Complete Megathread (Story - max 10) Starcalled Beacon (Group A)

[Asch]

It has been more than a couple of days since the day the stars shot across the sky, heralding the coming of a new generation of Travelers. Having experienced the game when it first launch, Levi knew he needed to do something or the majority of the newcomers would wander into the goblin-infested Western Brisshal and end up on their sacrificial alter. And so, the majority of the Lion Arms that were stationing at HQ were mobilized.

Together with Chad and his knights, Levi set up a makeshift base out of Honeyhome and began sending groups of knights into the forest to search for newly-spawned Travelers. Whomever they could find, they would help guide them to the camp where they can get a basic rundown of the state of the world from Chad or Levi.

You sure this is a good idea, Lev? Some of the Travelers we have ran into are ignoring us while blowing up all the wolves and bears in the region. Is this some kind of weird Traveler ritual that I don't know about?

I can assure you that it's not. (Levi shook his head). Since the three deaths should have been made public, the kind of Travelers who would join the game despite knowing that fact may very well be a unopened pot of crazy.

I don't know much about Travelers, but having three lives is crazy to me. My grandmomma was as strong as a bull, yet one bad trip and she's done. You Travelers are a special bunch, huh?

Levi chuckled in response.

Meanwhile a tiny Faerin popped out from behind Levi with a tray full of freshly-baked cookies.

Commander! Captain! You should have some of these raspberry white chocolate cookies! Mimi can hear your stomach growling from the next room over!

Cycle 1

Whether or not you had just spawned into the game for the first time, or logged in for the first time in 4 years, if you're in Eastern Brisshal at the time, the Lion Arms members would have found you and brought you to Honeyhome where Levi can brief you on a number of issues.

The scene is taking place inside a tavern that had been cleared for official uses. Mimi is busy running to and from, preparing various kinds of cookies from raisin oat to raspberry white chocolate, to strawberry glaze for guests that may come their way.

Chad is sitting next to Levi on a bench on the other side of the table, across from you. Levi is busy flipping through his journal, reviewing some of his talking points.

Rules

• This is a communication-focused megathreads where your character is introduced to the Lion Arms.
• When 10 characters have joined the thread, the thread will switch to Private.
• There is no set posting order.
• Everyone has one post per cycle.
• However, each character can address any or all of the three characters here: Levi, Chad, or Mimi or other players, all within the same post.
• New or already-established characters are welcome to join the thread.
• You are free to socialize and get to know the characters in the thread.
• This thread will be updated with or without enough characters roughly every 24 hours.
• More groups will be established if the interests are there. Please wait for overflow threads.

Spoiler: Text Bubble Template

[speech=https://terrarp.com/db/character/Chad.png]Conversation here (Action formatted like this)[/speech]

[speechright=https://terrarp.com/db/character/Levi_Pendragon.png]Conversation here (Action formatted like this). This version has the avatar on the right side.[/speechright]

 

[Aaron Marone]

Aaron shifted uncomfortably. He was in this game, partially at least, to be more social and to make friends. But this many people in a room all together made him uneasy. Even more, he needed to present himself well, as the people organizing this whole thing were the Lion Arms, one of the two groups he was considering joining. Of course, he needed to learn a lot more about how they functioned and what they believed before he'd do that. Anyone can say they're an organization of heroes to protect the little person, but actually putting those words into action was a different story altogether. They sounded too good to be true, and to Aaron that was enough to be suspicious.

He accepted a strawberry glaze cookie gratefully.

"Would I be able to get something to drink as well when you have a moment? No need to rush on my part, though,"

he asked the Faerin.

Aaron shut his eyes and whispered a short prayer to the gods. That was something he missed in this world. The gods actually granting power. And right now, the thing to conquer was his social anxiety. Prayer finished, he opened his eyes and began to scan the room. This many people - maybe there was somebody he recognized.

 

[Lady N]

"BOOOOO let me go you brutes! Urghhh...."

