Bennett pushed his cleaning cart down the familiar hallway on the second floor of Alluring Realms Gaming. The rhythmic squeak of the wheels was a constant soundtrack to his late-night shifts. He methodically wiped down desks in the deserted office spaces, the glow of dormant computer monitors casting long shadows. His mind, however, often drifted between the mundane task at hand and the vibrant world of Ludere Online, where he was known as ProlixalParagon. The memory of his brief foray into the game, the feel of his Fennician avatar’s white fur containing swirls and patterns of rich black, still lingered.

  As he emptied a wastepaper basket filled with crumpled code drafts, a familiar figure approached. Carol, his facilities trainer, with her nametag simply reading "Facilities," held her usual clipboard.

  "Evening, Bennett," Carol said, her tone warm and encouraging.

  "Evening, Carol," Bennett replied, a small knot of apprehension tightening in his chest. He wondered if his unauthorized use of the D.I.V.E. pod had been discovered.

  Carol flipped a page on her clipboard. "I've got a slight adjustment to your cleaning schedule for tonight."

  Bennett waited, trying to keep his expression neutral.

  "We're no longer expecting you to clean the crew quarters," Carol explained. "That will be handled by the day shift from now on."

  A wave of relief washed over Bennett. Cleaning the sometimes-messy crew quarters was never his favorite task.

  Carol continued, a slightly different tone entering her voice. "Instead, Mr. Davies – the CEO – has specifically requested that you add the developer office to your nightly duties".

  Bennett’s dusting cloth paused mid-swipe. The developer office? The inner sanctum of Ludere Online’s creation, a strictly off-limits area for brown-banded facilities staff until his recent impromptu visit. His mind raced, replaying his late-night conversation with Frank, Sean, and Jason, the unexpected interest they had shown in his thoughts on game mechanics and the Fennician lore. Could this be related?

  Carol didn’t seem to notice his surprise. "They've had a bit of… an ongoing issue with cleanliness up there, apparently, and Mr. Davies wants it addressed promptly. Frank – one of the lead developers, I believe – specifically mentioned you did a thorough job cleaning up that coffee spill the other night".

  Bennett’s heart did a little flip. So, his unauthorized, yet helpful, presence in the developer office hadn't resulted in reprimand, but rather, a change in his official duties.

  "He noted your… attention to detail," Carol continued, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Said the place was the tidiest it had been in months after you were done. So, starting tonight, Room 312 and the adjacent common area are now part of your regular cleaning route."

  Bennett nodded slowly, trying to process this unexpected development. He was being granted access to the developer office, not as a clandestine intruder, but as part of his job. This was far more than he could have hoped for. It wasn't a beta testing role, but it was a significant step closer to the heart of Ludere Online. He would have regular access to the very space where the game was being crafted, where he might overhear more conversations, see more concept art, perhaps even glean more insights into the mysteries he was uncovering as ProlixalParagon.

  "Is there anything specific I should know about cleaning up there?" Bennett asked, trying to sound like this was just another routine task.

  "Just be mindful," Carol cautioned. "They have a lot of sensitive equipment and documents. Don't touch anything that doesn't clearly need cleaning, and definitely don't go snooping on their computers or notes".

  "Understood," Bennett assured her, a thrill of anticipation mixed with a sense of responsibility settling within him. He wouldn't jeopardize this opportunity.

  "Alright then," Carol said, ticking something off on her clipboard. "Just add it to your usual rounds after you finish the general office spaces. Let me know if you have any issues." She gave him a friendly nod and moved on to check on another member of the facilities crew.

  Bennett watched her go, his mind already buzzing with the possibilities. Cleaning the developer office. It was an unexpected turn, a potential bridge between his mundane reality and the extraordinary world of Ludere Online. He couldn't help but wonder what secrets and insights awaited him within those walls, now accessible not through defiance, but as part of his job. He adjusted his grip on his cleaning cart, a newfound sense of purpose infusing his routine tasks.

  Bennett completed his usual cleaning of the general office spaces on the second floor, his mind now fully focused on the new addition to his routine. The developer office. He pushed his cleaning cart towards the section of the hallway Carol had indicated, the low hum emanating from behind the closed doors seeming louder now, no longer a sound he was meant to ignore. He reached the door marked "Development – Sector Gamma," a subtle nervousness fluttering in his stomach. He swiped his brown wristband against the sensor, and the green light blinked obligingly. He was officially authorized to enter.

