The Curse of Hurlig Ridge_World Tree Online_1st Dive

by M. A. Carlson

  Net

  Level: 1

  Experience: 0.00%

  Subskill: Net Toss

  Capture Target: Below 25% HP

  Skill Stamina Cost: 50

  Preparation Time: 10 minutes

  Skill Effect (Active): Slow netted target by 50% for 30 Seconds

  It was a costly skill, especially the preparation time, I would at most be able to use it only once per fight. I’m sure as I gained more levels with the skill, the time cost would drop, but for now, it was a not the most useful of skills. It might never be. Especially, if I can only use it once every ten minutes.

  I stayed and practiced for another hour, only gaining two skill levels and wiping off two whole seconds from the preparation time. Seeing the sun had just about set, it was time to return to the inn and see about dinner. I had a little more to read on the Norse pantheon tonight.

  Olaf was the only one there when I arrived. He was tinkering with something, a small metal box in one hand and a tool, I didn’t recognize, in the other. He was also wearing some kind of magnifying glass over his one eye.

  I wasn’t sure if I should bother him right now, so I chose instead to sit and order a drink. I was dying of curiosity, but I also figured since he let me read the other day uninterrupted, I could show him the same courtesy. So, I sat and waited.

  Thankfully, it wasn’t a long wait.

  “Evening mates,” greeted Heath, loudly, clapping Olaf hard on the back, causing the big man to fumble the box he’d been working on. He juggled it a few times before finally catching it. “Sorry about that, didn’t see you were working on something.”

  “You could have just killed us all,” said Olaf, eye wide and a drop of extra perspiration rolling from his brow. As he stared at the box in his hands.

  “Are you playing with a bomb,” Heath asked, pointing at the box.

  Olaf looked around nervously for a moment. “Maybe,” he finally answered.

  “Nice,” said Heath, grinning widely, and giving Olaf a thumb’s up.

  “Not nice,” I replied. “Are you telling me that box could have just blown up my home?” I hissed, questioning the Ogre.

  Then he smirked.

  “Oh, you jerk,” I said, seeing the smirk. “So, what is it really?”

  “Oh, it’s an engineering puzzle Giggle-Ana assigned me. I have to figure out how to open it before she’ll teach me more,” Olaf answered.

  I looked at the box and saw a little flashing red square partially covered by one of his meaty fingers. “Have you finished the ‘Trapology’ book yet?”

  “Yeah, yesterday, why?” Olaf asked and answered.

  “Did you learn the skill ‘Spot Trap?” I asked.

  “No,” Olaf replied, digging into his back and pulling the book out. “I swear, I’ve read this thing cover to cover, twice.”

  I looked at my skill list again, specifically ‘Perception’ where ‘Spot Trap’ was a subskill.

  Perception

  Level: 18

  Experience: 12.35%

  Skill Range: 11.80 yards

  Chance to See: 14.50%

  Chance to Identify/Track: 19.00%

  Subskill: Beast Tracking

  Skill Effect (Passive): Enables you to see animal tracks to better hunt them.

  Subskill: Humanoid Tracking

  Skill Effect (Passive): Enables you to track humanoids.

  Subskill: Eye for Detail

  Skill Effect (Passive): Enables you to see details that would be missed otherwise.

  Subskill: Spot Trap

  Skill Effect (Passive): Enables you to see hidden traps.

  “How many eye skills have you learned?” I asked.

  “Just Beast Tracking and Spot Ore Vein,” Olaf replied.

  “The only thing I can figure is it requires you develop ‘Perception’ first and the skill requires three ocular skills,” I explained.

  “Don’t suppose I can borrow the book with the eye exercises from you?” Olaf requested.

  I didn’t want to. Call me greedy, but there were still so many skills I wanted to learn from it, but right now his need was greater. I pulled the book from my bag and held it out to him only for Heath to snatch it.

  “So, visual skills eh?” Heath asked, flipping through it rapidly, blinking each time he turned the page. He then handed the book to Olaf without another word.

  Olaf and I shared a brief look before staring at Heath.

