[p=center]Connect to Royal Road

Yes | No[/p]

Yes’’

The scan on your iris and vein has determined that you are an unregistered user. Do you want to create a new account?

‘’Yes’’

Select name of you avatar

“um the moment of truth, Tinker’’

Select your gender from male or fem…

“Male”

Select race, there are many…

‘’Human’’

You may alter your appearance.

“The way I am now but at 18 years of age’’

Select a city and kingdom you want to start.

“Heaven kingdom, random City’’

Welcome to Royal…

“Skip intro’’

After a bright flash Tinker appeared in a town square, near a fountain. It took a moment to get use to this environment. It really felt like a dream, but just more smooth. It was night time so the streets were not that busy. He saw people going about normally. Some people looked his way and ignored him after that.

Since it was night time Tinker only saw stars and lights. Not electric lights, but lights from flame torches and magic lamp posts. It was really an odd sight to see as cities in the real life are much brighter. Looking around the town square he could see different types of people, a strong looking warrior with his big blade, a skinny fellow wearing a blue robe and his name Merlin visible. Tinker thought that must be a mage and also a player, since his name was visible. Merchants trading items, all the stuff you will expect to see in a normal game. Even at night the place was alive.

He started by getting a feel for his body and walking around. He went to the nearest town guard and asked “Sir which way to the warriors guild?’’. The stone faced guard stood nearly 7 feet tall looked at him and said “Another outlander, a lot of you these days. You see this road, follow it till you see the sign that says warrior’s guild’’.

Tinker “Thank you kind sir, can you tell me about this city and its history?’’

Stone faced guard “Might as well, not much goes on at night and no thief will try his luck in our city. This is Avelon, in the heaven kingdom. By order of the ruling counsel we the guards are supposed to keep the peace and help outlanders like you.”

Tinker “That is interesting, how far are we from the capitol of the heaven kingdom?’’

Stone face “About 2-3 weeks journey. We are in the centre of the mountain range known as the Stormy peaks. We produce some of the best warriors and mages of the kingdom. We are surrounded by stronger than average level monsters so we fight harder.

Due to the nature of the mountains we also have strong frost mages and wizards’’

Tinker “Wow that sure is interesting. Do you have any advice for someone like me that is just starting out?’’. He thought he might as well ask because stone face seems pretty informed for an NPC.

Stone face ‘’Become a warrior or mage, you might want to be a bowman. We don’t have many of those here. Besides you look like you have the spirit of adventure in you, so no supporting class, it’s always best to lead the charge…Ah to be young and starting anew’’

Ting * Familiarity with Lan increased by 150 points

Tinker thought that he read about this, he usually assumed that one builds rep with others through quests, not just casual conversation. Might as well try and continue the conversation to see how it goes.

Tinker’’ Um Lan is it? I think I will become a strong warrior like yourself, you are right I yearn for adventure’’.

Lan with a frown on his face said ‘’ I don’t recall telling you who I am stranger. How did you know?’’

Tinker thought about it, must he tell the truth that the system revealed his name or make up some lie. Best to lie, maybe the NPC would not understand the system and talk about it. ‘’Sir I am new to the city and I heard some guards talking about how Lan is one of the strongest warriors if not the strongest warrior in the city’’

Smiling Lan gave out a deep breath and said ‘’Ai its true, I was on the fast track to become the leader of all soldiers in the city when my best friend and brother in arms defeated me in the tournament a few years back. At the time I thought he bested me in battle and rightfully deserved the title of Chief Commander. Some time ago while drunk he boasted how he weakened me with a foul potion he slipped into my energy drink. I was not there at the time but another good friend of mine was resting in the corner with his eyes closed (sounds to me like he passed out from too much drinking), heard the story and told me about it. I confronted the bastard Baal about this and he denied it outright. Afterwards he sent me on a mission.

On this mission I was sent alone to guard the nephew of the Grand Magus Rubick. Near the highest peak there is a magical cave of sorts that only the strongest frost mages visit. I could not deny a quest from the Chief Commander. Alone I knew the mission had a low success rate, only wizards and mages that nearly mastered the art would go to the top with a party of guards. Alas, the nephew was very talented and did not want to wait and no sane Chief Commander will send men with a novice mage.’’

