Blood Fractal

Chapter 1

A World Outside the Workshop, Such a Thing Exists?

Morning, yup, sun god Ra is up and entering boldly into my inner sanctum. How it has the nerve to enter around the heavy curtains. It is a curse inflicted on me every sunny fall and winter day that I am home on a weekend. I jump up, yes I am in a new MMO this week must prepare for total victory and complete domination of that world!

- My House -

Bathrobe, check! I activate my Glitter Vampire senses and head out for food. I sense Count Choca(1) in the storage unit above in the pantry must hurry before the others find it and devour it all. Blood choco levels must be maintained!

Next, off to the local water supply to rinse off glitter. Vampires today should really follow my example and go back to being sensual not rave happy.

A bit of personal time in the shower, if you all will excuse me then. Ah, ah, ah. Hmm Mage boy and his staff polishing was really a treat yesterday, for some reason. Oh, Going back maybe those love slaves were spot on in the character generator. Oh they do know how to find exactly the right place in my harem. Hah, tub starting to get deep enough guess we can turn off the shower head of pleasure, the one in charge of organizing my morning harem.

Well now what will Miss Utica teach us today... ugh wait, back to the Mage boy show me the snitch hunting skills “and just where are you going to put that staff young man”. Slowly on the outside first, boys always so ready to grab for the gold. Don't they know to tease the snitch a little. Mmmm ah...

Hha Fu, oh real it in Miss Ophelia. We can't spend all day in here. Anymore and we will end up sloppy for a bit too long. Must get more skills, level, power, harem. Okay hair conditioner then dry and check email then, favorite free porn site, just kidding *wink*, then club forum, game forum then login.

- Login screen -

Intense shower on a weekend aside and recovered from, the forums have a few more interesting things to say. Mostly about how hard it is to get to combat class and the such. Those that went for combat class without trying to do any work in town are now pretty much done, either raged out or went to find a job. Combat muscle heads got totally shut down, that is awesome. Their might be hope for a PVP scene still.

Next bit of news is the skill site listing all found skills and who is most often to teach them. I was aware of a few skills not on the list already. Same problem was that I didn't know who was likely to teach them yet. So thinking they might be rare to find it may be in my interest to pick them up today, if possible.

“No Mom, I have lots and lots of clothes I can still wear!”

“What, no I am sitting in my underwear cause I am still a bit damp from the shower. I'll dry better this way.”

“Washing clothes, no, not enough to make you do a run sorry.” Think I did mine Thursday... “Mom I am going to turn the world back off, knock if its life threatening or something!”

Next big news was the first guild on any server, apparently it took over 100 players all day and night to get enough to make a guild that had room for 20 people. The fall out after who would get to enter was horrific as one or two promises were broken and all out favoritism took over. Really hate to see a good guild fall so easy, at least the hate will be in another town or server.

Oh funny story. A second post about yours truly being a succubus or something from closed beta testing, pretty sure it was a joke. Someone even went as far as to add an animated cartoon strip .gif of me getting skill instruction for free. Moving on.

A few about the flexibility of the crafting and what you can do with it. Such as the max number of additions, slots, decorations, functions, and durability and defense offensive stat calculations. Mostly theory and a few examples of what might happen. Considering no two items even after an hour of trying to get them to be the same could be the same. Weight, value, stat, it was always something or a few somethings that differed. Very helpful post.

Last big news. There seem to be almost no bugs in the game just things that annoyed the heck out of people. Awesome, a game I am enjoying has no errors or crashes, all for that.

7:00 am or 0700 hours, gamers lets roll out.

Yea Mom won't let me play before that, says 'if she was going to keep me from ruining my life I should start by not destroying my sleep cycle'. 2300 to 0700 should be for sleeping, she thinks to get me enough sleep even as an adult. Habits of the good type and all. Maybe college will be its down fall.

Loading screen is still pretty, It is of a church on a hill looking over a ruined battle field this time.

And presto, we have Go, I repeat the light is green, all engines engage.

Oh look, “Morning Aveon, sleep any?”

“.”

Think the store opens at 8:00 so could be an hour before we see Miss Boss Lady Utica. What the hell was she doing in my shower time this morning. A distraction maybe to keep me from topping off maybe. Not sure it had much effect like that. Or possibly my gaming obsession is starting to be too much.

OK Robes, still a few on the stock list I can make before we will have to get another recipe. Let's plan to make the three here on the stock list that I can and then check the pattern book.

- 50 minutes later -

“Good morning staff.” I grin a second thinking about harem leaders performance this morning then return Boss's greeting. If I wasn't a girl I would be considered a total pervert right? No way. Not possible. See 2 against 1 majority wins.

I quickly work on the third robe for the morning, finished and ready to add it to stock inventory. When it completes I headed over to Miss Utica to show her and ask if there was anything I needed to do today other that 4 hours of online time making things.

“A couple of cloth should be made of cotton it looks like. Any lower then all projects will need to be from raw materials if possible, weaving is not our primary job here we could always get it from the mill but it would raise our price some. Try to keep the looms working all day today.”

We head to the store front and she Unlocks the entry. “Ah yes, someone, if they could watch the front at lunch and dinner time for me would be nice. Its nice to have a relaxing meal over a busy one.”

