New Game

Chapter 11: Dont be a Noob

The Town of Crossings was lively. It was very similar to Novus Town, except it wasn't on a hill, it bordered a forest, and there was a small stream that ran through the middle of the town and into the thick growth of trees. There were players wandering in and out, many of whom wore expensive looking equipment. Aquila spotted a player that donned a blue breastplate with red trimmed edges, there were two half-elves wearing long white and yellow capes, and one human wore a black cloak with stars that seemed to glow.

'Surely,' Aquila started as they approached the gates, 'this secret spot of yours isn't actually inside the town, is it?'

'It's pretty close by,' Slie replied.

'We just need to get some supplies first, and then we'll go straight over,' Nixie said.

Aquila looked over at a large signpost just off the road.

Welcome to The Town of Crossings.

'Why do they call it the town of crossings anyway. Do you know?'

'I can only assume,' Slie started, 'because the south road leads to Novus Town, the north road leads to Ambrosiana, and the western road leads to Asphodel; where we need to go to get this counterspell.'

'And the eastern road? Where does that lead?'

Slie shrugged his shoulders.

'Dunno.'

They made their way through the entrance gates, past the guards, and down the wideset cobblestone streets. Players ran by, chatting and calling out to each other as they went. Some were alone and others were in groups. A few were trying to sell items, but this town didn't seem to be an overly large hub for trading.

The buildings were made of grey stone, they had tiled roofs and were slightly denser than the buildings in Novus Town, many of them being two or three storeys, rather than single storey cottages. Nixie seemed to know where she was going, as she confidently turned into a narrow side street, leading them around several corners, and then they popped out on what seemed to be another main road; they continued heading down the road, but by this point, with all the turning, Aquila wasn't sure if they were heading further into the town, or towards its outskirts.

They did pass quite a few interesting places as they made their way towards wherever it was that Nixie was leading them. Aquila saw a street stall store that was selling fruit and vegetables, a brightly coloured cake shop, and the blacksmith; which really did peak Aquila's interest. It was an open building, with no walls, doors or windows – just a pillar in the corner and a roof. Several players were using the smelters, and the NPC blacksmith was hammering down hard on one of the anvils.

'This way,' Nixie said turning down another little side street.

He felt Slie pat him on the back.

'You're better off saving up for a more expensive weapon,' he said showing a glint of his black dagger, 'trust me.'

The camping shop was a cosy place, built into one of the many narrow side streets, with large windows and displays of bows on the walls, along with several pairs of boots upon the counter, and bedrolls laid in the corners. There were players talking to the NPC at the counter, and other players who browsed the items that had been put up to look at. It was a fantasy version of any outdoor shop he would have visited in real life.

All Nixie needed were some more warding potions, so they were only there for a minute, before Nixie led them out the store and back the way they came.

Next was the potions shop. It was much the same – except it was filled to the brim with all different coloured vials stacked on shelves, and plants of many kinds that hung from the ceiling, and grew upon the walls and trellises. Aquila didn't have too much money left, after he'd stocked up at Novus Town a couple of days ago, but he couldn't help but buy two cheap potions of minor healing. Meanwhile Nixie bought dozens of manna potions and Slie lurked in a sunlit corner, fiddling with a red and yellow vine that grew over the wall.