Adventures of Steele

Brisshal; Exploring the Forest
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Some time had passed since he first arrived in the game; his first day was one to remember. Yet his urge to explore was never more demanding. So, being the adventurous man he was he returned to the location he started his journey at. Eyes shifting about scanning for the path he took to the stalls, he'd backtrack and look for any Easter eggs or unmapped locations. He knew with most games there were hidden secrets, that or something he'd missed. Knowing him he'd overlooked a nice opportunity to make some coin early on.

However unlike most traditional games with a lack of leveling one needed to constantly hustle to earn their mastery and gold. As such he spent a grand time seeking out ways to do such; unsure he figured there must have been some basic quests he missed or overlooked. As such the male found one fairly easy. An NPC by the name of Huntsman seemed eager to see him. Approaching the NPC the male would smile and nod his head; extending his hand out to greet the male.

Aye young lad, ya seem to wonder into my neck of the woods. You wouldn't be looking for some work now, would you?​

Nodding the Steele would trigger the male to continue with his speech and offer him the quest he'd missed.

Alright lad, then how about we broker and agreement. Some coin and dinner for a bit of aid, you see I'm in need of some vegetables and a rabbit to go along with my stew; if you stumble upon a couple carrots and some cabbage I'd trade you some and a bit of coin. Should you happen upon some wolves or anything in a trap or two, bring that back as well. I'll pay you a gold piece each for whatever you can muster.​

Grinning wide he'd raise his hand to shake as the contract was formed. A new window appearing as he approved the quest. The details once more appearing before him as motioned his hands about to accept the data and spread it about. Looking to the map analyze it some trying to decipher where the markers were for obvious locations where he might find the carrots and cabbage; like a small farm. Not seeing any visible spots he'd take off and begin searching the woods.

Making his way deeper into the forest he would scout about finding a small cabin in the woods; noting a freshly tilled garden he'd place a hand upon his lips and try to figure out just what was going on. Wandering over towards the female who seemed to be doing some wash he'd approach her and speak.

"Pardon me miss but do you happen to have some spare carrots or cabbage?"​

A faint smile passed as she nodded her head then invited him in. Once inside she'd show him her wares but then explain clearly that there was a cost. She needed help around the cabin with some laundry, there was a rat problem in the basement of the home and she could use a big strong man to aid her moving things to the attic. Sighing he knew there was a catch but would do it anyways.

Starting with the attic he'd begun lugging up and carrying several large chests full of stuff. A faint yet musky smell of rotting meat or something was noted; as he carried up each box she seemed a bit nervous. Yet at the same time, he'd note the boxes varied in weight some. The final box, however, seemed to be the heaviest. Thinking nothing of it, he'd finish the task and head back down.

Moving on to the second task, she'd motion for him to help her dry the clothes outside. Some having blood stains he thought little of it, seeing she was a woman. A bit sexist, but things hadn't quite clicked. His hands working at it, cleaning and hanging the laundry. The female sliding up alongside him admiring his figure as she teased and spoke so fondly of his big muscley arms and just how nice it would be to have a real man around her place to take care of her needs.

A faint blush would have passed his face as he thought about it and look up and down her figure; she was attractive, but he had this strange feeling about her. Not the good kind either. But he'd let it go and laugh; maybe this was a trap to get him to give her his source code. None the less he'd carry on with the next task. But it wasn't until he made his way to the basement where he saw the blood pools and bones that he figured out what was going on. Turning around he'd be faced with the sweet innocent woman holding a knife.

Fuck my life; I always attract crazy even in video games. ​

Getting on the defensive grabbing a bone he'd prepare for combat; he was unsure just what to do. Should attack her, then he couldn't collect the veggies. Although he could always steal them, that would most likely yield another negative action. He could always defeat her in combat and see if he could trade her life for the goods.

"Tell me, do you honestly think I can't snap your neck, you want to take your chances with that knife. Fine by me, but I'd sooner knock you, tie you up and report you to the authorities. Then I could always knock you out and take my veggies anyways or we could both agree to part ways and I won't tell a soul you are here."​

He'd say as she paused for a moment contemplating her next move. Moving slowly towards her he'd begin to count down as if to force a choice sooner than later. Bluffing but seeing just how advanced the AI were; compared to a player it might work easily given his size and prowess. But with an NPC it was tougher. Her smile faded as she dropped the knife and extended her hand to agree to the terms.

