Jean cursed herself again. In her haste to get on the road, she had forgotten to ask Elton to teach her the spell of silence he had used. She could have used that spell in so many scenarios. She could have also used it while hunting to increase her skill level as well as her mana. She needed to up her mana level so her tomahawk hatchet could be used more effectively. Jean cursed herself again. She knew she was harping on it, but she couldn’t afford mistakes like that. Twice she had thought about returning but she didn’t like backtracking. She would push on and hope that she would have another opportunity soon.
The light was fading. Jean knew she would need to make camp soon. She didn’t want to be ill prepared when night fell, she had heard enough warnings about it to take it seriously. Seeing a small clearing up ahead, Jean started gathering small sticks and branches for her fire. By the time she had reached the clearing she had a hefty armful of wood. She scouted the area and made sure she was in a good spot and then made her fire. She was grateful for the supplies she had purchased. It felt good to be self-sufficient. With a well-established fire going, Jean pitched her tent and then decided to go hunting in the fading light. She thought she had heard the call of a pheasant while she was scouting.
As Jean neared the area she had heard the call, she crept low and began moving slowly and quietly through the brush. She would cringe every time she snapped a branch but was moving forward without too much disturbance. Hearing the tell-tale sound of the pheasant again, Jean paused and gently pulled a branch back. She could see two pheasants below her in a small grove.
Congratulations Adventurer, you have increased your stealth and tracking skill.
Jean pulled out a throwing knife, stood up and threw the blade towards the large colorful bird. The shot was a little off and missed the intended target. Jean let another blade go and managed to hit and kill the second bird.
Congratulations Adventurer, you have defeated Level 2 Pheasant +10 exp
Jean rushed forward to see if she could get another shot at the first pheasant, but it had flown out of range. She retrieved her knives and skinned and looted her kill. The sun had dropped and shadows were falling in the forest. Jean heard a wolf howl in the distance. She returned to the safety of her fire to cook dinner.
Jean licked her fingers and threw the last bone into the fire. She crossed her legs and leaned back to gaze at the stars. The wolf howled again and Jean heard an answering call in the distance. She added some wood to the fire and pulled out the wolf hide she had saved for herself. She wanted to make Sarah a gift. She had planned to make her a leather vest with pockets for small items. She laid out the hide and began stretching and pulling. It was hard work but it kept Jean busy and would increase not only her strength but her leather making skill.
When her eyes got tired and her arms ached, Jean put the leather hide away. She opened her screen and allocated her points. She had increased to Level 4.
Jean slept poorly during the night. She had to keep the fire going to keep any predators away. It had worked, but Jean wasn’t as well rested as she would have liked. She had hoped to reach Sweet Water today. Jean cleaned up her camp, checked her map and headed out. With any luck she would be able to get a few more hides to work with or trade.
Jean was enjoying the warm sunshine as she walked in the forest. Her fatigue had faded and she was using her renewed energy to follow a game trail. The tracks were similar to deer, probably three animals from what she could tell. She knew the trail was taking her further from the road to Sweet Water, but she was determined to increase her skills before arriving back in a village. Plus having meat or hides was a better trade option than gold. She didn’t want to attract any thieves.
Jean looked down into the soft ground and saw a new set of prints, probably wolf or coyote. It was obvious she wasn’t the only one tracking the deer. Jean shrugged and continued on the trail until she saw the deer tracks separate and go in three different directions. Confused, Jean followed each of the tracks for a short distance to see if they would join up again. Suddenly, Jean stopped. The hair on the back of her neck was tingling. She moved slowly. Axe in one hand and knife in the other, she slowly turned searching the area around her. Shit, she cursed under her breath. She hadn’t expected the deer to do this. They had separated and surrounded her; she was no longer the hunter. She was the hunted.
Everything happened in a blur. The first deer materialized out of the brush and charged her with its head down and antlers aimed for her midsection. She ducked to the side and jumped behind a tree. The second deer had charged too and forced her back towards the first deer. He was pawing the ground and blowing air out of its nose, preparing to charge again. Jean threw the hatchet towards the second deer and ducked again behind a stand of trees. The one deer had large antlers that couldn’t fit between the trees so if she could use the trees as a guard, she should have a chance at taking out the smaller of the two deer. Her hatchet had found the target but it wasn’t lethal. Jean cursed and had a quick look for the third deer, not wanting to find it behind her.
