LucasSkylight
Day 17 Evening
@Tracyarmav

Lucas watched as Edgar worked through his menu assuming he was PMing his fellow party members, it leads Lucas to start to imagine, those days when he was just as excited as all the other players, back when everyone was just that, players in a videogame. Not, victims of a madman's vision in a race against time with the punishment meaning game over, true death. Lucas shakes his head trying to focus on slightly more pleasant thoughts, such as exactly how he ended up here.

His University got a special grant in order to test the NerveGear system, the technology was to be a stepping stone for much greater devices then just immersive entertainment. The true potential of NerveGear technology was limitless, people who were otherwise unable to communicate they could do so as if they were right in front of you in the virtual world and what about those who need mental muscular therapy. Could this technology be used to better find out the body's mental limitations via a truly safe and harmless environment. A small but dark grin appears on Lucas' face, yeah, he wanted to test NerveGear for purposes that would prove how safe it is, and yet here I am in a game that can kill me. There is some dark irony to that, Lucas thinks to himself.

Oh wait why is Edgar looking at him like that? What was it he just said? Lucas seems to remember like the last vestiges of a dream what Edgar was asking him, something about his skill style and his capacity to work in a group. Lucas laughs softly, if only they knew...well they don't and there is no need to share with them THAT information.

Lucas looks up to Edgar and says in slow measured breaths, "Strengths, DPS, I am quick and agile, I hit fast, very fast. Fighting style, A blade in my hand and a shield on my back and an ability to identify enemy weaknesses rapidly. Not a loner, but never worked formally in a group, not since..." Lucas trails off shaking his head again. "I am not practiced in group fighting, I got here by grinding, simple as that," Lucas finishes awkwardly because talking is a skill he never has been proficient at, in the game or the real world.

Delcastle kept a straight face at the accusation of his team. Granted the archer would need to be very skilled to make it in a game designed around sword fighting and bulky monsters. It was about reaction time and accurate attacks, dodging lethal blows and delivering counter attacks. Offensive weapons such as his own Lucerne or Cineras Katana gave you a lot of control over fights, but the bow was a whole new kind of hell to go through. But the memory of the hill standing archer picking off targets with ease and familiarity left no doubt that Tailpin was skilled. With a group between him and the monsters now, the man would shine as never before. Taking your time to attack the most vulnerable points was not something a solo player, especially an archer, would be able to do.

"I expect your shock at having a skilled archer, and I understand your doubts, but rest assured he is more than capable. The game specializes in kiting enemies using various mechanics, dodging and slows for one, and Tailpin has demonstrated the aptitude to use them. Now. With our business finished, I will be gathering my team and will meet you at the gorge entrance when you are up to it.."

Delcastle gave a respectful bow to his elder and turned on his heel to the entrance but stopped.

"If your friends need more time, message me."

A quick swipe of the menu and a friend invite was sent to not just Smarter'n'me, but the sleeping brawler loafing on the chair.

Delcastle departed the tavern without rush, aware that Cinera and sapphira were both still inside, but just as well that they get some rest still. It'd been a long night and was shaping up to be a very long few days. Supplies wise if they went on the raid it was completely capable of being completed with what he still had available, the others had items of their own too for the excursions to the woods. Maybe they would go to the gorge and familiarize themselves with the native mobs swarming the lower parts of the cliffs, get a pattern formed. Where to put Tailpin came to mind and realized that if something spawned behind him, the poor guy would be its first target.. In the middle then. Cinera would have to bow out of combat to provide watchful eyes to the flank incase anything strange happened. Del could cover the distance quickly and prove rotation while Tail, Bulwar, and the others, took down current targets.

Delcastle brought up the menu and as he gingerly walked the avenues, half-heartedly looking for Tailpin or any of the others, he rattled off some brisk replies to merchants asking for items. One of the rare times he refused to provide service. A reassuring of 'regular business in the future' was tacked onto the bottom of the message and sent off.

A second set of personal Messages were sent to his other crew members, and for Emperor / Sapphira.

