~~~(POV: Ryan Sunrider)~~~
The bright light disappears, and I'm surrounded by an incredibly warm darkness. A comfort that I've never experienced in my life before. Despite knowing that I'm at the ripe age of 0, I still try to move my body. I'm unable to move anything.
Still, that doesn't stop me from trying. After a little more effort, I produce a kick. My foot knocks against the soft and warm walls that surround me.
Muffled sounds are only briefly heard before they stop again. I don't know exactly how old I am. Before I can start trying to find out.
I'm interrupted.
Welcome to your new character!
To help you understand your new powers, we have prepared a lengthy tutorial.
Do you wish to use the tutorial?
Y/N
[Due to being unable to verbalize, you may use thought.]
Seems I'm inside my mother's womb, whomever that may be. I don't know if my father or mother is the Sunrider, so I'll be left guessing until I'm free from here.
'Yes. Start the tutorial.'
Nothing else to do.
Welcome to the Tutorial!
We'll explain the following items that weren't covered in character creation.
1: Hitpoints, Experience, Stamina, and Hunger
2: Stats and their Limits
3: Inventory usage
4: The Force and Force Points
5: Player Powers and Player Points
6: Interface Controls
7: Quests
8: Future Knowledge
Select the option you wish to view first by saying 'Tutorial' followed by the number you wish to view.
Starting from the beginning is a no-brainer.
'Start with one.'
1: Hitpoints, Experience, Stamina, and Hunger
When you concentrate and think or say the word 'STATS,' a general listing of your character will appear.
Beyond the base stats that were explained during character creation, there are a few others
These are:
Hit Points [HP]:
This is a base 50 for Humans plus your Vitality*10
Experience [XP]:
To advance to the next level, you need XP.
For levels 1-20, this is 1000XP more than the previous level.
For levels 21-40, this is 2000XP more.
For Levels 41-60, this is 3000XP more.
Stamina [STAM]:
Every physical action that you take requires stamina.
Walking takes 1STAM/minute, jogging 3/minute, running 5/minute, and sprinting 10/minute.
Other actions take up stamina as well: swimming, jumping, weight lifting, and so drain STAM as you go.
Your Stamina is your current level*[Strength+Agility+Vitality]/2.
There are ways to improve your Stamina regeneration and lower activity drain, but they are for you to discover.
It regenerates at 1%/minute
Hunger [HUN]:
This tracks your need to eat.
It drains naturally at 5/hr.
It will, however, drain faster when you're physically exerting yourself.
There are, however, ways to slow your hunger loss, but they're for you to discover.
This is limited to 100.
NOTE:
For each point that Hunger drops below 20, you experience a temporary 1% drop in your Stats and all linked values until you restore your Hunger to 20 or above.
End of Part 1.
Do you wish to proceed to Part 2?
Y/N?
'Yes, go to the next one.'
I can already tell that things are gonna start getting complicated. I've loved video games, but I've never been particularly fond of the kinds that make you become a mathematician just to figure things out.
I can't say whether or not I'm gonna like how these functions work in the long run.
2: Stats and their Limits
Every species has biological limits for Strength, Agility, and Vitality.
However, there are ways to overcome such limits.
Additionally, none of those three stats can be more than 10 over your current level.
The same methods to pass hard limits also can allow you to pass these soft limits.
Additionally, for each 1 point in a stat you are over your current level, you gain a 5% boost in skill XP generation for relevant skills.
The opposite is also true.
Currently, your penalties/boosts are;
STR +5%
AGI +0%
VIT +5%
INT +95%
WIS +45%
CHA +0%
End of Part 2.
Do you wish to proceed to Part 3?
Y/N?
What stands out to me right away here is how Strength, Agility, and Vitality aren't allowed to be more than 10 points over my current level. However, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma are.
In the end, I guess it makes sense, considering people can't be physically stronger than their age and development allows them. But that in itself has some flaws. I'm surprised that for every one point in your stat levels compared to your character level is a 5% boost in skill XP.
If I'm not mistaken, starting from age 0 is the only way possible to allow such broken boosts.
