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Mintrei’s Journal – Episode 5: Dragonborn

April 10, 2024

(Reposted from bunnhop.com)

21 Last Seed, Turdas

I started my morning with the usual–bread, meat, cheese, and fruits from the inn–but I had something different today: a healthy dose of fistfight with a Nord woman. Her name is Uthgerd, and she challenged me to a brawl as I was finishing my meal.

Although growing up with Cassia and Claudius–children of a proud Imperial veteran–gave me access to combat training back in the City, it was mostly with weapons–a steel sword and a bow–and not with my fists. Nevertheless, I did accept Uthgerd’s challenge, be it out of pure foolishness, sheer arrogance, or mere curiosity. Her first blow made me immediately regret my decision, and I started to think that I might fall within just a few seconds, but I actually had it in me.

I still can’t believe it, I managed to defeat her! I do not know if she went easy on me because I am new to the city or if it was because I am female, just like her. I don’t think I have been away from home long enough to have been hardened to the point of overpowering a Nord warrior with my bare fists.

Uthgerd offered me her services, but I politely declined. I know I wouldn’t be a good traveling companion due to my tendency to stray from the path, take frequent detours, and be distracted by the smallest things. And if–or rather, when–I finally am not in need of her services, perhaps when I get to the College, what would our farewell look like? I didn’t even have it in me to say goodbye to my friends face-to-face. I wouldn’t want to share a bond with someone, only to have to leave them when I reach my destination.

Leaving the inn, I took a stroll out to the market. Watching people crowd around the stalls, haggling, engaging in lively banter–this has always been one of my pastimes in the City. Like at a party, I can’t immediately join in without first taking my time to observe the scene and notice which groups of people are more likely to be warm and welcoming.

When I was ready, and when the crowd dissipated, I introduced myself to the stall owners. One of them is an Imperial woman by the name of Carlotta Valentia. She cares for her child alone, and I adored her interactions with her lovely little daughter Mila. For reasons unbeknownst to me, I do find it easiest and most comfortable conversing with those who have been brought up in the Imperial Province. Regardless, Carlotta’s having trouble with the bard at the inn, and without hesitating, I offered to help her with it.

That same conceited Redguard was also at the market, harassing the hardworking merchants. I have had enough of his self-centered talk, but I know that I am a foreigner in these lands and my name bears no importance, so I know better than to give him an earful. If he is really an advisor to the Jarl, I have to keep my mouth shut–for now, at least.

I spoke to a few other residents of the city and even came across a Priest of Talos, preaching under the Ninth Divine’s shrine. Unlike my friends, I have always had respect for people’s religious beliefs and don’t mind who they worship–be it Divine or Daedra–but I do get annoyed when they try to stick it in your face.

Eventually, I knew it was time to pay the Jarl a visit. Dragonsreach is the name of his court and manor, lodged atop a hill. I was stopped by his bodyguard–known as “Housecarl” in this Province–a Dunmer named Irileth. I told her that I was sent by the Alvor from Riverwood to ask for help regarding the dragon attack, seeing as the town is in the same Hold, and thus under the protection of the Jarl. She seemed suspicious of me and wouldn’t want me to deliver the message straight to him, but he was magnanimous enough to let me approach.

The Jarl himself, named Balgruuf, seems fair in his dealings. The fact that he let me–a foreigner of no importance in these lands–speak freely is not something you usually hear about back home. I did not introduce myself as a Suliven, because my anonymity would not only provide me a chance to be seen as myself, instead of the bells and whistles that come with the name, but safety as well. With the rise of the Stormcloaks, who knows which Jarl sympathizes with their cause and unjustly views me as an enemy just because of my name and what it means in Cyrodiil?

Jarl Balgruuf sent me to his court wizard, Farengar, who needed my help obtaining an ancient Nord relic from Bleak Falls Barrow. He said that this “Dragonstone” is a map of all the dragon burial sites in Skyrim. Luckily, I have been to the location he mentioned, and took the stone tablet with me before leaving. He seemed thankful, and we talked a little about his craft. However, the conversation immediately turned sour–and he even had the gall to insult my intelligence–when I asked him about his political allegiance. I knew it was wrong to ask, but I sometimes get a little too curious.

After our talk, Irileth called for him, saying that she had just received reports of a dragon sighting nearby. I was sent by the Jarl to go with Irileth and some of the guards to defeat this dragon, but not before giving me a sword from his armory.

The walk from Dragonsreach down to the watchtower felt brief. Perhaps I was nervous, or perhaps I was sensing something else in play. The next thing I knew was I doing my hardest to pierce through its scales. All the while I could hear it��� speaking, in some unfamiliar language. And though I couldn’t understand it, it felt like… it was talking to me, taunting me.

And in its last breath it yelled out something that sounded like, “Dovahkiin? No!” Though I didn’t know what the first word meant, anyone could understand what the second conveyed. A pang of guilt resonated within me. Could the dragon have wanted something? Could we have talked to him to ask what he needed? No… He was attacking innocent civilians. His kin burnt homes and razed fields back in Helgen. He couldn’t have been innocent, could he?

As I was ruminating all this, I felt a surge of power enter my system. It came from the dragon I slew. And all of the sudden, the guards surrounded me. The expressions on their faces weren’t just awe or admiration at what this little Bosmer could do with her steel. They were… in shock.

They started calling me “Dragonborn.” Perhaps they also saw the power surge–a strong gust of wind that came from the dragon and transferred into me. Did I just absorb the dragon’s… magic? Soul? Essence?

The only Dragonborns I knew of were the owners of the Ruby Throne–the Emperors. I may have been brought up in Cyrodiil, but I am not Imperial myself. Neither of my parents was. How could this be?

Dazed and confused, I walked back to the gates of Whiterun. On my way there, the ground suddenly rumbled, and I heard voices calling out the same word that the dragon uttered before it died: “Dovahkiin.” Were they dragons, angrily calling out to the one who slew their kin? Or does this word mean “Dragonborn” in an ancient tongue? Who are they and–if I were really a Dragonborn–what do they want with me?

