Survivors

by Dave Willmarth

  Mace was feeling a need to end this conversation. The overload of information and emotions was getting to him. “I’ll work on composing a message to the other players and get it to you before I log into the game this morning. Thank you, Elysia. It has been a pleasure speaking with you.”

  “You are most welcome, Mace. You will be able to speak with me inside the game as well. ; I am monitoring your progress. But I suggest that you do not do so in front of other players or citizens. Humans have a tendency toward jealousy. And citizens would interpret your ability to speak directly to me as some sort of divine power.”

  “Good point, Elysia. I shall be very careful of that.” Mace got up from the chair and exited the security office. He went to his room and sat at his desk. The whirlwind of thoughts racing through his head was confusing. He needed to speak to Shari about all of it, but he needed to do so somewhere outside the building where Elysia and/or Peabody would not hear. He was going to insist that they go pick up Dakota’s food and crate as soon as they were done running the dungeon.

  Composing his message took him about an hour. He introduced himself, informed them that there were other survivors (though not how many or where,) explained the options to move to a single server, and invited them all to do so. He also explained the increase in loot drops and phrased it so that it sounded like a gift from Elysia and himself. And he went into great detail about the need to spread the wealth. He’d leave it to Elysia to play ‘bad cop’ and explain the penalties for hoarding in her own way.

  A whine from Dakota interrupted his musings. The dog looked at him, then looked at the door. “You need to pee, fella?” Mace asked. Dakota woofed and wagged his tail, implying an affirmative.

  He got up from the desk and took their new family member upstairs. As Dakota took care of business, Mace started thinking that the cornfield was maybe a little small for the dog to be using on a regular basis. They’d either need to increase its size, or find him a better place. He supposed they could always let him go in the parking garage. But that would get smelly and might attract bugs.

  Back downstairs, he sat on his bed and petted Dakota for a while, just relaxing and organizing his thoughts. The dog had jumped up onto the bed and curled up with his head in Mace’s lap, his eyes were closed and his tail thumped happily. Another hour passed in this manner. It might have been longer, but Peabody’s voice interrupted the reverie. “Excuse me, Mace, but Shari and her party will be arriving at the stronghold in less than an hour at their current pace.”

  “Thank you, Peabody. And congrats on the girlfriend. She’s really something special,” Mace replied. “Please pass the following on to Elysia to be used as the system alert for the other players.”

  After reading off the message to Peabody, he patted Dakota’s head. “You can stay there, boy. Get a nap. Just, please don’t chew on anything.”

  Undressing quickly, he climbed into his pod and logged in.

  *****

  Mace’s avatar appeared right where he’d left it, just inside the stronghold entrance. Before he even had time to message Shari, his system alert popped up. He was a little disturbed that it came to him in his own voice. One of the AIs had apparently taken him literally and simply replayed his verbal message.

  About five seconds later, he got a message from Shari.

  “When did you become the voice of the system? That was almost as creepy as the Peabody thing! Cut it out.”

  Mace sighed. He wasn’t about to try and explain it over messaging. Instead he just sent her a quick “I’ll explain later” reply and went to go see what the folks from Lakeside were doing. He could hear what sounded like mining activity inside, and other noises outside. Seeing Brahm at the campsite, he headed that direction.

  “Good morning, Mace. I trust you slept well?”

  “I did, Brahm, thank you. Shari and the others will be here within the hour. Are you ready to explore the dungeon?”

  “I am!” The minotaur looked excited. “As are the others, if you should need them. Not even the long-lived centaurs with their written histories laid down by their scholars have any knowledge of a dungeon being here. We are all curious.”

  The centaurs in question appeared to be mostly standing around; one was chopping firewood while another was skinning a large deer. The rest were staring at Mace, clearly hoping to be invited into the dungeon.

  Walking over to them with Brahm in tow, he said, “I’m sorry, my friends; I would invite one or more of you to join us. But the entrance to the dungeon is the through the bottom of a chest located one level down in the stronghold. And there are no stairs to that level that I’m aware of. Only a hole in the floor and a couple of ladders. I’m afraid there’s just no way to get any of you inside.”

