Last Horizon: Live

by Daniel Schinhofen

  The mental image made the whole group laugh as they walked to the next shop. The laughter got the attention of some of the other adventurers on the street who stared at them due to the full armor they were wearing. The group had to slow down as a few of the other players came over to ask about where they could get the same.

  “How did you afford the armor? VR Unlimited hasn't made gold purchasable yet,” one of the people asked.

  Terets chuckled, “We placed during the Carnival, so we had a little bit of gold.”

  “Wish I had been in during the beta so I could have been there.” The adventurer mumbled as he walked away with a longing look back at the armor the group was wearing.

  Finally arriving at All Tools, they stepped inside to find the place empty except for Karst Breaker the owner and his son Kurst. “Greetings Karst, we have need of three bows and some throwing axes, please.” Dumadin said which brought the owners head up.

  A smile crossed Karst’s face as he stood up, “Gladly. Most have only come to look and say they will be back. What kind of bows are you looking for?”

  Amythyst replied to him, “Your three best short bows please, along with the two best throwing axes you have.”

  Karst chewed his lip and sighed, “Those items cost a goodly bit of coin. Are you sure you don't wish something a little less pricey?”

  Shaking his head Terets lay a hundred gold on the counter, “I think we can afford your best, Karst.”

  Kurst jumped up and shot into the back before Karst could speak. Karst blinked and chuckled as his son ran to fetch the goods. “My son will be right back with your purchases.”

  A minute later Kurst came back to the front with three bows and a pair of small axes. “Here you are folks,” Karst said as he set the items on the counter. “Thirty gold and they are all yours.”

  Terets left thirty gold on the counter and tossed Kurst an extra. “Our thanks. Karst, your bows will work wonderfully. Love the improved chance of a critical on them.”

  Dumadin picked up the axes and attached them to his hip, “The chance of bleed damage on these axes is nice, too. We wish you a profitable day, Karst.” The group exited the shop as Karst wished them a good day.

  Amythyst looked down the street which was becoming emptier as people left town to go adventure. “Next up is Drinks Up. Kit should be able to snag improved crafting stuff there and we can all grab some potions.”

  Terets frowned, “I'll catch up to you guys. I didn't grab a better leatherworking kit from Alvira. I'll go snag that and meet you there.”

  Dumadin smacked his head, “I didn't grab a better crafting kit from Weskit, either. I'll go with him and we’ll grab our stuff, then all meet up at Drinks Up.” The guys took off at a jog back to the other shops. The girls watched them go, shaking their heads before they turned and walked to Drinks Up.

  A few minutes later the ladies walked into the shop, “Morning Phobee, we are here for some of your goods. We’re going to need a double handful of health and aether potions along with some specialty ones. On top of that I need a better crafting kit.” Kittish said as they entered and moved to the counter.

  Phobee smiled and raised her brows, “I will be glad to help you. Ten health and aether potions will run you ten gold. If you want the improved potions instead they will cost you twenty gold but they are doubly effective. The upgraded crafter’s kit is twenty gold by itself and what kind of specialty potions were you looking for?”

  Kittish dropped a hundred gold on the counter and smiled at the wide eyes of the shop owner. “Stoneskin, at least ten of them, along with nine Vanish potions. We are a diverse group. Is there anything else you would recommend?”

  Phobee gathered herself and smiled broadly, “I didn't know we had people of such means in town, my apologies. I have a variety of poisons if you are interested in them. Otherwise that about covers what I have in stock.”

  Nodding as she replied Kittish was smiling, “I would also take any advice you can give me on the trade as I have just started on the path.”

  Phobee started placing potions on the counter as she spoke, “I would be more than glad to test you for crafter or master status when you advance further, but if you are a novice then you have all the knowledge you need right now. The total is sixty gold for all the potions and the better kit.”

  Kittish left sixty one gold on the counter, “Keep the extra. I’m sure I’ll be back to train with you at some point, Phobee.” Kittish began to stow the potions in her bag as the door opened and the guys entered.

  “I will be with you in a moment, gentlemen,” Phobee called out.

  “They’re with us, Phobee. The walking metal can is Dumadin and the handsome one next to him is Terets. I am known as Amythyst and my friend who just bought all the potions is Kittish,” Amythyst said doing the introductions.

  Phobee smiled at them, “It is my pleasure to meet you all. I do so hope my potions keep you all healthy and safe. Is there anything else I can do for you?”

  Kittish shook her head, “Not for now, Phobee, but our thanks. We will assuredly stop by again in the future. Oh, one question. How skilled does one have to be to make the improved potions?”

  “A standard crafter can make them,” Phobee replied.

  Thanking Phobee, Kittish and the group said their goodbyes as they left the shop. “She was friendly and we have better potions than we did during beta.” Kittish said as they started down the street again. “I'll hand them out once we get some bandoleers from Mixed Goods. Next up however is Thund the boisterous merchant.”

  The group winced, recalling how loud Thund was. “Well, let's get it over with,” Terets said as he shook his head.