Outside the city gates, I found the Khajiiti merchants I had passed on the way to the watchtower. They welcomed me into their encampment, and so I’ve decided to spend the night here. During our chats, they offered me a sip of their drink. It tasted quite sweet, which is how I like mine. Although my mind had been filled with questions, the drink has provided me with calm and serenity. As I am writing this, I am starting to feel sleepy, but for reasons unknown, I feel… happy.

-M.

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Mintrei’s Journal – Episode 4: Road to Whiterun

April 4, 2024

(Reposted from bunnhop.com)

20 Last Seed, Middas

I had only intended to lay my head down for perhaps an hour or two before heading back to the inn in Riverwood, but oddly enough, it was already morning when I awoke. Perhaps it was mere exhaustion that allowed me to sleep soundly, having been exposed to violence for three full days ever since I left Cyrodiil. Or was there magic at play here? Did the witch offer her enchanted bed to weary travelers? And once they were sound asleep, who knows what horrors she inflicted unto them!

It was cold, foggy, and gloomy when I looked out the window. And although I have had early mornings like this back home whenever Cassia, Claudius, and I would camp outside the City, for reasons unbeknownst to me, this kind of morning looks much dreamier in this Province. Maybe it’s the constant snow, or maybe it’s my solitude?

Before leaving the witch’s hut, I went down the basement to brew some potions using her laboratory. And while I was doing so, thoughts of Aunt Faraniel naturally came to mind, as brewing both potions and liquor is her favorite pastime. She was the one who taught me all I know now about recipes and mixtures when I was just a wee Mer. I have got to send them all letters as soon as I get to the capital city.

Although both Aunt Faraniel and Uncle Elthras have never been worrywarts–and have always been carefree in raising me–I can imagine that traveling this far alone from them would start turning them into one.

——————————————

My journey to Whiterun was a leisurely stroll, despite the urgency of the situation. I assume my mind was still unsure whether I should concern myself with the dragon attack and do my duty to alert the Jarl or set my affairs in order in Solitude first. I know better than to insert myself into the affairs of any land, as politics will always be involved. My parents had only wanted to provide aid to the victims of Thalmor cruelty back in Valenwood and were killed for it. Perhaps apples don’t fall far from the tree–and their fate will be mine as well–but something is tugging at me, telling me that I should do it. It also makes more sense to head to the closest city to send back letters and whatnot, and perhaps arrange my transport to Solitude.

On the way to Whiterun, I followed the White River and came across an old Orc standing beside the road. I had thought him lost or perhaps needing a break, so I stopped by and asked him how he was doing. He told me about his people’s concept of a “good death”–of how it was better to die honorably in battle while you are still able to hold a sword than grow old and “useless.”

I can never imagine my aunt or uncle yearning for the same thing. They would want to die of natural causes, after having lived their life to the fullest. The aged, after all, have the duty to teach the young and care for them. Although I respect his wish, I am unable to grant it., and for that, he shooed me away.

Down the plateau, the sweet smell of honey stopped me dead in my tracks and I just had to follow it! It led me to a meadery, “Honningbrew” is what it’s called, and I decided to take a break there and then. I, of course, sampled their product and was pleased with it. As the owner was too preoccupied doing nothing and did not offer a tour of the facilities, I let myself in and got to meet his staff. I even (secretly) found out that one of them is a fan of Crassius Curio, an Imperial playwright of an Era ago, who is still infamous for his books and plays.

Near the city, I happened upon a commotion–fierce warriors battling a giant! It was a sight to behold, seeing as it was my first-ever sighting of these magnificent manbeasts, and I was eager to join. Once the giant was defeated, one of them approached me and introduced themselves as the “Companions.” She also invited me to join their group, but would need the approval of one Kodlak Whitemane, their leader. Perhaps I should, one day.

In front of the city gates, I was accosted by a guard, telling me that the city itself is closed because of talk of dragons. I had to tell him that I needed to speak with the Jarl as someone who had survived the attack in Helgen. Thankfully, this was enough to persuade him and he did let me in. I feel very uneasy being stopped by anyone in uniform, as this is not something I am used to. No gate nor door was closed to me back home.

Inside the city, I decided to walk around and peruse some of the shops. I met some interesting people and even learned about some sort of rivalry between two clans: the Gray-Manes and the Battle-Borns. Family rivalries are common in the Imperial City and I have no interest in being involved. Although I heard that an elderly woman’s son is missing and that’s something that piqued my interest.

One Redguard in particular I found pesky. He kept talking about what he refers to as the “Cloud District”–which I presume is where the wealthy, including the Jarl and his advisors, live–and how I probably have never been there. Of course I haven’t, it’s my first day here! If he’d only been to the Imperial City and met me there, he’d probably be begging me to marry one of his sons or daughters.

When Masser and Secunda arose, I knew it was time to head to the inn. When I got there, I found it lively with all sorts of people–young and old–mingling around the fireplace, listening to the bard, Mikael, who’s another graduate of the famed Bards College. One of the Battle-Borns, Jon, doesn’t seem to like him. He told me of the significance of warrior poets in Nordic culture, and I do remember having read about a Nord Skald-King who ruled two Eras ago.

I had a great time meeting all sorts of people in the inn. Hulda, the innkeeper, is a good sort and is a good source of information. Ysolda, who’s around my age, told me about the Khajiit traders from Elsweyr, and I am looking forward to coming across them in my travels. And I met this poor little girl who had just lost her mother, Lucia was her name. Perhaps I can take her in one day.

And when the chatter grew quiet, I knew it was time to head up to my room.

-M.

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Mintrei’s Journal – Episode 3: Alone in Nature

Published: March 27, 2024 Last Updated on March 28, 2024

(Reposted from bunnhop.com)

19 Last Seed, Tirdas

Last night’s journey into the barrow took longer than expected. It was way past midnight when I got out of the ruin and had no energy left in me to walk back to the inn, so I made do with the camping gear in my backpack and built myself a small, but comfy tent.

