- Location
- Victoria
[X] Action. Mordhau is combat the kind of which the people in Merovence will understand.
- Location
- italy bologna
[ ] Action. Mordhau is combat the kind of which the people in Merovence will understand.
[ ] RPG. Dragon Age: Origins is fantastical, but a classic story that will appeal to new players.
I don´t play MMORPG so and DA I have played it but i wasn,t that fun to me.....
So....
[X] RPG. Dragon Age: Origins is fantastical, but a classic story that will appeal to new players.
We sholud sell single player game for now it will take time to get buyer/player so....
[ ] RPG. Dragon Age: Origins is fantastical, but a classic story that will appeal to new players.
I don´t play MMORPG so and DA I have played it but i wasn,t that fun to me.....
So....
[X] RPG. Dragon Age: Origins is fantastical, but a classic story that will appeal to new players.
We sholud sell single player game for now it will take time to get buyer/player so....
[X] Action. Mordhau is combat the kind of which the people in Merovence will understand.
The genre of roleplaying computer game is something we take for granted, but is actually an accumulation of what, forty to fifty years of both pen-and-paper RPGs and the development of computer games? Whilst any game is likely to be a marvel and be marketable on that basis alone, I'm not sure an RPG will be instantly intelligible to people in Merovence. Later on, when the concept of our games is more established, absolutely - we could do something based on the great chivalric romances.
But for right now, something a bit more visceral like Mordhau should be immediately accessible to the nobility and merchants, many of of whom will train in martial arts*. The knightly classes, nobility and merchants are absolutely our customer base at the moment, given we're selling an amazing luxury good at a premium, so this works quite nicely.
*(Yes, even merchants will quite often attend fencing lessons, take part in their guild militias, often mounted if they are able to afford it, and buy armour and fancy weapons. Military class and social class in the medieval period go hand-in-hand.)
😂
This is genuinely the best thing.
The genre of roleplaying computer game is something we take for granted, but is actually an accumulation of what, forty to fifty years of both pen-and-paper RPGs and the development of computer games? Whilst any game is likely to be a marvel and be marketable on that basis alone, I'm not sure an RPG will be instantly intelligible to people in Merovence. Later on, when the concept of our games is more established, absolutely - we could do something based on the great chivalric romances.
But for right now, something a bit more visceral like Mordhau should be immediately accessible to the nobility and merchants, many of of whom will train in martial arts*. The knightly classes, nobility and merchants are absolutely our customer base at the moment, given we're selling an amazing luxury good at a premium, so this works quite nicely.
*(Yes, even merchants will quite often attend fencing lessons, take part in their guild militias, often mounted if they are able to afford it, and buy armour and fancy weapons. Military class and social class in the medieval period go hand-in-hand.)
😂
This is genuinely the best thing.
- Location
- Hollister
[X] Action. Mordhau is combat the kind of which the people in Merovence will understand
- Location
- USA
Honestly for action I would prefer mount and blade or god of war.
- Location
- in the trash
[X] Action. Mordhau is combat the kind of which the people in Merovence will understand.
gatewaewanderer
Wandering Fool
- Location
- East Coast, USA
Hmmm. Fantasy games would likely just be 'more of the same,' when they're being played by customers who happen to live in a fantasy setting. Having said that, customers frequently buy 'what they know,' over the unknown, so starting with a fantasy game makes a certain amount of sense.
But at some point, a transition (maybe a slow one, with free game demos,) to sci-fi content would likely be profitable - it's subject matter that those living in a fantasy setting would have no exposure to. And therefore something that's new and exciting. Starcraft or Mass Effect for example? Or maybe start with Knights of the Old Republic. Or even more classic, Mega Man or Metroid. Multiplayer versions of these could sell pretty well in a setting where they're new and unique. Cutting edge isn't necessarily necessary, especially at first.
But at some point, a transition (maybe a slow one, with free game demos,) to sci-fi content would likely be profitable - it's subject matter that those living in a fantasy setting would have no exposure to. And therefore something that's new and exciting. Starcraft or Mass Effect for example? Or maybe start with Knights of the Old Republic. Or even more classic, Mega Man or Metroid. Multiplayer versions of these could sell pretty well in a setting where they're new and unique. Cutting edge isn't necessarily necessary, especially at first.
