PM - The Growing Goblin Problem

Zelrius

Good day to you, Miss Mizuki.

I don't remember the last time we actually conversed was. I suppose the last time we were face to face was the battle of Astorea, or rather, afterward. I still remember the heat of the Pyre today, the sickening sounds of Snefrid's body as you... Yea. Well, regardless of that, I suppose since its been sometime that I would Message you, hear how you were doing. Do you feel any different after eating the heart? Any noticeable changes? Did you know some in the city of Dormont still whisper about watching you do it, people like Emerath remembering quite well. That's beside the point, but I'd be careful if I were you how people view you. You're generally a nice and charitable person, don't let that vision be skewed by a single act.

That being said, I'd like to thank you again for not only your contribution in the battle, but also giving Snefrid a send off that I hope her and the Lunatic Tribe would be okay with. God knows I couldn't eat a heart like that, but it shows a strength in you, and I hope the Lunatic Tribe sees that as well. They're a strange group, maybe I will go west and seek them out one day...

I am rambling. Small talk pushed away, I messaged wondering what you've heard about the Goblins down in Brisshal? I was under the impression that they would hole up somewhere for the winter, and wait the Cold weather out. It turns out that was wrong, reports from Knights seeing large bands of them being more active than ever. Perhaps they're Organized? Or Maybe just really hungry? Or Both? Whatever the case, I'd love to hear back from you, just shoot me a message here. @Ueno Mizuki

 

Ueno Mizuki

Hello Zelrius

It has indeed been a while, which I imagine is the result of both of us being busy. And I am still grateful that you didn't get in my way that day. In the state that I was then I couldn't have hoped to succeed if you had opposed me, considering that I was close to death myself. I am aware that it was a very unusual thing to do, and that it wasn't easy for you to accept my decision and even help me out with it. I'm also aware that it must have not been the most pleasant of sights.

As for changes, well... Quite a few, actually. Since we haven't met since then you may not have had the opportunity to notice, but it seems that eating that heart caused me to become like Snefrid in race. As you may remember I passed out shortly after eating the heart and watching you light the pyre, and when I woke up I learned that my body had changed, significantly so. Where before I was just a Felis who happened to look like a wolf I am now an actual Caenis, a change I'm actually quite happy about since from the beginning I desired to be a wolf, not a cat. Partially because my heterochromatic eyes are sometimes called moon eyes.

I already knew that not everyone would take kindly to my decision at the moment that I decided upon it, but I went through with it nevertheless. I may estrange some people but I think most of them will be able to understand, at least amongst the people of this world. The other players might have more difficulty with it, although even those who understand might see me as savage for doing it.

I do hope that Snefrid and her tribe appreciate what I did. I can't say for sure that it suits their culture, but there was no time to make sure and I decided I'd rather try and possibly regret than not try and almost certainly regret. Even if others may begin to see me differently I won't feel bad about what I did, at least not unless I'm given more solid reason to.

The Lunatic Tribe has been described as unusually aggressive and dangerous by the other Caenis tribes, or at least those who we captured after the war ended. I've been helping with the interrogation, and it looks like most of them were only there because Snefrid and the other Lunatics had enslaved the other tribes and forced them to participate in the fight. I think it may be better to avoid the Lunatic Tribe and instead focus on the other tribes, who are more likely to be reasonable now that Snefrid is dead.

If the goblins are becoming more active even as the heart of winter is approaching it's most likely that they're desperate. I have trouble imagining that goblins are in their element in the cold, as they have neither fur nor size to protect them. However even if it's because of desperation a goblin army would be a serious threat. A desperate goblin army might be even more dangerous because they won't be stopped in their attempts at getting what they want, so if there's so many sightings we'll have to make sure the villages in the area are protected.

Beyond that, how are you doing? As you said yourself we haven't talked since that day, so I remain unaware of what your life has been like since then, even though I feel like we are close enough that it'd be normal for us to inquire about our lives and show concern when needed.
@Zelrius

 

Zelrius

I uh, Don't mention it. As grateful as you say you are, Not only was I more than happy to oblige for a friend, especially with how well you respected the remains and treated it well, I myself was also in no position to stop you. I have no recollection now of what my Health looked like then, but I do remember enough to tell you that it wasn't much above zero. Between that and my ever aching body, I had no interest in intervening. Thank you yourself for carrying out what you said you would, remaining true to your word. Even if it wasn't easy to watch, I was happy to help as I did, though I doubt I did much above not stopping you, which by technicality, was what everyone did.

Caenis now? You're one of those wolf people? Are you more like the Lunatic Tribe in appearance, or closer to the varying tribes, or perhaps a breed entirely on your own? Again, I haven't seen you since then, so forgive me for not noticing physical changes, or lack there of. Though, next time, please give me a shout if you feel yourself passing to unconsciousness in public. Someone could've easily mistaken you for the dead and buried you. Or even worse, could've mistaken you for a living Enemy and captured you. While you're my friend by all manners of the word, I don't know if there could've been much I could have done regarding it if you ended up in an Astorean Cell somewhere.

Moon eyes. Interesting term for that, I've always found that feature to be quite cool and enhancing. Was it natural by the game or did you choose it yourself?