  He pushed the door open, the familiar, slightly stale air of the office hitting him, though it seemed less pungent than it had after the great coffee spill. Several developers were still present, hunched over their monitors, the glow of the screens illuminating their focused faces. The rhythmic tap-tap-tap of keyboards filled the room, punctuated by the occasional murmur of conversation.

  Frank, his brown hair still slightly disheveled, looked up from his screen as Bennett entered with his cleaning cart. A look of recognition spread across his tired features.

  "Hey, Bennett! Back for more cleaning adventures?" Frank said with a weary but friendly smile.

  Sean, the beta tester with the red wristband, swiveled in his chair, a playful grin on his face. "Look who it is! Our favorite problem solver."

  Jason, the younger developer, glanced up briefly and gave a nod of acknowledgement before returning his attention to his monitor.

  Bennett felt a slight flush creep up his neck, a mix of embarrassment and a strange sense of belonging. "Evening, Frank. Sean. Jason," he replied, trying to sound professional. "Carol informed me that cleaning the developer office is now part of my regular duties".

  "Yeah, Mr. Davies – the big boss – was really impressed with the job you did with the coffee incident," Frank explained, gesturing vaguely towards the still-clean patch of carpet. "Said we could use your… thoroughness up here on a regular basis".

  Sean chuckled. "Smart man, the CEO. Might finally get this place looking less like a digital disaster zone." He gestured around the cluttered office, filled with empty snack containers, scattered papers, and various pieces of tech.

  Bennett wheeled his cart further into the room, trying to take it all in without being too obvious. He noticed the whiteboards were now filled with even more intricate diagrams and lines of code, and several monitors displayed what looked like early versions of new character models.

  "Just let us know if we're in the way," Frank said, turning back to his monitor but keeping one ear directed towards Bennett. "Don't hesitate to ask us to move anything if you need to clean under it."

  "Of course," Bennett replied. "I'll try to be as unobtrusive as possible". He put on his disposable gloves and began to organize his cleaning supplies, his mind already cataloging the areas that needed the most attention. He spotted a precarious stack of empty energy drink cans near Jason's desk and a scattering of crumpled papers around Sean's workstation.

  As he started to wipe down a nearby table, Sean turned back to him. "So, Bennett, any more brilliant insights into game mechanics for us tonight?" he asked with a teasing smile.

  Bennett chuckled nervously. "Just here to keep things clean, sir," he demurred, not wanting to overstep his bounds.

  Frank leaned back in his chair again, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Seriously though, Bennett, we were actually talking about that ancestral trait idea you mentioned. It's got some real potential." He glanced at Jason, who nodded in agreement. "We might actually try implementing a simplified version in the next internal build".

  Bennett's heart did a little leap of excitement. They were actually considering his suggestion. "That's… that's great to hear," he stammered, trying to maintain a professional demeanor while a thrill of validation coursed through him.

  "Yeah," Sean added. "Maybe you're more than just a cleaner, Bennett. Maybe you're a secret game design guru in disguise."

  Bennett just smiled, a genuine feeling of warmth spreading through him. He was still just the janitor, but tonight, cleaning the developer office felt different. It felt like he was a little bit more a part of the world he was so fascinated by, a silent observer and, perhaps, even a small contributor to the ongoing creation of Ludere Online. He picked up a stray energy drink can, a sense of quiet satisfaction accompanying the mundane task. He was cleaning up their mess, but in a way, he was also now among them.

  Bennett kept cleaning around the developer office, a bit more relaxed now that the initial awkwardness had faded. He carefully dusted the monitors, trying not to mess with the sticky notes and half-eaten snacks on the desks. The developers were back at it, the tap-tap-tapping of keyboards filling the air.

  While wiping down a dusty shelf full of game design books, Frank looked up, thinking out loud. "You know, Bennett," he started, leaning back, "something we've gotta look at again is how players make their characters at the start. It feels kinda basic right now, doesn't it? For such an immersive game, anyway."

  Sean, the beta tester with the red band, swiveled his chair around, arms crossed. "Totally. We've been throwing around ideas to make it cooler. Full-on morphing, more tied into the lore… it's tricky."