  “What?” the thief asked. “Something on my face?”

  “What did you just do there?” asked Olaf.

  “It almost looked like you were snapping photos of each page, and your eye was the shutter,” I added, wondering if that wasn’t exactly what he was doing. Except streaming and in-game screenshots hadn’t been enabled in the game yet, unless they were part of the recent patch.

  “Oh, you caught that, huh?” asked Heath.

  “Yes, what was it?” I asked.

  “Another thief skill. ‘Espionage’ allows me to steal information. Blueprints, important documents, anything able to fetch me a pretty penny, is mine for the taking . . . if I was into that kind of thing,” Heath added as an afterthought.

  “What good would that do you?” asked Olaf.

  “First, knowledge can be sold. Battle plans are worth ridiculous amounts of money to the right buyer, mate. And, if you’ve got the advanced ‘Drawing’ profession ‘Forgery’, and I do, then you can recreate it. In the case of the book, I can just read it at my leisure later,” Heath explained.

  “Can you do that with any book?” I asked.

  “Pretty much. But I can only store so many images. Right now, my capacity is just over three hundred pages, that book took up two-hundred and twelve of those pages. The rest of the pages are pretty much empty right now,” Heath explained.

  “I have to ask, why ‘Forgery’ if you plan to become a bard?” I asked curiously of my new forced companion.

  “I took that more out of practicality, than anything. It’s bloody useful to be able to create papers at a moment’s notice. I originally, was going to evolve ‘Drawing’ to ‘Artistry’ but ‘Forgery’ just seemed more useful,” Heath answered.

  “What are your other professions?” asked Olaf, he seemed more interested in getting to know Heath. Much as I didn’t want to admit to it, so was I.

  “I have ‘Lumberjack’, ‘Woodworker’ and ‘Musician’,” Heath answered proudly. “I’ll be able to make my own instruments eventually. And ‘Musician’ is the prerequisite profession, to become a bard.”

  “So, why haven’t you played for us, yet?” asked Olaf. “I would expect Heath Rickards to strum a mean lute.”

  I chuckled a little while Heath looked appalled. “Not a chance mate, this bard will never touch a lute, or may the gods strike me down. I was playing my guitar in here the other day. Eventually, I’ll be playing an Ax and nothing else. I just have to make one first. I bought a blueprint for my ax, but I can’t learn it yet. Not until I get my ‘Woodworker’ profession to Rank II. For now, I’ve just been trying to stockpile lumber. I’m barely halfway to Rank II of my Thief skills, so I’ve got time.”

  “I’ve got a question,” started Rose, as she sat and joined us, Baby coming in right behind her. Rose looked to be in a good mood, while Baby looked a little pale, to be honest.

  “What’s that?” asked Heath. “I promise I’ll keep my answer clean for the little one.”

  Olaf and I snorted but were silenced by a glare from Rose.

  “How does becoming a bard, require you to become a thief first?” asked Rose, choosing not to engage, though I was sure, she was mighty tempted.

  “You don’t, well, not exactly, anyway,” Heath answered, grinning and confusing all of us more than a little.

  “Okay, so maybe I haven’t told you all the full story. Anyone can become a Bard, you only need the ‘Musician’ profession. They are good for buffing and debuffing, but otherwise pretty useless. They completely lack combat skills. I’ve heard some Bard’s h
ave gotten good at weapon swapping, going from an instrument to a bow or gun, and back again, or adding in some mage spells,” Heath explained.

  “So why the Thief class?” Rose asked.

  “I’m actually trying for a Jack of All Trades, It’s an advanced Bard class. I’ve already learned five spells from the Mage class and gotten to them to Rank II, which was so much easier than the Thief skills have been. Anyway, once get the Rank II of the Thief skills, I’ll get offered the chance to test with the Thieves Guild for the class Jack of All Trades. It’s a massive grind but should be well worth it,” Heath explained further.

  “That’s sounds overpowered,” commented Olaf.

  “Yeah, but it still doesn’t explain how a Thief relates to becoming a Bard. And now, I’m wondering how a Mage relates,” Rose pressed.

