*Welcome to Crimson*


    Greg appeared in a white space with no body. A blue screen floated in front of him. He couldn’t see anything but white around him except for the screen.


    *Please name your character.*


    Greg read words written on the screen. He took a few minutes to think of a name. He input the name he thought of into the pop up box.


    *Hebin Kilnu has been accepted.*


    *Generating features based on brain scan please standby.*


    *Generation successful. Would you like to begin?*


    “Yes”


    *Please stand by for materialization in 5…4…3…2…1.”


    His vision went black before he reappeared inside a well lit up room. “That was fast!” he thought as his eyes adjusted to the light. He blinked a few times before he noticed all the people staring at him, some with mouths open in shock. He stared blankly out at the crowd wondering what he has gotten himself into.


    He looked down at his body and noticed that he wore a white robe and woven sandals as he stood before the people. He appeared to be on a raised platform. Above him a large stained glass window cast colorful light down upon him. In the front of him a old man stood behind a pulpit with a good view of his congregation. The old man who stood behind the pulpit paused in his sermon, realizing that his audience were no longer paying attention to his preaching. He glanced at the direction they were staring at and noticed the presence of a newcomer who seemed to have appeared out of nowhere.


    Greg stood there, just as bewildered as the preacher. The priest shook off his astonishment and plastered on a smile.


    "Welcome, adventurer. Sorry for the inconvenience, but could you please step down from there?" He motioned for a young boy. "Follow this young man to the back. I will be done shortly, and then we can assess your situation."


    Greg followed the boy through the rows of pews and noticed that the man was reassuring the people that his sudden appearance was indeed normal. Shortly after he continued on with his sermon.


    “I would think they would be a little more excited to see someone appearing out of nowhere. I certainly would be.”


    The boy guided him to a side room to the back of the church.


    “Wait here mister, the pastor will be with you shortly.” The boy left quickly and shut the door behind him.


    Greg looked around the room trying recognize anything familiar. A large desk was filling the center of it with 2 chairs in front and 1 chair behind it. Several documents and writing utensils were lying on the desk, next to a unlit candle. The back of the room was filled by two large bookcases that contained books of all sizes and shapes. Their bindings were worn out and the yellow paper sticking out the sides appeared to be quite old. On the right side of the room under the sunlight cast by a circular window, a book stand that displayed a large book openly attracted his attention. He strode over to it and took a few glances at the open pages.


    “The god Artin slayed the demon lord Falko with his sword Silence, ending the 100 year reign of evil over the continent of Sulkiner... ”


    The door to the room opened just as he wanted to flip the page. He quickly turned around and noticed that the pastor walked in.


    “Please have a seat.” The pastor said while he closed the door behind him and walked behind the desk.


    “My name is Jero Geo, I am the Pastor of this church dedicated to the god Artin. May I know your name?” Pastor Jero asked and took a seat behind the desk.


    Greg took a seat in front of the desk and crossed his legs. “My name is Hebin. I just arrived here as you saw. Please tell me where I am?”


    “Yes, the god Artin has told me of you arrival. Here is a map of the village Gadol. May it guide you, along with the blessings of Artin, Adventurer Hebin.” He reached down and opened a drawer to the desk. He pulled a folded map out of the desk and handed over to Greg.


    *Obtained Map of Gadol Village*


    A notification popped up briefly before it faded away in his vision. It left a faint exclamation mark in the bottom corner of his vision as not to be distracting.


    “Thank you Pastor, what else could you tell me about this village?”


    “The great god has only allowed for me to give you a map, he told me that the people he sends need to explore for themselves. I did label the local shops and Inn on the map so you may have a place to stay for the night.”


    “Okay…thank you for the map at least.” He stood up with map in hand. The pastor also stood up and guided him to the door. They walked to the main door of the church, along the way he saw people still in the pews. This time around they all knelt in prayer towards a large picture of a man framed along the wall on the far side of the church above the platform.


    “Farewell adventurer and may Artin watch over you on your journey.” The pastor held the door open for him as he left the church.


    He stood on the steps of the church and gazed at the streets packed with people going about their daily activities.Simple buildings with signboards hanging from their entrances and windows filled with products advertising their usefulness filled the sides of the streets in front of him.


    “This is awesome.” He grinned as he opened the map the pastor gave him.


    He looked at it and found the church right in the center of the village. The village didn’t seem to be that big. The area of the city seemed to hold around 1000 people.


    “According to what i’ve read online Inns, guildhalls, and personal houses are all save locations for your body. Unlike other rpgs where your body disappears upon logging out in Crimson your body falls to the ground motionless. The only time your body disappears was when you have died and are resurrected at your save point. If you don’t have a save point it’s defaulted to a church or religious place.”


    He located the Inn on the map and decided to make sure he had a place to stay when night came since he didn’t have any experience yet in fighting monsters.