@Destinystar @sif @pockets @lightbox @Haeo @pyrodash888

MEET AT THE GORGE OPENING PATH BY SUNDOWN
OR EARLY THE FOLLOWING DAY
STILL WAITING ON MORE PLAYERS FOR RAID
BRING CAMPING EQUIPMENT AND FOOD / REPAIRS
EXPECT DELAYS ON RETURNING TO TOWN

The route to the opening would not take more than a few hours, a straight line path to the twisting paths of the gorge thankfully was available. Regular monsters would include the standard Stray dogs, wolves, a few Alpha Bulls for which the town gots its name were seen to the gorges proximity, and a lot more boars ranging from levels 5 to upwards of 10 in the gorge proper. Nothing they could not handle.

Delcastle made sure nobody was around to see him as he ducked into an alleyway and exhaled a long breathe of exhaustion and fear. Fear that he was dragging these people along suddenly for a suicide trip. Fear for his brother most of all.

@Destinystar@Tracyarmav
Ikanus watches her stretch and nods. Before he could stand though, food came up to the room. He tilts his head at it and realizes that it must be from edgar. He looks at scarlet with a gaze that clearly is urging her to sit back down. "We may as well eat first. Get our energy up." He picks some food. "Then we can go...especially with what I have planned"

As he eats he works on a pm to edgar.
'thank you for the food. Once we are done, meet us here'
contained in the pm is map coordinates to where he is planning on going. It appears to be a clearing in the middle of a forest. One cannot help but wonder why a forest and why in the middle of it.

If they did know before he took them, he has a feeling they would think him insane. Insane, but efficient....most likely insane. His training being intense and fast. His first plan is to keep his eye on scarlet and make sure she does;t get hurt. Hopefully her reflexes will increase.

Sapphira sniffed a bit and just nodded at Cinera's pep talk with a long, drawn out sigh. "I actually really don't care about my ear... I think..." Her mood got only worse when she received Del's message.
"I should come, too? But... I have level 1 equipment... and no skills whatsoever... I'm just going to be a bother, a dead-weight."
She painfully slammed her head back onto the table. "I'm just gonna sit here and then go to bed and wait for you to return, I guess.", she muttered rubbing her forehead.

Lucas Skylight
Day 17 Evening
@Tracyarmav

Lucas looks up from his own thoughts to see a notification blinking in his view. A friend request? how long has that been there? Lucas selected the notification and a menu popped up, Edgar Walther has requested to be your friend. Do you accept? Y/N. Lucas thought to himself recalling the last friend he had, it was so long ago, or at least it felt like it. Lucas' hand drifts towards the Ignore button for just a brief moment hesitating and questioning himself, but then he thought back to how useful a friend can be and suddenly realized he pushed a button, not exactly sure which one he hit. That is until another notification popped up, Edgar Walther is online. Hmm, guess he did accept it, well Edgar does seem to be a reasonable fellow and he was polite enough. Lucas looked up to see Edgar preparing to leave.

"I will work with you guys, though I must warn you, group fighting is not a style I am adept at..." Lucas says haltingly as he follows Edgar out to the rendezvous.

@Tracyarmav@LucasSkylight@DestinyStar
Ikanus finishes up his portion of food and stands. "We can go now" he waves for her to follow and heads out, Anubis trotting beside him. As he walks he looks to scarlet. "If your relatives wish to meet us let me know and I will send them the coordinates" He seems to be walking a tad faster then usual, as if he is excited to begin.

Once they reach the point, he nods to the other two and gently moves them into the middle of the clearing and has them each facing a different direction. He then heads back a good distance while his jackal stays. He then claps and Anubis shoots off like a bullet.

For a good long time there was nothing but silence, until Anubis runs back. He is not alone though, three packs of wild dogs and three bears are chasing him. Suddenly, the jackal stops, flips over and bursts into shards. He seems lost forever until Ikanus activates heart of the Phoenix and the jackal reappears by his side.
That being said, all the creatures have locked into the three players. A mob of attacking animals is now happening. Ikanus is watching carefully, and has his scythe ready for him to leap in at any moment if necessary.

Day 17: Afternoon: Level 11

Emperor made his way through the gates of bulls run. He felt tired and hungry but on the bright side he was bringing back plenty of pelts and meats to use and sell. He'd been saving up for a player made weapon he'd seen for sale. A sleek looking scimitar that was designed for critical hits although had a trade-off of doing lower base damage than most weapons its level. He was hoping with this he might have enough for it.

