Bennett’s senses erupted in a vibrant symphony of the digital world, a stark contrast to the sterile reality he’d just left behind. The darkness behind his eyelids dissolved, revealing a world bathed in the dappled emerald light that filtered through an impossibly high forest canopy. He stood on a path of soft, packed earth, the air thick with the earthy scent of damp soil and decaying leaves, punctuated by the sweet perfume of unseen blossoms. A chorus of chirps, buzzes, and rustling leaves filled his ears, each sound distinct yet harmonizing into a cohesive natural soundscape. He could even feel a gentle breeze ruffling the fur on his face, a sensation so real it made him instinctively lift a hand.

  The paw that came into view was covered in soft, white fur containing striking swirls and patterns of rich black, resembling that of a bipedal Marble Fox. He flexed his elongated, agile fingers, watching the way the light played across the intricate marbling of his fur. He was ProlixalParagon, the Fennician Jester. His reflection in a nearby puddle, its surface disturbed by a curious, iridescent beetle, confirmed the transformation. He stood on digitigrade legs, his weight naturally balanced on the balls of his feet, giving him the quick and light stance characteristic of a fox-folk. Large, expressive ears, tipped with black fur, swiveled independently, catching the distant call of an unidentifiable bird. A long, thick, and expressive tail, mirroring the swirls and patterns of black on white of his fur, swished gently behind him, a silent indicator of his burgeoning excitement. His eyes, large and sharp, scanned his surroundings with an almost mystical quality, glowing with a faint, inner luminescence in the filtered light.

  He took his first step off the path, his padded paws making almost no sound on the soft undergrowth. The forest floor was a tapestry of moss-covered stones, fallen branches adorned with vibrant fungi, and delicate ferns unfurling their fronds. Every texture felt distinct – the yielding give of damp moss, the rough bark of a fallen log, the cool smoothness of a stone beneath his paw. He inhaled deeply, savoring the clean, wild air, a stark contrast to the recycled, faintly chemical-tinged air of the Alluring Realms facility. This was more than just a game; it was a complete sensory immersion. His fur, white with swirls and patterns of rich black, seemed to shimmer faintly in the dappled light.

  Driven by an innate curiosity, Bennett, as ProlixalParagon, ventured deeper into the woods, the dirt path quickly disappearing behind a curtain of thick foliage. He moved with a natural agility he had never possessed in his own body, his digitigrade legs propelling him forward with surprising speed and grace. He found himself instinctively testing his newfound physical form, leaping over fallen logs and scrambling up gentle slopes with an ease that brought a thrill of liberation.

  He paused by a cluster of vibrant, bluebell-like flowers, their delicate petals unfurling towards the light. A small, furry creature with large, black eyes scurried amongst them, its nose twitching inquisitively. Bennett held his breath, observing it. This felt real, genuinely alive. He remembered reading about the diverse flora and fauna that could be found within Ludere Online, and a surge of anticipation coursed through him. What other wonders, and dangers, lay hidden within these digital woods? **The white fur of his avatar, interwoven with striking black swirls, blended surprisingly well with the shadowed undergrowth**.

  As he continued his exploration, the density of the trees began to vary. He passed through sun-dappled clearings where butterflies with intricate wing patterns danced in the air, their movements seemingly random yet possessing a delicate beauty. In darker, more shadowed areas, the air grew cooler, and the rustling sounds around him seemed to take on a more cautious quality. He paid close attention to the ground, noticing the subtle tracks and disturbances in the leaf litter, a habit honed from countless hours of reading forum discussions about tracking and identifying creatures. His large, rotating ears twitched, catching every subtle sound of the forest.

  He came to a small stream, its water crystal clear as it gurgled over smooth, multicolored stones. He instinctively lowered his snout to drink, the virtual water feeling surprisingly cool and refreshing. He watched his reflection waver in the flowing current, the white fur containing swirls and patterns of rich black a stark contrast to the earthy tones of the forest. He was no longer Bennett Davies, the frustrated janitor. He was ProlixalParagon, an agile, curious Fennician in a world brimming with possibilities.

