Eric stepped through the high stone walls into Drail and was taken back by breathtaking view of the bustling capital city. The castle loomed in the center of the city with spires of gleaming stone leaving him wide-eyed for a moment as he passed through the heavily guarded gate and onto the main cobblestone road. He had almost forgotten the scale and enormity of the city after being away for almost a week.

Unfortunately, the streets were not as he remembered and had become crammed with refugees in various states of raggedness. The influx of players combined with the stream of incoming evacuees appeared to have overwhelmed the available housing. He tried to ignore the sad state of affairs for a moment and looked over to Erwin.

“Welcome to Drail,” he said to him dryly.

Erwin’s mouth was slightly agape, and it didn’t appear his words affected his wandering expression. Erwin scanned the landscape in a methodical fashion examining each building within view. Eric learned Erwin had never seen any villages larger than a couple thousand people so coming to Drail for the first time must have put him into a slight shock.

Eric placed his hand on Erwin’s shoulder to shake him out of his trance and said, “You will have plenty of time for sight-seeing later. We need to unload these supplies so we can move around a little easier then find your uncle.”

Erwin looked up into Eric’s eyes and nodded hesitantly. Eric took the lead, winding through the crowd with the overfilled wagon in tow. He ensured Clarke kept an eye out for any thieves or pickpockets from behind as they made their way to the market. Eric’s first priority was to unload their goods and re-supply with any essentials. Then they could deliver Erwin to his uncle with a little spending money of his own. Eric didn’t feel right taking his families goods and keeping the profits so they agreed to give him all the money from the sale of the extra goods recovered.

They reached the market after working their way through the crowded streets for half an hour. The city had become uncharacteristically filthy with loose debris kicked around in the streets. It was easy to see the overpopulation was already taking its toll on the infrastructure. They passed more than a few shady characters confirming Eric’s fears that policing had become thin as well.

The market was packed with bodies when they arrived, and they ran into a wall of people. It was somehow even more crowded in the market than at the city entrance, and Eric was not surprised to see much of the crowd was made up of refugees. They patiently made their way to the various shops and stalls to unload their loot for coin. They visited half a dozen shops to sell the numerous goods, and Eric felt they received a reasonable reward for all their hard work. The loot from the Valix earned the battle group over thirty gold coins. The bandit’s loot was even more profitable since it was only split between Clarke and Eric. They were both close to ten gold richer.

The goods acquired from Erwin’s group were more or less cheap household goods with a handful of more exotic items, but they gained close to three gold coins after selling the majority of it. Eric immediately put aside every coin for Erwin. As they reached our final shop, Eric discovered a fascinating item that he was too curious about to sell.

Unidentified Map – Grade: Rare; Durability: Unknown; Requirements: Unknown; Effect: Unknown

“Erwin, do you know anything about this map?” Eric asked, holding out the thick paper scroll after they finished selling the remaining items from the small wagon including the wagon itself which netted a few dozen silver, making Eric smile knowing he wouldn’t have pull it around any longer.

Erwin looked up at Eric questioningly and then at the light brown scroll stained by age before answering hesitantly, “I heard my fa…father talk about it once. He never knew what was on it since there aren’t any scribes near our village capable of identifying it. He...he said it was passed down to him from my grandfather. All I know it is very old.”

Eric noticed Erwin started to mumble his words and wavered at the mention of his family. Eric decided not to push the topic any further. “Thank you, we will look into finding a suitable scribe to help read its contents, I think this item is too valuable to sell without knowing more,” he said with a reassuring smile.

The group left the market in high spirits and headed east toward the banking district to deposit their party members’ share of funds into holding accounts until they returned. Eric asked the group to take a quick detour on their way to fulfill his curiosity regarding the Relic of the Wanderer that was discovered in the aftermath of the bandit attack. Eric stepped onto the familiar street and the sight that greeted him immediately made his heart drop.

The cozy Relic Inn had been replaced by a half-burned and collapsed wooden structure. The connecting buildings on either side were also burned to the ground with a light white ash covering the remaining beams. Eric walked up to the once sturdy front door and saw Ms. Sely among the remains with a small broom desperately trying to clear the ash from the remaining floor beams.

Eric stepped into the threshold and cleared his throat lightly to get her attention. She looked up with a heart-breaking expression of sadness that hit him harder than he would have expected.

“Eric, I… I’m sorry, but I don’t think I’ll be open again anytime soon,” she said looking at him with tired eyes.