First Customer
Theoric thought being a guard meant something. His patrol mates didn't feel the same way, feeling that marching around the streets with their halberds didn't actually accomplish anything besides make nobles feel better. Even guards hesitated to head down to the river docks alone, or actually confront any of the armed gangs which claimed the outer edges of the city as territory. All to often their squad would be on one of the outer patrols and their guard captain would accept a small pouch to look the other way as enforcers shook down a shop owner or leave them to beat some debtor. It left a bad taste in his mouth. Theoric didn't take bribes. He didn't complain in public, though. What could he do, when the rest of the squad didn't complain? So when his shift ended he would use the last hours of the day to get some training done at home. He had dreamed of being a knight once, but some men were suited to the martial magic and some were not, and he lacked the aptitude that were necessary to join any of the academies. So he tried to be more of a knight without the title. He tried to help people rather than lord over them.
But it was becoming harder. He had some flair with the sword, it was true, but without instruction he couldn't improve much further. These thoughts were more and more common and for the first time he was beginning to wonder if it was worth keeping up his self-training. With his small rented room above the tavern he had to pass through some minor streets to get there, and as he passed one of the shops he paused a moment. He had walked this route for two years now, and he knew it well. The old unmarked alchemy shop now had a sign out front of black slate. "Internet Cafe Opening?" he read aloud. "What is that?"
One of the nearby stall vendors overheard his question. "Pah!" The old man spat on the street. "It's a scam, lad. Gisele must be rolling in her grave, that ungrateful dog of hers ruining her shop and trying to take honest people's money."
"A scam?" Theoric asked, narrowing his eyes. "What sort of scam?"
The old man snorted. "Go inside," he muttered. "You'll see."
"I will do just that," Theoric replied firmly. "If it is a scam, sir, rest assured I will see it dealt with." Then he straightened up, a sense of confidence settling over his shoulders as he stepped through the door of the shop with the intent to do what was right. Then he stopped, blinking in confusion. The walls were covered in a bright white plaster that gave the interior a clean feeling, one only improved by the magical lanterns which seemed to suffuse the air with an airy glow. Four desks were set in the open space, each having strange devices on them. The alchemical symbols and runes were thoroughly incomprehensible, but there were none of the trappings of an alchemists' workshop. No alembics, no noxious fumes or stains. "What is this place?"
"Internet cafe," the shopkeeper said, and Theoric turned to look at the man standing behind the counter. Then he saw another slate board and sucked air in through his teeth. 'Dragon Age: Origins - 1 silver for six hours'. "Would you like to play?"
Theoric gaped. "Play what?" Guards were paid better than most menials, but a silver was a weeks wages! His life savings barely came to twenty, and he was frugal with his spending. "Sir, your price is outrageous. How can you justify this?"
"If you aren't satisfied afterwards," the shopkeeper replied solemnly, "I will give you back your money."
The guard was confused. How was this a scam? Unless it was an attempt to trick him, and the young man would not give his money back after all. Yet now he was a little curious, and if the promise was upheld there was no reason not to...play? "I warn you, I am a member of the city guard," Theoric threatened. "If I am not satisfied then there will be consequences."
The shopkeeper pursed his lips. "If you are unsatisfied you may have your money back, but you will no longer be welcome in the shop."
Theoric regarded the man suspiciously for a short momented, then reached into his pouch and withdrew the single silver coin he had been paid not an hour before, slapping it down on the counter. "Remember your promise, shopkeep," he warned. "Show me this...service of yours."
"Just sit down at one of the desks, and it will begin." When no further advice or instruction was forthcoming, Theoric felt his emotions towards this man sour even further. Nonetheless he marched over to the nearest desk and pulled the wooden chair out with a screech before sitting down. In front of him was the square with the alchemical symbol, and without warning it began to glow with a soft blue light. His surroundings wavered and -
Theoric's footing stumbled for a moment, but he shook his head as he regained it. He was standing in a large chamber with several people, dressed in the fine tunics of the nobility. He nodded, instinctively recognising that one of him was his father. "Ah, Theoric!" his father greeted him. "I know you want to march off with your brother, but your mother would kill me if I let both of you go."
Theoric huffed, then froze for a split second as the realisation that this wasn't real hit him. What - he lurched to his feet, the chair clattering to the ground behind him. He was back in the Internet Cafe, not in some strange castle. He was not a noble, that was not his father. But it had felt real. Perfectly real, as though he was there, as if he were someone else. As if this was the dream. "What sorcery is this!" he demanded, a little fearfully. He had never heard of alchemy like this, one that make you live another life.
"Don't make such a racket," the shopkeeper disapproved, scowling at him. "It's just a game. It isn't real."
