Darkness Fallen

by Dave Willmarth

  While he was there, he took a few moments to speak to Grumpy. The old dwarf was pounding away at a shield form set on his anvil. Alexander took a seat on a nearby crate and asked, “So, got any questions for me?”

  Grumpy snorted. “More’n one. Like what’s a ‘pod’? And what’s ‘up top’?”

  Alexander replied, “Up top is a new land that we recently discovered and claimed. We’ll be declaring that land and this one together as a new kingdom soon. There are several towers, villages, and mines up there, as well as a dungeon we haven’t explored yet.”

  Grumpy interrupted. “Then there be a chance for a first kill?”

  Alexander nodded. “Almost guaranteed. Assuming we can clear the thing. I don’t even know what level it is yet. But most of the mobs we’ve seen up there so far have been level sixty or higher.”

  He stood and paced around a bit as Grumpy continued to work. The dwarf put the shield back into the forge to reheat for a bit. “As for the pods… well, that’s the new tech I was talking about. I’ll leave it to my dad to show you that. But trust me, it’s cool.” He grinned.

  “And all this about leavin’ me life behind fer a year?” Grumpy asked.

  “We’re testing long-term immersions. Myself and the other officers have been in-game for most of the last month. Minus a few days out of immersion for testing. The periods get longer and longer. Like we’re doing two weeks straight starting yesterday.”

  Now it was Grumpy’s turn to nod as he pulled the shield from the flames and set it back on the anvil. “And if I choose not ta sign up?”

  “Nothing. You continue as you are. But I think you’ll find it’s a good deal. You’ll see when you get to Olympus.”

  Seeming satisfied, Grumpy continued his work. Alexander chuckled at the quiet dwarf’s way of dismissing him and moved on.

  His thoughts turned to preparations for Antalia. There were a lot of components to the day. He was meeting the queen for the first time, and expected to be given a new quest. They would be taking four, maybe five new members into battle with them, and going without Helga, Lugs, Beatrix and Benny. He’d be taking Blix with him to fulfill his promise of an introduction. He was also taking four officers from the Stormforge jail back to their guild house, and would be turning it over to PWP.

  “Jeeves, do you have the ability to put me on loudspeaker at the guild house in Antalia?”

  “I do, Master. And with my upgraded interface, you will be able to hear them reply if you are in the control room.”

  “Well, that’s interesting. Will that work everywhere? In all of your buildings?”

  “Yes, Master. You may communicate with anyone within fifty feet of any of my structures via loudspeaker. You will be able to hear them reply if you are in the control room.”

  “That’s very cool, Jeeves! What other functions did you pick up with the new interface?”

  “I can provide access to the guild vault, treasury, and guild bank account management from the control room as well. You can designate authorized individuals. My sensors have improved, with a longer range. I can now sense up to two hundred yards from any of my structures. My predictive process has improved, so I can better anticipate your needs. I can also monitor resource usage and recommend actions based on prior usage data. For example, I can calculate crop yields versus consumption in a given season, and predict future consumption based on increased population, to recommend necessary expansion of planting.”

  Alexander interrupted him, “Jeeves, I want to authorize Silverbeard and Lola for all of the features you’ve just mentioned. What did you mean about your predictive process?”

  “I monitor your actions, requests, and reactions to certain circumstances. I use that information to predict your needs. For example, I am able to create trade and treaty agreements for your use with Antalia and the other kingdoms. I have standard agreements in my library, which can be customized. At level three, I could also communicate directly with allied control interfaces, such as those for the Stormforge palace and Broken Mountain.”

  Alexander shook his head. It hadn’t occurred to him that Thalgrin and Charles had interfaces of their own that helped them manage their kingdoms. He guessed that both would be a much higher level than Jeeves at the moment. That brought up another question.

  “Jeeves, when I view your status page, it says your max level is 25. But places like Stormforge are much more advanced, filled with hundreds if not thousands of buildings. Is that what level 25 looks like?”