Waking up to the view of the Throat of the World, this land’s highest peak, and the majestic White River, seemed to have refreshed me. Fully energized, I hastily took down my tiny fort, packed my gear, and walked downhill. A little fox caught my attention and I decided to follow it straight to the river. Although I didn’t manage to catch up to it, I found part of a ruin hidden underwater. Before I could admire its distinct architecture (and take its riches), I came across the Tamrielic Bane–slaughterfish.

Spending some time in the water brought me calm. Though I was oft surrounded by friends, relatives, and the few unwanted suitors back in the City–and I always did enjoy the sense of safety and belongingness of idle chatter and boisterous banter–I have always had a secret affinity for the serenity that being by my lonesome in nature brings.

Before heading back to the road, I caught a glimpse of a fishing boat. There I found a fisherman in his camp, quietly enjoying the bounty of this iconic river. We exchanged some courtesies before I bade him goodbye and wished him a fruitful catch.

After handing over the Golden Claw back to the Valeriuses, Camilla and I had a brief chat about life in the Imperial Province, Cyrodiil, where she and her brother are also from. Annoyingly, she steered the conversation toward marriage by asking if I had an eye for someone back home, adding that she herself would like to find a good husband and settle down soon. Such triviality has never once crossed my mind, as I am still quite young (and foolish, to be honest) to start a family of my own. My decision to leave home, travel, and develop my craft might eventually lead me down that path, but I have no interest in it at the moment. Although I would be lying if some familiar faces didn’t cross my mind when the topic came about.

The siblings were kind enough to share their midday meal with me, and Lucan and I also spent a few minutes trading, as I’d imagined I would need to be well-supplied for the long road ahead. I did spend the afternoon getting to know the residents of Riverwood, playing “Tag” with the young ones, and having a quick chat with my fellow Bosmer, Faendal.

While walking around the town’s vicinity, I came across a mine called “Embershard” and decided to take a peek. I thought I’d pay my respects to the hardworking miners of this Hold, and perhaps come to an agreement about ore supply that would benefit both I and them, but to my dismay, I only found bandits.

After disposing of the ruffians, I came across an interesting hut. It had gotten dark when I surfaced from the mine, so I was wondering if the owner would be kind enough to perhaps let me lay my head down for a while or, at the very least, allow me to cook a hot meal, before I venture back to Riverwood. Alas, I found a witch who was planning to build her own coven. She didn’t take too kindly to my sneaking into her suspicious basement, and so I had to defend myself. Although I do not enjoy needless violence, I am not averse to bringing justice to those who would harm others.

At last, I found a place agreeable enough to spend a few hours in. Perhaps I should take a nap, just for a while?

-M.

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Mintrei’s Journal – Episode 2: Homesickness

Published: March 20, 2024 Last Updated on March 27, 2024

(Reposted from bunnhop.com)

18 Last Seed, Morndas

Hadvar’s uncle Alvor was kind enough to let me stay in his cozy abode in this small town called “Riverwood,” where he resides with his wife Sigrid and little daughter Dorthe, just until I get my bearings. However, he also insists I travel to the capital city of this Hold, Whiterun, as soon as I can to alert the Jarl about the terrible dragon attack back in Helgen.

I also sensed some discomfort in Sigrid’s words during the very short conversation we had after dinner. I am fully aware that I am a foreigner in these lands and should not expect a warm welcome everywhere I go, but I still do not understand why my youth, appearance, and the fact that I am female should worry anyone–especially not a strong Nord woman who has made a lovely home for her family.

Instead of overstaying my welcome, I decided to excuse myself and take a walk last night. In my wandering, I realized that there was not a shred of fear in my heart, considering my encounter with the first dragon I have ever laid my eyes on. Yes, I do mourn the lives that were lost during the attack, and those I had to take during our escape, but for reasons unknown, I did not–and do not–fear the dragon. This is unlike the fear I had felt when I was a child, when I heard that terrible news–about Mother and Father in Valenwood. About how they had lost their lives in the hands of the Thalmor. That was the first time I ever felt fear: for a life without my parents and for my own safety.

Perhaps I had already resigned my fate when I awoke in that cart yesterday.

------------------------------------------

It didn’t take long to find an inn in this little town. Coming back from my short stroll, I just had to follow the soothing sound of the flute and there I was. My sleep was not the greatest, but with everything that had happened the day before, I think I still managed to regain enough energy to continue my journey.

I was still contemplating whether to head straight to my originally intended destination, the city of Solitude to the northwest, or to do what Alvor expects me to–and is the right thing to do–when it came to me that the residents of Riverwood need an adventurer to deal with the challenges of day-to-day living. This was after I had a brief chat with a bard named Sven, who himself is a graduate of the Bard’s College! I initially did not want to get mixed up in someone else’s matters of the heart, but was intrigued to see how this one plays out. He wanted me to deliver a fake letter to his muse, one Camilla Valerius, and say that it came from his competition, a fellow Bosmer. As I am not fond of concealing the truth, and considering my affinity for my kin, you can already guess how I decided to settle this petty squabble.

Before I went to the Valeriuses’ shop I had made sure to stop by Alvor’s forge to thank him for his hospitality and let him know about my intention to stay at the local inn for the time being. In response, he taught me a few smithing tricks that immediately proved useful, as I found myself in an interesting detour: the Valeriuses needed someone to retrieve an item–one that had been stolen by bandits–from a Nordic ruin called “Bleak Falls Barrow.” I had never been to any Nordic burial sites before this, and let me tell you: it was indeed quite bleak inside.

Before I left for the barrow, I gave Sven a little taste of his own potion by handing Camilla Faendal’s fake letter and telling her that it was Sven who wrote it. In my own personal opinion (and experience), it is in poor taste for any Man or Mer to lead their admirers on, and Camilla is partially at fault for this, so I couldn’t care less who she chooses to be with.

The trip to the barrow was rewarding, as I’ve managed to collect quite a few treasures, including a slab of stone engraved with all sorts of symbols. It appears ancient, which might be of interest to a collector somewhere. Interestingly, I also felt some surge of power as I tried to decipher the symbols written on a wall. I have never encountered this writing system before, so I took a sketch and am planning to ask a scholar about it–if I ever get to meet one.