You've found a rather useful exploit. Enjoy.
This will be patched for the next winner.
Hot damn, how about that. Didn't think whoever created all this would have allowed exploits in this. But it's not like I know who's in charge.
They're obviously very powerful.
'Yes, let's go onto the next part.'
Starting at age 0 has shown to be a wise choice on my end.
3: Inventory usage.
For every one point of Strength grants 2 slots in your inventory.
This is a pocket dimension that only you can use and in which time does not pass; thus, nothing will degrade while stored there.
It also allows you to store money without concern for the weight or volume of Credits
Each slot can hold an object of volume no more than 0.125m^3. [50x50x50cm]
Currently, you have 4 slots.
End of Part 3.
Do you wish to proceed to Part 4?
Y/N?
Having access to an inventory no one else does is probably the most convenient thing I've seen so far. There are definitely more useful things, but I can already see this making my life easier in Star Wars.
'Yes, go to the next step.'
This is proving to be more information than I initially thought.
4: The Force and Force Points
As you've taken the Force Vergence Perk during character creation, you're now one of the few in the galaxy who can sense and actively use the Force.
For each level, you receive 1000 Force Points.
While you can consciously use the Force to improve your actions, many of the more advanced uses and concepts require instruction from a trained Force user.
All Force powers follow the Novice to Prodigy ranging system, and while expensive to first use, the cost of use decreases with training.
Your Force Points regenerate at 1%/minute.
NOTE:
Not all possible Force powers are taught by the Jedi or the Sith; You may be able to create your own in time.
End of Part 4.
Do you wish to proceed to Part 5?
Y/N?
From what I remember while playing SWTOR, Vaylin was capable of moving things with the Force while she was still in Senya Tirall's womb…
It might be possible for me to start using the Force while inside my mother's womb.
Wow. You were a real nerd.
If I could release a snort at the message, I would. It's not like I can deny it, either. But that message alone tells me I could do that if I so tried.
'Yes, proceed with the next part.'
I'm a little more than halfway done with the tutorial now.
5: Player Powers and Player Points
You've been given the special title: Chosen.
This title grants access to special powers that, to the corporeal mind, resemble being in a video game.
Initial Player Powers provided are:
[Player's Mind] [Max]
Allows the player to calmly and logically think things through.
Allows a peaceful state of mind.
Grants immunity to psychological effects.
Protects against compulsions and external controls.
Does not prevent the player from showing emotional responses; only dissipates them instantly afterward.
[Note: Can't be turned off]
[Player's Body] [Max]
The body experiences the stresses of the physical world as if it were a video game.
[This means that you suffer no obvious damage when hit/shot/stabbed, etc., but instead, lose HP]
[You can still lose limbs if the attack severs them from your body.]
Sleeping fully [8 hours under normal circumstances] restores HP and heals all temporary status effects.
NOTE:
If your HP reaches 0, YOU. WILL. DIE.
Inventory
See Tutorial Stage 3.
Player's Points
Every level, you gain 2 more PP, which are used for Player Powers you have purchased.
They regenerate at 10%/5minutes.
You gain 1 Player Perk Point every 5 levels, which can be used to activate special abilities.
To view the list of Player Powers that you can activate, you say 'Player Power Options'
NOTE:
[Player's Mind] & [Player's Body] don't require PP to use. However, other Player Powers do.
End of Part 5.
Do you wish to proceed to Part 6?
Y/N?
Wow, and here I was thinking Player's Mind was a busted perk… Player's Body is just as strong… If I'm ever damaged in the form of being hit, shot, or stabbed. I won't show outward physical damage. I think that would be a situation I don't want to explain.
I'll have to keep an eye on my HP at all times. Since if that goes, I go.
'Yes, start the sixth part.'
Let's get this moving.
6: Interface Controls
While having this text appear in the middle of your vision is the default setting, we understand that this could be life-threatening.
[Something we learned from the first-ever person to be selected.]
As such, saying 'Interface Options' will take you to a screen where you can choose from various options.
From here, you can re-order your interface in a way you are more familiar with.