    “Where do I put this map? I know most mmo’s have an inventory lets see if it works.”


    “Inventory”


    A blank screen filled his vision as his Inventory appeared. It was filled with nothing except 1 gold and 50 silver displayed at the bottom of the screen.


    “Ok I got the screen open now how to do I put the map into it?”


    He noticed a little bag icon appear as he opened the screen.


    “Maybe I can just think about putting it into the little bag it will appear on the screen?”


    The map disappeared from his hand and appeared on the screen.


    “Cool it worked!”


    He thought of taking the map out of the inventory and it reappeared in his hands again. He repeated this process to get used to it. The bag icon for the inventory fainted and slowly went to the bottom of his vision as he was done thinking about it. He left the map in the inventory as he decided to visit the inn. He left the church merging into the crowd. He was the only one wearing a white robe and received many looks as he walked with through the crowd.


    “Maybe I should visit the tailor first and get a normal outfit. I don’t want to stand out too much in this robe.”This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    Uncomfortable with the many looks he has received he pulled the map out of the inventory and looked for the Tailor.


    “Seems to be close by” He looked up from the map and saw the tailors emblem hanging from a sign down the street. He returned his map and changed directions.


    “I didn’t even need the map if I had looked around closer.”


    The streets were full of the noise of people chatting a walking. The smell of fresh food lingered in the air as he walked.


    “This is awesome, it so realistic!” He watched as a man led a horse pulling a cart full of hay walk by. A few guardsmen who wore matching outfits with swords at their waist walked by. He assumed they patrolled the streets and kept the peace between villagers .


    He arrived at the tailor’s shop indicated by the sign on the door and the emblem hanging above.


    “Here we go” He opened the door and walked in. A room full of cloth racks greeted him with the rich smell of leather. He noticed a well dressed man behind a counter to the left of the room. The man looked up as he entered. Greg walked over to the counter while he gazed at the various clothes displayed in the room.


    “Greetings, how may I help you today?” The man politely asked as Greg got closer.


    “I don’t want to stand out in a crowd”


    “I’m in need of new clothes this robe isn’t very good for adventuring is it?” he asked smiling to himself.


    “No sir, robe generally are not used for combat. They are especially bad if you are fighting up close and personal. Please follow me I have a wide range of clothes may I recommend a basic outfit?”


    “A basic outfit what is that?” he followed the man around as he roamed through different clothing racks.


    “The basic outfit is a pair of leather shoes, a plain shirt, and trousers. This outfit is perfect for daily wear and fit comfortable under armor of any kind.”


    “That is just what I''m looking for. How much will it be?”


    “The basic outfit is 2 silver. I will need to take your measurements so I know what size you are.”


    Paying 2 silvers isn’t that bad. The game gives me 1 gold 50 silver to spend. Based on this basic outfit I should be able to buy most basic items I will need.


    “Here you go.” He handed the silver to the tailor. The tailor received the money and began taking measurements.


    “It seems you will be a large size.” The tailor went to the backroom and returned with a pair of leather shoes on top of some folded clothes.


    “Here you go. There is a changing room right over there.” He handed over the clothes and pointed to the door on the other side of the room.


    “Thank you.” Greg proceeded to the changing room. Inside the changing room he opened his inventory and dragged the icon of the robe into the a spare inventory slot. Next he took each item of the outfit and dragged them into the character equipment slot for clothes. When each item was put on they materialized instantly covering his body. The Shirt and Trousers fit snugly on his body while the shoes were quite comfortable. He had the feeling that they wouldn’t cause any blisters on his feet from walking too much. He left the tailor shop after he was finished getting changed. He waved goodbye to the tailor on the way out of the store.


    Outside the tailor shop he didn’t get anymore more funny looks from wearing a white robe. He easily blended into the crowd now, with a wide grin on his face he continued on his way to the Inn. He passed the blacksmith and potions shop on his way there making a mental note of where they were so when he made his way back he could find them easily. He arrived at the in without any mishaps still he still need to get used to the sensations the game was throwing at him.


    The inn was quite a bit bigger then tailor shop and even slightly bit bigger then the church. There was a lot of windows which indicated a lot of rooms.


    “I bet this is where all the players stay for the night when they log out. So it makes sense for it to be so big.”


    He finished admiring the building and opened the door to the Inn


    Inside the inn smoke filled the air along with the smell of roasted meat. There was man tables lining the room. Each table seats 10 people 4 on each side with 2 on the ends and he also counted 30 tables. Most of the tables were empty but 10 or so were full while another 5 were filled with 1 or 2 people. There were 2 barmaid walking down the aisles making sure the customers were happy. A bartender was behind the counter in the center of the back wall of the room. There was a hallway on both sides of the room leading to more rooms presumably the bedrooms for the tenants.


    He walked further into the room and sat down at the closest empty table. He watched the people in room as he waited for a maid to serve him. It didn’t take long for one of the girls to notice him.


