Complete Private Pormont Applesun Summer - Recruitment Phase

[Cain Darlite]

He opened his eyes and found the sky.

It was blue. Blindingly so. A picturesque blue imitating the colors that a painter would use. So real that it became fake once more, as if he was viewing a canvas expansive and overwhelming. He reached out towards it, closed his fist. But his fingers grasped not even the air, and his gaze turned to his surroundings, a low breath escaping his lips.

T’was a verdant abyss, choked by moss and vines. Weeds sprouted explosively, growing over rotten wood and distended stone. In the distance, gnarled, broken trees loomed, their overgrown limbs crisscrossing with each other, a facsimile of the orderliness they once possessed. And yet, he could smell it too. That cloying sweetness in the breeze, made sickening over the years. Like a sun-ripened fruit, withered into a molding, brown husk, a home now for vermin and insects. Like an apple.

Cain closed his eyes. His memory was vivid. The last moments of his time in Terrasphere, before four years cleaved through the him of the past and the him of the present. Flagbearer, Slaughterer, Daughter, a trinity of identities that invoked the Astrasphere. Such youthful passions, to reject the monstrous reality of some envoy of chaos, and for what? The results spoke for themselves, and he shut his eyes tighter, digging back for the memories of his first and last time in that village. Bright days, summer days. But a job was a job, and the child was the target. What was her name? He could only remember her face, dulled eyes reflecting his as his revival failed. A little miracle, turned to fucking compost.

The town her presence shielded, now naught but ruins. Even time hadn’t healed that scar.

The Vairocana was but a muted shadow of itself, dissonant embers smouldering in the shape of a banner, its flames cold as steel. The symphony he once possessed was gone, only a single voice sound as he intoned. A voice crackling, rusted over from a lifetime unused. He needed a drink, but there was nothing there. Only mimicries of the equipment he held, the curios he possessed turned to golden scrap.

Only a shadow of a self, stumbling back into a body once forgotten.

Times had changed, and not for the better.

So what?

Cain laughed. There were debts to make and mistakes to amend, enough so that it would be daunting if he tried to list them off. One at a time then, starting with proximity and expanding from there. He was, after all, a Flagbearer of Miracles, returned again unto this false paradise to grace the downtrodden with songs of valor and heroics.

If he couldn’t even revive a village, how the hell was he going to revive the dead?

---

And so, a shadow of a man arrived at the Knife’s Edge.

Four years ago, it was a booming village, founded on the crossroads of two major highways that connected multiple productive settlements with each other, as well as having a straight road towards Dunnstads. Four years later, and it truly became a city significant in size and influence. Stone walls shielded the city from monstrous attacks, and guards patrolled the gates, casting suspicion upon the many immortal adventurers that had fallen from the skies just days ago. All were taxed the same, however, and entrance into the city revealed the sheer revelry of a trade hub. The farmer’s market had goods both delicious and fascinating. The merchants’ hub featured battles of wits and gold as entire caravan trains traded hands with the signing of a note. And, of course, with four different directions that one could travel to reach the most significant portions of Pormont, the Adventurer’s Guild at the Knife’s Edge was bustling with newcomers and old hands alike. Some, Cain recognized from that Titanius raid, feeling only a meager ache now at the memory of it. Others were strangers, oddities that made it clear that character customization options had changed since he himself was created. Half-beasts roamed, sporting horns and ears separate from the paltry selection of the past. And were those bloody robots sputtering about?

Wild times to be alive, for sure. Good times for a bard then. Diversity always meant greater story potential, after all. Just had to do it then! Take in a breath, remember the color of his passion, and let it all out!

…

Cain, standing awkwardly within the proximity of the Adventurer’s Guild, frowned. He took off his hair, brushed his hand through his midnight-hued hair. Tapped his foot against the ground and did a bit of a big think. Yeah, it wasn’t flowing, not really. Maybe he hadn’t read enough books recently. Work was keeping him busy, after all, and while he was certainly doing more things, he was still all sorts of rusty, wasn’t he? Did having to pay bills cause him to lose his imagination?

Some people were looking in his direction now. Of course they would. He was out there dressed in an anachronistic swallowtail suit that was practically steeped corruption, bearing a whole ass three-meter long flagstaff whilst a banner of smouldering darkness rippled in a wind that wasn’t even there!

This was the real life equivalent of standing outside a supermarket dressed in a mascot costume and holding a gun.

This was also cringe, so he may as well bite the bullet now.

One, two, threefourfive!

“Helllllooooooooooo Knife’s Edge! In case you forgot, or if you didn’t know to begin with, I’m Cain Darlite, Harmonics Master, Flagbearer of Miracles, and all around badass support! Some sweetings could perhaps imagine that I’m just built a bit different, but honestly, power and influence are fleeting things that must be constantly grasped at, and such games have long lost their ability to pull at my soulstrings. Rather than war and raids, there’s a much more permanent manner of making a mark on this world!”

Two swings of his flagstaff and he sent it spinning into the air, voice projected.