Eric took a moment to release a heavy breath and said softly, “I’m so sorry Ms. Sely. What happened?”

Her gaze seemed to pass through him, and it took her several long moments to respond. Finally, with a light shake of her head, she stated, “It…it was a few nights ago. The inn was overbooked with all the refugees, we even had the first floor set up with sleeping areas for families. I don’t know how, but somehow criminals snuck in. A woman in a red robe came late at night and started the attack. Her fire magic was devastating.”

Eric cringed remembering the venomous woman with fire magic that scorched him in the forest. He tried to put on his most confident face and pulled the stolen item from his inventory, gripping the Relic of the Wanderer tightly in his hand. “I wish I could have been here to stop those thugs. The damage they’ve done is unforgivable.” Eric said as he stepped up to Ms. Sely. “I think this belongs to you,” he said, outstretching his hand.

Ms. Sely looked at him with a confused look for a moment, but regarded the item in his hand and recognized what he was presenting. Her eyes filled with tears as she looked back up at Eric and before even retrieving the item from his grasp she wrapped her arms around him in a tight grip like a worried mother. Eric returned the hug awkwardly, but she released him quickly and stepped back after only a moment.

“I don’t know how you did it, but I will be forever in your debt for returning this item to me. It may not seem like much, but this relic has been in my family for generations and is worth more to me than any amount of gold,” she said passionately and gently picked up the small stone from Eric’s hand.

Ting!

Hidden Quest Complete: Relic Disappearance

Gwyn Sely feels indebted to you for returning a valued family treasure.

You may ask Gwyn to assist you in the future, and she will do so loyally.

+45 Fame

+2,500 Experience

+6 Leadership

Ting!

Level up!

Eric nodded sincerely. “I can’t imagine how you are feeling, but I hope this provides some comfort to you in this time of darkness,” he replied sorrowfully.

Eric stepped back into the street with a determined look after giving Ms. Sely a departing hug and promising that he would return to help her however he could. Eric’s comrades gave him sad expressions, but he urged them along toward the banking district. He was more determined than ever after witnessing the scene and realized if he was going to help Ms. Sely and all the other refugees he had to grow stronger.

After finding the banking district, it only took the group a moment to find a terminal to deposit the specified gold for the other party members. The district was spread out along a wide street of thick stone buildings with polished pillars. It seemed the security hadn’t weakened in the district despite the breakdown elsewhere in the city. The streets were still clean, and guards were keeping out any loiterers to ensure business as usual. Eric mentally sighed at the sight, realizing even in Teurilia money was power in most cases.

After finishing their deposits, the group turned to the north in search of Erwin’s uncle. Erwin explained he was a craftsman by trade and lived in a middle-class district in the north corridor of the city. Erwin wasn’t sure his exact address, but with his name and a couple silver coins they gathered the information needed from some citizens milling about in the area and found his home easy enough.

The house was a modest two-story wooden structure with a patchwork of blue and brown paint peeling in some places. Eric looked down toward Erwin with a comforting smile as they approached the front door. He knew they would have to tell his uncle about the death of his family which would force Erwin to relive the events of the last few days. Eric stepped up to the door and gave a firm knock before stepping back next to Clarke and Erwin.

The door was opened almost immediately, and a tall well-built man greeted them. He had a patch of dirty blond hair mixed with streaks of gray and wore a rough cloth clothes with stitched patches on the elbows. The man saw Erwin and immediately pulled him into a tight hug without hesitation.

“Erwin! I’ve been expecting you,” the man said releasing his hug and ruffling Erwin’s hair with his hand. He looked toward Clarke and Eric questioningly for a moment and then realization of why Erwin was here with two strangers and not his family passed over his face. His eyes softened, and he looked down at Erwin with a disheartened expression. Erwin gave a simple nod, precisely reading the situation. The man’s face changed to one of dismay.

He released a deep breath and said, “Let’s go inside. I’m sure you’ve all had a long journey to get here.”

The visitors stepped through the arched doorway and entered a well-lit entryway. The man led them into a humbly decorated sitting area. Clarke and ERic found two chairs with small cushioned backs. After being on the road for so many days, Eric felt incredible sinking into the comfortable chair. Their host settled into a well-constructed chair of similar style across from them and bowed his head.

