The world shifted and fizzled once more. Kal appeared in a simple courthouse; its wooden floor supported several rows of pews before a lectern. Light shone in through clear glass windows to one side, bathing the place in warm tones. A man stood behind the podium, clothed in pristine cream robes and donning an angular black cap. To each side of him, four guards stood to attention, each wearing a matching brown gambeson emblazoned with a black dragon. All had swords at the hip and looked like they knew how to use them. The sudden arrival of the players hadn’t phased them one bit.

A flood of energy welled up inside Kal. He looked down to see a soft glow of light bathed his body. He glanced around to see that the other players beside him were experiencing the same thing. After a few seconds, the glow of the others stopped. Kal’s body appeared to glow for at least twice the duration of the others.

Delayed Experienced Gained

4,520

Congratulations you are now level 4.

The man at the podium beamed a bright smile down at them all. Grey hair and crows feet belied his age, though he didn’t appear frail. He paused, waiting for his audience’s attention to return from their character sheets.

“Welcome travellers to the city of Firsthaven. My name is Antonius. I am one of the twenty city councillors. Please take a seat.” He gestured to the pews. Kal sat down without complaint, ready to hear what the councillor had to say. He was keen to learn whatever he could, indulging his eyes could wait.

“Can we get started already?” A player grumbled from behind.

“Now, don’t worry. There’ll be plenty of time for adventure once I’ve explained a few things,” the man reassured. “Recently travellers have been appearing all over Firsthaven and perhaps beyond. The city leaders have decided that it is in our best interest to support you all on your journeys. We can provide you with basic weapons and armour, some provisions, and even board in the barracks. In return we ask you help where you can, there will be many opportunities to learn a trade or become a great warrior. I’m sure both the city and your kind will benefit from this arrangement. But...” The man’s voice turned grave, “please do not cause any trouble. The guards are here for your safety as well as the city. They will not hesitate to reprimand you. I’m aware that your kind are immortal. However, we can still detain you for suitable periods of punishment.”

His tone returned to pleasant, “If you need any information, do not hesitate to ask one of my colleagues or me. You will find us in any of the council buildings throughout the city. The guards should be willing to help with any enquiries as long as you stay in good standing with them.”

With that, the small introduction ended. Antonius led them into a large room that had been converted into a temporary armoury. Clerk’s tables had been pushed to the walls to make space for the operation. The city had provided a stash of beginners equipment for them to choose from. Wicker baskets held swords, staffs, bows, spears, and projectiles. One corner had been crammed with shields and simple armours.

A quartermaster in full dress uniform ordered the soldiers around. Under his command, they dispersed the equipment with pinpoint efficiency.

“Arming sword. Buckler. Welcome satchel,” his moustache waxed into sharp curls bounced with each command.

Kal filed into the queue behind a figure large enough to block out most of his view. He considered his choice, none of the more exotic martial weapons stood out.

“If it's fist fighting you want, then the warrior monks of Evergreen chapel may be for you sir,” Kal overheard the quartermaster speaking to the hulk of a man.

“Monk fighting ain’t really for me,” his soft face peered down from over a head of height to the helper. “You got any knuckle dusters?” He asked with a grin.

“You mean brass knuckles?” The quartermaster’s cheeks went red, he looked like he could explode, “perhaps you should try the fight pits of the docks, or better yet the criminal gangs that plague our great city.”

“I’m no criminal,” the big man laughed, “just want to get into some good old scraps with monsters, bandits, and whatever baddies this world needs givin’ a beatin’.”

“Unfortunately sir, I cannot help. I’d recommend learning the sword and shield,” the quartermaster perked up. “A traveller with your form could provide a real bulwark to any adventuring party or army.”

“Perhaps, but not just yet. I’ll take just the beginner’s pack. I’ve gotta meet someone.” He slung the satchel over one shoulder. It looked like a child’s school bag on him as he sauntered out of the arsenal.

“Well if you need pointing in the right direction. Find me at the garrison… Next!” The quartermaster turned to Kal, “what can I get for you?”

“Just a shield, one of those satchels, and something less for stabbing or slashing and more whacking.”

“Ah want to avoid bloodshed, eh? Got just the thing for enforcing. If you’re a religious type, then you’ll find suitable maces from the warrior sects of the temples.”

“I think more the enforcer style.”

“Cudgel, buckler, pack!” The quartermaster barked. “Next!”

The pack acted as Kal’s inventory. He could stow the items in without worrying about their bulk. Inside there were travel rations and a map of the city.

They filed into another room which had been set up like a welcome fair. There were stands for various of the city’s guilds and organisations, all looking to bolster their ranks. Streaming banners advertised: ‘The Firsthaven Guard’, “Baker Street Apprenticeships”, “Learn to be a wizard”, and more.

