“Lyrian, I’ve noticed that your skill has been steadily increasing since you’ve arrived and your time as a novice is nearly over. I was wondering if you had given any thought to choosing a class?”
“I had thought of it… but I didn’t quite know what was available to me just yet.” I paused for a moment looking at both the Bann and Jenkins. It was slightly surreal to have NPCs talking to me this way, but at the same time, with Ascend Online being a closed system what other way could the player get that sort of information? “Is it rude to ask what classes you’ve chosen?”
“Not at all!” Jenkins exclaimed shaking his head. “I’m a Warrior.”
“The same as me.” Bann Aldwin echoed Jenkins.
“What other base classes are there?”
“Well…” The Bann started to speak, just as an information box appeared across my vision.
Tutorial – Choosing a Base Class
Congratulations on nearly completing your novice class! The Ascend development team hopes that you have managed to experience a wide variety of play styles in order to make an informed choice about your Base Class. Once a Base Class is chosen you will not be able to change your class in the future. Proceed carefully!
Note: In order to prevent excessive meta-gaming, specific class abilities are not shown in this Tutorial.
Based on the detected playstyle your recommended Base Classes are:
Mage
Monk
Rogue
Scout
Spellsword
Warrior
I looked over the list of base classes the system had recommended for me.
Ascend has a branching class system. I reminded myself, remembering the level progression that appeared when I was creating my character. At level 10 I would choose my Base Class, and again at level 30 I would have a chance to branch into an Advanced Class, and eventually at level 70 into a Prestige Class.
In my previous games, I traditionally gravitated towards either a Rogue or Warrior role. However, this time, was the first time I had the option to play a hybrid melee/arcane caster. Intrigued to see what waited for me down each road, I brought up the class formation for the Rogue, Spellsword, and Warrior.
Base Class: Rogue
A cunning and deadly adventurer relying on surprise and crippling blows to take down their enemies. Masters of stealth, they can often enter and exit a battlefield without ever being seen.
Role: Damage, Recon.
HP Progression: Moderate
Armor: Light
Weapon Skills: Sword, Dagger, Unarmed, Crossbow, Short bow, Throwing.
Class Difficulty: High
Requirements:
Any Above Weapon Skill Level 9
Learned Two Martial Weapon Skills (Complete!)
Stealth Level 9
Learned Two Stealth Skills
Base Class: Spellsword
A mobile, melee oriented warrior that blends magic and martial prowess into a unique fighting style. Can learn a mix of Martial Skills and Arcane Spells, resulting in a deadly storm of steel and magic.
Role: Damage, Recon, Support.
HP Progression: Moderate
Armor: Light
Weapon Skills: Sword, Dagger, Axe, Mace, Unarmed.
Arcane Trees: Evocation, Abjuration, Alteration, Conjuration.
Class Difficulty: High
Requirements:
Any Above Weapon Skill Level 9
Learned Two Martial Weapon Skills (Complete!)
Any Above Arcane Tree Level 9
Scribed Two Arcane Spells
Base Class: Warrior
Masters of combat that take on the deadliest foes head-to-head without any hesitation. They are able to shrug off blows that would leave others crippled - or dead.
Role: Damage, Tank.
HP Progression: High
Armor: Light, Medium, Heavy, Shields.
Weapon Skills: Sword, Dagger, Axe, Mace, Polearm, Unarmed, Crossbow, Short bow, Longbow, Throwing.
Class Difficulty: Average
Requirements:
Three Above Weapon Skills Level 7
Learned Five Martial Weapon Skills
I read through the class information, noting the requirements to unlock the class. While I did like the Rogue, the Spellsword spoke loudest to me. Bringing both support and damage would make me reasonably high in demand when it came to grouping with others, and it fit my character’s stat growth perfectly. I selected Spellsword as my base class choice.
Are you sure you wish to become a Spellsword? This choice is irreversible! Yes/no
Pausing for only a heartbeat. I selected yes.
New Quest! Becoming a Spellsword.
Welcome to the path of the Spellsword! In order to unlock the Spellsword class you must complete the following:
Any Spellsword Weapon Skill Level 9
Any Spellsword Arcane Tree Level 9
Scribed Two Arcane Spells.
“I’ve chosen to become a Spellsword.” I finally said aloud to the Bann and Jenkins.
“A Spellsword?” The Bann looked at me thoughtfully, as if he was going to say something. “Are you close to meeting your requirements?”
“I still need to work on both my sword work, and arcane skills.” I shook my head slightly. “I need one more additional spell as well."
“That doesn’t sound too bad,” Jenkins spoke up. “Though I’m not sure where you will find any spells around here. I heard you bought the one Ritt had.”
“I might be able to help with one.” The Bann chimed in, standing to pull a sheet of parchment from a bookshelf. He placed it on the desk in front of me. “I had a few of these scribed before we left, I’m sure it’ll help you out.”
