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

[Ru Ning]

A look of confusion was given towards the masked bandits' antics as he watched on. Were they suffering from some kind of illness? Seeing his startled neighboring Lepus ( @Toko ), a soft chuckle sounded as Ru waved his hands reassuringly to help calm her down.

"You okay there? Eat slower or you'll choke."

The presentation was entertaining enough, however the specifics were very much so lacking. Though his initial encounter in the woods with other UI-locked players helped bridge his disbelief, the man still had a hard time coming to terms with the statements presented. There it is again… UI-locked and permadeath. Is this a roleplay setting built into the game?... With the slightest twitch of his head, the Lepus' ears would flop slightly, indicating his confusion.

"Not too sure about bluffing… but I ran into some players that said the same thing when I logged in. They said they were stuck in here the last four years… Maybe it was really intense roleplay?... I didn't think it was that kind of game."

His words were skeptical at best, simply relaying his own experiences in hopes that others could piece the facts together for him. It was a tricky subject to approach. On one hand, it was rather hard to believe. Based on the previous arguments, there was no incentive to log out immediately since they were given several chances to begin with. On the other hand, it would also be difficult to prove without, well, testing the veracity of these statements. Surely nobody would want to be responsible for such a thing, or for egging another closer to death. More facts were needed, and as such, he'd raise his hand to pose a question to the room.

"Umm… how many chances do we get exactly? I'm sure we all have our own reasons… but some of us play to escape reality. I don't think it'd be healthy to broadcast something like this… but since you already did, we have the right to know the exact limit, yeah? Expecting us to leave forever just like that seems a bit unreasonable..."

Ru turned to look around at the room before shrugging and setting his hand back down. For the time being, he had no plans of abandoning such a wonderous game. What he did have plans for though was to enjoy a second cookie, perhaps even a third! It was a miracle born of VR, eating without getting fat!

 

[Alastair Brass]

.

Alastiar spared a grateful smile and half of an exaggerated bow to the little prince before the door was taken off its hinges. It seemed his efforts to calm doubts, reassure everyone of non-poisoned delicacies, and ask after the important-looking fellow's answers were all. Well. For naught. Alas, Alastair's lips twisted into a look of bored resignation at the rest carried on. The German (who seemed to talk like one of the Lander, yet spoke in German in what he was sure through reading was in fact an American-based setting, but possibly was just deep in method acting or perhaps some staff's attempt at a bizarre gimick character) tried for some clear ruse. The man he'd asked before for information ended up focused on repairing the tattered sense of conversation in the room.

He'd hate to do their work for them.

The mage turned on one heel and took the steps remaining to accept the seat beside @Frey Elzeiros. His coattails were tossed out of the way, causing a few of his constant companions to flutter about the chair legs and up onto both their shoulders. The butterflies glowed gently against the fabric of both of their coats.

And a humble thank you, Miss, for your efforts.

He hooked one leg over the other's knee, chin in palm as he listened to each in turn. When Levi's speech turned into the twin blade wielder's comment, then the stocky elf and the long redhead's, he watched each with a small smile that gradually flattened. This was, unfortunately, part of the exact reason he sat then and there amongst them. The two rabbit-folk chimed in to the same tune, with the Princeling carrying on in-between. Perfect. How dull and surprisingly helpful. The camps themselves were triplicate:

1. Terrasphere was a game where, after a number of deaths, the death of your body occurred. Either the mind of the original individual could continue to play the game after, or the game created a copy to puppeteer as an AI of some kind.

2. Rumors of Terrasphere's death clause were exaggerated from unfortunate gaming addictions that lead to other complications, were the result of competition or safety agency conspiracies to hinder the devs, or nothing more than outright lies in the realm of internet hoaxes, scaring off new players from overcrowding, or a grim marketing technique.

3. Uneducated fools who read about something as severe as your real and actual death in a bloody video game and decided to try their hand at it anyway. (He agreed the two deaths and log out plan was a solid enough idea. The medical insurance complaint was, unfortunately, understandable if grim. His condolences to the youth.)

Do pardon, Commander Levi, was it? But I must ask, given such an admission: Did you know at the time and... why did you play at all? Such unsavory 'rumors' about just a game, cutting edge yes, but just a game nonetheless, persist.