Jean was down to her regular axe and throwing knives. She positioned herself in the trees to keep the deer with antlers back, and took another shot at the second deer. She successfully sank her knife into its neck and saw it stagger. The ground shook and her tree guard rattled as the first deer rammed its antlers into the trees protecting her. Jean pulled her torpedo knife out and took a deep breath. The next time the deer lunged at her she stepped out from behind the tree and stabbed the knife into the deer’s head, just behind, and below, its antlers. The knife was designed to penetrate armor so it went through the thick skull bone and dropped the deer to the ground. Jean’s arm was vibrating from the force.
She whirled around looking for the third deer. She could see the bushes moving and swaying back and forth in the distance. She checked to make sure the two deer were dead, retrieved her weapons, and then crept forward. She could hear growling and ripping sounds. A lone coyote was finishing off the deer. Jean Examined the new threat.
Level 5 Startail Coyote. Larger and more aggressive than normal coyotes. Usually not found in packs.
For an instant, Jean thought about letting the animal have the kill, but in the end she made her way forward to attack. She felt the wind change and she stopped and jerked her head up. The coyote had smelt her. They stood staring at each other. Jean took a deep breath. The coyote was big, as big as the wolves she’d found with Ester. He had blood and deer hide hanging out its mouth. He crouched down, preparing to attack. Jean knew she was in trouble. It would be harder to take defensive protection from the coyote, she would have to rely on her speed and accuracy to win.
The coyote launched himself forward, he was even faster than Jean had anticipated. Luckily years of training had prepared her. She jumped to the side as he leapt on her and managed to drag her knife along his flank. He was hurt but not diminished in any way. He turned quickly and clamped down on her foot. She felt the teeth bury into her ankle bone. She growled in pain and anger. She brought her axe down on its head, trying to free her leg.
Coyote bite -10 Health
The coyote was relentless. Despite the solid hits with her axe, the coyote kept biting and moving his way up the length of her leg. His paws were clawing at her arms and chest.
Coyote Bite -10 Health
Coyote Scrape -10 Health
Coyote Bite -10 Health
Coyote Scrape -10 Health
Jean was continuing to hit the coyote with her axe. She could see the open wounds she was creating but his strength and ferocity wasn’t fading. Desperate to do more damage, Jean reached for her torpedo weapon. It slipped through her blood-soaked fingers. Where is the blood coming from, me or the coyote? Jean thought as she continued to struggle.
Jean felt her strength diminishing and thought for a moment that she might be outmatched and could possibly die. NO, thought Jean. I don’t have time to start over. She gritted her teeth, twisted her body to get a better angle and dug her axe into the side of the coyote's neck. She heard the whimper and felt the animal’s body convulse on top of her. With the space she had, she hit the beast again until its body was slack.
Congratulations Adventurer. You have defeated 3 Deranged Deer and 1 Startail Coyote. Exp +120
Health is dangerously low.
Jean wasted no time. She opened her bag and pulled out her potions. One she drank and the other she poured over her wounds. She leaned back against the nearest tree and closed her eyes. That was too close, she thought.
Health Restored.
Jean rested against the tree until she felt better. She was grateful for the healing potions. She would have to replace them as soon as possible. It was too dangerous to be without them.
When she was ready, Jean looted and skinned the animals and made camp. She wouldn't reach Sweet Water today but she had a generous amount of meat and hides to add to her inventory. And if she was correct, she may even have enough to reach Level 5 shortly.
Jean made a large fire and began working the hides. She would look forward to reaching Sweet Water. After two hard nights in the forest Jean was looking forward to a stay at an Inn where she could sleep safely. To comfort herself in the meantime, Jean would take breaks from stretching the hides to admire the stars. She found herself thinking of Elton and shook her head.
The next morning Jean cleaned up her camp, checked her map, and plotted a direct route to Sweet Water. She didn’t need to hunt today. Within a couple hours she reached the main road and joined the traffic heading into the village.
Jean found herself walking with two players. She couldn’t help but overhear that they were new to the game. Jean fell in behind, she was curious what they would do when they arrived in the village.
“What kind of quests do you think they will have? It looks like a pretty small village. I told you, we should have started in a big city.”