  “No, Master. Stormforge is a kingdom. Kingdom status opens additional possible levels. Stormforge is currently at level 40. Broken Mountain is older and larger. It encompasses several mountains now. It is level 46. I am simply a barony and limited to 25 levels. If you declare these lands as an independent kingdom, it will increase my potential to 50 levels.”

  Just out of curiosity, Alexander asked. “And if we establish a kingdom, then we were to conquer another kingdom, like Antalia?”

  “If you capture another palace and hold ownership of it for twenty- four hours, then its interface and mine would combine, creating a single kingdom with a much higher interface level, Master. Three kingdoms combined would constitute Empire status. Are you planning to conquer Antalia?” Jeeves sounded almost hopeful. Alexander didn’t blame him. That would be a big boost for his interface.

  “No, no plans for that. We just liberated Antalia and restored her queen to the throne. No conquering this week I’m afraid, Jeeves.”

  “Of course, Master.”

  “Thank you for the information, Jeeves. And in the future, if there is similar information you think I should know, please feel free to share it. In the meantime, please share what you’ve told me with Silverbeard and Lola.”

  “Thank you, Master. I will. Since you mentioned it, I picked up another ancillary structure this morning when you constructed the fortification around the demon caverns. I can now sense within the walls of the caverns, up to the portal that leads to their realm. And outward from the new walls, for a distance of two hundred yards. Also, the repairs to the second village on the plateau are now complete. So I will remain level 20 when you return the Antalia guild house to its previous owners. One of the bridges is fully repaired, and the second is underway.”

  “Very good, Jeeves. Speaking of sensors, can you tell me what ores or gems are in the mines up there?”

  “Each of the mines has a variety of ores, from copper to platinum. Upper levels have lower quality ores. As you progress into the mine, deeper levels produce higher quality ores. I cannot detect gems at this time, Master.”

  “Okay, Jeeves. It seems we’re going to be increasing our population again. We’ll need more housing. And I’m sure you need more stone resources. So please hollow out another residential wing within the mountain. If you have no more room to move left or right, then add higher levels.”

  “Of course, Master. Might I recommend a few guest suites on the fourth level with windows facing the courtyard? For any royal guests who may be visiting?”

  “Sounds good. Thank you, Jeeves. Carry on.”

  Checking his UI, he saw that Helga and the others were logged in. He opened guild chat. “Welcome back, noobs! How does it feel?”

  Beatrix answered, “The blue slime wasn’t nearly as icky as I thought it’d be!”

  Lugs was the next to answer. “I feel a foot shorter and too weak to lift Beatrix!” the ogre grumbled. Alexander laughed out loud at the image of the massive tank trying and failing to lift the little gnome.

  “It won’t take you long to level up again. This week you’ll get to level 20 or so. Lainey’s a hard taskmaster. She’ll work you till you drop!”

  Brick’s voice chimed in “Don’t be messin’ with them bunnies near the noob hill!”

  Lugs came back, “Why? When I was a noob before, I just punted them like footballs. They squealed as they flew thru the air. It was funny. Here’s one, hold on…”

  Beatrix chided, “Lugs, leave that poor bunny
alone! It never did anything to- oh that poor lil thing!”

  Brick’s laugh echoed thru the chat “BWAHAHA! Ye better leave. Also, I’m gonna be wantin’ ta see the video of this later!”

  Helga warned, “Uh, Lugs? I think you pissed off its family…”

  Alexander couldn’t help but laugh out loud, drawing curious looks from folks around him. He took a deep breath and held it in anticipation of what was coming.

  Lugs’ voice came across, sounding a bit worried. “Where the hell did all these bunnies come from? And why are they all lookin’ at me?”

  Beatrix spoke again, “Cuz you punted their lil bunny brother. Or… cousin. Maybe second cousin. That really is a lot of bunnies…”

  Lainey, trying to be helpful, said, “Lugs, you should run. The rest of you, do NOT attack the bunnies. Trust me.”

  Lugs responded, “I’m not runnin’ from no pack of fuzzy… WHAT is that noise? Bunnies don’t make that noise. They sound like angry badgers.”

  Helga added, “Their eyes are red. I think they might have rabies or something. Lugs, I think Lainey’s right. Run!”