“Revive a village, one in your image! Off west lays the remains of Applesun Village, once the apple of Pormont’s eye. Replete with golden fruits so sweet as to make honey taste like salt, yet now fallen to ruin due to a foul ritual and years of abandonment. But with the fall of the stars, and the return of otherworldly adventurers such as yourselves, could that not change?”

How had that flagstaff stay suspended in air for the entire duration of that spiel? Magic, obviously. And the same magic caused the flagstaff to fall as well, striking the ground with the beautiful chime of a great, brass bell, as the banner unfurled to reveal a landscape of a time now past, of sun-kissed fields and orderly orchards, of chuckling streams and rustic cottages.

“I’m looking for any heroes-in-the-making to try their hands at expanding civilization in the wilderness left by a demon’s rampage! If you’re tired of fetching herbs, if you’re bored of slaying mobs, if you’re looking for something to do that’ll leave a mark on the map, step right up, comrades! And let’s make this an Applesun Summer~!”

Now, of course, it’d be awkward if no one responded. But what were the chances of that?

 

[Ilya]

Getting stronger was necessary in a world such as this one, at least that was the long-held belief of a certain lioness. One belief that made Ilya finding her way in the bustling area that was known as Knife's Edge. She had caught wind of a rumor while in one of the many taverns filled with men, women, and species of all kind. The very rumor originating from a rather cheery and boisterous member of the adventurer's guild. Apparently; one peculiar person, one that Ilya vaguely remembered from before Terrasphere had been locked for four years had plans. Those plans were to band together a series of players in hopes to rebuild Applesun Village. Ilya's proud and heroic spirit had wanted to know more, and upon hastily confronting the rumor-spreader found out that he would be found at Knife's Edge.

Ilya was still in-between, not sure whether she wanted to devout her life to her friends or being a hero. If you had asked her four years ago, she would have said hero without hesitation. Though now she held her friends even more dear to her heart. Either way, whether this had her take a step towards becoming a hero or take a step towards gaining strength to stand alongside her friends with pride had no influence in her decision to take part in the efforts to restore a broken village. Either way this was a choice she had made.

Ilya wasn't exactly sure where to go until she heard a vague shout coming from her left. She flicked her ears towards the sound, trying to make out the words. "badass support...... built a bit..... power..... war and raids.... mark on...." Ilya needed to get closer to really understand the majority of what was being said. She made her way through the road, past people of all backgrounds until she could make out more of what was being said.

"Revive a village, one in your image!" This was exactly where Ilya needed to be, so she quickly completed making her way over until she stood a few feet back from the character that had been spurring all of the enticing information. Her eyes flicked to observe the way that he held himself. Exactly what she expected of someone with the reputation of Cain Darlite, the infamous bard.

Ilya had made it just in time to hear the rest of his speech, as he ended it with a flamboyant phrase. Ilya was the first to respond to his offer, "So where do we sign up?" Shooting her hand up and offering a big thumbs up, her mouth shooting up into a cheerful grin as she winked.

 

[Sol]

Sol was wandering. As a new player, she wasn't too pressed for time or had any idea of where she wanted to go, and was more interested about seeing the sights, what was around her. She'd played VR games before, but nothing as immersive as this one. Everything felt real. It was as if she was in an entirely other persons body, experiencing things from a whole new perspective. She ran her hand over the glass pane of a window she was passing by, looking at her reflection for a moment as she paused, purple eyes staring back at what she supposed was her own. She turned her gaze down to the palm of her other hand, pressing her fingers deeply into her pale skin for a moment before releasing, watching the red imprint she left fade as quickly as it came. They weren't playing around with the realism. Looking up, she dropped her hand once more at her side again, giving her reflection one last glance before turning and heading on her way.

She followed the wave of other new players, standing more to the side as she continued forward. She kept to herself, not interacting with others as she studied her surroundings, her expression one of someone who was in her own world. The scenery continued to change as she walked, passing by chatty adventurers and joyful townsfolk as she went. She soon began to notice the influx of adventurers as well, finding herself right outside of the Adventurer's Guild that stood in this city. She watched as people walked in and out, chatting with each other and minding their own business, truly fitting in with the spirit of a social game. She looked up at the building once more, turning her body slightly away. The idea of being apart of the Adventurer's Guild... It just didn't interest her. She had heard some information about it in conversation from some more senior players, and it just wasn't her cup of tea. But before she could fully move to turn away, a loud voice rang out from behind her, causing her to pause for a moment before turning and looking back at what was going on, a red eyebrow raised in a curiousity.

He was flamboyant with his movement, obviously knowing what he was talking about. She could tell quite quickly he was an experienced player by his description of himself, not that she had any idea who he was at all. She leaned back against the wall to her right, listening to him as she watched his speech, arms crossed over her chest as her eyes followed the object that was thrown into the area, coming down with a ting! conveniently at the same time that he finished his speech. And honestly? It was impressive. He'd pulled her in, engaged her with his display. So much so that as she pushed herself off the wall to approach him, she found her hands clapping in front of her until she got closer to the front of him, tucking her hands to her sides for a more comfortable position.