“It doesn’t matter. As long as we level up and learn new skills, we can get strong enough to join with a guild.”
Jean kept walking behind the two players. When they arrived in the village they started asking the villagers for quests. One man offered them a quest harvesting vegetables but they turned it down. Jean shook her head when she heard them say they didn’t come into the game to be a laborer. They would wait for a better quest. The next villager offered them an opportunity to clean and sharpen weapons. Jean thought it was a valuable quest and a valuable skill to learn. She was happy when they accepted and they walked away.
Jean asked the next villager where the leatherworker shops were located.
“Down the second street to the right. Mr. Tanner is the best we have.”
Jean thanked the man and proceeded to the shop. On her way, she spotted an apothecary and remembered that she hadn’t replaced her healing potions. She would have to go foraging this afternoon, but in the meantime, she felt she could invest in some more powerful potions, just in case.
Jean stepped into the dark room. There were all manner of dried plants and animal parts hanging from the ceiling and rows and rows of shelves. The shelves were filled with glass jars with strange labels and names printed on them. Jean raised her eyebrows and wondered how long it would take to learn all the uses for them. She remembered her early college days and seeing the stacks of cases and laws she would have to memorize and understand. It had been overwhelming and intimidating but in the end everyone in her class, as well as every class before hers, had done it. I could do it, if I wanted to, she thought to herself.
“May I help you?”
Jean looked in the direction of the voice and couldn’t help but smile. The woman behind the counter was every stereotype she could have pictured. She had a long, hooked nose, several warts on her face, dark straggly hair and a tall pointed hat. She stepped out from behind the counter and Jean saw that she was wearing long dark robes. Of course, just like any good witch, Jean said to herself.
“Can you tell me what you offer in the way of healing potions?” Jean asked politely.
“Adventurer, I see. Seems you have a habit of getting into trouble,” the woman said as she looked Jean over.
“I’m sorry?” Jean said, confused.
“Argh, it’s nothing. I can see your recently healed injuries is all. Seems you and the wild beasts don’t get along.”
“Well, one was a goblin. To be fair to the animals,” Jean admitted.
“Yup, that’s what I said,” the woman said before she pointed Jean to a wall lined with glass jars. “I have lots of healing potions. Did you want something specific?”
“A general healing potion will be fine thanks. Unless there is something you would recommend?”
“Ah, yes. I think a potion for healing broken bones might be a good idea for you. And maybe something for poison. I also have this one,” the woman said pointing to a pretty purple vial. “It can restart the heart. How old did you say you are?” the witchy woman said with her eyebrows raised.
Jean glared at her.
“Touchy,” she said as she turned away. “Why aren’t you using our blood magic?”
Jean had forgotten about her blood magic capabilities. Her race, Archon, had the strong physical traits that she had wanted. She hadn’t thought about incorporating the magic into it yet. That this woman was also an Archon was interesting.
“Can you teach me?” Jean asked curiously.
“No.”
“Ok. Then I will take two general healing potions, the one for broken bones and one for poison.”
The strange woman nodded and took down the jars to put into individual vials. Jean continued to look around the store. She found herself interested in the world of herbs and plants. She had felt the power of Nora’s potions and wanted to learn more.
“I can teach you a new potion,” the woman said suddenly.
Jean was taken aback, could she read her mind? Jean walked towards the counter. She could tell that the woman wanted something from her.
“In exchange for what?” Jean asked noncommittally.
“Your goblin heart.”
Jean was not expecting that.
“I don’t have a goblin heart,” Jean said.
“You looted the goblin you killed right? Check your inventory.”
Jean checked and sure enough, she did have a goblin heart. She clicked on the item.
One goblin heart. Used for potions and spells, only of value to some.
Jean’s eyes narrowed. She didn’t know of any reason she should keep the heart but she also didn't want to give away a potentially valuable item.
“What is it worth to you?” Jean asked.
“I can get my own. I don’t want yours,” the woman countered.
“OK. How much do I owe you?” Jean said. She didn’t want to play games with the woman, especially when she didn't know the value of her bargaining tool. Maybe she could inquire about it and come back later.
“Ten silver,” the woman said as she held out her hand.
Jean transferred the coin, slid the vials into her bag and turned to go.
“See you later,” the woman said with a knowing smile.