“Between the four of us we should be able to manage two breaks. Will we be doing anything for getting more decorations, colored dyes, and such?”

“I do recall you mentioning wanting cute clothes. Decoration, we can always use more of those. We do what we can from the general store. Also, yes we do have a dye pot in the workshop, bulk dye orders can be done in big cites at the dye shops, here we just get them from the alchemist in the village. Some color would look good on your fancy skirt. Did you make that?”

“Last night, sure did. It came out a rare quality. My first one. Do you think maybe I should enchant it also?”

Finishing up in the display area we head back to the counter talking, “Enchanting well it is possible, expensive but possible.”

Taking a look at the skirt, I consider it, “Who would enchant it? Maybe later if fortunes favor me I might.”

“There are three in town with the skill I know of right now. The Gem crafter Boggers, Elementalist instructor Jene, and Sister Bucho. Although now that I think about it Sister no longer does them other than for the church or as Instruction.”

“Thanks.” So looks like maybe Aveon might have the info on Sister Bucho since she did the delivery for her yesterday, and the general store for craftsmanship, I'll ask about coloring later and if there is time today. If time remains, embroidery. “Can start some cotton fabric now, anything else?”

No? Then it is off to the diamond mines my little dwarfs. Why 12?

- A while later -

Congratulations! You have leveled [Basic Weaving] to 4.

And to my surprise at the same time I was bathed in a light of the heavens.

Congratulations! You can become [Villager] level 2!

You have gained +1 to all stats. And 1 point to increase a stat of your choice.

Required experience to Level 3 is 0/200.

Want to know my stats so do I, but I look later, things to do right now.

During that time I also managed to craft the last 2 robes for the store stock inventory and learned the level 5 recipe [Shoes(cloth/leather)].

I found out most general stores would buy pairs of shoes and any items that might often sell at a decent price. A profit higher than selling to our store sometimes. After making a pair seeing they would not be too hard. I stocked this common pair and made a second try for uncommon. Success 1 pair uncommon cloth shoes. Accept the cost from my production for the materials, looks like there is 87 copper left after spending on the patterns yesterday and the three Items I kept. The skirt was looking fresh still and the gloves were comfortable by now and had decent attitude. So let's see if we can sell these shoes for some profit. Wait maybe a pair of gloves would be possible to sell at the store too. Quickly making an easy recipe turned out to be really quick, and the quality was uncommon. Accepting the material cost on the gloves was 3 copper, I was set to go.

Gave Aveon the living statue a quick *poke*. Not back yet... Oh well. Let's do a quick run to the General Item Store. 9:00 am should be calm I hope.

Heading into the front of the shop to get directions from Miss Utica, I heard Mystical greeting Aveon.

“Can I run to the general store, and do you need me to bring anything back?”

The NPC talking with Miss Utica had just finish their business and waved a parting comment. “One second, she pulled out a wrapped package, there is an order for a few things here. Please have them give you what can be brought back now, and leave an order for the rest. We will settle the tabs between stores weekly. Monday is the common day for that in Acdin.”

“Ah should I bring enough coin for dye? I would like to with draw 40 copper from the shop.”

She points to the register and says right go ahead.

Counting the 21 copper already in my inventory that gave me 61c, hope I could get a few things at the store. I felt rich for some reason.

On the way there the mini map did most of the work. At the fountain with a big square some merchant stalls, I joined the other NPCs and players for a drink of water. Eavesdropped a bit and saw the sights.

- General Store 'The Mighty Coinpoorium' -

Looking at that name on the sign the word play on the phonetics was not lost on me. I had a feeling I too would be leaving poor, of coin at least.

Inside was packed with players shopping for item and goods they would be buying in the future. A few more were already using the trade windows with the register so I headed over. That had to be a good place to start.

[Trade to Store] activated.

Dropped in my shoes and gloves to see what they would sell for. The gloves were 15c, a profit of 5 copper then the shoes were a whopping 25 copper profit over what the tailor shop would pay. With that in mind I closed the window and started a new one and looked through all the items listed in stock. {Dye(Black)} was 17c and {Dye(Indigo)} was 8c. Cheapest food was 3c, smallest water-skin 12c, leather(tanned) was 4 copper a small square, 1 copper a small strip. Wood was in logs and 8 copper each.

Stepping back I looked for the owner and started to get in line to talk with them. While waiting, I opened the store trade and started screen-shotting the prices of all the items sold just in case. After my turn to speak with Mr. Owner, I pulled out the delivery and presented it.

“Hi oh, store owner. My name is Ophilia and I am apprenticed to Miss Utica at the 'Stitch in Time' here. Some to be picked up now some later.” *smile*

“Greetings Miss Ophilia, they call me Mr. Gelders. Let us take a look here.”

While he is looking at the list I ask, “Ah we were talking Miss Utica and I that is, about decorations, and something we thought we would like to try and make came up. Apparently none of the things we wanted to add to the dress were for sale in town. Thinking we would have to have them made, none of the people we knew could make them correctly either. Well, if I could learn...” I whisper to him, “[Craftsmanship].” Looking as thief like as possible for a second, I continued. “Maybe we could make them and have a pretty dress.”

