Once again Rick was falling from the sky toward a domed building with a round hole in the roof. Passing through the hole Rick found himself in a large circular room. Along the back rose an impressive statue about 20-feet tall.

The statue adorned in polished silver heavy armor held before it a huge two handed sword. A matching polished helm covered the head revealing a young expressionless face that looked down upon the room. The statue brought to mind a powerful Paladin or a Shining Knight.

At the foot of the statue, sat a marble altar with a blue altar cover embroidered in gold trim covering the surface. Movement behind the altar caught his eye. He spotted what appeared to be a Priest who busied himself placing small items in gold wall attachments.

Refocusing, Rick recalled his skills received from the test he said aloud: "Show skills!"

Rick's voice echoed off the walls back to him almost amplifying it. Hearing a loud clatter drew his attention back toward the altar. The priest turned gasping toward him in disbelief, at his feet a shattered clay pot that once held incense sticks scattered around him.

Standing in the center of the temple the startled priest observed a man dressed in a pure white outfit like nothing he had ever seen before. The stranger who startled him was tall and powerful looking and even appearing to give off a slight glow.

At first, he almost thought that he was standing before some unknown god that suddenly decided to descend into the temple.

"Oh forgive me did I startle you?" Rick asked as he strode toward the priest. extending his hand as he crossed the room greeting the priest "I am Cedric Crownguard a [Chosen] who just arrived."

"C-CH-CHOS-CHOSEN!" The nervous priest exclaimed as his eyes tried to pop out of his chubby face.

Before Rick could get out another word the priest faintly whispered something under his breath in realization then turned and dashed from the room through a door behind the statue.

Ok, that could of went better. Rick said to himself. [Rick]

I guess the whole [Chosen] thing shook him up a bit. I hope I don't get that reaction from everyone I meet. [Rick]

Now that I recall Faith did say I am the first [Chosen]. Once the other [Players] begin to join then it shouldn't be as bad then. I guess maybe I was the first to get their [GATE GEAR] delivered and installed. [Rick]

Putting it out of his mind he looked down to the forgotten skill window he previously opened before.

Skills List Anatomy: Level 5 (Beginner 25%) Carpentry: Level 9 (Intermediate 14%) Cartography: Level 3 (Beginner 50%) Climbing: Level 6 (Intermediate 0%) Staff Fighting: Level 2 (Beginner 0%) Cooking: Level 1 (Intermediate 63%) Digging: Level 2 (Intermediate 27%) Firemaking: Level 1 (Beginner 75%) First aid: Level 8 (Beginner 50%) Foraging: Level 3 (Beginner 0%) Knives: Level 9 (Beginner 15%) Martial Arts: [MCMAP Style]: Level 9 (Beginner 27%) Masonry: Level 9 (Intermediate 80%) Paving: Level 7 (Intermediate 67%)

It looks like most of my assigned skills are related to my military experience or construction.

I understand Knives and Martial Arts from my training in Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP).

I wonder how I got Staff Fighting? Just guessing the Staff fighting skill must be from Pugil Stick Fighting?

Then closing the skill list window he noticed another window still open.

New Skill Learned! Aura Level 1 (Beginner 0%)

Aura? I learned this skill just now. When I think of Aura Faith comes to mind she appeared to always be surrounded in a divine radiance."

Reaching for the necklace on his neck, grasping the medallion lifting it up to eye level. Now looking at the Medallion in detail for the first time a detail planet with continents is masterly engraved on it surrounded by words visually comparable to Latin. I can feel Faith's aura from it, this must be how I learned it.

It might be a good idea to look around for ways to learn languages. The races must all speak a common language and also their race language as well.

"Show known races!"

Playable Race Menu Demons Dwarves Elves Gnomes Halflings Humans Kitsune Nekomimi Vampires Darfellan

Eight languages to learn in the future that I know of.

Shaking off his thoughts Rick walked over to the altar below the statue reaching down to grab the forgotten incense the priest dropped feeling slightly bad he startled the poor guy.

"I'm not sure what to do with this incense now." Looking to the altar he placed it down on top so they could take care of after he left.

When he released it a window popped up before him.

You make an offering to a god!

Your offer of Holy Incense has been accepted!

You have gained 25 piety for your offering.

you gained 25 fame with the Temple of Balin Brightblade.

Oh crap, I didn't expect that to happen I just made an offering of this incense and it wasn't even mine!

This is just what I need, to get on the bad side of the Human God by using church property for an offering.

Thinking over what just happened he had an idea.

Show Inventory!

Browsing his inventory he saw a dagger, minor healing potion, and 5 loafs of bread.

Near the bottom an icon looking like a stack of coins next to it written: 100 gold, 0 silver, 0 copper.

Rick decided to equip the dagger then removed a gold coin and closed his inventory. Looking up to the statue of the god Balin Brightblade he whispered "Sorry about that".

Placing the withdrawn gold coin on the altar another window message appeared.

You make an offering to a god!

Your offer of one gold coin has been accepted!

You have gained 100 piety for your offering.

you gained 100 fame with the Temple of Balin Brightblade.

Now I know how to make offerings and gain favor with these temples. Turning from the altar to step away and leave the incense and gold coin ascended a couple feet into the air to vanish before him.

While processing what he just saw he heard the door behind the statue open once again.

An older man looking like a temple elder came walking out with the priest he had started earlier following behind him.

AS they came close the elder wore a smile. As I felt him enter my aura circumference and his steps faltered

and looked surprised for an instant before the smile reemerged greeting me.

"Welcome to the temple of our God Balin Brightblade, holy traveler." "I am the High Priest, Preston"

"Greetings High Priest I am [Chosen], Cedric Crownguard." "I must apologize for the disturbance I created on my arrival earlier."

Holy Traveler? What is that about my Aura? [Rick]

The high priest waved off my apology with a small laugh. "It was nothing we have been informed that the [Chosen] would be arriving." Turning his head slightly to the plump nervous looking Priest.

"I fear Priest Doyle has been filled with trepidation since learning of the gods sending the [Chosen]." [High Priest]

Like I thought some will fear us or not welcome us being unaware of our intentions and or changes. [Rick]

I then explained to the High Priest of the incense that I placed on the altar not knowing the outcome. The High Priest understood and displayed more concern toward the Priest's unsightly display.

I talked with the High Priest for a bit asking about the city layout and locations of Crafters, Merchants, and any other important locations. One of these locations caught my attention.

Near the city's Central plaza was the library. He informed me it was opened to the public and would be a good start to learn many things of this world.

"Well I won't take up your time I only wished to meet you and I am sure you have many things to attend." [High Priest]

I said my goodbyes nodded to the still nervous priest turned and headed out of the temple into the street.