GM AI: Continuing their epic adventure, painstakingly crafted and choreographed by their brilliant Game Master, the party of adventurers steadfast march across the "Fields of Peldora", seeking a cave that is said to contain a sacred treasure that will aid them on their quest.
Alvin played random notes and melodies beside Brittany who sat on a nearby rock mound looking at her nails as the party rested before marching along the path. Jeanette looked around nearby where the rocks and fallen trees connected, observing for any new kinds of life she hasn't yet seen in this game with Simon looking around the path and logging things into his journal. Eleanor and Theodore walked a little further ahead together talking and showing off their fantastical equipment, Eleanor's mighty holy blade and Theodore's great shield he uses in tandem with her.
Brittany: Ugh! My feet are like killing me, do we really have to walk everywhere in this game?
Alvin: No kidding! It was so much easier when all we had to do was tell Simon or his computer that we walked along for several days.
Brittany: Now that we have to do it, it's like way less fun.
Simon: Come on guys, for all intents and purposes, we're living in a brand new world of savagery and sorcery! Isn't that exciting?
Alvin: Well, guess I can't argue with that. When do we get to the savagery and sorcery part?
Simon: W-Well... I did program the game to have the same scale of an actual world. I guess we would have to keep walking until we find something to fight...
Brittany: Ughhh more walking! Can't we order, like, a magical chariot or something? Maybe some unicorns to take us the rest of the way?
Alvin: And go where? I don't even know where we are going!
Simon: That's part of the adventure you guys! We're supposed to be going on an adventure!
Meanwhile, Jeanette calls out for Simon.
Jeanette: Simon! Simon look! Come quick!
Simon rushed over to Jeanette's side who was low to the ground between an old log and a mossy stone.
Simon: Y-Yes Jeanette? What's wrong?
Jeanette: Look! This creature is so, so CUTE!
Jeanette pulled him in closer to the small moldy puddle in the wedge between the stone and wood. He adjusted his glasses and noticed a strange insect-like creature that inhabited this world. It looked like a grasshopper, but it was long and grey, as if it had scales. Jeanette was completely enthralled by the way it moved while Simon looked at her with an eyebrow raised, but upon realizing how happy she was he couldn't help but smile.
Simon: I-I let Game Master handle a lot of the extra entities in this world so even I don't recognize this one. But luckily... *he dug into his satchel* I do have this compendium of creatures. Here Jeanette.
Jeanette gasped in glee.
Jeanette: Oh Simon, y-you mean it?
Simon: Of course, it should know what this animal is.
Jeanette looked into the book, reaching the right page and began to read out loud.
Jeanette: The Peldoran Creek Critters are filled with plenty of insectoids like the scale mimic puddle skimmer. A medium sized insect that uses its coloration and stillness to pretend like it is debris off a larger fallen animal to avoid its natural predators such as the-
Before she could finish, the two felt the ground shake and rumble around them. Even further away in the distance, the other four were able to feel the minor quake and it caught their attention once they heard Jeanette and Simon scream. They quickly whipped their heads towards the source to see something large breaking through the trees not far from them.
Jeanette and Simon, holding each other in fear: Th-The Peldoran Wood Troll!
Alvin: Oh yes! Finally some action! (He picks up his lute and begins to strum) Time to use my brand new patented song of awesome-tude, guaranteed to give you points in everything!
The GM interrupts Alvin with a loud audible rejection sound.
GM AI: Action and ability does not exist.
Alvin: Well what else am I supposed to do? I'm a bard! All I do is play music!
Brittany, giggling: I dunno, try playing something that might hurt the Troll's ear drums there maestro.
Alvin: Shouldn't you be out there fighting too? You're a BARBARIAN.
Brittany: -Princess! A Barbarian princess! That's what soldiers and servants are for!
Alvin: Britt I hate to break it to ya, but a barbarian princess is still a barbarian! You and Eleanor are our only frontline! Just get in there!
Brittany: Ugh fine! But if my nails get ruined, you're dead too! Give me my ax.