“Really? It can’t be easy getting any spells out here…” I started to say as I mentally brought the information up for the parchment the Bann had set in front of me.
Arcane Spell – Light (Evocation)
Favored Class: Novice (1)
Mana: 10
The player temporarily creates light centered on themselves, illuminating up to 30 feet away for 1 hour.
Do you wish to scribe this spell? Yes / No
“Oh.” I had thought back to the last day of me walking around the forest Flare in hand, with its meager illumination. “That’ll certainly help!” I wouldn’t be limited to hunting during the day anymore!
“It’s nothing. I have more.” Bann Aldwin waved me off. “Also, when you have time, come spar with me. I may be an old warrior, but I can certainly help you out with your blade work and help you meet your class requirements.”
I nodded at the Bann, “That would be great!”
“It’s the least I can do to help after all you’ve done.”
“Speaking of help. I had a good hunt.” I pulled a few leathers and ore out of my pack to demonstrate to the Bann and Jenkins. “I also temporarily solved our food problems for the time being as well.”
“Oh?” Both Jenkins and the Bann looked quite interested in that bit of information.
“Ragna apparently has quite a few recipes for spider meat. In fact, she was ready to prepare the meat I brought her as a delicacy.” I watched the two carefully to see what their reaction would be after I dropped that bit of news.
“Hm. Well… Ragna has made us do on much less…” The Bann didn’t seem overly excited about my news but was willing to take it in stride.
Jenkins, on the other hand, was bursting at the seams. “I’ve heard of a few spider meat recipes during my travels! When properly prepared I’ve heard that it can give you an extra spring in your step.”
“Are you sure that extra spring wasn’t to get away from the meal itself?” The Bann grunted, then sighed. “I’m sorry Lyrian, I’m sure it’ll be more than adequate. I’ve never considered spiders as a food source before.”
You should have played some of the games I’ve played. I thought to myself before replying. “I have some other ideas as well about the militia’s armo-“
A knock sounded at the door interrupting my train of thought. “Bann Aldwin? The Huntress has awoken.”
***
With no time to waste, we left the study, proceeding to make our way downstairs. The voice belonging to one of the villagers Shelia had conscripted to help her treat the Huntress. “Shelia says she well enough to answer questions.”
“I still wonder why she was out here in the first place,” Jenkins grumbled. “Maybe she’s a member of the Surveyors Guild?”
As we made our way down stairs, we were thankful to find that the Town Hall was empty of any curious villagers; it would hopefully let us keep any new information from panicking anyone else today.
“She was poisoned pretty seriously, but I’ve managed to get the toxins out of her.” Shelia informed us, “She is fairly weak, but should be back on her feet in a day or two. Keep the questioning short. I’d like her to get some rest tonight. She needs it.”
Coming around the blinds, I saw that Shelia’s healing efforts greatly improved the Huntress’s complexion. Her gray face had regained a more natural looking olive complexion, and I could now tell her hair was a dark raven color now that the webs had been removed from it.
I looked back at Jenkins and Bann Aldwin; both hung back half a step with the Bann indicating me to take the lead.
“Hi there, my name is Lyrian. I found you in the forest. You’re safe in the village of Aldford now.” I tried to sound warm and soothing as I introduced myself. “What’s your name?”
“Hello, Lyrian.” The Huntress said weakly as I knelt down beside her cot. Despite her being awake, I could see that her eyes were glassy and exhausted. Bring trapped in the spider’s cocoon had certainly taken its toll on the young woman. “My… name is… Natasha. Thank you for… finding me.”
“What were you doing in the forest Natasha? Did you come from another settlement?”
“I… I… was running… from… goblins! Oh!” Natasha started to become more animated as she spoke. “You… have to get ready! Goblins are coming! They may have followed me!”
I exchanged sharp looks between Bann Aldwin and Jenkins before looking back at Natasha. “I’m sorry, you’re too late. Goblins have already tried to raid the village, but we killed them all.”
“Too… late?” Natasha looked confused. “I…”
“Tell me more of why you were running. Where did you come from?”
“I don’t know… where I am…” Natasha paused to think about it, her exhaustion clearly weighing on her. “We had a camp, twenty of us.”
“What were you doing out here?” The Bann finally decided to enter the conversation. “Were you looking for Aldford?”
“N… no.” Natasha shook her head. “We were searching for a ruin… the Mages guild sponsored us as a research expedition.”
“What happened Natasha? Did the goblins attack you?” I asked trying to get back on track.
“Yes. We were camped at night… they attacked. They cast a spell that caused our campfire to explode, quickly followed by our tents.” Natasha closed her eyes as she started to fade. “I couldn’t do anything… I just… ran. I’m still a novice… this was my first time away from Eberia. I grabbed what I could and ran. The goblins always sounded like they were close behind. I remember something biting my foot… and falling…”
Natasha sleepily rubbed her face as she tried to recall the details of the last few days. “I remember waking up… I couldn’t move much… or see anything. If I moved too much… something… bit me…”
“You ran into the Webwood, an area infested with giant spiders.” I explained to Natasha, “I found you tucked away into a cocoon.”