Yea, we're lucky no one took action against you for doing it. Have you gotten any sour stares since? Any murmurs against you? I of course have only heard what I heard, and only saw the reactions on that day, but none of the players I've talked to seem to have witnessed the event first hand, much less hold it against you. Perhaps it is something that you and I should refrain from bringing up in conversation to others, as to avoid any problems regarding that. Of course, it is your story, and if you want to tell others about it, by all means, I have no right to complain since I had little involvement. Just a bit of advice was all I was getting at.

I'd like to visit the Lunatic Tribe, and see how they're holding up. If they follow the customs of any stereotypical Tribal society, they have probably long moved on from that, though by the sounds of the captivity and forced servicer and all that, it might have been more like a Tribal Empire. If that is indeed the case, I doubt the balance of power would have remained unchanged following the near genocide that happened at the siege and the falling of a Leader of theirs. I wonder if that whole place is in utter chaos right now as Tribes and Vassals declare independence and break subjugation out from under the Lunatic Tribe.

Or Perhaps that is an overestimation of their power? Maybe they only won a few skirmishes and had some captives and maybe a single other tribe or two under their thumb. I suppose most of that is speculation, and I will certainly have to make my way through the mountains myself to find out more about those peoples and how they operate. I will of course need allies, but who to bring, I don't know. One way or another, I wonder if I should bring a souvenir to show friendliness? Perhaps one of the Lunatic's Teeth or something of the like to symbolize that I, among many others, bested Snefrid? Certainly something worth thinking about.

As for the Goblins, you believe Desperation? Perhaps. The answer, as with the Caenii Tribes, is that I will have to go down there myself and handle them, whatever the case is surrounding them. If it is Desperation, maybe they'll be able to be reasoned with? Maybe we can exploit this opportunity to hopefully bring them into a more peaceful light, if not just forcing them into Debt with a group and using that debt as leverage to keep them placated. However, That option I just gave will remain with me. The last thing I want to do is hand that kind of power over a race to someone like Astor or D'Vangelline. Both could easily be corrupted by such force and power. Just look at how Astor exploited the Elves' plight for his own gain.

My discontent for Royalty and Nobility aside, I am doing well. I spent sometime in the Dunnstadds and surrounding territories following the war. I've been mostly focusing on myself and my own Masteries. I lost the Handkerchief that Queen De Falder gave me back when she was still a Princess. Probably for the best, as I am not as idealistic of my connection to her as I was. I can only hope that my preconceived notions of her turn out to be false, or we may have another Theodore on our hands. Perhaps I take this game too seriously...

What about you? Anything new in the land of Mizuki? Any new skills you care to show off should we meet again? Any new people you've met that might be of interest? Did you enjoy any time at the Festival when it came around?

 

Ueno Mizuki

You say that you weren't that far above zero, but you were still walking about just fine and even had the strength to create a funeral pyre for several people. Compared to my state where I had difficulty lifting one arm I am quite sure you were in the stronger and healthier position, so if you had really wished to stop me you could have done so and it wouldn't have taken much more effort than sitting on top of me. There would have been no way for me to push you off the way I was back then. I'm also very grateful you didn't do anything like that, since that would have been both very humiliating and uncomfortable.

That is supposed to be a minor joke, by the way. I didn't actually expect you to try sitting on me.

And of course I would do what I said I would. I have to admit that it wasn't a very pleasant task, and it was very demanding of my body as well, but it would have been extremely rude and insulting if I tried to do my best to show respect to a fallen enemy and I stopped halfway because it wasn't as easy as I might have thought it would be. I never expected it to be an easy task, but it was something which I felt I had to do. Honestly I would not have been surprised if forcing my body to move to the extent it needed to cut open Snefrid's torso had resulted in my death soon after, since I'm quite sure that forcing your body to move beyond what it's capable would result in your own health being deducted as a result.

You weren't required to watch if it was difficult though. I do not mind that you did and in a way I appreciate you showing your support, but if it was difficult for you I wouldn't have minded if you decided to turn away. You showed your respect in your own way, and I showed it in mine. And you did help me a lot by helping me to Snefrid's body and then helping me off the pyre, since I wasn't certain I could have made it off by myself.

And yes, I appear to have become one of the wolf people, which so far as I'm concerned is a vast improvement. I understand if others might prefer being of the catfolk, but for me being a wolf is much more suitable and preferable. My appearance isn't actually much different from before, although I guess my fangs got a bit bigger and my fur and hair seems to be wilder than before. Of course I already looked somewhat similar to Snefrid and the other Caenis so I don't know what kind of breed you'd consider me as, although personally I'd guess... grey wolf Caenis or something? I don't actually know that much about Caenis yet so I don't know how the subspecies would work, especially since I haven't noticed anything like that amongst the Felis either. Which could be attributed to me not paying enough attention, although I never heard anyone else mention it either.

