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Killer
The Heart of a BeastThe kulkaris of the Valley of Titans are known for their ferocity. They’re reviled and feared for their ruthless destruction of ranches and villages held by the Valkyon Federation.Moorg is not an ordinary kulkari. His heart doesn’t thrill to battle, and his lack of fighting prowess has earned him the scorn of his brothers. He knows he doesn’t belong, but life among his fierce tribespeople is all he’s ever known. He doesn’t even know what a friend is until he finds one.Lakhia is a human child, raised to fear the vicious killers who have become the scourge of her valley. She knows that all kulkaris are murderous beasts...until she meets Moorg.When the kulkaris plan to burn Lakhia’s father’s ranch, it’s up to Moorg to decide where his loyalties lie, for to be a hero to Lakhia means being a traitor to his own kind.Set in the world of the next-generation online roleplaying game TERA™, “Killer” explores the possibility of finding understanding and love where there was only terror and hate.This novelette of courage and friendship by Jessie McKenna is a great way for readers to experience the world of TERA.
44 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 19, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
May 25, 2012
Another short story set in the TERA universe.
A lot of online games allow players to step into the shoes of the hero, taking on odd jobs that usually involve cutting down legions of faceless, personaless monsters for some coin and other rewards. Killer presents a view from "the other side" by focusing on a Gutrend kulkari named Moorg who is sent out on patrol in the contested Valley of the Titans, with orders to kill any human settlers who have yet to be run out of town (so to speak). The wrench is that Moorg isn't a fighter, which proves to be beneficial when he happens to find a young human girl who has strayed too far from home.
Although the premise may sound trite (monster doesn't want to kill, is enchanted by "sworn enemy"), Moorg ends up putting his own life and loyalty on the line by warning the humans of an impending Gutrend assault, and then fighting along side them against his brethren. In the end, he leaves the humans, convinces his tribe that their forces were defeated by powerful human magic, and that they must leave those humans alone or risk annihilation.
It was a touching story of beast-meets-innocence, and this story more than any of the others will name-drop familiar locations and characters for TERA players, as the Valley of the Titans is one of the first ports of call during the early levels (I distinctly remember having to kill several of the Gutrend, actually). These touchstones -- being able to picture the locations and participants thanks to their representation in the game -- lends an additional weight and enjoyment to the story.
A lot of online games allow players to step into the shoes of the hero, taking on odd jobs that usually involve cutting down legions of faceless, personaless monsters for some coin and other rewards. Killer presents a view from "the other side" by focusing on a Gutrend kulkari named Moorg who is sent out on patrol in the contested Valley of the Titans, with orders to kill any human settlers who have yet to be run out of town (so to speak). The wrench is that Moorg isn't a fighter, which proves to be beneficial when he happens to find a young human girl who has strayed too far from home.
Although the premise may sound trite (monster doesn't want to kill, is enchanted by "sworn enemy"), Moorg ends up putting his own life and loyalty on the line by warning the humans of an impending Gutrend assault, and then fighting along side them against his brethren. In the end, he leaves the humans, convinces his tribe that their forces were defeated by powerful human magic, and that they must leave those humans alone or risk annihilation.
It was a touching story of beast-meets-innocence, and this story more than any of the others will name-drop familiar locations and characters for TERA players, as the Valley of the Titans is one of the first ports of call during the early levels (I distinctly remember having to kill several of the Gutrend, actually). These touchstones -- being able to picture the locations and participants thanks to their representation in the game -- lends an additional weight and enjoyment to the story.
May 8, 2012
A lovely story about a girl and her monster, set in the world of MMORPG game TERA.
Morg is a Kulkari. He lives for conquest and the rough honor that comes from killing one's enemies and taking their skulls. Humans are his enemies.
Lakhia is a human child living on a ranch in a valley being overrun by Kulkari tribes. She hates and fears Kulkaris.
What happens when they meet changes both their worlds.
Morg is a Kulkari. He lives for conquest and the rough honor that comes from killing one's enemies and taking their skulls. Humans are his enemies.
Lakhia is a human child living on a ranch in a valley being overrun by Kulkari tribes. She hates and fears Kulkaris.
What happens when they meet changes both their worlds.
November 26, 2012
I have to admit, I didn't care for this short story so much. I couldn't bring myself to get truly invested, or even too interested, in any of the characters. Of the two TERA short stories I've read, I far preferred "The Amaranthine Heart." With that said, this one had a nice "point" to it, and I can appreciate what the author was trying to convey.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews