[SCHEMA]: Are you ready to continue with the CHARACTER SHEET section of the BEGINNER TUTORIAL, Tom Nobody?

I looked around for the first time in what seemed ages. The sun had moved to a point that made me think it was probably about mid-morning.

“What time is it, SCHEMA?” I asked.

[SCHEMA]: It is 10 O’clock in the morning, local time.

So, I was right. I don’t know why just that having that little bit of knowledge that came out of nowhere but myself made me feel better. I looked around a little more, taking in my surroundings in more detail.

I was surrounded on all sides by trees, mostly deciduous, but that’s about as near as I could guess; I didn’t get any impression that I’d been a big fan of the great outdoors. The trees seemed more thickly packed than what I’d expect from a patch of woods in or near a city, and the undergrowth more dense than what I’d expect to find in a park, so I guessed I was in a forest. Just a few feet in front of me, there was a narrow trail. From the position of the sun through the trees, it appeared to extend roughly from east to west. I couldn’t tell if humans or animals made it. Maybe both.

“You mentioned that I should stay in this location for my own protection, is there anywhere I can go, like Can we take a little break, maybe let me walk around a bit, stretch my legs? I think that will help me concentrate.”

[SCHEMA]: WARNING! Do not move from this place until you have completed the instructional part of the Beginner Tutorial, SCHEMA is not responsible for any accident or injury should you decide to ignore this warning! The BEGINNER TUTORIAL is divided into two parts, informational and physical. Provision has been made for a rest period between the two. The length of the BEGINNER TUTORIAL is completely controlled by the USER. You may also elect to cancel all of the rest of the BEGINNER TUTORIAL. Do you wish to cancel the rest of the informational section and move to the physical section, or do you wish to cancel the remainder of the entire BEGINNER TUTORIAL at this time?

Sigh. “No, I don’t think that would be in my best interest. Do many people skip parts of the TUTORIAL?”

[SHEMA]: Approximately 98% of all individuals who survive the original translation of their worlds into the SCHEMA system skip all or part of the BEGINNER TUTORIAL. Of that number, approximately 90% do not survive to reach level 10.

I was dumbfounded. I had no idea how to even go about putting an exact number to those percentages, but it had to be astounding. Billions of people dying simply because a group of aliens decided that their system was better. The anger I’d felt earlier returned with a vengeance. If SCHEMA had been present in some physical form, I don’t know what I would have done, but it wouldn’t have been to shake its hand and welcome it to Earth, that was certain. It took me several minutes to get control of my emotions.

I wanted to lash out, to scream at SCHEMA about the injustice of all those innocent lives sacrificed, but I eventually calmed down enough to realize that would get me nowhere. Instead, I asked, “What percentage of the individuals who complete the BEGINNER TUTORIAL survive to level 10?”

[SCHEMA]: Of the 2% who complete substantial parts of both sections of the BEGINNER TUTORIAL, 72% survive to reach level 10.

Those numbers seemed impossibly small, to me. Even though the percentage of those who completed the TUTORIAL and survived however long it took to reach level 10 was a lot higher than those who didn’t, it still meant that the human race would be decimated. I didn’t know how populations survived extinction-level catastrophes, but I wondered if it were even possible with that kind of culling.

I began to walk around the nearest tree in a tight circle, begin careful not to leave what I thought would count as the “present location.” Even moving that far made me nervous that I would somehow trigger the cancellation of the TUTORIAL, but I had to do something physical, or I’d go crazy.

[SCHEMA]: It has been noted that the information on Transition Attrition is upsetting to most individuals, but it has been decided that having this information increases the chance of survival of a client civilization. Additionally, it has been noted that the SCHEMA system was designed to increase the survival of client populations and that rigorous study has projected that not integrating new worlds into the SCHEMA system would increase the total loss of life of those populations to as close to 100% as would make no statistical difference.

That stopped me in my tracks, and my brain raced in a thousand directions as I tried to understand the implications.

“There’s someone else out there, isn’t there?” I asked. There could be no other explanation; if SCHEMA’s die-off rate neared extinction level, but was considered the best chance at survival, there had to be something even worse facing us.

[SCHEMA]: The composition of the galaxy is not a part of the BEGINNER TUTORIAL. If this information would aid in the survival of client populations, it would have been included. Would you like to make another selection, or would you like to cancel the remainder of the BEGINNER TUTORIAL?

SCHEMA’s words took the warmth out of the day, and I hugged my arms around myself with the sudden chill. I wanted to run off and do …. something, I don’t know what, warn people, something, but I knew it wouldn’t help. Finishing the TUTORIAL seemed to be the best option available to me.