I still need to give this claw-shaped ornament back to the Valeriuses first thing tomorrow morning. And after it? I have no idea. Should I stay in town for a few more nights? I am beginning to miss the feeling of belonging to a community. I am beginning to miss the Imperial City.

-M.

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Mintrei’s Journal – Episode 1: New (Lease on) Life

Published: March 15, 2024 Last Updated on March 16, 2024

(Reposted from bunnhop.com)

17 Last Seed, Sundas

I had always known that today would be a memorable one, but I had never expected it to be like this.

Aunt Faraniel and Uncle Elthras had warned me beforehand about crossing the border into Skyrim, with all the recent uproar caused by a group called the “Stormcloaks.” But the peaceful journey from the Imperial City to Bruma–not to mention the melancholy stirring deep within me as I was quietly bidding my home farewell in my own way, by taking a final glance at each of the buildings, trees, and the people I passed by on my carriage–lulled me into a sense of calm. I know I should have been more anxious, as this was my first trip by my lonesome outside the borders of Cyrodiil, but I guess all the worries that had plagued my mind days before my departure had finally taken their toll.

It was either this, pure naivety, or mere arrogance that had led me to make a mistake that almost caused me my life. The truth is–I didn’t want my “new life” to start as a Suliven. Having just come of age and brimming with a taste for adventure, I decided long ago to shed everything that had any indication of my family and their ties to the Camoran Dynasty. I wanted to explore a new country as myself, a young Bosmer with a passion for music and learning, although I am fully aware that things would be a lot easier–and today would have been much safer–if I had just taken the carriage all the way to my destination.

Instead, I got off at the last inn, paid the driver–who wished me luck–and trekked all the way to the other side of the border by myself.

Before I could admire the beauty of the famed Throat of the World from afar, sounds of shouting and horses galloping pierced through my senses...

The next thing I knew, I was in a cart with three other fellows–Nords. I was startled by the sight of them and thoughts raced through my mind. Was I being kidnapped? But nobody knew of my plans to leave the Imperial City, except for my aunt and uncle.

Panicked, I attempted to flee only to find out that I was bound–and so were they. They weren’t my captors, but the Imperial soldiers. I could feel my face burning at this very realization. Some of my peers joined up recently, and their parents, veterans. Surely, if they knew who I am, they would let me go?

Unfortunately, I had no time to explain myself. The soldiers thought I was with this burly man called “Ulfric” who happens to be the Stormcloaks’ leader–that I was one of them.

We got off the carriage and were placed in a queue, with a brown-haired Nord taking our names. He seemed sympathetic, noting that I wasn’t part of their kill-list, but his captain still asked for my head. One of us tried to flee, but to no avail.

And then, my turn came. Memories of pleasant life in the City flashed before my eyes–aunt, uncle, my dear friend Cassia, her brother Claudius, and what fun we had as kids… All the joy, ruined by one intrusive thought: should I have never left?

I was expecting a deafening silence to loom over me, signifying the end of my short existence. Instead, a deafening scream followed. I looked up and saw… a beast. A dragon! Did my death lead me to… Oblivion?

What came next was chaos. The soldiers attempted to defeat it or, at least, ward it off, while the villagers ran to safety. One of the captive Nords named Ralof successfully roused me from my confusion, and I hurriedly followed him and his master Ulfric to a keep. Unfortunately, we were separated. I didn’t know where to go. Luckily, I happened upon the same brown-haired soldier who led me to relative safety. His name is Hadvar.

I am currently writing this entry inside his uncle’s house in Riverwood. Our escape from the town of Helgen was a perilous one that no amount of training with Claudius and his father could have prepared me for. Nevertheless, I am grateful for a new lease on life. For Hadvar’s courage and protection. Should I also be thankful for the dragon?

-M.

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Archer Job Change Quest in Ragnarok Origin!

Published: September 9, 2021 Last Updated on October 9, 2021

(Reposted from bunnhop.com)

Today we present to you the final episode of our Let’s Explore Ragnarok Origin! Tutorial series. We begin our journey where we left off: we just arrived at the Archer Village in Payon via a Poring hot-air balloon! This is the first ever town we discover after leaving the Adventurers’ Academy.

Take note that this is going to be different depending on which Job you chose when speaking with Instructor Brade. For those who haven’t played any of the Ragnarok games, here are the First Jobs and their corresponding towns.

Swordsman – Izlude

Acolyte – Prontera

Mage – Geffen

Thief – Morroc

Merchant – Alberta

Archer – Archer Village (Payon)

Upon spawning in Archer Village, we find our first Kafra. Every map in Ragnarok Origin has a Kafra always ready to provide their trademark Teleportation and Storage Services.

Joining the Archers Guild

Eager to become an Archer, we go right ahead to Azmera who is in charge of new recruits. She tells us that before we begin the Job Change process, we have to read and make sure to follow the rules of the Archers Guild. These seem very reasonable, so we’re certain we won’t mess this up!

Afterwards, she makes us choose between two types of tests: one for an Agi-type Archer and the other for a Dex-type Archer. Since I’m used to Agi-type ranged classes, I choose the former. In case you’re wondering, the only difference between the two choices is the first test. The second test, which is the final one, is the same for both options.

Azmera asks us to go find the instructor tasked with the Agi-type Archer test. This is Neiz. He warns us that while there are many who want to become Archers, only those who are qualified are given the opportunity to join the Archers Guild. He then asks us to undergo the first trial, starting with something simple–improving our concentration.

Neiz hands us a Concentration Potion to use and tasks us to find a hidden animal. In one corner, we find a talking Smokie!

This adorable little raccoon who–for some reason–can talk is wondering how we were able to find it. It seems that it’s been hiding from the locals to secretly steal and eat their sweet potato crops! The Smokie tells us that if we pretend like we didn’t see it, it’ll give us its sweet potatoes. We now have two options: to ignore it as it wants us to, or to “Teach the Smokie the harsh realities of the natural world.” What would you do?

