RPG Quest: RPG Quest Series, #1

By Nazzle Kaid

 

An adventurer named Zayd embarks on a journey of a lifetime as he travels to the shining city of Novalgus, the town of new beginnings. There he must find not only courage but companionship in order to brave the perilous quests of the Adventurer's Guild. Read along as the young explorer discovers a world full of magic and wonder in the fantastical land of Isigya.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nazzle Kaid
• Release date: Jan 15, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224585137

Book preview

Chapter 1

Ayoung man strolled through the end of a forest, making his way out into the open meadow of Bea Lardi. It was a large region centered in the continent of Isigya and housed one of the largest cities in the world. The city was called Novalgus and was known as 'the Town of New Beginnings'. This was his destination.

The young man was named Zayd and he wore a loose, tan cloth shirt with beaten up and ragged jeans. Draped across his shoulder was a strap attached to a fairly large leather satchel. Within it, he carried all of his personal belongings for his journey, including his food and camping supplies. Though the journey was not too far from his hometown, located in the western region of Drayg Shor, he still required a great deal of resources to survive what was to come.

Within the city of Novalgus, was the centralized headquarters of the Adventurer's Guild. That was Zayd's point of interest for he desired to become an adventurer. Growing up as a child, his uncle would share experiences of their younger days as an adventurer. Such stories would encourage Zayd to seek out such thrills for himself. Now that he is finally of age to take on the trials of an adventurer, he has set out to make his dream a reality.

Zayd followed along a well pathed cobblestone walkway that connects to where the old dirt road coming from the forest ends. The grass grew wild but flowed elegantly in the wind here. Large branches of flowers grew out above the fields, making a lovely scenery for anyone traveling through the area. A few trees were scattered throughout the wide, flat region. Zayd could see as far as the mountains of Vaaldiir Valley, all the way to where the swampy region of Qeshor began. Far into the distance was a beautiful lake and fairly close to it was the city of Novalgus. A large stone wall was erected around the outskirts of the city. It stretched around, protecting it on all sides. Two beautiful and large gates stood on the southern and northern sides of the city wall, serving as entrances. During the day, the stone and wooden structures can be seen from across the field in plain sight. However, at night, the elegant flames dancing from the numerous light sources coupled with the illumination magic of several spellcasters, lit up the city in such a way that it almost appeared as if it were a sea of flame. It was a gorgeous sight indeed and an equally elegant region as it was essentially one giant meadow with a lake.

The land was fertile and plentiful with numerous creatures roaming the vast, green fields. Zayd's path was riddled with them but they were peaceful herbivores that fed off the green fields. Most would have to venture outside of the region to find a worthy creature for them to wage battle against, unless one dares to brave the sewers of the city. Here, in Bea Lardi, life and its inhabitants live their lives in harmony. Without much hindrance, Zayd made short work of his path and was soon staring at the large decorative gates that guarded the entrance to Novalgus. The ironwork was adorned with tasteful and sophisticated designs that depicted three adventurers locked in a deadly combat with an otherworldly figure. Zayd did not recognize any of the figures depicted. The beast appeared terrifying and all-consuming and caught his attention, for a moment. He dwelled there for quite some time as his thoughts began to form around the potential adventurers that would await him once he passed this gate.

Though Zayd had made it this far, he still had little knowledge or direction to go from here. All that he knew was Novalgus was home to the headquarters of the Adventurer's Guild, where he would need to go to begin his adventures.

It's quite the view isn't it? A soft voice spoke from behind him. Zayd turned to see a tall, blonde lady standing before him. Strangely enough, she appeared graceful yet stern at the same time. Almost as if she were willing to help or bat away, if needed. It's a depiction of the Aspects waging their ancient war against the old god of Chaos.

Zayd turned back to the gate with a hint of curiosity in his eyes. These are the great guardians that stand watch over us? But they appear like normal people, just like me and you...

Indeed they do... The lady smiled back at him without offering much more of a response to his statement. My name's Apuriel. I am one of the many guides for the Adventurer's Guild, are you perhaps seeking the guild?

I-I am, actually! I just made it here from Drayg Shor. I was told this was the place to come to.

Well you've arrived at the proper location. Shall I guide you to our headquarters? Apuriel offered.

Yes, of course. Zayd braced his shoulder strap and positioned it into a better spot for him to carry before quickly darting off to follow Apuriel.

Here in Novalgus, we are home to a large array of adventurers seeking to begin their journeys. All who seek to enrich their lives with discovery and memories, travel here from all parts of the world. It is here they come together to join the guild and become something greater than themselves. And it is here that they find something greater than fortune and fame.