Theoric opened his mouth to object, but something about the scolding glare made him feel as if he was being the unreasonable one. Now he was back in the 'real world' he felt a bit more like himself, and bit his lips together as he righted the chair and sat back down, this time more warily. The screen was no longer the alchemical circle but instead a window into that place he had been in, where he could see himself just standing there in front of the man who was his...father in this 'game'. As he stared at it his surroundings blurred again, and suddenly he was back where he had been standing. The knowledge of the world slotted into place again, but this time he was aware of his true self.
"Are you alright, son?" his father asked.
"I - yes, I'm fine," Theoric stumbled. "Forgive me."
His father nodded, and as the minutes passed Theoric listened with increasing amazement. Darkspawn were invading in the south and his brother was marching off to fight? There was an order of legendary warriors who fought these monsters, and one of them was in the castle? The unconditional respect shown to Duncan by his father reminded him of the respect given to Knights, and he managed to ask some questions to the man before dinner arrived. As the smell of the food hit him he found his mouth watering at the feast laid out for them, and as he ate it felt like a fantasy he never wanted to leave. The food was so good, and as Duncan hinted that he might join this order of warriors his sense of righteous adventure was ignited!
Out in the real world, Wolf watched with interest as his first customer slowly played through the tutorial. "I don't remember any of this in the game," he remarked mentally. "It looks so real."
You think these computers are alchemical mimics of your world's technology? That this is mere virtual reality? I assure you, the world he is inhabiting follows all the Base laws which I have learned from your blood. Drawing his mind inside of it is a simple matter of illusory magic, a combination of Wind and Water.
With that explanation Wolf began to feel quite excited about trying it himself after opening hours were over - the Stone had been insistent that it fine tune the devices with a customer first. Although... "Couldn't you play a human mage in game? I understand only having humans available for virtual reality like this, but..."
I can analyse anything within the alchemical arrays of the shop, which is why the customer in the game is the same as the customer in reality. I look forward to someone older coming in - making the necessary changes to give them a young body in game will be an exciting challenge. But until a Mage comes into the shop I cannot replicate the feeling or ability of their magic, or apply it to mages in the game. For now the magic is surface-level simulation, but once I have analysed a Mage I can apply my knowledge of the Elements to create new spells and powers in line with those from the game. Spells which are capable of being learned in real life, even.
Wolf had not forgotten the promise of the Stone to find a way to improve his body and even give him magic. The idea of wielding his own spells was exciting!
The customer seems to be entranced. It was quick thinking to offer the refund and also to blacklist anyone who took it. It means that nobody will be able to cheat us that way. The stone seemed uncommonly serious as it spoke. But you should write that on the board as a rule. Also, with six hours being paid for it is possible that someone could pay for a second stretch of time in the same day and use the computer the whole day. With only four of them that means less unique customers, less word-of-mouth, and less money. If you can't replenish my magical power by buying crystals then it will take longer to expand the shop. You should make a rule regarding that. Or maybe they can buy a second session for double the price! That would make us lots of silver.
It made sense, Wolf admitted. It was a one-of-a-kind service, and the games were massively superior to those on Earth. It was inevitable that someone would want to keep playing. But the Stone seemed obsessed. Money, money, money. "Phil, you are becoming greedy..."
[ ] Each player is only permitted one play-session per day.
[ ] Players can buy a computer for the whole day, but must pay both sessions up-front.
[ ] The second session of play time costs double.
But it was becoming harder. He had some flair with the sword, it was true, but without instruction he couldn't improve much further. These thoughts were more and more common and for the first time he was beginning to wonder if it was worth keeping up his self-training. With his small rented room above the tavern he had to pass through some minor streets to get there, and as he passed one of the shops he paused a moment. He had walked this route for two years now, and he knew it well. The old unmarked alchemy shop now had a sign out front of black slate. "Internet Cafe Opening?" he read aloud. "What is that?"
One of the nearby stall vendors overheard his question. "Pah!" The old man spat on the street. "It's a scam, lad. Gisele must be rolling in her grave, that ungrateful dog of hers ruining her shop and trying to take honest people's money."
"A scam?" Theoric asked, narrowing his eyes. "What sort of scam?"
The old man snorted. "Go inside," he muttered. "You'll see."