Jean waved and stepped out onto the street. She was happy to be out in the fresh air and away from the odd woman. She was not comfortable being taken off guard like that.
The next stop looked like it would be more pleasant. The leather shop was in a long building with lots of windows and natural light. Tables were set up along one wall and an eclectic mix of people were working on projects. Jean admired all of the equipment and finished pieces hanging on display. The shop had a lively and fun atmosphere. It did wonders to erase the creepy feeling Jean had from the apothecary.
“Mr. Tanner?” Jean asked a woman working on a piece of leather.
“You will find him in the back. Just ask for Mr. T.”
Jean thanked her and weaved her way to the back of the building. The back was also lined with tables, but these were piled with rolled up hides and furs. Jean was astonished by the range of colors and sizes. Some of the animals must be very unique to the game world. She saw a big man with broad shoulders and a shaved head laughing and sorting furs with a group of young people.
“Mr. T?” Jean asked.
“Yes! Hello. What is your name?” the big man asked as he looked at Jean.
“Hello. My name is Jean and I was wondering if you purchase or trade for hides?”
“Yes, of course. Here, let’s see what you have,” he asked as he cleared off a table.
Jean kept the pelts she wanted for her own projects but laid out what she had to barter with for Mr. T to inspect.
“Yes, perfect. These are good quality. Would you like coin or trade?”
“I’m not sure, maybe you can advise me? And thank you, I learnt the leather making skill from Ester Longshaft …”
“Ester! My goodness aren’t you fortunate! Wonderful woman and beautiful work she and her husband do. We trade often. Sorry you were saying?”
“I was hoping to improve on my skill. Would you have a quest or opportunity for me to advance?”
“Well now let me think. As you can see, I have lots of help. I’ve been taking in more adventurers to try and keep them out of bad situations. I'll tell you what. Why don’t you work here for a few hours. You can see if any of the workers will trade you new skills. What do you have besides these hides?” Mr. T questioned.
Jean laughed, “I have a goblin heart.”
Mr. T smiled. “That isn’t going to be any use to anyone other than a witch. And don’t ask me what they do with them, I don’t think we want to know.”
“Ok then I guess I just have the hides and meat,” Jean said.
Mr. T put his hand on her shoulder. “That is a heck of a lot more than most of them around here. You will do just fine. Start with Mary, she has worked with Ester and will know what to do to improve your skill.”
“Thank you,” Jean said sincerely.
Jean put her pelts away and went back out front to find Mary working on an intricate design.
“That is incredible!” Jean said with a warm smile. “Hi, I’m Jean. Mr. T thought you might be willing to trade with me?”
“Hi Jean, what do you have?” Mary said kindly.
“I have coyote, wolf, rabbit and deer hides. I would like to trade for a skill. I’ve learned from Ester and want to improve.”
“Ah, I see. I can always use good quality hides. If you learnt from Ester, you are familiar with the technique of making the leather stronger and thicker, yes?”
“Yes, she taught me the mana infused leatherworking,” Jean nodded.
“I can offer you the skill of pattern making. Once you accept you will be able to produce a pattern for anything you want to create. If you can see it in your mind, you can create it.”
“Thank you. That sounds perfect. I started working on a gift for my granddaughter and I wasn’t sure how to design it,” Jean said excitedly.
Mary Greycloud would like to teach you Mana-infused Leather Pattern. Do you accept? Yes/No
Jean hit ‘Yes’. “How many pelts would you like?” Jean asked belatedly.
“Two deer hides please,” Mary answered. “And your company. I love stories of adventurers. Do you have any good ones?”
Jean laughed. Where do I start? she thought.
Jean and Mary passed the time with an easy camaraderie. They worked and chatted. Jean got a good start on Sarah’s vest and had already increased her skill in leather working. Mary had confirmed what Jean had been hearing from other villagers. The Black Wolf Guild was in Sweet Water and bullying new players into contracts. Jean didn’t like the stories Mary told her. Good people like Mr. T were trying to offer quests and places for adventurers to learn skills, but they were limited and most new players wanted to move up fast, not work hard. Jean was angry that more kids like Sarah were being bullied and misled. When it was time to go, Jean thanked Mary for her time.
