Brent Roth - The Dragon's Wrath: A Virtual Dream

by Brent Roth

  Thinking about the NPC-Recruiter and monetary value, when considering that a level 0 NPC wouldn't be of much use to me in the present and could take anywhere from a week to two weeks real-time to get to level 10 depending on what their craft was… it was easy to expect that the higher level NPCs would be bought up at a rapid clip. If they were a combat type it might only take a week to get to level 10, but it still required the user's time and care as you wouldn't want to lose that NPC to a wolf and lose everything.

  Because of that, I imagine players would seek the highest level NPCs they could get with a balance in consideration to potential as well.

  As an example, a level 18 NPC with its highest potential rating a 5.6/10 in Archery, meaning it had a bonus of +56% to experience gained towards the Archery proficiency and in general experience, was better than a level 20 NPC with only a meager potential of 3.2/10 in Archery as its highest rating. If an NPC had a potential rating over 9.0/10 in a proficiency of any sort, it usually didn't matter what level they were as they would be worth the investment over time.

  This also meant that Katherine and Selene were absolutely amazing. But, that was for another time. Thinking over what NPCs would be best for me to recruit, it seemed simple.

  For me, I had no need for soldiers as of yet, being in the far northern "wastelands" was harmless as far as other players were concerned. Less than one percent of the user population was in the Northwest; though the Northeast held roughly 10% of the population as Elves, and a bit south but still in the Northern region were the Dwarves at 4% in what we called the North-central area.

  But even one-percent of 540,000 meant there were 5,400~ or so players running around. Thankfully there were only maybe five players who had ventured this far north and quickly decided to delete and recreate their character a little further south of me.

  This was a harsh land for low levels, the 0.5/10 rating the Northern Triangle was given as a starter zone was not a lie, and it kept people away to my benefit. Interestingly enough, .25/10 was awarded for the village having a fire. The other .25/10 was from there being at least a trade post and a few crafters. No points were awarded for anything else.

  Yeah, it was time to start building up my kingdom.

  The North was mine, now all I had to do was develop it.

  I would be utilizing the draft to get my hands on the highest potential non-combat NPCs: the traders, crafters, laborers, builders, farmers, cooks, and so forth. I had every intention of building them up, nurturing them from level 0 if need be. As this village of mine had just evolved from a camp and private residence, it was still relatively fresh.

  In addition to all the excess land at my disposal, there was plenty of room for growth when considering the abundance of natural resources. I would soon be turning this place into my own haven.

  A place where I would have access to my own master craftsman at a discounted rate, my own farmers that would provide food for the village and would leave me free to explore, my own builders and laborers to develop the infrastructure and fabricate new buildings or armor while I was gone.

  Yeah, the goal was to devote some time now while others were busy leveling and fighting for territory south of me, to devote that time into building the sturdiest of foundations for a future mecca. And to my delight, with everyone pouring coin into combat-NPCs, I would be able to get a majority of the non-combat NPCs at their draft price minimum of 200 coins.

  Of course when I say everyone, I mean a select few people.

  From what I had seen, only a few combat-NPCs were tagged for selection so far and no one at all had tagged the non-combat NPCs.

  Unfortunately I was limited in coin though, as a rabbit pelt sells for 2 coins, a fox pelt for 6 coins, and a wolf pelt for 36 coins. If I sell them whole, a rabbit fetches 3 coins, a fox nets 8, and a wolf would get me 48 copper coins. Needless to say, it would take four wolves and a fox to get one NPC.

  That could easily take an hour or two or three of hunting depending on scarcity, including the time of travel between my village and the Northern Triangle's northern-most village that was roughly ten miles away.

  Though I say I have a limited amount of coin, the truth was that I had already amassed a small fortune from my constant hunting. Even after spending on mandatory essentials such as a wood chopping axe, a drawknife, two hand-picks for climbing, a grappling hook with rope, a large shovel, and a large net for fishing. Not to mention what I traded for clothing as well.