As he slumped his way into the town he was alerted by a pm. Upon reading it he quickly sent a reply back to Delcastle.

YO UNDERSTOOD. I'LL BE THERE DON'T WORRY. NOT SURE IF I'LL BE A TAD LATE OR NOT AS TRYING TO GATHER FUNDS TO SAVE UP FOR A NEW SWORD THAT'LL HELP A LOT. IF I NEED CAMPING GEAR TOO THEN I'LL NEED MORE BUT I'LL LET YOU KNOW WHEN I'M HEADED TO THE POINT!

He then closed his menu's and decided it would be best to sell everything. He let out a brief sigh

'I was hoping I might be able to use some of this... got some nice uncommon stuff here. But alas needs must.' he thought to himself as he made his way to his regular merchant.

"Hey Aiko, I got you something nice." he called out as he entered. The shopkeeper was a young woman with red hair tied in a messy bun and freckles dotted over the bridge of her nose. She gave him an uninterested look and rolled her eyes.

"This Isn't gonna be like the last 'interesting' thing you brought me? You know I have no interest in throwing picks shaped like lewd objects..." she said disinterestedly. Emperor just gave a chuckle.

"No no I learnt our humor's differ well enough. I've got some more materials for you. A couple 'rare pieces too. Now before you say anything yes I know I always keep the good stuff to myself but I need to make some good money so figured I'd see what my favourite shopkeeper could do for me."

'BlazingAiko' had only recently opened up her 'shop' properly but she and Emperor had become good friends and she was his go to merchant for selling and buying. The shop was a miscellaneous goods shop called 'Firebrand Wares' although it had yet to really gain much popularity or notice due to still being rather new.

Aiko nodded at Emperor and sent him a trade request window. After a few minutes they'd come to a deal and Emperor began looking through her shops wares.

"Got any camping and survival equipment?"
"I got a -load- of crap recently that I ain't put up for sale yet. Tell ya what, I'll sort it and shoot you a pm when It's done. Alright?"

Emperor nodded and bid her goodbye before leaving. He then went to get a bite to eat before searching for the blacksmith that had made the scimitar he wanted.

Day: 17: Early evening.

Emperor had gone on another supply run, both to get more stuff to sell and also to test out his new scimitar 'Crescent'. He noticed a new pm awaiting and quickly checked it. It was from Aiko, she claimed she had some survival gear for him and would give him a discount since he'd done her a solid on getting some fairly rare materials for their level.

After visiting her, selling his materials and buying the gear he needed he sent Delcastle another PM

HEY I'M ON MY WAY NOW. GOT ALL MY GEAR AND A NEW SWORD AND SHIT. SHOULD BE A FUN LITTLE MISSION RIGHT? ANYWAY I'LL BE WAITING AT THE OPENING FOR YOU, LET ME KNOW IF ANYTHING CHANGES!

He then set out and began his journey to the gorge opening, pretty confident that this was gonna be some good fun.

@Zelosse

Lucas Skylight
Day 17 Night
@Tracyarmav@BlackPanther@DestinyStar

Lucas followed Edgar out of the tavern keeping an eye on his surroundings, never trusting in the safety of the city, simple game code that could easily have been overlooked.

Lucas looks up to see Edgar explaining about group fighting, something about agro and tactics. Hmm guess I did not represent myself well enough, Edgar thinks I have no experience working in a group, when I have plenty just, last time did not end well… , Lucas thinks to himself, resisting the urge to save Edgar from wasting his breath. Oh well, it’s not like a refresher ever did anyone harm. Lucas nods to Edgar to indicate he is genuinely listening as they walk to the pre-appointed meeting place. hmmm nothing interesting about this location I wonder what sort of training…, Lucas doesn’t even finish his thought as two new faces enter his range of vision.

The first can only be described as dark and aloof, wearing a black cape and a black mask that obscures his face. He is wielding a scythe and has a unique pet the likes of which Lucas has not seen before. Ok so that must be the one they call Reaper, and if he is not a beta tester I fight with a fork from here on out, Lucas mentally exclaims as he looks over the second new face.