To access your stats and skills, please examine the Interface Help in the options menu.
End of Part 6.
Do you wish to proceed to Part 7?
Y/N?
This is actually pretty self-explanatory, so there isn't a need to spend a lot of time here. But I'll be sure to fiddle with the interface when I have a chance. Don't want to die like the first guy.
'Yes, proceed.'
I'm starting to get tired of having to think yes every time I want to keep going forward.
7: Quests
Most activities will be given as quests.
While many will be pre-generated by the interface, if you set your mind to something, it will be turned into a quest.
Quests have difficulty ratings which affect rewards and penalties.
The more difficult the quest, the greater the reward and penalties.
Any combat quest has a possible failure of death if things go totally wrong.
Quest Alert!
Prologue: A Child of Suns
This is an introductory quest to reach your chosen Era
[Note: You're within your mother's womb.]
Rating: A
Objective: Survive Birth
Bonus: ?
Bonus: ?
Bonus: ?
Rewards:
1000XP
Penalties:
Possible Death
Accept?
Y.
End of Part 7.
Do you wish to proceed to Part 8?
Y/N?
From the looks of it, it seems as though I'm not allowed to reject certain quests. It's nice to know that. I wonder if I'll be forced into a quest that's way above my level…
If that does happen, it'll be interesting to see what that looks like.
'Yes, start the final part.'
I'm ready to be done with constantly thinking yes.
8: Future Knowledge
Since you're The Player, you have knowledge of future events.
However, you cannot come out and simply say what will happen as your very presence changes things.
Every time you try to talk about what you know, you'll be unable to do so directly.
However, you may be able to discover a way to hint at what may happen, but that's up to you.
Well Done!
You've read the tutorial!
Here's 500XP
Don't Die! ;)
Wow, that's amazing for just reading the tutorial. I'm glad I didn't pass up on it. Now, I'm not going anywhere. And I don't know how long I'm gonna be in here. So, I suppose there is no reason to delay in changing around my interface.
Welcome to the Player Interface
From here, you can control where and for how long notices appear.
Notice Options are:
General notices
Quest Alerts, Updates, Completions, or Failures
Basic Stats
Mini-map
Combat Alerts
Interface Help
Please select when, where, and for how long each notice appears.
My sense of time is a little funky in the womb, so I don't know exactly how long I spend customizing my interface, but I have it set up in a minimalist way. Having the important stuff present, but still out of the way.
It's not long after I'm done that I feel myself getting tired, and I decide that it's time for a nap.
Time passes, and I find myself awake again. The same comfort and warmth surround me. I haven't slept that well in a very long time.
I remember that using Interface Help will show more things that I need to know, and now is as good a time as any to go through them.
'Interface Help'
Welcome to Player Interface Help
Here, you can learn how to use the interface to understand what skills, abilities, and tricks you have.
Select the help menu you wish to peruse by saying Help followed by the appropriate name;
Lists
List explanations
You and those around you
Inventory and you
Interface Controls
Oh, boy. Here comes another tutorial.
'Start with Lists.'
Lists
The various lists you have and how to view them.
To access any menu, simply say list followed by the appropriate word.
Current lists available;
Stats, Skills, Knowledge Skills, Perks, Force Points, Player Powers, Titles, Quests
'Go to List Explanations.'
My next information dump is given.
List Explanations
This explains the basics of each list.
Stats:
These are the core values that define you.
They are split between Strength, Agility, and Vitality [Physical stats] and Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma [Mental stats].
There is a final stat is called Luck.
This is set to 0 for all Humans, though it can be raised through the spending of stat points or certain perks.
Also listed with your stats are your Hit Points [HP], Force Points [FP], Player Points [PP], Stat Points [SP], Stamina [STAM], Hunger [HUN], Experience for the current level [XP], Title and Credits.
Hit Points
These are an indicator of how much damage you can take.
When it reaches 0, YOU DIE!
You get a base 50HP as Human plus a further 10HP per point of VIT.
Force Points
These are the points that allow you to use the Force.
You gain 1300FP per level.