  But I could still earn around 400 coins a day including the travel time between hunts and the time it takes to take the goods to the trade post. 400 coins for almost 6 hours of work though. At the end of the day I had a savings of around 3200 copper coin, or 32 silver.

  It wouldn't last me long with the draft.

  Not long at all.

  The more time I spent browsing through the draft the more I realized I would have to start taking notes, there was simply an absurd amount of information to sift through and organize.

  Since you were in the virtual world it would be strange to have a pen and paper at your side, there was an in-game function to solve that. In order to accommodate players who wished to keep notes on things without having to log off, a window could be opened where you could simply write, type, or voice out what you wanted and it would be recorded. You could view it at a later date on your computer, cell, or tablet if you wanted, or simply open it again in-game.

  It was pretty convenient.

  Though with the complexity of the draft, I could definitely see some guilds just paying for a broker to sort all of the information for them. And even having them participate in the auction for them as well. Such things happen in real life all the time, after all. Even with all my patience, combing through 2,700 NPCs with varying ratings is a nightmare, and the list is completely reset every week!

  Chapter 30: Recruit! Recruit! Recruit!

  (Sunday, April 25th Game Day / Monday, February 8th Real Day)

  Sorting through the Draft Menu, I pulled up all the crafters that had a high potential in the blacksmithing proficiency, arranging them from highest to lowest. From there I reduced my search parameters to those with potentials over 8.5/10.

  To my surprise, there were ten such NPCs and of those ten, two were level 20, three were between levels 10-19, and then the other five were between level 0 and 9.

  Between them all, the level 0 and level 4 NPC both had potentials at 9.1/10 and 9.4/10 respectively, the highest in the group. The third highest was a level 12 NPC at 8.9/10.

  The level 12 and level 4 would both be excellent picks just from potential alone, and the level 0 was certainly worth a look at as an apprentice type to the higher level NPC, but then I noticed a few other details as well.

  Gender was listed, Age, Health Rating which predicted lifespan, Marital Status, Dependents, Personality and other traits I didn't consider as that important.

  The 8.9/10 potential level 12 NPC was as follows:

  Male, 32 years of age, 8.8/10 HR, Widowed, No Children, and Cynical Outlook.

  The 9.4/10 potential level 4 NPC by comparison was:

  Male, 24 years of age, 8.4/10 HR, Married, Two Children, Complacent Outlook.

  And lastly the 9.1/10 potential level 0 NPC:

  Male, 18 years of age, 8.7/10 HR, Single, No Children, Optimistic Outlook.

  A huge grin appeared on my face at the realization of how the system worked.

  There's always a detrimental part to the NPC. High level with no tag-along NPCs but a bad temperament, low level with three tag-along NPCs but extremely high potential and a slightly-positive temperament, or bottom level with no other negative aspects and a very good potential rating and attitude.

  It was a no brainer here.

  I had the time to develop these blacksmiths and wasn't in need of a serviceable craftsman at the moment, both critically important when making a decision.

  Other guilds in the central kingdoms with various amounts of players were more likely to be in need of a craftsm
an that could start working immediately.

  I was sure that the level 12 would go for a high price at auction, a dollar in hand is worth more than two dollars down the road, or so economics goes. But I've got the time for the investment and the wait will be worth it.

  Thus I tagged the level 0 and level 4 NPCs with high potential in blacksmithing.

  But there was more work to be done, so I rolled up my nonexistent sleeves and pressed on. I would need to enlist the services of two NPCs with high potential in carpentry, as I would need them to rapidly construct buildings.

  Next was a shipbuilder, so I could conduct long range trade and utilize the river. I also wanted a trade post, so I wouldn't have to venture out to the local villages myself with pelts on my back, so I needed one NPC with a high potential in trading.