Very quickly Lucas realizes just how uncovering this new person's armor is and so he very quickly turns his attention to this chick’s face. Hmmm red hair means she probably has a bit of a temper, and an eyepatch, well it does make her look quite roguish, probably from a PK’er or an environmental hazard either way it hurts I can see it in her eye, Lucas observes as suddenly the pet thing vanishes running off faster than most eyes could see.

Lucas however can make out just a blur of the pet’s form already seeing where this is going and sure enough the pet returns kiting a few packs of wild dogs and a few bears. “Hmm this could get interesting, trial by fire it is” Lucas says to himself uneqipping his cloak and drawing out his blade from a sheath on his back. Oddly enough his shield however he leaves on his back as Lucas readies up assuming an aggressive stance with the blade out to his right his head lowered as he mentally starts targeting the right rear leg of the rearmost bear.

"Scarlet, Lucas, kill the dogs. I'll keep the bears busy!"

Alright so he will work on crowd control, Lucas mentally shifts his target to all the legs of the wild dogs focusing in on the rear ones and at this moment rushes off sprinting forward at max speed legs pounding body low as Lucas ducks and weaves amongst the wild dogs till he gets to the rearmost pack which instead of stopping and adopting a fighting stance he dashes around holding his sword out as he strikes blows somewhat crippling on the rearmost dogs legs then jumps up spiraling to land facing away from the wild dog as it takes a swipe at his backside which of course strikes his shield knocking a few points off his health but Lucas uses the momentum to swing himself around sword out as I score a hit on the neck of the wild dog my passive skill doing additional damage as I cut right through.

Lucas mentally cheers himself on for a great kill only then realizing the dogs came in a pack as one of the dogs strikes him again this time scoring a hit on the rear of his calves. Lucas kneels down somersaults and spins jumping up swinging his sword aiming for the neck of the pursuing dog. He hits but not the neck still scoring a good hit on the flank of the dog its health dropping dramatically but doesn’t kill it.
At this moment another dog jumps at Lucas aiming for an attack on Lucas’ neck. Lucas grins to himself spinning to let the dog get a taste of his shield spinning his sword in his hand to backstab the mutt in it’s gut…

A long, drawn out sigh followed by an equally drawn out, defeated "Suuuuuuuuure" escaped the blue fox girl's mouth. She summoned her spear and mustered it intensely before lying it down on the table in front of her. "Only used this one once and that was to save somebody. Back then, I also used a shield with it. Was too unweildly, though, and I wanted to use a halberd. Much more cooler, I guess, but I never got one."

She laughed.
"Can you imagine me with such a huge weapon?"
While continuing to laugh, Sapphira stood up and started heading towards the door.
"I guess, if we want to be prepared for a fight, we have some shopping to do. Want to accompany me?"
Cutely she tilted her head, her innocent eyes glowing a little bit and her sincere smile seemed quite irresistible, but still, the signs that this all bothered her quite a lot were nevertheless visible.

@Zelosse

Smarter'n'me
Lvl 15/Day 17/Evening
[HP]100%//////////[]

Smart stayed quiet until after all of the other decision makers had left before slowly gathering the unconscious bones of his friend, renting a room for the night and hauling his boney butt upstairs. Once in the room, with Dom lying on the bed and his snoring face buried in the pillow, Smart settled down in the dark room to think. He had to line up his priorities and make sure that things went well for Scarlet. He looked at the shadowy, rumbling, form of his friend. They couldn't afford to die unless it was quietly in some bed, probably with her there. But, they couldn't leave her in the shape she was in now, either.

Delcastle described a group that was both fairly large for so early on and seemed to be well balanced. They even had an archer with enough skill to earn true respect from the Guild Leader. That counted for a lot. Though, the numbers problem remained an issue. Between Delcastle's guild and the two of them, there were only eight people. They would need two more just to get in. It looked like there was some information for this old lawyer to handle.

Just then, he received a PM with a ping from the brat. He opened and read it with a smile.

He began putting together an answering PM to Scarlet, though he hesitated partway through. He didn't want to be misunderstood... again.