Alastair wasn't sure about the Lions themselves given the energy they had and how tired he was just watching them, but that didn't mean the individuals faced the same hesitancy.

 

[Asch]

Zeus put his large hand on @Ayna Nietzsche's slender shoulder.

OHO! You mean you have NOT HEARD of THE GUILD? You should SEE the Adventurers GUILDHALL, they're GRAND and IMPRESSIVE, MARVELOUS!

The Guildmaster, CESSIA, gives me something she calls PENSION every MONTH! Free money? GLORIOUS!

Levi slid right up to the silver fox and squished his armored elbow against the elder's side. He purposely gave Zeus a good grinding as a large vein pulsated on his face.

Ha ha. Why we also have something grand of our own. Our very own HALL OF HEROES. Did you forget putting it together, old man?

When Mimi was beckoned over by the blond Beastfolk, she dropped what she was doing and came to @Sakura Wind's side to introduce herself.

Hello, Miss Sakura! Mimi is Mimi. It's a pleasure to meet you! What kind of Beastfolk are you, if you don't mind Mimi asking.

While @Roland Rutledge was explaining things to the Faerin (@Ishtara de Vanteau), Levi inserted himself into their conversation.

Precisely. I don't believe in restricting people, since it only ever invites them to act on the thrill of doing something illegal. But, if you're going to have fun with your two lives, how about assisting us instead? You are able to play, but with the Pride acting as a safety net.

I don't recommend playing past your second death, however.

Chad who was standing next to @Mighty Rumblehide laughed along with the elf.

Whadya mean you're injured or confined to your bed? You're literally the picture of health. And what do you mean about medical bill? It sounds highly intriguing, like tax…

(The hamster wheel squeaks loud enough to be heard beyond Chad's head)

(After a trail of smoke began to pillar from the blonde's ear, he shook his head.)

Anyways, if you have already promise yourself to the guild, or recruited by them, then you must be very confident in your ability. How about a wrestling match? Winner gets to ride on the loser's shoulder the rest of the day.

(He pointed and challenged Rumble. [ Expertise Athletic (65) to beat Chad ] if you agree to the match.)

In response to the red-head, Levi didn't have anything substantial and decided to hold his tongue. When he saw Sol putting the cookie back onto the table, he could feel his face twitching from annoyance. Even more when he turned around to see Mimi's heart completely shattered.

The man would stay away from anything remotely sweet, so he didn't care much for the young Faerin's baked ware, but she was family, and before he knew it, he was already making his way toward @Sol's table. He picked up the partially-eaten cookie and took a big chunk out of it without hesitation, giving Mimi a thumbs up as he does so before turning around and casting a death glare on the sharp-looking woman.

Don't waste such precious morsel, you floozy.

When @Toko began to panic, Levi immediately turned his attention to her with a response cocked and loaded. He took his shot.

With lives being such a precious commodity, how about using it to serve others?

Some of the knight members who were still in the bandit mask marched up to the opinionated @Frey Elzeiros and leaned down at the youth with discontent,

"Oy, are you saying the commander is lying?" a squire put down his backpack and rolled up his sleeves.

"Hey punk, you wanna try dying?" a young male knight put his gaunleted hand on his sword.

"What rotten cookie did you eat this morning? Sure smells like a lot of bullshitery coming outa your mouth," one female knight said as she propped her legs in-between the Faerin's thighs.

Noticing some tension in the Faerin's corner, Chad stumbled forward and pulled the three away while they continued yapping like Chihuahuas.

Hoookay, how about those drinks, eh? He's not antagonizing the commander or anything like that.

(He leaned back and whispered.)

…right?

(He winked rapidly, trying to diffuse the foul air between the four.)

...Sorry, the boys and girls are really protective of the commander.

Levi took initiative in answering @Ru Ning's question.

Two lives. That's what you get before you get locked.

With the fiasco unfolding before him, Levi's patience was starting to crack.

We're trying to dissuade idiots from throwing their lives away, not trying to entertain children.

When @Alastair Brass directed the question at Levi, he immediately calmed down and was about to answer when Zeus appeared at his side with an answer of his own. The enigmatic elder assumed a serious expression on his face as he shouted out an answer.

That is BECAUSE, the commander was a POLISHMAN! A HEROIC position to some, in your WORLD, is it not?