By the time she had reached him, someone else also had. It was another girl, blonde and short, that seemed to actually know who he was. Probably another senior player, or maybe just someone who knew a lot about the game. She glanced at her for a moment, before looking back at the man who called himself Cain, bobbing her head in agreement, "Count me in too, seems like something interesting to do." Why not? She could either begin the game like every other player and just do some basic, simple tasks, or she could take an opportunity when it was presented to her. And take the opportunity, she did.

 

[Janet Reilly]

If Cain was the gun-toting mascot character outside of a grocery store, Janet was the entitled shopper arguing with store staff about an expired coupon. And she was, in fact, arguing.

"What do you mean there's no Riding vocation anymore? Point me to the stables immediately," came a voice from nearby, pitched with indignation. "Everything's changed in this game, I can't find half the places I used to patronize. I used to be a well-respected merchant, I'll have you know!"

Every time she stomped her foot, a patch of lettuce grew beneath it. She hated to spoil perfectly good produce, so she kept having to move slightly as she continued her argument with the NPC. How do I turn off passives? The whole UI looks different!

Four years older, Janet Reilly was a changed woman. Well, not completely, but she did have an eyepatch.

She also had an ear for people who wanted her opinions, and she supernaturally honed in on the recruitment currently in session in front of the Adventurer's Guild. Short of playing a song, Cain couldn't have made himself any more visible.

"You!" she said, paralyzed with... something. Surprise. Happiness to actually recognize someone. Inability to find the right words. I still have a Death Affliction because of you! The circumstances were a bit hazy in her mind after four years, but she was quite certain it was Cain Darlite's fault. 'Melodic Ill' had the Bard's influence written all over it.

She cleared her throat, putting both hands on her hips.

"As if any of these people even know the first thing about tending an apple orchard!" she ended up saying, marching up to where the others had gathered. "You're going to need my help." The young woman crossed her arms, tapping her foot. A lettuce immediately started to grow there and Janet gritted her teeth, edging slightly to the side as she turned towards the others.

She announced her name to the other two players with great emphasis, as if she was the head of the residential organization and they were just lowly PTA moms. "I'm Janet Reilly."

 

[Mighty Rumblehide]

With a name like Applesun Village, the fistful of neurons in Rumble's rattling around in her noggin fired up.

That sounds perfect for a place to snag a bunch of starter quests!

Because let's face it--no world-eating dragon was naming their lair Cherrygrove Park; no dark lord with a suit of armor forged with the shadows of the abyss was tossing his skull throne in the middle of Sunshine Acres; no cabal hoping to sunder the fabric of reality to call upon their forgotten god whose name was just four smashes of a fist on a keyboard garnished with some artfully placed apostrophes and hyphens was going to perform its rites in the the sunny little hamlet of Beginnersburg.

And so when a sharply-dressed man offers you the chance to revive a village in your image, you take it!

Especially when your inventory consists of glorified rat hides, a gnarled tree branch with tin foil wrapped around its head, and a bigger-than-average pot lid.

Rumble waited until the rude one (Janet was her name) was done making her wish she could quickly access the mute button before walking up. "How hard can it possibly be," the elf asked, arms crossed and eyebrow sufficiently arched. "It's a game. We won't need to do much more than fix some fences and bash some wolf or fox skulls in, right?"

And to the others, she greeted them a little more warmly. Fresh faces, just like herself. "Mighty Rumblehide," she said with cheer, introducing herself.

 

[Chrys]

"Applesun Village?" Pete Simpson mused as he arrived at the village dressed in his strange Chain Hide, a cross between a chain shirt and some hide, definitely something the warrior NPCs didn't think was appropriate. Or normal. Pete has gotten those stares, the disparaging whispers from the town guards, the village guards, and even the occasional bandit or two wherever he went. Pete thought little of it, though, only attributing the reactions to how good the game developers truly were, which then made him think about how the game was supposed to be illegal. Did people die? Eh, people die all the time. In Pete's head, their genius should be celebrated, not hunted down. So what if there were a few bad apples? Doesn't mean the entire tree should be burned to the ground, right? "Because the sun shines on dem apples?!"

"Bloody brilliant, that's all I'm gonna say," but it wasn't all that Pete would say. In fact, as he continued walking around, he continued talking...to himself, musing over how apples must seem different in this world than in his own, wondering what happens if he'd eat them here and then poop them out here, and most importantly if the cider made here would still taste as good as the ones back home. If I piss them back home, would it be the same? Pete Wisdom, Pete Simpson is not.

Pete could barely even remember why he had gone down there. Was it because a random NPC muttered a few words about the village? Or was it because he had heard about the strange (to him anyway) recruitment thing to help restore the village or something? Did Pete truly want to help the village? Or was he just curious about dem apples? So many questions, so few answers.

What kind of help could Pete even afford to give? He wasn't that bad with gardening, sure, his horticulturist mom had taught him a thing or two about apple trees, but that was all theoretical knowledge, barely practical ones. Pete has not yet had the opportunity to tend to apple trees, though he did help out his mom all those years ago. When he was a tiny kid. He's much older now, and truth be told, much more useless. Definitely not as wide-eyed and eager to help without getting paid.

