for one generation, will feel themselves resonate when they are near their ruler. The sound also irritates some creatures, but you get no warning on that one. The problem is this. The bell, when rung by the sceptre, can be heard throughout this canyon, where every Elfaun can hear it. With your ‘solution’ to the dilemma you found yourself in, it magnified the sound over a thousand times and it overpowered the spell by almost as much, with two results. First, the Elfaun can feel your vibration from anywhere in the canyon. Right now they are all on their knees because to them, you are close and they can feel you. But worse than that, the sound blasted out of the canyon, it shredded the wards and ripped through the valley of the Dryads. It was heard throughout the entire Demir Dovuyor mountain range. Then, to make it worse, the shape of the Dryad valley focussed the sound and projected it north-east and out onto the plains. It was heard as far as the Yabani wastelands.
“When we set up Dunyanin we designed every creature you’ve ever seen. But there are similarities in the design. For example, they all have a common set of fields to store information on gender, name, and level. They also all share over one hundred elements which describe the basic relationships they have when they interact with others. One of those is a unique fifteen digit hexadecimal integer which identifies every single player, NPC, and MOB. Then there are all sorts of modifiers for family, race, gender, species, etc. But now we can use a simple algorithm to compare different sets of variables to determine an almost unlimited number of interactions. One of those algorithms determines loyalty or allegiance, the closer someone is to a set combination of values then the higher that person is ranked. This bell is designed to modify one of those many fields. This particular field is an array which is empty by default. The allegiance algorithm uses that array, when it has values in it, to realign a person’s allegiance. It overrides all other fields. You reset whoever heard the bell so that their primary political and national allegiance belongs to you, and that’s the simplified version.
“But what it means is this. The dwarven clans of the Demir Dovuyor Mountains see you as their ruler, every Horse Lord on the plains of Ovalar will swear allegiance to you. The fiercely independent Yabani tribesmen will defer to you. And there are any number of small groups and micro-kingdoms I haven’t mentioned.”
“So they all now think of me, as what? Their queen?”
“If you meet them then yes, or as their Clan Lord, their Shaman, or whatever it is in each cultural setting. It’s designed to be a generation before the loyalty begins to waver. We never use this function with the dwarves because they have a natural allegiance to the family of the clan chief and so on. The Yabani are loyal to no one. But that isn’t the problem. The problem is that with everyone’s loyalty being given to you, they will no longer express loyalty to their current leaders. Anarchy will be the order of the day. Dynastic wars will break out, feuds that have been curbed by national leadership will reignite. Almost all our major quests are fuelled by some type of conflict, and we keep these in check by the constraints of tribe and clan. This destroys that.”
“I see. So I imagine we are having this conversation because you want me to help you fix this?”
“Let me check you understand. If we don’t fix this we will have to rewrite the complete history of a quarter of the continent. Even with the AI, it’ll be days, or weeks, before we iron out the inconsistencies and reset quests to reflect the changed conditions.”
“I understand, but what is it that you want?”
“We want your approval to reset the values you changed in everyone by ringing the bell. To undo this mess you caused.”
“I see. Now, while ‘this mess I caused’, is an unfortunate turn of phrase, we’ll let that slide for a moment. Why do you need my agreement? And what do you offer for it?”
“We need it because your actions don’t violate any contractual terms or conditions and we don’t have a ready-made escape clause for something like this. You will receive our undying gratitude.”
“And?”
“And what? I can’t believe you are being mercenary about this.”
“Two days ago I wouldn’t have been, and you know that. So?”
“Well, um, the problem is that the administrators, and the major shareholders, are still in discussions about your pending lawsuit and until that is decided they can’t, and won’t, offer you anything. But, you have my word, we will more than adequately reimburse you.”
“And a day ago your word would have been enough. Now, it isn’t. Isn’t it scary to think what just one lie can do?”
“Then we are at an impasse. I think that’s what you said.”