Shaking he'd claim his reward veggies appearing in his inventory. Yet the option to turn her in still remained as well as one to kill her and the third appeared to be, keep your word. A moral dilemma, how interesting. It was then he'd grinned wide, swiftly shifting from the shake to a hold of sorts. His arm wrapped around her tiny neck as he held, tight. Had he jerked just right he could kill her? Yet at the same time she was struggling and striking back at him, he would feel the pain and notice his health lower.

Moments later she'd collapse and his options modified once more to just kill her or tie her up and turn her in. Choosing this option he'd begin to tie her up and lock her in a room with just the chair; leaving a note just in case someone stumbled on by. Leaving with his veggies he'd note a rabbit caught in a trap at a distance from the house. Folding his arms he'd look down at it; the emotions and fear in its eyes he'd see the huntsmans notes again. Raising his hand he'd reach for the small rabbit.

Yet instead of killing it he'd let it go from the trap and sigh, knowing he'd probably messed that part up seeing it cross out. As he continued on his way he'd come across another trap with another rabbit but nearby a wolf. His eyes shifted to the side as if to break the fourth wall. Looking back he'd prepare to attack the wolf and save the rabbit; but alas he was too slow and the poor thing would have it's neck snapped.

But on the bright side he did manage to make the first strike upon the wolf and it seemed to drop the rabbit. Jumping back and preparing to fight he'd attempt to shout and lower the wolves damage before bashing it with the primative shield as he charged forth reducing damage taken. His blade swinging up to cleave it; had it been a decent sword. Instead it mearly added to the damage.

As the combat continued for a bit he'd eventually finish up with the task, removing the rabbit from the trap. Dragging the wolf along. Arriving not long after the campsite as he plopped down next to the huntsman. Waiting to collect his rewards he'd sigh and wave his hands at the male.

"This was a lot harder to get than a simple quest, so I'm uping the request for two bowls and 5 gold for the wolf. Rabbit is free of charge."​

He'd say with a chuckle as he agreed to the terms and the two ate; the sun setting in the distance he'd smile some and happily eat his meal; yet he couldn't help but to think he was forgetting something. As time passed and now the moon was slowly raising into the sky it was only then at the wolves howl and the huntsman's remark of the crazy people being out due to a full moon he'd remember.

"Fuck, I got to go. Thanks for the meal and the gold, forgot I need to do something."​

Running off now he'd head towards the nearest city; Stokbon to report the crazed woman who murdered the family in the cabin.

[To be Continued...]

 

The Lone Wolf
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The game hadn't been out long and already there were folks deeply invested into it. This was something even Aaron could understand as he too enjoyed it more than he thought it might. So in the day, he worked at his gym, at night he played the game to his heart's content; allowing for sleep in the background. However, the not thing he was still learning but slowly began to enjoy was the combat system. The mechanics among other things, like how a player's defenses seemed to work as well as the skill sets one chose. Having been a tank he found it difficult to do damage; but also made it easier to handle damage as well. However, this was neither here nor there.

What was important was the actions which lead the male to the holy city of Stokbon and all its glory. As one might recall during his last journey he ran across a huntsman, who led him to the home of the crazed killer who helped him get his needed goods in order to once more shift the ordeal of one quest to another ultimately leading him to capture her and claiming the goods. Having turned in one quest he made his way hastily towards Stokbon to inform the authorities of the killer. But much to his surprise they seemed a bit preoccupied. Apparently, there was a player killer on the loose; normally NPC cared little for that; unless. Yep, you guessed it he killed npc too.

So being marked as wanted; dead or alive. Seemed to attract a lot of players, but as many that hunted said player the more died. It was rumored this player had killed at least fifty others and that was just on the first day. With the NPC and everyone else, the total body count was nearing one hundred. So, what was it that caused this alleged lone wolf to kill? No one knew but the rumor had it they had been killed originally when they first logged in; their data corrupted and they desired nothing more than to just destroy them. But truth be told it was probably just another troll or kid who got to the hype for his own good; a real rogue player who used cheap tactics and abused the combat system.