Pete turned his attention to the Rings of Saturnine wrapped around his right ring finger. Wasn't one of these rings all about nature and stuff? The Nature Ring of Buer, the so-called djinn of the woods, a lesser goddess of all things green. Yeah, maybe she can help with— "Oof!" Pete had lost himself in his head, he didn't even notice the other Player he had bumped into until it was too late. "Sorry! I was..." Just then, he realized he was no longer alone. Other Players have apparently heeded the call. "I am..." Pete grinned, excited at the thought of all this. Finally, he can be useful. "Pete Simpson, at your service! Here to help, however way I can."

And then he did that same stupid bow that was inevitably going to be his stupid trademark now. What a dingus.

 

[Sylpha Astarte]

The adventurer's guild was always a good place to sit down and listen to goings on. Even just catching a sentence or two or reading something written on the wall could give all kinds of information about happenings near and far.

Of course, Sylpha didn't expect some guy to bust in with a flag and yell about some place named Applesun. Still, she was a chef, not a village builder, so she sat there and weighed her options.

Apples were always a nice thing to have, especially good ones. There were a whole myriad of things apples could be used for to the point that it would be faster to name dishes apples couldn't be used in. As for Applesun itself, Sylpha heard a few bits and pieces 4 years ago from a fruit seller. She never got the whole story and had no idea the entire place was subject to evil rituals. Sure, she could just go somewhere else and buy the apples, but having her name on a list of people a village was indebted to always had it's benefits.

After thinking for a period of time long enough for several people to come signing up, she finally stood up from her seat and approached.

"I'm Sylpha Astarte. I'm no adventurer, nor am I a handyman. What I am is a baker and if the apples are even half as good as you claim, no housewife nor fruit lover in the surrounding mile will not know it's scent."

 

[Cain Darlite]

Was it the power of his voice or the serendipity of his locale that brought forth a small collective of adventurers over in just a few moments? Well, it was probably neither in retrospect. Attracting the attention of a handful of people in an area where hundreds passed by every second was really just the bare minimum that he ought to be able to accomplish, after all, even if Cain didn’t totally recognize the people that showed up. The lion cub that popped up, bright-eyed with a daring smile, looked vaguely familiar, but the amount of pretty blonde beastkin in Terrasphere were, as expected plentiful. Horns and purple eyes, on the other hand, was still a bit of a novelty to behold, and the aesthetic was undoubtedly pleasing…if also vaguely demonic. Played it cooler than the lion cub as well, though maybe that was just her vibes?

Ah, but Janet was 100% someone he recognized, even from a distance! There was something about the woman’s face (probably the pinched lips, furrowed brow look) that made her instantly recognizable. Real life Karens couldn’t compare to the Reilly scion, after all, and the fog of time had removed all the unpleasant or regretful memories he’s had of her. Now, it was simply a pleasure to see an ally experienced with agriculture come up.

Really, he may have been tempted to give her a kiss if they were on their lonesome. Be a bit awkward here though.

The latter two who arrived were thankfully astute enough to offer up proper introductions to themselves. The Mighty Rumblehide, boisterous and aggressive, gave off an oversized but well-appreciated attitude in comparison to their current capabilities. Undoubtedly the fellow who’d rush headlong into danger, seeking virtual glory within the maw of the titans…

Pete Simpson looked slightly confused, but that was charming, and dreamy boys were cute too! Of course, character creation being confused as it was, it was just as possible that this white-haired youth was actually someone the age of Danielle’s dad, but best not to dwell no that. Regardless, five was worth a greeting, and all were deserving of explanations…but just five?

Nay, make that a six, and one with a claim so bold as to name themselves not an adventurer, but a baker of unparalleled talent! Sylpha certainly possessed quite the chutzpah, which made it all the more unfortunate that any of Applesun Village’s famed apples were…well, essentially just fertilizer now. But enough of that!

“An auspicious day indeed, to garner the dedication of fledgling legends such as yourselves,” the midnight-haired man spoke, removing his hat from his head as he mirrored Pete’s bow. “And, of course, I’d be remiss to not greet you specifically. It’s quite a pleasure to see that your fiery wit has not been diminished over the years, Lady Rielly.” Even if her mercantile connections were gone now, the skills remained, and convincing trade to come to Applesun Village wasn’t just something to be accomplished through infrastructure, after all.

“Though I do believe we’re lacking still in the numbers necessary complete all the tasks lying ahead of us, it is fair enough that you stout-hearted folk be given opportunity to assign yourselves first to whatever you wish to pursue.” From within his breast pocket, he pulled out scrolls of parchment, handing them out to each person present. Within was both a map of the surrounding terrain of Applesun Village, as well as the work that had to be done to get the village back into shape. “As Janet has already mentioned, the apple orchard is indeed the central draw of the former Applesun Village, and in its memory, I do believe that we ought to come up with a new apple-themed product, service, or recipe to truly get the village’s name on everyone’s tongues once more!”

Task one done. Now, with a smooth transitioning…

“Unfortunately, of course, with four years of neglect, the orchard itself has been wholly decimated. As such, the famed Sunlit Apples, the acme of fruit-based sweetness, are no longer accessible…unless, of course, you were to venture into the depths of the Tangleweaves, the fruit’s native abode, to retrieve the seeds and cuttings!”

