I knew this was the start. Assuming we survived, humanity I mean, then this would be the start of a capital city in a nation of humans against monsters. I could see it. And I wanted nothing to do with it. The rules might have changed, but left to our own devices, humanity would build itself right back up into an undeserving bunch of assholes. There may be nothing I can do about it, but without the power to decide what I wanted to do for myself, I would be sucked along, just like every other peasant in human history.

The [Village Bonfire] refused to light until I threw a [Fire Shot] at it. Magic then was the key for these things, gonna have to keep that in mind. When it lit up, the protected radius seem to grow to a little over 100 yards or so. Eventually we were going to need a wall, no matter how you look at it.

Village Fire Pit

Sanctuary Field Level 2 Mana Increases Protection Range and Duration 4D 23H 54M Survive within the Sanctuary of the Fire Weak Willed Enemies of the Fire Keeper shall find it difficult to approach

Ownership of the fire was another problem. Anyone could claim ownership of it. When they did a timer counted down from 2 hours. But there was nothing to stop someone else from claiming ownership and restarting the timer for themselves. What's more the full effect of the fire diminished while everyone bickered over ownership. I had no interest in being tied down to this place, so I didn't even try to claim the fire. None of my group really seemed to want it either.

Some of those with combat classes thought they should be in charge. That way lies dictatorship, but with weapons in hand, many of the crafters looked like they may back down. This was when I finally decided to step up, there were just some problems best nipped in the bud. I sent a long powerful stream of [Flame Thrower] up through the ground near myself and my group, who had sensed there might be a problem starting.

When I had everyone's attention I stated simply, "I think those who provided the Campfire kits, should decide among themselves who should take ownership of the fire." And by extension, the village.

"What the hell do you know kid, let the grown ups talk and mind your business!" That from one of the few stragglers we picked up on the long walk over to the park. I wasn't really in the mood for this nonsense though.

"Well, the way I see it, I don't think anyone who chose a fighting class should be in charge. That's how dictatorships and bad dystopian novels start." Some people seem to agree with me or at least see my point, but as expected, the average human IQ was working against me.

"No one cares what you think kid," Someone shouted out, then pushed their way to the front of the group. He was a big guy, lot of fat and muscle, tattoos, and a bushy black beard. He and the three guys who made their way to stand behind him gave off the motorcycle gang impression, especially with the leather jackets. I didn't want a confrontation, I wasn't interested in fighting other people and all the paths that leads to. But backing down wasn't an option either, we are about to start something here, and the tone will be set at its founding. Petty dictatorship wasn't the social setting I planned on living with.

Status

Name

Dennis

Level

7

Health

336

Mana

206

Stamina

301

Dennis is the strongest at level seven, the others are level five with one at four. The problem is the three strongest each has health well over 300, while my group really doesn't. Zoe has the highest HP among us at 374, Jenny and I are around 300ish and the rest well below. Lives could be lost if this comes to a fight.

"Raise your hand if you want to be some petty dictators little bitch." I shout at the crowd. We started with 30 people at the goblin dungeon and have picked up at least 15 more on the way here. No one raises their hand, but some timid lady speaks up.

"Maybe it's not a bad idea having the strongest be in charge." She says. And on the surface it's not a bad idea, but I'm not in the mood for a repeat of human history idiocy.

"This country was the strongest in the world. It wasn't run by the military, the strongest military in the world, if you remember! The strongest served! Civilians lead! If you want to go be run by some would be king then go somewhere else. I'm not going to live with someone holding a sword on me if I don't do what they like!"

I have obviously made enemies of Dennis and his boys. They pull out their weapons, dagger, dual daggers, mace and shield, and two handed sword. I'm not planning to fight though. I've said what I felt needed saying. I fold my arms and turn my back on them, looking for a place to sit and trusting my group to provide ample warning if they try something. It also has the effect of making them seem as less than a threat to me, lowering their standing in the minds of the people gathered.

This is going to take a while. The rest of the day is wasted in fact, but I don't mind too much. This is too important to half ass.

It's getting dark by the time anything is settled. The support classes eventually stand up for themselves with the backing of those of us who weren't on a power trip. Then the 10 who actually had the original [Campfire Kits] were told to choose among themselves. Debrah eventually managed to get herself elected by that group by dint of her association with us, the strongest group. Most of these people gathered to watch us fight that hobgoblin champion after all.

She took ownership of the fire, but Dennis and his boys as well as three others who joined him took ownership right back. None of them were from the original 30 who set out from the Goblin dungeon house. Mr, G decides to resolve the situation. He stands in front of them and addresses their leader.

"Son, you can try to be a badass here, but try to remember we all have to live together. Unless you want to be watching your back the entire time, try to remember you are very much outnumbered." While Mr. G tried the reasonable approach, Jenny, Zoe and I put our weapons in plain sight. My staff is hardly that intimidating so I keep a [Fire Shot] rotating in my hand. Some of the braver people in the crowd pull their weapons as well.