None the less our brave hero after turning in his quest would personally take on this goal of finding and putting this player out of commission if not getting them to stop. However, this would be easier said than done.As such the next few hours would be spent moving about the vast city to try and figure out just what was going on. Who had last heard anything, where they heard it any possible location of said person. Yet nothing concrete had passed his ears; that was until he made his way to the local pub. As most knew, if you wanted information a pub was the go to place in most games but being new to gaming Aaron was only just learning this basic among many others.

While inside the male would discuss with the bartender buying a drink to find out what they knew; it was here that they would inform him of the last known location of the player killer; the one known as Stark. So taking the lead, the male would make his way out of the bar and to the location. It was there he'd meet another who claimed they had seen the alleged player killer; triffleda girl named Arya. The story went that her brother was killed be said player killer and they were not ontrifled with. Had Aaron half a brain or ever saw the old show Game of Thrones he might have foreseen what was to come, yet he did not so the joke would remain on him.

Having teamed up with the young girl and her wolf he'd make his way towards the outskirts of town; heading back into the woods. At a small clearing just west of the city he'd stumble upon a figure in the dark. Preparing to fight the person would have appeared hostile attacking the girl. Joining in on the fray he'd protect her and take a hit or two. Shield clashing, the girl's blade plunged deep into the target; the duo defeating the villain; perparedthe player killer. Well, Araya landing the killing blow before the player fell and simply asked; why? Confused Aaron would loprepared to ask why what only to be struck from behind first by Arya then by her dire wolf.

It was then it made sense. She had played him, the bar tender spoke of a player escaping and that must have been them. So she used him to hurt this player; kill them. Now he was alone to fight the wolf and her. Injured already he was angry; but not just angry; Livid. Enraged by the entire ordeal his eyes glew red. He'd entered a Berserk State. Letting his anger add to his strength and speed. His shield and sword moving quickly. His aim at first for the wolf, defending against the girl. Little by little pecking away at them before his health bar hit half way. But this, this was when the true fun began.

Breathing heavily he'd shout his battle cry as he ran forth slamming into the girl and piercing the wolf time and time again. Before his health bar reached a fair mark; one third of it's original mark. At this point it looked bleak for him, but as she came in to strike; the main damage gone since he slain her wolf he'd slam the shield up aginst her weapon and strike her for a clean tenth of her health. Shocked at his newfound speed and damage she became lost. How could he do such a feat; his speed was slower, his damage minescule yet his fortitude. How, why? None of it made sense til she saw his eyes; she wasn't the only one who could abuse the combat system using a two on one advantage.

No he too had a trick. His Berserk state; with enough points invested he managed to utilize it's boost to his stats to show her who was boss. As she appeared shocked and caught off guard he'd break into her with his shield hard smacking her in the face; knocking her back then striking her down hard. Should she be stunned landing the second hit; each one slicing her health a fair chunk. His combo continued his shield uppercutting her as his blade slammed hard into her rib cage the pain excrusiating as he never let up combo after combo letting her take a beating til she was within range to finish off.

Pulling back he'd look at her and shake his head, "Your not worth it." he'd say spitting to the side and walking away. Angry and hurt she'd attempt to back stab him; remaining unphased as he turned around slowly his hand chopping her quickly in the neck with the hilt of his blade he'd note her knocked out and drag her body towards the city; having tied her up. Turning in the player killer he'd drop her off towards the authorities taking his claim for the coin and sighing. He was tired and exhausted; in a bit of pain and ready to rest. Frowning he would look back to the girl who now woke and was angrily cursing him; threatening to get revenge. A faint chuckle passed as he headed off to his next adventure.

[To Be Continued]

 

A Day At Market
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When last we ventured with young Aaron Steele, his journey had taken him to Stokbon. Turning in the crazed killer he'd captured. Not too long into his visit to the holy city was he to help bring peace of mind to this troubled town; bringing mercy to its people. As he went off to claim the head of this player killer or bring them in alive he'd team up with a lovely young lass named Arya, in search of the player killer known as Stark. So off they ventured into the woods to slay their target; little did he know it was all just a ploy and he'd have to fight Arya and her wolf; a grim fight turning at mid point. It was then he slain her wolf and defeated her in combat; pitying her he let her go.