"You are in danger little girl it's safer here. See all these strong..."

A scrawny girl was arm in arm with two fully armored knights. Each wore the royal blue of the Lion Arms. Little did they know that if she had her gear activated, they'd have a much harder time doing this... unfortunately that wonderful scenario was not the case.

"I'm not some kid... tsk. I can walk on my own.... really.... sigh... Where did you drag me? oh... it's those knights. I think I remember them."

The duo of tinheaded stupids finally let her go as the raven hair made one last fire look at each of them before sighing deeply with a slump of her slim shoulders. This was nothing new, even now, only trouble came to Chelsea when she logs into this death trap.

Yep, even just logging in to see if it was real, led to trouble.
Sigh...

 

[Darko Ljubicic]

As Darko managed to log in again after only a short while, he found himself escorted by a bunch of knights. They seemed to have come from the organization known as the Lion Arms, and Darko wondered what did it meant, since the Lion Arms was also serving as the police arm of the Kingdom of Astorea. But they were also escorting other people who had just logged in, and they were then sent to the nearest village. Are they trying to guard them? Or are they up to something else? Darko wondered about these things as he was then escorted to the room where what looked like to be the top brass was situated.

As he then heard about their remarks on what the current situation was, Darko then sighed about the collective recklessness of the people of the world where he originated. As Darko then finished hearing their complaints about the craziness of the current travelers, he then faced the two as the little faerin then delivered their snacks, and then replied as he took up a raspberry white chocolate cookie as he crossed his legs while sitting.

"May you allow me to answer that question? There are quite a number of reasons that I know from the top of my head why there are some idiots from our world who are trying to do some idiotic things that even I will marvel about because of how brazen they are." (He then took a bite of the cookie.) "One life, three lives, four lives, it does not matter for them."

 

[Chrys]

Pete's eyes wandered around the place, himself more than a little confused. In fact, if confused had a face, it would be his. His stupid face would be right next to the word in the dictionary. He continued to look around, trying to find anyone familiar before his eyes finally settled on a familiar pair of impressive arms. Out of boldness, but mostly obliviousness, Pete tried to catch the guy's attention by waving his noodle arms.

Oh, hey, it's you, the sheep guy with the impressive arms! What's going on here? What was up with the sheep thing, by the way? Will we do stuff like that again? You know, I think I've become a sheep guy myself. Might be really helpful the next time you need someone to do sheep stuff again. I mean, I wouldn't mind doing more sheep stuff. That wasn't such a baaad experience. Get it?

It was at that very moment that he caught sight of the Faerin and the tray of delicious treats. Pete tried to catch her attention so he could take a cookie or two. And maybe relieve some of his anxiety by turning all of it into words that he could speak as fast as he could at so many people as he could before getting bonked on the head. So far that has worked.

Oh, nice, I'm starving! These are free, right? Because I don't have any money on me. Not right now, I mean. I could pay you back some other time, though. Maybe next week? A few days from now? You live here, wherever this is? I could come by with the money as soon as I get them. I'm not one to run off from a debt, especially not from such a cutie pie. Unless that's offensive. I'm sorry. I'm just really hungry.

This place didn't feel comfortable, though. At least not to Pete. Impressive-armed Sheep Guy and his friends all looked very intimidating, even though they seemed friendly. Probably just something about knights and their armor and swords that just didn't sit well with Pete. All noble and worthy, but then there was Pete who was named Pete, and it all just felt strange to him.

 

[Pollux]

Pollux had been brought to the tavern by a wandering NPC who asked if she was one of the "Travelers" while she had been practicing her use of magic. Always eager to learn more, she followed them to the tavern. There appeared to be quite a few people already there, with some more official types standing toward the rear. There was also a cute girl running around with cookies.

Ooh, can I get one of those oatmeal raisins? Thank you!

