[center][s][h3]Theodore Smith[/h3][/s]
[h2]Dirk Davidson[/h2]
Interactions: [@Achronum][@Tybalt Capulet][/center]
[hr]

The two were both surprised by Theo's sudden arrival, but that was to be expected. He was significantly taller than the both of them, and was arguably the best equipped thanks to his starting buckler. That, combined with his well defined physique, he was worried they might think he was trying to lure them somewhere dangerous and kill them for their equipment. N-not that Theo ever did that, especially when he played as Dirk. Luckily, they both agreed to accept his party invite, and while Dirk was relaxed and cocky, Theo was immensely relieved. He had highly specialized his starting attributes, and he doubted he would be able to kill even low level mobs with his current stats. As they did so, the girl was the first to speak.

"I'd... I'd be happy to join you both. I'm Aster, a swordsman. Kajin Najin? Do you have a nickname, maybe something a bit shorter? Kajin, or just Kaj? And you, Mr. Davidson, do you prefer to just go by Dirk? I-I'll be honest with you both. As much as I'd love to be in a party with you, I'm not actually very experienced with games like this. I plan to improve, so that I can survive, but as it stands now, I've never even fought a monster or player before."

As soon as she finished, Theo started his usual process - he entered deep thought, doing his best to pick what dirk would say. Perhaps he would offer assurance that he would keep the fair maiden safe, or offer advice on games... for some reason, the process was significantly easier than it usually was, most likely because of the acting skill. The thought that a skill in a video game was effecting how he thought was quite disturbing, in all honesty, but Theo was too busy to focus on it for long. Instead, he was silently thankful that Aster was a swordsman - it allowed the party to have some actual DPS without wasting Kajin's mana. Before he had the chance to speak up, Kajin spoke.

[color=f7976a]“Thanks for the party invite. What’s the point of having me around if I don’t keep you alive? So I’ll do my best as well! Absolutely call me Kajin! I just expect everyone to call me that anyways, no need to use my last name if you don’t need to.”[/color]

After saying that, Kajin's attention was drawn to Aster's attire, causing Theo to do the same - she had no armor. While this was normally no problem, she was a swordsman, which weren't the most agile class that needed low armor to achieve their full potential. Along with this, she was dressed in nicer clothes, akin to what the NPCs wore. While that was nice, it did mean that she wasted money on a purely cosmetic item... But whatever. Dirk wouldn't care if a girl wanted to wear nice clothes - he'd just fight hard to make sure they were safe. Theo had to do the same. 

[color=f7976a]“So Aster, the game can be taught. We all have to level anyway so we’ll do some grinding to get you in shape! However, there is a minor issue that occurred to me. Really it’s trivial but its best to cover all our bases. Now see this here? We call this armor. When you take damage, it reduces the amount taken depending on several variables. Useful in a death game, I’m sure you could imagine. I can’t help but notice you aren’t wearing any but you are wearing nicer clothes than most. You wouldn’t happen to have some floating around in your inventory no? Maybe some Renn to purchase some? Because if not, I’ll need to make some for you because I’m not taking anyone out that doesn’t have some form of protection."[/color]

After that, he turned towards Theo, and continued to speak.

[color=f7976a]“Oh Dirk, have you played around with the actions command yet? I’m not sure if they trigger the same as spells since I don’t have any actions yet. Probably should have taken staff block but Mana Payback was too nice to pass up!”[/color]

Lightheadedness overcame Theo as he attempted to think of a response, and he resorted to his response to Aster's earlier question to buy himself time.

[color=fff200]"Have no fear, Aster! I promise to keep everyone in the party safe from harm, so you can learn from me and Kajin."[/color]

Theo stopped. Shit, SHIT. His mind was drawing a blank... Dirk wouldn't stop, keep the conversation moving. Sound more relaxed, straighten your posture...

[color=fff200]"B-but don't worry about not knowing much about the game. You two just gotta think about it like a regular MMO - only difference is it's a lot more immersive. Graphics are better than normal, that kind of stuff. Just focus less on the details, and it'll feel way more natural."[/color]

[color=fff200]"But the armor issue... Well, just avoid drawing too much attention. I got a spell that draws aggro, so you just have to make sure to deal some damage, and stop for a bit when the enemy starts to get angry at you. Besides, you're a tough gal - You got 1000 HP! I doubt many monsters could 1-shot you on this floor, and I'll be able to draw aggro while you get healed up by Kajin. Hell, if you're worried, take him up on his offer to make you armor - he probably has a crafting skill in something."[/color]

Theo patted Kajin on the back, putting in enough force for it to be a little uncomfortable - Dirk's the kind of guy who's so strong, he doesn't know his own strength.

[color=fff200]"And sorry Kajin, I don't have any idea how the actions work - My only action is a passive."[/color]

Theo opened his menu, selecting the actions section to display his single ability, Inspiring Presence. Theo actually chose that over Shield Raise solely for the name - Dirk was an inspiration, and that action was perfect for him. He closed the menu and continued speaking.

[color=fff200]"I got a pretty good understanding of the skill system so far though. But enough of that - We should start doing something, grind a little while all the good spots are empty. I'd recommend searching for a quest before hand - we'll be able to use some of the Renn to buy armor for Aster or something."[/color]