He looked up, “Here, this what we have today for the order. Someone can pick up the rest later. As for the other part, you and those Gloves you are wearing might have a chance at the Crafting Guild building. If you can speak with Thoman, you might get what you are looking for then.” He left his empty hand there waiting for something after I took the package.

Ah, “Sure, thank you very much. I'll head right there!” With that I add 5 copper to his palm quietly. “Should I make more effort than that?”

He passed his right hand over the left he had extended and after it had passed I saw that there was a wood chit of some kind there now and not the five copper I handed him. “This might open a door some place behind a tavern near the south gate...” he turned his head and smiled, “you may or may not be interested in some of the functionality available there. Please do not use anything you learn there in my store.” *he gave me a wink*

Thinking there might be something if he had offered it for a reason, I'll try this “OK, great.” I pass my hand over his and the moment my hand touches the chit I add it to my inventory so that it looks like I did the same thing leaving an empty hand with just a passing mine over it. Very sneaky. “Guess I will be leaving here with a coin after all.” I turn and head back to the register to buy and sell.

“Smart girl, hope she doesn't get into too much trouble.” He smiled and went back to the flood of people that he had no idea where they had all come from. Business to tend to yup it is a good day.

At the register I picked up 3 dyes in Indigo and a water skin, 2 squares of leather(tanned), equal to 44c selling the shoes for 50c, that left me with 62 copper. Including the funds in the production account I had close to 1 silver and some spare copper.

With all the damage done here for now I headed to the Crafting Guild building.

- Crafting guild HQ and warehouses -

So big, just kidding the place is less than 3 stories like almost all the buildings in town. There must be 4 or 5 storage buildings here. Heading in the front of the Main building with a sign saying 'Enter Here new business'. To think I would have remained lost had that not been there.

“Welsome to zhe Crafzer Guildz”. Said a bored looking young man.

“Why shank yous.” I humorously replied. “So surelies yous cans helps mez.”

“Wow, you haz a nearly prefecz snake accentz! Didn'z thinkz anyz onez in townz uzed that onez, wherz you learnz it?” He certainly was excited to keep using his lizardman accent and even more so when I played along. “Ohz, Oh excuse me my name is Craft, Lawrence Craft that is. And NO, I don't actually own the crafting guild I just work at the counter, ironically my name just happens to be Craft also. Lucky me. Shall I be of assistance today?”

“Lawrence, truthfully not sure where I need to be at here, the kind gentleman at 'The Mighty Coinpoorium' suggested that in addition to myself, these gloves would be sufficient to perhaps getting information on the skill [Craftsmanship], was he correctzz?”

“Ahz noz. He waz nots. Eh sorry, Partly, let me explain. From the looks of it he had two things in mind. First that the custom pattern on the gloves would be of interest to us. This satisfying the first condition to access the guild, and to apply for membership if you wish. Second, would be that the guild master would be meet-able upon gaining an appointment. He is the one to speak with regarding learning that skill and is the only one in town who knows it at a level to teach it.”

OK time to see how this plays out then, “So these gloves, they become a recipe other than the basic [Gloves] recipe? Do I pay for that?”

After looking at a pile scrolls, Lawrence grabs a form scroll. “Here, fill this out at the table add one copy of the pattern to be registered. Turn in at the office labeled 'New Patterns' back down that hall. Then bi-annually stop by to collect the earnings. Oh appointments to see the guild leader are made at his secretary, she on the second floor. Stairs over there. She will send you a message when he is able to meet. Won't do any good if you have not registered a Recipe, Pattern, donated or received membership some other way first.”

Right, help them, they help you. “So, how much do you all get from my recipe?”

“Nothing If no one buys it. Something that generates more sales then they take less. Not sure the precise amount, you should ask the staff in charge of the submissions.”

Paperwork in game is easy, its like a mark you look at the item and activate it. If it has a multiple choice it gives a drop down list. If there is a field to fill in you get a prompt window for typing. One at a time can do back and forward at all field so you can even change the default info, even lie if you want to. I get the feeling some creative player someplace will cause a lot of problems in the games future.

One registered pattern later, I let them have one half of the set of gloves I was going to sell. They said 5% of the earnings would go to the guild if more than a gold worth was sold in a biannual amount. If less than a silver was generated they took everything. With the number of players joining it could be worth while to register quiet a few patterns. NPCs buy them too as well as companies sometimes.

As for the secretary, she was busy, took my information and shooed me out as soon as possible.

Stopping at Mr. Craft's desk on the way out to thank him, “skanks a lots back theres. Goods lucks wis the lizards assents.” He was quite impresssed for some reasons.

“Diz you learnz that inz the zouthern Marsh?”

“Something like that. So kind of got the standard run around for the appointment any idea how long I'll have to wait?”

“He's really is busy. Huh? No, sorry. No help here. Be zafe out zere.”

- On the way to Lunch -

Heading to see what the food was like since my character had only had water so far. I headed to a nearby plaza that may or may not have a food vendor or quick food store.

In luck there were a few, also had stuff cheaper than the general store at 1c for bread and 2c for snack like meat or vegetable items. I stocked up with a cooked meat dish, 2 vegetable things and bread, filled my water-skin and headed to the 'Stitch in Time'. Was going to ask Miss Utica about the tavern at the south gate.