GLAD YOU'RE ALRIGHT.
OLD GRAMPS IS STILL NAPPING BUT HE SHOULD BE UP SOON.
WE'LL DECIDE WHAT TO DO ONCE WE'RE BOTH AWAKE.

I BELIEVE THAT YOUR GROUP CHOSE TOO HASTILY.
GOT MORE DETAILS AFTER YOU LEFT. DUNGEON ENTRY REQUIRES MINIMUM 10 PLAYERS.
DELCASTLE HAS SIX, COUNTING HIMSELF, AS OF THE END OF OUR CONVERSATION.
RESTORATIVE IS AN UNLIMITED TERRAIN FEATURE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE DUNGEON.
DELCASTLE'S SOLE OBJECTIVE SEEMS TO BE THE RESTORATIVE AND HAS STATED THAT HE IS WILLING TO NEGOTIATE SHARES OF EVERYTHING ELSE.
IF HE'S LYING, THIS OLD LAWYER CAN'T TELL.

DON'T MISUNDERSTAND. STILL YOUR CHOICE. BUT INFO IS CRITICAL.
HE OFFERED A PROMISE TO BRING SOME RESTORATIVE BACK, IF AT ALL POSSIBLE.
WITH THIS, AND THE NUMBERS REQUIREMENT TO ENTER THE DUNGEON, IT SEEMS LIKELY THAT AT LEAST ONE OF US WILL GO WITH HIM TO HEDGE OUR BETS ON THAT CURE.

LOVE YOU TOO. WILL MESSAGE WHEN FINAL DECISION IS READY.
@DestinyStar

Smart looked to his left. The friend request was still there. No matter how this venture went, they would need contacts with supplies. He accepted the request and then began the tedious process of compiling a list of the supplies they would need for an extended expedition. It would be wise to prepare for at least a month away from town, just to be safe. The work rapidly consumed all of his attention. He even lost track of Dom's snoring.
------------------------

Tailpin
Lvl 11/Day 17/Evening
[HP]100%//////////[]

Luck was a monstrous and fickle harpy born of six month old, sun ripened, chicken and visits by the in-laws. He hadn't found anything out other than confirmation of that group's existence and general creed. These "Glitch Fixers" wouldn't be so easy to fix.

Tailpin was frustrated. But, more than that, he was impatient. It was very bad for him to be impatient. He couldn't afford to make any timing mistakes in a fight. He took shelter in an alley and leaned against the wall for awhile, willing himself to stillness. It was easier in real life. Or, at least that's what he told himself. His breathing slowed and steadied. His hands stopped twitching. He managed to finally settle down after a day of not knowing whose digital blood he had tracked that night. Now he had to get ready for the raid.

He already had supplies for staying out of town for up to a week but he would probably want to be extra prepared. Walking to the market, he found a few vendors who hadn't shut down for the night yet, purchasing another week's supplies along with a couple useful spare items like an extra bedroll, tent and lantern. It was while he was skimming over his inventory to make sure that everything was in order that he spotted Delcastle.

The guild leader seemed to be taking a moment to rest before the raid, using the quiet shade of an alley much as Tailpin had done earlier. Though he was in no mood for casual socializing, he was not rude enough to avoid his own boss. The archer began to close the distance between them but, seeing that Delcastle was deep in thought, he took pains to make his footfalls heavier and louder to announce his approach without startling the boss. As Tailpin approached within easy conversation distance he raised his hand in a wave and forced a small smile.

"Hey, Delcastle. I got the message and supplies for two weeks. How are the other preparations going?"

*Peng* was the noise coming from the long since unused building who's lights had only just come back on, the dust bunnies beaten over the head, and fresh clothes spread everywhere. Literally, the display cases, and even the celling was covered in cloth, so any prspective buyer would have to move the clothes to see any weapons on show. Currently, on the shop floor, there was nobody, nothing, and no one, because the owner of the shop was in the back, going through the large pile of loot she managed to recover from her time in the gourge. The games to play while blacksmithing where fun, and Nena realized that was one of the reasons she liked blacksmithing, along with helping people make cool gear and protecting those who needed ouch sticks to go protect others. She had slipped away from her minions after arriving in town, not really sure she was ready to deal with people, in any way. Her Minions were one thing, even if they couldn't cook and seemed very old and cranky, but actual people where far beyond her right now.