But much to his surprise she'd strike him from behind; pity was gone. He knocked her out and dropped her off with the authorities as she claimed to take revenge against him one day; his care little and his journey over. A day had passed since the events and his wounds healed, yet the lesson taught him he'd need to train more and not just the mind or body but his skills. Needing to upgrade for a better shield and sword, hell even armor he'd begin searching around the city of Stokbon for work. Much to his surprise, it wasn't very easy to find. At first, he'd need venture off in one direction only to turn to another; trade his goods with one person to get some for another.

Chain questing all to end up with some coin and not much gained; given the cost to get the items. He'd begin to wonder if it was going to be worth it in the end, but he'd remain hopeful. As he arrived at one specific stand just outside the main trading center he'd look at the armor there; excited he'd prepare to fix his bag to buy it but noticed the price he'd immediately regret grabbing for his wallet. So expensive, yet his basic way of gaining gold was horse shit and he knew it.The game wasn't exactly easy to farm gold, nor was it practical early on. Then again; this was still the starting area and the early on so he'd need to be a bit more creative or find his golden goose.

Preparing to leave the shop owner would open his door and ask the boy about his interest. A faint smile passed as he wanted to buy the armor. Explaining the situation the male would retort, explaining the cost and reason. Not worried about the cost or justification, he would simply ask the owner if he had any work to help earn the coin. As such he had and it was mainly deliveries. As such he'd accept and begin carrying the goods around town dropping them off where designated; that was until he ran into a player who ordered some daggers. It was talking to this character which sparked the question, why not steal or charge extra. Try and make some excess coin to afford the armor.

Thinking on it, he'd shake his head and be on his way; finishing his delivery he'd return to collect his pay and leave. The job paid very little and compared to the armor it would take quite some time to earn enough, couple this with the cost to live at the Inn for some time, food and his drinks it would take forever. So aside from winning big at a dungeon, taking up a craft or otherwise becoming a bodyguard; he'd need to get several more jobs around the city. It was then as he was walking about stopping at various stands looking for work he'd stumble across a simple job; one which was a quest. To spend time with an old man and play a game of chess.

A faint smile passed as he went off towards the target and met up with him; hanging around near some Barber entrance he'd begin playing his game losing the first game quickly, winning the second before losing the tie breaker; yet grateful the male approved his contract and rewarded him some coin. Using it to enter the shop and get a clean shave and hair cut he'd grin; his spiky new hair was perfect. Excited, he'd make his way out and once more off into the city. His day so far a unique one; giving him both new goals and current ones to complete. This coupled with the desire to expand and make his name each task bringing him closer to one of the goals.

Accomplishing each one slowly he made his way off to the port; finally finding a simple job which he'd enjoy. He found a fisherman's ship which needed a strong set of hands to load a cart and drive it to various stalls around the market; as such he accepted. Bringing it to the fish stall, a few restaurants as well as a bait shop or two. Ultimately emptying his cart and returning it. However, among such a journey he'd noted his stomach growling and again; the cost of living. So busting his ass all day long, eating, spending money and doing what he must he came to the grand conclusion that the jobs he was working would require more effort than they were worth.

So his lesson for the day was market life was not quite for him; not yet. He worked hard to earn his coin. But to keep it and not be riddled with costs and so forth; he was better off leaving the city and working with the Huntsman or some one willing to buy pelts in exchange for coin. A task much easier for him as he could also sell the meat, so he'd at the very least have something to contemplate as he made his way from the market place towards the inn. Dragging his feet the man was exhausted and ready to crash.

[To Be Continued]

 

The Farmers Daughter
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Earlier in the week, Steele had gone from hunting beast; to capturing criminals to flat out doing odd jobs. All in the hopes of making some coin to buy the things he wanted; finding out that although hard work paid off; doing so in a city leads to far too many temptations and could become otherwise costly. As such the young hero would have learned the hard way to seek out work elsewhere. In this occasions towards the forest; hunting beasts and turning pelt and meat into coin, but much like his first assumption the new one would lead him to stumble upon the farmland, and of course the Farmer's daughter. A short, cute little thing wearing the most stereotypical but appealing clothing he'd ever seen.