  I had no need for an inn, but a tavern with alcohol and a cook would be great for morale, so I looked for two female NPCs that had a decent attractiveness rating and high potential as a barkeep and waitress. Next was the cook, I'd be bringing in plenty of meat so it would be great if we could all enjoy some nice meals.

  Status buffs as well, Hooyah!

  I was up to nine NPCs and could afford seven more with my 3200 copper coins; I had placed an order for some live chickens back at Andal after killing the Earl that I was expecting within an in-game week, so I needed someone who could breed livestock for me. The goal was to eventually get some sheep, goats, and cattle too.

  That made ten.

  Since I wasn't that experienced with farming I wanted at least one agriculture expert on hand, getting barley, oats, and bean seeds from the south was expensive but they would arrive at the same time with the chickens.

  "Hmm," thinking to myself, I could afford five more NPCs and thought it would be nice to build up quickly before prices go up as more and more guilds start looking to build. I needed to pick the best available while I could afford it.

  While lost in thought I ended up muttering, "Ah, I almost forgot." I could use a leatherworker with the amount of hides I've been bringing in, and a tailor or weaver would help to mend or make clothing, ropes, nets, or even a sail. I suppose an alchemist would do well here as well.

  But as I thought over everything that I was planning I found myself stuck, "What should I do about the last two NPC slots? Ah, I'll get two general laborers with high potential in strength and endurance." They'll help with the construction work and can work the farms or fishing nets later, that'll be perfect.

  And with that I had completed my draft, I would gain 16 new skilled workers in six real-world days barring everything goes well, but I had a lot of work ahead of me.

  I wasn't expecting to get so many add-on NPCs… with the draft I'll go from 3 mouths to feed to 32 mouths to feed. If I include myself… 2 Companions, 16 Skilled Workers, 7 Spouses, and 6 Children would need food and shelter.

  "Oi, that's a lot of mouths."

  I had already built a lodge but it's going to be cramped for a while.

  Well at least the weather's warm!

  As I had finished all of my work I exited out of all of the menus to find Katherine and Selene both staring at me like I was some crazy drunk that had been rambling on nonsensically for the past few hours.

  I took exception to those outrageous claims made by their silent stares.

  "Ah, hello ladies, what brings you here at this hour…?"

  Selene decided to enlighten me, "Well, it's nighttime for one."

  "Oh, so it is…."

  Looking around the room I noticed there was a rather large pile of fur hides collecting dust along the side. The same furs that Katherine and Selene had collected. While I toiled in the dirt, they had been hunting nearly every day for the past month and change.

  During my downtime while constructing the lodge, I would skin the hides of the animals they had brought back and there were at least a hundred wolf pelts in the corner, probably triple that in fox pelts, and I didn't want to count but I took a guess that there were a thousand rabbit pelts as well.

  In truth, I had completely forgotten about the pelts and the massive pile of dried jerky that weighed in excess of a few thousand pounds.

  A thought occurred to me, "Oh, that solves the food problem! Excellent!"

  Selene continued to be the only one to respond, "What are you talking about now… I think Katherine and I might be best leaving if you're so mentally unstable…."

  At Selene's words Katherine looked up while she was playing with the young wolf at her lap, the wolf that was once a pup a month-ago in-game was now a year and a month in age.

  It was astonishing at first but eventually one gets used to it.

  In Dragon's Wrath the system of time is accelerated for just about everything. NPCs aged 3-times faster relatively speaking to the real world due to the 8-hour day cycle. Animals and children up to age 14 on the other hand would progress 12-times faster per real day.

  Katherine then defended me, "I tried to explain to her you were using magic that only you could see, she didn't believe me…."

  "Katherine is the truth! Hallelujah! How could you not believe in a Priestess such as she, Selene?"

  While pretending to pout Katherine followed up, "Yeah Selene, why couldn't you believe in me? Hmm?"

  This was our banter to entertain ourselves… everyone already knew the situation but when three people spend nearly every day together in a crowded room for over a month in-game, you end up looking for entertainment.

