North American Broadcast Corporation (NABC) newsroom

Oct 25, 2046 01:30 AM EST

A beautiful dark haired news anchor sits at the desk center screen. She is young and full of life just starting her news career. She knows no one really watches the news at these hours, but maybe she can work onto a better shift soon. “Thank you Terry for that wonderful report on the workings of waste management robotics. You never know when you may need to know how the Droid that picks up your garbage really works. “Turning to a different camera she smiles a white toothy smile. “For our top news of the hour the much anticipated release of Siarra Inc.’s expansion Esper Online: The 15 Thrones, has rolled out without a flaw. Our contact with the company says they are proud of the new game and hope their fans love it as much as they do. The Expansion beat two records this month. First with largest worldwide players now at 143 Million active players, second is for the highest prerelease sales ever. Market Analysts say the game alone has driven the charge on the current surge of new ER related equipment and research. I personally look forward to logging in and smashing some heads with me Orc Fighter. On other news…”

Out of the black nothingness colors started to swirl around me in a dizzying display of blues, greens, yellows, reds, and many others. Eventually they began solidifying in to the view of a large medieval square. Hundreds of people were around me. Some were milling around, others were waving their hands in odd gestures, interacting with the in game menus. Still others were standing still not moving at all. Before I got Orientated alerts started to flash in front of me on my display.

Quest Completed!

Choose Your Path!!!

Rewards:

5 Exp +1 Strength +1 Intelligence Class: Apprentice Magi

A bright yellow glow went over me and the sounds of lyres sang in my ears.

Congratulations! You have reached level 1!

Rewards:

HP +80 Mana +100 New Ability–Dagger New Ability–Short Blade New Ability–Mace New Ability–Crossbow New Ability –Stave New Ability: Cloth Armor New Ability: Leather Armor New Ability: Chain Armor New Ability: Light Shield New Ability: Spell book New Ability: Scroll New Spell: Fire Arrow (Rank1) New Spell: Magic Missile (Rank 1) New Spell: Light (Rank 1) New Spell: Read Magic (Rank1) New Spell: Detect Magic (Rank 1) Cp +6

I scanned the message, and moved to the next.

Welcome to Beginner City!

You are new to the world of Esper and the gods have created this small hamlet for you to become used to your new surroundings. You may stay here til level 5, or until you leave through THE World Gate. While here you will not lose Exp for dieing, nor will your equipment suffer durability damage. Also no Traveler on Traveler violence will be allowed. This is a peaceful realm where all may learn.

New Quest

Orphans

With the opening of the gates violence and dangers have increased causing a surge of orphans across the realms. Every major city now has thousands of unwanted children. You have rescued one orphan from a cruel death. Now it is time to give him a more permanent place in the world.

Quest Type: General

Difficulty: Very Easy

Outcome:

Take your Orphan to an orphanage.

Rewards:

Exp +50 5 Gold

Failure None

New Quest

Exit through the World Gate!!!

Find The World Gate and leave the City. Journey in to the Realms and begin your true adventure!

Quest Type: General

Difficulty: Very Easy

Outcome:

Leave Beginner City

Reward:

None

Failure: None

Closing the last message I pulled up my Character log.

Name: Azriel Starblade

Race: Human Class: Apprentice Magi

Level: 1 Exp: 25 /1000

Strength (STR): 14

Muscle: 5 / Endurance: 5

Dexterity (DEX): 8

Agility: 3 / Instinct: 5

Constitution (CON): 10

Health: 5 / Resilience: 5

Intelligence (INT): 14

Logic: 5 / Mind: 5

Wisdom (WIS): 10

Awareness: 5 / Conviction: 5

Charisma (CHA): 10

Appearance: 5 / Personality: 5

Luck (LUC): 2

Hit Points (HP): 180 / 180

Mana; 150 / 150

Stamina: 12.5 / 12.5

Character Points (CP): 7 / 7 Talent Points (TP): 0 / 0

Renowned (REN): 250 / 1000

Fame Level: 0 Deity: None

Faith (FAI): 0 / 1000

Titles: None

Achievements: Famous Family.

The lost Dexterity really bugged me. My inner Green eyed monster gnashed its teeth at the loss, but I used 2 CP’s and brought my DEX and Agility back up to normal. Then I placed the unused points in Strength balancing Muscle and Endurance at 7 each. Not sure which was best I did the same with the Intelligence points to balance Mind and Logic. After that I hovered over the luck and saw it would take 5 Cp to get one point! With a sigh I decided to leave the other 5 for now and closed the window. I hovered over the Logout button for a moment. On one hand my other toons were waiting for me, but here I was playing a class I’ve never played before with a start that I would call nothing short of exceptional. With a sigh I decided to give it a go.

Looking around again I noticed that some people still had not moved. They were in the same spot as they had been when I zoned in. Then a few of the ones who were moving around before were now rigid and unmoving. Approaching one of them I reached out to touch one.

A warning flashed in my vision.

WARNING: You are in Beginning City Any actions against another Traveler is forbidden.

