by Jason Cheek
I was also lucky that the game didn’t seem to have any limit on the number of professions a player could learn at one time. Crafting had always been my bread and butter in games. Unfortunately, the downsides to crafting in the past MMORPGs I’d played were that it was generally time-consuming, expensive and usually didn’t give high enough bonuses to use with your primary character. The World, on the other hand, only had one character slot, so there were no alts that you could turn around and use all of your crafting skills on to twink out. Except for my herbalism and alchemy skills, so far there wasn’t much that my other skills could do that wasn’t currently useful. Well, except for the Iron-reinforced Defender I’d helped make for Anseille and me. Worst case scenario it would be something I used to equipment my NPCs. Still, I hoped the game designers for The World had come up with something better than that for crafting.
“Stand in the Light,” Ines said, her aged voice slightly cracking as Yun stepped away from the old priestess with a wide grin. Giving us a benediction with a wave of her hand, we gave Ines a short bow and headed out of the temple.
Before we’d reached the archway, Yun excitedly pulled on my arm as he sent me the description of his new spell. “Check this out, Star!”
Light’s Blessing
Cast Time: 120 sec cast.
Mana Expenditure: 200
Gives an additional 500 Hit Points to target when cast. Requires healing magic skill level 25. Expires automatically after one hour. Range 10 yards.
I was still reading through the text as Yun continued excitedly. “It’s an extra 500 freaking Hit Points. That’s so badass!”
“Ugh, why couldn’t I have leveled up my Light Magic to level 25 while we were in the mines? Now I’ll never get that spell.” I groused slightly annoyed.
“Says the guy that’s a one-man army.” Yun’s bark of laughter took away the sting of his words as he clapped me on the back. “Okay, let’s find the rest of the team and turn these quests in.”
I stopped at the top of the steps for one last look around the inside of the temple. Not seeing Lorelai and Kyarina, I silently shrugged to myself and followed Yun out. As soon as we’d stepped outside, Sarka was bitching and complaining that we were going to lose our place in line if we didn’t hurry it up, which was why we were being dragged into the middle of a long, snaking line outside of the Mayor’s office five minutes later where Tinyr and Unalia had saved a place for us. As soon as we cut in line, a woman in the team behind us spat angrily.
“Get to the back of the line!”
“No one is making you wait any longer than you’re already waiting.” Sarka snapped back without hesitation in the same tone of voice. Glaring at the woman, she went off. “Really? You know as well as I do that the quest is for the entire team. Freaking calm the fuck down, woman!”
Except for a few nasty looks from the irritated players behind us, the conflict basically ended after that. I understood that everyone was tired of waiting in line, but sometimes shit happens. While the full immersion virtual reality was cool as hell, its realism also meant that people couldn’t walk through other players and NPCs to talk to the quest giver. Hence the need for waiting in lines for Quest NPCs when they got backed up.
Even so, the line seemed to be moving along pretty quickly. Every quest that was handed out meant the line when down about five players at a time. Most of the players in line were just out of the training area getting their local quests for the first time, but a few were in the sixteen to eighteen level range. Still, none of them were wearing Marauder armor, which meant they hadn’t taken out the first boss as of yet. There were a number of low, muttered comments from the players about our gear and levels. Some were funnier than others.
“Where the hell did they get matching armor?”
“Armor sets are for pussies. They probably just dyed it black anyway.”
“How the hell did that guy already reach level twenty-six?”
“I don’t know, but they’re all freaking high level.”
“Eh, I told you that dungeon had to be easy.”
I tuned out the comments and studied the administrative building. Unlike the open buildings of the rest of the city, the administrative area of the town reminded me of something you’d find in medieval Japan. Instead of the open design that most of the town’s structures had, the buildings here were walled in, albeit with something reminiscent of Japanese shoji walls. As I studied the architecture, the line moved at a quick pace, taking a total of maybe three minutes to reach the front of the line. When the shoji screen was pulled aside to the building, we were greeted by an effete, male Elf wearing a long, flowing robe named Magister Naevyre. The Light Elf at first eyed us with disdain but became friendly enough when he heard we’d come to turn in our quests.
Still, the rude attitude once again reminded me of the bad reputation I had for being a part of House of Kayden. Luckily, Sarka took the lead in the discussion, which meant the conversation was based mainly on her reputation instead of mine. Taking the four quest papers from her bag that showed which quests we’d completed, she handed them over to the finicky man. Everything seemed normal enough until the Magister straightened the papers and began to read. Immediately, the prim Elf’s eyes widen in shock as he jerked upright in his seat. With shaking hands, he went through the papers faster and faster until he came to the last page where he gasped. Springing out of his chair, the dapper magister raced toward the back of the building urgently crying out.
“Master Faeberos! Master Faeberos! You must see this immediately!”