Regretfully, Jean left the leather shop. It was a fun place to work and learn. Jean sighed, she had decided to try the apothecary shop one more time and trade for her goblin heart. She hoped the strange woman was still willing to teach her a potion spell. When Jean reached the door, she took a deep breath and pushed into the dark room.
“You’re late,” the woman said from behind the counter.
Jean ignored her comment. “What spell will you offer in exchange for my goblin heart?”
The witchy woman turned and stared at Jean. “You learnt a new skill already today. You’re an ambitious one, aren’t you?”
“The spell?” Jean said unaffected by her statement.
“I can offer you a recipe for a mana potion. It can boost your mana in times of need. Very useful.”
“How much of a boost?” Jean asked.
“Enough to keep you out of trouble. Although maybe for you, that won’t be enough. Perhaps you will use it for someone else? Someone special?” the witch said with her head cocked to one side.
“I will take it,” Jean said. She wasn’t comfortable with this woman’s insights and snark, but she did want the potion.
Elanor Norn would like to teach you Mana Boost potion in exchange for Goblin Heart. Do you accept? Yes/No
Jean accepted the exchange and felt a rush of knowledge flood her brain. The Mana potion required an incantation, a variety of herbs and a detailed list of steps.
“Can I interest you in purchasing the required herbs for your new potion?” Elanor said with a smirk.
Jean sighed. She should have known there would be a catch.
“On one condition. You make one batch with me now for no charge and I will purchase the supplies for two more,” Jean said.
Congratulations Adventurer you have increased your negotiation skills, and with a witch!
“Deal.”
Jean left the shop feeling good. After her exchange, Elanor was quite accommodating and laid off the weird comments and attitude. She explained the steps for the potion and sold Jean the ingredients at what Jean felt was a fair price. She shook her head as she walked down the street. Some people just needed more effort to understand.
Jean's stomach growled. She hadn’t had much to eat and she was starving. It was also later in the afternoon so she had better secure a bed at an Inn. She didn’t mind sleeping outdoors but a good night’s sleep and warm bath was something she looked forward to.
“Excuse me but can you recommend an Inn that provides good food and hot baths?” Jean asked a well-dressed man walking by. He looked like a businessman and Jean assumed he would know where to stay.
“The Sleepy Hollow is good. Ask for Marta, she runs the place. Enjoy your stay!” the man said as he tipped his hat.
The Sleepy Hollow it is then, Jean thought to herself. She found the Inn easy enough. Most people were very helpful in the village. She was drumming her fingers on the table waiting for her food and drink to arrive. Her stomach was really growling now that the smells were wafting out of the kitchen and Jean was forced to watch the other customers eat with pleasure.
Marta dropped off a bowl of fresh bread and butter. “I could hear your stomach from the kitchen,” she joked.
“Sorry,” Jean moaned as she grabbed the bread. It had been a long time since Jean had fresh baked, warm from the oven bread. It was delicious. Jean was finishing off the last piece when the two new players she had observed earlier in the day walked in. They were accompanied by two older looking players. Jean didn’t like the looks of them immediately. They reminded her of the street youths she had dealt with on many occasions. Too cocky, and too slick, they lacked respect and felt the world owed them everything. They pointed to a table next to Jean.
“Grab that table for us. We will secure our room and order food,” the one tattooed player said to the two younger ones.
The two younger players sat down.
Jean leaned over. “Hey, I saw you two on the road this morning. Did you find a good quest? I’m looking for one,” Jean said.
“Oh hey. Yeah, we completed a quest for cleaning weapons. We must have done a really great job. These guys are offering us a chance to join their guild!”
“Wow, a guild. What does that mean? I’m new to the game,” Jean said. She was keeping an eye on the other two, she didn’t want them to return before she found out if they were from the Black Wolf Guild.
“Guilds help you level up faster and they offer you protection. We will get high-powered weapons after our trial period is up,” the one player said proudly.
“Really? How long is the trial?” Jean said with narrowed eyes.
“Thirty days,” the other player said nonchalantly.
Jean leaned over. “Hey if these guys are from the Black Wolf Guild, be careful. Read the contract carefully, it might be a trick.” Jean sat up as the two older players weaved their way through the tables.
Jean’s food arrived as the four settled into waiting for their own meal. Jean listened while the older players promised the younger players all kinds of things, while glazing over what they would be required to do during the 30-day trial. By the end of the meal, they pulled out a contract and told the two younger players to sign. Jean couldn’t stay quiet.