He introduced himself as Mattock Pryde; Erwin’s uncle, and Clarke and Eric spent several tense minutes recounting the events leading up to their arrival to his home. He only asked short questions throughout their story, and his face stayed firm, nodding decisively in response to the tale.

Ting!

Hidden Quest Complete: Protection of Pryde

You’ve completed a great service to Mattock Pryde by safely bringing his nephew and delivering news of his family.

You may ask Mattock to assist you in the future, and he will do so loyally.

+3,500 Experience

+100 Fame

Ting!

Achievement Unlocked: A Humble Protector

Eric kept a straight face as he quickly reading the newly acquired achievement bonus. He would receive an additional 5% Fame when completing quests with any Fame rewards going forward, but the reward felt bittersweet due to the hardship he had to witness to achieve it. Fame initially seemed like a useless attribute to Eric, but it directly impacted interactions and the ability to receive certain quests according to his research.

“Please join me for a meal as a small token of appreciation for all you’ve done,” Mattock said rising from his chair and taking on a softer expression.

“Thank you for your kindness,” Eric replied and followed behind Mattock into the small eating area at the back of his home.

Mattock began to gather together some food, and Eric sat quietly at the table exchanging looks with Clarke. Eric saw Erwin was visibly more relaxed being here with his uncle which provided him some relief. Mattock returned to the table with a platter overflowing with delicious looking meat, bread, and cheese. He passed around small serving plates and settled into a chair at the head of the table.

“Please help yourselves. I wish I had more to offer, the supplies are running low in the city with all the refugees seeking sanctuary,” he said as he piled a healthy portion onto his own plate.

“It is more than enough. The monster invasions seem to be having worse side effects than anyone expected. Food is going to be a precious commodity if the villages can’t reseed their crops soon,” Clarke replied.

“The impact is more than you know. I’ve been hearing reports that the king is getting desperate to quell the invasion at any cost. The treasury has already been almost entirely drained to pay mercenaries and the local lords to provide support, but the attacks are still on the rise,” Mattock said with concern in his voice.

“That is disconcerting to hear. Has the king sought support from the other kingdoms?” Eric asked curiously.

“Likely, but rumors say dissent is spreading among the royalty. Even on the eastern coast, the monster appearances are becoming more frequent in the unclaimed lands. Panic is causing caution by the royalty. Safety is being demanded, and the kings and queens don’t want to risk sending their military to another kingdom in these troubling times,” Mattock answered thoughtfully.

Eric took in his words attentively thinking through the situation carefully. At the current rate, he speculated the city would be out of control in a matter of weeks. “What will happen once the supplies run low, and the guards lose control?” he inquired.

“I hope for everyone’s sake we don’t get to that point, but I have heard the King has been auctioning unclaimed land in the kingdom to the highest bidders. The wealthy are using this opportunity to buy their way into lordships even if their land is virtually uninhabitable. Some of the more optimistic buyers are recruiting refugees to settle the land by promising safety and food, but there have already been reports of new settlements in areas thought to be safe being attacked mercilessly by bandits,” Mattock replied.

“Unfortunately, without infrastructure or shelter, I can see why bandits would target them,” Eric said sympathetically.

There was a tense silence before Mattock continued, “You mentioned most of the supplies you gathered from Erwin’s party were sold at the market, but there was an item of particular interest to me. It is a map that my family has had for generations. My family always said in a time of need this map would lead us to safety.”

Eric perked up at the mention of the map and quickly found it in his inventory. He pulled it out and set it on the table before responding excitedly, “Ahh, yes! This must be what you are referring to. I had a feeling this might be of value.”

Mattock’s eyes lit up at the sight, and he pulled the old scroll toward him and said, “Thank you for bringing this to me. My brother and I were always curious about the contents of this map and after he had to leave his village we knew it was time to find out. I’ve managed to find a suitable scribe to unlock its mysteries. I feel you deserve to know the contents as well for all you’ve done for my family. Please return tomorrow and we can reveal the information together.”

“I look forward to it,” Eric replied.

Eric and Clarke finished their food and left Mattock’s home in better spirits knowing Erwin was safe with his uncle. They parted ways in front of the house and decided to meet up the next day to see the results of the map. They were both beyond curious what information it could contain, and their speculations had already started running wild.

They said a quick goodbye in the street and parted ways. Eric turned toward his next goal of finding Flynn and trying to get more information about the Faceless Shadow that was creating all of the problems plaguing the kingdoms.