ALSO, apologies for the LACK of an INTRODUCTION. I am ZEUS, and I hold DEEP RESPECT for such sharp gaze, ANYWHERE.

This is fine… Levi imagined himself sitting down while the room catches on fire. When the fiasco conclude, he needed to suss out the person who leaked the meetup to Zeus, who had thrown all order wayside.

Cycle 3
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]

 

[Ishtara de Vanteau]

"Dying in the real-" Then Levi inserted himself into the conversation. Her head tilting up just a bit to look at him as he addressed her. There was a nervous gulp. And she fell back into her seat once the man had walked away.

"T-that can't be right? T-those are just rumors, right?" Shemutters to no one in particular... but at this point with so much going on, it was hard for her to think. Ishtara was getting overwhelmed. "I... don't wanna die but I was just going to check out the game for a short time, why would someone make a game that could kill your actual body- if that's even true. I mean it'd be hard for us to prove it aside from......" She blinks.

"No, no, that'd be a terrible way to prove it." Her tail curled around her waist softly.

And this so called group, if this is how they recruit members, well... she wanted no part of it. Granted she didn't want to be part of any group anyway. Groups of people were scary in games. Clans, companies, it didn't matter... She's had enough negative experiences... maybe she should log out? Ishtaea opened her palm menu.

 

[Roland Rutledge]

Roland let out an exasperated sigh. It's the exact same reaction he had heard when they had originally figured out the three-death rule. People seemed to want to reject such an idea out of hand, and if they did not, it seemed they simply didn't care. It was infuriating but at the same time, there's very little Roland could do beyond what he had said. It was up to them to decide what to believe, and to act differently would go against everything he stood for.

"And what exactly do you stand for?" The voice in his head said. He ignored it just as before.

Visibly displeased he leaned back against a wall, and simply watched for a while as the Lion's guild members made their pleas to the others, but he did respond directly to @Frey Elzeiros comment

Trust me it is all doom and gloom. This game wants you dead, and it'll find impossible ways to do so. My first week a massive Drider the size of a town attacked, everyone I knew died at least once to that monster, and she was hardly the strongest threat we've faced. Believe me when I say I'm not choosing to be here.

As is if to make his point Roland pointed above his head, those in investigative mode would see his name, and more importantly the title he earned from that fight. At least the players that could use it, with Levi's UI-locked he doubted he had access to the feature anymore, but there was a lot he still didn't know.

He intended to remain silent as the rest chatted but something Levi said irked him. The three-death rule, he kept repeating it, as if the first two deaths meant nothing. Despite knowing he should stay quiet Roland spoke up again, this time directing it towards Levi.

I'll admit I've been gone a while, but even I wouldn't be so sure those first two deaths have no effect at all, and more importantly we don't know if the three-death rule can change. For all we know one day the server might short out, and kill every single one of us. Or there may be some other rule or nuance we still don't understand. After all, we didn't know about the three-death rule until people started dying, and only pieced it together after the fact. I seem to remember a rose supposedly having similar effects, though that turned out to be a false flag.

From the corner of his vision, he could see the faeire from before opening her UI screen. He hoped she was moving to log out, saving just one of them here would be worth it.

 

[Ayna Nietzsche]

Savoring the warmth of Zeus' touch, Ayna let out a delicate moan. Nothing scandalous, though. Just in the same cadence as someone enjoying a piping hot bowl of noodles during a rainy evening. If anyone investigated it further, it would be obvious that she was playing it up. Why? Because sugar daddy, that's why.

Hmm, maybe I should pay them a visit next, though adventurers aren't really my type.

There was truth in those words. Ayna took to adventurers as, if this were a game of chess, measly pawns, often sacrificed by the true players to see their ends met. That's why they're paid so much, to blind them to the stark reality of their true purpose. Ayna did not want that kind of fate, wealthy or not. The mention of the woman, a female guildmaster, spurred her interest, though, but still not enough to make her want to join the guild. It was impressive, sure, but it wouldn't help Ayna in any shape or form.

Really? This Cessia must really like you that much, to be giving you money every month.

A second or two later, she finally heard the part about it being his pension. But why would the female guildmaster be paying him his pension? Shouldn't the government, the kingdom do that? She reiterated her concern to Zeus, careful not to accidentally hurt his ego.

But... Zeus... Why is she paying your pension?

