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

[Asch]

When Mimi saw @Akiva getting drenched in a load of water all at once. She dashed toward the youth with a dry towel, only to realize that it was extremely silly to do so, considering the towel was all wet by the time she reached him.

The moment Chad saw off @Fina Drago looked, he sprinted toward the girl and moved her out of the trajectory of the falling ceiling where Akiva failed to action in time.

Hey! Snap out of it, little lady!

He shouted before he sped off, right outside the tavern where he saw the Caenis climbing up onto the top of the tavern.

This chick is crazy, Chad thought to himself. For once, he met someone who was cuter and crazier than himself, hard to believe. Before he even had time to act, @Hanno Futaba was already by Vina's side, providing support. These people were out lioning the seasoned lion.

When @Cyrus Sylvester tried to secure the building with some rope, Levi jumped in to give him a hand, but even with two men combining their strength, it wasn't enough to stop the cave-in spot from getting larger.

Grr, dammit. Why is this building so rickety at the worst time?

When Levi heard @Cleo Looker's acute observation, he shouted to those who could hear him.

Good observation! Chad, get the lepus and the teal-haired girl (@Rakka Deltorra @Magdalyn) up to the beam. Beast girl, hop onto Chad's back, he'll get you up onto the roof where you can assist. Got it? Go!

Chad shouted an affirmative "OKAY!" before he headed to where it seemed like the bunny woman and the teal-haired girl were heading before he bent down a little bit, intertwined his fingers together as he put them on his knees, intending on giving the lepus a boost upward. He then shouted at @Kamala Graham to get on his back so he can climb her up to where the others were working.

The combined effort of the group somehow helped them averted the complete collapse of the tavern. @Vina Skysong managed to finish covering the hole while the rest either tried to contribute, or following Cleo's observation managed to replace the foundational beam that maintained the structural integrity of the building.

When the group gathered on the practically flooded tavern, Levi exclaimed with a pleased expression on his face.

Despite being complete strangers, amazing work! Haha. It's a shame to lose any of you to the other factions, but regardless, your skill will be useful anywhere.

Chad and the other knights began wringing the clothes underneath their armor as they waded through the flooded tavern figuring out how they were going to clean up the mess that the sudden emergency left behind. It was too early to start the clean-up, anyways, considering the rainstorm was still going hard beyond the tavern wall.

Levi gestured for the group to head up to the second floor where he started another fireplace.

Chad immediately took off his armor and undershirt, leaving it near the fireplace before he fiddled with his plated shoes, which was filled to the brim with water.

Levi was also drenched, but he refrained from taking off anything, clearly, they were not at that level of friendship yet.

He continued the conversation from earlier.

Regardless of whether or not you choose to join the pride, you should still pick one of the other three player factions. I can't speak to the character of the Adventurers Guild, but that's where you can make the money. Otherwise, your best bet is to join up with the scholarly MIT or the exploration-focused League.

The knights will give you a map to their nearest headquarters if you would like.

Cycle 2 Result
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✗ ✗ ✗ (5/10)
Minor Success - disaster averted...

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]

 

[Cleo Looker]

Well, with that disaster averted and everybody gathered again, it seemed that the conversation was set to continue, having successfully maintained whatever positive relationship the Lion's Pride had with this tavern's owners, if there even was one there. Cleo glanced up at the new beam that had been put in place, examining it for weak points just out of sheer paranoia, shuffling her feet against the damp ground until she nodded, satisfied that there was no longer going to be water pouring down on them and drowning them inside of this building. Of course, it wouldn't be a literal drowning, but damn it, the water was making her clothes cling to her and it was uncomfortable.

She took a few steps over to @Vina Skysong and placed a hand on the girl's shoulder, shooting the vulpine woman a friendly smile and a nod.

Good work patching the hole in the roof, Vina. Your abilities sure did come in handy there. I'm pretty sure we wouldn't have gotten it patched without you helping out with that.