Delcastle turned to the speaker and quickly hid his self doubts under the easy smile of the business man, the confident go getter guild leader that he knew would conquer this floor and every other one. Maybe he wouldn't be the one who scored the hits on the big bosses but he would be the ones that put swords in their brave hands. Many times in games like this the people buying gear had no concern for how the item was acquired. They cared about what they paid. Not who risked life and limb to overcome the mini boss lurking in the middle of no mans land holding the only item drop available. Those men would fall, as they always did, to people who had the patience and resolve to gather knowledge.

"Ah, Tailpin my man. Startled me there." He chuckled, entering the light of the streets. "Preparations are smooth so far. Though I fear we won't have the man power of familiar faces to help us on our way through. But that isn't important at the moment."

Delcastle opened his menu and opened up his alchemy tab, already at the maximum level for this zone, and scrolled through till he hit the proper tab. A quick press of the button and the corresponding items dropped into his hand from inventory.

"I made a discovery that you might be interested in." Delcastle held two bottles, one was the most sickening shade of green he had ever witnessed in a jar, and the other was an oily liquid. "The game has a discovery function. If you experiment with materials physically you can create new things. May I introduce Toxic coat, a poison weapon buff, and Oil flask, which increases fire damage dealt to a target with the debuff. These are just two of the items I managed to discover and we have a surplus of it at the moment."

Delcastle rattled through his menu and send a trade request, dumping over 50 vials of toxic coat to his archer, along with some of the oil flask items.

"IF you can find a fletcher you might be able to make those flasks into exploding arrows of some sort. lots of potential." Del firmly slapped Tailpin on the shoulder, absolutely brimming with joy as his mind focused back to more amusing ideas. "I haven't heard anyone make a find like this. You're a genius."

The two exchanged a few more ideas as Del set off out the eastern gate, sending a PM to Cinera that he had moved on ahead to the gorge entrance. All other members were ordered to reach the rendezvous point ASAP. Another message was similarily sent to the aging man from the Inn.
An invitation to join the gorge dungeon in two days time.

-----------------------------





Dom snored loudly on his chair at the inn, fatigue giving way to full on sleep. To him the day was only just getting under way for most people and already his dreams were of the rekindling. His grand daughter had forgiven him and finally expressed herself. Contented snores escaped the nasal cavity of the Midnight fist, leader of Dark Omen. Dark omen... The name roused his mind when nothing else could, that sixth sense of danger that people experienced at strange times.

Suddenly his eyes opened and he stood up reflexively, already armed as he screamed out. "DON'T TOUCH ME WITH BOOGERS ON YOUR HAND!!"

The moment of senility faded as true consciousness faded in. Dom turned and saw Smart sitting oh so smugly as ever. Feeling a tad embarassed he sat back down and cleared his throat before speaking.

"So... What's the word?"

Emperor: Level 11 | Day 17 | Early Evening
Emperor began his journey to the gorge, he was pretty confident he had enough supplies and he was hoping his new weapon purchase would do him well. He had to let go of some rare materials in order to afford everything but hopefully it would be worth it. I mean who knows what sort of treasure would await him in this dungeon. He smiled to himself as he continued on the path, barely able to contain his excitement.

A trio of low level wolves sprang out in front of Emperor, now was as good a chance as any to test his new weapon. He smiled as he drew Crescent and pulled the blade back over his shoulder, it began to glow yellow as the sword skill activating hurtling him towards one of the wolves. He pulled back up to defensive posture as soon as the sword skill ended as the now rather icy looking wolf shattered into glistening pieces, indicating its demise. One of the other wolves lept at him as he brought his scimitar up to block it just in time. Emperor reached into a pocket with his free hand and quickly hurled a throwing pick at the other wolf to keep it at bay whilst he pushed his blade against the aggressive wolf, pushing it back away from him. The wolves wasted no time as they both simultaneously lept at him, teeth glistening in the light of the sunset.