 

[Sakura Wind]

Sakura breathed a sigh of relief at Mimi's friendliness. It was more desirable to her than the big armored men telling her about the dangers. She didn't notice, but she was already starting to get more comfortable in the room. Her cautious expression slowly broke away into a small smile as she replied, hesitating a lot less.

A dog. I really like dogs, they feel really nice to pet and they're usually really friendly.

As she grew accustomed to the current surroundings, Sakura started to think more on what exactly the men had been saying. They're right about Mimi's cookies being amazing, so I think they're telling the truth. If this world is dangerous... I'd like to help others by healing them. The men seem to want us to stay safe... I do feel safer around them. Maybe it would be worthwhile to stick around them.

Sakura slightly nodded to herself as she decided on what to do.

If you don't mind me asking, this group... the Lion Arms, was it? Would there be a chance that I can try to join it? I'm scared of going off alone, and...

The beastfolk trailed off, unsure of how to finish her question.

 

[Toko]

"A-Ah, hai! I'm okay, I was just... startled, I guess."

A faint but appreciative smile was given to @Ru Ning as the fellow lepus expressed concern over Toko, the cookie she had once been enjoying momentarily placed down on a plate now as the woman listened to the ongoing conversation.

"Oh, right, this is called TerraSphere two... does that mean there was a TerraSphere one or something before?" (It was then her lepus neighbor added a new bit of information to the conversation.) "Players said they were stuck in this game for four years...?"

A part of Toko struggled to assimilate and understand this conversation, unable to imagine how anyone could be stuck in a game. It didn't help that the woman had never been in the gaming scene before in her life, a newcomer to both VR and this TerraSphere 2 game as of a few days ago. The lepus companion besides her posted some good questions while Toko continued to mull the information over. 'Escape reality, huh...' Toko would be lying if she tried to deny that wasn't the main reason she had jumped into the game to begin with that late night... with her grandmother gone it wasn't like there was anyone waiting at home for her, and while her neighbors were all kind and almost like family they too would probably pass on soon as well—and, honestly speaking, she wasn't quite ready to attend any more funerals for a while. It was then the redhead suddenly turned to her, his words snapping the lepus out of her thoughts before she frowned in response.

"Eetooo... no offense, really, but considering the way your company dragged me here I think I'll pass on the recruitment for now."

Her eyes also trailed away to the "bandit" trio that had been ganging up on a nearby faerin, though thankfully the blond one stepped up to try and break up the commotion... for people wanting to recruit players into their ranks, and expecting them to die at least twice in the process of helping whatever goals they wanted to achieve, they certainly weren't doing a good job of endearing themselves to the new players.

"I'd rather use those two lives to look after and entertain children here that might need it, instead of following idiots to danger for the goals and ideals of someone else."

 

[Sol]

Sol was glad she wasn't the only one with a little bit of sense around her. He may have been odd, but she found herself nodding in agreement with the Faerin beside her. Whose to say it wasn't just an elaborate scheme to scare new people from playing the game? It all just gave her too many weird and fantasy vibes for her to really believe. There were way too many reasons that people died in real life unrelated to video games and more related to health that could've caused something so unfortunate to happen to them.

It was then that things started to get even more chaotic, and Sol began to grow increasingly more uncomfortable. She didn't much show it outwardly, but her fingers tapped evenly on the table in front of her as she began to look for an out from this situation. It was then that Levi approached her and the tapping stopped, and she turned towards him, swinging her leg out over the side of the bench and raising her eyebrow at his comment. It was then that she let out a loud sigh of annoyance as she stood to her feet, meeting the man head on as she matched his stare.

Enough, this is too much. You brought me here against my will, make me sit here and listen to a bunch of theories and things that a lot of us here don't believe to be real, and then decide to insult me?

There was no anger in her voice as she spoke, in fact she spoke in a complete cold matter-of-fact way, keeping an even glare on him regardless if he looked back to meet it or not. Her annoyance grew even further as she spotted other knights harassing @Frey Elzeiros out of the corner of her eye, glancing away only for a moment to look back at Levi once more. Another player @Toko echoed her thoughts exactly before she even brought them to life, opening her mouth to speak once more.

If this is the way that the Lions Arms treats potential new recruits, count me out as well, not that I was even interested in the first place. I at least expected better from an Order that upholds chivalry, or so you say.

