SJ awoke to the sound of shouting. At least it was not Dave’s voice shattering her peace. She rolled from the giant bed, dragging one of the sheets and wrapping it around her. She walked to the window, which looked out on the market square. Opening the shutter and looking down, she saw a cart with a broken wheel having shed its load of crates. SJ watched in amusement as the cart driver argued with the woman whose stall he had just knocked into, spilling her wares. The woman cursing at his useless driving skills.
SJ pulled the shutter back closed and stretched, dropping the sheet as she did. The scene reminded her of interactions from the busy streets of London.
“Morning,” Dave said.
Making SJ jump and grab the fallen sheet. Realising that it was a useless exercise and that it was Dave’s voice. It was strange knowing that Dave could see and hear everything she did all the time.
“Morning,” she replied, yawning.
“How is your head?”
“Fine. I only had half a glass of honey wine. I was just tired last night, not drunk.”
“If you say so.”
“What do you mean?”
“You don’t remember dancing with the troll and trying to kiss the bard, then?”
“No!” SJ replied in shock.
“Well, you may owe some apologies this morning. Bert was happy to dance, but the bard took great offence.”
SJ could not remember anything other than coming back up to the room. She knew she felt a little lightheaded and tired, but could she have returned downstairs? She walked to the water pump and drew some water into the bucket before washing, then pulled her still pristine dress on and left the room.
“I will head to the church first and see the cleric there.”
“What was his name?”
“I have no idea. I told you I am not very good with names.”
Dave chuckled.
SJ began down the stairs; the bar area was quiet this morning. A couple of patrons sat at tables eating breakfast, but it was peaceful compared to the evening crowd. SJ headed straight for the door when she smelt it.
“Coffee?”
“Yes.”
“They have coffee?”
“Of course they do. Why sound so surprised?”
“I just did not think they would have it.”
Coffee was SJ’s go-to every morning, and knowing now that they had coffee made everything seem right with the new world. Detouring from the door, she walked up to the bar. Kerys was serving this morning.
“Morning Kerys.”
“Good morning. Did you sleep well?”
“Yes, it was perfect. Thank you. While I am here, can I pay for more nights?”
“Of course. How many nights would you like?”
“How about I start with another five for now.”
“If you are staying for five nights, do you want full board?”
“Oh. What is that?”
“With the suite booking, you can get full board for twelve coppers per night. Payment is in advance, and no refunds are available.”
SJ did the quick maths, and it made sense. Last night, the food and drink, along with the room, had cost fifteen coppers, so to have full board for twelve, she would be crazy not to take it. She knew she would have to be here for at least a few days before she reached level 10, never mind also learning her starter profession. She had yet to try to find a class representative.
“Does that include breakfast as well?”
“Yes. Breakfast, evening meal and a free drink.”
“That sounds great. Does breakfast include coffee?”
“Coffee is free to all who stay.”
SJ smiled, “I could murder for a coffee.”
“I hope not,” Kerys chuckled.
SJ had not even considered the insinuation of the saying. “Sorry, I meant that I could die for a coffee.”
Kerys just chuckled more.
SJ sighed. She needed to be careful of any idioms she used. Kerys picked a steaming pot off a small burner and grabbed a glass mug, pouring the dark brown liquid of justice into it. SJ sighed at the beautiful sight before her. The aroma filled her nostrils with pleasure. Grabbing the steaming glass, she lifted it to her lips, sipping the bitter scolding liquid, and sighed in pleasure.
“I didn’t do anything wrong last night, did I?”
“What makes you ask that?” Kerys asked frowning.
“Oh. Nothing.”
SJ took a silver from her inventory. “I will pay for five nights full board.”
Kerys took the silver, counted out forty coppers change, and handed them to SJ. “There you go, and thank you.”
SJ bid farewell and left the bar.
“Dave!” she hissed under her breath.
All she could hear was laughter filling her head.
“I knew I hadn’t done anything.”
“Then why did you ask and were worried.” Dave giggled.
“Don’t ever do that again, please.”