These regenerate at 1% per minute.
Player Points
These are the points that allow you to use your unique abilities.
You gain 2 PP per level.
Additionally, you gain 1 Player Perk Point [PPP] every 5 levels.
These regenerate at 10% every 5 minutes.
Stat Points
This is a list of how many spare stat points you have to spend on your stats.
You gain 4+INT/15 SP per level.
Stamina
This is your ability to move, run, jump, swim, and do other physical activities.
Your stamina is defined as level*(STR+VIT+AGI)/2.
It regenerates at 1% per minute when resting.
This can be boosted with perks or powers.
Hunger
This is a measure of how hungry you are.
It drains naturally at 5/hr.
However, doing any physical activity increases the rate of hunger decay.
For each point that Hunger drops below 20, you experience 1% drop in your Stats and all linked values.
If it reaches 0, you will lose consciousness, and if you are not revived within 4 hours, you will die.
Experience
This is a key to how close you are to leveling up.
Levels 1-20 require 1000XP more than the previous level.
Levels 21-40 require 2000XP more than the previous level.
Levels 41-60 require 3000XP more than the previous level.
All levels over 60 require 5000XP more than the previous level.
Titles
This is whatever title(s) you are currently applying.
You can apply 1 title as a base plus 1 extra for every 10 levels you gain.
Credits
This is your money.
While it is all digital, you can store it in your inventory in a special slot.
When you wish to withdraw some, you will be given credit chips that are as close in value to what you wish for, without being less.
This isn't as complex a system as I've seen in some games. But still, there are a lot of moving parts to all of this. Given that I'm in the Star Wars Universe, it makes sense.
'Show me You and those around you.'
My request is instantly fulfilled.
You and those around you
How you behave has relevance to the people, organizations, and planets around you.
Everything you do affects how others see you.
While in most cases, this is on a one-to-one level, some actions have planetary or even galactic implications.
Certain titles and perks can also affect how others see you.
Reputation
This is your standing with everyone, from those around you to governments and corporations.
Most people start at 0, though this is not always the case.
From there, your reputation with someone can go up or down through the following levels;
Despised -500 – -1000
Hated -1 – -500
Disliked 0 – 500
Neutral 501 – 2000
Liked 2001 – 5000
Trusted 5001 – 10000
Honoured 10001 – 20000
Worshipped 20001+
Friendship
Once your reputation is at Liked there is the chance that person can become a friend.
This will affect not only how they see you but how their other friends and enemies do as well.
Once someone is classed as a friend, then any change to Reputation affects your friendship, though by only half the Reputation change.
Levels of friendship are as follows;
Acquaintance 0 – 1000
Friend 1001 – 5000
Confidant 5000 – 10000
[Locked until Reputation is Trusted or higher and passing a test of friendship]
Follower 10000+
[Locked until Reputation is Confidant or higher and passing 3 tests of friendship]
[This section is locked due to your age]
Wow, now this is complex. Totally different compared to the things I read before. I don't see this coming into play any time soon, so I won't worry about it.
'Go to Inventory and you.'
Time for the last thing regarding this stuff.
Inventory and You
Your special storage space and other attached facts.
Your inventory is a special pocket dimension where you can store almost anything safely for an indefinite amount of time [Space permitting]
This screen also lists vital stats and clothing/armor components.
Certain clothing can grant damage reduction or outright protection from the various forms of damage you could encounter in this galaxy.
Your total inventory space is defined as twice your strength.
Alright, it's nice to get through all of this. It's taken me a good chunk of time to read and understand everything here, but it's not like I should ignore it.
The more I understand what makes me special here, the better. I think it'll save my life one day.
Well, there is one thing I haven't checked out yet.
'What was the command again… List Stats?'
That seems to have worked.