Task two! Really feeling the flow now!

“But of course, Mighty Rumblehide makes a good point too! Violence, crude and absolutist as it is, remains the sickle and axe in which one makes the land inhabitable, and my initial ventures around the vicinity of the ruined village has uncovered a fact most disturbed! Twisted by the foul magics that had once perverted the very soil of this village, the local vegetation have mutated into sentient monstrosities, shambling vine-giants and thorn-studded brambleboars! And regardless of how one chases them out, permanent solutions too ought to be considered to deter future incursions by malcontents upon this village.”

Final round baby~!

“Which leads to the last, but certainly not insignificant task. The restoration of the village’s buildings and roads, reconnecting it to this wonderful trade hub, as well as creating a whole host of lovely property for new farming families to take interest in populating. What’s a village without landers, after all? Now, I’m certainly not expecting you to all do the hard work yourself, so if it takes negotiations with carpenters’ and woodworkers’ guilds to get it done, that works too!”

And then, just as a little treat. Just a self-indulgence, his energy fading away slightly.

“And if anyone who’s helping out with infrastructure reconstruction has the time to, I’d appreciate if you fine folk could set aside space for a cemetery too.”

He clapped his hands together definitively, dispelling the mood.

"So, do any of these draw your attention? And it's totally fine too, to drag any friends or acquaintances into helping out! A job is a job, and those get done faster with extra hands."

 

[Mighty Rumblehide]

Others gathered around the fancy man and his honeyed words, interested in the prospects of restoring a village to some level of glory. Considering what was at stake, she couldn't blame them. Who doesn't like apples and apple-based products?

Four years of damage and neglect (plus however many before that Fancy-Pants wasn't talking about) would be a lot to fix up, clear out, and patch over. Things always just seemed to fall apart exponentially quicker in fantasy media--and Rumble was never sure why.

She took a quick look at her inventory. Starter gear; but hopefully adequate for the job. Low skill levels; but she was seeing the points tick up bit by bit.

"I can help with mending or building fences, infrastructure, collecting whatever we might need," Rumble said to Fancy-Pants. "Still working on my swingin' arm, but if you need help clearing out critters I can do that too."

 

[Chrys]

Pete couldn't help himself but heave a sigh of relief when the strange man before them did a similar bow to his own. Strange? Well, aren't they all. He grinned at that thought, even as his eyes continued to spy upon the rest of their group. They weren't that many, true, but he wondered if they were enough. From what the man had said, it didn't seem like that. Pete received his parchment calmly, and as he continued to listen to the man's narration, he started reading the map it contained as well as the tasks they were set to accomplish.

"I might be able to help with the seeds and cuttings," Pete muttered out loud, the words flowing through his lips like a river freshly formed, having just broken through the land. The Nature Ring of Buer should be able to assist him in the endeavor, he thought to himself. There was still much he needed to learn about the Rings of Saturnine, but he was well acquainted with their basic properties now. All he needed was for his luck to conform to his intention, and everything should be peachy fine.

"Could also help with the tourism bit," he added before realizing it might be too much, more specifically much closer to home. Did he also want to do his real life's work in this game? Taint his sanctuary of peace and bliss with all the doldrums of the world he was trying to escape? Pete heaved a sigh. He wasn't quite sure about all that, only that if he could help this village regain its former glory, then maybe all that glory would come bathing him as well. What were those words that he vowed he would take into his heart in this other life? What's in it for me?

"Or anything really," Sam tried to make a quick save, though he feared it might already be too late. "I could help wherever anyone needs the most help." With an awkward grin, he tried to emphasize his all-around usefulness with a thumbs-up gesture, though he just wanted to not do the tourism bit. Not in this world as well. Not where he wanted to be someone else, someone different, someone less boring and more in control of his destiny. "But, yeah, the Tanglewoods and the seeds, I think my abilities would be most useful in foraging for the stuff."

The Tanglewoods sounded like a place under the control of nature, and the Nature Ring of Buer should have quite the power over it. Besides, maybe he can find other things in there, too, valuable things, not just seeds and cuttings. Better than talking to some poor carpenters, yeah?

 

[Bluebird]

It's taken some time for Bluebird to find her bearings within Terrasphere. She's never been one to play virtual games, which means she's spent most of her time learning basic things like how to navigate the UI or using 'magic'. But she's made progress, she thinks, and the sights of the city she strolls through are worth it.

When a clear voice cuts across the din, she can't help but be drawn to it. There's a crowd of strange looking figures (but she looks rather strange herself, doesn't she?) and a man in fine clothing orating next to a billowing banner. She feels a pang of familiarity that makes her stomach twist but she can't imagine there's any ill will here, right?

She walks up to join the crowd, winding through until she's reached the front, and considers the tasks the man has spoken about.

"I may be able to help," she says, wings fluttering. "I have some knowledge in the art of homesteading, and I'm sure I can put my mind to any other tasks that need doing." Her eyes turn to the others, and she smiles. "I am Bluebird. It is good to meet you all."