I will try to be more careful next time, but honestly by the time I realized what was happening I couldn't force the words out any longer. I was having difficulty breathing and it felt like my entire body was being stabbed by a thousand small needles as my muscles tensed and relaxed randomly. I think my body was reaching its absolute limit and my trying to keep it working caused it to malfunction until finally I couldn't keep it up any longer and fainted. Although since there were other people also watching I don't think there was much chance of me being buried or anything, unless someone had malicious intentions and even then I could still just respawn, annoying as that might be.

On Earth I have one blue eye and one green eye, and I decided to carry that trait over in Terrasphere. Although I changed the green one into a golden/yellow one because I thought it fitting for a wolf to have one icy blue eye and an inhuman golden eye. So I did choose the feature on purpose, basing it on my own heterochromia.

 

Ueno Mizuki

Most of the NPCs who have heard rumours of the battle on the wall and the aftermath seem to be less inclined to approach me, although so far the fact that I helped defend the city is convincing them to still talk to me when I initiate and do business with me when I have coin to offer. There are also those who don't show much approval of a wolf person walking in their midst after the first encounter with the Caenis was them assaulting the wall, but even that appears to be a minor objection as most people are also aware that the higher ups are attempting to establish a more peaceful contact with the Caenis tribes.

However I will heed your advice and refrain from openly mentioning it unless I feel that it is relevant to the situation.

Given that the Lunatic Tribe had the power to subjugate multiple tribes I think that even with their leader and most powerful warrior slain I doubt they are in dire need of assistance and from what I've been told so far they wouldn't accept it from anyone either. As it stands the higher ups are attempting to establish communications with effectively every Caenis tribe other than the Lunatic Tribe because every non-Lunatic Caenis is clear on how the Lunatic Tribe is extremely aggressive and hostile.

I will not stop you from visiting the Lunatic Tribe, but perhaps you need to be more careful than you are expecting, as I have yet to hear anything about them which doesn't suggest that they would attack you on sight and either capture or kill you. I could come with you for safety's sake, and also because I've been aiding the authorities in learning the location of the Caenis tribes so if I were to accompany you you would have better odds of actually finding them.

Speaking of teeth I did take one of Snefrid's fangs. As the tooth of the one who dominated the other Caenis tribes I believe it makes for a good trophy and it might make the non-Lunatics more open to negotiating.

Trying to convince goblins to be peaceful? More so than with the Lunatics I am doubtful of that. The Lunatics appear to have a savage culture but are still intelligent and could be convinced to listen to reason. Everything I've seen so far suggests that goblins lack the advanced intelligence needed to understand that it would be in their best interest to refrain from assaulting and raiding villages, especially not in the long term. And you do have a point that having the armies of goblins at one's command could make you a threat, although I am not actually aware of how Astor took advantage of the Yladians. It's been mentioned before but I've yet to had the opportunity to learn the exact details. I believe that so far it's safe to assume that Astorea isn't as innocent as the inhabitants might want you to believe.

I wasn't aware you were trying to get into the good graces of the princess. It might be for the best that you have lost your fervour in that endeavour, since even if she is good-natured NPCs and PCs seem to have issues trusting one another in the best of times.

Beyond me turning into a Caenis and trying to help find the Caenis tribes not a lot has happened. I have been training as always and enjoying the holidays. I've met some people, but only briefly so far so I don't have a lot to say about them so far. The Harvest Festival was fun yes, although I didn't enjoy it for very long before I decided to log off and spend more time offline to avoid becoming too used to living my life inside of this world.

I don't think there's anything wrong with taking this world seriously as I believe that in a way it's as real as Earth, but I do think it best to make sure you don't forget about life on Earth.

 

Zelrius

You're right. I also had a nice break as I walked from Stokbon to Dormont between Clearing the Tunnel and then making my way to help the fight. So, that probably gave me a considerable amount more energy than many of our compatriots. I won't say the Tunnel Clearing was easy... but it certainly didn't warrant having a whole new team there just to kill some rats and what not, and then fight off a glitch blob of horror. Nonetheless, I was happy to help as many as I could.

I had guessed it was a joke, but probably best to always confirm that kind of stuff. Some people here in Terra are definitely on the less socially aept side, myself included, and its best just to always add caveats to avoid conversations going sour too quickly. That being said, I also can't imagine anyone having too much difficulty relating to others here in the game. Though I have met businessmen/women and of the like, I still find I can always relate to them on one level or another, even if I am on the literal other end of the economic-pyramid. So that might be equally try for those who might not normally socially connect with others.

I watched, despite how grotesque it was. I wanted to stand with you, and as you said yourself, show my support for a friend who I thought could have used the extra little bit of help here and there. I'd say I did it without expectation of reciprocation, and while I did at the time without want or need for that, I feel that from you, it may come in handy to have a favor on hand. For my own reasons, of course. When we fought the goblins you proved to be a strong ally, and even at the wall, you were diligent and merciless. Or on the flipside, who knows, I might get lonely one night. Another joke, of course, but one my brain insisted that I make by constantly echoing it until I wrote the damn thing.

