Crota

by Rohan M Vider

  “However, the rules stipulate that all new players must enter the game on an equal footing and the god council has allowed me discretion in this matter. It is my ruling, that as a free agent, you may select any four god-given traits to provide you with the same benefits as champions.”

  Kyran inspected the champion and player traits.

  Player Traits

  Player's Mark: Identifies the being as a player in the game allowing the accumulation of experience, levels, skills, traits and abilities though actions and deeds performed on Myelad.

  Vow of Binding: Binds a player in the gods’ game to its rules.

  Player’s Interface: Provides the player with access to a mental interface for management of skills, traits, attributes, quests, etc…

  Commander Interface: Provides the player with access to a mental interface to observe and command battle groups.

  Player’s Map: Provides the player with access to a mental construct that shows all areas in the world of Myelad that the player has knowledge of.

  Inventory: Provides the player access to an extra-dimensional space to store items. Only the player may access this inventory.

  Insightful: This ability allows the caster to perceive the characteristics of items and creatures. Warning: This ability does not work on advanced and major players (champions, demi-gods, and gods).

  More skills: Allows the player to convert ability points (AP) into skill points (SP) of the same category. 1 AP yields 2 SP.

  Multi-lingual: Grants the player knowledge of all common languages on Myelad.

  Champion Traits

  Divine Sense: Within their detection range (governed by the champion's divine spark), the champion is able to sense all players. This applies even if the champion does not have direct line of sight to the players.

  Pledge of Undying Loyalty: The Pledge grants the god to which it is made, the champion’s complete loyalty. A champion attempting to break the pledge risks destruction of its eternal spirit. The pledge also allows the champion to channel divine essence directly from its god (this is in addition to the champion’s own internal store of essence). The amount of essence that a champion may channel from its God is governed by the champion's divine spark. The pledge may only be severed through death or a boon. While pledged the champion will not age, nor suffer any ill effects from the ravages of time (ageless). The pledge further allows the champion to communicate directly and at all times with its god.

  The champion traits were quite powerful and explained why Zarayla would not accept him without the pledge. Being able to channel power directly from a god should make a champion immensely powerful, while the enforced loyalty would ensure the god’s control over its champions. Thinking further on it, it was obvious that the Gods would favour high divine spark for their champions. To confirm his suspicions Kyran asked, “Do the Gods select their champions primarily based on their divine spark ability?”

  The Overseer stared at Kyran and contemplated whether the rules allowed him to answer. Eventually he said, “That is correct.”

  Kyran nodded thoughtfully, and went back to studying the list of god-given traits from which he could pick. The list was quite comprehensive and a few immediately drew his attention, but for now was content that he understood their benefits. He would study them later in greater detail. He was ready to view the next step of the avatar creation process. “Can I please view the next aspect.”

  A new list appeared in the mists, this time one that was quite short. “Finally, choose your skills.”

  Available Combat Skill Trees

  Divine: (not available due to lack of divine spark): Unlocks skills and abilities from the divine skill tree. It is the primary skill tree of champions. Governed primarily by divine spark.

  Magic: Unlocks skills and abilities from the magic skill tree. This is the skill tree of magic users. Governed primarily by magic spark.

  Psi: Unlocks will based skills, attacks and abilities. This is the skill tree of psionics. Governed primarily by intellect.

  Close Combat: Unlocks melee combat abilities. This is the skill tree of warriors. Governed primarily by strength.

  Ranged Combat: Unlocks ranged combat abilities. This is the skill tree of archers. Governed primarily by dexterity.

  Devious: Unlocks physical combat abilities that rely on deception and misdirection. This is the skill tree of assassins. Governed primarily by dexterity.

  Available Civilian Skill Trees

  Crafting: Unlocks skills and abilities for crafting. It is the skill tree to create non-magical items. Governed primarily by creativity.

  Enchanting: Unlocks skills and abilities to create items powered by stored essence. This is the skill tree to create magical items. Governed primarily by creativity, magic spark, divine spark.

  Exploration: Unlocks skills and abilities for exploration and survival. This is the skill tree of explorers. Governed primarily by dexterity.

  Knowledge: Unlocks skills and abilities for storage and dissemination of knowledge. This is the skill tree of scholars. Governed primarily by intellect.

  Leadership: Unlocks skills and abilities to govern and command. This is the skill tree of leaders and commanders. Governed primarily by charisma.

  Gathering: Unlocks skills and abilities for the gathering of resources. This is the skill tree of miners, lumberjack, etc. Governed primarily by dexterity, strength.

  “Each skill tree is a set of skills related to a focus area. You may select only three skill trees and must choose at least one in each category – combat and civilian. After which, you will be provided three skill points and one ability per chosen skill tree, to freely allocate.”

  He scrutinised the list. It was not as large as he expected, and was vague on the actual skills contained. “Why can I not see the individual skills and abilities?”

  “The skills will be revealed when you unlock the skill tree, and abilities, when you learn the applicable skill. Novice abilities can be seen immediately after a skill is learnt, higher ranked abilities can only be seen once their pre-requisites have been met.”