  Selene occupied the role of straight-man, I got to be the talkative buffoon, and Katherine held up her end as the random but seldom spoken girl with the cutesy replies.

  Selene replied in kind, "The magic only you could see? I believe that's the definition of a crazy person. Katherine I think it would be best if we packed up immediately."

  "Where shall we go Selene? I've been wanting to travel…."

  "No, say it ain't so! Barkley, you'll stay with me right?"

  "Woof!"

  "Barkley… you're going to leave your Mother?"

  "Whine."

  "Then it's settled, the three of us shall leave. Enjoy your life of solitude Sir Sigurd!"

  "Bye Master!"

  "Woof!"

  And just like that it had been decided… the four of us were to take a trip to the Northern Triangle.

  Of course it was already somewhat planned a few days before, but we were bored while cooped up in a small cabin with nary a thing to do. We needed to trade and pick up the shipment of chickens and seeds that were to arrive in a few days, so there was nothing to be really surprised over.

  I also had the idea of taking a small detour to visit the ocean, as a sort of reward for the girls.

  Yeah, a small surprise detour to the beach wouldn't hurt.

  Thinking over everything that had just transpired; I realized I had also made a mistake.

  I completely forgot about the collection of furs that we had stockpiled thanks to Katherine and Selene… I wouldn't trade them all but I could trade quite a few and use the coins to purchase more NPCs. But I also had to give Kate and Selene their fair share as well, they may be NPC Companions and would follow my every order, but they weren't slaves.

  At least not slaves to me.

  Chapter 31: Ocean Air in the Moonlight

  (Friday, April 30th Game Day / Tuesday, February 9th Real Day)

  Staring out at the endless ocean before me I couldn't help but appreciate the rendition. It was just as beautiful as the Pacific Ocean I had grown accustomed to as a child. Looking out along the sand & pebble beach where the seals lay and the birds squawked, I decided to simply sit down and enjoy the view.

  Katherine and Selene had decided to sit down on either side of me as well, and silently watched as the sun had started to set in the distance.

  That reddish-orange sun was now nearly a pure vibrant red as the sky before it had turned a gorgeous pinkish-purple. The thin and low-lying clouds had stretched out just enough to scatter the sun's rays along the ocean before us,
creating stripes of light and dark water as far as the eye could see.

  It was an interesting perspective, but a momentary one in the end.

  The sound of the crashing waves eventually drowned out the alternate noises and had nearly lulled me to sleep. It seemed to have affected the women in nearly the same way, as Selene soon leaned over and placed her head onto my right shoulder while Katherine wrapped my left arm with hers.

  Without any thought to the action, I wrapped both of them in my arms and brought them closer. As the three of us enjoyed the calming sunset, I had started to reflect on the moment that was just unfolding.

  In the past, I used to go to the beach and watch the sunset with all manner of friends of various ages and with no regard to gender. The beach was simply where we would all unwind and forget our troubles.

  Yet here I was, enjoying the same natural wonders that my life used to provide but now in a virtual state, indiscernible from the reality.

  Well, the only truly discernible difference would be the companions to my side. To be accompanied by two women of such a standard that I would never in my wildest dreams expect to come true in real life.

  That was my reality now.

  My online life was my reality and I certainly preferred it to the sub-standard life I had come to known in the real world.

  Lost to my thoughts, Katherine had decided to bring me back to the world of the living with a bit of a tug as she squeezed my arm beside her chest. Looking over to my left I couldn't help but smile and laugh, she was simply too cute.

  With her trademark smile that you simply could not resist, she spoke softly, "Thank you for bringing us here Master, this scene… I will remember it for the rest of my life."

  Yeah, a part of me wanted to pull her in to plant a kiss and roll around with her in the sand like some silly romantic couple in a movie would. Well, I probably would have done it if it wasn't for the fact that there was another woman to my right, who was now breathing down my neck.