Wolf people hoorah! It seems that's become a custimization option for players now too. Though some people really don't know how to make the Feline or Canine looks work, I will give you credit and say, you've done well with your customization to give off as Wolfine an impression as someone who is still mostly human can give. I applaud you, I don't have near that creativity or that thought process. Grey Wolf Caenis? I like that. I am going to write that down somewhere. Which prompts me on a thought I had some time ago; I have yet to see a Beastiary or anything of the sort. I suppose their record keeping levels are the same height as they were in the Medieval times back on Earth, so perhaps us Players can make some bold steps of Science and Innovation, and it is within my interests and wants to start identifying different kinds of people. What do you think?

I understand, sometimes its out of your control, but never be afraid to call on me for help. Worst case scenario, I shoot a message saying I am busy or I am not Online. As you were one of the first people I met in game and you put up with me being a weakling, I owe you that much, at the very least. And to be quite honest, I was less worried about you being buried, and more worried you'd be dragged off and thrown into a kennel or something, as many of the other Canii were by that point. Good thing most people knew who you were before the transformation and even more could tell the similarities.

Good, a smart businessman would do business with anyone who's got the money or the goods. So, its good that, at the very least, they are willing to understand the fact that you were on our side, even though you now happen to be a Caenis. Of course, you could always try to explain to them that you weren't a Caenis during the battle, but the NPCs have this weird thing where they seem like normal people; people who can learn and understand complex ideas, and have decent memories of that kind of stuff. However, they seem to fall off of that whenever you bring up something about 'Real Life' or players. It's the strangest thing, I once explained to a Local that I was a player, with a life and a job in a city called Boston. And all i got after answer every question they had, was those same questions repeated. It seems that they are physically incapable of understanding who we are and where we come from. So I suspect it would be equally confusing the idea of someone switching races on them.

 

Zelrius

Ah, you already clearly understand far more about the Lunatic Tribe than I do, clearly. Damn, I feel so out of the loop. That being said, I'd honestly hate it for writing purposes if the creators of Terrasphere allowed it to be so Black and white as that. And I have no reason to believe that it is truly as one-sided as 'X is extremely more hostile and agressive and Y & Z were just minding their own business.' Part of my skepticism comes from the Nature of Caenis as we've known them so far, and how there even came to be several tribes. And the part comes just from the nature of these things, and how the NPCs and various civilizations seem to have their own histories and beliefs, despite not existing more than maybe a year ago, at best.

That being said, I accept your offer, if you'd like to come with me. I was actually hoping you'd come, though I suppose I was too worried to ask for various reasons. The Fangs may come in handy, keep a hold of that, as we have both stated, they may come in great use for everything we have planned.

However, before that, I'd like to handle the problems closer to home. If I have not made it clear enough as is, I'd like to come out by saying that I am not the biggest fan of Falderen or Astorea, and I think that both have their own selfish desires at play. And to an extent I get it; let the players abuse the NPCs for enjoyment, it's a game, our pleasure is what it was built for. But something inside of me says that they're still people, even if they're fake people, as ridiculous as that sounds. So, with that in mind, I love the Brisshalian people. They took me in and helped me when and where they could, despite the growing fear and hatred for Players at the time. They deserve nothing less than for me to go over there and atleast investigate the goblins, give an attempt at something.

You say they can't be reasoned with, I say you won't know until you try, and I am willing to try. Imagine what songs the npcs would write about you if you could sucessfully end Goblin aggression once and for all without cutting a single green head off its stubby little neck. And if that fails, well, I am not the noobie I was when I first spawned, I will take some Goblin bitches to task.

Yea, I am glad I lost that 'fervour' as well. It wasn't worth it, wanting to be Nobility and that. Let the other players do it, let them be exploited by some queen who's made of Ones and Zeros.

Eh who am I kidding, she seems like a nice enough person, and a person more than a few lines of code. AI is so freaky, I want to hate the Queen and be able to say that she's just some data from a computer screen, but she feels so real...

I like that thought of thinking. Take it seriously, because it is real to an extent, just like all the 'people' in it. I suppose its just hard not to forget life on Earth for some of us, since it isn't exactly all rainbows and sunshine for everyone who plays.

 

Ueno Mizuki

I don't know how the Berserkergang exactly works, but going by historical texts it'd be safe to assume that Berserkers fight so ferociously that they can easily harm their own body and burn up all their reserves in the process, which would also explain why I was nearly incapable of moving while nearly everyone else seemed to have no issue walking even though some of them also had very low health bars. If that is the case then the Berserk mastery truly is a double-sided sword, as it gave me the strength needed to fight Snefrid and actually wound her but it left me more defenceless than almost everyone else in the end. Add to that the fact that we were fighting for... hours I believe? We didn't have the opportunity to rest and regain energy, so yes you could easily have handled me even if your own health wasn't so high either, since I was still in a more exhausted and wounded state.

Communication can be a real difficulty between people, especially when text is used as many small cues and signals are left absent with words alone. It is a common and well known issue, and the best way to deal with it is simply to try and be as clear as possible. I can imagine that it is annoying to have to clarify everything, and no doubt some people would argue that explaining the joke ruins the joke, but in the long run you probably benefit more from making sure you and those who you talk to are on the same page than successfully executing a joke even through text. Although you might have a point that those who live in Terrasphere as well as Earth might have an easier time understanding one another, as we are all experiencing something extraordinary together. For my part I do know how to talk to people, but I will still try to be as clear as I can be just to make sure no misunderstandings are made or had.