  Jason, the younger dev, glanced up quickly and nodded before going back to his screen.

  Bennett paused, an idea popping into his head based on his own quick go and what he'd seen online. "Actually, Frank, Sean," he said, a little unsure, "I was reading on the player forums, and some folks said the first character screen felt kinda boring. Just a list and a preview, like you said."

  Frank nodded slowly. "Yeah, we hear that inside too. We want that first impression to be better."

  Bennett took a breath. "Well, I had a thought, and it might sound a bit weird, but what if, at first, players just saw a simple… almost crash test dummy avatar when they log in for the first time?" He gestured a bit with his hands. "Just a basic shape so they can jump right into the tutorial area."

  The developers chuckled a bit. "A crash test dummy, huh? That's a funny picture," Frank said, a small smile on his face.

  Bennett kept going, feeling a bit more confident now. "Then, while they're in the tutorial zone, they could start playing around with moving and the basic stuff as that dummy. At the same time, the game could show them the different races and how they look through things they see in the game. Like seeing Fennicians moving all quick, or maybe seeing the different scale patterns of a Quang."

  He got more into it, his voice getting a bit louder. "They could basically 'try before they buy' the race and how they look while already getting a feel for playing. And maybe, they wouldn't have to pick for good until they were about to leave the tutorial zone. It would give them time to really see how the different races move and feel before picking. I read some players felt like they had to hurry up and pick based on just looking at a screen."

  Sean rubbed his chin, thinking. "So, the first pick isn't just looking at a screen, but actually part of learning the game in the tutorial? And the crash test dummy is just a stand-in? That’s… actually a pretty cool idea."

  Jason finally turned his chair all the way around, looking interested. "It would definitely make that first hour or so feel less like going through menus and more like actually playing the game right away."

  Frank nodded, tapping his pen on his desk. "Being able to change until they leave the tutorial is key too. Stops the 'wish I picked a different race after playing for ages' thing we see on the forums all the time."

  He looked at Bennett, looking genuinely interested. "A crash test dummy into a real character in the tutorial… Hmm. Bennett, you might be onto something again. Especially with that point about players regretting their choice online." He looked at Sean and Jason. "We should definitely dig into this more."

  Bennett felt pretty good. He wasn't just cleaning; he was actually helping make Ludere Online better, even in these little ways he didn't expect. The thought of new players getting a better start in the game made him feel quietly proud. He kept cleaning, the low hum of the developers talking more about character creation a good sound to work to. He was still just the janitor, but tonight felt a little different.

  Once he was done with the main cleaning in the developer room, Bennett gave Frank a nod. "Alright, Frank, I think I got everything in here."

  Frank looked around, a real smile of relief on his face. "You did a great job, Bennett. Seriously, thanks."

  Sean and Jason nodded their thanks too, though they were already getting back into their work, their typing sounding a bit more energetic.

  Bennett grabbed his cleaning cart. "No problem. Glad I could help." He swiped his brown wristband on the door sensor, the green light flashed, and he headed back into the hallway.

  He checked his watch quickly – less than an hour left. He still had to empty the trash on the first floor and do a quick run through the employee break rooms, but now he felt more focused. He hurried through the offices, getting the trash and straightening things up. The tiredness from before was kinda gone, replaced by this buzzy feeling because of talking to the devs and the thought of getting back into Ludere Online.

  The break rooms were the usual mess, but Bennett got to work, wiping down tables, grabbing wrappers, and quickly vacuuming. But his mind was already on the storage room and that misplaced D.I.V.E. pod. The idea of logging back in as ProlixalParagon, his white fur containing swirls and patterns of rich black, was really pulling at him. He wondered what else he'd find in Oakhaven and if he'd see Blair or Emmarie the baker again.

  With the last bit of trash from the break room in the big bin, Bennett checked his watch again. Just fifteen minutes left. He quickly put his cleaning stuff back in the closet, the squeak of the cart barely even registering he was so focused on what he wanted to do next.

  Finally, making sure nobody was around, Bennett headed to the quieter hall that led to the storage room. His heart was beating a little faster now. He got to the door, the green light above it looking like a silent go-ahead. He swiped his brown wristband one last time for the night and slipped inside, the familiar dusty smell of the storage room almost welcoming. There, in the middle of the old equipment, stood the smooth, black shape of the D.I.V.E. pod, waiting for him.