Eating one of the fried vegetables that I bought to see the effects they gave other than filling Stamina. This one increased health regeneration and gave a 5 minute buff to intelligence. Apparently, it also made my avatar happy because the buff said so. Words are power so they say.

- Stitch in Time -

Miss Utica was in the front helping Chip with somethings. When she had a moment I greeted them both and as soon as Badmofo was out of chat range, “Have anything to deliver to the south gate? I have in mind visiting the tavern there next before coming back with lunch.”

“Let me check, I think, no, guess not.” she looks at my face for a second. “It's a bit rough that part of town, be careful not to enter the old slums.”

Nodding and getting directions, I head that way.

Yes the area has a red tint on the mini map over that way, maybe it has a mob area in town, kind of common thing for a game to have. The tavern sure fits the bill of a shady low rent get in trouble if you don't have poverty written all over you type of place. I dare peek in side to see, yes, there is positively 100% chance of at least 1 beggar, 1 thief, 1 assassin, and few of thugs in there. Even at this early hour NPCs of that type gathering here can only mean one thing is going on in the back. Underworld trainers. So shall we see what they are charging for lessons?

- Thieves Guild Acdin -

Chit in hand I head to the back door. The one beggar nearby does nothing and no one I can see is stopping me. I flip the chit in the air. Opening the door there are stairs up and down. My guess is the cellar is where the main action is so I descend and listen for people. There are a few muffled voices down here so it is not like I will be the only one.

Entering the room slowly a large Himalayan Siamese looking cat checking me out. He then wanders off. “Here kitty, kitty want some meat?” Hey, why won't you let me pet you!

Looking back it actually says “No.” in a rough male voice. That was definitely human and older than me. I jumped.

“Shape-shifted?” Yea, I believe that would be the most probable, my other guess would be Illusion Magic. Shame soft fur like that must really be nice to pet.

Looking for who or where to start, I begin with observing each person in the room, the cat's description was 'I am a cat nothing more, REALLY'. No comment from me. The rest were NPCs and just had a name.

My Original goal was to go magic path, think there were a few things to learn here which later might be good to know who trained them and what they cost. Two ways to get the information came to mind, buying it and forcing it. I had a little bit of funds, thinking that spending it here would reduce the time it took to buy one was just silly. So forcing it will be the first thing we try. Annoying begging shall commence.

“Excuse me anyone, I have a few questions.”

No answer. Broadcast method yea.

“If I were to say have a rat problem in our store and if we wanted to get rid of them with shall we say a slightly toxic and a permanent death state. Whom should I speak with? Hypothetically. If said elimination of pests was to be handled by myself including the alleged production of - ”

Sometimes things just work out in your favor, as I saw one person actually head my direction.

“You know, problem has already been solved. Thanks for your assistance.”

When the person heading my way stops in front of me, they appear to have a female form under the travel cape they have yet to take off even though the weather outside is still nice.

“Good morning, intrepid traveler. I see the weather inside is horrid, I should have brought my hood.”

“Ha! you either brave or stupid can't tell which.” with a low private whisper she continues. ”Poison yes, did you need to learn the skill or just the recipe for killing rats. If not maybe you should just leave.”

“Leaving would be a pleasure, soon my annoying-ness will be gone. If I were to continue not being annoying and want to learn those what would the donation for instruction be?”

After a quick scan of my possible net worth by the girl she presented the offer, ”20 silver and we might teach you the [Poison] skill, as for the recipe for [Weak Poison] that would be 30 copper.”

“Annoyances aside, is there a cheaper recipe for something that effects rats, actual rats not anything bigger.”

Poison expert A here is definitely confused over this, “So you are really trying to get rid of a pest problem? And you came here for it? Is it brave or stupid... look here” She ends up writing a recipe for [Even Weaker than Weak Poison]. “5c take it and don't come back. Even better forget about this place.”

“Sold.” Handing 5c I thank her over and over till she practically throws me out of the place. “Oh would you also be able to teach me how to impale them on a dagger so I don't have to touch them. Want to move them to the trash as well?”

“Flabbergasted!” She looks like she can't decide if I am genuine or not. “That guy, same as poison. Leave! Before I get a headache from your chatter.”

Leaving I wave and bow.

“Bye kitty, would you like something other than meat next time?” I say to myself walking up the stairs.

Exiting the Guild from below comes the sounds of someone trying not to despair. “Oh God, she is coming back!?”

Recipe in hand I head to the tailor shop. Yes kitty and expensive trainer I will be back.

Turning into the street for the shop I run into a beggar as I pass the corner. Guess since the mini map was so useful I had stopped paying attention. “Oh, ow, sorry” the old man on a crutch apologizes for some reason. “No, no, complete and wholly my fault this time was not watching where I was walking.”

I hold out a cheap piece of bread I got earlier. “Would you want this?”

“Must be my lucky day.” Sarcasm dripping as he fearfully takes it in the hand not holding him up.

This is a real challenge. “Hmm guess that is not very tasty, I hear theses are so bad a cat won't even touch them.” I pull out the meat looking at it like it is something I am about to throw out, “guess it was not worth buying, know a landfill around here?”

“Yes I do, I know everything around here.” He is looking at the meat on a stick while he says it.

I start to walk around him to the side. He hobbles a bit slow yet still manages to move to keep me from passing. “Um. Don't you want to know where it is?”