  A sudden rustling in the nearby undergrowth made his large ears twitch. He froze, his body tensing, his glowing eyes narrowing as he scanned the surrounding foliage. He remembered the forum discussions about unexpected mob encounters even in tutorial areas. Was this a dangerous beast that had wandered from its intended location? Or perhaps something less threatening, a creature that was simply part of the natural ecosystem? His bushy tail stilled, aiding his attempt at silence.

  Cautiously, he moved towards the sound, his body low to the ground, his tail held still for silence. He peered through a thicket of ferns and saw… a rabbit. Its fur was a mottled brown and grey, and it nibbled contentedly on a patch of clover, its nose twitching. A wave of relief washed over Bennett, quickly followed by a touch of sheepishness. His forum-fueled paranoia had gotten the better of him.

  He watched the rabbit for a few more moments, appreciating the simple beauty of its existence within this vibrant world. Then, a different sound caught his attention – the distinct snap of a twig off to his left. This time, there was a heavier quality to the sound, a weight that the small rabbit hadn’t possessed. ProlixalParagon’s large, expressive ears swiveled again, his sharp gaze intensifying**. His first true encounter in Ludere Online might be just around the corner. He felt a mixture of apprehension and exhilaration, the janitor's mundane existence fading further into the background with each rustle of the leaves. His secret adventure had truly begun.

  The snap of the twig was followed by a soft rustling of leaves, closer this time. ProlixalParagon remained still, his large, rotating ears pinpointing the direction of the sound. Through a gap in the foliage, he spotted movement – the distinct shape of a humanoid figure.

  The figure stepped fully into view and Bennett recognized the general build and features as human. This individual was of average height, with short, cropped brown hair and brown eyes. They wore practical, though somewhat worn, leather armor over simple brown tunic and trousers, and carried a longbow slung across their back and a quiver of arrows at their hip. This attire suggested they might be a hunter or perhaps a low-ranking soldier.

  The human paused, looking around the forest, seemingly unaware of ProlixalParagon’s presence. Their gaze swept past the thicket where Bennett was concealed. For a moment, their eyes met, widening slightly in surprise at the sight of the bipedal, black and white marbled fox.

  Instead of alarm, however, a look of mild curiosity crossed the human’s face. After a brief pause, they offered a small, hesitant smile. “Well, now, haven’t seen one of your kind around these parts before,” the human said, their voice friendly and without any hint of threat. “You lost, friend?”

  Bennett, as ProlixalParagon, was momentarily taken aback. He hadn’t anticipated such a calm reaction. Remembering the Fennicians’ playful nature, he decided to respond in kind. He stepped out from the thicket, his bushy tail giving a tentative wag.

  “Lost? Perhaps,” ProlixalParagon replied, his voice sounding slightly higher and more melodic than Bennett’s own, with a hint of the fast-paced and musical language filled with clicks described of Fennicians. “Or perhaps simply… exploring.”

  The human chuckled. “Exploring, eh? This part of the woods can be a bit tricky for those unfamiliar with it. Plenty of Mana Originating Beasts, sometimes called Mobs, about, and they aren't always the friendliest”. The human gestured with a hand. “Name’s Blair. I’m heading back to Oakhaven. It’s not much, just a small village, but it’s safer than wandering these woods alone. You’re welcome to tag along, if you like.”

  Bennett considered the offer. Oakhaven. He hadn’t seen it mentioned on the forums he’d read. A small village could be a good place to get his bearings and perhaps learn more about the local area. “Oakhaven,” ProlixalParagon repeated, tilting his head, his large ears swiveling slightly. “That sounds… agreeable, Blair. Lead the way.”