She felt bad, considering all she'd really done was stand around, examine things and shout instructions to people that had no clue who she was, but since everything had worked out, she figured rather than feeling sorry for herself, she should just try to lift any spirits that she could. To that end, her eyes tracked down @Fina Drago and she shot the felis a warm, hopefully comforting smile.

You're a fellow friend of Vina's, right? I hope you're doing okay. You got pretty soaked and you were really out of it there for a minute or two.

And then her eyes settled on the big guy, the one in charge. She hummed, wondering if it was worth it, before ultimately figuring that the only stupid question was the one that never got asked. Shooting Vina and Fina another friendly smile, she took a few steps over until she was standing in front of Levi and gave him a nod in greeting.

Mr Pendragon, was it? I was wondering if I could ask you a serious question? What do you think is more important, given the current state of things? Protecting the Travelers and preventing anybody from dying, or figuring out the secrets behind this world and the third death?

Given that they were a knight order, of sorts, she very much expected that the man's answer would be the former. The MIT and explorers would likely answer the latter. Frankly, the agent found herself torn. There seemed like there would be no place that would focus on both at once, if Levi answered that he found protecting people most important.

 

[Kamala Graham]

Kamala was a little surprised when Chad started shouting at her. It took her a few seconds more to understand what was happening, having needed some time to process things, as she always tended to do because of her much slower approach to things, but when she got herself on the same page, there was no hesitation as she immediately climbed Chad's massive back to join the others. It was a weird way to attend a meeting, which she was bribed to be in, but it was also raining and everyone else in the room seemed appropriately weird. When in Rome, I guess.

After all was said and done, after everything calmed down a bit, Kamala couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief. She wiped the figurative sweat off her literal brow and admired the victory of their coming together as a community. If these people were always like this, she could see herself joining them. That was until she heard Levi speak about a League of explorers.

Excuse me, Levi, but I could not help but overhear: What is this League of Explorers you speak of? Are they a rival group to yours?

Outside of forming communities and working to feed and ensure everyone's health, the idea of exploring the known and unknown world before her interested Kamala greatly. The potential, possibility, of discovering new places, new sources of food and seed and medicine, these things spoke to her on a higher level than coming together and fixing roofs. It wasn't like she'd be a big loss to Levi and Chad's group, too. Kamala was slower than most, and she believed they'd benefit more with faster and physically stronger people.

 

[Hanno Futaba]

"You ain't getting in our way, buddy! We just need to keep going a little more!" Hanno said to @Rakka Deltorra and @Vina Skysong, forcing another 'shieldful' of water out of the roof and letting out a long and relieved sigh when it seemed the chaos was mostly controlled by now with the efforts of everyone working together.

"Everyone is alright?" He asked everyone when reunited. Though no huge disaster occurred, it wasn't uncommon for small accidents to happen, and he was ready to get some of the pain away with his divine magic.

Focused back on the original conversation, Hanno crossed his arms, pondering his options. He used to be in the Monster Hunter in the past, but not only did it seem like it was gone, but he also felt conflicted about such a thing. At the time he joined the game was... Still just a game.

"Well, every guild has its perks." He shrugged.

Looking at Levi, Hanno paused for a moment before asking: "Seeing that you guys are so worried about making sure the newcomers are aware of the third death, I assume you guys kept track of other UI Locked people, right? How things have been so far with them, in general? And well, how it has been your relations with the people of the land, I'm really curious... And honestly worried about how it has been. Though I see a lot of things seem fine." He asked, then glancing at Chad and Mimi.

 

[Akiva]

Everything she did in TerraSphere was an anomaly, screamed and rebelled against the being she was. It wasn't like her to throw caution to the wind, but she'd been at the end of her rope, burnt the fuck out from work, and wanted something that seemed like a light at the end of the tunnel. But she really, really, really should have done her homework when it came to this game. It was banned for a reason, wasn't it?

"Thanks," he said, accepting the blanket with a grateful grin, turning towards the cat-eared man. First cookies and now this. "You always seem to know what I need most."