Alvin reached into their party bag of holding and dug around to find Brittany's weapon. He pulled out a large ax, almost her size and then some and handed it to her.
Brittany: Hmmm, I'm thinking, the one without the pretty bow I tied to it. Don't want to dirty it with Troll gunk.
Alvin: Oh for crying out (he puts the ax back and digs around further until he pulls out a pair of smaller axes that aren't as decorated)
Brittany: Much better. In the meantime, why don't you play that one song that I like so much. You know "Brittany's Song of Inspiration"?
Alvin: I don't know what you're talking about.
Brittany: Oh come on, you know that song. You made it just for me. You know, like, on that one sweet valentines da-
Alvin: I didn't do that! I-I mean, it's not an action in the game.
Eleanor called out with a boom in her voice: Heroic Charge!
Like a bolt of lightning she nearly flew across the field and stepped in front of Jeanette and Simon who flinched from the upcoming troll and managed to block its rampage with her sword.
Eleanor: Woah. That felt amazing! Why can't I do this in real life, errands would be so much quicker!
Simon, still holding Jeanette tightly as if by instinct, too panicked to feel embarrassed: N-Not to be ungrateful, but-but technically it's not usable except towards enemies of evil.
Eleanor grunted, holding the troll off: You know, I did just save you.
Simon: A-A-And no one appreciates that more than me right now!
Theodore from far behind trying to catch up with his large shield: W-Wait Ellie! Be careful!
Jeanette: M-Maybe I can make friends with it! I'm a druid for all flora and fauna!
Eleanor: Jean I don't think it wants to make friends with anyone!
Jeanette: B-But I'm not-
Jeanette and Simon watched as the troll stepped to the side and stomped with aggression into the small mossy puddle where they discovered that puddle skimmer. When it moved its massive trunk of a leg, there was nothing left besides a muddy footprint. Jeanette's eyes widened and her heart sank.
The troll swung its mighty arms and while Eleanor was able to block one attack, the next one was coming way too fast for her. She tried to get ready for the impending force, but much to her surprise Theodore jumped right in at the right moment with his shield raised. No one was hit directly but the pushback from the troll was still enough to send them back several feet. Eleanor collected herself and saw Theodore on top of her with arms still holding the shield ready to block.
Eleanor, now panicked for her partner: Theodore are you okay!?
Theodore, gasping for air: N-Next time, take me with you! Troll arms are nothing but I... I haven't run like that since the mile test in school!
Eleanor smiled and squeezed him.
She loosened up her grip on Theodore, giving him some more time to catch his breath with a look at him of tenderness and care. But then Eleanor suddenly remembered what was happening and slid herself and her bulky armor from underneath Theodore towards her sister and friend who were still in trouble.
Eleanor: Hold on guys! I'm coming!
Across the way, the troll stomped closer towards Jeanette and Simon. Simon's legs trembled but he stood his ground between the fearsome troll and Jeanette who still sat in shock from what it had done to the innocent creature she had just become acquainted with.
Simon: D-Don't worry Jeanette! I-I-I'll cast s-something to buy us time!
He placed his open palm next to the crystal atop his staff causing it to light up with a blue glow.
Simon: I cast... Magic Spell Bolt!
He pointed his open palm towards the troll and a bolt of blue and turquoise energy erupted, shooting towards the troll's wide chest. Simon was so excited at what just occurred that he felt all the more disappointed when it didn't do anything to stop the now rampaging troll.
Simon: Game Master, how strong is this thing!?
He stumbled his actions in a panic, but what was most clear is that he turned back to flee but not before grabbing Jeanette's hand.
Simon: T-Time to go Jeanette!
But once they were over the log and stone, Jeanette came to a sudden halt, tugging Simon to a stop.
Simon: J-Jeanette what are you-
Jeanette: That was uncalled for, you troll!
Jeanette turned around with an unwavering air to her and a fierce glare locking in with the Troll. Her hands began to emit a green hue as fallen leaves swayed around her. Simon was dumbfounded but his eyes can only look towards her hands as she flung them up to the troll.
Jeanette: Tangle of Roots!