Reaching back to pull her hair out of the braid that they had put into her hair on the way here, she ignored even entertaining the 'what-ifs' coming from the mouth of @Roland Rutledge, not that they were directed at her in the first place. She was just done listening to anything anyone had to say anymore on the subject, her own thoughts on the matter now solidified in place in her brain as she looked at Levi again, mentally charting a route to the exit.

Maybe next time you want to convince people of something, consider a less aggressive approach to the matter, because listening to you right now doesn't even make me want to believe you or even consider trying.

 

[Alastair Brass]

.

The mage's eye narrowed behind his glasses across the three most catching for his attention. The conversations of the other were gradually falling more into idle chatter about their plans for the game, or repeats of differing views he'd already ascertained. @Roland Rutledge's warning was new. A little red flag, perhaps massive, but pulled at some far distance so as to be vague.

Care to elaborate that the first two might have no ill effect? I understand the hesitancy that these deaths in threes might not always be depended upon, but are there other influences?

The Commander finally turned to him, and Alastair gestured with one fine, silk glove for him to pick up the talk. Unfortunately, his ally grabbed it instead. Quite the fellow. The fact that someone could manage a flat face while shouting at an ear-ringing volume was impressive. Polishman? He rubbed his chin in thought. Ah, not a Pole. A policeman.

My condolences, Officer. Forgive my forwardness, but were you working with others? Has news been, well, relayed home?

It was the best offer he had, the only other being a hand to shake for both Zeus and Levi if they cared to take it. A few of the glimmering souls settled like ornamentation on his clothes, a brave few even attempting to alight on Zeus now that he was marginally more still. The aforementioned keen eyes curved above a more fox-like smile.

Alastair Brass, and company. A pleasure.

 

[Mighty Rumblehide]

The Mighty Rumblehide was too busy blinking at the Chad Chad to really pay attention to the discussion about the ill nature of the game from... well, literally everyone else present. No--the shameful healthcare system of the self-proclaimed Greatest Country In The World!(tm)(c) had to be explained!

"Okay, so like... The, uh, place I'm from? No magic. Anyone who proclaims to be a priest, or a cleric, or along those lines? Complete and utter bullshit."

Zoey Staal is, at best, 1/16th Italian. That's still enough for you to imagine her hands wildly waving about as she talks.

"So we have to rely on other means--imagine, like, Alchemy and Magitech. Just without the whole magic part, okay? But this stuff--it's also stupid expensive. Mostly because, while we don't have magic where I'm from, we have something just as powerful, if not more so; human greed."

The spiel continues on for quite some time. Insurance being a scam, how people don't like the idea of universal health care because of American individualism (punctuated with a strong summary of the "fuck you, I got mine" mentality), and a quick lesson on the difference between for-profit in her world and donations to holy institutions for services rendered in this one.

"So all this to say--"

And catching Chad by surprise, she practically yanks his arm out of his socket with a judo throw, then rests her weight on his back while putting him in an armbar.

"I'm not going to; I'm not an asshole. But if you dislocated your shoulder--completely ripped it out of your socket--you'd be getting a bill for one to eight thousand gold. Your insurance might help pay for some of that; or it might sit on your claim for six months and then tell you you're on the hook for the full amount due to a technicality. Like, for instance, that the injury occurred on an even minute instead of an odd one! Or that your doctor's name had an I instead of a Y in her name!"

Expertise Check
1d100 (55) + 10 = 65

Fitness (C'mere, ya chad Chad) | Mighty Rumblehide | 361

 

[Frey Elzeiros]

He throws his hands up in the air at the approach of three unnamed knights-in-training, sticking his bottom lip out as his head is tilted to the side somewhat, a blank expression coating the exterior. Lips part to speak a retort of some sort, probably not of the kind variant, but it dies on his tongue when Chad intervenes and separates them.

Eeeeey, nice save. I'll have one of those drinks, since you are insisting. (In a lower tone to Chad.) No, I don't think I was? Guess everyone around here is just intense like that.

But he isn't above sticking out his tongue at one of the knights that continues yapping at him.

At @Roland Rutledge's suggestion, Frey activates the palm menu with a series of swipes and taps at the air, engaging in the Investigation Mode before taking a look at the man's title hovering over his head.