“Not really.” Move to pass and intercepted again. I wave the meat on a stick over to the left of me. Eyes watching it like it was the only thing keeping him alive.

“Might be a place you do want to know the directions for miss?”

“That also could be, sure can not think of anything like that right now.”

“.”

“There must be something I ca-”

“Well I was trying to learn [Craftsmanship] from Thoman, but couldn't get an appointment. All the people at the tavern I was at were pretty forth coming about who could teach me to use a Dagger when I had 20 silver. Not that I have 20 silver... Well since you don't want that bread and I don't want this meat maybe we could trade...” I felt so much better after venting to him some of the things bothering me.

Without a second thought he handed the bread to me, “Please that deal would be quite favorable for me.”

Now then off to the tailor shop then, “OK, then thanks, have a good day.” Leaving the human map behind I head off.

“mmm mmm yes thank you also mmm mmm” was all I heard.

- Stitch in Time -

“Welcome, oh hey you are back great.” It was chipmunk the Badmofo at the shop counter for some reason. Maybe Miss Utica was in back helping one of the girls.

“So who is in the back?” Asking as I head that way.

Putting his head on hands and folding over the counter he looks like he added a few nuts to his cheeks almost. “Everyone now that you are here.”

“Great, have fun holding down the fort.” I wave.

In the back Aveon is no longer a statue and is working the loom. “Ah woke up I see, did you fall asleep on your keyboard?”

“Yes yes yes, I did and my face looks like a waffle now leave me alone.”

Must not be a morning person, I surmise. “And hello to you too Miss Misty from California. How did you sleep?'”

“Ah welcome back, fine why do you ask?”

“Myself was in such a hurry to get back to the skill grinding I couldn't sleep.” I gave a mischievous wink and headed to the stock list to see what I could make next. “By the way how did the research go Aveon?”

“Oh yea, ah yea, the experience for villagers and such. Not much on the crafter profession since last night. There are a list of xp firsts you can get that have been found. One for each level of item crafted rare and above. First kill, player kiss, murder, broken crafted item, each Class gained, spell cast. Most seem to be things other games would give titles for.”

“Hmm, the broken item is there any restrictions? And how do you break them?” A bunch of other questions came to mind.

She finished crafting at the loom and started the next run. Sat at the tailoring table to continue, “They said just wear it out in use. The kiss also had to be consensual and mutual. Kill didn't matter.”

“So crazy idea...”

“I'm not kissing you.”

“OK, then lets put socks over our shoes then.”

“HUH?” came from everyone in the room including Miss Utica.

“If we put on poorly made socks and wear them out, will we not be getting the 10 villager xp for that?”

“.”

“Don't like that 'Idea'? Then gloves or shoes and hit or kick a wall till they break. We obviously don't have weapons here. Might as well get 2 things done at once. We can have Badmofo wear one to see if he can wear out half of a set and get credit too maybe. Learning things like that may help someplace else, crafting wise. Besides I'll make Mystical kiss me instead you can go kiss Mr. Chipmunk out front.”

“He does look like one doesn't he.” If the floor was carpeted I definitely could see Mystical rolling on it laughing right now. She didn't say no to the kiss either. Sad mage boy wasn't here would have been my first choice so far.

“Anyone still making socks then. We need three point five sets then.” Honestly pretty sure just wearing out one would be enough for the system if the craft pattern for a single one could be forced.

“Really you girls are very strange.” Miss Utica was almost looking happy, wonder if her boy/girlfriend or wife/husband was doing his job properly.

“Ah yes, before I forget again here is the partial delivery from the general store.” Handing the package to Miss Utica she seems pleased. “You mentioned the coloring skill before, are you able to teach it also? The Indigo was a reasonable price today.”

“Yes, we can begin instruction, when you have an item or cloth and a dye ready. It is better to color a fabric or cloth then make an item since you can often get more out of the dye that way. One dye can do a few cloths sometimes.”

Looking at the Dye and my skirt I made last night, “Here, is there enough dye to make cloth also? I'll get the loom started next time its free.”

Taking the items in hand, “With this single dye I believe the item and 2 more fabrics can be done.”

“So buying 3 was over kill...”

“Hey!”

“What, you are so grumpy when you sleep at the computer move the bed closer to the computer or something.”

“S-sorry, how much were they?” Aveon seems to be reflecting so I'll forgive her, even if she won't sacrifice her lips for me, She did go get the information on the Villager firsts. “If memory serves me, just around 8 copper each dye.”

She and Mystical drop what they are doing and head to the register at what physicist would compare to nearing the speed of light, to get some coins.

Aveon returns to me quickly and stands very, close. “So are you going to sell one to me or do I have to beat the location out of you and run there?”

“Sure let's fight, 9c for the dye? Also can you make a few extra cloths on the loom today for us all to dye? Mmm I mean just make them, we can cover the material cost taking them out of the store as raw mats.”

“So 1c profit and the time to make the 4 cloths of cotton I assume? Fair enough I accept.”

Mystical offered to make the socks for us to destroy, her tailor seemed to be the lowest level of the girls.

“But Mysti my darling lover we also have something else to take care of,” winking at her flamboyantly as I can manage. “Still 9c for the dye.” Dragging her to the back court yard and water well.

