James sat inside the Village Elder's hut. He sipped his large mug of mead. Meryl was on his shoulder drinking out of a small cup. The alcohol was giving him a good buzz.
The Village Elder was sitting across from him enjoying his beverage. "Congratulations you have passed the test. As you probably realize, we have been being attacked by goblins for several months. The Royal guards haven't heeded our calls."

New Trial Quests: The goblins are amassing in the Forest, east of the Village of Orvall. Please find out what they are doing and stop them.

James said, "I will do it. Right, Meryl?"
Burp! The fairy laughed as she belched. She was clearly drunk.
She stood and swayed "Yes, I will destroy those goblins."

The AI said, "Meryl, you cannot hold your alcohol."

James wanted to say something to Mickey but he knew the Village Elder or any of the Non-player characters or NPC could hear the AI.
James said, "Meryl, I think you need to stop drinking your mead."
The fairy said, "I'm fine. Have I told you James that you have a fine body?"
She toppled and hit her butt on the table.
James grabbed her drink. "You had enough."
"Come on," the fairy said, "I never had fun."
She tried to fly but couldn't.
He said, "I think you need to sleep it off."
"Fine."
Meryl disappeared in a puff of smoke. Usually, when the fairy leaves it would smell like the forest except right now it smelled like alcohol. James waved his hand.
"Sorry, about that," he said.
The village elder, Chorken, said, "We can't tell you everything about the goblin camp. You have to find it out yourself."
James nodded.  Chorken sat back in his seat and drank his tea.
He looked intently at him. "If you stopped the goblins, then we would be eternally grateful to you. The farmer wants you to go back to him when you are ready. He has something for you."
"Thanks. I will see the farmer on my way toward the goblin camp."
James stood and wanted to get some rest. He was tired but felt somebody was behind him at the entrance to the home. He turned and saw it was a man about the same height as him wearing leather armor.
Chorken said, "If you want some help, my nephew, Rochert, can come with you. He is a rogue and can assist you. He has been watching the goblin for a season and can tell you more."
James said, "Yes, it would be great to have somebody come with me. Thank you, Chorken."
He stood and walked toward Rochert.
"Hello," he said. "Thank you for coming along."
Rochert clasped his hand in greeting. James noticed the rogue had a row of deadly knives attached to his belt. They walked outside and passed the two guards stationed outside the Village Elder's home.
Rochert said, "If you want to talk, meet me at the tavern. You know where that is located?"
"Yes. I will see you there."
Rochert walked away. James was glad he had somebody who could fight with him besides Meryl. And he hoped he wouldn't get Rochert killed. James moved toward the store. He smelled the ocean in the air and recalled that this village was a seaport hamlet. He was so intent on his quests that he didn't have time to explore.
He realized that he was hungry and saw a small stand-off to the side. He was fast approaching the Merchant district.
"Yo, is that you James?"
He turned to the voice and saw it was the farmer he helped in his quest. He was behind the stand selling his vegetables and also grilling fish.
"Hi, did the ants bring back your crops?" James said.
"Yes, thank you. I'm glad I found you. I wanted to give you something," the farmer said.
James saw a screen popped up in front of him. A few items showed:

Grilled fish x 5
Water x1

James wanted to read the inscriptions descriptions, but he didn't. He would check on it later and placed the items in his inventory. The screen disappeared.
"Thank you," James said.
The farmer said, "I also have something for you."
He held up a dark red robe.

Red Robe of the Monk

The farmer said, "My son is a monk. I haven't seen him for several seasons. He wrote to me that he will not come back home. So, I thought you should have this."
James nodded. "Thanks again. I can give you some money for this."
"Bah," the farmer said. "You have helped us."
James took the robe and equipped it. His menu flashed in front of him. He pulled it up and read the description of the red robe.

Red robe of the monk: Acolytes and beginning monks wear this robe for practice and meditation.
+1 Defense
+ Speed