Emperor rolled to the side and quickly lept to his feet as the wolves landed, he knew he had to act fast as he held his blade to the side. The blade began to glow yellow once again as he activated this new sword skill. He span like a whirlwind towards the two wolves, cutting into them both and emerging from the other side. Ice grew out from where he'd cut the wolves and they howled out in pain, now both on the red of their health bar. Emperor grinned as he proceeded to cut them both down. He liked his new blade, even if he hadn't managed to get a critical this time around, but he knew he'd get plenty in longer battles. He collected two common pelts from their drops and then continued onwards to his destination.

Day 17 | Evening
He made fast progress and eventually arrived at the gorge. He took a deep breath as he headed closer to the entrance, his eyes flickering around the area as he looked around to see who else had made it there.

BlazingAiko: The early days

A cloaked figure ran through the streets, bumping into various players and NPC's but refusing to let them slow her down. She ducked into an alleyway and began panting softly as she looked down at her hands. She was holding a small coinpurse and it certainly contained enough in it to get her a room and food for a couple of days. Aiko wasn't proud of her newfound desire for theivery and pickpocketing but well she was terrified of the idea of going out there and... possibly dying. So for now instead of farming mobs she'd have to make her way by sneaking and stealing and just hoping she didn't get caught. She quickly changed into a different coloured cloak as she then slipped out of the alley again. It wasn't much of a disguise but better than nothing.

Surprisingly Aiko didn't stay pickpocketing her way around the town of beginnings for long, she managed to get hold of a good dagger and decided to venture out into the wilderness. The fact that she'd come only a hairs width from being caught last time was certainly a large factor into this. It didn't take too long for her to dispatch her first boar and she realized how exhilarating fighting was when her life was on the line. The stakes were high and that gave her one hell of a rush! A rush she wouldn't mind experiencing more often.

Aiko quickly began to fall in love with the speed and precision of daggers, developing a very fast hit and run style approach, using surprise attacks and cover to her advantage. In RPG terms she very well embodied the 'Rogue' class, and that suited her just fine, she didn't have qualms with having to fight a bit dirty every now and then. Anything to stay alive.

On the fifth day she spotted someone fighting alone, a man with scruffy hair and a dumb looking headband. He wielded a scimitar and although he lacked finesse he seemed to have a lot of determination... although a distinct lack of paying attention to his surroundings as he'd let a wolf sneak up behind him. Aiko let out a soft sigh as she lept from her hiding spot, flinging a throwing dagger at the sneaking wolf and hitting it square in the side. She watched as it's health dropped pretty low from a very lucky critical hit. She drew her dagger and flung her hood off as she squared against this wolf, the man shouting thanks her way as he continued to fight.

After the wolves had been dispatched the man introduced himself as 'Emperor'. 'What a dumb name...' she thought but she quickly remembered hers wasn't exactly the epitome of cool. The man seemed friendly enough, even if a little dim witted. The two ended up having a surprisingly enjoyable conversation and Aiko shared with the man her desire to open up a shop. He seemed pretty interested in this but for Aiko it was just a pipe dream, not too likely she'd really manage it. But talking about it with someone gave her a strange motivation.

Aiko eventually did open up her shop, although quite a small one. She decided to name the shop Firebrand Wares and used it as a platform to sell the more... interesting things that she would loot or acquire. And her and Emperor ended up becoming quite good friends, especially since he ended up becoming her most common customer.

BlazingAiko: Level 13 | Day 17 | Afternoon

Aiko let out a soft sigh as she watched Emperor leave her shop.

'Great... now I actually have to properly sort through all that junk... well at least I got some good pelts to sell. Make some tailors real happy.' she thought to herself as she began sorting through the materials and putting them on display.

Firebrand Wares was only a small shop... and a bit of a craphole currently, but well it was her craphole and she was sure with enough cleaning and redecorating it could start looking real nice. She let out a soft grunt before pulling up her hood and heading out, not really wanting to deal with sorting through junk just yet. She had been running low on throwing daggers and had heard about a blacksmith with the features of a fox. She figured she had to see this and she needed more daggers so it was a win-win. She began asking around to where people had last seen this blacksmith and was eventually pointed in the direction of a normally abandoned building. As she entered the place she froze in shock, not having expected it to be quite this messy.