  The group entered the shop a few minutes later and were greeted by a loud voice. “Welcome to Precious Stones, how can I help you today?” Thund Diamondskin asked in his usual bellow.

  Amythyst smiled as best she could and spoke for them, “We are here to see the very best jewelry you have, Thund. We know it will be costly but we have the funds, fear not, and we know you are the best jeweler for many miles.”

  Thund beamed at her and chuckled, “Indeed, pretty lady. What are you looking for exactly and I will see if I have anything close to what you seek.”

  A small wince crossed her face as his voice seemed to grow even louder at the compliments. “We have heard of a necklace that will copy the effects of a healing spell onto another target. Might you have something like that?”

  Thund frowned then shook his head, “I am afraid not. My brother in Veno might have something like that, though. Is there anything else you seek?” His voice ebbed in volume some as he realized he didn't have what they wanted.

  Terets spoke up from behind Amythyst, “We need a little of everything Thund. If you’ll show us your very best I’m sure we will find something.”

  Thund nodded and went into the back of his shop for a moment, returning with a jewel encrusted box. Making sure he had their attention he took a key from around his neck and unlocked the box. He then opened it and turned it to face them with a flourish. Inside held rows of rings and the lid held a number of necklaces. “These are my best, they cost a hundred gold apiece.”

  Dumadin raised a brow but didn't comment as the group looked at the merchandise. Nodding he picked out two rings and a necklace setting them on the counter. A few minutes later the others also had found what they wanted.

  Thund raised both brows at them each having selected three items. “That will be three hundred gold each please.” His eyes widened even more when over a thousand gold got piled onto his counter. “My goodness,” he uttered in shock his voice barely above a whisper, causing the group to chuckle.

  “Pleasure doing business with you, Thund. We’ll be going to Veno in the next few days. Did you need us to stop at your brother’s shop for anything?” Dumadin asked wondering if there might be a quest to be had.

  Thund blinked picking up the gold on the counter, placing it in his money pouch before locking the chest back
up. “Err um, not right now. Can you check back with me before you leave town though?”

  Kittish nodded, “We will do so. It was a pleasure doing business with you. May the rest of your day be profitable.” With that said the group left the shop and laughed. “So he can be quiet if you throw enough gold at him.”

  Dumadin looked down at his new purchases and nodded, “So it seems and the quality of his wares are good. Two months’ worth of durability if they kept the one point lost per day.”

  Terets agreed as they started walking to Mixed Goods, “Yeah, but what did you all select? My rings let me Vanish once a day and the necklace lets me get a guaranteed critical backstab once a day.”

  Amythyst smiled, “All of mine do the same thing, an instant heal once a day.”

  “My necklace lets me cast Slow Death, one of the rings will cancel an enemy’s cast and the other ring duplicates my last spell on the same target one second later.” Kittish chuckled and glanced over at Dumadin.

  “Basically three uses of Stoneskin is what I went for. Three times I can negate any attack, so with my breast plate that is four times a day. Add in the teleport shield for five and if I use an actual potion, even more.” He grinned at his friends, “I would say we are well ahead of the curve.”

  “A little OP, yeah but that is fine.” Terets laughed as they walked in the door to Mixed Goods.

  Ivan stood behind his counter smiling as they entered, “Welcome to Mixed Goods, may I help you folks?”

  “We are here to buy a bit of stuff Ivan, give us a few and we’ll bring it all up to the counter.” Kittish said to the owner as the group split up, each going to different spots to grab stuff.

  A few minutes later Ivan looked shocked at the sheer volume of stuff piled on his counter. “Four sets of silk rope, four ten spot bandoleers, a few days of jerky and juice, pitons, incense and a small memorial gem. That is quite the pile folks, all of it will cost about thirty two gold.”

  Amythyst handed over thirty three thanking Ivan, “Keep the change, Ivan. We’re glad to be able to use your goods in our adventures. We know they are quality goods, after all.”

  Ivan blinked as the group equipped their items and slotted potions into the bandoleers. “You lot surely look the part of a group that has been about the block. If you’re looking for adventure you should go see Camelia Wildheart at Pony Express and Dunstun at Silken Layers. They might be able to steer you towards some excitement.”

  Dumadin gave a small bow, “We are glad to be of service to such a lovely town, Ivan and we thank you. We shall go and speak with them, we were in fact going to see Camelia next. Have a good day, we hope it is profitable for you.”

  The group left with waves and goodbyes as they filed out of the shop and started down the road again. “We do seem to shock them with all the money we’re throwing around,” Amythyst noted.

  Terets nodded, “Well, yeah. Think about it, we have way too much coin from the Carnival. I doubt the Devs thought the same group would win multiple events like we did.”

  Laughing, Dumadin chimed in, “I bet Pavel was pissed when his chosen group lost. To be fair, Red Storm was better than Vengeance. I mean, at least they acknowledged us after they lost even if they didn't join us for drinks afterwards.”