I picked the first one, not only because it’s extremely adorable, but also because that’s one of the rules we read earlier: Do not kill animals indiscriminately! And then we proceed to calm the Smokie down by caressing its round head.

After that short, silly (and awfully cute!) encounter, we return to Neiz who praises us for having successfully found the hidden Smokie. He tells us to go seek the Elite Archer for our next test.

This turns out to be the first Archer we spoke to upon arriving to this village–Azmera. She teaches us how to use a bow to shoot arrows, and emphasizes the importance of practice. We are then teleported to our next (and final) trial, a very simple one where we just have to shoot every monster that comes our way before they can attack us.

After passing the test, she asks us to head on over to the Archers Guild building. This is where we find Cecilius, the same Sniper who works as an instructor for apprentice Archers at the Adventurers’ Academy! It seems that she’s also the head of the Archers Guild!

Cecilius leads the Job Change ceremony where we officially become an Archer! We are now a full-fledged member of the guild; therefore, we have to do our part to maintain its prosperity!

Learning About Archer-Specific Skills and Stats

When done, Cecilius gives us a book called “Beginner Archer Skills.” Reading it opens our Skills Window where we can see our First Job skills. We are taught how to level them up and how to set them on our Skill Bar. Of course, I put points into Double Strafe!

In the video, we also preview some of the Hunter skills shown under the Second Job tab of the Skills Window. These include the familiar Blitz Beat, Claymore Trap, and Blast Trap, and a new one called “Tempest Arrow.”

Cecilius then teaches us a Skill: Charge Arrow. Originally, this was a “Platinum Skill” in Ragnarok Online which means we had to do a specific quest for an NPC, usually an item-gathering quest, before we can get it.

This is then followed by a lesson on Status Points Distribution with Rocca. He gives us a sleeping pill that allows us to dream vividly. In this dream world, we can experience amassing a great number of status points that we can allocate to certain Stats hinted at by Rocca. First, we learn about the importance of Agi and then followed by Dex.

When we awake, he hands us over to Bijou to begin our first field training as an Archer! After hearing that we feel a little nervous, he gives us a meal before handing us a Kafra Teleport Ticket which, upon use, immediately transports us to Payon South Gate.

Here, we greet the friendly Kafra Employee before getting started with our field training. It's pretty easy! We just need to defeat 6 Willows.

Onto Our Real Adventure!

We head back to Azmera who congratulates us once again and tells us to keep up the good work. She also suggests we join the Eden Group located in Prontera, and even writes us a letter of recommendation to make sure they accept us!

Finally, we bid her goodbye and she gives us her final gift: a Warp Portal Scroll. She says we can use this to get to Prontera and begin our real adventure!

I’m so excited for what comes next! Make sure to follow our blog and check out our YouTube channel for the latest on Ragnarok Origin!

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Trying Out Different Job Classes in Ragnarok Origin!

Published: September 4, 2021 Last Updated on October 9, 2021

(Reposted from bunnhop.com)

It’s another fine week and we’re back with another episode of Let’s Explore Ragnarok Origin! Tutorial. We’re (finally!) close to completing the tutorial and leaving the Adventurers’ Academy for good. It’s so exciting to think about what sorts of adventures we’ll have once we leave the beginners’ area!

Sprakki’s Career Assessment Test

Today, we pick up where we left off in the previous episode. We’ve just received our newbie gifts from Sprakki after formally graduating from the academy. She gives us an option to take a short test–much like in the original Ragnarok Online PC game, but much shorter and simpler–to have an idea of the Job class that suits us the most. It’s like an in-game version of a real-life career aptitude test. We answer three very simple questions and she tells us the Job that we’re most likely going to enjoy based on those answers. I got Acolyte…

…which is the exact same result I’d always get in Ragnarok Online. I probably didn’t expect it because I was a little surprised.

Since this is just a career assessment test, we’re free to choose a totally different Job from the result we got. When we speak with Instructor Brade who’s in charge of handing out letters of recommendation to the different Job Guilds, he reminds us to take this seriously. Unfortunately, unlike in real life, we can’t change Jobs. We have to fully commit to the Job we choose… or make a different character and start from scratch?

Previewing Each Job

Before we make our decision, Brade gives us a Job Notebook where we can check the specifics of each class. Aside from the Job descriptions, it also shows the recommended Stats (or status points allocation) and two to three main Skills.

I decided to try all six Job classes to show what combat is like for each of them. It’s good to note that some Jobs have Skills that aren't available in Ragnarok Online. Two examples of this are the Dancing Dagger for Thieves and the Full Swing for Merchants.

Another noticeable difference is in what some of the Skills actually do. The indispensable Heal for Acolytes does not only recover the HP of a specified target, unlike in RO, but also heals your character at the same time. This goes the same for Blessing and Kyrie Eleison which are now both Party Skills.

The previews for each Job may be basic but not boring. I actually enjoyed interacting with each of the instructors and noticing their unique personalities. Orbis Thea is a mighty warrior who cares about his students and the well-being of the entire Midgard continent; Pamela is calm and kind-hearted; Emily is passionate about magic and the elements; the mysterious Quis is quiet and stern; Barbase cares more about wealth than his students; and Cecilius has a keen sense and encourages independence among her apprentices.

They may be stereotypical, but it’s definitely better to have tutorial NPCs that feel alive than sitting through bland Job previews that only let you use Skills against monsters on your own. And there’s also that strange little boy who keeps dropping and touching Dead Branches! Who is that, really?

An Archer Heads Off to Adventure!

In the end, I chose to be an Archer! Actually, my main character the very first time I played RO back in 2004 was an Archer too! However, I decided to switch to Acolyte after a few months since I… sadly kept running out of arrows.

Once we’ve decided on which Job to change into, Brade instructs us to go to our Job Change destination (in my case, Payon) via a very adorable Poring hot-air balloon! We start it up, hop on it, and fly away from the Adventurers’ Academy island onto a brand new world of adventure! In the background, we hear Sprakki wishing us the best and a very nostalgic guitar version of “Wanna Be Free,” which if you remember is the well-loved BGM for War of Emperium (WoE) maps.