As she commanded the nature around her, roots from the trees and grass around them pierced through the ground below the troll and began to wrap around it, slowing the monster down.
Simon's eyes nearly popped out at seeing the wondrous display of magic Jeanette casted, but he couldn't take his gaze off of the Chipette herself as she strained to keep up her spell and hold back the irate troll from moving.
Jeanette, gritting her teeth and sweating: S-Simon! S-Simon, please do something! I-I-I can't do this by myself!
Her cry for help sparked renewed confidence and Simon quickly jumped back into action, just as he could see his brother and Jeanette's sister closing in on their location.
Simon: Hang in there Jeanette! Keep him still for just a moment longer!
Simon placed his open palm to his crystal staff once again, but this time the gentle blue and turquoise began and suddenly changed to a light blue with strong green hues. His hand struggled to contain the power but his eyes also lit up that same spectrum of colors.
Simon: Get ready Jeanette! I-I didn't think I'd have to use this so early!
A green and blue flame engulfed his open hand and with a yell of both fearfulness and adrenaline he went to slam it into the ground.
Simon: Now Jeanette! Raise the roots up a bit more!
Jeanette nodded as she scrambled to do that and keep the troll back.
Simon: Soul Fire!
His hand slapped the floor where Jeanette had raised the roots up from the ground and the fire from his hand quickly spread all along the roots. It rushed up stream towards the troll and before they knew it, all of the roots that snared the troll went a light in a green-blue inferno all around the troll. The extreme strain of the roots and the fire loosened Jeanettes control over them and they snapped, throwing her backwards to the floor before Simon could catch her. The troll roared in pain from the flames and once the flames quickly went out, the now burnt troll fled and ran away into the tree line once more just as the other chipmunks arrived.
Simon huffed and took a deep breath as his heart raced. Then he snapped over to pick up Jeanette who groaned.
Simon ran to Jeanette's side and helped her up, cradling her in his arms. Once more, his concern outweighed his natural embarrassment. Jeanette collected herself and when she opened her eyes, Simon was the first thing she saw. She blushed and gave him a loving and longing smile. Simon couldn't help but have a crooked smile on his face as his own cheeks started to heat up. Though the moment immediately came to an end when they snapped out of their daze along with hearing everyone get to them. Simon cleared his throat while Jeanette squeaked and looked away, neither of them realizing that they were still holding each other.
Alvin: Woah dude! Since when could you do THAT!
Theodore: Yeah Simon, what was that awesome fire!
Simon, having cleared his throat: Oh that? That's one of my special techniques. It's a dark spell that hurts only the target.
Simon then looks down to the burned and snapped roots Jeanette worked so hard to empower.
Simon, cont: W-Well that's what it was supposed to do. I-I'm sorry Jeanette, I hurt your roots.
Jeanette, nodding: I-It's okay. They're still alive and they tell me they forgive you. The troll could have done much worse. (She looks back down to the small puddle where the skimmer was crushed) At least we did that much...
Eleanor: Wait, a dark spell? Simon you're using evil magic?
Alvin: Yeah I thought you were Mr. Jolly Wizard of the West. Since when did you decide to be so cool?
Brittany: No kidding, I guess someone's got a side we don't know about.
Simon, adjusting his glasses: Not precisely, it says clearly in my character sheet that I am lawful neutral and that I am from a council of wizards that studies all kinds of magic for eruditic pursuits. There is no good or evil magic, there is simply magic and its elemental attunement.
Eleanor and Brittany laid down their arms and went in to squeeze Jeanette after their adrenaline calmed down as Alvin and Theodore helped Simon up, Alvin congratulating him with a pat on the back.
Alvin: Way to go Si. Who knew it took a literal rampaging troll to bring it out of you.
Simon, embarrassed as he tried to get him to stop before the girls noticed: Stop! Shush, I-I-I don't know what you're talking about!
Alvin gave him a smug grin.
Brittany: We're so glad you guys are okay. Not bad for being such nerds.
Jeanette: Th-Thank you?
Alvin walked over and began to tease Brittany next.