  Blair nodded, turning and beginning to walk along a less-defined path that Bennett hadn’t noticed before. ProlixalParagon fell into step beside her, his digitigrade legs moving with a natural ease. The forest began to thin slightly, the dense canopy occasionally giving way to patches of sunlight.

  As they walked, Blair pointed out various plants and landmarks, occasionally mentioning the names of local creatures, though none of the more dangerous ones Bennett had read about on the forums. She seemed to accept ProlixalParagon’s Fennician appearance without further question, a detail Bennett noted with interest. Perhaps different races were more integrated in this region than he had initially thought. Humans are found in nearly every society, which might explain Blair's lack of strong reaction.

  After a short while, the trees began to thin more noticeably, and the sounds of the forest were gradually replaced by more domestic noises – the distant clanging of metal, the murmur of voices, and the occasional bark of a dog.

  Then, nestled in a small clearing, a village came into view. It was indeed small, consisting of perhaps a dozen or so simple wooden buildings with thatched roofs, clustered around a central open area. A few figures moved about – some tending to small gardens, others working on what appeared to be repairs to a fence, and a couple of children chasing a scruffy-looking dog. The overall atmosphere seemed peaceful and unassuming.

  As they approached the edge of the village, a few of the villagers stopped what they were doing to look at Blair and ProlixalParagon. There were a few nods of acknowledgement for Blair, and then their gazes shifted to Bennett’s avatar. Again, there was surprise, but it seemed to be tempered with a general acceptance, perhaps even curiosity, similar to Blair’s initial reaction. This could indicate a region where different races, like the Fennician with his white fur containing swirls and patterns of rich black , are not uncommon visitors.

  Blair smiled reassuringly at Bennett. “Welcome to Oakhaven, friend. Not the grandest of places, but it’s home.”

  As Blair gestures towards the village, a subtle notification flickers at the edge of ProlixalParagon's vision, the crisp, game-like text overlaid on his perception: >You have located (tutorial) Village of Oakhaven<.

  Bennett blinked, both in the real world within the D.I.V.E. pod and as ProlixalParagon. "(Tutorial)?" he thought to himself. This confirmed his suspicion that this area was likely designed to introduce new players to the game mechanics and world. The surprisingly welcoming attitude of Blair and the villagers now made more sense; a tutorial area would likely be populated with friendly or at least neutral NPCs to guide players.

  As ProlixalParagon, he maintained a polite demeanor, nodding to Blair and the few villagers who were watching their approach. "It seems… quite charming," he commented, his Fennician-inflected voice conveying a hint of curiosity.

  Despite Blair's friendly invitation, Bennett, as the cautious and observant ProlixalParagon, decided he wanted to get a better sense of the village on his own. He needed to understand its layout, identify potential points of interest, and maybe even find someone who could offer more information about the surrounding region beyond what Blair might readily offer. He recalled reading on the forums that bases in Ludere Online could be located in cities, towns, or villages. While Oakhaven was designated as a tutorial village, it could still offer some basic services or quests for a new player.

  "Thank you for the kind offer, Blair," ProlixalParagon said with a slight inclination of his head, his bushy tail swaying gently. "However, if you don't mind, I think I might take a brief stroll around the village myself. Allow my… explorative nature to guide me for a bit. Perhaps we can reconvene later?"

  Blair smiled understandingly. "Of course, friend. Don't hesitate to ask if you need anything. Most folks here are happy to lend a hand." She gestured towards a simple-looking building with a smoking chimney. "The Crooked Tankard over there is the local gathering spot. You might find some interesting conversations inside."

  ProlixalParagon’s large, rotating ears twitched at the mention of potential information. "Excellent. I appreciate the suggestion, Blair."

  With a final nod to Blair, ProlixalParagon began to move towards the center of Oakhaven. His digitigrade legs carried him with a light, springy gait, his white fur containing swirls and patterns of rich black catching the late afternoon sunlight filtering through the trees. He took in the details of the village – the rough-hewn wooden structures, the small patches of cultivated land, and the faces of the villagers going about their daily tasks. He noted the absence of any obvious guards or fortifications, further reinforcing the idea that this was a relatively safe, introductory area.