This part was quite heartwarming. Bidding your instructors farewell and setting off on your own journey to the tune of a BGM that brings back the memories of all the fun and the drama of playing guild wars with friends… This scene evoked a sense of both nostalgia and hope. Nostalgic of the good and the bad times in the original RO, and hopeful of what’s to come in Ragnarok Origin.

How about you? Which Job did you choose? Did the unexpected “Wanna Be Free” scene also made you feel “the feels?”

[bunnhop]

The Trial of Valkyrie Alvitr in Ragnarok Origin

Published: August 29, 2021 Last Updated on October 9, 2021

(Reposted from bunnhop.com)

We’re back with another episode of Let’s Explore Ragnarok Origin! Tutorial. Our journey today begins at the Novice Training Grounds. When we exit the Academy’s main hall to get to the Training Grounds, we notice one particular feature of Ragnarok Origin that is not present in the original RO, but was introduced to Ragnarok Mobile back in 2019 in Episode 5: Midnight Party. This is the weather system. We see that the current conditions at the Training Grounds are as follows: Daytime, Pleasant, Sunny.

Much later in the video, we’ll explore the mini-map to find out that, similar to ROM, the weather affects the in-game environment. Exactly how? We don’t know just yet. Perhaps we’ll find out when we finally leave the tutorial area and do the story missions.

On our way to meet with our next instructor, we meet many ambient NPCs both Novices and First Job classes. In some of the groups we come across are First Job Instructors. The one standing near the portal back to the main hall with two female Novices is Pamela, the instructor for the Acolyte Job class. Donning a High Priestess attire we all know from other Ragnarok games, she tries to debunk a common misconception among Acolytes’ role in group settings such as parties and guilds. Aside from her, there’s also Emily Wan, a High Wizard who teaches aspiring Mages.

Close to Emily’s group is a Bard called Lorne, who serenades a couple of Novices with a song about the world of Ragnarok. When we speak to him and tell him that we’d like to listen his music, he plays a tune and sings along. The words in his song mention something about us rewriting the fate of the Rune-Midgarts Kingdom, possibly hinting to our character’s leading role in the game. It would be interesting to see exactly how this unfolds in ROO’s main storyline.

Combat Training with Instructor Brade

Next to Instructor Orbis Thea who seems to be teaching a young Swordsman how to cook is a crowd of Novices. To the right are three Novices busy practicing their skills on training dummies. In the middle of it all are Guide Sprakki and a dark-haired man clad in shiny heavy armor. This is Instructor Brade.

Brade teaches us the basics of combat, particularly the difference between Normal and Heavy Attacks, as well as two valuable Skills–Play Dead and First Aid–both of which are very familiar to long-time fans of the franchise. A funny cinematic cutscene featuring a group of Goblins and their leader accidentally summoned by a careless Novice is a good method to teach these two basic skills. Lesson learned: Don’t drop a Dead Branch!

Check Your Settings

Before we head to practical training, which is as simple as defeating five Lunatics, we take the time to check the Settings window. Apart from graphics, volume, and gameplay settings, this is also where we can set our preferences for the Auto-Attack (or Auto Combat) function. We can also check and edit preferences for the game client’s push notifications.

One interesting detail here is the Operating Mode under the Personal tab. For this, we have two options: Classic (recommended for beginners) and Double Wheel (recommended for advanced players). We’ll get back to this in another post and video to explore this in more detail.

To put it simply, Classic is a gameplay setting that allows you to focus on where you want your Skill to target. On the other hand, Double Wheel allows you to move your character around (first wheel) and, at the same time, move your target area (second wheel). This will definitely be useful for AoE classes such as Mages.

A Gift and A Trial

Upon completion of our practical training, Instructor Brade gives us an Auto-Recovery Device. Checking our inventory, we can click on it to set which potions we’d like to use automatically and exactly when to use them. The slider lets us change the required amount of HP and SP (e.g. 50% or below) our character needs to have before the device uses Red and Blue Potions, respectively.

Afterwards, Brade talks about our final trial where we have to meet and be baptized by a Valkyrie. He also explains the reason why the kingdom chose to build the academy on this particular island. This is because a part of it used to be a temple to a Valkyrie. Now a ruin, we have to go there to pay our respects to the war maiden in hopes that she can give us her protection.

What’s an Adventure without A (Mini-)Map?

On the way there, we decide to check the mini-map. To the right of the area name is the symbol for the weather system. Clicking it reveals information about the weather, as well as the current time. I wonder if time also affects the game environment… Is it random or server-/channel-based?

Tapping the mini-map shows some sort of weather forecast for the specific map we’re currently in. It seems that it’s going to be sunny all day! Below this is the local map in detail. As with many games, the red dots are enemies and the blue arrow icon is our character. Under the local map are four options–Map Info, Nearby Players, World Map, and Fly Wing. Map Info lets us check nearby NPCs, which monsters spawn in that map, and if there are any on-going events. The Nearby Players tab is self-explanatory, as well as the other two tabs.

Looking at the World Map, we can see that Ragnarok Origin has the same maps as when the original Ragnarok Online PC game was first launched. It has the six major Towns: Prontera, Izlude, Geffen, Morroc, Payon, and Alberta. The following Dungeons are also available:

Mjolnir Dead Pit

Labyrinth Forest

Prontera Underground Sewers

Byalan’s Undersea Tunnel

Orc Dungeon

Payon Cave

Pyramid

Ant Hell

Sunken Ship

While walking around the area close to the ruins of Valkyrie’s temple, we meet two more First Job Instructors. One is a Sniper named Cecilius, together with her teaching assistant Tana and a male Novice who hails from the same town of Payon. Cecilius mentions that her hometown is also called “Archer Village” because everyone there knows archery. Quis is the other instructor. He is an Assassin Cross and is teaching a new Thief. His student, however, feels awkward about the fact that Quis doesn’t talk much.