“Excuse me, but I am interested in joining too. Do you mind if I have a look at the contract?” she said. Jean saw the two share a look. They could get another person signed up without having to do all the convincing and schmoozing. They handed over the contract. Jean sat back to read. Typical, she thought. The way the document was worded it would be very easy to confuse or misinterpret. It was full of double negatives and confusing language. Jean sighed. It was going to get ugly.
“This contract is trash. It basically says that the Black Wolf Guild can treat you as a slave and you have no guarantee of protection or compensation,” Jean said as she slapped the contract back on the table.
“What?” the one younger player said. “You guys are trying to trick us? That is not cool, bro.”
Jean could feel the anger and desperation of the older players. They didn’t want to lose their new recruits.
“Hey, who are you going to believe? We got you guys a room and a meal. We helped you with your weapons. What do you think this old bag is going to do for you?”
The two younger players looked at Jean questioningly. She shook her head. “Don’t do it.”
“Look Gramma, just stay out of it. Come on you guys, let’s go find some animals to hunt. I’ll teach you how to level up with night vision.” The one super slick player stood up and cocked his head towards the door.
“I don’t know. I’m not sure if we’re going to sign the contracts,” the one young player said with as much conviction as he could.
“Hey, you’re right. Let’s forget about the contract. Let’s go out, practice our night vision and you guys can decide tomorrow.”
It was the oldest trick in the book. Give someone a bunch of ‘free stuff’, compliment them, make a personal connection and then out of guilt and a false sense of trust, take advantage of them. Jean shook her head as the four left the Inn.
Marta stopped by Jean’s table.
“How was it?”
“Excellent. Thank you. I have to run out for an errand, but I’m looking forward to the hot bath you promised for my room,” Jean said kindly.
“See you shortly. One of my girls will make sure you have everything you need,” Marta said as she took Jean’s dishes.
Jean left the Inn and looked in both directions. She saw the four players turning the far corner, heading towards the fields. Jean followed. It wasn’t hard to find them. Jean used the shadows to sneak up on them. She was glad she did. The Black Wolf members had dropped all pretenses and were using intimidation and fear now.
“Sign it. You either sign it or we kill you now. Sign it and you are in. Thirty days from now you can go about your way and you will be stronger for it. You can’t back out. We had a deal.”
Jean could see the two younger players were afraid. They were being held at knife point and it looked like they had been roughed up. They were trying to negotiate and reason but weren’t strong enough to fight back. Jean had enough. She stood up and walked towards them.
“Let them go,” she said with authority.
“You again, Grandma? What are you going to do about it?”
“Let’s find out,” she said as she flung a knife at the super slick one. It cut across his outer shoulder.
“You bitch,” he growled and launched himself forward. Jean sidestepped him and landed an elbow to the back of his head. When he turned, she kicked him in the gut and sent him flying backwards. The smaller member brought his sword up and struck a ready stance. Jean smiled maliciously and threw her blade, catching him in his sword arm. Super Slick had recovered and came at Jean with a knife. She acknowledged that he meant business and didn’t waste time. She threw her axe, caught him in the chest and watched him fall. She threw another dagger into his chest just to make sure.
She turned to his buddy. “Don’t even think about it,” she warned as he stepped towards her.
“You’re gonna pay for that.”
Jean sighed; cocky young men could be so unreasonable. He lunged at her with his sword. She sidestepped him, caught his feet and sent him sprawling. He was quick to get up but his anger and embarrassment made him vulnerable. She threw her knife, catching him in the chest.
Their bodies disappeared quickly. Jean stared for a moment wondering what death in the game felt like and where they would reappear in the game. She shrugged. Hopefully, she wouldn't be experiencing that any time soon.
“That was so cool,” the two younger players said in unison.
Jean squatted down to make sure they were OK. “My name is Jean. What’s yours?”
“I’m Tanner and this is my best friend Ross. Where did you learn to fight like that?”
“In the real world. Come on, you may as well enjoy your free night at the Inn,” Jean said as she helped the two up to standing. “Do me a favor. Learn how to read contracts and spread the word about these guys. They are bad news for new players.”
“Thanks, Jean. We owe you.”