Which is… still not definite proof of the rumors he claims to be a part of their reality, only that such a fight had existed and it had taken out most of the people who fought alongside him. Like Boss Fights do in most games, and in some of them, you don't even have to try before you encounter a beast of that type.

So what? Terrasphere is a game with hyper-realistic settings and a difficulty curve that might overwhelm the vast majority of players not used to the gamestyle. None of that speaks to the raven-haired faerin as a reason to believe the game is lethal.

I won't outright reject the earlier offer to join this faction of yours because of two very specific reasons. The first is that at least he (points at Zeus) put on a kick-ass performance that, honestly? Should've been more appreciated.

By way of illustrating his point, the faerin abruptly stands from his seat, uncaring about the looks he might receive from the trio formerly harassing him, and starts clapping in Zeus' direction. He lets the sound carry for the better part of a minute before his hands fall back to either side of him, but he does not sit back down on the bench.

The second reason is I can recognize you are honestly trying to do something here, something good. But I think that little speech about our upcoming deaths and all that jazz has put everyone off the mood a little, yeah?

 

[Ru Ning]

Two strikes huh? That wasn't too bad all things considered. It was enough leeway at least to escape should he change his mind. The lepus mused over this while continuing to watch the shenanigans unfold. Though Lion's Arm did seem like a rather lively group, perhaps it was a bit too lively for his tastes. Ru didn't see himself willingly being thrown into the maw of chaos either or the frontlines of battle; both of which seem to fit this group quite well.

"I appreciate the primer… but I agree with her."

He'd point at the unnamed Lepus ( @Toko )beside him.

"Thanks but no thanks. This is not how you ask for help."

Eyes fixated over to a corner where three stooges were ganging up on a rather short statured player, he'd watch with a mix of amusement and disbelief. Off in another corner, the obnoxiously stocky man was arm wrestling with the youth who had claimed to be hospital ridden, now the picture of perfect health.

"Couldn't you do that in our world as well?"

He'd turn to look at her, repeating his question.

"Why here instead? Sorry, is that too personal?... No need to answer."

Hopefully the woman wasn't a sex offender or something. That would make his inquiry incredibly awkward. Immediately regretting the question, he'd face the beastfolk and bow apologetically, ears dangling forward. It was a fair question though, at least in his mind. Turning his mind towards another subject, he'd let loose a cheer from the depths of his lungs to root for one of the two competitors, one of which he recognized.

"CMON CHAD! YOU CAN DO THIS!!! DO IT FOR BARRY!!! --- Oh… is he losing? … Maybe not for Barry. "

 

[Asch]

Chad bit off more than he can chew, the match started out equal, but a split second of being distracted put him into a completely submissive position and at the mercy of @Mighty Rumblehide.

The pain forced him to tap out, even if he had a fan (@Ru Ning) cheering for him.

OW OW OW! I give! I give! What even is insurance?

Meanwhile, Zeus looked down at the peppy purple-haired beastfolk (@Ayna Nietzsche) before he put a finger on his bearded chin as he looked up, giving her question some time to stew.

Hoho… I'm NOT sure! Cessia TOLD me that Travelers give PENSION to old PEOPLE, maybe she does LIKE ME!

Levi immediately interjected upon hearing that conversation.

Old man, I keep telling you, but you really need turn down that money. We have no idea what kind of play Cessia is playing by doling out your pension.

NON NON! Money is money, money can be USED for GOOD! Like supplying a WORKSHOP with materials to produce TOYS! For all the good Astorean BOYS AND GIRLS this coming WINTERSDAY! After all, some TRAVELERS told me about the HEROIC TALES of SANTA CLAWS. He apparently looks like ME!

Levi wanted to say that the pride can also contribute to his initiative, but he held his tongue, knowing their coffer is nearly dried. That realization brought a dark cloud over Levi's head. Thankfully, someone reached out and temporarily distracted himself from the thoughts.

He turned to @Sakura Wind.

He could use more ally, if you're willing to join the family.

(He smiled warmly.)

When Zeus overheard Frey, he gave the faerin a wink as thanks for his compliment.

With the heavy pushback from @Toko, @Sol, @Frey Elzeiros, @Ru Ning, and @Ishtara de Vanteau gesturing for her palm menu, Levi became increasingly more frustrated, fighting a losing battle with no one else but @Roland Rutledge. The man had been fast and loose with his loyalty, sure, but at least he understood the price of hubris when it comes to Terrasphere.