  His mind, however, was already considering the possibilities. What kind of professions might be represented in a small village like this? Perhaps a farmer or a stable hand. Could there be a merchant offering basic supplies? He even wondered if there might be a scribe keeping records who could provide local lore.

  As he passed a group of children who stopped their game to stare at him with wide eyes, ProlixalParagon gave a playful twitch of his nose, eliciting giggles. Remembering the Fennicians' mischievous nature, he considered a harmless prank but decided against it for now, wanting to make a good first impression in this new environment. For now, observation and information gathering were his priorities. The tutorial of Oakhaven awaited his exploration.

  Continuing his exploration of Oakhaven, ProlixalParagon noticed a slightly larger building near the center of the village. Unlike the simple homes and workshops, this structure had a more distinct architecture, featuring a small steeple and what appeared to be stained-glass windows depicting various celestial symbols. A wooden sign above the entrance simply read "The Village Chapel."

  Intrigued by the possibility of learning more about the beliefs and history of this world, ProlixalParagon decided to enter. The heavy wooden door creaked softly as he pushed it open, revealing a surprisingly spacious interior. Sunlight streamed through the stained-glass, casting colorful patterns on the simple wooden pews and the stone floor.

  Along the walls, ProlixalParagon observed several alcoves, each containing what were clearly shrines. Each shrine was dedicated to a different deity, with various symbolic items placed before them. He recognized some of the symbols from the forum discussions he had read: a stylized sun for Ilmas of Soohan, a stern-looking helm for Nakruer of Draggor, and a naturalistic leaf for Onthir of the Red Fox Caravan. This confirmed Blair's earlier comment that land in Draggor belongs to The Gods, suggesting a pantheon-based belief system might be prevalent across different factions.

  Standing near the main altar was a figure in simple, unadorned robes. This individual had a kind face framed by wisps of grey hair and moved with a quiet, gentle demeanor. ProlixalParagon approached, his digitigrade steps making little sound on the stone.

  "Greetings," ProlixalParagon said, his Fennician-tinged voice respectful. "I am a… traveler, and I find your chapel most fascinating. It seems you honor many different deities here."

  The priest turned, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he offered a warm smile. "Welcome, stranger. Indeed, we do. In a small village like Oakhaven, we find it wise to offer our respects to the various powers that shape our world. While different kingdoms and peoples may favor certain gods, we believe in maintaining a balance and showing reverence to all."

  ProlixalParagon tilted his head, his large, rotating ears attentively taking in the priest's words. "That is a… pragmatic approach. Tell me, what can you share about these gods? What role do they play in the history of this land?"

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  The priest gestured towards the shrines. "Ah, that is a long and winding tale. It is said that the gods have been with us since the very beginning, shaping the very fabric of existence. The elves of Soohan believe themselves to be the first children of the gods, a lineage unbroken through millennia. They have a continuous divine cycle of rulership, with each new God-King embodying a different celestial aspect. Their traditions are deeply tied to their spiritual and cultural heritage."

  He moved to the shrine dedicated to Nakruer. "In the Kingdom of Draggor, the people have a different relationship with the divine. They believe that land belongs to The Gods, and their society is structured in a rigid hierarchy that is seen as divinely ordained. Their current king is… zealous in his devotion, believing he acts in accordance with the will of the gods to prevent a great cataclysm."

  Next, he indicated the shrine to Onthir. "And then there are the more nature-focused deities, like Onthir, who is revered by groups such as the Red Fox Caravan. Their followers often live in closer harmony with the natural world." FelineFine, the Altacian ShadowBlade, is also associated with the god Onthir.

  ProlixalParagon’s bushy tail gave a soft swish as he processed this information. "So, different factions have different primary deities, or at least different interpretations of their importance?"