Huddling in a corner that was relatively dry with the blanket over his head, he watched the rest of the group clamber about, handling the emergency with surprising ease.

"Good job," he shouted towards Cyrus, cupping his hands around his mouth, as he watched the other man.

He thanked the little faerin who approached with the wet towel, tossing it over his shoulders as he stood. As the din died down, the roof fixed for the time being and the group herded upstairs to a new fire, Levi began to speak again.

Akiva watched from a crouched position in front of the fire, unwilling to budge for anybody. He propped his chin against his palm, his elbow digging into his thigh, as he stared at Levi.

He had no interest in joining this faction. Helping newbies and protecting people wasn't his vibe. Sounded more like a burden, really, and way too much work. His gaze wandered over towards the stairs, remembering the cookies.

Standing, blanket still over his head like a hood, he sidled over towards Cyrus. "Hey, wanna dip and check if the cookies survived?"

@Cyrus Sylvester

 

[Asch]

Levi took a seat on a chair nearby where he emptied the water from his greaves while directing his attention to @Cleo Looker.

When the three player factions were established, we divided the line very clearly. I'm as intrigued by what's going on around us as much as you are, but protecting others come before any of that for the pride. It's a limited role, but a noble one. I wouldn't trade our mission for any others.

Depending on your priority, the MIT may be a better fit for you. Though it would sting a little to lose someone so sharp to the scholars, haha. They may, perhaps, be in need someone with your talent. But, I wouldn't turn out such skills either.

(He smiled warmly.)

When @Kamala Graham beckoned him, Levi turned his full attention onto her.

The League is the faction among the three Astorean ones who set off into the unknowns to help expand our knowledge of this world.

Although their mission and dedication are admirable. Those folks go hard and face death around every corner, so unless you share their mindset, it might not be the best faction for you. Childress is a very capable leader, I must admit. So, if you do end up joining the League, you're in good hands.

Levi turned to @Hanno Futaba,

We keep in touch with all UI-locks, of course. The co-founder is a trailblazer of a socialite after all.

(Levi chuckled, but really he shuddered internally at the thought of Seigi, who's almost like a mini Zeus.)

Those folks are fine, in case you're wondering. But… we did lose someone recently on an expedition to Hylands.

As for Landers. You can already see for yourself, no? Chad, Zeus, and Mimi are helping us maintain a great relationship with the people of the land. It wouldn't be possible without them.

How does it feel to log in again for the first time in forever?

Mimi hung out @Akiva while she took off her shoes and emptied the flooded pair of rain water, happy to be of service to someone.

Final Cycle

• If you haven't already, it's time to wrap up and exit the thread!

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina shot a smile towards @Hanno Futaba when he pointed out that the circumstances around their reunion were less than stellar. The vixen was completely drowned as she worked, but she didn't seem to mind even if she didn't have the time to start a conversation.

A little bit of rain never hurt anyone, did it~? And it's good to see you again~!

Hanno's assistance gave her more room to tie up the cloth to cover up the hole. She could @Cleo Looker's voice from inside as she called out which points of the building's support would need reinforcing to keep the roof from collapsing entirely, followed by the sound of several people doing their best to follow up on the advice. With Vina and Hanno keeping more water from flowing in the people inside would have the time they needed to secure the structure.

The vixen had thought that @Rakka Deltorra would be one of those types who was quite confident in herself, but it seemed like the current situation had thrown her off. The silver-haired druidess gave her an encouraging smile in between her work tying knots and securing the oiled cloth.

Don't worry, every helping hand is appreciated~

Once the cloth was in place and it didn't look like the howling winds would manage to dislodge it Vina let out a relieved sigh, after which she slid down the roof and down onto the ground to rejoin the others. As she re-entered the building her obscenely long hair was clinging to her body along with her clothes, which were better suited for summer weather to begin with, and her tail dripped behind her. She'd have been more worried about dragging water into the tavern if it didn't look like the floor was soggy already.