Choas reined after that. Without saying another word to us, Magister Naevyre shot out of the building at a run a minute later as an older Light Elf hurried out from the back office. “Hello! Please let me introduce myself. I’m Rathal Faeberos, the Mayor of Delonshire.” The elegant man bowed to each of us in turn as we stepped forward to introduce ourselves. “My assistant, Magister Naevyre will be back in just a moment. I sent him out to collect your reward and ask a person or two to join us for a short ceremony.”
We looked at each other questioningly, but there was no time to question the odd flow of events as Mayor Faeberos quickly accepted our quests one-by-one. Due to my low reputation with the city of Delonshire, I was the last in line. As the soon as the distinguished Elf came to me, my quest window popped with a number of alerts.
Congratulations! You have successfully completed the quest, Kill the Kobolds that have taken over the Delonshire Mine! You have gained +100 points in reputation with the city of Delonshire. You have received one gold. You have received 1500 experience points.
Congratulations! You have successfully completed the quest, Kill the Goblin invaders that have taken over the Delonshire Mine! You have gained +200 points in reputation with the city of Delonshire. You have received one gold. You have received 2000 experience points.
Congratulations! Your reputation with the city of Delonshire has improved from Unfriendly to Neutral!
Congratulations! You have successfully completed the quest, Kill the Goblin Slave Master Cralo Gutripper that has taken over the Delonshire Mine! You have gained +400 points in reputation with the city of Delonshire. You have received two gold. You have received 4000 experience points.
Congratulations! You have successfully completed the quest, Kill the Goblin shaman Kharborg Bonebreaker that has taken over the Delonshire Mine! You have gained +400 points in reputation with the city of Delonshire. You have received three gold. You have received 4000 experience points.
Congratulations! You have successfully completed the quest, Kill the Goblin’s War Leader Vorgak the Brutal that has taken over the Delonshire Mine! You have gained +400 points in reputation with the city of Delonshire. You have received four gold. You have received 4000 experience points.
Congratulations! You have successfully completed the quest, Rescue the survivors of Delonshire Mine! You have gained +600 points in reputation with the city of Delonshire. You have received four gold. You have received 6000 exp
erience points. You have the option to pick one item from the Delonshire Guard’s Armory.
Congratulations! Your reputation with the city of Delonshire has improved from Neutral to Friendly! Items will be 5% cheaper from NPCs!
After all the experience I’d just earned in one fell swoop, I’d expected to see a ‘Congratulations! You have reached level 27,’ but that wasn’t the case. My experience bar had barely moved, which was somewhat disappointing. Between both sets of open windows, I could barely see the people in the room due to character stats and the constant spam of quest alerts scrolling in front of my eyes, when the door slide open behind me, I heard a familiar female voice called out in greeting. I was swiping the windows away when a coarse hand pounded on my back.
“It is good to see you once again, Master Ironwolf. Your presence is a boon to our small town.” Getting the last window closed, I turned around to see Sergeant Traovudd’s friendly face looking back at me. “Magister Naevyre just informed the Lieutenant and me that you’ve managed to vanquish the northern invaders’ War Leader and Battle Leaders that lead the attack against our people in the mines. I just wanted to thank you personally.” The sincerity in the Light Elf’s eyes touched my soul as I clapped the gruff sergeant back on the shoulder.
“Dalilath, how many times do I need to tell you, it’s just Startum?” Pulling the old Sergeant in close, I whispered in his ear. “The Lieutenant isn’t going to stab me or anything, right?” Before the older man could answer, I heard the Lieutenant clear, melodic voice behind me as my entire body jolted upright.
“Newfar Ironwolf.”
“Lieutenant Faelwen, it’s –“
“It’s Captain Faelwen now, Master Ironwolf.” Sergeant Traovudd hurriedly whispered in my ear as I quickly corrected myself.
“I mean, Captain Faelwen. It’s a pleasure to see you again.” I greeted the beautiful NPC with a straight face while making sure I didn’t let my eyes wander anywhere but her face.
”Don’t you mean with your clothes on,” Tinyr said, snickering a little too loudly behind me as a smack reverberated around the room a second later.
“Stop being an idiot!” Unalia hissed under her breath as the Captian, and I did our best to ignore their comments.
For a long second there was an uncomfortable silence as everyone waited for the newly minted Captain to explode in outrage, but instead, the beautiful Elf just held out a hand to me as I took it numbly. “Thank you, the ghosts of our people can now be laid to rest in peace.” Miya’s emerald eyes locked onto mine. “If you are ever in need of aid, just send a message and I will come.”
“Thank you, m’lady,” I said with a small bow over her hand as my eyes immediately locked onto her impressive rack. I could still clearly see those magnificent mounds in my memory. Catching myself a second too late, I pulled my eyes away as a deep flush filled my cheeks, before releasing the gorgeous Captain’s hand and stepping back. For a second, I was sure she was going to be pissed, but instead, I saw a curious twinkle in her eyes.
“Until the next we meet.” Captain Faelwen said to our group. With a meaningful look at Sergeant Traovudd, she turned to the mayor as the sergeant fell in behind her. “I thank you for allowing us to give our regards to the Delonshire heroes. By your leave, we will return to our post.”
