"Fear becomes a powerful emotion within the Labyrinth. You wouldn't be human if you weren't afraid of the monsters that stalk your every step. An older man than me once said that the products of fear--anger and hate--are some of the reasons for humanity's continued existence. They lead to violence and bloodshed, but they also motivate people to survive. If you are facing a seemingly undefeatable foe, your emotions may be the only advantage you have. Many adventurers have told me that the sense of fear that descends upon them when they encounter a massive Rageleope is what inspires them to run faster than they thought they ever could."
--Eulixes, retired Captain of the Etrian Town Guard
***
"Hexers are a creepy bunch. And not because of their tendency to wear black no matter the occasion. Their powers are unlike any other: using their hexer bells and mystical curses, they can weaken their enemies, even control them and turn them on others. Many people are distrusting of their craft, likened to evil witchcraft. As such they are often solitary individuals who keep to themselves. Layn, however, doesn't seem to let social stigma get in her way. She has her dream of settling down, making friends, and maybe even finding herself a nice husband. Thus, she sees the Labyrinth, filled with its wealth and riches, as a way to make her dreams come true."
--Eulixes
I was the first Hexer to approach the Explorers Guild ever since the entrance to the Yggdrasil Labyrinth appeared. I've always wanted to live in a town instead of constantly traveling across the land, never having neighbors or making real friends--which is hard enough as it is as a Hexer. But what is even more difficult is actually affording a place of my own to live in. When I heard of the Yggdrasil Labyrinth, I knew that it was a chance for me to make enough money to buy a place of my own. Or at least rent one.For many, the Rooster Inn has become more of an apartment than a place for travelers to stop for the night. Adventurers will spend their day toiling in the Labyrinth and their nights sleeping in the beds of the Rooster Inn. But considering the large number of adventurers who have made their way to Etria, demand is high and so is the cost of renting a room. At first, I camped on the outskirts of the town at night to save money. But after a few nights of nocturnal rodents stealing the apples I saved for breakfast, I decided that the security of a room was worth it.
Renting a room at the Rooster Inn is expensive but the owner of the general goods store, Shilleka, will always find a use for every item that I bring back from the Labyrinth. I have no idea what she does with the wings of woodflies or the shells of clawbugs I bring back from the Labyrinth, but she pays money for them.
All that money, though, goes to paying the rent at the Rooster Inn. Anything I have left over I spend at the Ceft Apothecary to buy healing medica potions. On really bad days, I may not buy those potions at all since reviving a fallen party member is especially expensive. I can't blame Doctor Hoffman though, he's trying to make a living just as I am.
When I'm low on money and not in the Labyrinth, there's little else to do but to spend my time at the Golden Deer Pub and to listen to the tales of other adventurers. The publican Valerie knows quite a few recipes for cheap drinks, but even more importantly she is a collector of information. Anybody in town with a problem will share it with Valerie and she in turn delegates them to adventurers to solve. If I didn't take odd jobs from Valerie, I probably wouldn't even be able to afford any food to eat.
My life may sound simple: explore, sell, buy, repeat. But it's a laborous and hard life. Especially exploring the Labyrinth. That's why the Explorers Guild is especially important. Without their help in finding party members, I can't imagine how I'd be able to make it all. In fact, today I have two new party members. Ashki is an alchemist who seems really smart and confident. Mizonu is a Ronin who definitely looks as if he can handle a fight. For the next little while, I share the heavy burden of earning a living with these two fellow adventurers.