Ryan Sunrider
Age: 18 Weeks
Species: Human
Title: The Player
Level: 1
HP: 70/70
FP: 1300/1300
M-Count: 31,790
PP: 2/2
XP [500/1000]
STAM [3/3]
Hunger [100/100]
STR: 2 +
VIT: 2 +
AGI: 1 +
INT: 20 +
WIS: 10 +
CHA: 0 +
Luck: 0 + [+20]
SP: 2
PerkP: 0
PPP: 0
SKP: 0
Credits: 0
Well, according to this, I'm 18 weeks old. Meaning I'm in the middle of the second trimester. I've got a long way to go inside whoever is carrying me. It'll be strange to have another mother. When you're a regular person not being reborn, you only get one.
A moment is spent thinking about my parents from my past life, and after that, I focus on the next thing I have to do.
'List Skills.'
Bombardment.
SKILLS
This is a listing of all skills you have, not all the skills you COULD have.
Each skill has a corresponding stat that affects how quickly you can improve that skill.
For future reference, you can call up skills for each stat by saying, 'List [STAT] skills.'
Note:
Certain skills, such as school and combat skills, have six ranks: Novice, Adept, Professional, Master, Savant, and Prodigy.
The level scaling follows EXP level requirements.
These skills have set EXP levels of 100 for Novice, 200 for Adept, 300 for Professional, 500 for Master, 700 for Savant, and 1000 for Prodigy.
These skills will have the name of the current level next to the numerical level value.
Other skills can go up to 100 [though not all] but have increases of 25EXP per level.
You will get a bonus general stat point for 1500 levels.
With Each level-up, you gain INT*2 skill points to spend as you see fit.
SKILLS
Lightsaber Forms
None
Weapon Styles
None
Physical Skills
Athletics
Novice 27
Swimming
Novice 62
Piloting/Riding Skills
None
Rogue Skills
Lockpicking
Novice 16
Sleight of Hand
Novice 9
Stealth
Novice 15
Technical Skills
Computer [Programming]
Adept 15
Mechanics [Engines]
Novice 12
Language Skills
Language [Basic]
Adept 22
Medical Skills
Anatomy [Human]
Adept 19
Medicine [First Aid]
Novice 8
Combat Skills
None
Mental Skills
Concentration
MAXED
Meditation
MAXED
Social Skills
Deception
Novice 20
Perception
Novice 40
Persuasion
Professional 2
Adult Skills
LOCKED
Miscellaneous Skills
Cleaning
Novice 45
Cooking
Novice 55
Well, it's not the best list. But it's a start. Time to move on to the next one.
'List Perks'
PERKS
These are earned by spending perk points [which you earn at a rate of 1PP per 4 levels].
Perks have requirements in PP, stat, and level values that must be met before they become available for selection.
Currently, you have the following perks:
Force Vergence
You're Force-sensitive, allowing you to call on the Force and use its powers. Your connection to the Force is unrivaled and extraordinary. Your potential marks you as a being that won't appear again amongst Force-sensitives.
Grants 1000 Force Points (FP) per level.
Gives a base stat boost of 20 to Luck.
[Can only be selected on identity creation]
Heart of the Force
You're connection to the Force is magnified due to the Force recognizing you. This causes the Force to intertwine you in plans and destinies.
Grants 300 Force Points (FP) per level.
Photographic Memory
Lowers Knowledge skills degradation by 75%
Grants a 9/10 chance to remember something you read in the last 5 years.
[7/10 in 10 years, 5/10 in 20 years]
Boosted Growth [1/3]
All XP gains are increased by 10%.
Everytime I level up, I'm getting 1300 FP each time. I wonder what my FP would be compared to others when I reach adulthood. Given the perks I have, it makes sense that it'll be a great difference. Still, I'm curious as to what it'll be.
The description of Heart of the Force is something I didn't read when I picked it. All I saw was the extra FP. Looking back, I may not have wanted to select this one.
'List Force Powers.'
FORCE POWERS
These are the powers you've learned or discovered that use the Force to work.
Many of the more advanced powers require training from a master Force user to learn.
You may discover many on your own by simple trial and error; however, this is frowned upon by the groups around the galaxy that can use the Force since control is needed to truly use the Force.
As to what the Force is, well, it simply is.
It's neither good nor evil [which in most cases are open to interpretation], but emotions of all kinds do influence what you can do with the Force.
