I slowly started opening my eyes and saw an open door ahead of me. Beyond it were a bunch of humanoid and non-humanoid creatures standing tall like mannequins in various stances atop lit platforms.
Above me was a banner like text which moved in whatever direction I turned to read,
"Race selection"
It wasn't a scroller like you would on a computer.
I was already in this world without even realizing it. Walking along the different race platforms to choose my fate.
Each race had good and bad attributes with a bit of lore and standard info to go with them. As I looked at them the game knew where I was looking and gave more detail,
Must be eye tracking.
Text read out above;
This is only the beginning, what you become throughout your life in Avaria is completely determined by you, you're the master of your own rise or demise. Every decision, meeting, and interaction will change the way others see and treat you.
Begin by selecting your new species, all species can evolve and continue to grow, even humans can cultivate immortality.
By decisions made in the realm along with hitting certain levels your character will gain a variety of benefits along with choices on how to evolve your character.
Like in your home world, you're only allotted one life. Be careful you don't lose it.
Looking back I should have taken that last bit more seriously, we all should have. I looked back to the platforms.
The first option was human, both a male and female avatar stood before me bare naked with the panel reading;
Race: Human
Lifespan: 80 - 900 years
Lore: The most widespread species in the world of Avaria. With over 60% of the world's kingdoms being ruled by the Humans they're by far the most populous species. Through sheer numbers and intellect they conquered many parts of Avaria and more.
Starting Class Options: Squire, Cleric, Apprentice, Thief, Hunter, Martial Artist
Race Advantages and Disadvantages: Shorter Starting Lifespan, bonus charisma and strength.
"Pretty standard though. Idk why they even show your lifespan, it's not like people will actually spend 80 years playing this game, let alone 900."
I laughed and moved on.
Race: Elf
Oh that's different. I guess the humans don't have any sub races.
Sub Races:
Wood Elf, High Elf, Dark Elf
Lifespan: 3000-20000 years.
Lore: One of the less prominent races, with only three kingdoms hidden throughout the realm. Elegant and mysterious with most of the race looking down on those lesser races like humans who merely live for a few hundred years at most. Once the elf population was vast throughout the world, however after taking the forefront in the first two of the three great wars against the Demons their numbers have dwindled.
Starting Classes: Ranger, Rogue, Scholar, Guardian, Martial Artist
Race Advantages and Disadvantages: Long Lifespan, Added bonuses to intellect and agility. Minus 75% to fertility.
"Fertility… don't tell me this is one of those 18+ games with no plot and only boobs…"
I shook my head and continued walking down the section of species.
Race: Dwarf
Sub Races:
Mountain Dwarf, Dark Dwarf
Lifespan: 500 - 2000 years
Lore: Found in the mountain kingdoms and within underground fortresses, dwarves have built a terrific reputation for craftsmanship and good alcohol.
Starting Classes: Tinkerer, Iron Guard, Pyromancer, Martial Artist
Race Advantages/Disadvantages: Strong forging abilities, short in stature.
"So far it's all the standard races that you would find in your online D&D games… Looks like there is more though."
I continued walking and it got even more unique…
"What's this… a Lizardman?"
They stand twice the size as a human but with scaly skin, webbed hands, a long spiked tail with curved fangs for teeth. Their skin bore a variety of colors depending on the area of origin.
Even just a game makes the hair on the back of my neck stick straight up. Scary to see it in such great detail…
Will I really be fighting monsters like this? I guess it comes with the high fantasy genre but it still intimidating to see.
Race: Lizardman
Lifespan: 50 - 500 years
Lore: Found in the marshlands around Avaria the lizardmen are a fierce race with a strong hatred for other races. Few in number but mighty warriors that can live for over 500 years.
Starting Classes: Berserker, Shaman, Gamekeeper, Martial Artist
Race Advantages/Disadvantages: Speed bonus in the water, camouflage in water, breathing underwater, Strength bonus, Deepwater Farsight.
I sighed,
"Not really my thing but let me keep looking around, I'm sure someone will try out this race. Maybe another playthrough If I get bored with everything else… Let's see what is next. Orcs, oh these things are sick looking."
Tall creatures averaging over 6-7ft tall. Green of skin with fangs protruding from their lower jaw and a scrunched nose.. Otherwise pretty humanoid.
Race: Orc
Lifespan: 100 - 600 years
Lore: Found mostly in the red dirt wastelands of Avaria, and in parts of the grasslands, the Orcs are a fierce race with a bitter hatred for humans. Strong allies of the trolls. Hated by most races due to their superiority complex.
Starting Classes: Reaver, Shaman, Warlock, Rogue, Martial Artist
Race Advantages/Disadvantages: Berserk, enter a frenzied state in which you gain agility and strength at the cost of vitality and your mind for a short period of time.
Next were the troll races, large beasts of blue skin towering over 15 feet with arms the size of barrels, heads with large beady eyes, and horns coming out randomly across their body,
"Wow you can do some pretty crazy things in this game…"
Before I could read their details I started to smell something awful and quickly went to the next option.
"What is that smell… Oh my.. Fu—!"
*Cough* *Cough*
I couldn't decide if I wanted to be disgusted or happy,
"I can smell… God, their odor is awful but I can actually smell them! How crazy."
I began to smile,
"This feels so real.. And I haven't even made it into the world yet. What is next…. I want to find something that I'll actually use, maybe an elf or a human but let's see what else there is."
I walked past over twenty-thirty races of monsters from Goblins, Kobolds, even various beasts such as wolves and boars. Even skeletons and Liches! Humanoids weren't even the only option.. Beasts of all kinds for those who wanted a truly unique experience. If you could imagine it, this game had it.
Finally I came upon the last race, Demon. There was something above the platform,
*Unique* with an illuminated text that read;
Unique races are 1 of 1 and given to a select few at random, while coming with increased difficulty they're also given more benefits in various forms.
Your unique race is, Demon.
Below in blood red text it read.
*Not for the faint of heart*
Lifespan: 1000- Infinite?
Lore: While mostly human looking Demons bare a deep affinity for the magical and martial arts. Though they're hunted by most races because of atrocities committed in the last few great wars. Specifically hunted by humans due to their overwhelming strength.
Very few remain.
Once they're found they're persecuted and hunted down like dogs. Easily distinguishable at higher evolutions due to their unique blood color and vibrant tattoo markings.
Race: Demon
Starting Classes: Necromancer, Warlock, Martial Artist, Death Knight, Rogue, Dark Knight
Race Advantages and Disadvantages: Born with an affinity for magic they are not excluded from being both great warriors and master mages. Normally unable to use Holy magic due to their demonic blood. Possessing a unique ability to create blood pacts. After evolutions, their features will change and you will slowly become less and less human depending on your chosen path.
I don't know what came over me, but when I saw the disclaimer I felt like this was almost a challenge.
What was the point of playing if not to challenge myself. If they're mostly human it will be hard for anyone to know I'm a demon, plus with armor on how would anyone tell.
To make the choice all I had to do was place my hand upon the platform, I reached for the platform and for a split second I hesitated….
Regaining my courage I yelled,
"Fuck it.. LET'S DO THIS.. Leero--"