“It was the least I could do after everything you and your guards have done for us. Carry on, Captain.” Mayer Faeberos said with a nod as the captain and sergeant saluted and left. As the two NPCs stepped back out into the street, I could see the annoyed looks of the bitchy woman and her team that had complained when we had jumped in line as they tried to peak into the building to see what all of the commotion was about. Obvious our time with the mayor was taking longer than anyone else ahead of us had.
To their further frustration, the door slid shut just as Magister Naevyre entered with a line of helpers. Each Light Elf carried a number of swords, daggers, maces, and bows that were quickly laid out on the wooden desks in the front room. None of the equipment was on par with what we’d already liberated from the invading goblins. Well, at least the gear we’d received from the named bosses. Not meaning that the weapons weren’t of good quality because they were finely made. Still, the only weapon that stood out as premium gear that I didn’t have a better one already equipped was the Elven Long Bow that came with a Delonshire Guard Quiver and Elven arrows, which I immediately took for my reward. Well, at least as soon as I made sure there was more than one. I didn’t want Unalia kicking my ass for taking her class specific reward. Looking over the stats of what I picked out, I grinned excitedly.
Elven Long Bow
Item Quality: Fine
Item Type: Crafted
Attack: Ranged
Weapon Type: Bow
Damage 70-101
Weight: 3.2 kg
+6 to Critical Strike
+6 Haste
+9 to Agility
Delonshire Guard Quiver
Soul bound upon pickup.
Item Quality: Fine
Allows up to 500 arrows to be stored in the quiver.
-Gives +10% Haste to range attacks.
I quickly pulled up my character sheet as everyone went through the available gear. The +9 to agility was applied to my base stats just by having the Elven Longbow slung across my back. How do you like them apples? I thought as a goofy grin spread across my face. Watching my friends going through the rewards, I could only laugh at Tinyr and Sarka longing looking at the Elven Longswords. Even though the stats weren’t as good as our Goblin blades, the elegant designs were hard to turn down. The elvish flowing designs made the Goblins weapons look crude and simple in comparison. Those coveting glances immediately changed once I let the rest of the team know about the stacking stats.
In the end, the decision was simple. Everyone ended up choosing an Elven Bow. The extra stat boost for just having the weapon slung over your shoulder was too good to pass up. Once we’d finished our selection, the Mayor thanked us once again before going back to his office as Magister Naevyre walked us to the door. With a final farewell, we exited the administration building as the next group was let in as we again ignored the complaints from the players still waiting in line. Still smiling to myself, I just shook my head at the lowbie players. Suck it up buttercups.
“Okay, so we have an hour before we’re supposed to meet the Valkyrie players for dinner,” Sarka said taking the lead. “Should we head over there now or does anyone have any business left to complete?”
“It’s Miller time,” Tinyr said slapping Yun on the back.
“Don’t you mean spiced mead time?” Unalia asked questioningly.
“You say tomato; I say tomahto.” Tinyr said with a wave of his hand. “Whatever, let’s drink!”
“Um, guys. I really need to buy up a lot of gear and start heading back.” I said frowning. “That’ll at least take me two hours if I hurry and then another two hours to make it back to my village if I’m lucky.”
“Ugh, Star.” Sarka said dragging out the ‘r’ sound as Tinyr looked at me in mock outrage. “Really, dude?”
“Or, we can give you a hand buying what you need with our new 10% discount on all in-town purchases and still meet up with everyone in time for dinner,” Yun said, looping her arm in mine with a grin.
“Hey, if you guys are willing then the first round is on me,” I said with a relieved sigh.
“What’s this first round shit?” Tinyr said in mock outrage. “We’re drinking on your dime, my friend.”
“Ugh, somehow I don’t see myself saving that much money on this deal all of a sudden,” I said rolling my eyes as I looked to the sky for help. Seeing the team waiting for me to finish my antics, I began going through everything I needed to pick-up for my NPCs. It was an impressive list. My job was going to be getting a sleigh and bags to carry everything back on.
“I guess one of us has to go with you to complete the purchases,” Yun said, stepping up beside me while acting put out.
; “Thanks, man,” I said, slapping him hard on the shoulder as he stumbled a step holding his hands up with a surprised shout.
“Alright, already!”
“By the way, explain to me one more time why you’re going all out to help these NPCs?” Tinyr said half serious. “It seems like a huge amount of work and expense for what?”
“Besides helping the poor women and children refugees from the Goblin invasion.” I said, ignoring Tinyr silently mouthing the word ‘NPCs’ while twirling his finger by his head. “This is a way for me to get our own castle with our own NPC crafters and warriors.”
“Wow! Okay, that does make a certain kind of sense.” Tinyr head jerked back in surprise. “If you can pull this Nightmare quest off by Sunday, our guild will be sitting pretty.”
“Exactly.” I said giving Tinyr a ‘duh’ look. “Someone give that man a cookie.”