In response of the criticism, he would not have approach the group so aggressively, but alas it was his men and women who made the blunder and as a leader, he had to take responsibility for it. The captain should always be the last one to go down with his ship.

I will apologize on the behalf of my men and women and will discipline any wrongdoings on their parts, but I won't apologize for the mission we stand for. Even if you don't have any interest in our mission, we will still save you if you are ever in life-threatening dangers.

In any case, do ignore the theatrics here, you are free to leave and resume your adventure elsewhere.

If you are so incline, the knights will give you a map to find other factions that may be better fits.

Levi sighed. Despite being Travelers, their worlds couldn't be further apart.

@Alastair Brass's question took him by surprise, however. It has been a long time since anyone had asked about his real-life.

No, I haven't been able establish content outside the game. I have no idea what is happening in the real-world, or has happened to my family since I became UI-locked. I assume that now that players are back, my coworkers might try to find me, if they hadn't already forgotten about me.

I personally wish they wouldn't. It would only expose them to the hidden dangers of the game.

The knights on standby moved away from the door after they prepared a map for the people who were planning on leaving.

Cycle 3

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]

 

[Ishtara de Vanteau]

Ishtara paused her hand from her menu. She just thought of something. Her head turned to @Roland Rutledge...

"Excuse me, but if this game is so dangerous and you're warning others about it so desperately, and we supposedly have proof here-" she motions to Levi. "Then why the hell do you still bloody play despite the risk?"

She closed the menu and stood up. She took a deep breath... holding it for a moment before letting it out. Ignoring most the others in the room and focusing on the words Levi spoke as she waited for a chance to talk once again- and dear lord it was overwhelming with so many people talking at once. So Ishtara had to block them out or else get lost in the sea of thoughts.

Ishtara stepped up to Levi, looking up to him with a curious glint in her eye. "Excuse me, sir? Could I know your name from our world? I'd like to look something up when I return."

There was another pause... "And... I don't think I'll be joining any groups... I've been stung too many times." Her head tilts to the side as she gave a small smile.

"It's not that I don't believe you. I am sorely tempted to log out and never play again, but if what you and... uhh... whatever his name is, is saying is true, then I want to look it up back home. I hope that's understandable."

 

[Roland Rutledge]

Roland could feel his face smirking despite willing himself as much to not do so. He didn't want to get involved here, he had no intention of joining the lions arms, but nor did he want to be known to oppose their philosophies. There was just something cathartic at seeing the rejection from those like @Sol and @Toko regardless if he disagreed with their reasoning. A good hearty and rebellious spirit was something to be admired.

Turning to @Alastair Brass the smirk faded, as he opened his mouth to speak out of turn, but Levi cut in before Roland could do so. His eye's narrowed as he mentioned other 'factions', and before he knew it he had opened his mouth again this time addressing Levi directly, as his questions tumbled straight off his tongue,

Other factions? Like empires? Or do you mean more mercenary guilds? Who are they? Whos running them? Surely you don't intend to send these newbies to the Ynglar brotherhood?

As soon as the rapid-fire questions left his mouth Roland winced. He hadn't meant to get involved from the outset, and this is hardly what he could call not getting involved. Still, he moved to one of the guards with the map to see the answers to his question. Perhaps there was an order dealing with secrets he could leverage to help him find his missing person. He didn't make it far, however, before @Ishtara de Vanteau asked him a very hard question. With a shake of his head, he conceded.

There are things worth risking your life for. Trust me when I say, I'm not here for the novelty of it all. There's something I have to do. Something, perhaps, only I can do.

 

[Toko]

It seemed the lepus beside her also shared her current thoughts regarding the Lion Arms' recruitment tactics, Toko giving a soft shrug when @Ru Ning turned back to her with a question.

"Oh yeah, definitely... but since Levi here seems so against the idea of entertaining children, according to his own words that is, I fear they might be getting especially neglected in this game world."

It was then another commotion broke out, although one more entertaining that the trio of fake bandits trying to gang up on the faerin moments before. Before the lepus new it she was joining in the cheering, though unlike her beastfolk companion Toko was rooting instead for the meat elf (@Mighty Rumblehide). A loud whooping sound was made when the elf managed to pull Chad and pin him until he begged to tap out, eliciting a chuckle from the lepus before she responded his question.