SJ had some bad experiences with drinking in her teenage years and didn’t wish for any reminders or reoccurrences. The morning sun was bright in the sky, and SJ left the inn into the hustle of the morning street traders setting up their stalls and welcoming the early morning customers.
“I wonder where the church is?” SJ said.
An elven woman was walking past, “Excuse me, could you direct me to the church?”
The elf turned and looked at her, her eyes opening slightly in shock at seeing SJ. “It is on the outskirts of town towards the mountain.”
“Thank you,” SJ replied, being none the wiser but seeing the mountain rising above the town in the distance, so heading in that direction. The streets and buildings all looked similar. Some had open fronts selling wares, others actual homes. Various people were busy setting up for the day or going about their business. SJ checked the time on her display. It was only 08:23. She smiled as she walked down the street and began whistling the tune from the bard’s tale about Killic. She watched as what she thought was a gnoll beat a rug outside the front of a building while gnoll children chased a ball in the street. All these different races living in harmony together surprised her.
When she saw all the different races she could have selected as a Legionnaire, she honestly thought they would all be living independently from each other. She imagined being stuck in a cave somewhere as a goblin or troll. She was so wrong, though.
“Dave. Is this a normal town set-up?” SJ said under her breath.
“Yes. Typical, I suppose. The town is relatively large as a starter town, but most have similar designs. The only significant changes are when you get to the cities, and the capitals are on a whole different scale.”
“Everything seems so quaint.”
“Well, they don’t have the internet or TV to sit around doing nothing all day, so everyone gets on with their daily lives.”
“Today, after we visit the church, I want to try to find my class trainer or someone who can at least guide me in martial arts.”
“That would be beneficial. I have not seen anyone or thing that would fit the typical description of class trainers, but then again, we have hardly seen any of town yet.”
“We will go searching later.”
It only took a few more minutes before they reached the edge of town, looking out at the base of the mountain and the church, which stood alone. In front of the church was the typical graveyard you would find in many villages in the UK. It seemed a little out of place compared to the town itself. The church was not very large and supported a tower, and as they approached, the church’s bell began to toll. The door opened, and a group of multiple races walked out from the double-door entrance. They stopped saying thanks to a male draconian dressed in white robes and silver chainmail.
SJ waited for the crowd to disperse before she walked up to the draconian.
“Dave. What was his name?”
“I don’t know.”
“You said you would remember.” SJ hissed.
“I forgot, sorry.”
As she approached the tall draconian, he turned to look at her, smiling.
“Good morning. How may I help you? Have you come for healing or to pray to your god?”
“Erm. Neither I am here about the job advertised in the inn.”
“Oh, I see. You are one of those. Most excellent. Please come inside, and I will tell you about the job and if you wish to take it on.”
“Sure.”
SJ was unsure what she expected to see inside the church, but it looked no different to churches back home. Long wooden pews separated by an aisle leading to a small altar with candles on it. The only difference was that there was no picture or statue of Mary or Jesus on the cross. Various statues were dotted around the nave. She could only assume they must all be different representations of the different gods.
Walking up to the altar and past it to a small door, SJ spotted an orc kneeling and looking as though they were praying to one of the statues. The tall draconian ducked as he entered the vestry. The room was cluttered with various candelabra and statuettes. A large oak desk sat to one side, and the draconian took a seat, offering SJ to sit in a chair in front of the desk.
“You have come about the job. Good, good.”
The draconian voice reminded her of Father Francis from her Catholic primary school.
“Yes. If you could let me know the details, I can see what I can do to help.”
“The job is not for the faint-hearted. We have an infestation in the crypt, and it needs eradicating.”
“An infestation of what?”
“The infestation is mainly rats, but there are also a couple of giant spiders. I would have cleared it myself in the past, I am too busy with my daily duties to be able to clear it unfortunately.”
The mention of rats did not bother SJ, but the mention of giant spiders made her skin crawl. Of all the horrendous creatures in the world, why spiders? She had never got past her fear as a child when her sister used to throw them at her and tell her they were going to bite and poison her. She shuddered at the memory.
“Can I ask what the payment is for the job?”
“Let me share the details, and you may decide.”
SJ was surprised, and her screen was triggered.