  Heath laughed. “In ye olden times, Bards in court were often thieves too. Robbing from the rich lords, stealing jewelry and coin, while their music or stories distracted them. They would often steal daughters and wives too, if only for an evening. As for the Mage spells, it was more about learning illusions and simple cantrips, ways to make escape easier or to charm their way into places. Places they certainly should not have been.”

  “It’s rather genius,” I commented. “I think I may have underestimated you, Heath.”

  “Good,” the thief said, grinning. “I want everyone to underestimate me, it makes them easier targets.”

  “So why tell us?” asked Rose suspiciously.

  “I know I forced my way into your circle, but you’re giving me an honest chance, and you’re all showing me some trust. I figured I could try and show you all a little trust, too,” Heath explained. I felt he was genuine too, but I was still cautious.

  “I’ll be watching you,” said Rose, ending her interrogation of the thief, apparently agreeing with my unspoken thoughts.

  “My goodness, your mommy is awfully protective of her friends, isn’t she?” asked Heath, baby talking to Baby.

  “It’s mommy’s job to protect us,” said Baby, playing along, but not sounding as convincing as usual.

  I noticed a bit of color had returned to Baby, but she still seemed lethargic.

  I looked again at Heath. He had a kind smile for Baby, but I was now suspecting, Heath knew it was an act and was simply playing along. The more I learned about him, the more I suspected, this man was more aware of everything going on than I originally thought. It also made me feel nervous to be around him.

  “Say, Heath, I don’t suppose you were the laugh I heard, the first time I tried to break into Graves’s home?” I asked.

  “No idea what you’re talking about, mate,” Heath replied, not looking in my direction.

  “I have news!” shouted Micaela, entering the inn causing us all to turn to look at her. Under her arms she had a bunch of metal and copper pieces, I couldn’t make heads or tails out of.

  “Whatcha got there, Babe?” asked Olaf.

  “So, I spent some time today helping the Johnson’s at their farmstead, mostly tearing down the old structures, and clearing away the debris. Anyway, while I was helping them, I found this stuff,” Micaela explained, shrugging her shoulders and shifting the pieces she was holding.

  “And what is that stuff?” asked Olaf.

  “The remains of the still. I thought maybe we could fix it up for them, and by ‘we’, I mean you, Mr. Engineer,” Micaela finished, looking at her husband.

  “Happy to, I’ve never worked on a still before. This should be fun,” said Olaf.

  Meanwhile, I was feeling a little of extra excitement myself. If the magic on the still remained intact, then we could give this town back their weapon against Graves, if we fail to stop him.

  Quest Alert: Be’still’ my heart (Recommended Level 5-7)

  Repair the magical still that created the first ‘Moonshine’.

  Reward: Experience, 5-Gold

  Do you accept this Quest?

  Yes

  No

  “Bye-bye,” was the collective call, as all eyes went to me, except for Heath who looked confused.

  “What?” I asked with a shrug and a small grin.

  I ended up giving them more background on the town history, and got a few good laughs when I enlightened them to the creation of ‘Moonshine’. I also took a minute to fill them in on the wolves and the Norse gods involved.

  After dinner, and a few drinks and some socializing, I called it an early night. I wanted to finish the ‘Halls of Valhalla’ book.

  But first, I updated my journal, giving each of the level one player’s I’d met, a bit of time to describe and draw, adding all my quest updates, level progression, and skill updates. Then I sat to read. The remainder of the book went into more details of the various gods, but I was trying to focus on anything relating to the children of Fenrir.

  Sol was interesting, she was the actual sun. Sol’s guard Svalinn was a Valkyrie, she helped to contain Sol’s flames, so as to not burn the World Tree, as well as defend her from Skoll. The moon was named Mani, who was Sol’s twin brother. He had no need of a guard to protect the World Tree from the light he gave, I almost snorted at that because, at the moment, that is exactly what we needed, moonshine.