  The leader of the group nodded. “We went in to look for ourselves this morning. We understand. This has already been a beneficial trip; we have collected much armor and weapons from the fighters. And Brahm and company will be bringing back the iron that will be used to strengthen our settlements. All of that is thanks to you.”

  Your reputation with the Centaurs of Lakeside has increased by 50. Your reputation is now Friendly.

  Mace bowed his head slightly. “Given more time, we may be able to create a more accessible route to the dungeon. If the interior is accessible to centaurs as well, this may be a place for all our people to come and grow stronger by testing themselves inside.”

  Brahm spoke up. “Aye, we could widen the hole from the top level and build a ramp, then widen the entrance under the chest. Though the narrow stairs may still be an obstacle.”

  Mace had a few objections to that, not wanting to make the dungeon easy to find or access for anyone who might come to take over the stronghold - most especially the Black Flame slavers. But for now, he kept that to himself.

  “Let us see what we find inside; there are many possibilities here. But for now, if you centaurs would like to begin the trip home with the wagon, I don’t see an urgent need for you to remain. You might still make it back by dark. Of course, you’re also welcome to stay.”

  The centaurs conferred amongst themselves for a minute. “We will go. The guards and minotaurs should stay to protect the entrance. They can accompany you on the boat when you exit the dungeon.”

  “Good plan.” Mace decided to give them credit for the idea. “Let’s do that. We’ll see you back at the settlement. And I promise you’ll have first choice of any good bows we find inside.”

  The centaurs organized quickly, two of them strapping themselves into the leads for the wagon and beginning to pull. The heavy load took a few seconds to get started, but a good shove from behind by one of the others pushed it out of its ruts and got it moving. They crossed the meadow at a good pace and disappeared into the forest.

  Brahm said “My clansmen and the guards are inside. We’ve found a few veins of ore. Both iron and copper. They are increasing their Mining skill. We’ll retrieve the ore the next time we return.”

  “Great! In the meantime, tell me about your abilities, Brahm. Do you do any magic? Are you better with an axe? Or sword?” He sat on a small boulder as he spoke, motioning for Brahm to join him.

  “I do not cast spells as you do. Magic, other than the healing magic of the druids, is rare among my people. But I have a few abilities that are useful in combat. I can use my axe or a two-handed sword equally as well, and I am a fair hand with a bow or a spear. But my preference is the axe and shield.”

  Mace wasn’t surprised. “Tell me about your abilities.”

  “I can charge a group of foes with my shield and stun them on impact. If I combine it with my battle cry, I do twice as much damage and draw the ire of all nearby foes. I can also stun a target with the flat of my blade. The last ability… is not polite to discuss.” He bowed his head.

  Mace didn’t press. He had heard enough to be reasonably sure that Brahm would make a good tank. He took a few minutes to prep their new party member.

  “Shari is a druid, and can
heal. So can Mion. Shari also has some offensive magic. Layne is a bard and her songs can provide us with extra Strength, Speed, and Regeneration as well as weaken our foes or slow them down. Lila works best when she can get behind our enemies and use her daggers. And I have both ranged and melee capabilities. We’ll depend on you to keep our enemies’ attention. I won’t lie to you, it may be painful, but our healers will keep you alive. If the monsters down there are too strong for us, we’ll either leave and return when we’re stronger, or bring your clansmen down to help us.”

  Brahm nodded his acceptance, sat down, and began to sharpen his axe. Mace decided to take a few minutes and check out the items he’d taken yesterday.

  He started with the scrolls. The first was a spell called ‘Rot’. It was from the dark magic school, and Mace had not unlocked that school yet. He only knew elemental magic, summoning, and arcane spells.

  Setting that scroll aside, he tried the next: ‘Summon Portal’. This was an arcane spell, but the level requirement was still too high. Mace didn’t even know portal magic was available in Elysia. As far as he had heard, no player had discovered it yet. He placed that one inside his ring with the books for safe keeping.