I do really appreciate the support given. If you have a favour to ask in the future I will certainly consider it, as even if you believe that you didn't help very much the gesture itself was already of enough weight that I would not mind showing my appreciation of the things you are willing to do for me with actions. Although since you are a considerable fighter yourself you must encounter a really difficult challenge that you would not be able to deal with yourself before you'd ask me for aid, especially since I'm doubtful about whether I'm stronger than you or not. While I have certainly not shied away from getting involved in this world I feel like I might not share your drive, as you have already made it clear that you have bigger objectives than just living in this world.

As for that possibility... I'd say that I'm not sure if the support given equals that request but that would imply that I know how to attach a price to it. Well, since it was understandably a joke the answer to that is irrelevant.

I have yet to see another Caenis player, but it would not surprise me if that changes soon. My transformation might have been a bit unusual, but even if this place feels real enough that it is sometimes difficult to remember that it's actually a game there are still people who control and influence this world, and if I was allowed to change into a Caenis by the rules of the world it would stand to reason that other players are also allowed that opportunity since I did not perform any deeds of such extraordinary nature that I deserve a race unique to me alone. But I thank you for the compliment. I did put a lot of effort into making my appearance give the right impression, so I am glad that my efforts have borne fruit. Of course the transformation did somewhat alter my appearance but I think I am still similar enough overall that the transformation only improved upon my original work. However you shouldn't sell yourself short: it doesn't take much creativity, and I bet that if you had the same motivation I had you could have made as realistic a beastfolk character as I did.

 

Ueno Mizuki

Now that you mention it, there is a lack of information on the creatures that live in this world. The Terrasphere online boards do provide some information but it's still limited to what anyone can see if they use their Investigation Mode on a creature, if you're lucky someone with a high Hunting mastery used Investigation Mode to reveal some additional details. The people of this world are limited to more traditional methods for storing information and lack the complex tools we have to gather information, so in hindsight it does make sense that the amount of knowledge available on most creatures is lacking according to our standards. If you want to try and correct that I can try to help since I do have the Hunting mastery so I can help reveal more information, although I wouldn't consider it the highest priority... more something we could do on the side if we have little else to do? An interesting suggestion though.

If I am capable of asking for help and I believe that I require help I shall do my best to remember to ask you, at least if you are in the vicinity so you could render assistance quickly. Although once again I think you are underestimating yourself. I acted as the diversion in our first mission together because I believed that you would be the more effective fighter than me, and you certainly pulled your weight that time. And it's not like I started out strong either, so you also had to put up with my own weaknesses, as I explained back then how the Body Combat mastery seems to be lacking in terms of lethal potential.

I doubt they'd have done something like that. Even if my appearance changed somewhat it mostly became a bit wilder, but I was definitely still recognizable as the same person so I doubt they would have locked me up like that, especially if the NPCs wouldn't even register the change and assume I always looked like that, since they would still remember that I helped defend the wall, Caenis or not.

Curious... I have to admit that I personally prefer to believe that the concept is simply so strange to them that they have difficulty grasping them. If the creators of this world had put in mental blocks which simply prevents them from understanding the idea no matter what you try I would find it very disappointing, since that would make it harder to treat them as just people. Although I suppose that with people from Earth it's also theoretically possible to create mental blocks they can't surpass if you just have sufficient understanding of the brain... Anyway, the effect of them not recognizing that you switched races might just be the world itself rewriting itself slightly to suit your new race.

It's very rare for things to be black and white when it comes to people. However that doesn't mean that you can argue with everyone. It might be that the Lunatic Tribe has a complex story behind their nature, and that it is possible for them to be convinced to become less aggressive, but as it stands you would somehow have to survive their aggressive nature for long enough to make them listen to what you have to say, and so far information available to us suggests that this is a very difficult task. You might be capable of doing it, but I would rather you didn't get your hopes up and be disappointed later when the picture painted for us gives the strong impression that maybe it would be for the best to accept that not everyone is willing to listen to reason and try to work around the Lunatic Tribe instead of ramming your head against a wall.

I've only got one fang but I'll definitely keep it on me, as it seems to have a positive effect on non-Lunatic Caenis when I show it to them. And I also have personal motivation to come along, as now that I am a Caenis I would like to visit the tribes of the natural Caenis and try to learn more about them. When I was a Felis the Felis seemed similar enough in culture to the humans for it to matter little but the Caenis have lived a more secluded lifestyle, and even if I am technically an outsider I'd still know what it is like to be a true Caenis. It probably sounds a bit strange for me to take it this seriously, but I feel like it's only right that now that I am a Caenis I try my best to be a proper Caenis, and not just some human who happens to have wolf ears and a tail.

 

Ueno Mizuki

The king of Falderen apparently went mad and decided that the best course of action was to wipe Astorea off of the map, and from what you and others have said king Astor didn't claim his kingdom through honest and upright methods either. While it is understandable that sometimes you have to abandon niceties and the appearance of being a nice person to achieve a goal if that goal has sufficient importance if Astor has really taken advantage of the Yladians in his takeover of Astorea then I would have to agree with your assessment that both Astorea and Falderen are not necessarily positive powers. It seems Astorea will support players against the wrath of NPCs if it comes to it, but that also means that Astorea might end up abandoning or betraying NPCs when it becomes inconvenient to aid them.