Blessed by Valkyrie Alvitr

Finally, we reach Valkyrie’s temple ruins. Here, Brade asks us to pray in front of the Valkyrie’s statue. Almost immediately, we enter another dimension which turned out to be the Hall of Warriors in Valhalla. An unknown voice commands us to pull out the Sword of Trial but warns that only the chosen one can do so. When we successfully pull it out, a bridge made of light is formed allowing us to cross and reach Valhalla.

Here, we meet a Valkyrie named Alvitr. She helps us unleash our full potential by making us face a King Drops. While in combat, she increases our Attack Speed and Physical Attack by releasing the Marks of Agility and Strength bound to our body, making us invincible against our giant foe. When done she congratulates us. And before we are sent back to the academy, Valkyrie Alvitr briefly mentions the importance of distributing status points.

Back at the Training Grounds, our instructor Brade expounds on this. Because of the many different ways we can distribute our status points, “…even those of the same Job can have different combat styles,” he explains. Finally, we graduate…

Dressing Up for Graduation

…but before that, we receive a gift from Guide Sprakki–a headgear of our choice! The vain little Novice next to the Gift Manager introduces us to the Closet feature. This whole encounter is a tutorial on the Costumes aspect of Ragnarok Origin. This game has noticeably better graphics than Ragnarok M, the newly-released Ragnarok X: Next Generation and, of course, Ragnarok Online. With this comes the ability to entice players who love character customization through cute headgear, hairstyles, and costumes. The Closet feature is certainly something to look forward to if you’re into fashion!

At long last, we graduate… and it’s quite a heartwarming scene! Instructor Brade brought along Guide Sprakki, and even good ol’ Professor Anderson is there! All four of us take a commemorative photo. This is then followed by Sprakki giving us two gifts. The first is a gift box for the official release of the Japanese server which has a bunch of cool consumables and equipment, including a GM uniform! The second is a ticket for the Start Dash 10 Consecutive Gacha–our very first!

While this tutorial gacha allows us to reroll until we get all the items we’re after, I didn’t have to. I was already happy with my result! I just really wanted some Red Potions and–you guessed it right–a Bunny Band!

Personally, I’m not fond of games with gacha because I don’t enjoy gambling. I’d rather loot or pay for the item I want. Thankfully, from what we’ve seen so far, Ragnarok Origin‘s gacha are purely cosmetic and don’t really impact character progression and/or gameplay.

But what do you think? Do you see yourself using the Gacha and Closet features often? Or are you more focused on leveling up and getting the best equipment? Or maybe you’re like us who are very much excited about exploring the story and quests in Ragnarok Origin?

[bunnhop]

The Professor, A Poring Mount, and Ragnarok Origin Lore

Published: August 25, 2021 Last Updated on October 9, 2021

(Reposted from bunnhop.com)

The second episode of our Let’s Explore Ragnarok Origin! Tutorial series begins as we enter the main hall of the Adventurers’ Academy. As with the original Ragnarok Online PC game, the tutorial area is set in a castle on an island off of the continent of Midgard. Here, we are greeted by our guide, Sprakki, who has been waiting for us all this time, while we were out exploring the landing area and the mini-garden in the previous episode. She greets us with some bad news–the professor isn’t ready to see us since an old friend of his has arrived to meet with him.

Note that we’ve decided to use the name “Sprakki” for the guide from this point on, since it’s the closest to the Japanese server’s “Splatch”/”Spratch.”

Sprakki is actually the first female guide you meet at the Novice Training Grounds in Ragnarok Online. She is also present at the current Criatura Academy tutorial area in Izlude, as well as the Eden Group Headquarters, in iRO!

Of Adventures and Adventurers

While waiting, Sprakki tells us about the Academy and shows all sorts of adventures we’ll get into when we finally leave and change Jobs. The Photo Wall displays pictures sent by the academy’s alumni. It is here where the game gives us a hint that Ragnarok Origin encourages players to capture their precious moments as they play the game.

While many of the pictures show characters in groups engaging in a variety of activities, there are some that portray only a single character. I think they’d like us to know that ROO can also be enjoyed alone–that a single player can still have as much fun with costumes, quests, and exploration without having to be part of a Party or Guild.

While looking around and speaking with other Novices, we meet a concierge who looks exactly like Sprakki only without the Bunny Band. It turns out she’s her sister, Stephanie. We can ask her to tell us about some interesting areas in the academy and she names a few.

I’ve noticed a bug in her dialogue, though. Even when you’re tapping the “About the Professor” option, she still replies to you with directions to different parts of the academy instead of actually answering your question. I tried it with a different character and the correct dialogue gets triggered but you have to keep choosing the “About the Professor” option multiple times.

The Professor and His Gift

When we’re ready, we enter a room to the right of the lobby and meet Professor Anderson for the first time. He is impressed with our background and abilities and recognizes our potential to become a great adventurer. After officially admitting us into the Adventurers’ Academy, he gives us a gift–the Camera function–and hands us over to Sprakki to learn how to use it. Like Ragnarok M, Ragnarok Origin promotes its beautiful graphics by prompting us to use the Camera and take pictures for us to keep as souvenirs of our journey and to share on social media.

I personally like the wide variety of options available through the Camera function which has three modes: Normal, Free, and Selfie. Aside from the classic RO emotes, we can also add facial expressions, character animations, stickers, and frames. If you’re playing on mobile, try the Free Mode. It’s pretty cool!

If you decide to look around, watch out for the band of Rockers performing on stage–they’re hilarious (and cute)! Another thing that might catch your attention while at the restaurant (“cafeteria” is not classy enough) area of the academy is the Jukebox. It allows you to listen to a couple of classic RO BGMs for that much-needed nostalgia boost! For me, this seems to be a preview of what we can expect in terms of maps and music.

One thing of note is that the background music playing in the tutorial area is called “One Step Closer.” If you love RO BGMs like us, you’ll most likely remember that this is also the title of the BGM for RO’s Novice Training Grounds. Ragnarok Origin‘s version of this song doesn’t sound very similar to the original. It took me a week of playing the game and editing videos to realize that it has, in fact, a very minute similarity with Ragnarok Online‘s “One Step Closer.” The beat and the melody are unlike each other’s, but you can hear just a little resemblance between the two–possibly in the feeling they both elicit. Aside from this, it seems that “Theme of Prontera” has been modified to evoke a feeling of majesty and grandeur, compared to the original’s more romantic pop tune.

