Getting started in Kesi: tips for new players

Whether you’re stepping into Master of Lore for the first time or returning to continue your tale, here are some practical tips to help you get the most out of your journey through Kesi — and to ensure your character thrives.

1. Choose your body type wisely

At character creation, you currently have access to two playable body types: Human and Yrch.

• Humans are the most common people in Kesi. They’re versatile, capable in combat, stealth, and negotiation. However, their magical aptitude is limited. If you want to dabble in magic, humans may struggle.
• Yrch, on the other hand, are more attuned to arcane forces. They’re secretive by nature, living in hidden tunnels and shadows, and are far more capable with magical arts.

Future playable races (Bombyx, Homunculus, Huldra, etc.) will introduce additional magical and social options — stay tuned!

2. Your backstory shapes your first missions

Every choice you make during character creation — friends, family, rivalries, upbringing, hometown, belongings — influences the missions assigned to you, as well as your character sheet and skill proficiencies.

Your story is uniquely yours.

3. Use the tutorial

After your character is created and your first mission begins, click the “?” icon in the upper-left corner to activate the in-game tutorial. It explains:

• The menus and interface
• Key systems and controls
• The Tension System — which is crucial to your survival

Tension rises when you:

• Fail tests
• Encounter danger
• Push for rerolls

It decreases through rest, food, and healing. Managing it well can save your life.

4. Talk to NPCs — And Recruit Them!

Every district contains NPCs (non-player characters) you already know — because you’re from Kesi.

• Some are allies, some are hostile, and some hide their true intentions.
• Talking to the right people will reveal clues, items, and paths forward.
• You can recruit NPCs into your party — this grants you extra options, especially for planning actions together.

Check the left-side menu to see who’s in your current location.

5. Check Your Status and Skills Often

• Use the Status button to see a summary of your character.
• Use the Use Ability button to access your Abilities and Skills, and check your current skill levels.
• Learn which skills you excel at — and shape your strategy accordingly.

Every character has strengths. Play to yours.

6. Be Clear and Precise with Your Commands

The more descriptive you are, the better Loremaster can respond.

Example:

“I slip into the alley, moving slowly toward the suspicious figure.”
If the action isn’t automatically resolved, Loremaster will offer you an Ability Test. You’ll see your chances of success before rolling.

• If you fail, consequences may follow.
• You can decline a test and try a different approach.
• You can request a reroll (with higher success chance), but beware: it increases your Tension.
• You can also force a test at any time using the Use Ability button.
  

Mastering your success rate is part of the game.

7. Use Dialogue Creatively

Talking to an NPC? Just say so:

“I ask Varok if he saw my friend Stelios.”
Loremaster will open the conversation window and skip straight to the answer. During a conversation:

• Everything you type becomes your character’s dialogue.
• You can offer items or gold directly — it may unlock key info or loyalty.
• If you want to perform actions, exit the conversation first, then describe what you’re doing.
  

Don’t forget to close conversations when done.

8. Track Your Mission Progress

Your current mission is always displayed.

Make sure your actions are leading toward its completion — sometimes you’ll need to meet multiple conditions to succeed.

Some missions require you to collect physical proof. Keep an eye out for key items, and:

• Use Loot to collect what’s in the location or on your target
• Steal from shady NPCs if necessary
• Grab everything that looks important

9. Ask Loremaster for Help When Stuck

Use Status: What should I do next?

Loremaster won’t spoil everything, but it can point you in the right direction so you’re never stuck.

10. Level Up Wisely

When you complete a mission, you’ll be offered a Level Up.

Choose one of your abilities to increase — this will dramatically improve your success rate in related tests.

Every level counts.

With these tips in mind, you’re now ready to take on the world of Kesi with confidence. Whether you’re sneaking through tunnels, debating with rebels, or unearthing secrets from the Loom, remember: your legend is waiting to be written.