So far as I am concerned the people of this world are as real as the people of Earth. Even if they're made of zeroes and ones they are complex enough that I can't imagine them as not being people with their own feelings and thoughts, who want things of their own volition and have self-awareness. I have to admit that one of the biggest fears I have is that whoever created this world might decide to begin messing with the NPCs at random or even begin wiping parts of the world... It would be as if a god descended into our world and began erasing parts of it. I might be treating the threat as too similar as if it happened on Earth, but I still fervently hope that those who designed this world never decide to destroy it, or at least not as long as I or anyone I know exists in it and enjoys living in it, NPC or not.

If you want to investigate the goblins and try to do something about them I have no reason to get in your way, and will in fact gladly help. I didn't stay in Brisshal for very long before I moved onto Astorea because of the war, but that doesn't mean that I don't share your feelings on how they warmly welcomed us and were willing to help us even when we were strangers to them. If the goblins are threatening their well-being they deserve our aid and protection, although I still believe that it would be better if we just focused on driving the goblins away. If you are determined to try and negotiate with them I will not stop you, but I will stand ready to aid you if your attempts at negotiating break down. I would rather not see you die because you wanted to give the goblins a chance and they spat at it.

I think it would be better if you didn't try to convince yourself of that. Every time you interact with her you'll most likely not be able to see her as anything but a real person, so convincing yourself that she's just a bunch of data would be more likely to negatively affect your own thoughts than help either she or yourself. Although of course if you have reason to believe that she is manipulating others you have good cause to distance yourself from her.

And yes, it is easy to get lost in this world where many of the worries of modern life aren't present. It would be easy to just stay in this world and try to pretend the other world is the fake one. However unlike with convincing yourself that the queen isn't real you need to make sure you remain aware that Earth is the world you were born in, and a world which is just as important to you as any other. Even if it isn't pleasant once you start forgetting about Earth you will begin to lose touch with reality, and that would actually be harmful for your own psyche and potentially for the people around you as well.

 

Zelrius

I'd certainly be more careful in the future on using Berserk, if I were you. It sounds awfully taxing on your body, and you may not always have allies around to help you afterward. With the real life effects still unknown, its best not to take chances.


Well, perhaps if that one favor isn't enough to equal that, maybe we do it, and then I owe you. That joke has gone on far too long, Perhaps Vina or Ilya would gut me if they knew I was entertaining the idea when I so blatantly rejected them. That being said, I like the look of the Caenii as opposed to the Felii. Though you're right, I have yet to see one friendly Caenis face, yours still technically unseen from when it happened. I wonder if it will start popping up in more players now that it is an option.


You have hunting? Why, I quite like the idea you proposed. Perhaps I could coax you into using that Hunting Skill to help with my record keeping, in turn, you get to train your Hunting skill by doing that, and then, Punch the shit out of whatever it is we come across, thus also grinding your Body Combat. I also offer that you keep the money each of the monsters drop on death. Does that sound fair and appealing to you, Miss Mizuki?


A Mental block on them used for those purposes would be strange. As you said, I hope that the creators don't just destroy the world. But its entirely likely that whatever servers the game is held on will be long gone before any of us will, especially with the way Medicine is going. Or maybe not, maybe Terra will continue to evolve and grow with its players and constantly have some capacity to play. I can say right now that I much prefer what I have here than- Nevermind.


I still don't know the Caenii's opinion on Snefrid specifically. She was quite the warrior, taking blow after blow from the players and Astorea's army alike. Of course to us, it makes perfect sense knowing from other Games and whatnot; She had a specified Health bar. However, imagine it from not only her Allies Point of View, but as well as our NPC allies. We saw a draining Healthbar, and they saw a Crazed Shewolf able to take hit and cut after being slashed and gouged. No wonder she was a leader of theirs; to them that must've seemed supernatural. Now I have to wonder how many saw the path to greatness through that kind of power, and how many simply feared it and would have rather served it than die trying to oppose that kind of ability.



Ah, I only know from what I've heard, but its mostly 'good' reports. I will give you the general information I know, and then interject my own opinion, sound fair? Okay, From what I know of Astorea, it was formed from a Duchy in the Adeacus Forest to the North. This was following what appeared to be a few generations (Or more) of just general prosecution of the Elves. It sounds much like Moses and his pack of Jews. Astor used that opportunity and a slight bit of instability to seize Castle Dormont and surrounding Cities, creating a safe haven for any and all, specifically for Players and Elves.

 

Zelrius

Now, way I see it; A Player knew he was more powerful than the NPC Royalty, knowing that to them, it looked as though he was blessed with Immortality. So he abuses a Political Position and exploits the plight of those Damned Elves in order to seize power, holding captive many Falderens in his Kingdom, knowing full well they fear that if they oppose him, that the Immortal Adventurers will descend on them and slaughter their families. So he comes off as a benevolent King by playing Ignorant to that fact, and not directly saying anything against those notions.