With a sigh I put my hand down. Still looking at them concerned. It looked like here in Beginning city all the races were expected to get along, I saw Orcs, Goblins, Imps, and children. Wait children? I walked over to one. He must have been 13. He was dressed in a brown starter tunic like mine and had a short sword at his belt. That was normal warrior garb, but I’ve never seen children avatars before. I mean not for players. Heck anyway why would anyone want to look like a kid? It’s a fantasy game after all. Then I thought of my own experiences in the chamber of mirrors. I couldn’t adjust my own appearance either.

Hailing a guard. I said, “Hey you!” The guard turned my way, “Need something Traveler?” “Yea, what is up with them?” I pointed at the still figures all around. The guard tried to shrug through his armor, “Eh, I don’t know. Who can guess at the motives of Travelers?” I looked back at them my inner angel pushing me on, but they are okay? The guard frown, Sure why wouldn’t they be?” I sighed, “I guess… hey do you know where I could find an Orphanage?” The guard nodded. With another look over my shoulder at the odd mass of rigid players, I left the square.

Traveling through the city was simple enough. The streets were created in straight simple lines that connected regularly. As I walked I thought about the new character generation process. The entire creation process had been odd. I mead most of it was the same, but not quite. Then, if no one could adjust their characters it would mean everyone had to play a toon that looked like them.

As I thought that a massive orc pushed past me going in the opposite direction. I stopped to stare this guy was Fat! I mean I am not adverse to a big fellow, I am American after all but this guy could have hidden a horse behind his girth. Although, as a green skinned, monstrous Orc the size just made him more intimidating! I guess that makes sense, if you had to keep your original appearance then choosing a race that fit with it would be a no brainner. As I passed an Imp hopping down the street I could of swore it was shorter than the others.

I reached the Orphanage, a huge wooden boarding house with doors, windows, and shingles that all looked like they had seen better days. The dark green paint that once of must looked cheerful was now peeling and looked like sores. In all of the windows there were small sad faces looking out. This place just gave an air of depression and neglect. Standing at the door was a stern faced… Zombie. She had glasses on her nose and a short wooden rod that she kept smacking her other palm with. As I neared her eyes found the kid following me and narrowed. She finished talking to another player and turned to me. In an unfriendly, nasal voice she asked, “Can I help you?” I gulped and pointed at the orphan following me.

Quest Completed!

Orphans!!!

You have brought the orphan to the local Orphanage. But the dismal site is depressing even to your hardened Traveler heart.

Rewards:

50 Exp 5 Gold

“Very good.” The Undead Caretaker said. “Would you care to leave the little brat here or would you rather adopt him and be responsible for him yourself?” An alert flashed with the two options.

LEAVE / ADOPT

I hesitated. Glancing down at the boy he just looked at me. The energy and intelligence I saw in the Chasm wasn’t there now he seemed like any NPC. I considered the road wasn’t a place for a kid and if I took him I assumed he would be like any other pet. I would have to feed and house him. At least a horse I could ride. Then again I glanced at the windows full of sad faces, and an unwanted memory stirred. When I was 8 my mom had been arrested and the state took me from my parents. I only spent a few days in child services before they got me back, but it still scared me to think about those few days. My inner angel was pleading with me, while my devil was reminding me that I could ill afford to take care of him. Sighing I hit Adopt.

The caretaker sneered. Very well you can keep the brat. We have enough here anyway. You mortals breed like swine and then leave your bastards to fend for themselves when you go off and get yourself killed. With those friendly words she turned from me to talk to another Traveler.

I turned to the orphan, “Well it looks like you will be staying with me for a while. The child smiled Briefly. I went on “But I need to call you something other than orphan. How about… Ace?” The smile broadened to a big toothy grin, and I swear I saw something flash in the kids eyes. “Thank you mi’lord!” Ace said. I smiled back.

To my surprise the name on his status bar changed, now showing him as Ace. Before I could comment on that though a commotion drew my attention. The chick who had talked to the Old Undead hag after me was now screaming, “What a rip off! If I would have known I wouldn’t have brought the kid here! This place is worse than my grandfather’s shop! At least their when you’re going to get screwed you know it!” I turned to her, and read her name on her Status bar; Lien. She was a High Elf, which gave her about 5 foot of height, and a thin frame. She wore a mace at her belt and chain armor covered her shapeless torso. Her pale hair was flying around wildly as she raged. “Hey what’s wrong?” I asked. She turned almond shaped pale blue eyes full of anger upon me. Was it just me or did those eyes have more of an angle than was normal for a High Elf? “Oh you’re a genius aren’t you?” Stunned I did not answer quick enough for her liking. She went on, “That cow,” pointed at the Undead “Robbed me of half my experience. But I wouldn’t expect some thick skulled warrior… wait what are you?”

I wasn’t paying attention, quickly glancing at my log I saw the entry for my own Exp.

Reward: 50 EXP (-50% for being in Starter City).