“But, wait, I never-”

No good huh, “Yes you did. When you didn't refuse earlier. Pretending to blush now is kind of pointless. Think of it as practice for those boys you were drooling about yesterday.” With that we exit out the back and I place the dye in her hands. “Did Aveon tell you about the villager experience and becoming a Novice Tailor?”

“Wait what?” she hands over the 8c she got out of her production earnings. “I can get one more coin, hold on.” She turns to escape and when I start pulling her back she looks a bit afraid. “It is OK, if you don't want to get to your combat class sooner you can do that the hard way. You have villager xp already right?”

She opens her screen and peeks at it. “Wait, I only have 40 xp so far? And level 2 is 100 experience?” She ponders for a second, “When did I get these? And why does it feel like I should have a lot more.”

I educate her right there, “My guess 10xp per skill level you have, so 20 points in tailoring or weaving and the 10 from the other plus 10 from the mercantile. Those villager firsts we were talking about were things that earn you more xp. So for example if you were to share a simple kiss with another player, said player also sharing a kiss with you would also get the exp.”

System: You have sent a kiss request to the player 'Mystical'. Prepare your heart.

She seems conflicted for a second. “Well, if you don't want to fine give the dye back and you can have the 8c back. If you hurry I can go get the xp from chipmunk boy out front, I don't want to lead him on and all but if you don't like me then that is fine, just a game after all.” Holding out the hand with 8 coppers in it I wait while she thinks.

She starts to say a couple things and stops a few times. It really is kinda cute to watch her struggle.

“.”

“Earth to Mysti.”

“Hold on I'm thinking...”

“Do you need a breath mint or something? Do I?” I check my avatars breath, “seems passable to me?” I also sniff her mouth, “Smells like cotton candy from here.”

“Fine.”

Player 'Mystical' has accepted your kiss request.

The screen user interface fades out, and me and my lover are circled, we get to watch as a romantic music grows in volume. Hearts bloom, flowers sparkle. Mystical's avatar and mine are shown getting closer. A bit of drama as her avatar becomes shy, and mine bringing her close we give a slight embrace and slowly moved in for the kiss. Lips touched it was chaste and pure then, wow, it kind of got steamy. I certainly blushed as tongue may have been digitally exchanged. Few heart thumping seconds later it was over.

Yes it was a magical moment, a near perfect setting in a garden next to a well, with hearts and flowers surrounding us two girls. When it was over I actually found myself holding my breath. Mysti was a cute avatar, not that any female avatars had me feeling a tingle anywhere before, still could not help but wonder what she actually tasted like in the real sense, and if it felt as good as they had tried to make it out to be. Away vulgar thoughts away!

“Thank you daaaaahrling.” I sweep her off her feet best I can and try to princess carry her back into the shop. “The honeymoon is over kids, job, old age. I can see it now.” Mysti laughs and makes me put her down. Some reason I want to continue making jokes to keep up a front.

Looking at the message for the event was as follows.

Player Mystical and Ophilia have shared a first kiss in game together and received 10xp towards the next level. Congratulations on your blossoming relationship!

“Well that was fun, off to support the wife and kids, Honey don't forget the naked apron when I get home Kay, smooches.”

“What is a naked Apron?” We take a second and look at Miss Utica. “Who wants to answer that one?”

“Badmofo, we have a task back here for you!” I shout.

In comes chipmunk boy. “Hey got a second, we need someone to demonstrate a naked apron for Miss Utica.”

Yup, that didn't work, as he blushed big time and fled. “Are you married Miss Utica?” I wink.

“Never mind I am sure I understand the basics.”

“No you really don't, Aveon do you understand the appeal of the Naked Apron? Could you enlighten her? Maybe even craft one? What level is that recipe anyway?”

“It is level 3, why?” Mystical went and looked it up. Shouldn't it be higher like level 10 because of the damage that could be inflicted? “Should we make a few for the store? For that matter can changes be made to the store stocking system?”

Explaining the xp earning of the crafting level and the difficulty along with the resulting quality of the item that I learned yesterday to Aveon and Mystical, leveling should increase. I let them know a few of the things the forums said about adding things to recipes like slots, pockets, decorations, durability and defense. They were quite glad to learn the link of the post too, so I shared it out of my browser history.

Now to get that level in tailoring. With another two pairs of cloth shoes one common the other uncommon. I used the first set to earn some production and the second would sell to the general store later. So *ding*.

Congratulations! You have reached level 4 of [Tailoring].

While I had been working on level 4, Aveon made me the 2 cotton cloths to dye along with my skirt. Mystical finished all the socks and handed them over. I got mine with a blush and a *giggle*. A flashback really, hope I didn't flip a switch there. Other than the warm memory, wait why am I assuming it was about the kiss. Anyway.

We three girls in the back ended up getting pairs of socks to wear over our shoes, and we gave Badmofo a single one to wear to test it out. It worked after walking around all day over the shoes they finally wore out became 0 durability and became trash items called {Worthless Rags} and we all got 10 more xp. Completely worth the 1 copper worth of flax they cost us each.