Dennis and his group eventually backed down, but I know they are going to be trouble for a long time to come unless something is done about, or to, them. I wonder if I have it in me to strike first... but I don't think I do. I'm not the type to start a fight, but I need to start thinking of ways to end them. Debrah says ownership grants her a lot of options most of which she can't yet use. To unlock a few we are going to need a name for our Village of nothing at the moment. But it's late and that's a discussion for the next morning.

Night falls and everyone is forced to take care of their own needs. The legless Rabbits are plentiful and edible so food is less of a problem than I feared. They are skinned and the fur is good crafting material for some leather working types. A little while later there are clumps of sleeping people around the [Village Bonfire]. My group is sleeping together slightly away from the rest. I have first watch, less against monsters and more against the monsters in our midst.

"I need to go get my sister." Jenny sits besides me, her gaze sweeping across our new friends and neighbors.

"We'll spend tomorrow grinding against as many goblins as we can find. Then go rescue her and the others the day after."

She doesn't bring up my former reluctance to become involved with her problems. Fighting together as already made us as close as we've both ever been with someone. I've caught her given me appraising looks from time to time over the last two days. But I don't think too much of it, I've read about how close a battle can bring people to each other. She's exceptionally cute, but a relationship just feels like more responsibility than we both need right now.

After a while she stand up and walks back to our friends. A while later when I'm about to nod off on watch duty I'm finally replace by Rick and his ever permanent smile. He too sits down beside me, "You're doing a good job kid." he says, as though continuing a conversation from an earlier time.

"Am I now? At what exactly?"

But he doesn't answer, just snorts a bit as he laughs at me. Is there a joke I'm not in on? But it's late and it has been an exceptionally long day. I bid him good night only to receive another smile and laugh. I can't help but smile back, that guy really is a mood lifter.

We're low on outdoor supplies, but our group has sheets from Zoe's house and plenty of body heat to go around. Zoe and Debrah are attached to Mr G's sides, happily unconscious within the muscular medic's heat output. Jenny is spooning Zoe, keeping out youngest monster smasher safe and sound. I curl up back to back to her, abandoning my usual reluctance of sharing my personal space. At some point during the night, I open my eyes to see her face peaceful and asleep in the flickering light of the Village fire. Her watch as come and gone, I'm now back to back with Zoe. I smile a little and go back to sleep.

The morning comes with the sun and Mr G shaking us awake. Last night, we decided we might as well get that early start. The first order of business is called by Debrah after she gathers her fellow campfire kit holders. A name is needed for our fledgling village, but they decide it's important enough to include everyone of us. 45 people trying to decide on a name for a place is a hell of a sight. Fights almost broke out, which I suppose is indicative of everyone's stress levels.

The final contenders are Bright Willow after the park, Noob Village for those who understand the game like elements we now live with, and Sanctuary. Sanctuary wins easily, and it's time to start the rest of the day.

Our group has a quick meeting about what we want to do today. Jenny and I tell the others our plan. Zoe and Mr G decide to come with us, while Rick as decided to take a group out to safely level up on the legless rabbits and whatever else needs killing. Debrah says she has a lot of responsibilities now that she's the village elder. Apparently that's what the Village fire refers to her as. She tells us not to leave just yet, then runs off. After seeing the makeup of Rick's group I idle wonder how much the pretty healer in it as anything to do with his chosen task for the day.

Debrah come back with seven more mana shards and suddenly we have 10. She explain that she broke down her [Arcane Arrow Wand] in order to get them. We have enough now to upgrade one of our inventories and I suggest we simply roll for it. The other tell me I obviously have to be the one to upgrade first. When I ask why, they just look at me funny and Rick laughs. I shrug, but do it, I figure we'll all upgrade soon enough if we help each other.

I empty my inventory and put the [Mana Shards], [Spatial Gem] and [Cloth Pouches] in it. When nothing happens, Debrah winks and tells me I need to be near the Village fire, something she hasn't told anyone else yet. When I get close to the flames the option finally pops up.

Inventory

Upgrade cost *5 Mana Shard

*1 Spatial Gem

* 10 Cloth Pouches Accept Decline

I accept of course. When I open my inventory again I'm a little shocked but happy. My old 2x2 has grown to a 4x4, giving me 16 total slots, a lot more than I was expecting! I hide my excitement and inform the rest of my group, while admonishing them to keep it quiet. after a bit of celebration, it's time to split up and get our tasks started.

"Oh before me forget," Debrah interrupts our departure, "Bring back any extra mana shards to feed de fire, also lumber, stone or just about anyt'ing you think will be good for building. We can feed it to de fire and help build houses and t'ing. We can build dem the regular way too of course, but the magic option is always nice. I'd really appreciate it." She finishes with a smile.

We nod and agree, but just as we are about to leave again...

Quest

Build us a Home

Debrah, the Village Elder, would like your help Improving the village. Building supplies, Food and Weapons will help secure the long term survival of Sanctuary Village.

Rewards

Increased reputation with Sanctuary Village

Accept

Decline

Quest

Feeding the Fire

Debrah, the Village Elder, would like your help Improving the strength of the village fire. Mana Shards, Mana Crystals and Mana Gems will help secure the long term survival of Sanctuary Village

Rewards

Increased reputation with Sanctuary Village

Accept

Decline

Huh, now that was unexpected.