She let out a soft sigh before calling out into the empty room "Hey... anyone home? I'm lookin' for some throwing daggers. Heard I could find a blacksmith here..."

@KabenSaal

Nena poked her head out from a door, hidden by the cloth that was covering everything. Someone had come in, and asked about a Blacksmith to make daggers that you throw. Like A sharp metal boomerang, only it doesn't come back. She swished her tail softly as she stared at the woman in her shop, face blank for a little before bursting into a very broad grin and throwing herself at the girl.
"Ahh! You are so cute! I will make you all the daggers in the world!" She exclaimed, grinning manically. "Did you bring the babies? I have babies with me if you didn't, but I always ask because it's cheaper to provide your own babies" she exclaimed, hugging the girl tightly in an insane show of affection.

BlazingAiko: Level 13 | Day 17 | Afternoon

Aiko struggled in the grasp of the very very strange fox-like woman, trying her best to wriggle free.

"Woah what the hell?!" she yells out. "Look I'm just wantin' some damn daggers. I ain't got no babies or crap... ya mind gettin' the hell off of me?"

Aiko was feeling pretty distressed about this situation, she'd been looking for a blacksmith not some crazy woman. Hopefully it was just a bad first impression? Maybe this lass'd turn out to be just pulling a prank? Though she did wonder... if someone was this level of crazy then what the hell did they go through to put them like this? Or were they insane when they put on the nervgear?

Nenatalev: Level 14 | Day 17 | Afternoon

Nena nodded as the girl told her she had no babies. Volume, and emotion, were two things that were so far beyond the fox girl's comprehension they might as well be algebra, in Latin. All she got was that Aiko had no matierals to make the knives, and so she had to supply them herself.
"Alright! What kind of pointy rating do you want? What is your age-number? That thing that goes ping when you hit enough evil enemies" she asked, going back to the forge at the back and dragging Aiko with her for chats and stuff while getting her hammer ready and holding it in an eager position.

@KabenSaal@Lightbox

Bulwar
Level 13 / day 17 / Afternoon

Bulwar strode through the bristling, but dwindling, crowd of players eagerly making the rounds to their various favored vendors in an attempt to pawn off some trash items or materials. A general tactic for early level funding was always 'sell everything' and pick up any and all drops. A game Delcastle had always played even when at higher levels. People often underestimated how much even high level trash was worth. A message came in from Del but the big man knew without opening it that it contained information about the meet up at the gorge. Ever the problem solver and diligent hero that one. Despite the obvious dangers it was Bulwar who had told Delcastle that the risk outweighed the reward. Once upon a time his brother had spoken of the dungeon on a low level floor that had special items and drops for those of a certain craft, and it always varied, and one such story was the Diamondback Tower. Crafted from the boss rewards of a subterranean dungeon on floor 10 by a mammoth emerald turtle.
His hands flexed at the idea of having such a powerful shield in his possession.

The rambling of the mind often caused some to wander without purpose and such was the case as the seven foot tall tank stopped to observe his new and unfamiliar surroundings. A rather unused section of the market that players simply hadn't gone to as often as it was under populated, yet still had some activity. One such noise was the nonsensical rambling of someone in a nearby shop. A quick and inconspicuous glance through the door revealed two women in a conversation about forging. As a fellow blacksmith that caught his attention.

"Excuse me, madams? Couldn't help but overhear."

His bulk was difficult to maneuver, especially with the two tower shields strapped to his back that made him look like some kind of giant metal beetle from the right angle. Slipping into the room he stood slightly hunched over as the rather low ceiling seeming to crowd in on his space. His call was unheard as one of the girls grabbed the other and dragged her forcibly to the back, to what Bulwar assumed was the forge area. A quick glance under a nearby cloth as they walked away had confirmed that this was a new budding shop. To have this many items on display though..
Bulwar made his way steadily to the back, his heavy plate making every step feel like a hammer striking stone. Though the armor weighed a great deal it was feathers to him with the excessive points into strength he had taken.

"Excuse me? Hate to be a bother but I couldn't resist the allure of a new blacksmith shop. Names Bulwar. Right hand of World Walkers and supplier to the local merchants."

He was menacing with his stature and plate but his body language spoke volumes about the calm steady personality that went with it.