Alvin: Aren't you supposed to make sure that DOESN'T happen?
Brittany stood up and huffed: Well I can't do that if the troll is like 40 miles away and they already handled it!
Alvin: As if you were actually trying to get over here in a hurry.
Brittany: Were too! I just... wanted to give my precious sister a chance to show her stuff that's all.
Alvin: Mmmmhm.
Brittany: Ugh, just put my axes away.
Alvin: Yeah yeah
Brittany: And whatever happened to that song?
Alvin: Shut it!
Eleanor: Sorry we couldn't help out any more you guys. That could have gotten dicey...
Jeanette: No no Eleanor! It's okay! You did your best and really helped us get our grounding. If anything, you were just what we needed when we needed it.
Theodore: Yeah Ellie, the way you zoomed in without a second thought was amazing! You're a real hero!
Eleanor, blushing: Well golly, I don't know about a hero. It's just what my class does.
Simon: Spoken like a true hero.
Alvin: Hey what about us?
Brittany: Yeah, like we were coming too!
Alvin: I'd say the gesture is pretty heroic in of itself, right?
They all looked at the red and pink munks with raised eyebrows.
The group collected their things and Alvin took Brittany's axes and put them back into their bag of holding. Despite being a game, the group felt exhausted after their encounter with the troll.
Eleanor, lifting up her blade: Gosh, if that's just ONE troll, we might be in trouble guys. I'm so tired.
Theodore: Yeah, my arms are sore already! Simon, did we at least get any experience points?
Simon looked at his baby brother, only ready to disappoint him: S-Sorry Theodore. We didn't actually beat the troll. So we don't get experience.
Alvin piping up: What! Then how are we ever going to get stronger?
Simon: Well the Peldoran Wood Troll is a harder than usual enemy, but not too uncommon in these areas as the game is designed. We just need to fight something weaker and get experience then.
Eleanor: So, how does that work anyway? Do we just get like a loud ding when we level up and pick points like when we were playing at the table?
Brittany: Ugh, boring. I didn't want to do MORE math.
Theodore: Me neither!
Simon: Don't worry you guys, I designed this game to make it feel as natural as possible. There are no level up screens, you'll just feel stronger.
Theodore: Well that's good to know.
Brittany: So, like, what now? Do we just take a break? I could use a breather.
Alvin, who heard his stomach grumble: Aaand eat? Apparently?
Simon: While we're perfectly sustained in the real world, our minds still give the impressions of things like hunger and sleep.
Eleanor: Does that mean we can just... not be hungry or tired?
Simon: Er... no. It's still as subconscious as you would in real life.
Before he could explain it further, he heard Jeanette and Brittany.
Jeanette: Hey guys, come check this out!
Brittany: I think we, like, found something!
The rest of the group joined Brittany and Jeanette and their eyes lit up in joyful discovery. From where the troll came from was a small trail that led to a cave, much like the one they were looking for.
The Munks approached the dark and cool cave. Normally Alvin among others would be ready to charge in to see what's inside, but after their run in with the troll, no one was exactly eager to proceed. They lingered around the entrance to the cave for a few more moments, trying to clear the awkward air around deciding who should go first.
Alvin, breaking the silence: Well n-not everyone charge in at once.
Simon: Precisely, so uh... go ahead.
Alvin: Why me!?
Simon: Aren't you the courageous and adventurous bard. And self-proclaimed party leader?
Alvin: Well y-yeah but-but-
Alvin thought for a moment, but then rushed over to push Brittany forward.
Alvin as Brittany squeaked: What's a leader without his mighty warriors at the front of the line right? G-Go on Brittany, you do have the most strength here.
Brittany shot him a glare of daggers, something that he's thankful isn't an actual skill.
Brittany, huffing: And here I thought chivalry wasn't dead! (she looked towards the darkness of the cave and began to lose her edge) U-uh- ma-maybe we should go together? *She quickly rushed behind Alvin as they pulled each other forward*
Alvin: W-Wai-
Brittany turned him around so they could meet eye to eye. She batted her eyes like a sad puppy, playing to how cute she was, despite her ferocious class abilities. Alvin let out a breath of air.