“Let’s get this over with, then,” I couldn’t quite keep all the anger out of my tone. It is what it is.

[SCHEMA]: If you will refer to your CHARACTER SHEET again, we will continue on to the next item.

TITLES: NONE

Titles are conferred by the SCHEMA system on individuals who have demonstrated exceptional abilities or completed difficult or notable quests.

You have no titles at this time.

RACE: HUMAN

You are a member of the Human race. Humans are the dominant sentient species of your planet, but since the arrival of the SCHEMA, not the only ones. Humans are primarily land-based creatures but are able to adapt to most other global living conditions. Dexterity +1. They are in the above average range of galactic intelligence with a base intelligence of +1. Humans have binocular vision and stereo hearing as well as 5 physical senses, touch, taste, vision, hearing, and smell, and may have rudimentary psychic awareness which places them in the median galactic range of perception. They are below average height and below average strength. Strength -1, Charisma -1. NOTE: LIFE POOL BASE NUMBERS CANNOT DROP BELOW 1/1 AS THIS WOULD RESULT IN PERMADEATH! Humans have four mobile appendages, two for manipulation and two for locomotion, which places them in the median galactic range of DEXTERITY.

Huh. I watched as numbers were added or subtracted from my ability scores. This time, I noticed that my LIFE pool numbers changed, dropping alarmingly to 1/1 as my STRENGTH dropped to -1. I felt a wave of fatigue come over me, causing me to drop to the ground. I caught myself on outstretched arms before I could face plant and managed to push myself back into a sitting position. My mind cleared even more as my INTELLIGENCE ticked up to 3.

Apparently not all information was beneficial. I looked back over my character sheet and thought about reconsidering my decision to read every description; maybe I should just skim some of them? But, no. I felt like I’d made the right choice, and decided to stick with it.

*DING*

[SCHEMA]: CONGRATULATIONS! YOU HAVE EXERTED YOUR WILL FOR THE FIRST TIME! +1 WILLPOWER

My resolve strengthened even more with that, but it was with more than a little trepidation that I looked at the next characteristic on the list. SEX: MALE, what more damage can that one possibly do? With a thought I selected it.

SEX: MALE

There are two biological genders among humans on your planet. Of the two, MALE has, on average, the more robust physical development. +1 Strength

At that, my numbers ticked back up to where they had been before, and I felt a rush of relief as my STRENGTH returned. Still, I remained seated. This looked like it may be a long process, and anyway, better safe than sorry. I mentally selected the next on the list.

AGE: 16

[SCHEMA]: Your age has been adjusted downward. This is the average age of galactic majority. Not everyone will experience age adjustment, optimal ages are determined based on various other attributes including INTELLIGENCE, maturity, and life experience. You have your whole life ahead of you! +1 LUCK.

I felt that 16 was a little young. I couldn’t say why, something in me just felt like I was older. I was also a little miffed; even if being younger was some kind of bonus, 16 based on INTELLIGENCE and maturity seemed a bit of an insult. I’d take the extra point in LUCK, anyway. Whatever.

Next!

LVL: O—0/100

All life forms, sentient and otherwise, enter the SCHEMA system at level 0. As you gain experience points, your level increases. You have 0 of 100 experience points needed to reach level 1. Experience can only be accrued outside of the BEGINNER TUTORIAL. Completing the BEGINNER TUTORIAL will meet the requirements to reach level 1. Higher levels require more experience to reach subsequent levels. Experience is gained by increasing skills, completing quests, or combat. The levels of life forms, sentient and otherwise, which have been added to your world by SCHEMA will vary, usually, but not always, by region.

Now we were getting into more interesting territory, and I eagerly jumped to the next in line.

CLASS: NONE

Classes become available at the end of the TUTORIAL after you have had the opportunity to try the three main class-based abilities: Mana/Spirit usage, Combat, and Crafting. These abilities will be explained in more detail in the second part of the TUTORIAL. Classes may be changed or added to every tenth level.

You have no class

Hmmm. Not too informative, yet. I was beginning to think that SCHEMA was maybe a little condescending with some of its word choices. No class, indeed!

Next!