 

[Sol]

As more people approached the man, Sol backed away a little bit from the group, her body tensing up slightly at all the new faces as her face stayed stoic, studying them all equally. It was then that it dawned on her that, well, she was Sol. This was a game, and this was not real life, and no one here was going to judge her overtly negatively on her outward appearance. She had designed Sol specifically that she looked like she could handle herself, but her base facial structure was more on the soft side. She didn't need to worry. And so, her body quickly relaxed, but she still stayed on the side of the group for more a comfort sake.

Taking the paper from Cain as he passed them around, she held it in her one hand as she raised the other to her face to rub her chin in thought while she read, listening to his out loud examples as well. More people seemed to join while he was explaining, but she didn't give them much thought as she debated on what she wanted to do herself. The first one definitely seemed the most interesting, which was going deep into the Tangleweaves to find the apple seeds the town was oh so well known for. And then the second was fighting some overgrown monsters, which she also could do, but the first one sounded a lot more interesting.

"I think I would be the most useful on the expedition part, to find the seeds. I can also help clear some of the monsters out of the main area as well." she said, folding up her paper and tucking it away for later, before glancing at the rest of the group, "I don't know how much help I'll be on the building or foraging part, nor am I honestly that interested." Blunt. That was Sol, but that was why there was so many people gathered up anyways, so that they could all do different things. Maybe perhaps for something like this it was better to have a bigger group anyways.

 

[Ilya]

Ilya visibly rolled her eyes as Janey Reilly made her proclamation. It was no use arguing with someone like her, and Ilya had no intention to cause conflict. Listening to the tasks that Cain had for them, she stared at the papers she had been handed. She swished her tail as she thought over the tasks. Ilya wasn't much of a homesteader, even though she was good with people, her body was itching to fight. The uncanny endorphins that filled her body when faced with danger.

Ilya had been craving it ever since she had logged in, and thus far she hadn't been very successful in fighting too many things. She wanted to fight, and nothing seemed to fill up her cup of addiction. So Ilya knew instantly which task she wanted to be assigned to.

"I'm a natural fighter, so I'll lead the team that heads to eradicate the monsters that have mutated." Ilya wasn't a stranger to using her fists, neither was she a stranger to leading others to achieve victory. She nodded her head at the party, "It's good to know that we've got plenty of help. Though I might be able to help in wrangling up a few of my friends if we need more hands."

She kept the papers in her hands, studying the map once more so she could get a clear understanding of what the terrain would be, memorizing every detail before putting it into her travel sack. She wouldn't be heading anywhere soon, as it seemed like they still needed to figure out who was doing what. Ilya knew she wanted to partake in battle, but she also knew that eradicating all of the monsters from a fallen village would be too much work for just her. She needed to wait and see who else would join her.

Accepted Task: Fighting the mutated plants and brambleboars to clear the village and surrounding area of monsters, and find a permanent solution to the problem.​

 

[Alonso Thorlion]

He had grown quiet throughout the speech of a man who was determined to restore a small village that for some, was insignificant. If Alonso was a much crueler man he might have thought the same, but courtesy took priority barring a few circumstances. The damage that had razed this world was unable to be ignored as well. No matter if his previous status as a Marquis from Astorea was in tact or not, he felt obligated to assist. He may not have played this game as much as others back in the day, as he was a man with a job and bills to pay, but he did what he could.

But then came the issue of how he was going to throw in his own manner of assistance. He noticed a lack of any real crafting mastery, unless he missed them, and his skill set was combat focused. Jumping into a battle party was the most obvious choice. But that did not seem like something he was in the mood for. His limited abilities stopped him from accepting a hunt for apples given others were confident in their ability towards nature based knowledge.

Giving up and walking away was not an option. And then the fancy man's speech made the gears in his mind turn. That was right, the village itself needed rebuilding, not just its fame and namesake! Unfolding his arms the hulking Felis pushed throw the crowd and maneuvered towards the front. His physical combat prowess proved his physical might, and with how his new masteries were set, his determination began to soar. The risks were obvious. He may not succeed, even do poorly, but that was just another aspect of left. Hardships were just part of the learning curve.

"I'll take on the task of rebuilding infrastructure," Alonso declared, deep vocals booming with a newfound sense of honor. Shouting over people was rude anyways. "I may rely on craftsman to act on the details, but I should be strong enough to help with the physical labor when it comes to removing rubble and transferring much needed materials for rebuilding. My main focus may be in combat, but everything needs to be done and I don't want to leave any tasks unfilled."

 

[Ueno Mizuki]

Mizuki could, in theory, have immediately dashed into the wilds, leaving civilization behind and engaging in her interest to hunt and run free. It was one of the primary reasons she still felt drawn to Terrasphere after all these years. However, just because she felt the urge to run didn't mean she had completely taken leave of her senses: she might have been in this world before, but four years had passed and everything was different. Or at least many things were different. She should first get reacquainted with the world, figure out what was different and what stayed the same, and hopefully find some old friendly faces and form new bonds. Even a huntress needed friends and companionship after all, especially if this world continued to give birth to challenges and disasters which no single individual could hope to resolve by themselves.

That said... wasn't this place inhabited by gnolls before?