Alvin: Let's go together...
Brittany smiled and with their arms intertwined they hesitantly entered the cave. Then afterwards, Eleanor and Theodore, and lastly Simon and Jeanette.
Brittany: Ugh, I can't see anything in here! And all this cave moisture is going to ruin my hair!
Alvin: As much as fighting a troll?
Brittany: Point taken. At least it's not a maze.
Theodore: It could be, but we wouldn't know without any light.
Suddenly Eleanor had a moment of realization.
Eleanor: Wait, Theo! Cast your light miracle!
Theodore: But that doesn't help fight monsters?
Eleanor: No, but it'll be like a flashlight!
Theodore: Great idea!
Theodore whispered something into the open air, bizarre mutterings that only he would know in the game and not in real life. And after he finished, his hand lit up in a gentle but bright glow, illuminating the cave around them. The cave was suddenly smaller, kinder, and nowhere near as their paranoid thoughts made it out to be. It was almost homely. There Jeanette saw some mushrooms on the walls by dripping water and rushed over in delight.
Simon: Excellent thinking Eleanor.
Brittany: Yeah Ellie, way to go!
Eleanor: Thanks. I figured, if he is like me, his miracles would also be light based too.
Then there it was, they saw another massive object at the end of the cave. It was a large wooden chest with metal support. Exactly what adventurers love to see, and Alvin ran over to open it.
Alvin: Oh baby! It's payday! Finally!
Brittany: Maybe it's gold! A-And diamonds!
Simon: Or perhaps, the sacred treasure we need.
Eleanor: Well whatever it is, it's gotta be worth it for a troll to guard it!
Alvin and Brittany lifted the chest's lid upward and were welcomed by a golden glow. Their eyes lit in astonishment with it's possibilities. Until reality set in and both of them were only left with disappointment.
Brittany: Is that a... POT?
Alvin pulled out a personal sized cauldron.
Alvin: There's a note inside. (reads it out loud) Behold, one of many sacred treasures: The Pot of Endless Delicacy. For long-term questing, a cauldron that makes as much of the dish you cook as you desire.
Alvin frantically searched the empty treasure chest over and over while Brittany sat on its rim with a pout.
Alvin: Oh come on! There's gotta be something else.
Brittany: What a let down...
Alvin, with a sigh stood up: This game blows!
Simon: Come on you guys, not every treasure chest has millions of gold. And this... sacred treasure is sure to aid us on our quest.
Theodore: I'll say! Think of the possibilities!
Eleanor giggled.
Alvin: You could have warned us that these sacred things were going to be lame!
Simon: Admittedly, I let Game Master handle a... lot more than I said. Making a world takes time! And who better than an advanced AI that can compute at a quantum level?
Alvin: Ugh, I'm ready for a bedroll.
Brittany: And a bath.
Theodore, holding the cauldron up in the air: That means I can make dinner with this! Say Jeanette, are those mushrooms edible?
Jeanette: H-Huh? Oh, uh no. They're actually quite poisonous.
Brittany: Another reason to hurry up and get out of here.
Simon: I suppose we can find better camping before sundown if we leave now. A troll's lair isn't exactly safe.
They kept up their conversation as they all walked out. Jeanette explaining to Simon about her own discoveries, Alvin and Brittany complaining to each other and Theodore who was only paying them half a mind. Eleanor was caught up in their rant as well, but before they left something caught the corner of Alvin's eye. It was a small glittering on the ground underneath dirt and rocks by a corner they didn't look. He leaned in more and his eyes lit up as he brushed off more of the dirt and mud. Underneath the earth laid a shining sword with the handle and hilt wrapped with a brilliantly ornate necklace. He whipped his head back and forth, then snatched his prize. He giggled to himself about his new weapon as he strapped it to his back, but when he looked at the necklace, he blushed and grinned and stashed it away in his pocket for later.
Editor's Note: The lengths of these chapters will vary... a lot, but I hope you enjoy them nonetheless. I'll also do some very slight edits for the sake of making it make a little more sense.