Dye in one hand skirt and cotton fabric in the other I head to Miss Utica in the front store area. Figured I would take the lunch shift at the counter after learning [Coloring]. Few instructions later, we put all the items in the dye wash tank and when they sat long enough I'd get the skill. Easy enough. Miss Utica headed off to lunch with an apron in hand. Guess she was either sharing the wealth or exploiting it. I didn't pry.

Lunch was rather busy for the shop and about 20 minutes after I took the counter position I receive quite the system spam.

You have learned [Coloring] Level 1.

Congratulations! For participating in a sufficient number of trades, you have reached level 2 of [Mercantile].

System: Once you gain 12 levels in Mercantile related skills you can advance to Novice Merchant job.(optional) You currently have 6 of 12 levels in a related field.

Oh what is this a new possible profession for me? Busy day. Shortly afterwards Miss Utica returned thanking me for both my efforts and the naked apron. With that I went back to work in the workshop.

Using some white cotton cloth I made a just over the shoulder sleeveless blouse. It was buttoned and had a length of fabric in the front meant to look like it had been tied. If the word pirate was mentioned one could see the influences yet it had a more business is good feel to it. Making sure to make it look less street walker-ish looking, I went with black cat head shaped buttons down the front. And an Indigo cat head pocket in the left front panel. Made the buttons. Changed them with my woodworking skill I might have gotten some experience for it since each of the buttons were medium wooden ones to start with. Even though I spent a little more time on it than I wanted, it only came out uncommon.

Item {Short Custom Shirt}: quality uncommon received.

Other than the normal sized pocket it was a normal enough, cat buttons and pocket aside. Later the other girls asked me to make a few buttons for them also. Thinking to compete the outfit I thought shoes in order.

Using the Leather I bought at the store, I start to prepare for making a set of shoes with them. The cloth ones I made before looked of and were of enough durability that they would last a short time, yet I have never been comfortable with the thought of just fabric as the bottom of a shoe. With a few hints that the recipe downloaded into my character I work my way through making a pair with fabric and leather. Even had Aveon help with the design, she had a good sense of it. Taking lots of extra time and putting in extra effort to get something worth wearing for a while. During the planning at some point Miss Utica came over and watched. She also added a few suggestions and suggested we use additional workshop materials to increase the strength and quality of the shoes.

At some point we just decided to go all out, using a bit of silk from the store and a bit more leather for a boot look that laced up the sides. The new shoes were slowly turning into a monster project. So I got a bit of help with 'how to proceed' from Miss Utica also. Taking a little over one hour of game time, the little project is finally wrapping up the planning phase.

“They definitely need to be black!” said Aveon.

“Well they have the black dye at the general store for 17c, I could send Badmofo for some.?”

“They do?” asked Aveon, “and what else?”

“Ah. maybe you should go see, maybe visit the alchemist for any other colors they don't have. Oh if you are going. Y- you can sell these for the coin to get the dye.” Pulling out a previously made pair of uncommon shoes I had made. Handing them to her she was kind of confused. “So you do realize that not all shop prices are the same nor are the prices they buy things for, right?”

“Really?”

“Really.”

“Good to know. I'll be right back.” she spins around then, and again turns back to us and is about to ask when I cut her off.

“Get directions from Miss Utica or an NPC it will update your mini map.”

Miss Utica understanding she will be asked, went ahead and shared the directions to both the potion shop and the general store.

“She is...” I hear as she leaves.

I shout back, “I am so what?!!!!”

“Nothing!”

Me and Mystical take turns making a cloth on the looms. During the day the others also learn Coloring. Except for Chipmunk Badmofo who I didn't have enough dye for but we let him know he could pick some up at anytime. Maybe Aveon would also buy him one, don't know and didn't ask.

So to continue leveling I checked the stocking list for the store and made another set of Robes.

Aveon must have been shopping hard, she was still out so I set about making 2 shirts, one common and a second one a little like the one I was wearing to sell. Second one also came out uncommon, so looking at the quality I made almost 30% more for a step up in quality. Was nice finally getting to build up a little experience and earnings.

Waiting for Aveon was starting to get old. Many things could be done so I started making the buttons requested by the girls and added a cute pink cat button to the plan for the boots and carved it carefully. From the single large pink cat button I finished I got the system notice.

Congratulation! You are now [Woodworking] level 2!

For creating a private recipe. As a first time only villager experience award of 10xp is received.

New recipe created [Cat Button].

Item {Cat Button Large(pink)}: quality rare received.

I examined the button and the stat boost was +1 charisma. Now if cuteness was a stat I am sure it would have gotten that instead.

With a huge grin on my face I walk over to Mystical, “My Mysti, here are the bunny buttons you wanted.”

“Eh already! Wait I'm not going to kiss you again OK!” after a second she composed her self and added, “Thank you.”

Thinking I could tease her here a little, “I thought we were past that, a little snuggle time too much to ask for honey bunny?” I poke her side and head to the pattern book.

Not sure where those comments lead her thinking but it was cute. The blush I imagined she was showing the computer screen right now. It took her a while to return to the game.

“Not really why I was so happy, Apparently I crafted a rare button and it gave me a Recipe after that.” Let us completely gloss over the fact that I have woodworking skill and made a second rare.

“Nice, you really are good at these games.”

“This one is different, with how detailed it is I am a bit worried about combat actually. Even more so having to do a lot of melee range. Magic might be the way to go in here if the damage is fair. Casting speed will also be an important consideration.”

