Ch:50 The Historical Modding Scene
“Welcome back, Mai. Long time no see.” Flint waves from the counter while oiling a Beretta A300 Sporting Shotgun. “Congrats on winning the match. I saw your team’s performance by gosh y’all really killed it out there!” The store’s atmosphere hasn’t changed much from the late 80s rural gun shop, with old school gun posters on the wood panel walls, a small vintage Panasonic radio playing old country hits, and Flint himself being the poster boy young shopkeeper in his plaid shirt and jeans.
“Thanks, Flint.” Mai grins from her lips. She has a pull over M81 woodland camo jacket and a black skirt, a bit unusual for Mai but she wanted to wear something casual and comfortable for her first range day in days after their match against Vampire Squad. She has her Type 56 SKS, dripped with Tapco furniture, cleaned and oiled, slung over her like a hunting rifle. “I gotta tell you, Flint. It may not feel like it but it’s already Fall. Semester is almost over.”
“How’s Team Lonestar doing these days?”
“It’s pretty chill now that the tournament is on hiatus until January. Do you know anything about the updates Flint? I bet you have some juicy insider secrets.” Mai picks up a crudely taped box of 250 rounds of surplus steel case ammo. It’ll be plenty for her to practice with and affordable for Mai’s standards.
“Well hate to break it to you but I’m just as clueless as you are, Mai. The devs didn’t program any sneak peaks into my code.” Flint puts the shotgun back on the rack to process Mai’s purchase. He uses an old fashion laser scanner by the cash register to process Mai’s credit payment. “There might be a sneak peak at some of the new features coming up that will be implemented in the tournament, but that preview is exclusive to Raptor Squad and the Mil-Sim devs. It’ll probably be on their feed real soon.”
“Seems like you can’t escape nepotism, even online, huh?” Mai transfers her payment through her UI interface and carries the box of ammo by her side. “Team Lonestar is getting stronger, Flint. We had a surge of new recruits over the past couple of weeks. We don’t have to grind for credits anymore. The recruits get trained by Chiara, and we send them out to go on missions for us. We’re like a real PMC. Someday we'll give Zander a run for his money.”
“Sounds like your team is reaping the rewards for working so hard in the tournament,”Flint remarked.
“Yeah. It makes it easier for the OGs like myself because Uni is getting pretty demanding, especially for my major. Mid-terms are over but the gang is going to be dealing with finals soon. Then, we’ll get our well deserved Christmas break!” Mai chuckles to herself. “That doesn’t mean I can slack off from training. We’re going up against Charleston and Bass squad next.” Mai shoves the box of ammo under her arm. “So is the range free today?”
“Oh I’ve got more than enough slots actually.” Flint Interjects. He hands Mai a piece of paper advertising a new addition to Flint’s Gun Shop. “My store now has an outdoor range, constructed just past the doors to the old indoor range. I reckon you might get some use from the new range. I got longer distances, picnic tables, and shooting benches at your disposal. There’s also a clay pigeon zone for shotguns if you’re into trap or skeet shooting.”
“Man, that’s pretty sick. I’ve been meaning to get into some long range shooting with my SKS. Thanks for the heads up Flint!”
“Don’t mention it, Mai. Have fun and stay safe!”
Mai proceeds past the doors leading to the indoor range she’s been familiar with since she started playing Mil-Sim Story. She heads for a new door leading to the outside area just behind Flint’s store. The range is large, constructed from dirt hills and lanes for different distances and firearms. To her right, a large pond reflected the sky as players launched clay pigeons, shattering them with over-and-under shotguns. Further down, a lone shooter with a tricked-out bolt-action rifle was aiming at a distance far beyond what Mai's SKS could effectively reach. She’ll have to look for something less than 300 yards. But while Mai scans for a lane to shoot at, something catches her interest at the 100 yard lanes.
A thick, sulfurous cloud of white smoke billowed from one of the stations, accompanied not by the sharp crack of a modern cartridge, but by a deep, resounding pop unlike any of the sounds Mai is familiar with from her time playing Mil-Sim Story. He’s a man with dark hair, dressed in a plaid shirt and cargo pants but his equipment is anything but modern. His bandoleer is leather with wooden bottle like containers hanging from cords. His table has an assortment of measuring flasks, leather bags, and a plethora of cleaning supplies. A wooden stake is pinned to the earthly ground where the man rests his antique matchlock upon when he is ready to fire. He blows into the smoking match cord moving the serpentine with the match cord before opening the flask pan. He leans forward into the musket, supported by the stake, and fires. The round strikes a steel plate with a “clank” from about 50 yards away. He takes the matchlock musket and blows the firing pan free of debris.