The World of Ragnarok Origin

We’ve only met the professor minutes ago and honestly, we haven’t really learned much from him aside from the fact that we remind him of his younger self. But Sprakki says it’s time to bid him farewell. Before we go and meet with the Training Grounds instructor, Professor Anderson gives us our first lore information.

According to the cinematic video, the game is set years after Ragnarok (the event) occurred. Loki had cast a curse of destruction before his death, and in the years that passed, monsters awakened to bring chaos to Midgard. The Adventurers’ Academy was formed by the Kingdom of Rune-Midgarts to train new adventurers to ward off the invasion of evil monsters. If Ragnarok occurs after the events of Ragnarok Online, is this game set after RO much like Ragnarok Online 2?

Anyway, before we head out to the Training Grounds, the professor gives us a cute–but unfortunately–time-restricted Poring Mount. This is where the game introduces us to mounts as part of character customization. I actually saw this promotional material that shows two of the many mounts we can get from–I assume–Gacha, the Store, and some in-game events.

The last thing we look at in this episode is the Party Window. Much like in any game in the franchise, you can choose to create or join a Party. I will probably be playing alone most of the time, but might check what being in a Party is like for more challenging activities like Trials and boss fights.

What do you think of Ragnarok Origin so far? I think the ambient NPCs add flavor to the game, while the main ones are a joy to interact with! I’m definitely eager to learn more about ROO’s world and the game’s different features.

[bunnhop]

We Tried Ragnarok Origin and So Far…

Published: August 20, 2021 Last Updated on October 9, 2021

(Reposted from bunnhop.com)

…we love it! Ragnarok Origin feels like the original Ragnarok Online, which I have been playing since–believe it or not–I was 9. There have been a few times when I’d quit to take care of real-life responsibilities only to come back after a few months. It’s because the nostalgia and the sense of community are too strong for me to paste it on a scrapbook page, shove it in a drawer that nobody uses, and leave it there forever that in a few years I’d forget it ever existed.

I always come back... Unless this new game is good enough to break this cycle.

While waiting for Ragnarok Origin to be released in NA, we decided to take a sneak peek by playing in one of the Japanese servers. As you can see in the video above, we took our time to check every nook and cranny of the Adventurers’ Academy, talk with all the NPCs, and dissect the Character/Stats window.

We found that some non-player characters (NPCs) are voiced, although these voice dialogues are not exclusive to one NPC. The ambient NPCs are as much fun to talk to as the main ones, with some offering insight into the world and its lore.

We translated all the dialogues, the UI, as well as other important details from Japanese to English so that you can all share the experience with us. We will continue to make translated playthroughs and how-tos until its official release in English to help you get a head start on the game! We hope you’ll like the video and that you’ll share your thoughts on the game in the Comment Section.

Ragnarok Origin vs. Ragnarok M vs. Ragnarok Online

Honestly, I’m not very fond of mobile games since I’m a PC gamer through and through, but I can see myself enjoying Ragnarok Origin much longer than my stint with Ragnarok M last year, which I had only played for two months before finally giving up. I tried it on mobile initially, which I found is almost impossible for me to do since I can’t hold up my arms to hold the phone and keep that position for hours.

Ragnarok M is not your typical mobile game that you can play casually for 20 minutes whenever you feel like it. Since it’s heavy on RPG, you’ll be invested in your character and would want to see it grow through quests and combat, and also interact with other players via the party and guild systems, as well as dungeon raids and boss monster fights.

Then, I tried it on Bluestacks which is one of the top Android emulators out there, but eventually got bored because the earlier quests that we did involved going back and forth between two NPCs from two different maps. To make things worse, the game was quite slow and clunky for us that it just didn’t feel right. We’re used to playing the original RO which runs much faster and smoother, so it felt more natural and intuitive even though it’s click-to-move.

Ragnarok Origin, in our experience, feels familiar compared to Ragnarok M. For starters, the former’s beginners’ area tells a story, compared to the latter where your character just appears in Prontera South Gate out of nowhere (as far as I can remember). Like in Ragnarok Online, you arrive at the tutorial area as a Novice adventurer in need of guidance.

The original tutorial area in RO called “Novice Training Grounds” was an island with a castle that functioned like a school. It was there where new adventurers were taught how to interface with the game, including basic combat, status attributes, party system, and ultimately the various Job classes. This was, however, replaced in the iRO server in 2012 with the Criatura Academy on the northern part of Izlude town.

In ROO, it’s pretty much the same as the old RO tutorial. Riding an airship, you arrive on an island with a castle called “Adventurers’ Academy.” With other Novices like you running around, you go with a female guide who introduces you to an old professor who talks about the world of Ragnarok and its lore, and to a warrior who teaches the basics of combat, skills, and Job classes. And then you change to your First Job. It’s easy to follow even for total beginners who have never played any Ragnarok game before.

I prefer this tutorial to that of Ragnarok M‘s Eden Group considering they were only later introduced in RO as a group that helps new adventurers by giving them beginner equipment, consumables, and EXP gained through quests posted by random villagers in need. Yes, the Eden Group is there to help but not to train Novices. But that’s just me. Which one do you like better?

Will Ragnarok Origin be as memorable as Ragnarok Online? Will it attract as many players as Ragnarok M? For now, we’ll continue playing in the Japanese server to bring you as much information as we can to prepare you for its English release. We hope you’ll join us in this new adventure!

[bunnhop]

Hey everyone!🐰

Welcome to our little corner of the Internet. On this blog you'll find the original articles and written series we had made for our official website that once was. These are the:

Let's Explore Ragnarok Origin series.

Mintrei's Journal from our Chill Play: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim series

Feel free to revisit them if you like.

We'll also be using this Tumblr blog, which also has a Wordpress version if you'd like a simple, no-frills experience, for future written series and important updates.