  With the storage room door securely closed behind him, Bennett approached the D.I.V.E. pod, a thrill of anticipation mixed with a touch of lingering guilt. He ran a hand over its smooth, cool surface before the side hissed open, revealing the invitingly contoured interior. Settling into the cushioned seat, he adjusted himself and reached for the helmet.

  As the helmet clicked into place, the familiar automated voice filled his ears, "Initiating neural interface connection". The world outside dissolved as the login screen of Ludere Online materialized in his vision. Focusing his gaze, he mentally typed ProlixalParagon and then his password. The swirling vortex of colors enveloped him, followed by the sensation of weightlessness before the welcome message echoed in his mind: "Welcome to Ludere Online, ProlixalParagon. The world awaits".

  The darkness behind his eyelids gave way to the dappled emerald light filtering through the high forest canopy. The earthy scent of damp soil and decaying leaves filled his nostrils, accompanied by the chorus of chirps and rustling leaves. He could feel the gentle breeze ruffling the white fur containing swirls and patterns of rich black of his Fennician avatar.

  Stepping off the soft earth path, his padded paws made little sound on the undergrowth. The forest floor was a tapestry of moss-covered stones, fallen branches adorned with fungi, and delicate ferns. He moved with a natural agility, his digitigrade legs propelling him forward with surprising speed. Leaping over fallen logs and scrambling up gentle slopes felt liberating.

  He paused by a cluster of vibrant blue flowers, observing a small, furry creature with large black eyes scurrying amongst them. He continued deeper, the dirt path disappearing behind thick foliage. Sunlight dappled through clearings where butterflies with intricate wing patterns danced. In shadowed areas, the air grew cooler, and he paid close attention to the subtle tracks in the leaf litter, a habit from his forum research. His large, rotating ears twitched, catching every sound of the forest.

  He reached a small stream, the water crystal clear. He lowered his snout to drink, the virtual water feeling surprisingly cool. His reflection in the flowing current showed the white fur containing swirls and patterns of rich black. He was no longer Bennett, but ProlixalParagon.

  The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

  Driven by an innate curiosity, he continued to explore, letting the forest guide him. He wanted to get a better feel for this area beyond Oakhaven before engaging with the villagers and their potential quests. He remembered the armorer’s warnings and the priest’s descriptions, and he was keen to see if the immediate surroundings held any hints of the deeper lore. The snap of a twig in the distance made his large ears swivel, a reminder that even in this seemingly peaceful area, the unexpected could be just around the corner. He moved silently, the white and black patterns of his fur blending with the shadows, ready to observe whatever the forest revealed.

  Moving silently through the undergrowth, ProlixalParagon’s glowing eyes scanned the surrounding foliage. The patterns of his white fur containing swirls and patterns of rich black helped to break up his silhouette against the dappled light and shadowed areas. He noticed the subtle rustling of leaves ahead and paused, his large, rotating ears swiveling to pinpoint the source of the sound. It was a small flock of brightly colored birds, their chirping calls echoing through the trees before they took flight in a flurry of feathers.

  Continuing his exploration, he observed the various plants around him. Some were familiar from the baker’s stall in Oakhaven, while others were completely new, with strange, luminous markings on their leaves. He made a mental note of their appearance, wondering if they might have any significance or be tied to the magic that permeated this world. He recalled overhearing the developers in the real world discussing environmental effects amplifying creature stats, and he wondered if the unusual flora played a role in that.

  The forest began to slope downwards, leading towards what sounded like a larger body of water. The air grew cooler and carried the scent of damp earth and something vaguely metallic. As he cautiously approached the edge of the trees, he saw a small lake, its surface reflecting the sky like a mirror. Strange, lily-pad-like plants with glowing undersides floated on the water, and he could see small, darting fish with iridescent scales beneath the surface.

  Around the edge of the lake, he noticed tracks in the soft mud. Some were clearly from common woodland creatures, but others were larger and more unusual, with claw marks that suggested something more substantial. He crouched down to examine them, his bushy tail twitching slightly. These tracks didn’t match anything he had seen in the tutorial information or heard discussed by the villagers. A sense of cautious curiosity grew within him. Could this be one of the “Mana Originating Beasts” Blair had mentioned?