The official-looking people in the tavern didn't seem to be making any moves to start any sort of organized discussion or press-release type thing, but maybe they were just waiting for everyone to be ready? She could always just talk to the girl with the cookies until some sort of announcement was made.

So do you know why we're all here? The man that led me here said that it would be explained once we arrived.

 

[Tristaria]

Tristaria followed along with her escort to a cozy bar with a friendly, golden glow. Her experience with Brisshal thus far had been relatively peaceful, apart from a few incidents in the woods that were fairly simple to take care of. At least it wasn't the absolute murderfest she'd heard rumors of... yet.

Throwing open the doors, Tris was immediately met with a full frontal assault of comradery. The space and, more specifically, the people inside the space, had a certain friendliness and charisma to them. It all made her feel especially safe inside her mechanical heart... or core... or whatever it was that was humming away in there.

Tristaria was especially fixated on the little faerin running around bringing people cookies, for two main reasons. Firstly... wow, was that cute. But beyond the simple eye-candy, it was the first time Tris had ever really considered food and water. Did she even need such things? She had a working throat that could speak, so presumably it could eat as well. Good opportunity to test, she figured.

Wandering up to Mimi, Tristaria stared down at her with no expression marking her face at all. After a long moment of taking in the girl's reaction, she finally clarified her intentions...

Cookie please.

 

[Alonso Thorlion]

Having heard of a meeting held by the Lion Arms group concerning travelers, it was only right he joined in. Though the Beastfolk may not have more vital information than some of the other game veterans, his take on the matter may be beneficial to others if it meant helping anyone avoid death traps. That and common gaming courtesy. Right after he rid himself of the escorts.

Just cannot go through this game without problems.

I can handle it from here-what-no I'm a grown man and know my way around. Yes I tried ditching you idiots because I told you numerous times I was fine!

The man rubbed his eyes with an index finger and thumb as he was allowed to be on his own. Just because he was older than some of the populace gathered did not mean he was weak. On the contrary it was a wonder his character's age was allowed to be as built and powerful with no drawbacks. But then, nobody said Terrasphere was a one hundred percent realistic game. It would have been much less fun if age penalties were involved that were not just social based.

Gazing about the gathering, the massive Felis made quick observations of each individual. Some were helping themselves to cookies, others mingling and being kind of a nuisance, and then there was the one person who seemed like they were actually doing work. AND he looked official. With that, Alonso walked up to the one known as Levi.

Sorry for disturbing you, but you look like one of the heads of this thing. Mind giving me a quick rundown of what the deal is having your guys harrass some of us to come here?

 

[Schilva Flasch]

Listen, I'm telling you, I'm THE Schilva Flasch, I don't need your help, I'm doing FINE and this isn't even my blood-

Had Schilva a gold piece for each time he had been suspected of suspicious activity when he was really just cashing out on the dirty monster-hunting jobs he'd been collecting like a raven would shiny trinkets, he would have two. Which was two more pieces in his pocket, so he wouldn't complain, but it would be a bit embarrassing to explain why it was there.
It probably also wouldn't hurt the man to learn some decorum and to wash his clothes outside of town first before trying turn in his goods.

Strong-armed into attending this meeting of what was apparently one of the bigger Astorean factions' leaders, Schilva could not care less about decorum or what this meeting was supposedly for. What he knew was that he was tired, hungry, covered in monster blood and still broke.

Oh, gods yes. I'll be taking these.

Scooping up several assorted cookies without inquiring further and shoving one in his mouth, the sight of this gaunt, gore-covered swordsman would seem quite out of place at the otherwise mostly civil gathering. Crumbs sticking to his bloody robes as he wipes his mouth, Schilva swaggers up to the most important-looking guy in the room, which was obviously that ripped blonde one talking about his grandmother.

I, Schilva Flasch, demand an explanation! Why have I been brought here against my will? You could have just told me you were hosting a banquet in my honour! But I don't mind a surprise party either, if that was your intent. But still! Strong-armed against my will, et cetera!