Mizuki was making her way through the region of Pormont, the wolfess feeling quite out of place in what might just be the most peaceful and downright relaxing location in all of Falderen. She was pretty sure that four years ago this place had been overrun by gnolls and various other nuisances that made long-term habitation all but impossible. Sure, you could drive the beasts back and set up a camp, but unless you were prepared to defend that camp like you would defend a military base eventually sheer attrition would bring you down. Not impossible, maybe, but not worth the effort.

It might be that she was confusing Pormont for a different location. After all, she'd been completely disconnected from this world for over four years: it would have been stranger if she remembered everything perfectly, and it wasn't like Pormont had been the most important part of her experience even back then. Still, there was a feeling that things were different from how they used to be, and it gave her a funny feeling in her gut. Well, it wasn't like this was the end of the world or anything.

Arriving in the city curiously named Knife's Edge Mizuki made her way to the Adventurer's Guild, curious about what kind of quests they would have available. Everything she had seen in the region told her that there shouldn't be any task more complex than chasing down some lost cattle or driving away hungry beasts, which wouldn't be the most exciting of adventures but at least it would be an easy way to get into the swing of things. Such thoughts were going through her head when she came upon quite the gathering outside the gates of what she'd been told was the local Adventurer's Guild when she'd asked someone for directions. A group of adventurers, clearly, but the one in the middle of it all... Was that Cain?

Not that Mizuki had ever really spent much time with Cain personally, but the man knew how to advertise himself. And now that the huntress was paying more attention she also recognized that walking boulder as Alonso, who had been famous for being, well, a walking boulder. Some of the other faces also seemed to be vaguely familiar, but those were the only two Mizuki could immediately place.

She moved closer as she listened in on their conversation, picking up details about trying to restore a village to its former glory. That certainly seemed more interesting than playing sheepdog, especially once they said something about having to retrieve some seeds by diving into the Tangleweaves. The Tangleweaves seemed like one of the more interesting parts of the world to explore, and while she couldn't exactly run free as long as she was on the job it'd be a good way to get familiar with the territory.

"You need some people to go into the Tangleweaves and retrieve some seeds?"

Mizuki made her way into the group, mismatched eyes looking at each of them before settling on Cain.

"I'd like to help out if you'll have me. I'm pretty good at dealing with overgrown areas."

Her skillset was entirely built around the idea of being a survivalist, so a task which would require one to make their way into a magical jungle was right up her ally.

 

[Sylpha Astarte]

Building a village from nothing required opportunities. Rebuilding a village from ruins required much more work. At least, that was how Sylpha saw it. After having a whole list of tasks set in front of the crew, Sylpha already knew what she had to do. Rather, it seemed like she was the only one who could do it.

Standing there in a daze, she went through several preliminary ideas in her head while combing her hair with her left hand. Finally, after several people spoke, she lifted her gaze back.
"As long as you desire something edible, leave inventing a specialty to me. Is there something specific you want? Such as, do you intend to export it to the next village over to spread the name? Or do you just want it to be consumed in the village? Depending on the yield, it's likely producing multiple specialty products is not out of the question."

She'd still need to enter a kitchen and experiment regardless. As much as she's thought of logging out and conducting research with real life apples, food didn't translate exactly between the game and real life. The soil and water in the game were different, causing all the ingredients, however similar, to taste slightly different. For cooking, that changed a lot of things when trying to invent recipes.
"Oh and uh, I'll join in the efforts when we get to building kitchens for the houses. That's where my specialties lie, anyway."

Whatever she came up with, she intended for at least the majority of kitchens to be able to produce it. That would require that she participate in the rebuilding efforts.

 

[Hanasakura Okami]

A Lion's role was to help the community. Even if it fell outside the reaches of Astorea, it was in her morals and code to uphold the statuette of heroics. Saving the weak or to battle against invaders, her blade was a tool of justice, not used in anger or in vengeance. So when the call for support was made, she went to answer.

A man in odd clothing stood out. He stood out of the crowd and made sure to use it. Okami watched quietly as she made her way to the man. He had already rallied a few members. Many of them were mighty looking, the crimson haired one with horns, the black beast girl with two colored eyes, the large framed man and more had gathered around the raven haired oddity. Even Okami herself stood out. Purple hair, clothing that belonged to the East and not to mention, one of the taller individuals in the crowd.

As each proposed their role, Okami thought to herself. Was the character an NPC? Surely not with the way he appears. Feels a bit more customized than the in-game characters she had witnessed and learnt about. But the game made each NPC feel so unique and alive it was hard to differentiate between Player and NPC. However based of his dialogue, Okami leaned towards Player. Terrasphere seemed affected by player actions greatly, so perhaps reviving a village is a player instigated goal.

"Here!" Okami made herself known with raised voice with a raised arm and looked towards Sylpha. "Perhaps my skills in the culinary arts would be of aid. I'm well versed in all manner of recipes and techniques which could certainly help apples stand out. I'm sure a fellow chef would need another set of capable hands and mind." Her gaze then goes to the man in the hat Cain.

"I can also aid in the transportation of messages and goods, I possess the necessary speed and strength to carry things to and from. Promotions and food delivery would certain aid in helping the village regain foot traffic once the infrastructure returns."