  “And this is the last step of the avatar creation process?” asked Kyran, a little impatient now.

  “Yes,” answered the Overseer.

  Kyran gathered his thoughts, and mentally reviewed everything he had learnt so far. Potential strategies sparked in his mind, but first he needed more information. “I am ready to ask my second question now,” he said.

  Preparing to Enter

  It has long been a source of mystery, why Eld, who himself was the creator of the Game’s creator, would establish his realm in one its remotest regions, far in the northern reaches of the world, in what would henceforth be known as the mountain kingdom of Crotana. Some speculated that Eld, fearing the wrath of his fellow Gods, choose for his kingdom an inaccessible region. Others, that it was for the precious metals mined in the depths of the Crota mountains. Yet others, that it was for the defensible essence well located therein – from The Origin of Myelad and the Gods’ Game by Silenheim Librarian, Marcos Aurclasy.

  “Tell me about Crota, what is it, and why do the gods consider survival there impossible.”

  The Overseer did not respond immediately. For a long moment he gazed measuringly at Kyran, who shifted uncomfortably under his penetrating stare. The silence stretched, until Kyran feared the Overseer would refuse to answer. Eventually, the Overseer replied, “Crota was the capital city of Eld’s mountain kingdom, Crotana. The mountain kingdom is in the furthest reaches of Myelad, bordered by barren mountains on one side and ancient forests on the other. Six hundred years ago, the Gods allied against Eld and set their forces to invade his realm. It was only the second time in recorded history that the Gods rallied around a common cause – this time against one of their own.

  “Despite its remote location, and natural defences, Crotana was outmatched. Taking prodigious losses, the allied forces of the eleven gods marched through the ancient forests, put the city to the sword, and captured
the citadel – home of Eld’s champions. With the citadel lost and facing imminent destruction, Eld’s champions, led by their king Zarr, exacted one last vengeance.

  “They cursed themselves with undeath, and turned those still living into living dead, liches and vampires, and reanimated the fallen into skeletons and wraiths. The invaders, surrounded by their reanimated fallen foes, were unable to counter this new threat. They were destroyed to the last man. But not before succeeding in their task of destroying Eld’s people.

  “The Gods’ alliance collapsed soon after, and Crotana was forgotten. The undead still haunt the citadel’s remains, beating back the occasional foray to claim it. Abandoned by the sentient races, the rest of Crotana was overrun by beasts from the deep forests and mountains surrounding it. Today the former mountain kingdom is considered a dangerous, untamed region, into which only the foolhardy venture.

  “The player starting location in Crota is deep within the citadel itself, in what was formerly its main portal chamber. There are only two known exits from this subterranean chamber. The first leads further down, into the mines of Crota – which are infested with wild beasts and other monsters. The second leads up into the citadel – the lair of the undead. “I will update your map with the layout of the citadel prior to its destruction.”

  Listening to the Overseer, resentment swelled in Kyran. As if it were not enough that he was going to be dropped in a strange world, without aid and left to fend for himself, he would also have to deal with being encircled by enemies. Trapped underground between undead and wild beasts. Just lovely, thought Kyran, darkly. However, he refused to give into despair and instead of dwelling on the bleak surroundings into which he would soon be thrust, asked his final question, “Thank you, Overseer. Now for my last question: Where on Myelad can I obtain further knowledge on the gods and the gods’ game?”

  “The two foremost sources of knowledge on this topic are Eld’s library and the Great Library. Eld’s library is located in the citadel of Crota and is reputed to have escaped destruction. I have marked its location on your map. The Great Library is in the city of Silenheim, which is a few thousand miles south-east of your starting location, I have also marked it on your map.”

  Kyran absorbed this. He had used all his questions and gained what knowledge he could. He turned his focus inwards, and dissected the many pieces of information he had gathered, all with one goal in mind – surviving Crota. To survive he would need to maximise the benefits of his strongest attributes and shore up his weaknesses. His strengths were his intellect with a +104% boost to psi skills, and his magic spark with a +140% boost to magical skills. His biggest handicap was his low health. At only 10 health points (HP), surviving combat would be tricky. It was definitely to be avoided. He would need ranged psi and magic skills, and abilities that let him hide or escape combat. He would also need to consider the enemies he would likely face, and shape his avatar to counter them. Beasts and undead, he muttered absently to himself.

  The glimmer of a plan took shape in his mind. He studied it from all angles. Risky, but… yes, it could work. “I am ready to create my avatar,” he said.

  ✽ ✽ ✽

  The well of life returned to statues depicting the avatar races. “First determine your avatar’s race,” announced the Overseer again.

  “Elven,” said Kyran immediately. In response, the elven statue floated to the fore. Above it two windows popped open.

  Elven racial traits gained.

  Racial Traits

  Nature’s Guardian: Elves have an inherent affinity for nature and are thus more likely to form bonds with wild beasts. Beast bonding modified by +25%.

  Long lived: Elves age very slowly and live sedate lives. All experience (XP) gains are modified by -25%.

  Elven racial skills gained.