“Spiders? Oh… then I would have been…” Natasha’s eyes shot open. “Eaten…”
“I think that might be enough for now!” Shelia broke in as Natasha started to get visibly upset. “Natasha needs to rest. She’ll be better to answer more questions later.”
The three of us gave Shelia some space as she went to console Natasha and took a seat at one of the tables at the far side of the hall. “Any idea what she could have meant by expedition?” I asked.
“Not really…” Jenkins started, “Despite how close we are to Eberia, this area hasn’t been explored all that much. It was only recently that the Surveyors Guild declared this land free of serious threats and opened land for settlement and further exploration.”
“The Mages guild might have had a lead in particular for something in the area…” The Bann shrugged. “They are well within their rights to do so.
“I did find a small underground ruin by Crater Lake.” I offered, remembering the previous day’s adventure. “It was mostly destroyed, though.”
“Hmm…” Bann Aldwin sat quietly with his hands clasped together.
“The goblins concern me, however. They attacked that expedition before raiding us.” Jenkins pointed out, bringing us back on track. “Why are the goblins raiding the area? Did they try to take prisoners there too?”
“It might not have been the same group of goblins.” I offered, “How would have they crossed the Webwood?”
“Well…”
We dissected the results of the questioning for a short while, but it became apparent to me that nothing would actually be solved here. Threads like these were designed to get adventurers like me intrigued and out looking for quests. Hell, with everything going on here, I was willing to bet Razor that an event was brewing.
That could wait for later, right now I wanted to get ready for my gang’s arrival tomorrow. It’d finally be the end of solo play, and we’d finally be able to get some real work done. For what I had planned, though, it wouldn’t do to have them wandering around under geared. I bid farewell to the Bann and Jenkins and made my way to the Workshop.
It was time to start crafting again.
Chapter 12
Wednesday, February 6th, 2047 - 6:16 am
Aldford
Good Morning Players!
Great and unique secrets await the players who carefully pay attention to their surroundings! Leave no stone unturned!
Thank you, and enjoy your time in Ascend Online!
-CTI Development Team
I awoke groggily the next day on the floor of the workshop.
Shit. Must have fallen asleep. I thought to myself as I picked myself up off the floor. I had spent the rest of the afternoon and evening refining the materials I’d collected, then worked late into the night assembling a few sets of armor and weapons. Stifling a yawn, I quickly glanced over the fruits of my labor over the last night.
[Bronze Studded Leather Tunic] x5
[Bronze Studded Leather Pants] x5
[Hardened Leather Boots] x5
[Hardened Leather Gloves] x5
[Bronze Studded Cap] x5
[Bronze Longsword] x2
[Bronze Short Sword] x2
[Bronze Mace] x1
With the refining and crafting my Leatherworking skill doubled to reach Level 8 along with slight progress in my Blacksmithing skill also reaching level 8. The biggest experience gain in crafting seemed to come from making items I hadn’t made before, or successfully creating a new prototype design. Something I made sure to keep in mind for the future.
Out of idle curiosity, I brought up the stats for the weapons I had crafted:
Bronze Longsword
Slot: Main Hand or Off Hand
Item Class: Common
Item Quality: Normal
Damage 10-20 (Slashing)
Durability 120/120
Weight: 1 kg
Favored Class: Novice
Base Metal: Bronze
Level 5
Bronze Shortsword
Slot: Main Hand or Off Hand
Item Class: Common
Item Quality: Normal
Damage 8-15 (Slashing)
Durability 90/90
Weight: 0.5 kg
Favored Class: Novice
Base Metal: Bronze
Level 5
; Bronze Mace
Slot: Main Hand or Off Hand
Item Class: Common
Item Quality: Normal
Damage 14-22 (Crushing)
Durability 120/120
Weight: 1.5 kg
Favored Class: Novice
Base Metal: Bronze
Level 5
I mentally nodded at the expected differences in weapon types, something that I knew was important after the fight with the skeleton. It would pay to have a few decent weapons on hand that could bypass damage reduction.
I needed more materials do that, though, at least I had enough to get everyone a basic set of armor and a weapon to start. Plus this was still the novice levels, no use in burning through all my materials just yet.
With a huge yawn, I shrugged to myself. Might as well get moving…
With a grunt I picked myself up off the ground, stashing my crafted goods then grabbing some [Fried Snake] from my inventory and tossing it in my mouth. It wasn’t really food – here in the digital world - but it made me feel better and more alert. I pushed the workshop door open as I wandered outside into the gray morning. I wonder if coffee exists in Ascend Online. If I could corner the market in this world…
Ascend Online Page 11
