“Okay guys, you know how Ulgo trainees are always talking about that rebirth pool? You know… the one we all came out of?”
The others all nodded in agreement.
“Well, let’s just say this has happened to me…. for the second time.”
Kel’Van retold the story and how he’d come to be in the valley. Well, most of it. He didn’t add the whole Avarice is a game part. It’s kind of hard to tell an NPC they are not real in the same sense that he is or was. Hell, he didn’t know how to classify himself to be honest. But he told them just about everything else. How he got here, what he was before he got here, including what quests were.
Everything.
“So, any questions?” Kel’Van asked with concealed apprehension.
Belar’s, hand was still clutching Farshad’s arm while her mouth was open. The large orc was still looking at the sand as if he was trying to make sense of Kel’Van’s story in his mind. Voresh, on the other hand seemed to be taking it the best while he nodded his head to himself.
“So, before you were an orc, you were one of these outworlders called players?” asked Belar.
“Yes,” answered Kel’Van as he twisted his skewered fish in the fire.” That’s how I know so much about how to use a blade and where I learned how to box. Both I learned before I was an orc.”
Voresh was still rubbing his bald head in thought, almost burning his fish on one side when Kel’Van looked his way.
“Here, let me see that.”
He took Voresh’s stick and twisted it a bit, then handed it back to him. “This way, you cook it on both sides, see?”
“Thank you, Captain,” Voresh responded as he took the stick back.
“Is that where you get your shaman powers from?” Fer’shad injected.
“Well, yeah. Before the rebirth pool, those were the spells I had.”
The answer reminded him of the other things he had in his possession before he became an orc.
“Before we go any further, we need to change out of these wet clothes.”
“Change into what Kel’Van? None of us packed extra clothes or armor,” said Belar.
Kel’Van held up his finger. Then he began pulling objects out of his inventory. There in front of the fire were complete sets of armor and weapons. All was silent as the Ulgo orcs around the fires stared at the gear. Fer’shad was the first to point and speak.
“Are those artifacts?” he whispered. Kel’Van almost corrected him but then realized they have only seen Meatgrinder wear anything remotely like what they were seeing now. They might as well be artifacts grade items to them.
“What they are is crafted gear. Some armorers and enchanters got together to create what you see here. They are all tier four or level 5 purple gear, meaning at least double the stat level of standard gear. Perfect level for you guys since all of you are level 5 now, I think.“
“We just checked our stats while you were gone captain, this is true,” answered Fer’shad.”
“I guess that makes me the only one here who hasn’t then.”
Kel’Van then switched his D.S. on to his character. He decided on dumping 1 point into stamina and the other into magic to boost those stats. Since he was about to add caster gear, it was a no brainer to increase his magic, but he didn’t want to fall too much behind in his physical attacks compared to his teammates.
“Since I’m the only magic user, I’m going to take all caster gear,” said Kel’Van. “I only had enough armor for 3 types of classes, warrior, tank, and caster. The armor for magic users was not a viable option for any of you three, which meant I had to divide two sets of armor between three orcs. I left enough between the three of you that all could benefit from it. He then set aside all the caster gear in a pile to his left. As he sifted through the tank gear, he pulled out items and walked over to Fer’shad.
“Here you go big guy.”
Fer’shad took the armor in his hands akin to almost reverence.
“I’ve been calling you a tank for a while now,” he smiled. “That’s what this gear is for. A tank..“
He handed Fer’shad the bundle. As Fer’shad sat down to separate the gear, he read the stats of each piece of equipment within the set.
“It’s going to take some getting used to, but it will definitely make things easier to get out of these tunnels, where ever we are. Go on, try them out. It will at least get you out those wet clothes.”
“Thank you Kel’Van, for this gift. I shall not forget this.”
As the large orc was trying on his armor further away from the fire, Kel’Van started walking and around the blaze to where Voresh was sitting.
“Voresh, this is for you.”
He handed him a similar bundle of gear, and Voresh started separating the equipment he received.
“This is a warrior set. It’s made to enhance your performance in attacking your enemy. These will protect you better and more effective than the gear you had before.”
Voresh picked up the sword first. The light from the fire reflecting off its surface caught his attention. “It’s just like the weapons the Holmgren were using,” Voresh remarked.
“It’s called metal Voresh. You’ll find it just as deadly as your bone sword. Maybe more durable as well. Granted, the gear and sword is a bit heavy, but you will get used to it.” said Kel’Van” Voresh smiled openly. “Thank you, captain,” and then walked away with his gear, his bone sword already forgotten on the ground. Kel’Van picked it up and added it to his own inventory. Waste not, want not, as his father used to say.
Belar and Kel’Van were all alone beside the fire.
He began pulling a makeshift bundle from the left side of where he sat and handed it off to her. She nervously sat down and carefully began separating the gear in the dirt in front of her.
As she saw the collection of gear being assembled on the ground. She noticed that something was missing.