Part of what she was saying was from her own experience. In her obsession to help her community back in her hometown, she sought various ways to aid in recovery of an area. It was this path that did lead her into culinary enthusiasm. Food was universal and surely if people catch wind of good food in a place, then people will come to try it out. Perhaps she should speak up more about recovery.

"I highly recommend we engage in village rebuilding efforts first. People need a place to go to after all and those who brave the forest need a place to rest and recover. Facilities that need to be erected first include a temporary communal shelter, a cookhouse, a medical center and a community hub. We accommodate the basic needs first before we move onto any other steps. A solid base will lead us onwards to full recovery of Applesun."

 

[Frey Elzeiros]

A couple of days into the game sees that Frey no longer stumbles and falls on his ass every three steps that he takes. It ensures he has the minimal level of experience required to tackle the challenges ahead, some of which he had been so graciously informed by the local, friendly assortment of NPCs.

Walking throughout one of the starter city areas that he'd been shown to by one of these individuals, he spots a gathering of distinctive individuals, the voice of one of them ringing clear above the crowd. It seems, however, by the papers he notices on everyone's hands as he swiftly approaches, that he might've just missed the better part of the speech.

Regardless, he would not allow an opportunity to engage in a live world quest to pass him by.

"Am I too late for the sign-ups?" He clasps his hands together in front of himself, clapping once, twice, then lifting a hand high above his head and waving it mid-air to call for the organizer's attention. "Something about expeditions and culling what monsters would be necessary for the survival of the village? I think I can do that."

All for that sweet, sweet EXP.

"Name's Frey Elzeiros. The title is still a work in progress." He gives a wink directed at no one in particular, beaming around at his would-be companions as he inclines himself forward with a bow, extending his mantle outward with a hand.

"What are we helping out with, exactly?"

 

[Bradwynne]

Amongst the crowd of onlookers who were there to watch the enigmatic and eloquent flagbearer speak, Bradwynne listened with interest. A lot of cities and villages fell into ruination as the Travelers disappear for a long time, and after some malevolent people with desire for power rose in their stead. Those people had been dormant because of fear from really powerful players and their desire for their own chunk of adventure and heroism, but, after the destruction of Vintergard and the rise of lander supremacists, these people became unhindered in testing out their malevolent theories, wreaking havoc amongst the populace and turning once beautiful sceneries into stuff of nightmares. But this should stop now. As another generation of players were rising up and old players taking up their mantles again, together with willing landers, they will erect villages again that this time will last for a long period of time.

As the flagbearer named Cain Darlite closed his speech, and as more people pledged their help for the village, Bradwynne advanced towards the group of willing volunteers, and said, "I am also willing to rebuild the village to its former self, and I will help the rebuilding efforts and aid in the cooking of various delicacies whenever possible. But I would like to be of assistance to those who will venture out to eradicate the monsters surrounding the village. I might not be a better fighter than any of those who were assigned in that task, but..." He then clenched his right fist and put it near his chest as if he was doing a pledge, "...please rest assured that I will not let anyone there die under my watch."

 

[Kamala Graham]

"H-hello! Is it too late to join you, wonderful folks?" Kamala Graham greeted everyone she could with a warm smile and an energetic wave. She looked around the group in amazement. It was the biggest gathering of people she had ever seen in the game. Or at least it was to her, since she was a complete newbie. Mesmerized by the different personalities that formed the crowd, she tried her best to remember their faces. At the very least, she should be able to differentiate one from the other. "Oh, wow, there's a lot of you here! Looks like Pormont was the right place to head to!"

Kamala had heard from someone else, someone she didn't even bother to figure out if an NPC or another Player, that Pormont was the pillar of agriculture in the game, with its golden fields of crops and rolling hills over fertile flatlands. Even though Kamala's reason for joining the game was a tad more serious, she decided she had some time to acquaint herself with her new environment. There was no point in going gung-ho. That almost always just leads to more trouble than she could handle. Hearing about the state of Applesun Village intrigued her the most, though. It seemed like it could do with all the help it could get, and Kamala would love nothing more than to offer all the help that she could.

I'm not that smart to come up with products, services, recipes... But...

"I could do definitely help with retrieving those seeds and cuttings you folks need!" With the sapling sprites, the Sprouts, backing her up, Kamala was more than confident she'd be very useful to these good people with that very task. Problem was, she had no idea what the Tangleweaves was.

Oh, it should be fine! It's not like I'm going alone, am I?

What Kamala was not into, however, at least right now, was the thought of fighting nature no matter how monstrous they were saying it had become. That and Kamala wasn't really that much of a fighter to begin with. She barely had any offense right now, which was a terrible decision. All that she had was heals and buffs and the occasional clumsy punch to the face to protect those around her. Not exactly the type of explorer to go fighting... Brambleboars? Those sound pretty interesting, though. Pigs made of cabbages?

Chatting up carpenters and woodworkers also sounded nice, but Kamala just felt like exploring was more of what she wanted to do at this very moment. The Sprouts might not be too into talking to people who cut their friends up, too, so looking for those seeds is my best bet for now.