  "Indeed," the priest confirmed. "And the history is filled with tales of divine intervention, of blessings bestowed and wrath incurred. Some whisper of cults devoted to the Eclipsed One, seeking to bring them back, suggesting there are darker, perhaps forgotten, powers at play as well. Even within the Lunar Empire, though they have a ruling Emperor and Empress, there are Zealots of the Lost Old God who believe a different deity ruled before the current ones and seek his revival."

  He paused, his gaze becoming slightly more solemn. "The relationship between the mortal races and the gods is complex and ever-evolving. Some individuals are even Favored by the gods, receiving special blessings or abilities. And of course, there are those who dedicate their lives to serving a particular deity, such as the priests and paladins." He mentioned that paladins are a combo of cleric/healer and a melee class and must have a healing class and a melee class as well as be devoted to a specific god to achieve that class.

  ProlixalParagon’s white fur containing swirls and patterns of rich black seemed to shimmer slightly as he absorbed this information. "It seems the divine plays a significant role in shaping the world of Ludere Online."

  "It shapes everything, traveler," the priest said with a gentle sigh. "From the rise and fall of kingdoms to the smallest events in our daily lives. Understanding the gods and their histories is key to understanding the world around us." He smiled again. "Do you have any other questions?"

  ProlixalParagon considered this wealth of information. "Thank you," he said, inclining his head respectfully. "You have given me much to contemplate." He decided to leave further inquiries for another time, wanting to process the foundational knowledge he had just received. The world of Ludere Online was proving to be more intricate than he had initially imagined.

  As ProlixalParagon reached the entrance, the priest spoke again, his voice still gentle but carrying a note of helpful guidance. "Safe travels, stranger. One more thing, since you mentioned being a traveler. To move beyond this village and see more of the world, you will need to locate the wayshrine of Oelia. It is through such wayshrines that travelers typically depart these initial areas."

  ProlixalParagon paused, his large, rotating ears swiveling back towards the priest. "The wayshrine of Oelia? Is it far?"

  "Not overly so," the priest replied. "It lies along the main path leading east from the village. You should find it marked. However," he added, a thoughtful expression on his face, "if I may offer a piece of advice to a newcomer, I would suggest taking some time to explore Oakhaven and its surroundings before you depart. These starting areas often hold valuable information about the world, its history, and its people. You might learn things that will aid you greatly in your travels ahead. Knowledge, after all, is a precious commodity."

  ProlixalParagon considered this. His initial inclination had been to venture out and see the wider world, but the priest's words resonated with his earlier thoughts about the complexity of Ludere Online. He remembered his own meticulous research into the game's factions and lore before even logging in. The priest's suggestion seemed to echo that sentiment – understanding the fundamentals could be crucial.

  "That is wise counsel," ProlixalParagon conceded, his white fur containing swirls and patterns of rich black rippling slightly as he nodded. "Thank you for pointing me towards the wayshrine of Oelia and for the advice to explore. I shall take it to heart."

  He offered a final respectful inclination of his head and then pushed open the heavy wooden door, stepping back out into the afternoon sunlight of Oakhaven, the priest's words about the wayshrine and the value of exploration echoing in his mind. He looked around the familiar yet still somewhat new surroundings, his glowing eyes assessing the various buildings and pathways with a renewed sense of purpose. The tutorial area, it seemed, was not just a place to learn basic mechanics, but also a primer on the rich and intricate world that awaited him beyond the wayshrine of Oelia.

  Stepping out of the Village Chapel, ProlixalParagon paused, his glowing eyes scanning the familiar yet now more significant surroundings of Oakhaven. The priest's words about the wayshrine of Oelia and the importance of exploration resonated with his inherent curiosity and strategic mind. As a Fennician, he possessed a natural inclination towards observation and understanding the subtle nuances of his environment. His large, rotating ears twitched, catching the sounds of the village – the distant hammering from a workshop, the chatter of unseen villagers, the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze.