“Would you like to learn the ways of the arcane?” A robed elf-woman asked with an eerie smile. Her maroon hair had been tied in a loose bun which defied gravity, bobbing as she spoke.

“No. Um, maybe?” Kal stammered, “Not just yet, thank you.”

“If you want to expand your horizons more than you could ever know. Find us in one of our lodges.”

He didn’t feel too bad for turning down her advances. There were plenty of wide-eyed travellers beginning to crowd around the stand. Apparently becoming a great wizard was on the horizons of many of Firsthaven’s newcomers. However, Kal wouldn’t be one of them.

The next popular stand seemed to be for the Warrior’s Brotherhood. Here burly individuals wearing the hides of their conquests advertised their prowess. Kal paused for a moment as their leader, a sharp-faced woman explained the story behind her prized kill. Over the stand hung the head of a manticore. Its fierce lion-like head looked down upon them. A necklace made from its spines dangled from the warrior’s neck.

“We have dens in all the major cities of Alterion,” she concluded. “Join the brotherhood. Greatness awaits.”

Kal wandered the room, looking for something more fitting to his fighting preferences. None of the stands overtly advertised any martial arts. But from his experience, Kal figured they would be the ones with the least eye-catching features. One section piqued his interest. There were no travellers here. Instead, just one man sat by a plain wooden table. He held his eyes closed, hands flat on the table, his dark hair was pulled back in a tight ponytail.

“Um, hello?” Kal stood sheepishly before the man.

“What is it you seek?” The voice replied trance-like.

“To be honest, I’m not sure,” Kal replied, feeling foolish. “I was looking for somewhere to learn martial arts. None of the other stands seemed right. I don’t even know if there are martial arts in Alterion.” Kal took a step back, “I’m sorry, I’ll leave your meditation.”

“There are martial arts in this world. They exist in all, I’m sure,” the stranger kept his eyes firmly shut. “What made you think that this of all the tables was for martial arts?”

“The simplicity,” Kal stopped, hopeful, “I’ve not known many of the arts to thrive in opulence.”

“But some perhaps,” the man produced a small stick from a sleeve compartment. A flick of the wrist revealed it to be a fan made of shimmering gold foil. “Looks can deceive,” he fanned himself nonchalantly.

Kal didn’t want to waste his time in a circular conversation, “do you know of anywhere I could practice a martial art in the city?”

“I do.”

Kal took a deep breath, “Can you tell me where?”

“I can.”

“Where,” Kal gritted his teeth.

“Find the golden fan in the craftsman’s quarter,” the man opened his eyes. Beads of jade eyed considered Kal, they seemed to weigh him and his worth at that moment. “Find it, and perhaps our paths will cross again.”

He exited the courthouse into an open square surrounded by market stalls. He’d be sure to have a look around once he’d worked out how to earn some money. In the centre lay a marble fountain. Water gushed from the carved mouth of a dragon perched atop a tower. Kal had never seen craftsmanship like this. Ornate scales outlined the lithe figure. Beside the dragon stood a man, looking out to his city; proud and majestic. That’s the king from the tutorial battle. The figure wore a simple robe, the dragon symbol of his royal house chiselled onto the left lapel, and a crown with precious gems sealed into the marble. Kal welled up, enthralled by the beauty.

Kal rushed to the water feature. He bent over the rim to take in his reflected features. His body appeared how he’d remembered it. Broad shoulders held up a simple beige tunic, above Kal’s smile beamed back below short black hair. A light stubble grew off his chin. He sure didn’t look half as good IRL. He touched where he knew scars should surround his real eyes. His fingers shook as they brushed against smooth and supple skin.

He’d played virtual reality games before but nothing compared to this. Old VR technology required eyesight, so Kal hadn’t been able to play any of the new ones. The tutorial hadn’t given him much chance to stand and ogle, but now he’d truly indulge his eyes. But before he did that, Kal had something to try out.

Still bowing before the fountain, Kal hoped that he didn’t look too crazy.

“So uh, I’d like to give this oath thing a try...” He looked up at the fountain, feeling incredibly stupid. He’d fought for and alongside the king, saved his life, and even had a conversation with him joining his lost order of oathkeeper. All that and he didn’t even know his name. Thankfully, a plaque read ‘King Gregor Balenie’.

“...King Gregor. I vow to follow in your stead and prevent the relics from being reunited.”

Oathkeeper class quest available:

Prevent the ancient relics from being brought together

(Unique, Open-Ended)

Rewards:

Experience - Variable depending on the outcome

Do you accept?

Hell yes!