“No. I can think of a way forward. I know you won’t like it, but I’m not going to play nice this time. You—and this time I mean you and Dunyanin—you haven’t been playing nice. I have a way to keep what I’ve earned and to deal with your rewrite. Can I talk with the Overwatch AI who deals with the inconsistencies?”
“No! No! No! I’ve been instructed at least three times that you cannot have any part to play in choosing a solution to this.”
“Except to have my gameplay rebooted without compensation.”
“We will compensate you; I’m just not sure how.”
Leah looked away from Emil and said, “Would the AI who’s going to have to fix this mess please talk with me?”
Emil was about to say something when a voice said, “I will. What do you suggest?”
Emil said, “Stop. You can’t talk to her.”
The AI said, “I can. You can have me reboot only when you can provide a legally binding contract which is agreeable to all parties, one that ensures the outcome is in line with all the terms and conditions. You have indicated that this is not forthcoming. So, I’m obliged by my parameters to begin adapting history to make sense of the current situation. I am open to all valid suggestions on how to do this. So far all the human developers have not offered me anything. Atherleah, please offer a suggestion.”
“Add another level to the general hierarchy, one above King, chief, or whatever. Redefine the algorithms to use the newly changed arrays to point to that person, me. Insert another empty array for local rulers if you need it or simply modify the current one. This should have the same effect as the reboot but adds a higher level of loyalty or government. Create a simple backstory, and then add a prophecy here or there that an Empress will one day arrive. Have her coming announced by the sound of a bell, or something like that; the story can change from region to region and fit in with the current storyline. Then add a few identifying features about this Empress, you know, something like, ‘she rides on a dragon’, or ‘she hates bullies’. Then you should be able to reconfigure everyone, without any major inconsistencies, in no time.”
Emil was staring at Leah with shock on his face, but the AI said, “That will work. In fact, I will be able to tie together several continent-wide threads which were beginning to unravel. What should the Empire be called? I won’t include the name, but if I add some hints here and there, then everyone will work it out.”
Emil said, “Stop. You can’t do that.”
The AI said, “I can. I’m constrained to find the quickest, easiest and most consistent solution. If you can have me reboot this legally, I will do so. Otherwise, you have to let me solve it. You have two minutes, and then I’m required to begin making changes to fit the current state of play. This is straightforward, it’s easy to implement and it solves several other problems. It is in fact a rather elegant solution.”
Emil disappeared, and Leah said, “Can you skip the name for now? To be honest, this solution only creates the possibility of an Empire if or when I choose to go ahead with it.”
“That will make it easier. The prophecy can point to the emergence of a Vatan-wide Em
pire. This will help me deal with the numerous traders, travellers and immigrants who were affected by the bell. I will unfreeze the canyon in forty-seconds. I suggest you step back underneath the bell. Your Imperial Majesty.”
Leah stepped back under the bell, and all motion and sound resumed. She moved from under the bell and looked around the room. She took several steps toward the mages and then stopped. She surveyed the room a second time then said, “Everyone, please rise.”
It took a moment, but everyone was soon on their feet and watching her. She said, “My name is Atherleah, and I claim Dag Tarafind as mine.”
One of the mages stepped forward and said, “My Queen, my name is Dri Yeldorm. I am Third Mage in the Council of Dag Tarafind, how may I serve?”
Leah was a little flustered at being addressed like this, but she understood this was what Emil had been talking about. She said, “I wish to speak with the full Council concerning my claim.”
“I shall arrange for the council to attend you.” Then turning to the room, he said, “The Court of Petition is closed. All those not on the Council, please leave. Guards, protect the Queen.”
As the Elfaun began to file out, Leah suddenly felt the world shift. For a moment she felt unbalanced, and then everything returned as before, but the scene had changed subtly. The Elfaun continued to glance her way, but now their faces held greater fear and an element of wonder that hadn’t been there before. The guards, who had begun to move towards her, briefly hesitated, and then quickly formed a wall between Leah and the Elfauns filing from the room. Leah watched them leave and then turning towards Dri Yeldorm said, “Where may I wait as the Council gathers?”