"I will do just that," Theoric replied firmly. "If it is a scam, sir, rest assured I will see it dealt with." Then he straightened up, a sense of confidence settling over his shoulders as he stepped through the door of the shop with the intent to do what was right. Then he stopped, blinking in confusion. The walls were covered in a bright white plaster that gave the interior a clean feeling, one only improved by the magical lanterns which seemed to suffuse the air with an airy glow. Four desks were set in the open space, each having strange devices on them. The alchemical symbols and runes were thoroughly incomprehensible, but there were none of the trappings of an alchemists' workshop. No alembics, no noxious fumes or stains. "What is this place?"
"Internet cafe," the shopkeeper said, and Theoric turned to look at the man standing behind the counter. Then he saw another slate board and sucked air in through his teeth. 'Dragon Age: Origins - 1 silver for six hours'. "Would you like to play?"
Theoric gaped. "Play what?" Guards were paid better than most menials, but a silver was a weeks wages! His life savings barely came to twenty, and he was frugal with his spending. "Sir, your price is outrageous. How can you justify this?"
"If you aren't satisfied afterwards," the shopkeeper replied solemnly, "I will give you back your money."
The guard was confused. How was this a scam? Unless it was an attempt to trick him, and the young man would not give his money back after all. Yet now he was a little curious, and if the promise was upheld there was no reason not to...play? "I warn you, I am a member of the city guard," Theoric threatened. "If I am not satisfied then there will be consequences."
The shopkeeper pursed his lips. "If you are unsatisfied you may have your money back, but you will no longer be welcome in the shop."
Theoric regarded the man suspiciously for a short momented, then reached into his pouch and withdrew the single silver coin he had been paid not an hour before, slapping it down on the counter. "Remember your promise, shopkeep," he warned. "Show me this...service of yours."
"Just sit down at one of the desks, and it will begin." When no further advice or instruction was forthcoming, Theoric felt his emotions towards this man sour even further. Nonetheless he marched over to the nearest desk and pulled the wooden chair out with a screech before sitting down. In front of him was the square with the alchemical symbol, and without warning it began to glow with a soft blue light. His surroundings wavered and -
Theoric's footing stumbled for a moment, but he shook his head as he regained it. He was standing in a large chamber with several people, dressed in the fine tunics of the nobility. He nodded, instinctively recognising that one of him was his father. "Ah, Theoric!" his father greeted him. "I know you want to march off with your brother, but your mother would kill me if I let both of you go."
Theoric huffed, then froze for a split second as the realisation that this wasn't real hit him. What - he lurched to his feet, the chair clattering to the ground behind him. He was back in the Internet Cafe, not in some strange castle. He was not a noble, that was not his father. But it had felt real. Perfectly real, as though he was there, as if he were someone else. As if this was the dream. "What sorcery is this!" he demanded, a little fearfully. He had never heard of alchemy like this, one that make you live another life.
"Don't make such a racket," the shopkeeper disapproved, scowling at him. "It's just a game. It isn't real."
Theoric opened his mouth to object, but something about the scolding glare made him feel as if he was being the unreasonable one. Now he was back in the 'real world' he felt a bit more like himself, and bit his lips together as he righted the chair and sat back down, this time more warily. The screen was no longer the alchemical circle but instead a window into that place he had been in, where he could see himself just standing there in front of the man who was his...father in this 'game'. As he stared at it his surroundings blurred again, and suddenly he was back where he had been standing. The knowledge of the world slotted into place again, but this time he was aware of his true self.
"Are you alright, son?" his father asked.
"I - yes, I'm fine," Theoric stumbled. "Forgive me."
His father nodded, and as the minutes passed Theoric listened with increasing amazement. Darkspawn were invading in the south and his brother was marching off to fight? There was an order of legendary warriors who fought these monsters, and one of them was in the castle? The unconditional respect shown to Duncan by his father reminded him of the respect given to Knights, and he managed to ask some questions to the man before dinner arrived. As the smell of the food hit him he found his mouth watering at the feast laid out for them, and as he ate it felt like a fantasy he never wanted to leave. The food was so good, and as Duncan hinted that he might join this order of warriors his sense of righteous adventure was ignited!
Out in the real world, Wolf watched with interest as his first customer slowly played through the tutorial. "I don't remember any of this in the game," he remarked mentally. "It looks so real."
You think these computers are alchemical mimics of your world's technology? That this is mere virtual reality? I assure you, the world he is inhabiting follows all the Base laws which I have learned from your blood. Drawing his mind inside of it is a simple matter of illusory magic, a combination of Wind and Water.
With that explanation Wolf began to feel quite excited about trying it himself after opening hours were over - the Stone had been insistent that it fine tune the devices with a customer first. Although... "Couldn't you play a human mage in game? I understand only having humans available for virtual reality like this, but..."
