Exclusive TERA lore dev diary #2: Rough Lessons

TERA sure is easy on the eyes, but it isn't just another pretty face -- it's got a sharp mind as well, ready to cut to the quick. If you can avoid getting lost in the gorgeous graphics that can only be properly described by a wordsmith such as Stephanie Meyer, you'll find that there's a concerted effort by the TERA team to build up a library of lore for players to enjoy.

While you'll have to wait several months to get your hands on this up-and-coming title, you don't have to wait another second to dine on a delectable piece of TERA backstory (continuing from April's first lore dev diary). In this exclusive dev diary entitled "Rough Lessons," TERA scribe Stacey Janssen throws us in the midst of a brutal training session, where hints as to the game's creatures and combat moves tease the full potential of the game. Seeing as how we all begin as nooblet trainees, this tale speaks to us on a common level.

Hit the jump for the full story and a couple new screenshots! What, can't we admire a game for both its mind and its body?

"Rough Lessons"

By Stacey Janssen, Writer

As she leaned forward to show Konei the move again, the sun set Liana's skin to enticing shades of light and shadows. Konei's mind could focus on only one repetitive thought: So beautiful... Castanics are so beautiful...

"Got it?" Liana stared down at him contemptuously.

"Um. Yes?"

"Good, then I'm letting him out. One, two-"

"Wait!"

"-three!"

The cage opened and the sabretooth leapt toward Konei. Terror froze his knees and he stumbled backward. Scrambling to his feet, he leapt to one side and rolled out of the beast's path, grateful he'd paid attention when they covered dodging. He slashed wildly, but couldn't land a good blow. The creature sat back on its haunches and pawed at the ground. What does that pause mean again...?

He hesitated a moment too long, and in the next instant he lay in the dirt, his lungs compressed and two huge tusks hovering over him. This is how it ends, he thought. In training. Fantastic. He closed his eyes and waited for the pain.

The weight on his chest lifted. Gasping, he opened his eyes. Liana steered the creature back to its cage with her stick and turned to Konei, eyes aflame.

"Did you even hear a word I said? 'When it paws the ground, it's about to swipe you with its big pointy claws,' I said. Paws, ground, claws, dodge! Attack from behind! Honestly, I couldn't have spoken any more clearly."

Konei opened his mouth, then closed it again and stared at the grass. His face grew warm under her disapproval.

"Ugh! Child! You know what?" She reached for the cage door, and Konei tensed.

"Since you refuse to listen, you can figure out this guy's strategy all on your own." She grasped the bar. "If I have to pull this one off you, you fail. I can't teach those who won't learn."

Wait, Konei tried to call out. His wounds still bled and his muscles still ached, but the door swung open anyway, so he unsheathed his weapons. The cromos sprang from the cage, both heads growling. Konei dodged and tried to run around the creature, but it kept up. His swords slashed the air like branches stuck to his flailing arms. He thrust the twin blades forward with a jolting motion and felt them sink into flesh. When the cromos halted and raised both horrible heads, Konei thought for sure that he'd won. A smile crept to his lips, but then he remembered the sabretooth. It's the pause, he realized. Swords still at the ready, Konei dove to the side, but seconds too late. One head slammed into his stomach, knocking him to the ground. He couldn't breathe, but when he saw Liana shake her head and step toward him with her steering stick, he forced himself to his knees. The cromos turned and bounded toward him. With a grunt, he plunged a blade into either neck as it rushed him. He fell backward and the creature collapsed onto him.

Air. Need air. Liana entered his field of vision just as it started to darken and shoved the beast off him. He rolled away from her, sputtering and gasping. His face burned and he dreaded her disapproval.

"You forgot again."

"I know." His voice cracked and he cleared his throat, his face burning hotter.

"That's a good way to die."

Konei nodded. His hair fell into his eyes and he brushed it back. Every muscle screamed. The sabretooth wounds throbbed.

"What have you learned?"

"Watch for the pause."

"Most of the larger, solitary beasts attack that way. Critters that roam in groups, though, usually fight in groups-meaning different tactics. That's next on our agenda, so let's get moving, kid."

He raised his head, a lock of hair falling into his eyes. Moving? Is that a joke? I barely remember my name. "Liana, I don't really...I can't-"

"You're doing really well, Konei." Her voice was encouraging-a tone he hadn't heard before. "You can do this. Come on." She smiled, then walked on, not waiting to see if he followed.

Konei didn't know if it was the encouragement or the smile-or both-but as Liana walked away, he felt the strength come back into his legs and the energy flood back into his spirit. If Liana believed in him, he'd best start believing in himself.

He hauled himself to his feet and jogged to catch up.