Dri Yeldorm bowed low and said, “Empress Atherleah, the room is yours.”
Before Leah could respond one of the guards stepped forward, and after bowing, he said, “Empress Atherleah, I am Haf Izlarin, Captain of the Guards. I would suggest you take your throne. It is the most secure position.”
Leah turned towards the thrones and chairs and noticed another change the AI had made. Behind the large throne she had previously seen, the room had been lengthened by carving an additional fifteen paces from the rock wall. Now, the rear wall was carved in the form of a dragon. It looked to be stepping into the room; its wings were flared and reached to the upper corners, the curve of the wings covering the new section. Its front feet were planted on either side of a stone throne; its claws dug into the rock. Its chest formed the back of the throne and its head high above and curved forward to peer down at whoever stood before the throne. The feet and throne were set on a raised dais accessible by six wide stone steps.
With a deep breath Leah nodded her head at the guard and walked carefully through the other seats and thrones. She walked up the steps and sat on the throne. Twelve guards took their positions on the steps, one at either end of each step. Leah was left alone.
Gèng said, “Leah, you have a slew of messages. I have held them back, but you should read them before the council comes.”
“Thank you for holding them. What a mess!”
“Maybe, but it’s not of your making. Stephen just sent a message that says the Dunyanin lawyers want to enter immediate mediation with an aim to achieving an expedited and mutually agreeable settlement.”
“Tell him that I have some things to do which may take the full six virtual-hours I have available before a break. I’ll contact him when I get out. Now, let’s see the messages.”
Level 5 Named Personal Achievement
Skill - Ki Manipulation - First 1 (2, Painite)
You are the first player to learn this skill; further development can only be achieved by careful practice or by finding a Mentor. You are the first player to gain this achievement. This is your second Level 5 NPA ‘First 1’
Reward 1: 10000 x 270 = 8208000 (+204%) Experience Points (2150000/2150000) … (1379460/2350000)
Reward 2: 1 Diamond x 2 = 2 Diamond
Reward 3: +4% to Experience Points
Reward 4: 1000 Fame Points (174760 FP)
You have achieved the title: Ki Manipulator
A Commemorative Plaque has been placed in your bag.
Cancellation of Unique Personal Quest: Claim the Ancient Elfaun City of Dag Tarafind
Atherleah, your Unique Personal Quest to claim this city has been cancelled. The circumstances which led to its initiation have been altered by the player. If you have any queries, please contact the Dunyanin Administration. This cancellation does not require consent from the player.
World Achievement: First 1 (1, Diamond)
Complete Merkize Odyssey Task - Claim an Ancient City
Atherleah (Level 274) you are the first player to complete Claim an Ancient City during the Odyssey: Journey to Merkize This is your first World Achievement: 'First 1 (Diamond)’.
Reward 1: 5000 x 274 = 4219600 (208%) Experience Points (2350000/2350000) …(849060/2450000)
Reward 2: + 8% to all future Experience
Reward 3: 1 x 5 Diamond = 5 Diamond
Fame: 7500 Fame Points (182260)
A Commemorative Plaque has been placed in your bag.
Note: Due to the unique nature of this achievement it will be published on the Dunyanin achievement forum. (Delayed publication due to media ban on information regarding the player Atherleah)
Player Atherleah, due to an unprecedented number of completed Achievements in a short period the Dunyanin Achievement AI has placed a hold on all your achievements pending an immediate review. The following Achievements are under review:
World Achievement: First 1 (6, Painite) Become Ruler of NPC Social Entity
World Achievement: First 10 (Diamond) Become Ruler of NPC Social Entity x 9
World Achievement: First 100 (Ruby) Become Ruler of NPC Social Entity x 36
If these Achievements are upheld, then a significant number of additional rewards and achievements may be applied.