  He recalled his research before entering the game. The forums had emphasized the depth of Ludere Online's lore and the significance of faction allegiances. The priest's overview of the different gods – Ilmas of Soohan, Nakruer of Draggor, and Onthir of the Red Fox Caravan – and the varying relationships each faction held with the divine reinforced this. He even mentioned the whispers of cults devoted to the Eclipsed One and the Zealots of the Lost Old God within the Lunar Empire, hinting at deeper, perhaps hidden, layers of the world's history and power structures . This suggested that the tutorial area might indeed contain valuable clues about these larger conflicts and beliefs.

  ProlixalParagon’s bushy tail swayed gently as he made his decision. He would heed the priest's advice. Rushing to the wayshrine of Oelia could mean missing crucial foundational knowledge. His goal wasn't just to progress; it was to understand the intricacies of this new reality, to leverage his intellect and adaptability – traits often associated with Fennicians – to navigate the challenges ahead.

  His lean and agile digitigrade legs carried him away from the chapel, towards a bustling area near what appeared to be a marketplace. The air here was filled with the smells of cooked food, reminding him that even in a virtual world, certain sensory details were meticulously crafted. He noticed several NPCs going about their daily routines. Perhaps engaging with them would yield some of the "valuable information" the priest had mentioned. He remembered reading that professions in the game allowed for extra coin, gear, and knowledge accumulation. Perhaps some of these villagers held such professions and could offer insights.

  He spotted a figure hunched over a workbench, meticulously crafting what looked like leather armor. A thought sparked in his mind. The Red Fox Caravan, associated with the god Onthir, was mentioned by the priest. FelineFine, the Altacian ShadowBlade, was also associated with this caravan. The Altaicians were described as bipedal digigrade tigers who were the original inhabitants of what is now the Kingdom of Draggor. They didn't typically rely on speech, using hand motions and generalized words instead. He wondered if there were any Altaicians in Oakhaven or if this armorer might have connections to the Red Fox Caravan and could offer information about their customs or their relationship with the Kingdom of Draggor, a nation currently experiencing tension with the Altaicians.

  As he approached the armorer's stall, ProlixalParagon’s glowing eyes, capable of discerning details even in dim light, noted the quality of the craftsmanship. Starting a conversation here might not only yield information but also potentially open up opportunities for acquiring better gear, a crucial aspect of survival in a potentially dangerous world, as hinted by the Soohanan Mauler appearing even in tutorial zones. The path to the wayshrine of Oelia could wait; for now, the pursuit of knowledge and potential advantage took precedence.

  Approaching the armorer’s stall, ProlixalParagon observed the intricate work on a piece of supple leather, dyed a deep forest green. "Good day to you, artisan," he said, his voice carrying a polite tone. "Your craftsmanship appears quite skilled."

  The armorer, a burly human with calloused hands and a weathered face, looked up from his work. "Aye, traveler. Thank ye. Been at this for many a year."

  ProlixalParagon gestured towards a piece of armor adorned with what looked like a stylized fox. "That emblem… it is quite distinctive. Does it signify a particular affiliation?"

  The armorer’s eyes narrowed slightly. "That's the mark of the Red Fox Caravan. We sometimes trade with them. They're a reclusive bunch, mostly rangers and hunters, fond of the wilds."

  "The Red Fox Caravan," ProlixalParagon mused aloud, his large ears twitching. "The priest mentioned their association with the god Onthir." He recalled reading on the forums that Hunter was an Uncommon specialization for Rangers, common in the Red Fox Caravan. "What can you tell me of them and their ways?"

  The armorer shrugged. "Not much I know firsthand. They come and go, trading for supplies, mostly in secret. They say they have their own customs, follow the old ways. Some whisper they have ties to the Altaicians who used to roam these lands before the Kingdom of Draggor held sway."