  Lugs sounded irritated. “Screw that noise. These lil fuzzies are gonna get me to level 1, maybe level 2, right now!”

  Brick’s laughter could be heard drifting through the smithy this time. Then in guild chat, he said, “I’d tell ye to watch yer arse, but I do no’ think them bunnies can leap that high! BWAHAHA!”

  Alexander was enjoying this way more than he should, wishing he was there to witness the fight in person. He thought the massive half-ogre, with his equally massive health pool, might just prevail over the bunny horde.

  “Ow! Lil shit’s got sharp teeth!” Lugs had apparently engaged a bunny. “What the- Ow!”

  Sasha’s voice sounded like she was barely controlling her laughter. “Somebody tell us what’s going on!”

  Helga’s tone was full of dry humor. “Our big strong tank is trying to punt a whole goddamned army of bunnies. There must be forty of ‘em. They just keep leaping at him and- OH SHIT! That had to hurt. One of them just latched onto his junk. Apparently, they CAN leap that high.”

  Alexander looked to find both Brick and Grumpy rolling on the floor, holding their stomachs. He imagined Max was probably in the same condition somewhere.

  Beatrix’s tiny voice sounded horrified. “Oh my god! This is horrible. They’re… fuzzy bunnies shouldn’t act like this! They’re eating Lugs!”

  Lugs was now in a panic “Get these goddamned things off me! Ow! This isn’t funny! Aaaargh! You lil shit! It’s tryin’ to chew my nuts off!”

  Lainey, still trying to be helpful, shouted, “Stop, drop, and roll!”

  Alexander was now laughing so hard that, if Brick and Grumpy weren’t doing the same, people might have questioned his sanity.

  Helga’s play-by-play resumed. She was clearly laughing as well. “He’s got like two dozen bunnies on him now. He managed to kill a few, but the others are hanging in. Literally. Hanging off of his arms, legs, junk. Looks like he’s wearin’ a bunny loincloth. Lugs! Stop runnin’ in circles! Do like Lainey said!”

  Lugs’ normally deep ogre voice was now improbably high pitched as he went into full-on panic mode. “Fucking bunnies everywhere! Get… OFF… ME! Owwwww!”

  Helga could barely speak. “Oh my god! He just ripped the junk bunny off and… well, Lugs won’t be havin’ any baby ogres anytime soon. Hey, Lugs, you know that won’t grow back, right? You gotta die, bro.”

  Benny broke in with, “I gotta heal him! He’s down to 50% already.”

  Nearly everyone in guild chat shouted at the same time “NO!” except Sasha, whose snort-laughing could be heard loud and clear.

  Brick, gasping for breath, said, “I warned ye. Don’t be messin’ with them bunnies, I said.”

  Lugs did not seem to be in the mood “God dammit! You knew this would- OW! Ahhhh help!”

  Helga helpfully added, “He just tripped and fell. Squashed a bunch of them. But now they’ve got access to his face. The whole herd has jumped on. I can’t even see his head. Oh, man. Let this be over soon. I’m gonna have nightmares. Beatrix just puked. Roll, Lugs! Roll!”

  There was silence in guild chat for several moments. Alexander pulled up the guild tab on his UI and watched Lugs’ health bar drop bit by bit.

  When it hit zero and Lugs died, Helga said, “That’s it, he’s gone. Jesus, that was like a damned boss fight! The fuzzy bunny boss!”

  Lainey said, “Nobody move. After they killed Lugs, they all just left. I don’t like the way they’re looking at us…”

  Alexander held his breath. This was like the old radio dramas from the early 20th century! He could picture his friends standing very still on the noob hill, watching the red-eyed bunny herd nervously.

  Benny quietly said, “Some of them are… hopping away with bits of Lugs in their mouths. Like trophies. That’s just wrong.”

  Helga frantically added, “Quick! Find the one that bit off his willie! I need to get a photo of that!”

  The sound of Benny puking was the only answer she got.

  Lainey said, “The bunnies have gone. I’m going to skin them while we wait for Lugs. You guys loot the corpses when I’m done.”