We both end up making a few more cloths on the loom and craft a few things before Aveon comes back.

Excited, I toss the black Dye and the materials for the boots with an extra 4 cloths in. Since Black will make that many might be the reason for the price to be higher after all. “Ah yes my copper please?”

“Oh so, as it turns out...”, pausing mean she spent it.

Was it for her or did she find something good? “Then you bought something nice for us? God, I hope it wasn't an investment scheme or something like that.”

“Hey! I, resent that, just how dumb do you think I am.”

“Other than having a foul morning temperament, I think the world of you Aveon... No offense darling Mysti, So what did you buy?”

“This!”. Putting a few things on the table.

“Sharks tooth?” the thought it might be cool on a jacket jumped in my head. “And some dyes a second black for her I gather. Also a recipe? And two pieces of candy.” Guess it might have a use later I tuck one into my inventory for later use. “That it?” “.” “Do you have any coins left?”

“Yes here,” handing me the 18 copper coins she had.

“So if it was the same as last time the shoes were around 50c the dye 18 plus the 18 you had left. 14 c left? Ah while I'm remembering it, here are the Random lucky charm buttons you wanted.”

I'd worry about the money later in anycase, outfit was nearing completion, and the tailoring level was going to ding any second. Maybe once the boots were done. I got to work on them as soon as the dye was done. I made cloth and worked on the non-dyed parts.

Very careful with the concentration of a surgeon I worked the parts of the boots together with as fine a stitching and assembly as possible. Miss Utica was strangely observant and keep a gentle watch over the construction in progress. I was quiet happy with the results. We were all very surprised. After 80 some plus minutes of effort, Success!

You have made a unique quality item. A first time villager experience award of 10xp is received.

Player 'Ophilia' has created a unique item and gained 10 fame. Everyone in town will soon know.

System: Player Ophilia created a unique item. Congratulations!

Item {Custom Shoes(cloth/leather)}: quality unique received.

Would you like to name this item?

I caused a scene in the shop and all the girls were way too excited. All of us talking at the same time and loudly, Miss Utica was a bit upset. A few minutes later we all worked to come up with a name.

{yes}

Item name: Cat's Princess Sexy Black Boots of Seduction

They pretty much forced parts of the name on me as punishment telling me if I didn't they would go nuclear on me. Girls are scary even if I am one. So what did the stats look like? Hold on while I observe them.

[Cat's Princess Sexy Black Boots of Seduction]

Quality: Unique

Item Type: Shoes(cloth/Leather)

Defense: 16

Durability: 30/30

Weight: .93 kg

Added Stats: Charisma +3, Movement Speed +2

Added Effects: Agility +5% base stat applied to action involving the feet, Quite +3% to stealth movement actions

Equipment Slots: 2 Knife or Daggers

Decorations: Leather laces, Rare Cat button, Silk

Description: A pair of black, cloth and leather shoes made by an apprentice and friends. They are adorned with a single cat decoration and 2 weapon slots able to hold knives or daggers. The stylish design and practical combination of cloth and leather make it unique and an attractive pair. Put together with great care the item has higher durability and added defense. Due to the double layered leather padding walking in rough terrain is easier and silent. In addition, people with an addiction to cats will feel compelled to ask you where you bought them. Modifying this item is impossible. It is Unique and cannot be copied.

My craft orgasms done with I was pleased. Still, it was my hope to level with its creation. Fear not 2 creations later came the fated event.

Congratulations! You have achieved [Tailoring] level 5!

You have gained enough levels in [Tailoring] related fields to become a [Novice Tailor].

Do you Wish to accept this profession as your primary one now?

“.” Duh of course!

{yes}

System: you have become a [Novice Tailor] level 1. Villager will remain at level 2 the current xp will be applied to your new profession.

System: There is a new [Novice Tailor] In town.

Should you tell others of your class you will gain 5 fame. Should you tell others you are the first of your class you will gain 10 fame.

Congratulations! You have leveled a trade profession to level 2 [Novice Tailor].

You have gained +1 to all stats. You have gained +1 to Dexterity, +1 to intelligence, and 2 points to increase a stat of your choice.

Required experience to Level 3 is 0/200.

Whew, so much to think about, I decide it is a good time to feed myself in the real world and let the others know I shall return after a late lunch. Right before I leave the keyboard I'll let them know-

“Did you just become a Novice Tailor O?”

“Yes! Cya after lunch!” They knew, no point saying anything then.

“WAIT!”

Yup I ran away.

- Kitchen in my house -

So goal achieved, got a profession. Outfit looking decent. Level up to get a combat class and some magic or weapon skills. OK then what should I work on. Skills, power, money or friends? A shop or buildings, leadership, a guild maybe or national conquest goals... Muhaha. I should work on my harem in game, just mage boy not going to be enough, I think. Should I go shopping for treat?

Munching on my lunch away from the computer should let me de-pressurize a bit, is that a word... meh don't care. Let's see, homework, I did Friday so I could indulge all weekend in game. I should check the forums real quick to see if anything new happened I should know about. Yes the afternoon is about to become fun filled.

End Chapter 1

(1) if Count Choca breakfast cereal actually exists I was unaware and totally innocent.