“Incredible.” Mai comments from just a few feet away from the man. “I never realized you can use an arquebus in Mil-Sim Story.”
The man is slightly startled by Mai’s presence but seems intrigued that someone is curious about his weapon. “This isn’t a weapon from the base game.” His accent appears to be that of a European. A Germanic Austrian dialect if Mai had to guess. “First of all, this is a musket. Not an arquebus. A musket in this era is larger than an arquebus. It would be difficult to fire one without a support post like the one I have here.” He lowers the musket on the table and holds the match carefully on his left hand. “This weapon is just one of many that are part of an historical mod which has been enforced by the Mil-Sim Story development team. This is as old as it gets apart from using a Chinese fire lance or Handgonne.”
“Huh. You learn something new everyday.” Mai notes to herself. “It’s a beautiful piece of weaponry. I was only vaguely familiar with matchlocks but now you have me thinking of more questions than answers. Isn’t that weapon too impractical for PVP matches?”
“Certainly but not for the historical modes featured in the mod.”
“So you mean...like historical battles, like before the 20th century?”
“As far back as the 16th century.” The man elaborates. “So the matches in the mod I play are different from what you’re probably used to. It’s mostly PVE with some player against player action given the historical scenario.”
“Jeez...that sounds...kind of cool.” Mai rubs her chin. “How did I know of this? Do you have a link to get this mod? Maybe somewhere to get me started?”
The man smiled, a warm, welcoming expression. "The best way is to visit the historical armory hub. It's not a separate download; it's integrated into the main game through special event servers. You need to speak with the historical advisor, Miss Lorenz. She runs the whole operation."
“Lorenz?” Mai repeats herself out of disbelief. “You said...Lorenz?”
“Kayla Lorenz. The Mil-Sim Story Historical Advisor.” The man elaborates. “She’s an intern for the Mil-Sim Story research team and is quite knowledgeable in her field. She leads her own historical squad on the side too. You can teleport to the armory fairly easily. You just have to enable custom servers.”
“Strange.” Mai thinks to herself. “I don’t recall Chiara ever mentioning she had any relatives. Is it just coincidence that this Kayla might be related? I’ll have to see about that.” Mai lifts up her head and smiles at the man. “Well I was going to get some range time with my SKS but I think I’ve been distracted. Looks like I’m going to be busy this fall season now. Thanks man.”
“Glad to hear it. It’s not often our scene gets newcomers from the tactical scene. It takes a certain type of appreciation to get into this type of warfare. It’s like driving a manual car or watching old black and white films. You get an appreciation for the old ways and slow things down a little.”
“Same. Nothing better than a gun made of iron, steel, and wood. You don’t get that with modern firearms.” Mai humbly agrees. She pats her Tapco SKS on her shoulder. This Type 56 used to have a wood stock. I wish it still did, but modern problems require modern solutions. Oh, I’m Mai by the way. I’m a sapper for Armadillo Squad and Team Lonestar as a whole. I’m an engineering student.”
“I’m Ludwig. I’m part of the Steelwind History Group. We’re kind of like a squad but not necessarily a team. We participate in various historical matches from different eras of the early modern era. We’d love to have you join us.”
“Thanks. I’ll consider it. I gotta see Kayla first. Catch you later.” Mai waves before accessing her HUD menu to look for the custom servers. She goes to the option menu and enables custom servers. A list of new servers refresh upon her view; listing various modded servers. A mildly populated server known as the Historical Armory Community catches Mai’s eye and she joins the server, and teleports away from Flint’s outdoor firing range.
Mai spawns on the outskirts of a large stone keep. A well kept garden of shrubs, flowers, and trees give this place an aura of elegance. There’s no checkpoint to speak of. A pair of guards, dressed in regal outfits wielding halberds nod to Mai without speaking, giving her the go ahead to enter the armory.