POOLS

LIFE: 15/15 [1/10]

[SCHEMA]: LIFE points is the measure of how much LIFE you have at the present time and / how much your total LIFE is, followed by how many points regenerate naturally in how long. You have 15 of 15 LIFE points available and your points regenerate outside of combat at the rate of 1 every 10 seconds. Once your LIFE points hit zero, death occurs. You may restore LIFE points by resting, healing spells, healing potions, food, drink and meditation and depleted by spells, cursed items, debuffs, or poisons. Additionally, your restoration rate doubles when in a town or while meditating. Your points are calculated based on CONSTITUTION, STRENGTH, DEXTERITY, and LEVEL. Special items and buffs may also affect total LIFE points available and rate of regeneration. If you are fatigued or starving, your LIFE points will not regenerate until you rest and eat.

I notice there’s no algorithm given for how they calculate it, but I guess if I really wanted to know, I could play around with my points at each level and figure it out.

STAMINA: 25/25 [1/10]

[SCHEMA]: STAMINA is your energy index and shows how much STAMINA you have at the present time and / how much your total STAMINA is, followed by how many points regenerate naturally in how long. You have 25 of 25 STAMINA points available, and your points regenerate outside of combat at the rate of 1 every 10 seconds. Once your STAMINA points hit zero, you will not be able to move. You may restore STAMINA points by resting, spells, potions, and some food and drink, and meditation and depleted by spells, cursed items, debuffs, or poisons. Additionally, your restoration rate doubles when in a town or while meditating. Your points are calculated based on DEXTERITY, STRENGTH, WILLPOWER, and LEVEL. Special items and buffs may also affect total STAMINA points available and rate of regeneration. Lowering or stopping physical activity triggers regeneration.

OK, that seems pretty comprehensive, but they didn’t give the algorithm for it, either.

MANA: 33/33 [1/20]

[SCHEMA}: MANA is the invisible source which powers all magic spells, items, and creatures. Your MANA pool shows how much MANA you have at the present time and / how much your total MANA is, followed by how many points regenerate naturally in how long. You have 33 of 33 MANA points available, and your points regenerate outside of combat at the rate of 1 every 20 seconds. Once your MANA points hit zero, you will not be able to cast any spells or power any items or creatures. You may restore MANA points by resting, spells, potions, some food and drink, and meditation and depleted by spells, cursed items, debuffs, or poisons. Additionally, your restoration rate doubles when in a town or while meditating. Your points are calculated based on INTELLIGENCE, WILLPOWER, and LEVEL. Special items and buffs may also affect total MANA points available and rate of regenerations.

Hmmm, this is the third time SCHEMA has used that words “buff” and “debuff” I wonder what those are?

[SCHEMA}: Buffs are spells or personal skills or item abilities that add protection or increase certain abilities, debuffs are curses or negative states such as fatigue which decrease or deplete certain attributes or abilities.

I also noticed that MANA, and looking forward, SPIRIT regenerate more slowly than LIFE.

SPIRIT: 24/24 [1/20]

[SCHEMA}: SPIRIT is the invisible force that powers certain kinds of spells used by certain kinds of spellcasters, such as priests or druids. The SPIRIT pool shows how many SPIRIT points you have currently available and / how much your total SPIRIT is, followed by how many points regenerate in how much time. You currently have 24 of 24 SPIRIT points available, and your SPIRIT points regenerate 1 point every 20 seconds. Once your SPIRIT points hit zero, you will not be able to cast SPIRIT spells and any summoned creatures will be banished. You may restore SPIRIT points by resting, spells, potions, some food and drink, and meditation and depleted by spells, cursed items, debuffs, or poisons. Additionally, your restoration rate doubles when in a town or while meditating. Your points are calculated based on WILLPOWER, INTELLIGENCE, and LEVEL. Special items and buffs may also affect total MANA points available and rate of regenerations.

I notice that WILLPOWER is listed first here, where INTELLIGENCE is listed first for MANA, so that must mean INTELLIGENCE is the base stat for MANA and WILLPOWER is the base stat for SPIRIT. Interesting.

*DING*

CONGRATULATIONS! YOU HAVE LEARNED THE SKILL: CRITICAL THINKER! PUZZLES AND PROBLEMS WILL BE 1% EASIER TO SOLVE!

Wow! I learned a skill just by thinking! I guess that means that I can try different things that I already know how to do in my other life and get skills in this one. I think they mentioned earlier that increasing skills helps in leveling, too, so that sounds promising.

*DING*

CRITICAL THINKER +1%

Well, that answers that!