  The next scroll made him smile. ‘Greater Heal’ was a light magic spell. He’d give it to Shari. And the last scroll was ‘Invisibility’. This was from the Transformation school of magic, but also a level one spell which could unlock the school for whomever used the scroll.

  As a drow and a Darkblade, Mace could already make himself effectively invisible anywhere there was a shadow to meld with. After thinking it over, he decided that the scroll should go to Lila. Her stealth skills were decent, but this would make her a much more effective member of the party. He set the scroll aside for her.

  Next came the books. He pulled out and set aside the alchemy book he’d grabbed for Shari before a thought occurred to him. Looking up at Brahm, he asked, “Do you have any craft skills? I know you said you had Mining and I think I remember that you’re also a blacksmith?”

  Brahm nodded. “Yes to both. I am only a Journeyman Smith, but another year or two of steady work and I will become a Master. The iron you are providing will help greatly.”

  “And if I were to take up the Smithing skill, could you train me?” Mace asked.

  “Of course. Once I become a Master, I can provide you with training up to and including the Journeyman level skills.”

  Mace grinned and looked in his inventory. Producing the book on Smithing, he handed it to the minotaur. “Will this help at all?”

  Brahm accepted the book and inspected it. His eyes widened. “This is a Master-level tome! Incredibly valuable! Where did you acquire this?”

  Mace shook his head. “That’s my secret for now. The important question is, can you use it?”

  Brahm looked thoughtful. “I have not yet achieved Master rank. But I am close. It is possible…” He paused then shook his head. “But if I am wrong and I open this book, it may be destroyed.” He tried to hand the book back to Mace.

  “Brahm, wait. Is there a higher level blacksmith in the settlement?” Mace asked. The minotaur shook his head no. “Then you are the highest-level Smith I know. Forget about the value of the book. If you can increase your level, you can make better quality items for the settlement, yes?” Brahm nodded his massive head slightly. “And you can teach the other Smiths to do the same, eventually? And teach me? Or my friends?”

  Brahm took the hint and set the book on his lap. Taking a deep breath, he opened the book. His eyes lost their focus and his body went rigid as the magic of the book transferred itself into his mind. When it was done, the book crumbled to dust. There was a flash of light, and Brahm shuddered. He’d just leveled up. Crafting could earn you experience in Elysia, though not as quickly as killing mobs and clearing dungeons.

  “Congratulations! I saw you went up a level. And you are now a Master Smith?”

  Brahm took a knee in front of Mace and lowered his head. “I did, and I am. Thank you, Mace. This means a great deal to my people. I hereby pledge myself to your service. I am yours to command.”

  The gravity of the pledge caused a lump to form in Mace’s throat. He stood to show respect to the minotaur’s offering, and placed a hand on Brahm’s shoulder.

  “I will accept your friendship, but not your service. I am no slaver, nor am I a lord. Thank you, my friend. All I ask is that you stay alive through this dungeon and live on to use your skills for the good of the settlement.”

  Brahm stood, offering a hand to Mace, who shook it, his drow fist disappearing within the minotaur’s massive paw. “I will do so, Mace. Unto my last breath.”

  Mace noticed movement in the distance behind Brahm, Shari and her party emerging from behind the trees as they followed the trail. He grinned. “Let’s hope that last breath is a very long time from now, Brahm. Now! The rest of our party is here. Let’s hit that dungeon!”

  He picked up the scrolls and book that he had set aside and moved with Brahm to greet the ladies. They were being led by Snuffles, who was now considerably larger than when Mace had first met him. The experience gains from killing the leviathan had leveled up all their pets quite a bit. Snuffles now stood waist high to Shari, while Mion was half a foot taller than before. Minx had also grown, though not so much in size. She gained intelligence and dexterity.

  Shari greeted him with a stern look. “Before you say a word, is your voice going to sound like Darth Vader or something?”

  Mace shook his head. “Nope. Just me. And as for the message thing, I read the message to Peabody and asked him to have Elysia send it out. Didn’t realize they’d take it so literally.” He rolled his eyes, and Shari chuckled.