Congratulations, you have discovered the Quest System.
Many in the world of Amathera can offer the hardened adventurer quests to complete.
Quest – Free the Crypt
The crypt of Killic’s church has been overrun with an infestation of Rats and Giant spiders. cleric Lythonian has requested assistance in clearing out these foul beasties.
Successful completion will award the following:
1 x minor healing potion
45 x copper pieces
150xp
Would you like to accept the quest? Yes/No
150 experience would give SJ a good chunk towards level 5, and she assumed she would also get experience from killing the creatures.
“When do you need it completed?”
“As soon as possible. Ideally, within the next two days.”
SJ thought about it briefly. Before she went into any crypt, she wanted to make sure she was properly equipped and at least had some food and water with her. She had no adventuring gear apart from the clothes she had bought. However, she was planning on just wearing the dress since it self-repaired.
“Okay. I will accept the quest, but I need to go and get supplies first.”
“Most excellent news.”
When SJ accepted the quest, her display triggered. A quest log appeared on her screen, showing the quest in progress.
“I will be back soon to begin.”
“Not a problem. Please return when you are ready.”
SJ stood from the chair and headed back into the church’s nave. The orc had now gone, and a small candle had been lit at the base of the statue where it had been praying.
“I guess these are the different gods?” SJ whispered.
“Yes. The orc was at Nefaris, the God of Warriors.”
“Oh. I see, and they all pray to their different gods?”
“Not all. Some gods are worshipped more than others. The profession gods like Haber. Who I can’t believe we still met! Do not require prayer, as levelling actions give them astral power. Other gods need followers, though, and Nefaris, as the God of Warriors, has many. He will grant boosts to those who are lucky or devout enough.”
“Like a boon?”
“Sort of. Warriors may pray to him before battle and, upon doing so, get a Strength bonus or hit point buff. They all vary, and they are not guaranteed.”
“Oh. So, is there a god for assassins?”
“Not for assassin’s no.”
“Why?” SJ asked, frowning.
“The assassins do not advertise their trade, so they will never be seen praying to a god. You work in the shadows, remember.”
SJ supposed that made sense, although she was sure she could remember that Hermes and Mercury were considered the gods of many classes in games she had played previously, including thieves. She also vaguely remembered a Roman goddess but could not remember her name. It would have been nice if she could get free boosts.
“Time to go shopping for supplies.”
SJ walked back towards the town centre, stopping at various stalls and shop fronts en route. There were several items she wanted to get as a priority, such as a water canteen and rations. Several stalls sold them, and the merchants tried to get her to purchase the first item she looked at.
“Maybe I should go and ask Kerys for advice?” SJ whispered.
“Why?”
“I am sure she would know the best places to buy provisions.”
“You could always go and see Fizzlewick?”
“He is a god and has already given me this amazing dress and boots. I can’t go asking him for simple things such as supplies!”
“Why not?”
“Hi, Fizzlewick; I know you have put a lot of faith in me, but I am so useless that I can’t decide on the best supplies to buy!” SJ whispered sarcastically.
“Fair point,” Dave replied forlornly.
SJ thought Dave had been a little too star-struck from meeting Fizzlewick.
“I am going to go and ask Kerys,” SJ said, making up her mind.
As she walked back to the inn, the town began to buzz with the morning’s activities, and she could hear the hammering of the blacksmiths. She remembered speaking to Zej yesterday after the fight with Malcolm and decided to detour to see him. It was not difficult to find the Smithy. The thick black smoke billowing from the forge chimney and the constant ringing of metal on metal directed her. It was situated in the northwest of town, away from the main houses.
The Smithy’s front was wide-open and double-arched. Inside, SJ could see the bright yellow of the forge fire burning. The building had an upper floor, and she guessed that was where Zej resided, accessed by stone steps. She saw the blacksmith standing and shouting to someone busy hammering on glowing metal.
“No. No. No. Not like that,” Zej growled, shouting to be heard over the resonating hammering. Several people were working inside the forge.
The human turned and looked at Zej, anger flaring in his eyes. “I am doing exactly what you say?” he growled.