[SCHEMA}: STRENGTH is the measure of physical power. STRENGTH is the major attribute in determining how much you can carry, and how much damage a melee weapon does, as well as the chance of a critical hit, or how much damage you are able to block with a weapon or shield. Strength is also a factor in total STAMINA points. You currently have 1 Strength. Strength may be increased automatically at each level if you are a member of certain combat and labor classes, or by unspecified ability points awarded at various levels, for quests, or by finding special bonus items. Additionally, STRENGTH can be temporarily increased by spells, items, buffs, or potions, and decreased by spells, cursed items, debuffs, or poisons. STRENGTH may be listed in negative numbers but will always be calculated as at least 1 LIFE point; however, the negative number will affect carry weight, damage, critical hits, and STAMINA points at full negative value.

[SCHEMA}: DEXTERITY is the measure of how well you move. DEXTERITY is the major attribute in determining how fast you can move, how well you jump, dodge, lock-pick, move silently, or use ranged weapons. It can also affect crafting with fine detail. DEXTERITY is the major attribute in determining STAMINA and plays a role in determining your LIFE pool size. DEXTERITY may be increased automatically at each level if you are a member of certain combat and labor classes, or by unspecified ability points awarded at various levels, for quests, or by finding special bonus items. Additionally, DEXTERITY can be temporarily increased by spells, items, buffs, or potions, and decreased by spells, cursed items, debuffs, or poisons. DEXTERITY may be listed in negative numbers and negative numbers can be used in calculating the attributes to which it contributes.

[SCHEMA]: CONSTITUION is the measure of how healthy one is. CONSTITUTION is the major factor in determining LIFE pool size and is a contributing factor in determining whether or not poisons and disease affect you, and to what extent. CONSTITUTION may be increased automatically at each level if you are a member of certain combat and labor classes, or by unspecified ability points awarded at various levels, for quests, or by finding special bonus items. Additionally, CONSTITUTION can be temporarily increased by spells, items, buffs, or potions, and decreased by spells, cursed items, debuffs, or poisons. CONSTITUTION may NOT be listed in negative numbers.

[SCHEMA] INTELLIGENCE is the measure of how well you absorb and use information. INTELLIGENCE is the major factor in determining the size of your MANA pool and plays a role in the size of your SPIRIT POOL. INTELLIGENCE may be increased automatically at each level if you are a member of certain combat and labor classes, or by unspecified ability points awarded at various levels, for quests, or by finding special bonus items. Additionally, INTELLIGENCE can be temporarily increased by spells, items, buffs, or potions, and decreased by spells, cursed items, debuffs, or poisons. INTELLIGENCE may NOT be listed in negative numbers

[SCHEMA}: WILLPOWER is the measure of a person’s resolve and mental resistance. WILLPOWER is the major factor in determining the size of one’s SPIRIT pool and plays a role in the size of the MANA pool, as well. WILLPOWER may be increased automatically at each level if you are a member of certain combat and labor classes, or by unspecified ability points awarded at various levels, for quests, or by finding special bonus items. Additionally, WILLPOWER can be temporarily increased by spells, items, buffs, or potions, and decreased by spells, cursed items, debuffs, or poisons. WILLPOWER may NOT be listed in negative numbers

[SCHEMA]: CHARISMA is the measure of how one is regarded by others or how well an individual is suited to leadership. CHARISMA is important for socialization, trade, and leadership. CHARISMA may be increased automatically at each level if you are a member of certain combat and labor classes, or by unspecified ability points awarded at various levels, for quests, or by finding special bonus items. Additionally, CHARISMA can be temporarily increased by spells, items, buffs, or potions, and decreased by spells, cursed items, debuffs, or poisons. CHARISMA may be listed in negative numbers.

[SCHEMA]: LUCK is a major determining factor in the amount, quality, and rarity of loot drops, learning spells and learning skills, as well as playing a role in the quality and rarity of crafted items. LUCK may be increased by unspecified ability points awarded at various levels, for quests, or by finding special bonus items. Additionally LUCK can be temporarily increased by spells, items, buffs, or potions, and decreased by spells, cursed items, debuffs, or poisons. LUCK may be listed in negative numbers.

That’s interesting, I thought, there is no general description of what LUCK is, and it seems to be the only attribute that cannot be increased automatically at each level.

[SCHEMA]: ABILITY POINTS are points awarded when you level that are not automatically assigned to a specific ability. ABILITY POINTS may be assigned immediately or saved and assigned at a later time. You may also receive such unassigned ABILIITY POINTS via quests, reading books or scrolls, or awarded for special actions.

Whew! My head was reeling by the end of just my Character sheet, and I still had a lot of work to do. Even though my mind seemed sharper since my INTELLIGENCE had bumped up, but now I felt like I had dropped back to 1.