“I’ve noticed there is no weapon for me…not that I’m ungrateful captain,” she hurriedly added. Cradling the armor as if he would take them back.
“There is a reason for that. Belar, you’re not going to be using weapons. At least not the like the others,” Kel’Van remarked. “Look, I’ve been thinking about this, and I’ve come to the conclusion that swords are not the proper weapon for you. To be honest, I think you know that too.”
“Are you challenging my competence? That I am not a capable part of this team? “she asked through gritted teeth.
“No.” Kel’Van waved off. “I’m telling you that you’re more capable and dangerous with your hands and feet than you are with your sword. In fact, the sword is holding you back.”
“Was my lack of skill holding me back when I saved your life?” Belar shot back.
“I recall me saving you first, but that’s exactly my point. It was that same skill with your feet that saved my life. Not your sword. You stood a better chance against the Holmgren without your weapon than you did with them,” Kel’Van pointed out, then he sighed before he went further.
“Do you know what Meatgrinder told me? Those who do not master their weapon do not last long. The problem is that we have been forcing you to use something you were not made for.”
Kel’Van then pointed at Belar’s arm plated fist. “Imagine punching someone with those fists or kicking someone with those on your feet. Those are weapons of war in your hands, and we are going to tear our enemies to pieces with them!”
Belar and Kel’Van looked at each other. He held her gaze while putting out his hand.
“Will you trust me?”
She looked at the proffered hand and immediately thought back to when he taught them how to improve their stats. “He was right then, perhaps he is right now,” she thought. Belar clasped her hands in his.
“Yes, Captain.”
Sensing the tone change between the two, Fer’shad motioned for Voresh to come back to the fire.
“We will get more acquainted with the armor and how to best use it tomorrow. For now, we rest,
and try to find our way out of here. Since I’m the least injured, I will take first watch, then Voresh, Fer’shad, then Belar,” said Kel’Van.
Voresh motioned to Belar with his new metal sword. “Are you going to get out of that drenched vest?”
“Hmm, of course,” As she began to unbutton her blouse, Kel’Van suddenly put his hands up and steadily backed up.” Whoa,” he cried apprehension. The others laughed with one another in amusement, while Belar simply smiled.
“Does my body bother you…. Captain?”
“Huh? No…Yes!! I mean, I’m going over here to watch out for predators and stuff. Sleep well people!”
As he turned, he couldn’t help but overhear the sound of giggles accompanying his steps to the other side of the fire.
CHAPTER 13
“You have to use the shield more Fer’shad!” Instructed Kel’Van. “Use it to block and then get close enough to use your sword to strike.”
The team had been practicing since the morning they got up. Belar was the first to rise, and so she was first in training with her new gear. Followed by Fer’shad and Voresh. In Kel’Van’s mind, there was no sense in treading in these tunnels with weapons you were unfamiliar with.
Voresh had paired off against Fer’shad. He didn’t exactly need to practice as much as his opponent. He just needed to get used to the weight of the sword and armor. Fer’shad though, was trying to get accustomed to two weapons he has never used before. His frustration was very evident on his face.
“I mean no disrespect captain, but you are asking me to hide from battle from behind this metal wall. That is not what I or other Ulgo orcs do!”
“So that’s what’s holding you back from using the shield correctly, huh?” asked Kel’Van.
An exasperated Fer’shad openly sighed. “As I’ve said, I meant no offense, only that this is not working.”
It’s alright Fer’shad, I get it. What I’m trying to get you to understand is two things. One, your shield is your primary weapon, and two, you are not hiding but blocking to get a better shot at your enemy.”
Kel’Van moved close to Fer’shad and took his sword from his hip. He then mimicked the stance that Fer’shad was in while fighting Voresh.
“Imagine I have a shield in my empty hand, okay?” He raised his arm as if warding off a blow. He repeated the action three times and then stabbed his sword while blocking.
“See what I did there, Fer’shad ?” I wasn’t hiding, I was blocking the enemy’s attack in order to strike when they were vulnerable. The same way you blocked my attacks with your weapon and then attacked me the first time we fought,” explained Kel’Van.
Fer’shad looked at the ground, remembering their initial fight at the camp with weapons. “I see your point, captain. It is not cowering in fear, but waiting to counter-attack against my enemy,” he said solemnly.
“Yes, but it also serves the same function as your previous weapon did, attack first and then absorb punishment. That shield in your hand helps you do that better than your battle-ax, doesn’t it? It’s all in the way you look at it.”
Fer’shad bowed his head in respect. “Your instruction is well-received captain. I will give it my full attention to master these weapons”.
“No worries, I’ll show you how to initiate an attack later.”
Fer’shad left eyebrow arched at Kel’Van unsure. Whether it was the “no worries” line or how to initiate an attack, he never knew. “As you say captain,” bowed Fer’shad.
Kel’Van respectfully dipped his head back in return and began walking over to Belar. She was sitting next to the campfire watching the whole exchange. Resting up from the last battle she and Kel’Van had had that morning.