Well, at least I don't have to worry about taking a shower today~

A quick chuckle followed before the soaked vixen followed the rest up to the second floor. The fireplace seemed promising, but before the vulpine druidess could take her place warming up Cleo approached her. Vina smiled brightly at the compliment, then quickly hugged the lancer.

Thanks~! But I only kept the rain from falling in until all of you finished reinforcing the roof so it wouldn't collapse further. And I heard you pointing out which parts were important, so your contribution is just as big if not bigger~

She kept the hug going for several seconds before letting go and giving Cleo another bright smile. However, she then turned towards @Fina Drago, approaching the feline weaponmaster while leaving it up to the others to discuss which faction they should join, if any.

Sorry, I would have come sooner but the rain got in the way.

Given that the two of them were already wet from the roof crisis anyway Vina gave Fina a brief hug.

I know that it's scary, but if you're careful you don't have to worry about getting trapped. If we work together we both benefit~

 

[Cleo Looker]

She certainly hadn't expected the hug from @Vina Skysong though she had known that the girl was quite open, she did not thing that physical contact was also something that the beastkin woman was open with too. Ultimately it didn't matter too much, the lancer wrapping her arms around Vina in response, before she let go, their greeting over with and not wanting to give too much of a free show, or any show really, to the people around them. Considering everybody was some variation of soaking wet and miserable, that was the last thing that anybody needed.

Well I figured I should leverage the only skills I had that could really help out with any kind of repair or construction. I didn't really pick anything that could have been useful, though I might try and give that a change in the future, once I figure out what I want to do going forward build-wise.

And then they parted, with Cleo figuring that Vina would be the best person to look after @Fina Drago in her current state, her attention turning to Levi to ask her question and wait for him to answer. And really, she didn't have to wait all that long, or have to pick apart the answer. It was certainly interesting that the factions had agreed to focus on different aspects of life in this game, though certainly convenient and, she hoped, indicative of the fact that they often worked together and weren't at each others' throats. Well, aside from the Adventurers' guild, supposedly. Not much good had been said about that lot.

Either way, the agent nodded to Levi and hummed in thought, mulling over his answer in her head. She'd asked herself many times which priority was her main one, but more often than not she always arrived at a single answer.

I find myself agreeing with you, that protecting the players is the most important job. I can only hope that your protection doesn't only linger in the starting areas and that you assist the people that do actively go out and seek discovery.

She nodded, breathing something of a sigh to herself as she came to a decision, one that she really hoped she wouldn't regret in the future. Still, a group like this were certain to have contacts that could help her investigation. Just because she was protecting people didn't mean she had to stop looking for answers.

I'd join the Lion Arms, if they would have me?

 

[Rakka Deltorra]

"O-oh, thank you! I'll try my best!"

She ducks her head at the vixen (@Vina Skysong) and the kindly green-haired lad (@Hanno Futaba) and sets about replacing the beam, only to find herself pulling back in surprise as she's confronted with another beastfolk (@Kamala Graham) peering up at her from Chad's shoulders. She nods her head gratefully, leaning back in.

"Ah, thank you miss and mister! I'll get the nails in if you hold it in place... sorry for the trouble.

The task is accomplished swiftly with Rakka not having to juggle holding the new beam in place and hammering in the nails, and she works her way back inside after the other two who were on the roof. She follows the group up to the second floor while trying to hide her shivering, only for her ears to flick up as she lets out an embarrassed squeak over catching sight of Chad shirtless and lounging about. Rakka quickly averts her eyes as a light blush creeps over her cheeks and she promptly tucks herself away in the corner seat again, pointedly fixing her attention on Levi and his responses.

Her ears perk up and swivel toward Levi as the conversation drifts to the UI Locked. She waits until she's certain she's not interrupting anyway before quietly speaking up

"U-um... Sir Pendragon.. if - if you have a list of the UI Locked is there any chance I could look it over? I don't plan to join your faction at this point, so I get if that means I can't... s-so if not, is there any way I could get in touch with their, with their founder or this co-founder you know? Again, I get if that's not possible... um, thank you for all your help."

