#0 - Login

VANSIA. The new VR system that took the world by storm. It's a marvel of technology that some believe to be the advent of a new age in humanity - a machine that can essentially extend one's lifespan by stretching time itself within its bounds.

Of course, many uses and applications for the technology were found, but many focused on the recreational model that was released: the VAN-HELM. The true next generation of gaming had been released, with only a single title pre-packaged with the gear. 'Vansia Online', a fully immersive fantasy MMO world with countless features. The game world was touted as an 'alternate reality' that constantly developed and changed in real time that instantly hooked millions of players. Vansia Online had a large focus on creativity and freedom as players could build their characters however they wanted to, and could do whatever they wanted. Chefs, adventurers, researchers, mages, craftsmen, however you wanted to spend your time inside the world of Vansia Online you could.

"…It's been out for just over a week now." A figure sighed, holding a sleek black helmet in their hands. It's side had a thin silver strip, with 'VAN' engraved into it. The person looked around at their dark bedroom once, before putting the helmet on and getting into the large capsule next to them. The door slid shut, lights humming on along the machines base.

"…"

"…"

"..is it on, or -"

"Welcome, Player." A soft voice rung out in the darkness. "Initial Player model has now been generated. You will be placed in a small area to become familiar with the basics inside of Vansia Online. Please close your eyes if you are easily disoriented."

As the voice finished, squares of land rose up from beneath the player, meshing together to become a small grassy field. The sky went from non-existent to filled with stars and streaks of light, which made it look like a circuit board.

A menu popped up in front of the player.

"Dear Player, please create your character."

True to it's claims, there were many options in this space. Initial characters were created based on accurate scans of the player's actual body, but could be fully customised to the extremes - one could be a few inches tall or a few tens of feet, an elf or a quadruped bug if they so choose, though bodies significantly different to one's own are not recommended since they distract with immersion and often lead to difficulties in play.

Freedom is not only expressed in the player model however, as even stats and equipment are fully customisable. There are several pre-built 'classes' to choose from with recommended stat and equipment sets for convenience, but it's possible to fully build your own character through a 'point buy' system. Players have 100 points to spend in stats and equipment, and all 100 have to be spent to finish character creation. Some choose to enter the game with all their points in raw stats and the bare minimum clothing to be as strong as possible, and some gamble with lowering their stats to obtain rare gears that cost a large amount of points. With the game being so young, 'meta' builds, the most optimal choices for characters to succeed, constantly change, and many argue over the best path to take from as early as character creation.

…

"Are you satisfied with your character, Player?"

"Yes."

"Wonderful. You will soon be transported to the world of Vansia, a world of wonder under threat by evil magics, protected by gods and people alike. Within this world you are free to live the life you choose, and are encouraged to life a life full of joy and happiness."

Pieces of the land began to fall away back down, and the stars began to glow brighter. The form of a woman came forth from the lights of the stars, hands outstretched towards the player.

"You will be transported into the halls of a sacred church where you will be guided by devout believers of my faith to begin your journey. I truly wish you luck, Player. May the burden of your journey always be light."

As the woman finished speaking, the last of the land fell away, and all went dark.

When light came back, the player found they were stood inside a stone chamber full of candles beside a statue of a beautiful woman covered in chains. The only door in the room opened and a priest walked inside. Their grey robes were thick and long, and they made a distinctive metallic sound with each step. Their face was covered with both a hood and mask.

"Greetings, Holy One." a gruff voice came from beneath the clothes.

"You are a Player, chosen by the gods. We are the followers She spoke of who will aid you. I will answer any questions you have before you leave. First, however, may I know your name?"

"…Can't you see it above my head?"

"No. I believe you can see the word 'Priest' above my head, correct? I myself can only see 'Player' above yours. As you learn more about a target, it's title changes. For example, my name is Asmoth."

The priest was correct, and upon saying his name the title changed to 'Priest Asmoth'.

"…I'm, uh. Call me… Slate?"

The priest looked at Ira with confusion, though he knew Ira would not be able to tell his expression. The player in front of him looked much different to the other players he had guided. 'Where are their weapons? Their armour?' He thought. He could see nothing more than the plain cotton shirt and some shorts, worn by most ordinary folk. They looked weaker than the others as well - some had come before with very little, but they had more vitality to them. This one struck him as tough as a child.

"Then, do you have any questions, young Slate?"

"…How do I open menu's and stuff?" Ira had mentally been trying to open their inventory for a while now. The priest nodded and pulled a small stone from their sleeve.

"Touch this Evaal stone. It will show you my own status, as well as your own. Typically this information is private, so do not worry - Your status is kept in complete secrecy. Once you see this information, you will be able to view it whenever you desire."

Slate touched the stone, and a menu popped up next to the priest.

—

Name: Asmoth

Title: High Priest of Evuna

Level : 361

Strength: 232

Defence: 609

Magic: 25

Magic Defence : 621

(Notice: Some information has been excluded, as Player does not meet the requirements.)

—

"..!" Asmoth was truly surprised to see his suspicions confirmed upon seeing this Player's stats. Slate looked to their own status board.

—

Player <IronSlate>'s profile

Name: 'Slate'

Level: 1

Strength: 1

Defence: 1

Magic : 1

Magic Defence : 1

Luck : 1

Skills : None currently unlocked.

—

Slate was surprised to see more information on their status page than they selected during character creation. Just saying their name unlocked a whole new entry. Asmoth was more surprised, however.

"Slate… forgive me, but may I ask as to your body's condition? All blessed by the goddess are given equal opportunity, and yet you seem to lack Her grace. You need not answer if it troubles you."

"My stats? I chose them to be all one's, yeah. I got this ring instead - Oh, here it is." As they spoke of the ring, their inventory opened, and they grabbed the ring from its small icon as if taking from a box.

—

Item : Evuna's Favour

Type : Ring

Effect : Double Experience gained from all sources.

Description : A dark band with a delicate golden chain wrapping around the centre. One of the many boons available to beginner Players.

—

Asmoth recognised the ring as he had earned one himself, and was intrigued as to how it was obtained by Ira. He was not one to question a divine blessing from God, however.

"I see. Thank you for indulging me, Player Slate. Do you have any other questions?"

"A few…"

The priest answered may of Slate's questions, and they learned a lot about the world and it's mechanics. Most notably that learning and experiencing new things would unlock more information on their status board, both skills and stats alike. Asmoth claimed to have around 18 different stats, and many more skills which he had gained over the years.

They also learned they were currently in one of the many inner chambers of the cathedral worship for the Goddess Evuna, in a country named the Consecrated Lands. It was essentially a holy city recognised as a country.

Once all their questions had been asked and answered, the priest took a step back.

"I will transport you to our temple in Prymwen, the capital city of the Dectum kingdom. Upon your arrival, you should attune yourself to the Monument just outside. There are many there who will guide you down whichever path you seek. May the burden of your journey be light."

Slate thanked the priest, and closed their eyes as beams of light etched out an intricate pattern of runes on the floor before enveloping them in a pillar. When the light faded, they were gone. Asmoth knelt at the statue of his God, and lit another candle before leaving. A moment after the door closed, light flashed from beneath it, and he re-entered to greet another player.

"Greetings, Holy One."