“I feel too poor for this place.” Mai humbles herself, admiring the marble statues of various historical generals and flower gardens. Her combat boots bounce off the stone sidewalk of the armory. On her right, a group of players, dressed in early 19th century Napoleonic soldiers wielding Charleville muskets march in formation with a commanding officer in a bicorn hat leading the group. She spots another group of players, dressed in Wehrmacht uniforms relaxing in a camping area with tents, a canvas covered truck, and a guy playing an accordion as they sing a German marching song over a campfire. Mai continues down the path to another area of the armory, this time a group of players, dressed in British WW1 uniforms are using a tractor to carry some equipment out of a warehouse. A brunette guy with round old fashion glasses spots Mai and notices she looks lost and out of place.
“Excuse me, Mam’. Are you new around here?” He answers in a clear but warm voice.”
“Yeah, kind of. I’m looking for Kayla Lorenz. This place is huge but it’s incredible!” Mai exclaims. “So many historical eras...all in one place. I feel like I’m at home.”
“The man adjusted his round glasses and smiled. “It takes a special kind of autism to be into what we all like on this server. No worries, I can take you Miss Lorenz. She's doing some organization in the Mil-Sim Museum.”
“Dang. There’s a Museum too?” Mai is unable to hide her own excitement as she speaks. “At this rate, I’m going to be out of commission from the tournament by checking out everything on this server.”
“You’re talking about the Mil-Sim Tournament aren’t you?” The man asks. “Are you a participant?”
“You betcha. I’m in Armadillo Squad and Team Lonestar.”
“Interesting...so you’re going to be our rival next year.”
“Huh?” Mai blinks in confusion.
“The name is Booker. I’m a sniper for Charleston Squad. I was informed by my boss that our next opponents would be the ones that defeated Vampire and JarPig Squad...which is your team...right?” Booker tilts his glasses down while looking at Mai.
“It is as you say.” Mai replies, not knowing if this warm conversation will break down into a rivalry. “Charleston squad...huh.”
“And Dove Squad, but my time with them from my obligations with the Mil-Sim Tournament.” He shakes his head and sighs. “I don’t know if I should be glad Asura’s squad didn’t make the cut or worried that she was defeated by your team. But either way, it’s an honor to meet a fellow rival.” He offered his hand to Mai.
Mai looked at his outstretched hand, then back to his face. He seemed genuine. There was no malice in his eyes. He didn’t appear intimidating at all. Booker comes across as a scholarly type. “Well...it’s my pleasure, Booker.” Mai shakes his hand firmly with a slight smirk. “I look forward to blasting you with my Type 56.”
“Hah. Likewise when the time comes.” Booker laughs. “But that’s for another time. Let’s go find Kayla.”
The two are now inside the confines of the armory. Red velvet carpets and dim modern lighting with a warm hue light up the halls. Various weapons from historical time periods are displayed elegantly behind glass exhibits. There’s quite a few rare weapons Mai could have never imagined seeing in person. It’s an historical firearm enthusiast dream come true.
“Kayla must be the luckiest girl in the world to be managing a place like this.” Mai’si eyes wander around the exhibits while she walks with Booker.
“Well keep in mind this is all just a game...a mod no less.” Booker explains to Mai. “But Kayla is tasked with research while the devs program and model the weapons for the simulation. Occasionally we get high profile historians on the server, but most of the weapons here are for testing purposes only. You’d have to ask Kayla and have a good reason to try any of them.
As they turned a corner leaving the sterile museum atmosphere, Mai and Booker entered a metal doorway from the end of the exhibit into a large, warehouse section of the armory. Racks and racks of functional firearms, sorted by era, lined the walls. The room echoes with their footsteps, making their entrance obvious to anyone in the warehouse.
“Kayla! We have a visitor to the armory!” Booker calls out clearly in the warehouse.”
“Wonderful! Uh...be there in a second, Booker!” A loud cheerful voice with an Irish accent responds from across the warehouse. “Almost...done! Phew...alright.”
A red headed girl with a messy tied ponytail emerges from behind a rack, holding an old experimental G11 assault rifle. Mai is astonished by her appearance. Her face is uncanny similar to Chiara in many ways but the way this girl expresses herself is nothing like Chiara at all. Her face is dotted with freckles and bright blushing cheeks. Her face is blinding like the sun, but in a good way. She’s about the same age as Mai’s friends. She’s slightly chubbier than Chiara but her breasts appear larger too. Apart from her expression and subtle physical differences, the resemblance was startling to Mai.