Tinker ‘’Really, what happened next Lan?’’

Lan “We set off the next day and a couple of days later we nearly reached the top, then we were ambushed again. The young mage I think his name was Johnny Q, was a prodigy in the making. Although he only had rank of novice his spells were potent and deadly. Definitely a candidate to become the next Grand Magus when he grows up. We defeated many enemies on the way to the top. First we encountered Kobolds which died fast, at the base of the peak we fought trolls, after that a roaming pack of snow wolves. At the entrance of the cave we let down our guard and then the Yeti’s ambushed us. Their frost resistance was so high that Johnny Q spell’s had little effect and I alone could not stand my ground against a pack of them. After the young mage fell in battle I tried my best, but I had to retreat and the only open way was to the cave’’.

Tinker “I am sorry to hear that Lan, then what did you do alone in the cave’’?

Lan ‘’Sorry I don’t know you well enough to tell you the story what happened there. But I will tell you what happened when I returned, I was demoted and banned from the mages tower for life. That was not all, I confronted Baal about the potion he gave me before the battle, but with no evidence and his word against mine it did not end well. The ruling counsel saw my attempts to undermine Baal as petty and since I failed to protect the Grand Magus nephew, it seemed that nobody cared that I was sent alone to guard him. With my haste and anger I made a massive mistake’’.

Tinker thought how much more would he have to suck up to him to hear what happened in that cave, but alas the story seems to be reaching its end, best to hear how it ends. In a sadden voice he asked ‘’Then what misfortune happened to you Lan?’’

Lan said in an even more sad voice ‘’ I lost it all…. I was demoted to the lowest rank possible. Baal created a rank even lower then recruit which he said was my own personal title of shame. I’ll hand it to that bastard that he is smart to make me suffer more and to make matters worse I am oath bound. So I can’t just kill him or leave. I only have a Sister here that depends on me and there was a young beauty, but after my shame she broke of the engagement. But I shall rise to the top once again, I shall not make the same mistakes like the last time.’’ With a determined look in his eyes he added ‘’I’ll have a plan to rival that of the great scholars, I shall never rush in unprepared, I shall take my time and have my revenge and regain my honour.’’

Tinker just stood there for a moment and thought, ’’wow this is well scripted, Royal road sure did well, and no wonder people are going crazy about this game’’. I should probably help him out a bit, hope I don’t get chased from the city or ashamed like him’’.

Tinker ’’After I heard your story I can’t help but feel obligated to help you, so what can I do for you?’’

Lan ‘’Well thank you stranger, what is your name? I am not usually one to talk about myself and my problems, but no one really took the time to talk to me’’.

Ting * Familiarity with Lan increased by 100 points.

Tinker ‘’ I am Tinker, and happy to lend you a helping hand. If you don’t mind me asking what is your new title?’’

Ting * Familiarity with Lan decreased by 50 points.

Tinker ‘’Oops. This is going to be harder than I thought’’.

Lan ‘’ Tinker just go and help my sister for now, she runs the inn the Golden apple close to the warriors guild, go before I change my mind’’

Ting*

Help Lan’s sister Morrain

Due to Lan’s current situation he no longer has a lot of time to help his sister run the inn, Go to the Golden apple and ask how you may be of assistance

Difficulty: E

Quest requirement: Need to listen to Lan’s life story and gain familiarity with him.

Failing to help his sister will make Lan hostile towards you

Tinker “ Aww yeah, my first quest, best be off and get started on it’’

During his walk on the way to the inn Tinker talked to a few other NPC’s, having brief conversations and asking the basic newbie questions. Oddly none of them gave him quests, he found it strange how in depth the characters of the NPC were. He thought that this was probably natural and that all the cities were very similar in this regard to keep things balanced. (Yes later he will regret it to be so narrow minded). He also took the time to look at his inventory, which had bread and little money. Next the stat window.

Status WindowNameTinkerPrimary ClassN/AHealth100Mana100Title0Level1Reputation0Strength10Agility10Wisdom10Intelligence10Stamina10Luck0Attack1Defence0Magic ResistanceFire0%Water0%Earth0%Dark0%

Tinker’’ So this is me, pretty weak but I guess we all have to start somewhere’’

Tinker approached the inn, entered and started to talk to the first person that looked like she worked their “excuse me where can I find Morrain?’’

Barmaid ‘’ O my, aren’t you a bit young for her? She is in the kitchen yelling at the cooks again, just stand at that door in the corner and wait for the first angry lady that walks out. Would you like an ale while waiting for her, mister?’’

Tinker ‘’No thanks, I don’t drink’’. He wanted to ask how long he might have to wait but she was already walking away and looking for a customer that pays.

Tinker stood at the door, observing the room. He saw a couple of strong looking warriors, a hooded figure sitting next to a plump man in the corner. ‘’Just people having something to eat and drink after a day. Must still be early in the night then.’’

As he was pondering what to do next he could hear a woman shouting on the other side of the door, followed by the crashing of plates or pots….and faintly he could hear somebody crying. What beast of a woman must Morrain be if her brother Lan is about 7 feet tall and had a face like stone. Holding his breath he lunged out of the way as the door burst open. There she was, the terror of the Golden apple herself Morrain, giving Tinker a puzzled look.

Morrain ‘’Who are you, another warrior that wants food that can’t pay? I don’t hand out free stuff, so unless you can pay best be on your way stranger’’.

Getting over his initial shock Tinker quickly said ‘’Your bother Lan told me to come to you and help you in whatever way I can’’.

A little surprise showed in her face for an instant but she went back to her angry face right after that. ‘’Ok get in there and start cleaning, I will come talk to you later when I have time’’.

So Tinker went into the kitchen while thinking how someone like her can be related to Lan. She was….hot, she was taller they your average woman, had long brown hair with big round brown eyes and a fair complexion. He does not know who or what made her so angry but it had to be serious. The scene in the kitchen was interesting to say the least. A pot was lying on the floor, a female cook was hard at work while the male cook was crying. Tinker thought what could Morrain have said to make the man cry, is she maybe a man beater?

He cleared his throat while trying not to laugh at the man “Hello, I am here to help, how can I be of service to you?’’

The woman cook looked over at him and then went back to work. While adding something to the other pot in the fire she started to talk. ‘’ You can start by fetching Daisy that’s hiding in the pantry and then clean up the mess on the floor. I am Mistress Annan and that heap of courage over there is David, David is also Daisy’s father’’.

Tinker said hello to everyone and started his work. After the cleanup he was given other tasks like washing dishes, carry this, and do that. It was a new experience for him since he was rich he would never have to do these things in the real world. He stuck with it, waiting for Morrain to come back. Morrain came back while shouting orders and left soon after. This cycle repeated itself over the next few hours. As she entered for the last time she said ‘’Closing time’’ she looked over at Tinker and signalled him to come closer.

Tinker walked over and dared not speak in fear of being shouted at or man handled like David.

Morrain ‘’It seems Annan and the others did not chase you away and you don’t look like your run of the mill thief. So my brother really did send you did he?

Tinker ‘’Yes…Ma’am’’

After receiving a fierce poke on the chest that actually took away 10 hp he staggered backwards.

Morrain ‘’Seems like you have respect for you elders boy, but if you call me Ma’am again and ill punch you next time, I am Morrain. Has my brother informed you of his current situation?’’

Tinker ‘’ Yes ma…I mean Morrain’’ which he nearly shouted

Morrain ‘’ Everything? It’s odd for him to open up to a stranger, even an outlander like yourself. But none the less I can use an extra hand around here during peak hours, you will receive pay and might pick up a useful skill or two.‘’

Ting*

A job at the Golden apple

Work 1 month at the Golden apple. Help Morrain in whatever way you can.

Difficulty level: E

Quest requirements: Must be sent by Lan.

Failing the quest will result in both Morrain and Lan being hostile towards you.

