Wait, how am I not naked? I never picked any gear.


    “I can answer that, sir.”


    Oh yeah, he’s here.


    “That I am, sir.”


    So, where did the threads come from, Alfred?


    “System assigned starting gear for a Rogue, sir.”


    “Now, we do need to select your starting weaponry.”


    Why wasn’t this part of Creation? Why wait till now?


    “To allow players the opportunity to test weapons for themselves in the actual game world.”“Each weapons feels different, so it was decided that each player should try any weapon or weapons that may interest them before they choose their preferred style.”


    So our beginning selection determines what weapons we can use later?


    “Yes and no.”Your initial selection determines your primary weapon skill. You can earn more primary weapon skills later, but you are required to use a trainer to receive them and they may also be restricted by class and other factors.”


    Secondary Weapon skills can be learned as well to augment your combat abilities, but the methods through which you gain those are not the same as other skills. For example, as a Rogue starting in the kingdom of the Gnomes, you receive Trick Weapons and Gadgets as bonus secondary weapon categories.”


    Interesting, but not important right now I assume. Let’s get started.


    Longsword x2


    Short Sword x2


    Dagger x2


    Longsword + Dagger


    Rapier + Main Gauche


    right.


    Alfred, how do NPCs interact with you?


    “No one can see or hear me except you, sir.” Additionally, no one can physically interact with me and vice versa. Also, no one can see your side of our interactions. It is happening, as you might say, in your head.”


    “


    I know Gnomes are friendly, but I really didn’t expect such a warm welcome considering I’m a human AND a rogue.


    “Rogue does not equate to thief or criminal in this world, sir. And as for his question, I’d suggest looking for someone you can begin your training with.”


    Rogue 1


    Objective: Find the Rogue Mentor and request training.


    Reward: 50 XP, Secondary Weapon


    Accept: Yes/No


    If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Yes.


    “


    Explosions? What the hell. Alfred?


    “Gnomes are notorious Tinkerers and Artificers, sir. There’s likely a designated area for the Gnomes to test new inventions safely.”


    Tinkerers and Artificers? Interesting.


    “


    Oh shit. This isn’t starting well. No Charisma score to leverage so this is all up to me.


    “Pardon the intrusion, sir, but might I suggest an apologetic approachElves of The Realms tend to be unappreciative of Human efforts to be charming. They prefer directness.”


    Thanks for the help, Alfred. I definitely would have misspoken in that situation. Although in the future it’s probably best to let me learn the hard way.


    “Very well, sir.”


    I bet she can smell fear, too. Probably a special trait for female Elves.


    .


    “


    Alfred, what did she mean Adventurers?


    “In-game lore refers to players as Adventurers. Unfortunately, I cannot give much more information than that regarding World Lore as you have not uncovered more of it yourself.”


    So what you can tell me is limited? That’s unfortunate.


    “Yes sir, and I do apologize for the inconvenience. Allowing Guides to tell Players everything about the lore would discourage them from discovering this information for themselves.”


    Fair enough. Looks like El is calming down. Thanks, Alfred.


    My guide nodded in response and I returned my attention to El. “So, you’re probably wondering why exactly an Elf is providing training in a Gnomish village. The answer is easy: If you want someone to be good, have them trained by someone who’s great.” she said, answering my unasked question. “Glad to see I’m training under someone with a firm grasp on humility.” I responded with a smirk.


    Not sure if sarcasm exists in medieval fantasy settings. If it doesn’t I honestly don’t know how I’ll survive this adventure.


    “Oh don’t worry I can teach you plenty of humility if you plan on keeping the smart-ass comments up like that.” she fired back with a wink. “Assuming you’re planning on losing the attitude, we can get started training. First, take a look at the weapons on the table over here and see if something catches your eye.”


    Update!


    Rogue 1


    Choose your Secondary Weapon


    Wow these are some weird ass weapons. As I approached the table I noticed a nervous looking Gnome watching me from a short ways away. Hope it’s poor social skills and not murderous intent. The killer “little person” trope is a bit played out. Deciding to hope he wasn’t a Murderous Mini Man, I slowly began looking over the table in front of me as I focused on each individual weapon until it’s information appeared in my vision.


    Most sounded overly complex, entirely situational, or just downright weird. Mancatcher? What the hell is that? Looking down at the weapon the name belonged to brought my attention to what looked to me like pole with a spiky corset on the end that opened and closed somehow. I really thought it would be more self-explanatory.


    “Well, sir, the name does adequately explain the device’s expected function.” Alfred deadpanned.


    Is that British sass, Alfred? It’s so dry it’s hard to tell...


    Alfred continued unfazed “Unfortunately, proficiency with this weapon is not automatic as it does not fall under your bonus for starting in the Gnomish region.”


    And why the hell not? It’s on the table isn’t it?


    “That is correct, sir. However, it is a weapon that relies on the leverage and weight of the wielder, which makes it a very poor choice for Gnomes.”


    Oh that is a fantastic mental image. Thank you for that.


    Before he could respond, the shy “Not-a-Nasty-Gnome” approached. What is it about this guy that lends itself to alliteration?


    “E-excuse me, sir. I noticed you don’t use a umm... shield based style. If I may, I would suggest the A-arm Crossbow.” I gave the Gnome a bit of a blank stare before my Guide pointed his super useful “invisible to all but me” hand to point to what looked kind of like a crossbow, but with no normal trigger and a series of leather straps underneath.


    One dumb question avoided.


    Picking it up and studying it gave me very little in the way of how to use it. On cue, a block of text popped up thanks to Alfred. I probably would have been angry about the pictures he decided to include, but honestly they were so helpful I didn’t even care if he was being condescending.


    “Interesting concept, but why this over anything else? Damage seems low, too.” I could see the Gnome lose what little steam he convinced himself he had. His determination almost wavered, but he took a deep breath and steeled his resolve.


    “From the scabbards on your b-back, you’re focusing on a two weapon fighting style, yes?” he said, finally finding the gumption to continue his spiel. “The Arm C-crossbow provides you ranged capabilities without having to drop or sheath a weapon. As far as stats go, the n-noob model is pretty mediocre but it will help you start ranking up the skill.”


    He took another deep breath and I had a feeling he was getting to the real reason he wanted to talk. “And if you can help me get my Artificer class, I can make you a much better one.”


    Getting buddy-buddy with a player focused on crafting? This could go places.


    “Alright bud, you got yourself a deal! The name is Jack. Jack Alltrades. What’s yours?” </a>


    “Nikola Nelson, but you can call me Nik.”