  ProlixalParagon’s interest piqued. He remembered FelineFine, the Altacian ShadowBlade, being associated with the Red Fox Caravan. The Altaicians were described as bipedal tiger-like beings who were the original inhabitants of what is now the Kingdom of Draggor. "The Altaicians? I understand they are… different."

  "Different is one word for it," the armorer grunted, picking up a tool again. "Quiet folk. Don't speak much. Use their hands mostly. Proud, though. They say the Kingdom of Draggor took their lands. There's no love lost between them, that's for sure." This corroborated the forum information Bennett had read about the Kingdom of Draggor maintaining one of the largest standing armies, possibly needed to shape the future of territories that might have once belonged to others.

  "And this tension… does it ever spill over into conflict?" ProlixalParagon inquired, subtly trying to gauge the political climate of the region.

  "Skirmishes along the borders, mostly," the armorer replied. "The King of Draggor is a stern ruler, focused on preventing some cataclysm, they say." "He keeps a tight leash on things. But the Altaicians are skilled in stealth and know the land better than anyone. They say some even work with the Red Fox Caravan." This hinted at potential alliances and underground movements.

  ProlixalParagon shifted his weight, his bushy tail flicking thoughtfully. "The priest mentioned several gods. Ilmas of Soohan, Nakruer of Draggor, and Onthir of the Red Fox Caravan." He knew from his research that the elves of Soohan had a continuous divine cycle of rulership. "What is the relationship between these kingdoms and their deities? And what of the Lunar Empire? The priest spoke of them as well."

  The armorer wiped his brow with a rag. "That's getting into deeper waters, traveler. Soohan is far to the east, ruled by their God-Kings. They say their lineage is unbroken for millennia." "As for Draggor, they revere Nakruer, a god of… well, discipline and order, some say. The King claims to rule by his will."

  He paused, glancing around as if to ensure no one was eavesdropping. "The Lunar Empire… that's a different beast altogether. They have an Emperor and Empress, but there are whispers of other powers at play within their borders. Cults and secret societies. They say the Patala people originated from their lands when the moon… well, when things changed long ago." The armorer's hesitant tone suggested a level of fear or uncertainty surrounding the Lunar Empire.

  "And these 'changes' you speak of?" ProlixalParagon pressed gently, eager to uncover historical lore.

  The armorer shook his head, his gaze distant. "Ancient history, traveler. Before my time. But they say the land bridge between here and Soohan was destroyed. The Patala rose from the remnants, tied to magic."

  ProlixalParagon absorbed this information, piecing together the fragmented history. The destruction of a land bridge and the emergence of a magically attuned race like the Patala suggested a cataclysmic event. He thought of the Third Era Cataclysm mentioned in connection with the transformation of the Cataphractan in Soohan. Could these events be related?

  "The Cataphractan," he inquired, remembering the elite draconic elven warriors of Soohan. "Are they still a force to be reckoned with?"

  "The Dragon Riders of Soohan?" the armorer exclaimed, a hint of awe in his voice. "Legends, mostly. They say they rode mighty beasts into battle. But that was before… before the changes. Now, some say they were transformed into something else entirely." This confirmed that the transformation of the Cataphractan was a widely known, albeit perhaps misunderstood, historical event.

  ProlixalParagon nodded slowly, his mind racing with the connections he was beginning to draw. The priest's advice to explore the tutorial area was proving invaluable. Even a simple conversation with a village armorer had yielded insights into the political landscape, religious beliefs, racial tensions, and historical events that shaped the world of Ludere Online. The wayshrine of Oelia could indeed wait. There was much more lore to uncover here in the humble village of Oakhaven. His glowing eyes scanned the village once more, now seeing it not just as a starting point, but as a repository of foundational knowledge.

  "Transformed?" ProlixalParagon echoed, his large, rotating ears swiveling slightly, processing the armorer's words. "Into what, exactly?" He recalled reading about the Cataphractan being bipedal plantigrade dragon-like people who were once elves, transformed after the Third Era Cataclysm.