25 EXP lost for just being in The Beginning City

My mouth fell open in disgust. Lien looked from my staff to my armor and my sword. Then her eyes narrowed. Quickly remembering, I opened up my options and changed my status bar so only my name showed. I hid my level, class, and set my HP, MP, and Stamina to only show percentages. But it wasn’t fast enough. “Magi? You’re a Magi. What the hell is a Magi?” “I…” I started but she cut me off. “Oh for god’s sake. It doesn’t matter.” With that she turned and started off down the road. I stared in amazement at her, a dozen paces away she stopped and turned back to me. “Are you coming?” “Huh?” I got out. She gave me a disgusted look, “Now see here, I’m an Acolyte. I don’t care if you’re a Caster.” Pointing at the staff. “Or if you’re a warrior. I am getting out of this crap city so I can earn full EXP and I’ll bet you can help me earn it faster. Now are you coming?” This chick was crazy… but she was right. A 50% EXP penalty was ridiculous, and 2 level ones could fight a level 2 mob. They could even do it with less downtime than a level 1 would have fighting a level 1 monster. So I followed, the crazy High Elf Dame.

As we moved through the city I checked the region log. I saw a surprising 3 million users in the Beginning city. Looking at their classes I only found one other person that wasn’t one of the primary four classes. The other player was an Imp Pyromage, whatever that was. There were others who had their classes hidden, so I guess it was possible I wasn’t the only Magi.

As we reached The World Gate Lien stopped. She glared at me, “Well?” Confused I responded, “Well” Her glare darkening as she glowered at me, damn your slow, send me a group invite.” Hey! I thought. She could invite me just as easily; if she wanted. As I sent the invite, I studied her face. Her cheekbones were different too. Without thinking I blurted out, “lien are you American?” She accepted the invite and looked at me with disgust on her face. ‘No” then looked at me closely. “Are you?” I nodded my head and her tilted eyes opened wide. “I thought the admins had different servers for the different geographic areas!” I nodded, “I did too, but I wasn’t ever given the chance to choose a server. Were you?” She thought for just a second, “No I wasn’t. Think we will when we go through this thing?” She pointed at the large gate in the shape of a free standing silver arch. I shrugged, “maybe, but something is odd here.” Lien’s eyes narrowed, “You see it too, maybe you’re not as dumb as I thought.” Not bothering with a reply, I simply grit my teeth and stepped in to the silver arch. Blackness swirled.

In-front of me a drawing of a map appeared with a prompt.

Choose your destination.

Two words appeared in front of me. Erthoia and Vel’Tres. I knew Erthoia was the kingdom of the Hume’s and I wasn’t sure what Vel’Tres was so I focused on Erthoia, the map shifted and filled in more. I recognized some of the map and could tell it was of Hume territories. But the cities and towns were wrong. So were the large landmarks. I know the intro said it had been generations, but how much time does it take a river to change course, or a desert to change into a lush looking forest? I shook my head and grinned it was a game after all. It took the click of a button.

Glancing around the map, every time I focused on an area basic information would come up. The type of terrain, the levels of random mobs, and the local safety. The last was interesting if this was to be a good judge the entire world was fairly unsafe. The highest safety was in a city named Hub near the center of the Hume lands. It ranked 2.5 out of 5 stars. Looking at the areas around the city I saw a a good mix of random monster levels, some close by were low enough for us, then they progressed to higher levels pretty well. Without knowing more about the current incarnation of the world I thought it was a good choice. I selected the city Hub and confirmed.

Character Sheet for: Azriel Starblade.

Name: Azriel Starblade

Race: Human Class: Apprentice Magi

Level: 1 Exp: 50 / 1,000

Strength (STR): 15

Muscle: 7 / Endurance: 7

Dexterity (DEX): 10

Agility: 5 / Instinct: 5

Constitution (CON): 10

Health: 5 / Resilience: 5

Intelligence (INT): 15

Logic: 7 / Mind: 7

Wisdom (WIS): 10

Perception: 5 / Conviction: 5

Charisma (CHA) 10

Appearance: 5 / Personality: 5

Luck (LUC): 2

Hit Points (HP): 180 / 180

Mana; 170 / 170

Stamina: 12.5 / 12.5

Character Points (CP): 5 / 7 Talent Points (TP): 0 / 0

Renown (REN): 250 / 1,000

Fame Level: 0 Unknown Deity: None

Faith (FAI): 0 / 1000

Titles: None

Achievements; Famous Family: Starblade.

Deeds and Properties: None

Spell Book

Skills:

Perception (Apprentice): 1 / 75

Abilities:

Armor: You can proficiently wear Cloth, Leather and Chain armor types.

Shield: You can proficiently use Light shield types.

Weapons: You can proficiently use Dagger, Short Blade, Axe, Mace, and Crossbow weapon types.

Spells:

Detect Magic (Rank 1)

Fire Arrow (Rank 1)

Light (Rank 1)

Magic Missile (Rank 1)

Read Magic (Rank 1)

Social

Friends: None.

Enemies: None.

Family: None.

Clan: None.

Guilds: None.

Nation: None.