Stuffing another cookie in his mouth and almost inhaling it, it's a mystery as to how Schilva hasn't choked himself to death as he continues talking.

Also, I'd like to commend the chef! These are superb cookies, well worthy of my palate! T'is a shame you didn't ask me about my favourite flavour though. Oh, nevermind, thanks.

Picking the last raspberry white chocolate-flavoured cookie right off the little Faerin waitress' baking tray, Schilva begins looking around for something to wash it down with, completely unaware this was in fact not a banquet being held in his honour.

 

[Harukami]

A busy tavern was not someplace a normally timid person wanted to be- but this tavern was filled with such interesting looking characters, and she was so thirsty, she couldn't resist. Rushing inside with a blaze of clumsiness, Harukami fell flat on her face as she tripped on what seemed like thin air. She grumbled to herself, before standing up and dusting off her skirt.

Feeling realistic pain was starting to get annoying- but she had to fight through it!

After finding a strange man without anyone talking to him, she walked over, accepting a cookie from Mimi first. It was a simple chocolate chip cookie- something Haruka was used to making for herself, but decided to try from another person for a change.

To the man she was attempting to address, she curtsied with a reddish face.

G-Good, um, day? Yes! Good day to you sir. How are you?

@Aaron Marone

 

[Harlow]

Harlow wouldn't have been difficult to find. For some time after his initial appearance in this world, he continued to return to forest of his origin, meditating at the foot of the various power stones. Whether or not he truly was managing to siphon power from them was debatable, but his passive activity had kept him from death long enough for the Lion Arms to discover the knelt Magia mostly unscathed for his time.

Affirmative. I understand. Wilco.

He didn't put up a fight in the slightest when they came for him, and believed them when they explained the situation. It wasn't long until he found himself in a Honeyhome tavern, surrounded by what was, presumably, other players.

Harlow would remain quiet for the most part, silently observing the others around. Another he spotted doing the something earlier, though much taller and larger than himself... Many people here were. He found a wall to lean on that he assumed would place him out of the way should any rogue conversation invitation be fired through. Unfortunately for him, the chosen wall would turn out to be right next to a table with a few stray cookies. Bait for the ravenous eyes. Bait for himself.

He'd seen another nearby, the self-proclaimed Schilva Flasch, shoveling one of the delectable treats into their mouth. An inquisitive eye lead his posture from leaning on the wall, to standing before the table intently, carefully picking one up. Whether they were on this table to be discarded, or simply for the taking, he found himself enamored, before finally taking a bite. The aesthetic did not match the flavor. Bland. Just like everything else he'd eaten so far.

Still, the cookie was far too quaint to be disrespected. Harlow took another slow bite, and proceeded to chew even slower. With this, he would find his wall again, picking away at the cookie at a dreadful, albeit determined pace that might take hours. For now, he aimlessly gathered information, waiting for further explanation of their gathering.

 

[Asch]

Hi Traveler, Mimi only has tea for you, it might be a bit plain for your taste, but is that okay with you?

(Mimi looked up at the blonde (@Aaron Marone) with slight hesitation, not knowing how the man would react.)

(Chad turned toward the harsh-sounding @Darko Ljubicic with a stupid grin on his chiseled face.)

Oppositely, you can also say that brazenness is especially useful in times of danger when bravery always pop out when you need it the most, it's not always a negative thing, haha.

(And to @Pete Simpson, Chad smiled and waved at the young man.)

Oh yeah! Really excellent work back ther—

Hmm? What about sheep, Captain?

(Chad demeanor did a complete 180, turning from excitement to concern.)

I mean, who are you, sir? I don't seem to recall us having met before. Ha… ha… ha…

(He winked rapidly at Pete with a stiff expression gripping his face.)

(Mimi dashed over to Pete and waved both of her arms above her.)

Oh noo! Please don't pay Mimi, Mimi is happy to have wonderful people trying out her baked wares!

