The notice appeared when Lyndsay, after locking her newly repaired door, slipped the padded helmet down over her eyes. Oh. Has it been left on all this time? She reached up to the button resting in the middle of her forehead and pushed, turning off the machine. Settling down atop the blankets and turning the machine back on she closed her eyes, feeling the pads inside the helmet press up against her eyelids.
Chimes sounded out a soothing song as the hardware offered up the system menu and the software for her classes and games. She focused on Camorra.
USER DISCONNECT - An unscheduled user disconnect occurred. For your safety please ensure to follow the recommended log out procedures. You will be restored to your last safe saved location.
The screen faded and the black background dispersed, bringing the square of Beachhead back into view. Lyndsay flinched at the sound of the blacksmith's hammer and hurried forward, dodging amongst the stalls, animals, and players until she was closing the door of the town hall behind her, leaning back as she calmed her breathing.
"May I help you ma'am?" The interior of the building was subdued. Belying the primitive look of the exterior log-formed walls the inside was plush and opulent, the walls coated and covered with some form of daub and various tapestries and woven hangings. Cut stone slabs floored the area immediately within, an ornate desk set immediately to the left of the door, ending with a low gate that separated the carpet covered floor of a main room busy with desks and people. Closed doors led off from the main room to the left and right sides, stairs leading up and below ground on the left side. Lyndsay turned to look at the man, prim in a tailored robe of damson silk. "Ma'am?"
"Sorry," she stepped forward smiling, remembering how manners impacted the friendliness of those in the game. "I've just left Miller and was so eager to contribute that I had to rush right over." She waved an arm to encompass the rest of the room, "I'm impressed that so much has been achieved in so short a time frame."
"We are indeed not ones to slack, especially when it comes to conquest." The man postured slightly as if claiming credit, an air of smugness entering his voice. "Lord Diamos himself entrusted me with establishing Beachhead as a reliable stronghold for Camorra to develop from."
"You ... have done well." Confusion flickered across her face. "Could you direct me to the chief of the village? I'm hoping to see Lord Diamos and offer him my assistance."
The man stiffened before chuckling, looking impressed. "Indeed, it is a noble goal to have, but I fear that your ability to help Lord Diamos may take quite some time to nurture. As for Lord Anguine, you have already had the pleasure." He bowed towards Kennedy. "Tell me young lady, in what way do you see yourself able to assist one such as myself?"
What a creep. "I am an able adventurer and I wish to help develop Beachhead further before venturing out to learn more of this new world. If you have any quests or tasks to be done, I would like to help." Anguine had sat down and was looking at her, rubbing his styled beard between his thumb and forefinger. She decided to try stroking his ego a little more. "I am surprised that one so important has placed themselves at so lowly a position in the hall my lord. You truly must be a very thorough man."
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Anguine smiled widely, and beamed at her, eyes wide. "Yes, yes. I am most impressed that you understand that. I do like to involve myself at all levels. It helps to understand the full process. And to catch any little problems. Such a problem in fact may be just the kind of situation where you could prove your capabilities to me, although it is a rather sensitive subject. Sir Miller had informed me of your eagerness to join us here Lyndsay. I'm surprised he managed to find the time as you rushed right over here." The corner of his lips curled up into a smile. "Still, it is a long walk from the walls to the centre. I'm not surprised a half-dozen heavily armoured men could complete the task a whole day sooner than a lightly-equipped young ... adventurer." He smiled at her again as she faltered. What is this shit? Aren't I meant to be on better terms with the townsfolk as I skipped the tutorials? I bet this is Dolores' fault.
"I came as soon as I could sir. The trip exhausted me, but as soon as I was able, I have come to offer my services to you. To Beachhead." What? Now I'm sounding weird to. She looked at him, feigning earnest interest.
"Indeed. So quickly you didn't even find yourself a dedicated class. Still, is that because you were hoping to find something more ... personalised?" An arched eyebrow curved towards her from beneath his slicked back hair.
Is he making a move on me? Is this a quest? Lyndsay's brain scrambled to make sense of what was being said to her. It didn't match up to any of the prior virtual reality games she'd played before.
"Yes. Sir. I'm certain that my talents are better suited to more specialised ventures than the typical clerics and hunters."
"And what talents are those Kennedy?" Anguine leaned forward, resting his chin on clasped hands.
"I ... am a great explorer, eager to see this new land." She swallowed. Thought of the files on the desk. "I excel at finding secrets. At venturing into the unknown." Her mind went to her little zipped case. "Especially alone. I can take care of myself. I'm not afraid of pain. I'm not afraid of anything."
"Hmm. Not of anything eh? It would be wise to find something to fear, there is an awful lot of suitable options to choose from. Well. I have a couple of suggestions which you might like to consider. And a mission for you, just to test how capable you are."
A number of translucent screens flickered into view in front of her eyes.
EARNING ANGUINE'S TRUST - The lord of Beachhead, Stirling Anguine, has taken a liking to you. Prove yourself to him by helping to discover the saboteur within Beachhead. This quest has no time limit and cannot be refused.
UNLOCK REQUIREMENTS: Anguine's Esteem: 25+
REWARDS: EXP: 1,000 | STERLING: 5,000 | OTHER REWARDS: NONE
CLASS CHANGE OPTION - TRAILBLAZER
Seek out new areas and establish routes for the Camorra Empire to follow. This is a hidden class.
UNLOCK REQUIREMENTS: Anguine's Esteem: 20+
BASIC SKILLS: Create Spawn Point, Mapping, Forced March
CLASS CHANGE OPTION - FREEBOOTER
Spread the glory of Lord Diamos by destroying those who oppose colonisation. This is a hidden class.
UNLOCK REQUIREMENTS: Anguine's Esteem: 30+
BASIC SKILLS: Waylay, Plunder, Mercenary
CLASS CHANGE OPTION - TERMAGANT
Seek out and eliminate native inhabitants to expand the territory of Lord Diamos. This is a secret class.
UNLOCK REQUIREMENTS: Anguine's Esteem 50+
BASIC SKILLS: Salted Earth, War Cry, Annihilation
Hmm. Trailblazer seems good technically. Making spawn points might be pretty broken. Freebooter I can't really guess at beyond getting a pirate-highwayman vibe which is cool. Termawhatsit seems to be the best but it looks heavily PvP and I'm not so interested in that. Kennedy looked back to Anguine. "Excuse me, Mister Anguine, sir, These classes. Can you tell me anymore? Preview the skills for me? Or can I come back and change later?"
"Sadly not Miss Lyndsay," a slight sneer shaped his lips as he reached down and pulled three gems out from a cloth sack by his feet. "As is so often the way in life all choices are final, and this is just one of those which you'll need to make blind." He fingered the gems, rolling them back and forth in one hand. "Are you ready to make your decision?"