I can analyse anything within the alchemical arrays of the shop, which is why the customer in the game is the same as the customer in reality. I look forward to someone older coming in - making the necessary changes to give them a young body in game will be an exciting challenge. But until a Mage comes into the shop I cannot replicate the feeling or ability of their magic, or apply it to mages in the game. For now the magic is surface-level simulation, but once I have analysed a Mage I can apply my knowledge of the Elements to create new spells and powers in line with those from the game. Spells which are capable of being learned in real life, even.
Wolf had not forgotten the promise of the Stone to find a way to improve his body and even give him magic. The idea of wielding his own spells was exciting!
The customer seems to be entranced. It was quick thinking to offer the refund and also to blacklist anyone who took it. It means that nobody will be able to cheat us that way. The stone seemed uncommonly serious as it spoke. But you should write that on the board as a rule. Also, with six hours being paid for it is possible that someone could pay for a second stretch of time in the same day and use the computer the whole day. With only four of them that means less unique customers, less word-of-mouth, and less money. If you can't replenish my magical power by buying crystals then it will take longer to expand the shop. You should make a rule regarding that. Or maybe they can buy a second session for double the price! That would make us lots of silver.
It made sense, Wolf admitted. It was a one-of-a-kind service, and the games were massively superior to those on Earth. It was inevitable that someone would want to keep playing. But the Stone seemed obsessed. Money, money, money. "Phil, you are becoming greedy..."
[ ] Each player is only permitted one play-session per day.
[ ] Players can buy a computer for the whole day, but must pay both sessions up-front.
[ ] The second session of play time costs double.
Last edited:
gatewaewanderer
Wandering Fool
- Location
- East Coast, USA
[X] The second session of play time costs double.
Hmmm. Wonder if Phil will be able to branch out into other types of games too. There's something to be said for more non-immersive simple arcade type games, particularly in a setting like this. Pac-Man, Pong, Space-Invaders. Not only is the gameplay simpler and easier to understand, but the concept of these types of games is simpler and easier to understand, and could help customers get used to the more immersive type of games.
Make the arcade type much cheaper and possibly have a larger number of them than the VR types, and you could have something that would keep the lights on and all the games powered while the VR are having a slow day. Maybe turn off any games not being played to save power too / not put crystals in for power.
Hmmm. Wonder if Phil will be able to branch out into other types of games too. There's something to be said for more non-immersive simple arcade type games, particularly in a setting like this. Pac-Man, Pong, Space-Invaders. Not only is the gameplay simpler and easier to understand, but the concept of these types of games is simpler and easier to understand, and could help customers get used to the more immersive type of games.
Make the arcade type much cheaper and possibly have a larger number of them than the VR types, and you could have something that would keep the lights on and all the games powered while the VR are having a slow day. Maybe turn off any games not being played to save power too / not put crystals in for power.
Last edited:
- Location
- USA
[X] Players can buy a computer for the whole day, but must pay both sessions up-front.
Don't want to up the costs since that would make it prohibitively expensive and repeat loyal customers are a good thing. Though how much money do we need to add additional computers? As it is with 4 units and 4 slots a day that is a max of 16 silver a day.
Don't want to up the costs since that would make it prohibitively expensive and repeat loyal customers are a good thing. Though how much money do we need to add additional computers? As it is with 4 units and 4 slots a day that is a max of 16 silver a day.
- Location
- United States
I'm not sure how to feel about this.
[X] The second session of play time costs double.
Our customer base should be the merchants and nobility, in any case, until we can build more terminals and lower prices. The biggest thing is that we want to incentivise as many people as possible to come to the shop and play - six hours is plenty. We don't want people to become addicted, at least not unless we get paid extra.
Half a week's wages for a professional soldier with steady income is wildly out of most people's price brackets anyway, so most customers aren't going to be buying two sessions whether it costs two or three silvers.
Our customer base should be the merchants and nobility, in any case, until we can build more terminals and lower prices. The biggest thing is that we want to incentivise as many people as possible to come to the shop and play - six hours is plenty. We don't want people to become addicted, at least not unless we get paid extra.
Half a week's wages for a professional soldier with steady income is wildly out of most people's price brackets anyway, so most customers aren't going to be buying two sessions whether it costs two or three silvers.
Attack on the Castle!