    “Welcome sir, may I get you some food and a drink?”


    “Yes please, how much will it be?”


    “50 Copper.”


    “Ok here you go, how much for a room?” He handed over silver.


    “Rooms will be 1 silver a day. 50 copper for the room and 50 copper for meals.” She replied while giving him 50 copper in change.


    I only have 1 gold and 47 silver left. I would only pay for about a week. That should last a while. Then again time is 12x faster so depending on it I will be in game for a few days before I log off. It should be OK since I might not want to be out at night.


    “Ok, ill pay for 7 days.” He handed over 7 Silvers.


    “Thank you, I’ll give you the key to your room with you meal. After you are done eating, I’ll show you where it is at.” She received the money and walked towards a door by the back counter.


    He admired the various paintings hanging on the walls as he waited for the food to arrive. The maid didn’t take too long to return with the food and key. He ate quickly while he listened to the chatter other guests. He finished his food and motioned the maid over.


    “The food tasted delicious. I’m ready to see my room now. Would you please show me the way?”


    “Your welcome sir, follow me and I’ll guide you to your room.” He stood up and followed her to the room. She lead him down the hallway on the right side of the room. There was staircase at the end of the hall which they climbed. His room was located just at the top of the stairs.


    “Here you go sir, if you have any questions just come down to the counter. Dinner is served around sunset.” She walked back down the stairs, obviously she needed to get back to her job.


    Greg entered the room and closed the door with a slight push. He noticed a single wide bed filled straw and a cotton pillow laid on top it. A desk was situated to the side of the bed upon the desk was a unlit candle. Light was flowing through the room from a window behind the bed, a curtain hung in front casting a slight shadow. In front of the bed was a giant tub for a washing he presumed.


    “This doesn’t look that bad. The only thing i''m slightly worried about is where do I go to relieve myself?” He put his hands on his hips as he pondered this situation.


    “Maybe there is a outhouse outside? I better be sure to find it.”


    Satisfied with the room he closed and locked the door. He deposited the key into his inventory.


    He decided to explore more of the town since there was still a lot of daylight left. He realized he needed equipment for defending himself against would be attackers. He also wanted to checkout the library, he always enjoyed reading a good book and wanted to know what it had to offer.


    He left the Inn and walked happily towards the blacksmith shop. At the blacksmith shop the sound of hammering could be heard and the taste of iron was in the air. He entered the shop to the sight of shiny armor and the sharp glint of swords.


    “Greetings young man, how can i help you today?” A burly gentleman hollered from behind a armor stand. He was polishing a helmet as Greg walked in.


    “Well sir, I’m in need of some gear to defend myself with. I don’t have any experience with fighting, do you have anything for me?”


    “Of course, I think I have just what you need.” He walked around the store and picked up a short sword and small wooden shield.


    “These should be good for a person looking to defend themselves. Although I do recommend getting some formal training to use them properly.” He handed the equipment over while he went back in search of more equipment.


    Greg took the equipment and equipped them. He noticed right away that they were both heavy and cumbersome, he strained himself just holding them.


    He wasn’t kidding when he said I would need training. I can barely even hold these let alone defend myself.”


    The blacksmith returned holding leather armor.


    “Here is some armor that should protect you enough to get by from animal attacks. It won''t stop arrows and any experienced swordsman but you shouldn’t be putting yourself in any situations like that.” He said while handing over the armor.


    “Sir, you said that I would be needing training? Could you recommend a trainer for me?” He asked as he tried the leather armor on. The armor fit snuggly and didn''t hinder his mobility, but he did notice the addition weight.


    “As a matter of fact I do. The captain of the village guards is accepting recruits. I would recommend checking it out. All together the gear will be 25 silver.”


    “Thank you sir.” He handed over silver and left in search of the captain.


    He pulled the map out in search of the captain. He studied the map and found that there was a building located at the edge of town. He put away the map and embarked on his way.


    He walked for 10 minutes through the town before finding the building. Once there he knocked on the door, unsure if he was allowed to just walk in. He waited a couple minutes before a guardsman answered the door.


    “Yes, what is it?” the man asked stiffly.


    “I’m here to see the captain. I was told he was looking for new recruits and I wanted more information on it.” He replied a little nervous from being stared at by the guardsman.


    He stood and waited quietly as the man gave him a once over.


    “I suppose you’ll do, wait here.” He closed the door firmly.


    Greg started pacing back and forth when the door closed.


    “I need to get this training, but that watchmen gave me the feeling of having seen some shit you shouldn’t have to see. Maybe if I stay in town I can avoid getting into any fights? No, I joined this game to learn new things and have fun, even if that means taking a little beating.” He quit pacing while he reassured himself. He stood before the door calmly while beads of sweat formed on his forehead.


    The door opened and the captain walked out.