Zayd intriguingly listened on as she began filling him with information he desired. Most do seek fortune and fame, do they not?

They do but it is not the purpose that we serve. The Adventurer's Guild serves one of the most noble causes on the continent. It is the duty of an adventurer to serve not only their community but the community of others as well. It is their purpose to set aside personal greed and vendettas in order to accomplish a goal. Though the quests may change throughout your journeys, their purpose will always remain the same: to help others. Greed and selfishness will always exist in this world. But those who stray from that path and seek to help others, will instead find their lives enriched by something greater gold and praise.

Right! Zayd gleefully agreed. I am ready to take up such a task.

Not yet you are, but in time you will be, Apuriel responded. In order to become an adventurer you must first complete your training.

They continued their stroll through the town, taking in the wonderful view of the inside. Small crowds of people gathered around the numerous stalls scattered throughout. Many sold armor or food or even weapons. So many adventurers wandered around, some testing their skills on a training dummy, while others practiced their magic in broad daylight.

My training? Zayd questioned.

Yes, you must be trained in the basics of adventuring and combat before we can just throw you to the wolves. Regardless of what prior skills or experience you may think you have, you are not prepared for what lies ahead. But when we are done with you, you will at least stand a chance.

Zayd nodded in response, eagerly awaiting entrance as they arrived at the guild. Two staff members stood outside to greet them and hold open the curtain door for them.

Have you chosen a class yet? Apuriel asked.

I have...I want to be a Fighter, Zayd said with conviction as he puffed out his chest.

Apuriel nodded and smiled. Good. I see that you are someone who is confident in their choices. That will serve you well in the future. This world is full of many dangers and trials and each one must be addressed in its own way or manner. Each class serves a unique purpose and can achieve different results for the same problem. A Fighter must find courage within themselves to achieve their true purpose, for it is their duty to stand steadfast in the face of danger, to be head front in battle, with a boldness and fire in your heart. It is your mission to discover the secrets of your class in order to master it. Can you achieve such a task?

I can and I will! I'll become the best Fighter these lands have ever seen! Zayd proudly proclaimed.

Apuriel chuckled and showed a sly smile upon her face. You certainly seem to believe so but you need not become the best of the lands, just be the best person that you can be. Do that and you will achieve greatness.

Zayd withheld his energetic excitement and gave a stern nod in an attempt to show his seriousness in that regard. I'll do whatever it takes.

"One other thing...a very important thing for you to understand is you mustn't achieve greatness alone. There are those who willingly seek a solitary adventure but that is not always what we do here. At the Adventurer's Guild, we tackle issues together, as a team. In order to fully complete your training and be eligible for registration, you will need to form a party. That entails finding two other willing souls to begin their journey with you. Throughout your journey, you'll be faced with a variety of obstacles. Only with a variety of party members, can you overcome such trials."

So I need to find party members before I can take on a quest? Zayd questioned.

Not particularly, Apuriel answered. You see, right now you are being accepted into the guild as a Beginner rank adventurer. This allows you to take on any Rank F quest.

So in order to do a higher rank quest I'll need to rank up? Zayd asked.

Apuriel nodded. Mhmm. And to rank up, you'll need the party members and to have completed at least one Rank F quest.

I'm ready to accept my quests! Zayd declared.

Not yet, you aren't. Apuriel abruptly put a damper on his enthusiasm. You're not even geared yet!

Zayd looked down to realize he had yet to wield a weapon and his clothes offered little protection from an aggressive individual or creature seeking to cause him harm.

Apuriel reached out her hand and offered a small piece of paper. Take this voucher and give it to the blacksmith named Ulraad. He'll exchange it for a full set of armor and a weapon, all suited for your class.

Wow, thank you! Zayd responded as he took the voucher and placed it within his bag. The guild sure takes care of their own, I see. I was prepared to purchase my own gear.

From now on, you'll be required to. That voucher is a one time use and is only meant for new recruits. As an adventurer, you'll be required to come up with and maintain your own gear.

Understood, Zayd said. So where do I go once I receive my equipment?

You may return here and speak with one of the ladies at the reception. From there you can accept and turn in your quests.

Well then I suppose I’ll be on my way to the blacksmith, Zayd turned to make his way towards the entrance. Thank you for your help, Apuriel!

Apuriel smiled and waved at the young adventurer as he departed from her presence.

Zayd made his way back out into the open city, ready to find the blacksmith Ulraad. A few signs decorated the edges and crossways of the roads. Nearby, he could see a junction of signs with one labeled Professions.