  “True that,” Kittish said as they walked through the gates to the stables.

  A stable boy came running over to them, “Can I help you folks?”

  Taking a gold coin from his pouch Dumadin tossed it to the kid, “Please inform Camelia Wildheart that we want to purchase mounts for each of us.” The kid caught the coin and looked at it, stunned, before he stuffed it into his pouch and took off running for the office.

  Terets shook his head, “You just gave him his yearly wage, I think.”

  Smirking Dumadin replied, “We’ll get more and I like the feeling of being the big spenders. We’ve probably given each shop keeper about a year’s worth of profit today.”

  A minute later Camelia came out of the office and walked towards the group, eyeing them. “Greetings, friends. I am Camelia Wildheart, the owner of Pony Express. My stable boy said you wanted to buy mounts for each of you. A mount costs about five hundred gold, are you sure you have the coin for such a purchase?”

  Giving a bow to Camelia, Dumadin smiled, “Indeed, fair lady. We have the coin to spend and made sure we stopped here as your shop is known to have the best mounts. It is said by some that your stables have even better stock than the stables in Veno.”

  Camelia raised a brow then laughed, “Oh, a silver tongued dwarf. Will wonders never cease? Okay, what kind of mounts were you looking for?”

  Kittish placed her hand on Dumadin's helmet and spoke up, “Forgive my love, he gets a bit verbose at times. Three horses of good quality and a mountain pony for him, please.”

  Camelia chuckled, “Ah, the boss steps forward. I am more than glad to assist. In fact, I think I have the perfect mounts for you. Please give me one moment.” She walked back to her office and returned a minute later. “I have here mounts to match your needs.” She handed them each a figurine.

  She turned to Terets, “Sir, yours is known as Lightning, he is a dappled brown gelding. He is the fastest horse I have currently.”

  Handing Kittish a figurine she continued, “Miss, yours is called Windrunner. She is a light grey mare who is calm in all situations.”

  Turning to Amythyst she handed over another figurine, “Yours miss, is called Roan, he is a stallion that is the same as his name sake.”

  Finally, she turned to Dumadin, “A mountain pony for you, sir. They are used by dwarves the world over and are renowned for their ability to keep going long after other horses flag and fail. Slow, but steady. His name is Stoutlegs and he is an off white color and shaggy. Will these suffice?”

  Dumadin blinked as she finished then laughed, “Oh, they will indeed Camelia. In fact I almost feel like I've had a mount just like him before with your description.”

  The group summoned the mounts and greeted their horses like old friends. The steeds nuzzled them back, seemingly happy to meet them. Camelia watched them for a few moments before nodding. “Indeed they do seem perfect for you. If you have the coin that is.”

  They each handed over the five hundred gold and watched as Camelia blinked at the sudden influx of wealth. “We will take them, and gladly. The steeds and tackle are as exquisitely fine as we knew we would find at your stable, Camelia.” Dumadin finished with another bow before sending Stoutlegs back to the figurine and placing it in his bag.

  “On a different note though, we hear you might have a quest we can help with,” Terets said as he put his own figurine away.

  Camelia shook her head dropping the gold into her money pouch before looking at him. “I don't think my minor concern is worth your time. Dunstun will be more than glad to have your help, though. Tell him I sent you and vouch for you.”

  Amythyst frowned slightly but didn't say anything as the group thanked Camelia and left the stables. Once they were headed to Silken Layers, she spoke up. “That is weird. She gave me the quest before. A horse had failed to be delivered and she set me out to find out what happened.”

  Dumadin shrugged, “Who knows? They did say the quests aren't always the same before beta. Let's go talk with Dunstun and see what he has to say.”

  Entering Silken Layers a few minutes later the group was greeted by the owner, “Welcome to Silken Layers, my name is Dunstun. How can I help you today?”

  Amythyst replied with a smile on her face, “We need some better clothing, Dunstun. We’re interested in your best quality traveling clothing, preferably silk or with silk lining.”

  Dunstun chuckled, “Oh my goodness, I didn't know we had anyone who could afford such things in town today. The best traveling clothes I have available are on the shelves next to the window. Find the ones that you like while I fetch my wife to assist me.”

  The group went and picked out traveling clothes similar to the ones they had before. When they
were ready Dunstun was standing with his wife Theresa waiting for them. “This is my wife Theresa, adventurers, she will assist the ladies. If you will follow her please, while I assist the gentlemen.”

  Kittish and Amythyst followed Theresa while Dunstun turned back to the guys. “Gentlemen, you did notice the clothes are five gold each set, yes?”

  Dumadin chuckled and held out thirty gold, “Knowing Kittish, she’ll want an accessory or two. If that is okay, Dunstun?”

  Dunstun nodded and accepted the coins, “Kittish is which one of the two?”

  Terets blinked and shook his head, he had forgotten that the NPCs didn't know player’s names until they had been told. “Kittish was wearing the blue armor. Amythyst was the one in the green, I am Terets and this lout beside me is Dumadin.”