  When I closed the last page, I looked again at my system messages, I gained +2-Intellect, +1-Wisdom, and +2-Charisma, which was nice. I was surprised, I was able to level cap my Wisdom and Intellect stats already, but then again, I had just basically spent a few days straight studying. The Charisma gains were obviously from socializing with my friends, even Heath.

  The last surprise of the day was a change to my ‘Lore’ profession, or rather an evolution of my subskill. I had also gained a bunch of levels in the profession as well.

  Your subskill ‘Ancient Norse’ has evolved to ‘Norse Mysticism I’

  Lore

  Level: 19

  Experience: 1.11%

  Professional Skill: Lore is the study of the history of the World Tree and its denizens.

  Subskill: Norse Mysticism I

  Your knowledge of both the Ancient Norse language and their Mythos has granted you a level of mastery. Knowledge of Norse Skills and Spells is improved.

  That left me with a whole new set of questions. What are Norse Skills and Spells? How much was improved? What was improved about my knowledge? I had questions and no immediate answers. It was one more mystery on my growing list, but rather than frustrate me, I just got more and more excited.

  I also remembered my promise to myself, to check out the new equipment Sergeant Butters awarded me. I was a little late I suppose, three days late, but now seemed to be a good time to take a look. I opened my bag, removing the three new pieces of equipment.

  Guard’s Light Leather Bracers – Light Leather - +4-Armor, +5-Endurance, +2-Stamina, Durability 15/15

  Guard’s Phalanx Shield - +20-Armor, +10-Endurance, +5-Stamina, Durability 40/40

  Holy Order Light Gloves – Light Leather - +10-Armor, +5-Strength, +5-Dexterity, +5-Intellect, +5-Holy Damage, and Healing, Durability 20/20

  All nice upgrades to my equipment. I think I was just lacking a helm, a new chest armor piece, and an upgraded spear as far as major equipment pieces go. I was also in need of a new charm and several accessories.

  Equipment Slot

  Name

  Armor/Damage

  Bonus Stats

  Helm:

  Empty

  Head Accessory:

  Empty

  Shoulders:

  Holy Lion Mane Shoulder-guards

  +15 Armor

  +5-Strength, +10-Dexterity, +5 Intellect, +10 Holy Spell Damage and Healing

  Back:

  All-Weather Cloak (White)

  Chest Armor:

  Light Vest

  +5 Armor

  Chest Clothing:

  White Cotton Shirt

  +0 Armor

  Wrists:

  Guard's Light Leather Bracers

  +4 Armor

  +5-Endurance, +2-
Stamina

  Hands:

  Holy Order Light Gloves

  +10 Armor

  +5-Strength, +5-Dexterity, +5-Intellect, +5-Holy Spell Damage and Healing

  Arm Accessory 1:

  Empty

  Arm Accessory 2:

  Empty

  Finger Accessory 1:

  Farmer's Ring of Stamina

  +2-Stamina, +4-Stamina Regeneration

  Finger Accessory 2:

  Empty

  Waist:

  Guard's Light Leather Belt

  +6 Armor

  +5-Endurance, +2-Stamina

  Leg Clothing:

  Cotton Jeans

  +0 Armor

  Leg Armor:

  Holy Order Light Leg-guards

  +20 Armor

  +5-Endurance, +10-Intellect, +5-Wisdom, +10 Holy Spell Damage and Healing

  Feet Clothing

  Silk Socks

  +0 Armor

  Feet:

  Well Tread Boots

  +10 Armor

  +5-Dexterity, +5-Endurance, +5-Stamina

  Weapon:

  Hasta

  7-8 1h Dmg, 14-26 2h Dmg

  Off-Hand:

  Guard's Phalanx Shield

  +20 Armor

  +20-Armor, +10-Endurance, +5-Stamina

  Charm:

  Empty

  Bag:

  100 lbs. Traveler's Satchel

  Chapter 33

  Morning came, and I was early to rise. The rooster I killed the previous day had yet to be replaced, so it was a quiet awakening and one I was thankful for. I looked out my window and could see the first rays of sunshine creeping over the rooftops lining the street outside my window.