That must be it, Zayd said to himself. If there’s a blacksmith in this city, then surely I’ll find him there!

He began taking in a more careful view of the city. Without Apuriel being there to distract him with the knowledge she was sharing, Zayd was able to focus more on the scenery. The streets were still littered with adventurers, both novice and veterans alike. He began to dwell upon his task.

Surely among all these adventurers, one would be willing to join him, he whispered to himself.

As he approached his destination, Zayd could see numerous workers in the area. Each of them were grouped together in specific work areas and each work area had a sign posted in the area to represent what profession was practiced there. The signs ranged from leatherworking to carpentry to even stone masonry. Before long, his eyes would inevitably wander around until he gazed upon his target.

There it is! The blacksmith! Zayd joyfully sprinted over towards the work area adorned with a large, burning forge.

The embers seared as an old, burly man retrieved a hot mess of iron from it and placed it upon an anvil. The old man reached for a nearby hammer and began to pound away at the red, hot iron.

I should be able to get my equipment here, Zayd said to himself aloud.

Huh?! The old man lifted his head as he was hammering down. What’d ya say, youngster?

Oh, hey there, sir! Zayd reached out his hand which contained the voucher and he offered it to the old man. Name’s Zayd and I’ve come here for my gear!

Ah, I see. A new adventurer, are ya? The blacksmith responded. I’m Ulraad and I’m the local blacksmith! He took the voucher from his hand and took a closer look at it. Ah so you’re a Fighter, are ya?

Yes, sir I am! What kind of weapon can you make for me? Zayd asked.

I won’t be making you anything. Beginner weapons are crafted and stockpiled over there. Go on and grab you an ax. Ulraad gestured toward a pile of weapons that were somewhat organized.

An ax? What about a shortsword instead? Zayd wondered.

You want to wield a sword instead? Ulraad questioned but before Zayd could respond, he had already begun to speak again. Fine, you can wield whatever weapon you choose.

Zayd lifted one of the swords and began swiping it in the air. Yeah I think this is the one!

Ulraad quickly swiped the sword from his hands and had a frustrated look upon his face. Just because you can wield it doesn't mean you’ll be proficient with it! He tossed the sword down into the pile and lifted up an ax. You chose to be a Fighter, they wield an ax because their abilities and skills are focused upon utilizing one. If you want to wield a sword then you need to choose a class that’s proficient in wielding one.

Oh, Apuriel forgot to mention that to me, Zayd replied. I suppose I would have asked more about the other classes if I had known that.

It’s not too late to change your mind, ya know, Ulraad claimed. You haven’t exchanged this voucher yet. If you want to try out a different class then go for it.

Hmmm, it’s tempting but I kind of like the idea of the Fighter class. I think I’ll stick with it! Zayd took the ax from Ulraad.

It’s a good choice, youngster, Ulraad turned back to his forge and began hammering away at his anvil. Fighters have the ability to become aggressive adventurers who can harness devastating abilities or a sturdy adventurer who shields his allies from harm. Whichever path you choose, a Fighter can become a powerful asset to almost any party.

Wait paths? Apuriel didn’t mention this either. What do you mean?

Ah, yes. They must’ve not mentioned it because it’s something you won’t worry about for quite some time. Only those who complete their Novice rank will become eligible for class advancement. Don’t worry about it too much. For now just concern yourself with gathering the rest of your equipment. Ulraad suggested.

But you’re the blacksmith...don’t you supply the rest of my gear? Zayd asked.

Fighters wield iron weapons but their armor is made of leather. You’ll need to head to the leatherworking station for that. Ulraad pointed his hammer in the direction that Zayd had come from.

Well this ax has wood in it, Zayd pointed out. Do you supply my shield too?

The woodworkers only supply me with the crafted shafts, Ulraad detailed. I forge the iron and fit it to the shaft to create the weapon. You’ll have to get with them if you’re looking for a shield. The ones I have are far too heavy for an adventurer like you to wield. He set his hammer down and snatched the voucher from Zayd and then stamped it with a seal before handing it back to him. Come back to me when you’re much stronger.

Understood. Thank you for your help, Ulraad! Zayd gratefully responded. I’ll put this ax to good use!

Ulraad gave a stern nod to the young adventurer and returned back to his hammer and anvil. Zayd returned the nod with a wave and began to retrace his steps back to the leatherworking station.

As he approached, he saw the same group of adventurers steadily crafting away. Zayd wondered to himself if he would be required to do the same or if a set of armor would simply be handed to him.

