Blaine woke up with a start, his heart racing and his mind spinning. No idea where he was or how he had gotten there. The last thing he remembered was collapsing in his bedroom, feeling sick and dizzy.
But now he was surrounded by unfamiliar sights and sounds. He was in a clearing in the middle of a dense forest, with the sun shining down through the leaves above. The air was fresh and cool, and the smell of pine filled his nostrils.
He sat up and looked around, trying to get his bearings. He was dressed in a simple tunic and trousers, with a pair of boots on his feet and a small pack by his side. His only possessions were a few pieces of bread and a waterskin, and he had no weapons or armor.
As he tried to make sense of everything, a voice spoke up from behind him.
"Welcome to the world of Eternum, traveler," it said.
Blaine turned to see an old man with a long beard and a kind smile. He was in a robe of shimmering green, with a staff in one hand and a book in the other.
"Who are you?" Blaine asked, still feeling disoriented.
"I am the Oracle of Eternum, keeper of knowledge and guide to those in need," the old man said. "And you, my child, are a reincarnate, brought back to this world by the gods themselves."
Blaine frowned, not understanding. "A reincarnate? What does that mean?"
"It means that you have died in your previous world and given a new chance at life here," the Oracle explained. "You are a unique being, with the knowledge and experiences of your past life to guide you in this new one. And I have chosen you for a special purpose, a destiny that only you can fulfill."
Blaine looked down at himself, taking in his new appearance. He was now a beastman, with the head of a wolf and the body of a man. He had a strong, muscular build, with rippling muscles and sharp claws. His hair was short and black, and his eyes were a piercing blue. He wore a suit of armor made of shimmering silver, with a massive axe slung across his back.
"But why me? And why here?" Blaine asked.
The Oracle smiled. "That, my child, is something you will have to discover for yourself. It is not for me to reveal the plans of the gods. But I can offer you guidance on your journey, if you so desire."
Blaine hesitated for a moment, unsure if he wanted to get involved in any of this. But the idea of a special purpose, a destiny, was too tempting to ignore. And so he nodded.
"Very well," the Oracle said. "First things first, you need to understand the world you have been reborn into. Eternum is a land of magic and wonder, full of ancient secrets and hidden dangers. It is a place of great beauty and great peril, where you will encounter all manner of creatures, from friendly beastmen to fearsome monsters."
"As a beastman, you are a member of a race that has long lived alongside the other creatures of Eternum. You possess a natural affinity for magic and the ability to tap into the elemental forces of the world. But you are also vulnerable to the dangers of this land, and you will need to use your skills and wits to survive."
"The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone. There are many others like you, traveling the land in search of adventure and purpose. Some are heroes, fighting for justice and righteousness. Others are villains, seeking power and control. And there are those who simply wander, searching for meaning in a world that can be both confusing and cruel."
"No matter what path you choose, remember that you are the master of your own fate. The choices you make and the actions you take will shape your destiny in this world. So choose wisely, and may the gods be with you."
With that, the Oracle handed Blaine a small, leather-bound book. "This is the Gamer's Guide to Survival," he said. "It is a collection of knowledge and advice that will help you navigate the dangers of Eternum. Use it wisely, and it will serve you well."
Blaine took the book, feeling a sense of excitement and determination well up inside him. He had always loved fantasy and role playing games, and now he was living in one for real. He was determined to make the most of this opportunity, to become the strongest adventurer in the land and make his mark on Eternum.
As he turned to leave, the Oracle stopped him. "One more thing, Blaine," he said. "You are not the only reincarnate in Eternum. There are others like you, with knowledge and experiences from their past lives to guide them. Some may become your allies, and some may become your enemies. Be cautious and always be on your guard."
Looking back, he tried to speak once more, but the Oracle had disappeared. Reaching over toward his shoulder and taking everything in for a moment, a bright light shined in front of him. Blaine moved toward the light cautiously, knowing this would be the last time he was going to be safe in this new world. As he walked through the light, the world came to life around him.
It was night, and a strong wind was blowing throughout the forest. He was standing in the middle of a clearing of trees and the quiet chirps of crickets and small creatures scattering about in the dark surrounded him. This was Eternum. The air was refreshing as he took a deep breath in, able to pick up the scent of things around him, sending his senses into overdrive. He really was a wolf. He could smell the stench of so many wildlife creatures around him, the quiet rippling of water in the distance pointing him toward a river.
With a smirk, he pushed into the trees.