After several hours of watching over Theoric's shoulder, Wolf was becoming bored. He couldn't actually start playing himself in case somebody came into the shop, but nobody was. "Should remodel the front at some point," he muttered. "How can anyone tell the shop has changed except for the little sign?"
Scrape together enough crystals and I can do it at night. Phil replied. Maybe look at how much it would cost to acquire adjacent properties while you're at it.
"Getting ahead of ourselves a little there," Wolf muttered, although Theoric was thoroughly engrossed in the game and the guard didn't seem aware of any outside stimulus. "Maybe I should go out and try to draw in some business."
Please maintain your dignity and don't prostitute yourself, the stone said. It brings down the image of the shop.
"Prostitute myself-" Wolf cut his outraged response short and took a deep breath. It's just a sentient rock. It's just a rock. "Well what can I do, then?"
...work hard!
In the game Theoric was completely unaware of the shopkeeper's impending apoplexy, even if it felt like he was about to have one himself. The friend of his character's family had betrayed them and was attacking the castle! Even though the chance to fight was exciting the betrayal was infuriating, especially since he had talked to that man just before! Looking back he could see that Howe was slimy, and it insulted his pride as a city guard not to have noticed it beforehand! As the door to the chamber he had woken up in splintered around the lock he grabbed hold of a sword. This was his chance to deal out some justice. Moments later the door lock finally broke and a pair of men charged in, both wearing stout leather armor and with bare blades. With a lunge forward Theoric struck for the chest, only for his blade to be batted aside, even as the attack pushed his opponent off-balance. But before he could capitalise the second attacker was on him, and after a short struggle there was a flash of pain across his chest.
The world faded to black, and Theoric gasped silently at the sensation of being cut open. The mortal wound felt more akin to a deep cut than the fatal wound it was, and the world seemed to reassemble itself around him at the moment before the door broke down. This time instead of lunging he tried for an overhead cut, and this time the soldier was able to parry more easily. But by not over-extending in his own attack he was able to respond to the second foe as well, and with a swift jab he planted the tip of his sword into the first's thigh. The man collapsed with a scream, but the second proved more skilled and after a couple more exchanges he was bleeding out on the floor again. The feeling of fighting for his life had adrenaline coursing through his veins, every inch of his body alive with sensation! He had to resist the urge to leave the game and take a breather, instead determined to see this small fight through. The world resumed again as the door broke, and this time he efficiently fended off both his assailants before parrying the first, slamming his shoulder into their chest to knock them down, and striking to kill the second! Moments later he was able to plunge his sword down into the fallen foe, and the fight was over!
He had won, and as the adrenaline began to fade he realised that the failures had taught him harsh lessons. It was not so different from fighting armed gangs, when they would attempt to use force of numbers to dissuade intervention by the guards. Even if they were only using clubs, surely practicing against the sword was even better for his skills! As he stepped out of the room a soft golden light blossomed from his skin, and it felt as though he was more aware of his body and its strength. But the light intensified and grew until his surroundings were blotted out, and when it faded back he was no longer in the corridor but a misty place where fog curled around his feet. It stretched out to infinity in every direction, an ethereal plane filled with nothing else. Then suddenly the Grey Warden Duncan was in front of him, appearing from the mist beneath his feet like a tree growing up from the ground.
"Greetings, warrior," the man said. "You have fought your first battle, but to succeed you will need more skills than what you have. I am your Trainer. I can teach you many things, but for now I offer you the choice of one skill. I can teach you how to attack precisely with your weapon and patiently wait for your chance to strike, how best to use a shield as a weapon in its own right, to wield a dagger instead of a shield, or simply to use your sword in ways your opponent does not expect. What do you wish to learn?"
"Huh," Wolf observed, looking over his customer's shoulder. "Is this a new addition as well?"
Of course! Phil replied, sounding offended. I can't just download how to use a weapon into their head, and with the realistic fighting systems skills that you activate make no sense. So the training system will teach players how to use an actual shield bash or pommel-strike, not just a button on a skillbar.
"How do you know how to do those things?" Wolf asked suspiciously.
I don't, but the game does. You wouldn't understand. It's very alchemical.
"Hmm..."
It was well past dusk when Theoric opened his eyes. After six hours of sitting in a wooden chair his body should have been stiff, but instead he felt invigorated. The guard looked over at where the shopkeeper was sitting behind the counter with a conflicted expression. He had fought three life-or-death battles with what were essentially brigands, then spent over two hours being instructed by the image of Duncan in how to use the pommel of his sword as another weapon. If he could confirm that what he was taught really worked, then one silver was actually very cheap! He would have to pay much more than that for just a few hours with an instructor with Duncan's experience, and he would never be able to buy the exhilarating experience of fighting for his life, nor the hard lessons he had learned by losing it. Not only that, but he was eager to defeat Howe's assault on the castle and travel south to fight monsters and protect the Kingdom!