  He moved along the edge of the lake, keeping a watchful eye on the surrounding trees. The metallic scent grew stronger here, and he noticed patches of reddish-brown staining the rocks near the water’s edge. It reminded him vaguely of the "Bleeding" status effect he had read about. He wondered if some sort of encounter had taken place here recently.

  As he rounded a bend in the lake shore, he spotted something glinting in the shallows. It appeared to be a piece of metal, partially submerged in the mud. He cautiously approached and used a paw to pull it free. It was a small, intricately carved metallic shard, its surface etched with symbols he didn't recognize. The metal felt strangely warm to the touch. He tucked it into a pouch he seemed to have as part of his avatar’s gear, wondering if it might be of some significance or if Borin, the village smith, might recognize the markings.

  The sun began to dip lower in the sky, casting long shadows through the trees. The forest, while still beautiful, began to feel a bit more ominous in the fading light. ProlixalParagon decided it was probably wise to start making his way back towards the general direction of Oakhaven. He had gotten a good feel for the surrounding woods and had even found a mysterious object. Tomorrow, he could focus on speaking with the villagers and seeing what tasks they might have to offer. He still had much to learn about this world, and every rustle of leaves and unusual scent seemed to hold a potential clue.

  As ProlixalParagon started to make his way back towards the general direction of Oakhaven, the metallic shard in his pouch felt strangely significant. He couldn't shake the feeling that it was more than just a random piece of debris. He wondered if it was related to the "ancient power" mentioned in descriptions of this land.

  The sounds of the forest began to change as dusk deepened. The cheerful chirping of daytime birds was replaced by the hooting of unseen creatures and the rustling of nocturnal foragers. The shadows stretched and twisted familiar shapes into eerie silhouettes. He instinctively moved with more caution now, his large ears constantly scanning for any unusual sounds or movements. The white fur containing swirls and patterns of rich black might have offered some camouflage in the deeper shadows, but his glowing eyes could also be a potential giveaway.

  As he navigated a particularly dense patch of undergrowth, he heard a low growl nearby. He froze, his body tensing, and slowly turned his head. Partially concealed behind a thicket of thorny bushes was a creature he hadn't encountered before. It was roughly the size of a large dog, with coarse, matted fur the color of dried leaves and glowing red eyes that pierced the gloom. It was gnawing on something that looked suspiciously like a rabbit.

  ProlixalParagon held his breath, remembering Blair's warning about "Mana Originating Beasts". This creature didn't seem overtly aggressive towards him, focused as it was on its meal. However, he knew that getting too close could provoke a hostile reaction. He slowly and silently began to back away, careful not to snap any twigs or make any sudden movements that might attract its attention.

  As he retreated, he noticed a faint, shimmering residue on the leaves near where the creature had been. It had a sickly sweet odor, and the leaves beneath it looked slightly withered. This reminded him of the armorer's mention of "wild magic" causing "strange growths". Could this creature be affected by or connected to such phenomena?

  He continued his cautious retreat until the growling sound faded into the distance. He let out a silent breath he hadn't realized he was holding. That brief encounter had served as a stark reminder that the forest, while beautiful, held its share of dangers. He made a mental note of the creature's appearance and the strange residue, thinking he might ask the priest or another knowledgeable villager about it if the opportunity arose. Perhaps it was a known beast of this region, or maybe it was something more unusual, a sign of the "ancient, forgotten world beneath the surface".

  As he finally reached the familiar path leading back towards Oakhaven, the first lights of the village flickered through the trees. The sounds of the forest softened, replaced by the more comforting noises of the small community. He clutched the metallic shard in his pouch, his mind already turning to who in the village might be able to shed some light on its origin. The exploration had been more eventful than he initially anticipated, revealing both the beauty and the potential dangers lurking just beyond the borders of the tutorial village.

  As ProlixalParagon approached the flickering lights of Oakhaven, a mental debate began to brew within him. The warmth and relative safety of the village were a comforting contrast to the potentially dangerous wilds he had just explored. The metallic shard in his pouch served as a tangible reminder of the mysteries that lay beyond the familiar paths.