"Insurance is a program you pay into monthly, with the promise that they'll help you out if you ever have really costly medical procedures later... but sometimes they try to find loopholes to avoid paying you when that time comes in some countries."

There were quite the horror stories posted on Reddit threads and all over the internet about this, with a good portion coming from the United States it seemed, and while Nao didn't think Japan's own approach was one hundred percent perfect she still felt it was in a better placa than the system the American people had for themselves. By then the redhead had heard enough to realize his subordinates had probably crossed a few too many lines, however to the lepus surprise Levi actually owned up to the errors of their ways and admitted they'd try to do better going forwards.

"That's a good first step... and just because some of us might not joining the Lion Arms directly doesn't mean we cannot help out in a future if it's ever needed."

 

[Ru Ning]

Having heard such a practical offer, Ru would not decline. Turning to the nearest knight (or so he'd assume they were one) around him, the Lepus quickly asked for a map and extended a hand outright while waiting expectantly. After having secured one for himself and politely thanking them for their assistance, he'd turn back towards his companion, probing for her thoughts on the matter ( @Toko ).

"Wanna take a look around together?"

He'd wave the map cheekily with a grin.

"It wouldn't hurt to learn more about this world from… other perspectives, I think?... Assuming they're not all this… quirky. No pressure, just let me know if you'd like."

Quirky was most definitely not the first word that came to mind. He had censored it however with consideration of how delicious the cookies from the little one had been. It was never wise to get on someone's bad side for seemingly no purpose, especially if they could bake well! Giving the female lepus a few moments to mull over his offer, he'd turn back towards the captain with an offer of his own ( @Levi ).

"If you don't mind sharing personal details… Would you like me to reach out on your behalf? Whatever message you have, conveying it shouldn't be too problematic if you remember how to contact them."

His eyes held a rare moment of seriousness as he offered assistance to the captain. Within those golden orbs, only genuine interest to help was expressed without extraneous intent.

 

[Sol]

☀˚̣⋅ .

At the next words that came out of the man's mouth, Sol visibly relaxed, her expression going back to a more normal one then the angry look she had been wearing a moment ago. She still had full intention to get out of there as soon as possible, but she relaxed for the moment, turning her head to look around the room once more as her mind processed what had just happened. What was the probability that he, Levi, was just a npc in disguise programmed to push the narrative? She wasn't entirely sure but she wasn't against knocking down the probability.

Another word out of @Roland Rutledge's mouth caused her to snap back to 'reality', closing her eyes as she let out a soft sigh. His blabbering was enough to drive anyone mad. Turning her body back to the table behind her, she reached over and snatched one of the white chocolate raspberry cookies from the plate, avoiding any eye contact with anyone as to not incur anymore useless conversations. She placed the cookie carefully between her teeth to push off the table and turn back towards @Levi, grabbing the cookie out of her mouth for a moment as she met him the was same even expression as before.

See yah, and good luck with that.

Pausing only for a moment on the way out to hold her hand to one of the Lions Arms men, she muffled out a small thanks in-between bites of her cookie as she stuffed one of the maps he had been giving away in her jacket. And then, she was off as if she hadn't even been there in the first place, glancing back only once more with her piercing purple gaze before turning and hoping to never be forced into a similar situation ever again.

(Sol has now left the thread!)

 

[Ayna Nietzsche]

Ayna could not help but let out a chuckle at the interaction between Zeus and Levi. One of them was definitely more carefree than the other while the other was definitely more responsible, especially when it came to their inner workings as a faction. Maybe they really are related. Then she remembered she was not the same as her family, cold as they are. Maybe not. She wouldn't mind having either or both as family, however. Seems like a lot of fun.

So, this Cessia person... She sounds really smart. But is she also devious? Or I mean, dangerous?

Zeus had made her sound like she was a good person. A brilliant one who cared for, well, older people. Levi, however... The way he talked about her, the way he seemed wary of the female guild master, it made Ayna think that she could be someone to watch out for, maybe even follow.

These guys were great and all, but... Ayna wasn't just in this game to find a family. Far from it. She was here to figure stuff out. Someone as smart as Cessia could help her with that. Or she could be a threat to her own plans. Either way, she sounded like someone Ayna needed to meet.