"Will you be wanting your money back?" the shopkeeper asked with a knowing expression, and Theoric flushed red. Looking back on his words then...it was just embarassing!
"No...thank you for letting me play." The guard stood up from the computer, then frowned as he flexed his hand. It might just be his imagination, but he felt stronger. Giving the shopkeeper an uncertain glance he cleared his throat. "I won't be giving you any trouble, master..."
"Wolf."
"Master Wolf. If I hear your shop being called a scam again I will set them straight." But in his head, Theoric was already thinking of his savings. With the experiences in Dragon Age and Duncan's teachings, it was entirely possible that spending half his silver could increase his skills enough to become a guard captain in his own right! Once he had that authority he could do real good by refusing to bow to the gangs. "I hope I will be able to come back tomorrow?"
"You can, but if you want to play for a second time in the same day it costs twice as much." Wolf saw Theoric's expression and continued. "This is so people who want to play more can, but it encourages them to let others have a turn and wait until another day."
Ah, this was a sensible rule. "I have to make my patrols anyhow, so I wouldn't have time," the guard replied. In his heart he had already decided to return. "Thank you, master Wolf."
The shopkeeper watched him leave the shop, and stepped up after the guard to lock the door. Now his eyes turned to the computer as well. "My turn?" he asked aloud, then nodded. "Let's pull an all-nighter."
With your first customer and transaction it confirms that the business model of the Internet Shop can work. But what kind of shop do you aspire to be?
[ ] The shop should focus on maximising the number of computers and customers.
[ ] The shop should aim to be a comfortable environment, even at the cost of losing space.
[ ] The shop should be a high-quality environment, as much a social space as a computer hub.
Scrape together enough crystals and I can do it at night. Phil replied. Maybe look at how much it would cost to acquire adjacent properties while you're at it.
"Getting ahead of ourselves a little there," Wolf muttered, although Theoric was thoroughly engrossed in the game and the guard didn't seem aware of any outside stimulus. "Maybe I should go out and try to draw in some business."
Please maintain your dignity and don't prostitute yourself, the stone said. It brings down the image of the shop.
"Prostitute myself-" Wolf cut his outraged response short and took a deep breath. It's just a sentient rock. It's just a rock. "Well what can I do, then?"
...work hard!
In the game Theoric was completely unaware of the shopkeeper's impending apoplexy, even if it felt like he was about to have one himself. The friend of his character's family had betrayed them and was attacking the castle! Even though the chance to fight was exciting the betrayal was infuriating, especially since he had talked to that man just before! Looking back he could see that Howe was slimy, and it insulted his pride as a city guard not to have noticed it beforehand! As the door to the chamber he had woken up in splintered around the lock he grabbed hold of a sword. This was his chance to deal out some justice. Moments later the door lock finally broke and a pair of men charged in, both wearing stout leather armor and with bare blades. With a lunge forward Theoric struck for the chest, only for his blade to be batted aside, even as the attack pushed his opponent off-balance. But before he could capitalise the second attacker was on him, and after a short struggle there was a flash of pain across his chest.
The world faded to black, and Theoric gasped silently at the sensation of being cut open. The mortal wound felt more akin to a deep cut than the fatal wound it was, and the world seemed to reassemble itself around him at the moment before the door broke down. This time instead of lunging he tried for an overhead cut, and this time the soldier was able to parry more easily. But by not over-extending in his own attack he was able to respond to the second foe as well, and with a swift jab he planted the tip of his sword into the first's thigh. The man collapsed with a scream, but the second proved more skilled and after a couple more exchanges he was bleeding out on the floor again. The feeling of fighting for his life had adrenaline coursing through his veins, every inch of his body alive with sensation! He had to resist the urge to leave the game and take a breather, instead determined to see this small fight through. The world resumed again as the door broke, and this time he efficiently fended off both his assailants before parrying the first, slamming his shoulder into their chest to knock them down, and striking to kill the second! Moments later he was able to plunge his sword down into the fallen foe, and the fight was over!
