Ian got up, he was in a bed. Looking around he saw an unfamiliar room. He seemed to be in some medieval style house and looking outside he saw a vast forest with a single village in the distance. About a days walk away.
Taking in his new surroundings Ian walked atound the room just seeing what was around. In his wardrobe was the ranger outfit he had seen in charracter creation. A set of flexible leather armor with a green cloak . His bow sat next to the wardrobe with a quill full of arrows.
He changed into the outfit for really no reason and left the room. Ian headed down a set of stairs at the end of the hall and walked straight into a dining area. At the table was a middle aged man. He seemed to be in his 40s-50s with salt and pepper hair and a trim beard of the same colors.
"Oh hi... sorry didn't know there was anyone here"
Ian said awkwardly, freezing when he saw the man.
"Don't worry about it kid. I'm Ron, the ranger of these here woods. I found ya not far from my house passed out in the forest. I brought ya here to help ya out"
'This must be the lore explanation for my appearance here. It's not like I just spawned like in other games, maybe theres even a backstory I just don't know'
Ian mused while listening to Ron speak.
"Oh thank you so much Ron. My name is Ian Nightgale, it's a pleasure to meet you."
"Nice to meet ya kid. Now what exactly were ya doing in that forest?"
"Uh.. You know I'm not sure I remember. All I remember is my name"
Ian said awkwardly not sure if his attempts at acting were convincing.
'Didn't expect him to question me. Hopefully he doesn't pry too much. I don't know if I can even tell him I'm a player since the guides really emphasized role-playing'
"Is that right? Well that's a hard situation. Are ya sure ya don't remember anything at all?"
"Yeah unfortunately. I know who I am but anything other than that and I'm drawing a blank."
Ian kept up the act praying Rom would stop asking.
"Shit well, what are ya gonna do then? If you can't remember anything ya can't exactly go home now can ya?"
"Actually if you wouldn't mind Ron, could I stay here? I can help you out on whatever you need so if I can just stay for a little just to get my bearings that'd be awesome."
Ian figured Ron was supposed to be his mentor NPC. The person that taught him about his class and trained him up to level 10. The most important relationship in the beginning of the game.
"Hmmm... Sure why not kid? Ya seem polite enough and I could use some help around here"
"Actually?! Thanks Ron, you really are saving my life here."
Ian thanked him before sitting at the table.
"What exactly do you need? Should I help you hunt? I am a pretty good archer if I say so myself."
Ian led the conversation to skills, hoping Ron would teach him later on.
"Oh an archer, I thought ya had amnesia."
Ron retorted.
"Oh well, I have a bow and just seeing it gave me a feeling. Muscle memory took over when I picked it up so I think I had a long time of practice. I must be good."
"What do ya say we put that to the test kid?"
As those words left Ron's lips a window popped up in Ian's eyes.
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[Ron's Test]
Ron, the ranger of Greenville Forest, has offered you a chance to prove your skills.
[Reward]
Ron will train you. The better you do the more teaching he'll provide.
50xp
[Penalty]
Ron's favorability lowers and he'll only teach the bare minimum.
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"Alright, bring it on!"
Ian replied and when he did the window disappeared.
"When is the test Ron?"
"I'll give ya time to prepare don't worry. I'm not an asshole, ya have a week to brush up your skills"
"Great! Be prepared, next week I'll blow your socks off with awesome archery."
Ian declred as he walked out side with his bow in hand. When he looked out the window earlier he had seen a crude archery range next to the house. Moving around a corner he walked toward the training ground.
Before trying his bow Ian said one word.
"Status"
A window appeared in front of him.
_________________________________________
Name: Ian Nightgale
Race: Half-Elf
Title(s): N/A
Level: 1
Class: Rookie Ranger
Skills: [Basic Marksmanship] [Hawk Eyes]
Stats:
STR-10
DEX-12
INT-8
CHA-8
VIT-10
_________________________________________
"Huh? [Hawk Eyes] what is that?"
Ian focused on the skill. The window quickly changed looks. Instead of his while stats it just displayed the skill.
_________________________________________
[Hawk Eyes]: Enhances vision. Level of enhancement depends on proficiency.
_________________________________________
"Holy cheat. This could be insanely busted. I got super lucky on the random skills. The synergy between them is great too. As long as I train a bit this test is easy peasy."
Gaining confidence Ian raised his bow aiming toward the target.
[Hawk Eyes]
He activated his skill and his field of vision widened. Everything became clearer and he could see much farther than before. The rush of information hurt his head as he tried to focus his vision.
Locking onto the target it looked like he had zoomed in. He could see the bullseye clearly and pulling the bowstring he felt his muscles moving with practiced ease.
'Ha! Muscle memory did kick in. This is nuts!'
Ian thought while aiming his arrow. Finally he took a deep breath and fired. Watching as the arrow flew across the training ground.
THWACK!
It hit the ground.... Not even the target bu the ground...
Ian looked down the field. His gaze held an unmeasurable disappointment.
'I suck ass... Guess a lot of grinding is coming up. I need to pass this test with flying colors'
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Chapter 2!! Let me know what you think about his skills. If any of you have any suggestions for possible future skills I'd love to see them. Any ideas are welcome as long as they suit the ranger class. Nothing like super strength or something.
Anyway feedback is appreciated thank you for reading.