  Racial Skill Tree

  Base abilities are immediately acquired when a skill is unlocked. Novice abilities must be learnt by investing ability points (AP).

  Longsword: Used to employ longswords in combat.

  Governing Attribute: Strength.

  Base Ability: None.

  Novice Abilities: Disarm, Focused strike.

  Longbow: Used to employ longbows in combat.

  Governing Attribute: Dexterity.

  Base Ability: None.

  Novice Abilities: Focused shot, Long shot, Quick shot.

  Nature Lore: Used to understand, nurture and benefit from nature.

  Governing Attribute: Dexterity.

  Base Ability: Show Plants (map).

  Novice Abilities: Gather plants, Encourage growth, Harvest beast remains.

  While the traits of both the half-elves and draconians had tempted him, the boost elves received to beast bonding had overridden any other concerns. It was key to his chosen strategy. The elves were also long-lived, and although he didn’t wish to live forever, he certainly wouldn’t mind living a few more years beyond the average human lifespan. The slower experience gains of the elves, he would have to manage as best he could.

  “Next, determine your traits,” said the Overseer as the elven statue floated forward and his avatar data manifested about it.

  The mists parted and displayed the list of god-given traits. The list was considerable and was unique for each god. Kyran surmised that the traits provided by each god were confined to its aspects. Auriel, the goddess of nature, had traits that dealt only with plants and beasts, whereas Turon, the god of war’s traits focused on combat. He realised that in this manner at least, he was better off than the champions. With the freedom to select traits from any god, he would not be restricted to any one aspect, instead he could choose the traits that best matched his attributes. Champions, with a narrow slice of the available traits, would be forced to closely follow their god’s aspects. This was something to bear in mind if he ever came across one.

  Kyran reviewed the available traits carefully and made his choices. “I choose combat specialist, skilled, beast master and the magical prodigy traits.” The traits Kyran selected floated to the foreground.

  “Please confirm your choice of traits.” He went over them one more time.

  God-given Traits selected by Kyran

  Combat Specialist: The player may select two additional combat skill points (SP) per level. This trait is only available to champions of Turon, God of War.

  Skilled: The player may select one additional combat and civilian skill point (SP) per level. This trait is only available to champions of Weeran, God of Knowledge.

  Beast Master: Beast bonding modified by + 25%. This trait is only available to champions of Auriel, Goddess of Nature.

  Magical Prodigy: All magic skills modified by + 15%. This trait is only available to champions of Misteria, Goddess of Magic.

  The combat specialist and skilled traits would increase the skill points he received each level, allowing him to get stronger quicker. The beast master trait, working in tandem with the elven racial trait, nature’s guardian, would effectively boost his beast bonding skill by 50%. Kyran was working on the assumption that beast bonding was similar to the taming skill found in popular earth roleplaying games. If he was able to co-opt hostile beasts as allies, his chances of survival should significantly improve. He hoped his assumptions were correct, and that he hadn’t made a horrible mistake. He shrugged off his doubts, and confirmed his choices.

  “Finally, select your skills by choosing which of the three skill trees to unlock. Remember you must select at least one skill tree from each category.”

  To increase his chance of survival he would need to choose the allowed maximum of two combat skill trees, and since there were only two that aligned with his attributes, it was no choice at all. Kyran selected and confirmed the psi and magic skill trees as his choices, hoping he was correct…

  Psi Skill Tree

  Beast Bonding: Used to form mental bonds with beasts.

  Governing Attribute: Intellect.

  Base Ability: Calm beast.

  Novice Abilitie
s: Beast Bond I, Enrage Beast, Extend Bond.

  Body Control: Used to augment the player's own physical attributes. Also available in the close combat tree.

  Governing Attribute: Intellect.

  Base Ability: Mind over matter.

  Novice Abilities: Boost Health, Boost Speed.

  Light Armour: Allows light armour to be equipped and increases the effectiveness of it. Also available in the ranged and devious skill trees.

  Governing Attribute: Dexterity.

  Base Ability: None.

  Novice Abilities: None.

  Telekinesis: Used to control or move matter including living beings and inanimate objects.

  Governing Attribute: Intellect.

  Base Ability: Teleport self.

  Novice Abilities: Teleport object, Hold.

  Telepathy: Used to influence or communicate with the mind of others.

  Governing Attribute: Intellect.

  Base Ability: Mind Shock.

  Novice Abilities: Confusion, Terrify, Sleep.

  Psionics: Reduces the cost of all Psi abilities.

  Governing Attribute: Intellect.

  Base Ability: None.

  Novice Abilities: None.

  Psi Armour: Allows psi armour to be equipped and increases the effectiveness of it. Psi armour primarily provide psi defence. Also available in the ranged and devious skill trees.

  Governing Attribute: Intellect.

  Base Ability: None.

  Novice Abilities: None.

  Will Regeneration: Increases Will regeneration rate.

  Governing Attribute: Intellect.

  Base Ability: None.

  Novice Abilities: None.

  Magic Skill Tree

  Air Magic: Used to cast air-based spells.