So naturally being as perverted and headstrong as he was the big old brute would introduce himself. A cocky grin and a strut as he made his way over to the lass, tripping in a whole and rolling over flat on his ass. Hands shooting up almost instinctively trying to save himself as if it were planned or something. His eye winking as he made a noise, slowly raising up off the ground and dusting himself off. The words smooth running past the caramel goddess's lips as she teased him for his failure to launch. His own embarrassment kicking in as he laughed rubbing the back of his head and finally speaking upon the matter in a smooth fashion.

"Sorry bout that, reckon I'm falling for you pretty quick. I tend to get hurt when I see a pretty girl, seems your no exception. Let's hope these wounds hurt less than the ones' you'll surely ensue on my heart. But enough talk of your beauty, since I'm sure you get it a lot. This is a nice ranch, rather elegant, small yet very versatile. You wouldn't happen to be looking for Ranchers, or perhaps some help on occasion. I'm always eager to lend a hand, maybe help plow your field, plant some seeds. Help you harvest your crop."​

A faint blush would pass her cheeks as she shook her head and shrugged, pointing him in the direction of the male not far off with the sickle. His eyes shifting back he'd change his smile to a frown as she grinned more leaning over and kissing his cheek, whispering how Pa hate city boys trying to sleep with her. But with how cute he was, that wouldn't stop her. walking off swinging her hips he'd turn back and feel the sudden blood rush all men got when he'd mutter to himself if fries came with that shake. Biting his lip some he'd turn back to the sudden appearance of her father with his blade in hand pointing it at the crotch of the young male as if to warn him; asking what he was doing here 'City boy'?

Laughing nervously he'd take a few steps back trying to avoid becoming a Eunuch. His hands waving as if to calm the male down and a faint sigh passing as he lowered the blade and spit off to the side either of disgust or to remove the seeds from his mouth. Either way, he seemed impatient. So replying as fast as he could the young male would begin.

"Oh me, sorry sir. Saw the ranch, became intrigued. Never seen one growing up in the city. Always wanted to visit one, maybe even work around her. Got any need for a ranch hand? I heard it's back breaking labor, but city life can be too easy. You know, nothing in life is worth doing if it's easy. Besides, I'm built like an ox as you can see, might as well use what I was blessed with...."​

He'd say nervously as the frown turned into a grin and he slapped Aaron on the shoulder. Happy with his answer he'd show the boy around as he laughed and spoke a bit about the far, eyes wandering to the daughter who would look ever so delicious wearing her revealing clothing bent over, working some utters or otherwise teasing him from afar; it wouldn't be long before the ever so common phrase. Well if it's work yer looking for we got it, welcome to stay in the barn. But you're to keep away from my daughter ya hear or it's your balls I'll be keeping in a jar. Eyes shifting back to him with a nervous laugh he'd try to play it off as he retorted he was serious and not joking.

Accepting the contract his fist task was to gather some carrots; a minimum of twenty alongside some cabbage and corn. The side quest was to gather 100 of each impressing the father and earning some extra coin. So naturally, he'd do so although somewhere around the fifty mark he'd note the daughter by the barn whispering for him to come over. It was there she'd lay up back against the wall tracing down his chest asking about the city life and if he'd ever made love in the hay. His first natural reaction was to jump right into it and show her how to ride a cowboy. But he'd shake his head and keep it modest; taking her hand kissing it and dismissing himself back to work.

A bit annoyed but smiling he'd seem to gain more respect from her and prying eyes not too far off in the distance. So finishing up his first bit of task, he'd soon get to work on the next, gathering the escaped chickens and placing them back in the pen. As well as the optional bonus to the quest; about hunting and killing any foxes who ventured in the pens and or may be found on the farmland. This task took some time as it was a large farm but he'd complete it towards sundown. Tired and exhausted he prepared to take his leave, but instead was invited in for dinner. The daughter flirty as ever had dragged him along; one might swear they were player characters based on how they acted.

None the less he'd sit down and eat with them. But it wasn't until desert came that things got interesting as the barn was officially offered as a place to stay and his daughter rubbed her leg against his asking if he'd like to sample her pie. A deep breath was taken as he tried to remain calm as he nodded; accepting a slice on his plate as her father said it was the best around. Laughing to himself he was grateful for their hospitality and the food. The drinks though were a bit much as the moonshine was strong or at least seemed to be giving him a status effect for the night. But either way, as he made his way into the barn a shadowy figure made it's way too; in the dead of night. Was he finally getting that pie?

[To be Continued]