  It didn’t take long for Lugs to return. In the noob zones, if you were under level ten, there was no ten-minute wait for respawn. Lugs’ voice was soon back on air.

  “God dammit, Brick! You set me up! Those fucking psycho rabid dick-munching asshole bunnies! What the fuck?”

  Brick was back on the floor, barely able to breathe. His laughter echoed through the chat. Alexander helpfully translated. “Brick is unavailable right now, as he’s currently peeing himself a little. But if he could speak, he would point out that he tried to warn you.”

  Lugs sounded angry but resigned. “Yeah, well. Screw those bunnies.”

  Helga chimed in, “I wouldn’t try that if I were you. You JUST got your ‘chalupa’ back!”

  Jeeves voice interrupted the teasing. “Master, there is a party approaching the moat bridge.”

  “Everybody hear that? I’ll go see who it is. Brick, Sasha, Grumpy, Jules, Max, meet me at the gatehouse. Everybody else keep doing what you were doing.”

  Alexander teleported himself to the top of the gatehouse. Looking down across the moat, he saw six players standing at the far end of the bridge. He called out, “What can I do for you folks today?”

  “We came for the bounty on Alexander Greystone!” shouted a tall druid-looking player.

  “I guess you haven’t heard! The bounty’s been lifted. The queen is back in charge in Antalia, and Lucius is dead!”

  The druid replied, “Yeah! We heard. But this bounty is from the Dark One! Ten thousand for taking your head and getting it on video. So be a good little boy and come down here to face us!”

  Alexander inspected the druid more closely. He was level 60. The other five were all similar levels. The highest was their tank, a warrior in plate armor, at level 63.

  “Your Dark One is dead! We killed him this morning in the forest, along with all his drow buddies. And the player himself is in jail on charges of terrorism and murder. Even if you managed to kill me, you won’t get paid.”

  This caused some discussion among the group. The druid turned and spoke quietly to the others. Besides the tank and druid, there were two archers, a caster, and a warrior with a two-handed sword.

  The tank stepped forward on the bridge. “We don’t believe you! And even if we did, we came all this way. Might as well kill you for the fun of it!”

  Alexander sighed. He turned to see his group nearing the gatehouse below. Turning back to the tank, he said, “Let me guess. You guys are Chaos Nation?”

  “Yup! Got it in one guess! Come on down and get a cookie! We’re going to kill you, and your friends there.” He pointed through the gatehouse at Brick and company. “You’ve got some epic and legendary gear that would look good on us.”

  Alexander didn’t feel like wasting time pointing o
ut that the legendary gear wouldn’t drop upon his death. It wasn’t worth the time.

  The tank took a few more steps to the midpoint of the bridge, where the permanent section met the drawbridge. The drawbridge was currently down, as hunters and miners had been going in and out.

  “I wouldn’t stand there if I were you!” Alexander warned the man. “Our moat monster might think your shiny armor is some kind of play-toy.”

  The man looked around nervously, taking several steps back as he tried to watch the water on both sides of the bridge. The druid, walking up behind him said, “You’re full of shit. Moat monster my ass.”

  Alexander teleported himself down to the drawbridge. Brick and the others stepped up next to him. They were now maybe thirty feet from the other players.

  “No, really,” Sasha called out. “His name is Ragnarok, but we call him Rocky. He’s adorable!”

  Lorian’s voice came across guild chat “There are three of our hunters in the woods behind them, Alexander. My apologies for the lack of warning. We were focused on looking for drow near the caverns.”

  “No worries, Lorian. That is exactly what I wanted your guys doing. These people are no serious threat to the keep.”

  Alexander tried again. “Look, guys, you won’t be able to kill us. You won’t get your video. If anything, there’ll be a humiliating video of you guys being beaten by lower-level players. You’ll lose your gear. There’s no experience in it for you. Just go back where you came from.”

  As he spoke, Brick stepped in front of him, planting his shield on the stone drawbridge. Grumpy stepped up next to him and did the same. The enemy players that had held back stepped out on to the bridge. The warrior with the big sword moved up near the tank, as the druid moved back near the archers and the other caster.