Mimi then ran over to @Pollux with a raisin cookie in hand before she handed over the morsel to the violet-haired girl.

Here, miss. Thank you for having Mimi's cookie!

(Finally, when it was @Tristaria's turn to ask for a cookie, Mimi dashed over to the Magia only to face-plant herself on the floor. Although the dirty floorboard marked the young Faerin's face, the platter appeared spotless. Phew. She quickly got up, smeared the stain evenly on her round face before looking up at Tristaria with determination on her face.)

Here you are! Your very own cookie!

(When she heard @Schilva Flasch complimenting her baking, Mimi clasped her cheeks which began inflating with happiness. She lived for compliments like those. @Harlow's expressionless face, however took Mimi down her high horse. Clearly, she has a long way to go if her selection was not enough to please all the guests. A subtle fire burned in those clear lion eyes. In order to become a knight, she would have to work much harder.)

Now, now, no need to get so intense around here. You're among allies.

(Levi spoke in a neutral cadence as he gestured for the antsy Travelers to lower their intensity and concerns, @Alonso Thorlion, @Lady N, and @Harukami in particular)

Nobody is getting detained or anything like that. We're just here for a little PSA if you will.

And let me apologize if the boys and girls in blue are a little rough with you. They're trained to wrestle monsters, not people normally.

(Levi chuckled quietly to himself.)

If you had played this game 4 years ago, then you should already know about the third death and the UI-lock thing. If it's your first-time logging into the game, you surely have got to know about the game's questionable reputation.

Anyways, we're got no intention of stopping your fun. But, we need to establish some ground rules this time 'round.

One. I shouldn't need to say this, but player killing has some severe consequences, so let's avoid anything of that sort, yeah?

Two. It's been four years since you guys got booted from the server. The world is a different beast now, there isn't quite as many safe areas as before, so try not to get eaten by a Flying Alligator?

Finally. Three. If you would like to, you know, work with the Lion Arms to maintain public order and assist the League in securing dangerous territory, our family is always open to take recruits. You don't have to say yes, but if you enjoy Mimi's cookies, do think about enlisting. Our budget is getting scaled back despite the dangerous works we undertake, so maybe it would be highly charitable to take up arms, for the sake of all the UI-locks and national security.

(Levi smiled as he crossed his legs and put both of his hands on his knees. The grind of his metallic armor produced an obnoxious creak that filled the room.)

Cycle 2
Rules

• This is a communication-focused megathreads where your character is introduced to the Lion Arms.
• When 10 characters have joined the thread, the thread will switch to Private.
• There is no set posting order.
• Everyone has one post per cycle.
• However, each character can address any or all of the three characters here: Levi, Chad, or Mimi or other players, all within the same post.
• New or already-established characters are welcome to join the thread.
• You are free to socialize and get to know the characters in the thread.
• This thread will be updated with or without enough characters roughly every 24 hours.
• More groups will be established if the interests are there. Please wait for overflow threads.
• Please try to keep your response somewhat brief!

Spoiler: Text Bubble Template

[speech=https://terrarp.com/db/character/Chad.png]Conversation here (Action formatted like this)[/speech]

[speechright=https://terrarp.com/db/character/Levi_Pendragon.png]Conversation here (Action formatted like this). This version has the avatar on the right side.[/speechright]

 

[Aaron Marone]

Aaron beamed a smile at Mimi.

Tea would be absolutely perfect. I was worried you'd only have alcohol being a tavern. Tea sounds delightful, thank you. I love tea. If you have any honey, I've never found tea sweetened with honey to be too plain.

Next Aaron turned his attention toward the human woman, @Harukami , who came and introduced herself to him. She was cute, and about his age. At her curtsy, he raised his hands.

Please, please, no need for formality with me, miss. My name is Aaron, Aaron Marone. It's always a good day when I get to meet a pretty face, so I'm doing rather well. Especially since I get to have tea instead of ale. What's your name, if I may ask?