Importantly, the better you get at using a power, the easier it is to use.
Currently, you have the following Force Powers:
N/A
You have yet to learn or unlock any Force Powers
Well, that's to be expected. It won't be a list that's empty for long; I'm sure when I try moving stuff while I'm in the womb, I'll get something.
So, until then, this is staying empty.
Let's move on to the next.
'List Player Powers.'
PLAYER POWERS
These are powers and skills that are unique to The Player.
However, some of them are very close to what many consider to be 'Dark-Side Force powers' so be careful when using them around 'Light-side Force users'
You gain 1 Player Power Point every 5 levels to spend on new powers.
Currently, you have the following Player Powers:
[Player's Mind] [Max]
Allows the player to calmly and logically think things through.
Allows a peaceful state of mind.
Grants immunity to psychological effects.
Protects against compulsions and external controls.
Does not prevent the player from showing emotional responses; only dissipates them instantly afterward.
[Note: Can't be turned off]
[Player's Body] [Max]
The body experiences the stresses of the physical world as if it were a video game.
[This means that you suffer no obvious damage when hit/shot/stabbed, etc., but instead, lose HP]
[You can still lose limbs if the attack severs them from your body.]
Sleeping fully [8 hours under normal circumstances] restores HP and heals all temporary status effects.
NOTE:
If your HP reaches 0, YOU. WILL. DIE.
Inventory
For every one point of Strength grants 2 slots in your inventory.
This is a pocket dimension that only you can use and in which time does not pass; thus, nothing will degrade while stored there.
It also allows you to store money without concern for the weight or volume of Credits
Each slot can hold an object of volume no more than 0.125m^3. [50x50x50cm]
Currently, you have 4 slots.
NOTE:
[Player's Mind] & [Player's Body] don't require PP to use. However, other Player Powers do.
Alright, it's time for the last two of all these lists and descriptions. I'll finally be done with pretty much everything I need to know about the interface.
I'm glad it'll be over.
'List Titles.'
Titles
These are special add-ons to your character that can help you in certain situations.
You gain titles as you complete quests, grow up, and generally be a badass.
[Though if you wanted to live a quiet life and gain no titles, that is your choice]
Currently, you have the following titles:
The Player
Grants access to special powers that, to the corporeal mind, resemble being in a game.
'List Quests.'
QUESTS
These are the story chains that will help push and shape your new life.
Quests come in various forms, from repeatable, simple ones to long, multi-part campaigns.
Most of your activities will be set up as quests, however, you are free to decline most quests.
You can also create your own quests if you're willing to push yourself beyond what would be considered easy/safe.
All quests are rated from F to S*** for difficulty, with anything rated B or over running the risk of bodily harm, if not death.
Current quests are:
Prologue: A Child of Suns
This is an introductory quest to reach your chosen Era
[Note: You're within your mother's womb.]
Rating: A
Objective: Survive Birth
Bonus: ?
Bonus: ?
Bonus: ?
Rewards:
1000XP
Penalties:
Possible Death
Alright, that's absolutely everything from what I can see. I'm glad to be done with all this. I guess all I have left to do now is wait.
Since I'm 18 weeks old in my mother, I have 22 weeks to try and do something with the Force. If Vaylin can move things around while she is still in the womb, then so can I.
It'll take me some time, but I think there isn't a reason to delay. But before that, I think a nap is in order. All that reading has made me very tired. I believe it's due to being 18 weeks in the womb. I'm surprised my little body and mind have been awake this long.
Time to sleep.
My eyes close in the warm and comfortable dark, and I find myself in a sense of great peace.
This story is released to public sites like on the 15th and 25th. On my (P)-(a)-(t)-(r)-(e)-(o)-(n) page, this story is released with new updates on the 5th and 10th of every month.
Please, really consider checking out my (P)-(a)-(t)-(r)-(e)-(o)-(n). I have other works there that aren't just this.
(P)-(a)-(t)-(r)-(e)-(o)-(n) /easyread
If you want to read ahead, go here. There are 6 chapters here.