You looking to start crafting there, kid? A voice asked from nearby.

Zayd turned to see a tall but thin woman with scraggly hair staring directly at him. I’m sorry?

I asked if you were here to craft like the others? She asked again. Or do you plan on just standing there watching everyone else?

Zayd confusingly inspected the individual questioning him. She crossed her arms and glared back at him.

The lady continued to berate him with questions. Well?! Are ya going to speak or what?

Zayd reached down to grab his voucher and presented it to her. I’m here to collect my armor. I’m a new adventurer.

Ah, a new adventurer. No wonder you look so lost! The lady took the voucher and glanced at it for a quick moment. A Fighter, eh? I’ve got just the thing for ya. Stay right here! She quickly stamped the voucher with a seal before handing it back and departing around the corner.

Zayd stood there waiting. He carefully took watch of the other adventurers crafting. Each of them seemed steadily working away at their craft. It would appear as if he would not have to craft his own armor but at some point during his adventures, it would probably be required.

Excuse me?

Zayd turned around to see a young female adventurer approaching him.

I’m looking for the leatherworker Biranda, the girl spoke with a soft voice and appeared quite timid. Is she around?

Oh, that’s probably who I was just speaking to, Zayd answered. She just left to exchange my voucher, she’ll be right back.

You’re a new adventurer too? The girl reached into a small satchel to retrieve a voucher. She lifted it up and showed it to Zayd. I was told to exchange this voucher for my armor here. I’ve already got my bow but now I need some protection.

I am! Zayd responded. Name’s Zayd by the way and that voucher is exactly what you need to get your armor.

Oh, well that’s good...my name is Milread but I prefer to be called Milly.

It’s nice to meet you Milly, Zayd said.

Alright here ya go! Biranda came around the corner with a full set of leather armor. A helmet, chest piece, gloves, boots, and leggings all rested within her arms. This is all yours now. Anything else from now on will have to be bought from a merchant or crafted by yourself at a workstation. She took a glance over at Milly to see her holding out her voucher. Eh, what’s this? Another adventurer?

Yes ma’am! Milly responded as Biranda took her voucher. Ah, a Scout, I see. Alright, give me one moment and I’ll be right back with your items.

Crafted gear? Zayd thought out loud as he examined the workstation. I wonder how effective those are compared to purchased gear.

One pair of workers caught his interest and he began listening to them.

Aye! It was a damn creature that looked like a frail old man! One of them said to the other. It promised me gear far better than anything we’re capable of crafting!

All for a silly little game? The companion questioned. Sounded like an easy win. You should’ve taken the deal.

I don’t think so...that damn thing was terrifying to look at. I didn’t feel like staying there for even a moment longer. I don’t care what it promised.

Milly broke Zayd’s concentration as she put her voucher back into her bag. He noticed that she appeared to be well equipped for the journeys ahead as her satchel seemed to contain a variety of items and resources.

Lucky for you it was the last one I had! Biranda came barreling around the corner with another set of leather armor. She reached out and offered it to Milly. Hey! Have either of you two formed a party yet?

Not yet, Zayd answered.

Nope! Milly responded.

"Well then it’s a perfect opportunity for you two to form one together, Biranda suggested. Operating alone is a dangerous path for an adventurer to take. But tackling a task together will always make your journey an easier one."

Zayd turned to Milly with a smile. What do you say? I smack them up close while you fire away from afar!

Milly chuckled in return. That sounds like fun.

Well then it’s settled, Biranda declared. You two should head back to the Adventurer’s Guild and register yourselves as a party.

That’s a great idea, Zayd responded. I’m all ready. What about you, Milly?

I think I have everything I need. Milly quickly looked around at her belongings before turning back to Zayd with a few quick nods. We can go.

Alright then! Back to the Adventurer’s Guild, Zayd shouted. We’re one step closer to achieving greatness! The two of them began heading back towards the guild, now with a collective goal of working together.

Chapter 2

Back at the guild, Zayd and Milly approached the front desk where two ladies stood willing and ready to assist anyone who required it.

May I help you? One of them asked as they turned their delightful gaze towards the two young adventurers.

We're looking to register ourselves as a party, Zayd answered.

Ah, one moment, please. The lady reached forward and touched the display screen in front of her. It opened up a projection with various selections to choose from. Names?

Zayd Vykane.

They turned to look at Milly, awaiting an answer from her.

Oh, sorry! Mine is Milread Polinbert, Milly answered.

Great! Let me just pull up your information. The lady began pressing buttons on her