Doktor Urmind looked at me for a while. "Don't sweat the character class, just go start playing."

"OK, Doktor Urmind, where's the door?"

"I'm sending you to a starter town. Message me if you need something. Have fun!"

He waved his hand, and an archway appeared. I can't see through it. I know its time to get going, but I am feeling a bit nervous. I look at Urmind one more time and then walk through.

I'm standing on a dirt road through a forest. It's just a little bigger than a dirt trail. My map shows a town nearby.

I'm pushed several feet. What was that?

"Are you going to stand there all day?"

I look around to see who's talking. I've been pushed again.

[Dave, Druid], [Amazing Grace, Priest], and [Bob, Necromancer] are all standing pretty close to me. Each of them starts walking towards the town.

"Well, are you coming, or is standing on the spawn point fun for you?" That was Dave.

"Uh, sure."

The other players haven't said anything. I notice after walking for a bit that more players appear back where I entered the game. Everyone I see is a cat person. They all have cat ears and tails, although it varies some on how catlike their features are. Everyone is furry. I like that.

I haven't interacted with players much yet. I want to start a conversation. I'm feeling nervous about that. Several players have sprinted ahead. I'll follow them and see where they go. Dave's still walking near me.

I ask him, "So what do we do when we get to town?"

"Is this your first time here?" Dave asks back.

"This is my first new character." That's true, mostly.

"Well, the starter villages are mainly for introducing new players to gameplay. You'll go from quest to quest and pick up some basic gear and beginning skills. Just follow me for a while and see."

"Thanks!" That went pretty well.

Why is he sending me private messages?

I'm getting a creepy vibe now, and I'm slowing down and letting him walk farther ahead.

Dave doesn't reply and starts sprinting ahead. I'm pretty confused about that whole exchange. Maybe I can find someone else to talk to.

The village is in a clearing with a few larger trees. The houses and buildings look very organic. Most are round and look like they are made out of tree limbs and dirt or mud. This village is a lot smaller than the town where I've lived.

[The Purrfect Place]

I follow the slow stream of players heading into town. Everyone is over by [Tammy, Town elder].

"Gather round, brave adventurers..."

I listen raptly as Tammy talks about the history of the town, the coming darkness, and how that looming threat is currently manifesting as a rat infestation.

Tammy has offered you a quest:

Thin the rat horde!

Rewards +100xp and an item.

[+50xp for completing: Find the town elder.]

I accept the quest. Nyatali the Ninja has been watching me while I was listening to Tammy. Nyatali's fur is black, and her tail isn't as fluffy as mine. Maybe she was waiting for me to finish so we could do our first quest together!

"Hey Nyatali, want to hunt rats together?"

"Hashi, did you actually listen to all of that?"

"Well, Tammy was talking."

"Sure, I'll hunt rats with you. Don't forget to equip your dagger. Follow me."

[Nyatali has invited you to a group. Accept?]

I accept the group invitation and start running to catch up with her. My first group. I'm so excited.