  Should he continue to explore Oakhaven, he reasoned, or should he seek out the Wayshrine of Oelia and venture into the wider world?

  On the one hand, the priest's words echoed in his mind: "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". He had already begun to uncover some of this knowledge through his conversations in the Village Chapel and with the armorer.

  He had learned about the different deities – Ilmas of Soohan, Nakruer of Draggor, and Onthir of the Red Fox Caravan – and the varying importance they held in different kingdoms. This foundational understanding of the religious landscape could prove crucial later.

  The armorer had shared insights into the political tensions between the Kingdom of Draggor and the Altaicians, the history of the Third Era Cataclysm, and even whispered warnings about the Eclipsed One and the Divine Children. These hints at deeper lore were tantalizing.

  He had also started to take on tasks from the villagers – gathering wood for the baker, with the promise of fresh bread and coin. Completing these simple quests would not only provide immediate rewards but also potentially introduce him to other villagers and opportunities.

  Furthermore, he had only just scratched the surface of Oakhaven itself. He had noted The Crooked Tankard as a potential source of local gossip and quests, the bakery as a source of sustenance and possibly information, and the smithy as a place that might be relevant to his Tinkerer class. Deeper interactions with these locations and their inhabitants could unlock more quests, lore, and perhaps even access to basic services or crafting opportunities. He remembered reading that professions in the game allowed for extra coin, gear, and knowledge accumulation, and these villagers might represent such professions.

  However, the allure of the unknown was strong. The priest had mentioned that the Wayshrine of Oelia lay along the main path leading east from the village, a clear gateway to the rest of Ludere Online. His research on the forums had filled him with anticipation for exploring the larger kingdoms – the rigid, martial society of Draggor, the politically complex Lunar Empire, and the war-torn Kingdom of Soohan. The tutorial village, while informative, felt somewhat limited compared to the vast world he knew existed beyond its borders.

  He was eager to see the different races he had read about, such as the elves of Soohan and the more bestial races mentioned by the priest.

  The snippets of conversations he had overheard from the omega testers in the real world – tales of battling creatures like the Blightscale Naga and the Jadefang Basilisk – hinted at the dangers and excitement that awaited outside the tutorial zone.

  His underlying frustration with his mundane real-world existence fueled a desire to fully immerse himself in the virtual world and experience its challenges and triumphs firsthand. Lingering in the tutorial area felt like delaying that true immersion.

  As ProlixalParagon reached the first houses of Oakhaven, the decision still hung in the balance. His Fennician nature, with its blend of curiosity and adaptability, pulled him in both directions. Should he meticulously learn all he could from this starting point, building a solid foundation of knowledge and resources? Or should he embrace the call of the wider world, eager to face new challenges and uncover greater mysteries? The glow of the village lights offered a temporary sense of belonging, but the whispers of the untamed lands beyond the Wayshrine of Oelia beckoned with the promise of true adventure. The debate within him would likely continue until he spoke with more villagers or perhaps even stumbled upon a compelling reason to stay or to leave.

  Drawn by the sounds of boisterous laughter and clinking mugs emanating from The Crooked Tankard, ProlixalParagon decided to postpone his immediate search for the Wayshrine of Oelia. The priest had suggested gathering information, and what better place to find local gossip and perhaps even a few tall tales than the village tavern? His white fur containing swirls and patterns of rich black stood out slightly against the rustic wooden buildings as he approached the sturdy structure made of roughly hewn logs.

  Pushing open the heavy wooden door, ProlixalParagon stepped into a dimly lit but lively common room. The air was thick with the smells of ale, woodsmoke, and something vaguely stew-like. Several rough-looking humans sat at wooden tables, some nursing tankards, others engaged in animated conversation. A few turned to eye ProlixalParagon as he entered, their initial surprise quickly giving way to a mixture of curiosity and mild amusement, similar to Blair’s reaction earlier. This reinforced the idea that Oakhaven was accustomed to seeing various races.

  He approached the bar, a rough plank of wood worn smooth by countless spills and elbows. Behind it stood a stout human woman with a ruddy complexion and a no-nonsense air.

  “Well now, look what the wind blew in,” she said, wiping down the counter with a damp cloth. “Ain’t seen a fine-looking Fennician like you around these parts before. What’ll it be, friend?”