“Kayla Lorenz, Historical intern for Mil-sim Story and squad leader of Dove Squad, at your service” She aggressively pulls Mai in for a very friendly handshake. Her voice is full of energy and enthusiasm.
“Uh...nice to meet you. I’m Mai Keighley.” Mai introduces herself, almost feeling unable to form words from her own shock of meeting this girl. “You seem pretty young to be holding such a position.”
“Ahahaha!” Kayla burst out in a hearty laugh. “I get that all the time. I’m actually in Uni myself but I’m doing this as an internship for my major.”
“A history major? Ah...that explains it….uh..” Mai wants to let go but Kayla keeps holding onto her hand shaking it.
“Oh. Sorry about that.” Kayla lets go and chuckles. “It’s not often we get new visitors to our server. But don’t you worry. I’ll make sure you don’t feel like I’m wasting your time. What brings you here? Interested in participating in a historical era? Or perhaps you are in the market for some exotic weapons?
“You sell weapons from this armory.”
“Righto. Obviously not the super rare examples in our exhibits but anything that’s in storage is available for purchase and used with the main game.”
Mai feels intrigued by the offer. “Do you have any SKS rifles?”
“Why of course! This armory houses the largest collection of the SKS family. What’s on your wish list? A classic Tula production? Or how about some rare examples from Albanian or North Korea?”
“I was thinking along the lines of a standard Type 56 carbine.”
“Are you sure?” Kayla looks puzzled at Mai’s request. “I have dozens of those. I mean...it’s not something I have in high demand.”
“I have one, but it’s completely bubba’d. The rifle is sentimental to me and I’d like to have one that isn’t molested. For safe keeping.”
Kayla’s face lit up with understanding and a touch of reverence. “Ah! A conservationist! I can respect that. I’ll sell you one in mint condition for 500 credits.”
“Deal.” Mai accepts without hesitation. “But there’s a couple of things I have to ask you. I’m interested in checking out the historical events. I ran into a guy named Ludwig who told me I should consider playing with Steelwind group.”
“Ah. Ludwig. What an honest man. Of course. So you want to check out the Early Modern Warfare aspects of Mil-Sim Story. I can assist you with that, Mai.”
“Great.” Mai nods. “Although I might have to think of a way to bring my other squadmates along for the ride. I wouldn’t want to try this out all on my own but I don’t know they would be open to this sort of thing.”
“The more the merrier.” Kayla pulls out a Type 56 SKS in pristine condition, still covered in storage cosmoline over to Mai. “I can make the arrangements and have your friends registered for the historical training in no time. There’s a bit of a learning curve to the Early Modern Era. It’s not like the other eras of warfare and there’s some mechanics you’ll have to get used to before you can start going into matches.”
Mai transferred the credits and slung the new SKS over her left shoulder, contrasting from the black polymer rifle of the same firearm on her other shoulder. Mai got more than what she could have asked for but there’s still one thing Mai has to get off her mind before she can depart from the server.
“Hey Kayla...are you...somehow related to someone by the name of Chiara Lorenz?”
Kayla’s vibrant, energetic expression froze. Her eyes widened. “Chiara?” Kayla whispered. “As in Chiara Lorenz from the states? Do you know her? Is she...alright?”
“Hey, I didn’t mean to scare you.” Mai confirms to her. “It just so happens that I’m friends with Chiara and she’s part of my squad too. You look a lot like her.”
Kayla’s eyes shimmered, and for a second, Mai thought she might cry. Instead, a brilliant, trembling smile broke through. “Oh my God. No way. You’re friends with Chiara! I haven’t seen her since we were kids. She’s my cousin from America! What are the odds!”
“Yeah, I figured. You share a lot of similarities with her. But she’s all quiet and soft spoken.”
“Oh. That’s exactly how I remember my cousin!” She holds onto Mai from the shoulders with enthusiasm in her eyes. “She was so timid around everyone! This is amazing! Mai! You should absolutely invite your friends over. I haven’t seen Chiara in years!”