D'Vangelline's father, Theodore goes 'mad', an old man who is now thrust into a situation he never dreamt would come up. It's similar to how Old people on Earth are often bad with newer Technology; The World changes around their idea of how it is. So he tries to act against it, 'Kill them all' being his solution, afterall, that's how he's solved every other problem, why wouldn't it work this time? So now he's fighting Immortals, who come into existence in the very fields of Brisshal, a province in the heart of the Kingdom his predecessors fought tooth and nail for as their Legacies. D'Vangelline exploits her father's fear, writes him off as Mad, and then plays servant to Astor, saving him from a Dungeon in order to use his Immortals to kill her Father and seize the throne for herself, effectively selling her kingdom off to live under the boot of a very clear Warmonger. Centuries of work by her family, gone in an instant because Astor is a Megalomaniac who lacks compassion for the people who have been here their whole lives.


Which I suppose brings us to our next point. Are they people? I think so, and I was shaky, but you, Miss Mizuki, have reinforced my beliefs. Talk to any of them; they all have clear memories of their lives before the Adventurers, they all lived and loved before we showed up. And while there are plenty of us who try our best not to interfere directly with them unless its in a positive light, there are still plenty of players who abuse the Masteries to Lord over them. It's disgusting honestly, and just talking about it actually frustrates me quite a bit.


I uh, sorry. I went on a tangent, lets forget about that and focus now on the subject matter of this PM Conversation. The Goblins. If you insist that I shouldn't reason with them, then so be it. But understand that I will do it without your blessing, because I will be damned if Astor and his cronies use them as an MP Grind, or even worse, Subjugate and abuse another race of semi-humanoids. Especially if there is even the slightest chance that we can get them to work with the Humans and Felis of Falderen in peace. I head out for there tomorrow, you're free to come along, if you so wish.

 

Ueno Mizuki

I will definitely pay more attention to the limits of my body, although I also believe that as I use it my body slowly becomes more accustomed to it. With some lucky I might end up gaining enough control to utilize the power the rage gives me without breaking my own body in the process. So far I haven't noticed any effects on my real self, which I reason is because the Berserkergang is a completely different state of mind induced by the mastery.

It's probably best to not drag on the joke for too long yes, although I'd also argue that if it's treated as a favour of one person to another there might be something wrong. I do not know the two women(?) you are talking about, but them gutting you would imply that they do not believe you have the right to decide for yourself who you are attracted to or want to be with.

With some luck more players will become Caenii. So far I'm enjoying it myself so I'd definitely not discourage others from trying it out. And yes I have the Hunting mastery, as it is only prudent for a wolf to be able to track her prey and hunt it down, even if I rely on claws and fists rather than bow and arrow. Whatever your weapon is, being able to find the weak spots is always useful.

I have no issues with the plan of me tracking down the creatures and taking them down while you study them, although I don't think I'd have much use of the gold they dropped. It'd be fairer if we shared it since I am not in dire need of money.

The odds are high that the servers that sustain this world aren't going to last as long as we will be alive, but it would be a pleasant turn if events if they did, if not for us who treat it as another world to visit and explore then for those who live in this world. Actually it is probably for the best that they failed to understand your explanation: the truth may have value on its own, but I think they will live happier lives not being afraid that suddenly everything they know and hold dear could disappear by the hands of an entity from outside their world, something they wouldn't be able to do anything about.

She was the leader of the Lunatics and they definitely looked up to her, as they universally seem to put a lot of value into physical might... although I would not be surprised if it turned out that there was also a good deal of fear even with other Lunatic Caenii. From what little conversation I've had the other tribes... were more worried by her nature and feared her strength, even if they also acknowledged it as phenomenal. Which would be to our benefit as it makes them less eager to risk our wrath even if I'd rather establish communication on friendly terms than through fear and intimidation.

...The way you describe it you make it sound as if you don't believe the elves deserved the aid they received. That doesn't mean that your suspicions of Astor taking advantage of the situation are unfounded, but for now I think I'll remain neutral as I could see that both as opportunistic or him genuinely believing it'd be better for the elves if he gave them a place to live where they wouldn't have to fear the prosecution that is apparently part of Falderen's culture.

 

Ueno Mizuki

As for D'Vangelline... I can see what you mean. It's not far-fetched to argue that the king wasn't mad, but just didn't know what to do with the new situation. However even so from what I heard he was willing to raze the entirety of Astorea to try and be rid of us, which would have included the deaths of thousands of non-immortals, including his own former subjects. Even if it might have been something he did because he couldn't think of anything else to do if you were to argue that he was actually sound of mind he would have to face responsibility for his decisions, and the decision to commit genocide is one that is hard to justify under any circumstances.

And if he was just ruthless instead of mad it does mean that D'Vangelline might also not be as pure-hearted as one might think if they only looked at her appearance and polite behaviour. Overall I'm not quite convinced that I should condemn either side as evil or worryingly self-centred, but I don't feel much for supporting either side either. If either one becomes a threat I will stand against them but for now I will continue acting as an independent adventurer with no ties to either side.