  “Greetings, good tavern keeper,” ProlixalParagon replied, his voice carrying the slightly higher and more melodic tone of a Fennician. “Just passing through, but the warmth and cheer within beckoned me. Might I inquire about any local news or perhaps learn a bit about the surrounding lands?”

  The tavern keeper chuckled. “Local news, eh? Well, old Man Hemlock’s prize pig got loose again, and young Timmy swears he saw a will-o’-the-wisp out by the old mill. Exciting times in Oakhaven, as always.” She poured a frothy drink into a wooden mug. “But if it’s more than pig escapades you’re after, you might try chatting with some of the regulars. They’ve got ears to the ground, those lot.”

  ProlixalParagon’s large, rotating ears twitched at this suggestion. He scanned the room, his glowing eyes discerning a few individuals who seemed open to conversation. He noticed a weathered man with a long, grey beard sitting alone in a corner, nursing a drink and occasionally muttering to himself. Another group near the fireplace seemed to be discussing hunting stories, gesturing wildly as they spoke.

  Deciding to start with the lone figure, ProlixalParagon approached his table. “Good evening, sir,” he said politely. “Might I join you for a moment? I am but a traveler seeking to learn about this region.”

  The old man looked up, his eyes a bit cloudy but not unkind. He gestured to the empty stool opposite him with a gnarled hand. “A traveler, eh? Haven’t seen many of your kind. Pull up a seat, son. Name’s Aspen.”

  “ProlixalParagon,” Bennett’s avatar replied. “A pleasure to meet you, Aspen. I was speaking with the priest earlier and he mentioned the different kingdoms – Soohan, Draggor… What can you tell me about the relationship between Oakhaven and these larger powers?”

  Aspen took a long sip from his mug. “Oakhaven keeps to itself, mostly. Too small to bother the kings and their squabbles. We pay our dues to Draggor, being closer to their lands, but we don’t get too involved in their goings-on. The king, Dunstan, he’s a stern one, always talking about preventing some great disaster.” This echoed the information from the forums about the king of Draggor being obsessed with preventing a cataclysm.

  “And what of the elves of Soohan?” ProlixalParagon inquired, remembering the priest's words about their ancient lineage and powerful magic.

  Aspen grunted. “Soohan’s a fair distance off. We get traders passing through sometimes, with their silks and strange trinkets. They say their God-Kings rule with the blessings of the heavens. Never had much dealings with them myself.”

  ProlixalParagon then steered the conversation towards local lore. “The armorer mentioned some… older tensions in this region, with people called the Altaicians.”

  Aspen’s eyes narrowed slightly. “The Altaicians… they were here long before Draggor. Quiet folk, lived in the forests. Good hunters. But King Dunstan’s father pushed them out, claimed their lands. There’s still bad blood between them, though you don’t see them around much anymore. Some say they still roam the wilder parts, keeping to the old ways.” This corroborated the information about the forced displacement of the Altaicians and the tensions with the Kingdom of Draggor.

  As their conversation continued, ProlixalParagon gleaned small pieces of information about local monster sightings, the best hunting trails, and even a rumor of some ancient ruins hidden in the nearby hills – though Aspen couldn't provide specifics. He also noticed that the villagers seemed wary of speaking too openly about anything that might be construed as criticism of the King of Draggor, a subtle indication of the kingdom's strict rule.

  Throughout the interaction, ProlixalParagon kept his Fennician nature subtly present, asking insightful questions and listening attentively with his large ears. He even offered a small, harmless riddle, a trait associated with Fennicians, which elicited a chuckle from the old man and eased the conversation.

  By the time he finished his drink and bid farewell to Aspen, ProlixalParagon felt he had gained a slightly better understanding of Oakhaven’s place in the wider world and the local sentiments. The conversation hadn't revealed any immediate, pressing reason to abandon his exploration of the tutorial village. In fact, the mention of hidden ruins had piqued his curiosity further. However, the allure of the larger kingdoms and the potential for greater adventure beyond the Wayshrine of Oelia still lingered in the back of his mind. The decision of whether to delve deeper into Oakhaven’s secrets or to seek the wider world remained, now informed by the whispers and tales he had gathered within the warm confines of The Crooked Tankard.