  The armorer leaned closer, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret. "They say they took on the form of dragons. Scales, horns, the lot. Powerful warriors, still loyal to Soohan, but… changed. Some say it was a forbidden ritual gone wrong." This aligned with the source material describing a sect of Valaar monks attempting a ritual to merge with their draconic mounts, resulting in the transformation.

  ProlixalParagon nodded thoughtfully, his bushy tail giving a subtle flick. "A cataclysm… you mentioned the land bridge being destroyed. Was this the same event?"

  The armorer scratched his chin. "Some say so. The old tales speak of a great upheaval, magic twisting the very fabric of the world. It changed the races, the land… even the gods, some whisper." He hesitated. "They say that's when the Cataphractan came to be, and the island of the Quang broke away, becoming its own empire." This ties into the information about the Quang originating from a moon that fell to the planet, destroying the land bridge.

  "The Quang," ProlixalParagon repeated, remembering they were lizard-like amphibious bipedal digitigrade people from the Lunar Empire. "Their island… you said it broke away. What is their relationship with the mainland now?"

  "They keep to themselves mostly," the armorer replied. "They're colonizing other areas, I hear, to make room for their growing numbers. Their island is unique, they say, with plants and creatures found nowhere else." This corroborated the source stating the Quang are trying to colonize due to their growing population and that their island has unique flora and fauna.

  ProlixalParagon’s mind raced, connecting the pieces of information. The Third Era Cataclysm seemed to be a pivotal event, shaping the races and the political landscape. The tension between the Kingdom of Draggor and the Altaicians, the transformed Cataphractan of Soohan, and the expansionist Quang all seemed to stem from these ancient events.

  "And the magic in this world?" ProlixalParagon inquired, recalling his chosen class as a Tinkerer and the general prevalence of magic in Ludere Online. "Is it tied to these events as well?"

  The armorer nodded sagely. "Magic flows through the land, they say. Some are born with a greater affinity for it than others. The elves of Soohan and those within the Lunar Empire are known for their skill in the arcane arts." He paused. "The Cataphractan, too, they say their transformation imbued them with magical might." This aligns with the source mentioning the Cataphractan developing Innate Channeling after their transformation.

  "And what of illnesses?" ProlixalParagon asked, remembering reading about various plagues and conditions like Auristus and Umbralysis. "Are there dangers beyond beasts and battles?"

  The armorer’s expression darkened. "Aye, traveler. There are always dangers. Plagues can sweep through the land. And misuse of magic… well, that can leave its mark." He shuddered slightly. "Some say wild magic can even cause strange growths, like that Titans Rot they speak of."

  ProlixalParagon absorbed this grim reminder of the world's potential hazards. Even in a virtual environment, the challenges seemed multifaceted and realistic.

  "One final question, if I may," ProlixalParagon said, his glowing eyes fixed on the armorer. "The priest mentioned beings called Divine Children and cults trying to bring back The Eclipsed One." "What can you tell me of these… more mysterious elements?"

  The armorer’s eyes widened, and he glanced around nervously again. "Those are whispers best left unheard, traveler. Textos, the god, suppresses all knowledge of The Eclipsed One for a reason, they say." "As for the Divine Children… they walk the world, bound by rules we don't understand. Best not to meddle in such matters." His fearful tone indicated that these were indeed powerful and perhaps dangerous aspects of the game's lore.

  ProlixalParagon nodded slowly, respecting the armorer's apprehension. He had gleaned a wealth of information, painting a clearer picture of the world's history, politics, and dangers. The wayshrine of Oelia still beckoned, but the foundational knowledge he had gained from this simple interaction was invaluable. As a Fennician, his inherent curiosity and adaptability were already proving to be powerful tools in navigating this new reality. The pursuit of lore, it seemed, was a crucial first step on his path. His lean and agile digitigrade legs shifted slightly, a new sense of purpose guiding his next steps within the bustling village of Oakhaven.