Then the men who seemed to be in charge of all this started speaking, and the topic of joining the Lion Arms came up. The idea of a flying alligator intrigued him, but he knew that wasn't important right now.

It's easy to say you're doing this for the sake of UI locked. If you're actually working for the people, I'll be one of the first in line to join you, but I won't just take your word for it. What sort of programs and initiatives are you taking to help them, and the natives of this place. The, uh, the non-players. We're the ones intruding on their lands. What is in place to protect them? Cookies, as delicious as they are, thank you, Mimi, don't buy loyalty.

 

[Chrys]

Pete instinctively tensed up when the red-headed guy started asking about the sheep incident in a way that also seemed to scare impressively armed guy. He felt rigid but at least his posture in his seat was straighter than his future. Sweating bullets, he returned the sheep guy's wink with an awkward smile of his own but immediately looked away from the two of them. The last thing he needed right now was to get grabbed by the game police and chucked out of there.

Oh, crap, did I snitch on you?

Pete whispered without directly looking at anyone else. He tried to switch his attention on the Faerin but could only muster another weak smile.

T-thank you... Wait, you baked these?

He started eating the baked goods he got and enjoyed them thoroughly. There was no sign of disgust or dislike on his face. Pete was like a child enjoying more candies than he expected to get.

Pete then starting listening to the red-haired man, taking in all the information he got. He was new to the game, so he really needed that background refresher. Pete had also already heard about the bad things about Terrasphere, but he didn't mind. Death would be a welcomed respite from his current situation in the real world. Bruv... That just got bloody dark.

Mphcookies are really mphgood! I swear on my mother's grave, no player killing on my part. Respawning must be really annoying, eh?

 

[Darko Ljubicic]

Darko ate his cookie with a nasty grin as he listened to Chad and Levi's words. They did not really seem to know what was happening back in the real world and that was why they were panicking like headless chickens. Seriously. This world surely has the same proportion of crazies as the other world; the only different thing was that by population, the latter had the most, and a lot of them ended up swarming here.

First of all, this cookie is above average and the one who cooked it deserved a pâtissier position in a large restaurant.

He finished his cookie and intended to get another of the same flavor, but the cookie he was about to grab was then grabbed by a person (@Schilva Flasch) with a seemingly voracious appetite. He then shot a mean glare at the person as he then grabbed a simple chocolate chip cookie and then continued.

Secondly, If only all those people actually applied their brazenness into lofty ideals as you suggested, this world will be a better place.

He was seemingly saying this in his distinctive sneering and sarcastic tone, but he was actually genuine in his assessment.

But sadly, what I am talking about is what you in your world referred to as bandits, lowlifes, marauders and the like. You can definitely say that hell had opened and the demons had been released here. Sure, there are also really good people thrown into the mix; as well as the old, sick, and infirm from our world who wanted to try to become denizens of this world as soon as possible; but the fact that one can die three times in this world is actually the reason why they are here in the first place, to do some crazy things that they will not attempt in our world, because in there, one can only live once.

He then took a bite of the cookie.

Even so, do you still intend to save one of these lowlifes when they actually messed up and wanted your help?

 

[Alonso Thorlion]

Alonso glanced down for a moment when ordered to relax. Giving himself mental kicks in the head, he inhaled deep, then exhaled. And one more time. No sense in even remotely acting similar to someone who bitched at retail workers over a damn ten cent off coupon. Embarrassing was a more accurate term.

Listening to the brief rundown of the situation, the man felt satisfied with the reminder. All things which were vital points given the resurgence of the game as well as people addicted to intrigue and controversy. Terrasphere was a lawless world at a glance, but natural denizens as well as players needed to act within some realm of humanity here. There were consequences to murder, theft, and a whole bunch of other things. Four years ago there was an outright war which overthrew royalty and began a shaky era of player rule.

The beastfolk nodded to Levi.