He had won, and as the adrenaline began to fade he realised that the failures had taught him harsh lessons. It was not so different from fighting armed gangs, when they would attempt to use force of numbers to dissuade intervention by the guards. Even if they were only using clubs, surely practicing against the sword was even better for his skills! As he stepped out of the room a soft golden light blossomed from his skin, and it felt as though he was more aware of his body and its strength. But the light intensified and grew until his surroundings were blotted out, and when it faded back he was no longer in the corridor but a misty place where fog curled around his feet. It stretched out to infinity in every direction, an ethereal plane filled with nothing else. Then suddenly the Grey Warden Duncan was in front of him, appearing from the mist beneath his feet like a tree growing up from the ground.
"Greetings, warrior," the man said. "You have fought your first battle, but to succeed you will need more skills than what you have. I am your Trainer. I can teach you many things, but for now I offer you the choice of one skill. I can teach you how to attack precisely with your weapon and patiently wait for your chance to strike, how best to use a shield as a weapon in its own right, to wield a dagger instead of a shield, or simply to use your sword in ways your opponent does not expect. What do you wish to learn?"
"Huh," Wolf observed, looking over his customer's shoulder. "Is this a new addition as well?"
Of course! Phil replied, sounding offended. I can't just download how to use a weapon into their head, and with the realistic fighting systems skills that you activate make no sense. So the training system will teach players how to use an actual shield bash or pommel-strike, not just a button on a skillbar.
"How do you know how to do those things?" Wolf asked suspiciously.
I don't, but the game does. You wouldn't understand. It's very alchemical.
"Hmm..."
It was well past dusk when Theoric opened his eyes. After six hours of sitting in a wooden chair his body should have been stiff, but instead he felt invigorated. The guard looked over at where the shopkeeper was sitting behind the counter with a conflicted expression. He had fought three life-or-death battles with what were essentially brigands, then spent over two hours being instructed by the image of Duncan in how to use the pommel of his sword as another weapon. If he could confirm that what he was taught really worked, then one silver was actually very cheap! He would have to pay much more than that for just a few hours with an instructor with Duncan's experience, and he would never be able to buy the exhilarating experience of fighting for his life, nor the hard lessons he had learned by losing it. Not only that, but he was eager to defeat Howe's assault on the castle and travel south to fight monsters and protect the Kingdom!
"Will you be wanting your money back?" the shopkeeper asked with a knowing expression, and Theoric flushed red. Looking back on his words then...it was just embarassing!
"No...thank you for letting me play." The guard stood up from the computer, then frowned as he flexed his hand. It might just be his imagination, but he felt stronger. Giving the shopkeeper an uncertain glance he cleared his throat. "I won't be giving you any trouble, master..."
"Wolf."
"Master Wolf. If I hear your shop being called a scam again I will set them straight." But in his head, Theoric was already thinking of his savings. With the experiences in Dragon Age and Duncan's teachings, it was entirely possible that spending half his silver could increase his skills enough to become a guard captain in his own right! Once he had that authority he could do real good by refusing to bow to the gangs. "I hope I will be able to come back tomorrow?"
"You can, but if you want to play for a second time in the same day it costs twice as much." Wolf saw Theoric's expression and continued. "This is so people who want to play more can, but it encourages them to let others have a turn and wait until another day."
Ah, this was a sensible rule. "I have to make my patrols anyhow, so I wouldn't have time," the guard replied. In his heart he had already decided to return. "Thank you, master Wolf."
The shopkeeper watched him leave the shop, and stepped up after the guard to lock the door. Now his eyes turned to the computer as well. "My turn?" he asked aloud, then nodded. "Let's pull an all-nighter."
With your first customer and transaction it confirms that the business model of the Internet Shop can work. But what kind of shop do you aspire to be?
[ ] The shop should focus on maximising the number of computers and customers.
[ ] The shop should aim to be a comfortable environment, even at the cost of losing space.
[ ] The shop should be a high-quality environment, as much a social space as a computer hub.
- Location
- USA
[X] The shop should be a high-quality environment, as much a social space as a computer hub.
Be the destination of the city not just cramming as much in as you can.
Be the destination of the city not just cramming as much in as you can.
[X] The shop should be a high-quality environment, as much a social space as a computer hub.
- Location
- United States
[X] The shop should be a high-quality environment, as much a social space as a computer hub.
gatewaewanderer
Wandering Fool
- Location
- East Coast, USA
[X] The shop should aim to be a comfortable environment, even at the cost of losing space.
More or less aiming for a high tech version of what arcades used to be in the 80's and 90's.
More or less aiming for a high tech version of what arcades used to be in the 80's and 90's.