“If you want to make the brittlest sword in all Amathera, just keep hitting it like a kobold welp. Put some muscle into it.” Zej pushed the man aside, taking the tongs that held the piece of metal and brought his hammer down with power and precision on the metal. Sparks flew, and the metal sang as he struck it.
“Like that, see. Give it some muscle. You look like you are stroking an elven maid’s arse rather than shaping metal.”
The human took the tongs back from Zej and began hammering it with gusto.
“That’s better,” Zej shouted as sparks began to fly.
Zej turned and saw SJ standing looking into the forge. He walked over to her with a beaming grin. He wore leather pants and an off-colour white shirt covered by a thick leather apron.
“Morning. Nice to see you here.” Zej greeted her.
“Morning. I just thought I would call in after your invite yesterday.”
“I am glad you did. I have not had such a good laugh in a long time seeing that whippersnapper getting what he deserved.”
SJ smiled. “I have come to ask for advice and to see if you can help with a few things.”
“Of course. What can I help you with?” Zej moved SJ over to the side of the forge, where a workbench was littered with half-constructed weapons and other objects she did not recognise.
“I am after some cutlery.”
“Cutlery? You mean a meal knife?”
“Not just a knife but a decent fork as well.”
“Well, I don’t have any made at the moment, but I can make you a set.”
“That would be great. How much would they cost?”
“Ha. Nothing. I can make them from the cast-offs. The only material cost will be time. They won’t take long to make.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. Yes. As I said, I have not had such a good laugh in a long time. Spending my day working with these apprentices can get frustrating, and it was great to see some entertainment for a change.”
“My name is SJ.” She replied, holding her hand out to Zej.
“Nice to meet you officially, SJ,” Zej replied, taking her slim hand in his large, strong grip. He was remarkably gentle and did not squeeze.
“I am looking to start completing some jobs, and I was wondering if you knew the best places to get various items?”
“What is it you are after?”
“Basic supplies. I only arrived two days ago and do not have anything yet.”
“Apart from your beautiful looks, aye,” Zej said, winking at her.
SJ felt her cheeks redden at the compliment.
“Thank you,” she replied shyly.
“Let me see. Basic provisions. Jacob the tanner would be the best for leather goods and general supplies. If you go and see the gorgeous Greta in the market square and tell her I sent you, she will give you a good discount. She has a soft spot for me.” He replied, winking.
SJ chuckled. This dwarf epitomised many of the stories she had read and even the games she had played.
“If you are after weapons or armour, I am the dwarf to see.”
SJ noticed the barrels of swords and axes dotted throughout the forge but did not see any armour on display.
“I can’t wear armour, unfortunately, but I could do with a decent dagger.”
“Ah, I thought you must be a mage. That explains your lack of armour, which is typical for your race.”
“You know other fae?”
“Yes. Of course. Have you not been to see Fransica yet?”
“Who is Francisca?”
“Francisca is the head of the mage apprenticeship scheme here in Killic. She lives near the mill. You can’t miss her building. There is nearly always some sort of magic going on around there.”
“I had no idea. I will have to go and see her straight away,” SJ said excitedly, knowing that another fae was in town.
“Let me see what daggers I have for you,” Zej said, walking to a small crate and digging through the contents. “Ah. Here we go. This little beauty should do you well for a while at least.”
Zej handed her a slim dagger nearly 8 inches long and looked as sharp as a needle at its tip. “A lady like yourself doesn’t want a big blade.” Zej smiled.
SJ’s display triggered.
Stiletto
Quality – Good
Damage – 2-6
It was much better than her blunt starting knife. “How much?”
“For that, you can have it for ten coppers.”
“Very good price. You could probably walk out and sell it on the market for almost double that,” Dave said.
“That sounds fair,” SJ called ten coppers from her inventory and handed them to Zej.
“Here,” Zej said, handing her a sheath.
SJ took it, and the Stiletto slipped into it perfectly. “Thanks.”
“My pleasure. If you call back later this afternoon, I should have made the cutlery by then.”
“Thanks again, Zej,” SJ replied, smiling.
SJ now had to decide on the tanner and market or go and find the fae mage. It had to be the fae.
