Isaiah’s player was slightly freaked out about this whole avatar project stuff. It sounded like they wanted to add some kind of dungeon master position maybe? Well, it didn’t have anything to do with him. The immortals just came across like they hated everyone. Everytime “someone” had answered on the lines they always seemed snappy. His impression of them was a group that was potentially pissed off all the time. How else could someone who writes “I hate you all.” to the entire game be perceived?

Isaiah’s player thought about these things as he finished up doing some real life stuff and headed to bed. Next morning he made some simple breakfast of cereal and coffee. His community college classes didn’t start until the afternoon so he could spend a couple hours playing before he had to go be responsible.

Isaiah logged in to see two people who he knew in the temple of Lathander. Light and Kaarell were sitting there chatting. Isaiah quickly typed ‘wearall’ a command to wear everything you could on his body. The game would unequip and unwield everything you had on when you logged off so it was generally the first thing someone did when they logged back in. Other players would treat players who didn’t have anything worn like they were nakked. Kaarell had already seen him nakked once. He had to bare himself to another man–er–elf and ask for help with no clothes on. It was not his proudest moment.

Karrell says: “Well, hello cousin Isaiah.”

Karrell bows to you.

Isaiah says: “Hello there cousin and Light.”

Isaiah smiles.

Light says: “Hello Isaiah.”

Light smiles.

Light gives you mint tea.

Light says: “We were just having tea and talking. You are welcome to join us.”

Isaiah says: “Thank you. I haven’t had this tea before so I'll enjoy it.”

You drink mint tea.

It tastes minty and refreshing.

Isaiah says: “Ah good tea.”

One of the things about this game was that it had status for thirst and hunger. When one’s hunger gauge was full it showed ‘quenched’ on the status. When it was zero then it showed parched and every few minutes the character would take 1hp of damage. It was the same with hunger. 100% was ‘stuffed’ while 0% was ‘starving.’ If a character was starving they too could die the slow 1hp every few minutes death. It wouldn’t be a problem unless someone got stuck or lost somewhere.

Isaiah says: “What were you two talking about? I hope I’m not interrupting.”

Kaarell says: “We were talking about how Lathander charges us with seeking harmony of the races.”

Light nods.

Light says: “Yes we seek peace and an end to the cycles of murder that plagues this realm.”

Isaiah says: “What do you mean?”

Kaarell says: “Well, the old guilds used to war constantly and target players repeatedly for petty reasons such as pride.”

Isaiah sighs.

Isaiah says: “Yes I know what they said about pride.”

Light says: “What do you think about pride?”

Isaiah says: “I think it says pride comes before a fall. And a haughty spirit before destruction.”

Kaarell says: “Don’t get me wrong, I’m proud of my elven heritage. But it is not something that we should look down on other people for. Some of our cousins talk about half-elves as half-humans or think of non-elves as lesser races. Yes we may be the longest lived races elves can live for 400 years. Lathander teaches us to strive to live together peacefully.”

Isaiah says: “I’ve heard that phrase before, half-human.”

Kaarell sighs.

Kaarell says: “From whom?”

Isaiah says: “Gabrielle told me. She was healing newbies. I thought maybe she was healing anyone just trying to help out but it was just elves. She didn’t think non-elves were worth her time.”

Light frowns in intense concentration.

Light says: “Isaiah, please be weary of Gabrielle. I’m worried for you.”

Kaarell says: “She is the shame of the elven race. An elf should not be a priestess of Loviatar.”

Isaiah says: “I think that maybe she just needs to be shown some charity. Her family followed Eldath, the god of peace. “

Kaarell says: “You are playing with fire if you want to befriend her..”

Isaiah says: “I know, I just wish she too could find redemption.”

Kaarell says: “She would use even your pure intentions to sink her claws into you Isaiah. Please tread carefully.”

Isaiah says: “I will be careful. Perhaps this is my calling to be a shepherd for our wayward cousins.”

Isaiah smiles brightly.

Kaarell pats you on the back.

Kaarell says: “May Lathander light your steps.”

Isaiah’s player decided that he’d put off following a deity for long enough. He typed ‘choose lathander’. It was one of the commands that could only be used in the temple.

In bold white letters a line of text appeared.

Isaiah has chosen to follow lathander.

Light Welcome!

Light smiles.

Light says: “Welcome to the church Isaiah.”

Kaarell says: “Welcome, Isaiah.”

Kaarell smiles.

Isaiah says: “Yes I should have done this a while ago. Looking at that wall of unfaithful souls keeps bothering me and I can’t see myself anywhere else.”

Kaarell says: “We are happy to receive you.”