Right, right, thank you. I apologize, I shouldn't have acted as I did, even if it was tame by comparison to others much more aggressive. Putting a stop to player killing I agree with no matter if there's a three-strike death rule or not. Others may not be here for the combat aspect after all, and really, I'm quite tempted to suggest anyone that forces someone to be UI-locked should be tried in the real world. But that isn't a reliable consequence given we can't access external apps and take screenshots meaning the law enforcement has to stay in the game. It's not a situation where external laws regarding MMO deaths either.

He pondered he words of @Aaron Marone and @Darko Ljubicic thus far. The latter irritated the Felis, but his stoic, almost cold gaze kept itself neutral. Yelling at each other was not a solution to any problem. Reason was a useful, yet difficult, course of action.

That's why we need a way to inform people about the gravity of the situation. Look, outright classifying everyone who enters this world as crazy doesn't do anything to help the situation nor is it necessarily accurate to start generalizing. Knowing the consequences are real is the main point here, and I know some are going to think it's a fake outcome designed to scare people like a damn urban legend.

Alonso took a breather, shifting his feet around and folding his arms over his chest.

Just about nobody is the perfect person. At one point or another someone is going to die at least once. Out of those, plenty more will hit the three strike mark if we stand here. The ones who look like assholes will be those of us who were here four years ago and have information not available to the general public and not mention a thing. If we start judging whether someone deserves to be saved, the reputation of those trying to help goes down the drain and the situation becomes worse.

 

[Harukami]

Harukami nibbled on her cookie while the kindly seeming man, @Aaron Marone , spoke to her. Although she was accustomed to compliments in the real world, they were mostly from her twin sister. Adding on her awkward disposition, well... She was blushing so red she probably appeared to have a fever out of the blue!

P-Pretty... T-Thank you! Oh, um, uh... My name is Harukami. The pleasure is mine, Mister Aaron!

She smiled broadly. She'd made less mistakes this time, she thought! Grinning like a slight goof, she wondered if she should have bowed instead- but that didn't matter, as the strange people in the place began to explain some of the rules and recommendations of the world.

When she heard the flying alligator bit, she turned to Levi with a curious face.

Alligators... can fly?

Yes, that was what her mischievous mind managed to pick up on. She seemed to miss the UI locking bit entirely! As her brain felt like a chicken with its head cut off trying to take in all the information, she finally at least caught on that three deaths was a bad thing, for whatever reason.

I guess to, er, be safe... I shouldn't alone travel- er, I mean, travel alone. Right?

 

[Lady N]

Hmph!

Chelsea adjusted her sleaves as she gave one last huff. Making a mental note that if she ever saw big armored tinheads again coming for her, she would press the N Suit activation sooner than later. Happy to just be free of all the dragging and unnecessary calls of concern, she turned her focus to the man that was behind her kidnapping.

Third death? Well, it didn't take long at all did it? Pretty ironic to be lectured about something the young Nexon had made her lifes work these days. If only for the hopes that things may be becoming normal for her again. Sigh...

As he went on Chelsea suddenly remembered just how little she did explore this broken game before. It was only when she had begun digging more seriously that its servers went kaput. It would be interesting to see if that happened again... It better not!

Wait. Chelsea's eyes narrowed.

For a lander to have been leading these knights, he sure knew a lot about the "UI lock", more like being dead. Was he a player, how did he become the leader here in a couple of days? Then he's a dead person? Either he somehow never lost access to Terrasphere or... ugh...

He's one of those copies.

...AI simulations of the dead giving warnings. ...It never stops being like this does it.

Her words may have sounded passive aggressive but came out softly with little emotion behind them except for a tinge of disgust. Her small stature didn't change her stern look at Levi. Was it his fault he was a stupid program, no, but it bothered her talking to these regardless.

Chelsea finally noticed a girl (Mimi) who was actually shorter than her for once, offering cookies. Cookies? In a death simulation? ....maybe one.