Jame looked at his inventory and clicked on the grilled fish. He didn't eat it like normal but felt it in his stomach. This was different but he thought he could still eat food like normal. He walked to the merchant section and decided to go to the tavern and speak to Rochert. He was just a few buildings down from the shop and he would unload his loot afterward. He had a few questions for Rochert.
He entered the tavern a few minutes later. It was dark inside with several wooden tables and chairs. A man sat behind a bar area on the left with a woman who looked like a barmaid holding a mug of beer. They didn't say a thing to him. James saw that Rochert sat by the large hearth. The fireplace had a roaring fire tended by a short dwarf-like man. Rochert was looking into the flames.
James was struck by how Rochert looked different than his grandfather. He was taller for one and had blue skin. James moved over and sat in front of Rochert. The rogue nodded to him.
"Aye," Rochert said, "do you want some ale?"
The barmaid came over and eyed him. She was tall and had tasks protruding from her mouth. She was a hobgoblin but her curves were deciding feminine.
"Ale," James said.
"Thanks hon," the barmaid said. "I'll be back."
Rochert said, "Good. I don't trust a man who doesn't drink."
James looked at the barmaid's behind as she walked.
"Hey, I see you looking," Meryl said.
James wanted to say a retort to the fairy but he knew Rochert couldn't see and hear her. Also, he thought the fairy was still drunk. He heard a hiccup.
James whispered, "I'm not."
"What do you say?" Rochert said.
"Nothing. Can I ask you something personal?" He said.
Rochert gave him a hard stare. "What?"
"You look different than your grandfather?" He said.
The rogue didn't say anything for a while and James wondered if he offended him.
Rochert laughed. "You're not from around here?"
"I'm not. Sorry, if I offended you."
"No, my grandfather, adopted me when I was young. I'm part Razen and human. I can breathe in air and don't need magic," Rochert said.
James said, "I've seen a Razen before."
He recalled seeing the Dominion with the different creatures watching him. The Razen creature had blue skin and web hands and feet. Its face was fish-like with long hills along its neck. He wasn't sure why he could recall the creature in such detail. It was like it was somewhere.
"It's in your journal, you dolt," Meryl said. "Dolt head. Dolt head. I'm going to speak to Mikey."
"Shh," James said.
"What's wrong?" Rochert said.
"Oh, it's nothing," James said.
Richert said, "Yes, my dad is a Razen and my mom was human."
"But you don't have the Razen's features," he said.
"I was lucky. You should see my sister."
A large goblet was placed on the table. James gave the barmaid some coins.
The barmaid said, "If you need some company tonight, I'm available."
James felt a small punch on his forearm. He could tell it was Meryl telling him to cut it out. He wouldn't do anything with an orc. But her breast was huge and he didn't have women throw themselves at him.
"No, I'm fine," James said.
The barmaid winked at him and went back to serve the other guests.
Rochert snorted. "Wow, she never flirts with anybody. I have been trying to go out with her since I was a teen. What's your secret?"
"I don't know."
James took his mug and drank it. The ale was very tasty and it made him feel warm inside.
Rochert said, "Well, some guys have all the luck. So, anyway, the task at him. My grandfather doesn't know how dangerous the goblin camp is. I know they're up to something."
"Tell me what you know about the goblins," he said.
Rochert said, "I tried to tell my grandfather that we need an army to defeat the goblins." He paused. "Say, you're not from around here?"
"You can tell?"
Rochert peered at him. "It's not the way you look but the way you act and say things."
"Does it matter?" James said.
The rogue was quiet for a few seconds and he intently stared at him. "No, it doesn't matter. I'm glad we're getting some type of help."
James drank another swig of his ale and then nodded for Rochert to continue.
The rogue said, "I have been scouting at the East end of the Forest of Kell. I couldn't get close enough. It seemed the goblins are amassing an army there. They're coming from some way here.  I cannot tell how. I didn't see any carts or horses."
James said, "Why would the goblins want to take over this village? It's not a large place and I don't see many metals or precious stones about."
"I'm not sure. But I think it has to do something with the temple. It's magical."
"Yes, I know. Narla healed me. Do we have a large garrison of soldiers here?"
"No, and most of the guards are volunteers. We have only maybe about twenty soldiers."
"Okay, how about gold?"
"The village is not wealthy. But I also think my Grandfather might have something. I'm not sure. I feel like he's hiding something."
"Okay, I should get some healing supplies before I we go. We should leave in the morning," he said.
Rochert said, "Sure. I'm going to stay a while."
The rogue was staring at the barmaid as she flitted around the tavern.
"Okay, where can I find you?" Jame said.
"Oh, when you're ready. Meet me at the inn. I have a room there."
James walked out. It was dark when he exited the bar. Lanterns were glowing along the ramshackle streets. He saw a pair of guards walking along the path.
The store was right next to the tavern. James went inside. He sold the sword he found in the ant hill.

50 gold

James looked at all the tabs and saw something that would help him out. The item was called Necklace of the Owl. He read the description.

Necklace of the Owl: a piece of simple magical jewelry that would help the wearer see in the dark for 35 feet.

He needed that. It was 25 gold which was half the gold had. He bought the item and equiped it. Instantly, all the dark areas of the store became brighter. It was as if a glowing light was burning all over the room.
James nodded. This was going to help him. He used some of his money to buy more minor healing potions. He hoped he had enough money to buy a room for the night.
Walking toward the inn, James suddenly became tired. He needed sleep and moved faster to the large two-story building. He was so tired and barely looked at anybody when he entered the inn.
Luckily, the village elder told the proprietor that his room was free to stay in. James went up the flight of steps to his room, opened the door, and then fell on his bed. He was snoring as soon as he closed his eyes.
James awoke to the sound of a people yelling, "Attack, attack. Wake up!"