Tinker “Sure I’ll help any way I can’’

Quest accepted.

Morrain ‘’Alright we done for the night so you can come back tomorrow at around lunch or dinner time. I understand you outlanders sleep for days on end or stay awake for days, and when dying you come back to life. I don’t know if it’s a blessing or a curse but you will find I am flexible when it comes to these matters’’.

‘’Alright I’ll see you later.’’ Tinker went straight to the warrior’s guild to sign up. It was not hard to find the guild since it was across the broad street from the Golden apple.

He entered and went straight to sign up. The old man at the desk seemed to be in thought and not really paying attention to his surroundings.

Tinker “Hello I am here to become a warrior’’

Jerking and looking a bit out of place the old man said ‘’Alright name and your 10 gold fee’’

Tinker was shocked, he did not have that kind of money. He read on the forums you can sign up at most guilds but then have no extra money, thus most people quested for the first 4 weeks and got money and some levels before they started leaving the cities and deciding on a class.

Tinker ‘’Sir I don’t have that kind of money, I did not expect it to be so much, other warrior guilds are cheaper, I think you are trying to rob me.’’

Old man gave a quick giggle and looked very serious towards Tinker. ‘’Young man I am no thief, We are the only warriors guild in this entire mountain region, and since you are new to us I’ll tell you that the warriors from Avelon are not normal, we are stronger than others due to our harsh environment. In other cities you go out and kill rabbits, then foxes and then wolves. And after that you can face other enemies that are stronger than wolves but still relatively weak compared to us.’’

Tinker wanted to apologise but was interrupted before he could.

Old Man ‘’Here we start by killing mountain rabbits, that could rival a fox from the plains. After that there are frost wolves who are next in the food chain, whose strength is double that of normal wolves. When you are done with wolves there are trolls and Kobold’s all over the mountain which are also stronger than their counter parts from the plains. We have snow wolves that roam all over the place. Last there are Yeti’s that roam the mountain tops.’’

Tinker ‘’Sorry I spoke to soon, I did not understand the situation and the way things work, when I have the money I shall return. Is there any other additional info I need to know or items I need before I come back?’’

Old man ‘’Indeed… Well once you sign up you will receive 3 meals a day here in the barracks, we will provide your armour and first weapon. We have multiple weapons but those we hand out to new members are a two handed broadsword, a long sword or short sword with a shield. A two handed axe or axe with shield is what you can receive. In addition there are the one handed hammers with shield. The weapons are from an average quality but are good enough for starting items. Your armour will be Hardened leather unless you take on the roll of tank. Then you receive plate armour. Ah yes you are new, it’s hard to hunt on your own here so we form parties of 5 and send them out to hunt. Usually we have 4 warriors and 1 wizard. But sometimes the ratio gets mixed up like 3 warriors 1 wizard and a priest if you are lucky. Most parties succeed, think a couple of years ago we had an entire party just disappear. Don’t worry, now only 1 out of the party of 5 die or quit. But with so many outlanders these days we have many interesting parties, but there is always a warrior ’’

Tinker ‘’If I don’t want to play in a party and try it on my own?’’

Old man ‘’Then you are either brave or stupid. My uncle once said there is a fine line between bravery and stupidity, I think he knew what he was saying because he died to a group of Yeti’s while leaving his party, he ran straight at the yeti leader with broken armour and a rock as a weapon.’’

Tinker ‘’Do you get many recruits by telling them these kind of stories’’?

Old man ‘’Of course we do, we boast of the strongest warriors and some might say frost mages, this is just another way to get rid of the weak and get the strong. I should mention we have a basic training hall where one can sharpen your skills. We have training sessions in the morning and afternoons for new members. Our instructor will train you in the way of the warrior and the weapon that best suits you’’.

Tinker “Ok I will return as soon as I can, have a nice evening further’’

The old man says ‘’we will see’’ while grinning like an evil mastermind.

Tinker walked out and did not expect these kind of delays and developments. He decided when he logged of a few hours from now he will go read what the forums have to say of the town of Avelon.