*stare*....Mmm..

Her eyes darted away to focus back on the head knight. It's not like she needs those stupid cookies.

 

[Harlow]

Overall, Harlow was impressed with the player-base's involvement. After all, whenever he had played games in the past, other players were typically very uninterested in stories or lore. Maybe he had involved himself in the wrong groups, but previous experiences suggested that this group's interaction with the world and eagerness to entertain the fantasy was an anomaly. But what was he to say, what with the radio-dialogue translator. Were it not for how they found him, he probably came off more as an NPC anyways. Either way, it was entertaining to listen to them all, and he found himself unintentionally lulling into the sense that this was no game at all.

He didn't understand the raving over the cookies, not sharing their enthusiasm or enjoyment of the sweets, which he found notably not so. This would be chalked up to another symptom of his racial choice, but the light in his eyes intensified, literally, at the mention of tea. He had overheard this as @Aaron Marone had ordered it, only now realizing tea was available. Harlow raised a hand and commented to Mimi. His cadence was vacuous, not a befitting way to speak to a child, as many took up softer tone.

Tea for me as well. Over.

Levi's presented ideals were rather heroic. Harlow had some initial hesitance to simply sign up, but based on the explanation, he wondered what other factions could offer that would stand up to this. After all, he had come to this world in search of reclaiming an honor lost in combat. What better way than this? To enlist in the defense of others.

The immersive experience of it would not last long though, as a nearby @Alonso Thorlion's comments would begin to anchor the UI-lock predicament with real world implications. It was a fair point, though Harlow had yet to sufficiently grasp that UI-locked characters died in their original world. The Magia departed from his spot to approach the large Felis to join the discussion, instead of simply listening from afar. His words were mainly to Alonso, but shifted to point towards Levi by the end.

Affirmative. Prevention of deaths should be our primary concern. Judgment of worth is not a job of mortal men. I admire this thinking. Over.

He neglected to introduce himself, while either ignoring or ignorant to the fact that his comment took slight stance against the implications of previous questions posed by @Darko Ljubicic. Harlow had been prepared to request entry, but he was interested to hear Levi's response to @Aaron Marone's questions first about their initiatives. Perhaps that would be good to hear first. After all, this Aaron person had made a different point that resonated almost as strongly as any other with Harlow:

Cookies, absolutely, did not buy his loyalty…

At least these cookies.

 

[Tristaria]

Tris watched as the little faerin kissed the floor, so-to-speak. That was a little hard to watch. "Are you okay?" she was about to ask, but Mimi’s face popped up just as quickly as it’d fallen down. Kids really were incredible. Immune to pain, and yet hypersensitive to it at the same time.

Thanks.

Without more to say, she raised the cookie to her lips and bit off a piece. It was easily the worst cookie she’d ever eaten. Air had more flavor than this cookie. At least the texture felt nice and crunchy, which Tristaria typically liked. Still, her HUD reassured her that each bite was improving that hunger meter, if slightly.

The peculiar thing was, she seemed to be alone in this opinion. Tristaria’s eyes glanced between one (@Aaron Marone) after (@Pete Simpson) another (@Darko Ljubicic) as they used terms like "delicious" or "really good" or "above average," growing more and more perplexed. Was everyone in this bar just being polite!? She understood not hurting the little faerin‘s feelings, but Tris seriously hated smooth-talkers.

@Lady N This led Tris to focus in on a particularly… "honest" young lady, who seemed to be eying the cookies. If anyone was bound to give a properly savage answer, maybe it‘d be her. Stepping up, Tristaria thrust her half-eaten cookie in the girl’s face.

Eat this and tell me if it tastes like nothing.

Meanwhile, she’d been following the whole "UI-lock" conversation carefully. Tris knew people were dying in the real world, but that was about it.

What is this "UI-Lock" anyway? Is it related to dying three times? You all seem to be implying players can’t die a fourth time, is that when they die for real…?