Although now that you mention it... I am actually not certain if the people of this world use masteries or not. You would think that only those who treat the world like a game would do that, but yet it's not like players are the only powerful people in this world, as Snefrid can attest. Maybe the people of this world are just as familiar with masteries as us, and the main reason most of them aren't as powerful is that they are tied down by their lives so they can't do what we do, namely travel the world and go wherever we feel like going, fighting whatever we feel like fighting. The fact that they cannot respawn as easily as we do would also make them less eager to risk their lives in the way we do to grow in strength.

I understand. If you are determined to see if you can convince the goblins to abandon their destructive ways I will not forcibly stop you, but I will remain ready to step in should they try to take advantage of your willingness to negotiate.

I'll meet you tomorrow then. Stay safe and be prepared to prioritize the well being of the citizens of Falderen if it comes down to it and the goblins force us to choose.

 

Zelrius

I suspect that you're going for the mastered. As long as you understand the dangers, I trust your judgement. I hope the berserkergang works out for you, I'd love to see it on the action in battle one day, hopefully as an ally.

I am over it, for now anyway. Yes, I suppose doing it as a favor for one person might be problematic. You might find yourself with a lot of favors to be exchanged if word floats around long enough. You'd be right, maybe I should tell those two. Though I suspect one wouldn't gut me, but instead use it as an excuse to re initiate. The other however, that short and crazy as all hell Felis, probably feels exactly that way, not that I am bothered by it.

Aye yes, the good news about having two swords, anywhere on a body that isn't armored is a weak spot. Eyes, Ears, Feet, Hands, Fingers. You name it, I can probably precisely strike it. I used to have hunting, but have long since lost it, in trade for Beast Taming, which also in the name of Science, I'd like to test some ideas on. If you'd be willing to be a test subject, I'd happily compensate your time with money or knowledge or whatever it is you need in order to agree to such a thing.

Share the money? I mean, I will not reject that offer, you're awfully generous, and it is much appreciated, Miss Mizuki. Then so be it, though it sounds like I will be busy for the next few weeks at the least, how about whenever i get the free time, you and I meet up and can go about gathering any and all information we can. In the mean time, I am going to scour the BBS for such information before we go wasting our time gathering info that may have already been common knowledge.

I Suppose you're right. Why inflict that fear upon them? No need, let them live their lives, and should the servers go down, I hope for the sake of the people in this world that it is an instant data wipe, quick and painless, with no one to grieve over the world descending around them. To some that may seem sad, to myself, that sounds merciful. Though I still hold onto the hope that they won't get rid of the servers for a very long time, but I suppose everything has to come to an end, right?

Aye, they're very Tribal in that sense. Might makes right in their book, and regardless of who it is that wields it, a level of respect and an even level of fear, follow. That scares me a bit as we've talked about Falderen and Astorea extensively. I hope Astor or D'Vangelline don't see the swift victory on Eastwatch and the now fracturing tribes as an opportunity to strike and capture more land, maybe even subjugating the tribes. Though I'd by lying if I said I don't agree with Tribal ways, as they often come out to be savage, and maybe some of the weaker Caenis would benefit from having cities and Nobility and what not. Don't misinterpret me, I don't agree with 'civilizing' people who are perfectly happy the way they are, especially not forcibly. I am saying that maybe some crossing of Ideas might do them some good. Perhaps Trade would be the best way to do that?

I suppose the main difference to that analogy is the Elves didn't bring the 12 Plagues and wreak havoc on the Empire. Atleast, not in such a direct way as portrayed by the stories of Moses and his Exodus. However, it is often said that those same stories are metaphorical anyway, and while they might not have right then and there over the course of 12 days caused those plagues, it is entirely possible that there was a list of things that were going wrong in the Egyptian Empire that may have been a result of the growing Jewish population there, whether it was their fault, or even true or not, I don't know, I am only conveying how I understand it. I will say this; the Elves weren't hated for no reason. Humans didn't just wake up one day after living in perfect harmony with these pointy eared beauties, and think 'You know what'd be funny? If we prosecuted this group of tall men and pretty women for giggles.' We've talked about how it is never that black and white. The Elves earned that reputation somehow, whether intentionally or not. For Astor to ignore that and abuse the series of problems they faced for his own gain, is not very justifiable.

I standby the fact that he wasn't mad. Just an Old man who was scared for his Kingdom because of a force he didn't understand. As I said before, he tried the one thing he knew how to do; Fight a War. Often times in war, if you're a smart general anyway, what you do is cut off the supply chain and pin them down somewhere. Armies were small, and you needed every man home that next spring in order to plant crops, so you very rarely fought on the open Battlefield. Instead, you burn the surrounding lands, kill any who oppose your occupation, and corner them. In Theodore's defense, I see it as he was willing to make a sacrifice of a few thousand of his people, in order to save his Kingdom, the work of his ancestors, and all the people still within the fold of Falderen. Was it the right move? We only have this one path, and I am certainly glad that Astorea won, given that it didn't cost the lives of tens of thousands of civilians and soldiers. But who knows what comes next, and what horrors await us that Theodore may have been able to stop.