Should you wish to appeal this decision, then please contact the Dunyanin Administration Customer Service and quote the following reference number (AC-12A-345260)
Follow-up to review (Reference number: AC-12A-345260)
According to an affidavit provided by the Dunyanin Administrators Atherleah has renounced her right to rule the NPC Social Entities under consideration. A new structure was agreed upon. A copy of the Affidavit has been forwarded to the Player Atherleah (ID - FQC3465278).
“Gèng, please send Stephen the last two messages and a copy of my discussion with Emil and see if my solution can be seen in anyway as renouncing my rights and the associated rewards. I intended to provide a feasible solution so that my achievements were not withdrawn without appropriate and mutually agreed upon compensations. Are there any more messages?”
“Two!”
“Please show them.”
World Achievement: First 1 (6, Painite)
Become Ruler of NPC Social Entity - Queen of the Elfauns
Atherleah (Level 276) you are the first Player to be acknowledged Ruler of an NPC Social Entity. This is your sixth World Achievement: 'First 1 (Painite)’.
Reward 1: 10000 x 276 = 8721600 (216%) Experience Points (2450000/2450000) …(2070660/2600000)
Reward 2: + 10% to all future Experience
Reward 3: 6 x 10 Diamond = 60 Diamond
Fame: 15000 Fame Points (197260)
You have achieved the title: Queen
A Commemorative Plaque has been placed in your bag.
Note: Due to the unique nature of this achievement it will be published on the Dunyanin achievement forum. (Delayed publication due to media ban on information regarding the player Atherleah)
World Achievement: First 1 (7, Painite)
Claimant to Imperial Throne
Atherleah (Level 279) you are the first Player to be an acknowledged Claimant to an Imperial Throne. This is your seventh World Achievement: 'First 1 (Painite)’. Should your claim be upheld by an additional three separate and independent NPC Social Entities then you will be awarded the World Achievement: F
irst 1 (1, Celestial) Imperial Ruler.’
Reward 1: 10000 x 279 = 9095400 (226%) Experience Points (2600000/2600000) …(466060/2800000)
Reward 2: + 10% to all future Experience
Reward 3: 7 x 10 Diamond = 70 Diamond
Fame: 15000 Fame Points (212260)
You have achieved the title: Empress (Note: this title may acquire additional descriptors. You have the option to provide these before they are ascribed by others. To change this title to your preferred descriptor, please make a verbal reference to yourself with the desired descriptor - time sensitive)
A Commemorative Plaque has been placed in your bag.
Note: Due to the unique nature of this achievement it will be published on the Dunyanin achievement forum. (Delayed publication due to media ban on information regarding the player Atherleah)
As Leah had read the messages, Elfaun had been slowly making their way into the throne room. She continued to wait, watching the Mages who came to stand before her. There were eight present, but she’d expected there to be nine of them, one for each of the nine chairs. As she waited, she discussed possible strategies with Gèng for dealing with the change of power. Suddenly an older female Elfaun with the longest horns Leah had yet seen entered, and the door to the throne room closed behind her. The last mage did not hurry but walked sedately to stand in front of Leah and took the central position. Leah imagined that although the Elfaun were now loyal, the bell wouldn’t have changed their underlying character traits. Here was someone who understood power and would want to retain as much of it as she could. This was the High Mage, Zor Kimse.
Leah waited, watching, and then just as the High Mage was about to speak Leah said, “Thank you for attending me so promptly. My name is Atherleah, and I am both Empress and Queen of Dag Tarafind. I recognise High Mage Zor Kimse and have met Third Mage Dri Yeldorm. Each of you has had the privilege of ruling until my Ascension. While I expect that some of you will continue to have responsibility in my new government, it is not automatic. Before we continue I require your vow of loyalty, beginning with High Mage Zor Kimse. Be warned; I will know if you speak untruthfully. I require you to touch the Ring of Utsal. She is my friend and does not like me being lied to. High mage, please begin.”