“Okay Belar,” said Kel’Van. As he helped her up off the ground. “Let’s try this again.”
Belar rushed at her opponent at full speed. Kel’Van reached for his improvised weapon, a wooden plank coiled in rope in his hand. As soon as she was within reach, he swung his stick from his hip upwards like a boxer’s uppercut to the jaw. Belar ducked to the right of the stick, just missing her. With her momentum slowing only slightly from the move, she tackled Kel’Van from the legs down, knocking him on his back. Before she could capitalize on her attack, Kel’Van brought his “makeshift” weapon down on her spine.
“Stop!” yelled Kel’Van. Belar sighed and then slowly got up from the ground. She held out her hand, and he promptly gripped it, helping himself off the dirt.
“Okay, first the things you did right,” he lectured. “You closed the distance between us quickly, and you dodged my attack. That was “the good.” The bad was your choice of attack after you avoided my initial one. Do you know why it wasn’t the correct move?”
Belar shook her head no.
“Tackling me down would have been okay if I was distracted by another attack or if you were tackling me from behind. Using that attack on my legs up front, with my weapon in my hand was bad because it made it impossible for you to defend yourself against it,” explained Kel’Van.
Belar folded her arms and growled in silence.
“A sweep would have been a good idea, or even a punch to the face could have stunned me. If the enemy is aware of you, then you have three priorities,” Kel’Van explained. Then he put up a finger to illustrate each point. “The three priorities will always be, close the distance, stun your opponent, and then brutally incapacitate. What I mean by brutally incapacitate is break, tear, or gouge the enemy. Try to do it within three moves if possible.”
“Why three moves?” asked Belar as she dusted the dirt off her hands and body.
“Because time is of the essence. In a pitted battle with numerous enemies, you have to move from one battle to the next. Lingering on one enemy too long will get you killed by another combatant besides you or even the enemy in front of you. Surprise, evading blows, and quick strikes are what you need to do to win against an opponent with a weapon with more reach than you.”
“Okay then, three moves to put them down,” smiled Belar.
“I already know you have the skills for it. You just need to find your rhythm and priorities. Soon it will be all second nature to you.”
As Belar prepared for another round, she asked, “What is second nature?” as she got in a stance.
Kel’Van laughed, “Just means you will be able to execute moves without really thinking about it.”
“Second nature,” mumbled Belar as she let it roll off her tongue. “I like that.”
“Alright Belar, let’s try this again.”
The practice session went on for another hour. They rested for another 20 minutes and then began putting away what supplies they had into Kel’Van’s inventory.
“I take it we are following the river’s direction captain?” asked Voresh.
“Do you feel the air on your face?”
Voresh nodded his agreement.
“That is the wind. This means air from the surface is being pushed down here. Where ever that air is coming from will lead us to an exit. We follow that,” explained Kel’Van.
“Good enough directions for me.” Voresh crouched close to the ground, peering at the dirt and rocks in front of his eyes. He seemed to be looking at a short distance before him. “No sign or tracks of wildlife here. It seems safe this way.”
“Has anyone else gained the Dark sight skill yet?” Kel’Van asked.
No one answered.
“Hopefully, the rest of us will gain it and be able to see better in the dark soon.” Kel’Van had already gained night sight earlier. So did Voresh since he was tracking the Holmgren. This furlough through the caves should improve everyone’s night sight soon.
As they began their trek, Kel’Van started taking inventory on his party. He couldn’t see his team’s stats while they trained earlier, because you couldn’t attack each other while in a party. Now that they were grouped together as a team, he turned on his D.S. as they traveled through the caverns.
He first glanced at his own sta
ts with his new gear added on.
The set was dark blue with black trim along the sides. The close-knit shirt and pants rounded out his body, while the dark boots and a hood that partially hid his face as he walked. It was not stylish in any way, as could be expected from gear under level 10. The double stats however, is what made the gear so valuable at level 5.
He saw his HP go from 170 to 220. His magic was at 250 now, with his mana replenishing at 37 every 20 seconds, thanks to his new spirit count. Even the rate of his vitality allowed his health to regenerate by 9 every min. during battle. He then tapped on each of the party to see their new stats with the gear on.
“Christ,” thought Kel’Van.
Belar’s agility stat was damn good with the gear. It sure as hell explained how quick she was now with attacks and dodges. That, combined with her strength, will only make her a terror as she gets comfortable in her fighting style.
Voresh was the most balanced stamina-wise and actually the strongest of them with his stat at 44. But he also carried the heaviest weapon amongst them with his two-handed sword, so it made sense.
Fer’shad topped everyone in the Health category with a whopping 370 health points and vitality at 25, meaning he would regenerate that amount every minute while in battle. He had all the tell-tale stats of the glorified meat-shield with his stats. The sword and shield will serve him well.
AVARICE ONLINE: KEL'VAN RED HAND Page 11