  He handed her the alchemy book and healing scroll. “Think you can do anything with these?” he asked

  She took one look at them and squealed like a kid on Christmas morning. “Yes! I mean, the book is too high -level for me right now. But it’s still awesome! And the scroll…” She opened the scroll and there was a brief white glow as she learned the spell. The scroll crumbled and disappeared, and Shari looked at Mace, making a gesture. A soothing white light settled over him. It felt good. “It’s an instant cast heal!” she said with glee. “Costs a lot of mana, but should heal any one of us for about 25%!”. She looked at Brahm. “Well, most of us. You have quite the health pool, big fella.” She grinned at him.

  Mace let Shari enjoy her new skill for a moment before turning to Lila. “Got something for you, too. Check this out.”

  He handed her the scroll. She opened it, and again there was a flash of magic. Her face didn’t change at all. Mace became concerned at her lack of reaction. “Did it not work?”

  Lila shook her head, looking past Mace. “Who’s that?” she asked, pointing over his shoulder. When he turned to look, there was nobody there. Turning back to Lila, he found nobody there, either. A moment later, he felt a pinch on his butt, followed by a giggle.

  He spun to find Lila standing there, smiling up at him. “I can sneak up on a drow!” she boasted.

  Shaking his head at the prank, he looked at Layne. “I’m afraid I don’t have anything for you. But there may be something down there that I missed. Let’s stop at the library on the way down. There may be more skills you guys can pick up before we hit the dungeon.”

  He sent each of them a group invite as they walked. They quickly made their way down to Justin’s chamber. He watched Lila carefully as they entered, worried about her reliving the trauma she suffered there. But she just gritted her teeth and avoided looking at the bed. He quickly pressed the panel and led them through the door to the hidden chamber. As soon as they entered, Shari made a beeline for the workbench. She started poking around and mumbling to herself.

  Mace turned to the others, who were all watching Shari, and pointed to the bookshelves. “Take a look, guys. Let me know if you see something useful to you.” As they all stepped up and began to read titles, he joined them. He’d sort of rushed through them th
e last time, and wanted to do a more thorough search.

  A few minutes later, Lila located a leatherworking trainer that she wanted. Layne asked if she could borrow several of the history books, and Mace himself had found a book on Dark Magic that talked about enchanting with souls as power sources. It wouldn’t unlock Dark Magic for him, but he hoped that it would help him to figure out exactly what his dagger was doing to him when it fed him energy.

  When they had finished, Mace led them back out of the room, closing the door behind them. “I would ask that you all keep the existence of that room and the items inside it to yourselves.” They each agreed without hesitation.

  Reaching into the empty chest and pressing the button, he motioned for Brahm to go first. “The stair is clear. Or was, yesterday.”

  The bulky minotaur had to turn sideways to step down into the stairwell, but managed to fit through the opening. One by one, they descended into the unknown.

  Chapter 5

  Holy Moley

  Reaching the heavy metal door at the bottom of the stairway, Mace once again pressed his ear to the door. Ignoring the dungeon prompt for a moment, he did his best to hear any sounds from the other side. Unfortunately, it didn’t seem as if the game mechanics were going to cooperate. Dungeons were often accessed through a stable portal, so there likely wasn’t anything immediately behind the door to hear.

  “Everybody ready?” he asked the group. Layne had played a lively tune on the way down the stairs, giving them all a Stamina and Health Regen buff. Shari had made sure they all had a few health potions, just in case. With Mace nearly twice her level and Layne even higher, she wasn’t sure how effective her heals would be. Luckily, Layne’s healing songs could add a HoT to the whole group.

  When they all nodded in response, Mace clicked ‘Yes’ on the dungeon prompt and lifted the bar from its brackets. The door swung open to reveal a dark purple gateway flickering in the darkness. They each stepped through, Brahm in the lead, followed by Mace, Lila, Shari, and lastly Layne. Mion and Minx rode upon their mounts, claws and tails gripping tightly.