She ducks her head and lapses into silence.

 

[Cyrus Sylvester]

Though Levi jumped in to help him with securing the building, the cave-in wasn't prevented entirely. On the bright side, the whole building didn't fall down, so that was something. When done, the group retreated to the second floor. Cyrus immediately sat down cross-legged next to the fireplace, greedily leeching its warmth. He wasn't as wet as some of the others, but it was still uncomfortable.

At the mention of other faction, Cyrus perked up. Money or exploration? Gotta look into that, he thought.

However, he was content to sit back and listen to the others pose their questions. The most relevant one was someone asking about the League, and upon hearing Levi's answer, Cyrus immediately lost interest in that faction. If Levi described them as going hard, and constantly risking death, it sounded like they were worse even than the Lion Arms.

He stood reluctantly when @Akiva did – he'd just got nicely warm and comfortable, after all. However, this place definitely wasn't for him either. "Yeah, let's go." Cyrus followed the other man to Mimi, who was more than happy to supply them with more cookies. On the way out, the Beastfolk stopped by one of the knights, and asked for a map to the nearest Guild HQ. That was the one faction that seemed like it might fit him the best, based on what he'd heard so far.

 

[Hanno Futaba]

"Heh, never. We all need some water to live anyway, don't we?" Hanno laughed, happy to see that the girl didn't lose her spirit, which was expected from @Vina Skysong at the very least. "It is great to see you again, let me know if you are ever free to do something, buddy." He said before they finally reunited with the others again.

With everyone set and ready to listen to what Levi and the others had to say, Hanno crossed his arms and nodded patiently at everything that was told. Not only to himself, but to others as well, paying attention to the concerns of the others, and wondering what they planned to do with the information they asked for.

@Rakka Deltorra 's request in particular also caught Hanno's attention. "Honestly, I wouldn't mind having such a thing too, if it isn't too much of an invasion of privacy." He said, then looking at Levi.

"Yeah! I just wanted to know if they were exceptions to the rules. But I'm glad everything is going... As good as it could be." Hanno said, looking at Chad and Mimi with a warm smile. The Landers were kind and helpful, even if some players mistreated and thought they were just NPCs, which maybe... They were... But still. It was complicated. Not for Hanno though, he had his own belief about it.

"Logging in after so long, all I can say is that I feel relieved to see that guys like you are still around. Honestly, I was wondering what had happened to the UI-Locked, if they were like... In some limbo, or if they were still having their lives running... The Landers too. I did make some friends, so I was wondering how they were." His expressions turned bittersweet.

"If anything, I would like to know how it was to stay in here for four years. And if you need to know anything about the outside world, let me know-- Uh, Maybe now it isn't the best time, since you guys are probably busy."

 

[Kamala Graham]

You're welcome! You're doing great!

Kamala gave @Rakka Deltorra a warm smile as they shared pleasantries. A rabbitfolk? They always look so good, don't they? She couldn't help but admire the character's beauty. She had made friends with some of them, especially at her farm in Pormont. Everyone was welcomed there, and they did not have any room for prejudice. A better world is one without walls.

Oh, I see...

Kamala thought about what Levi had told her. To be a part of something that braved the unknown to plant the seeds of the future was definitely something she was interested in. Kamala didn't think herself brave, but she could be useful to these explorers. With her abilities, she could provide them with respite from all the horrors from places not yet discovered. At the very least, she could offer them healing should all that expansion wound them more than expected.

The part about death, though... It wasn't something Kamala wanted any part in. Dying here or anywhere else wasn't an enticing idea to her, but if their leader was that capable, then why would she fear? Still, it wasn't a decision to be taken lightly. Kamala knew that it would require some further deliberation. With herself. Maybe she can start by meeting up with them and figuring them out like she had done here.

You've certainly given me a lot to think about, Levi. Thank you.

She did wait for the others to go before she'd follow suit. Kamala wanted to be as courteous to their hosts as possible, even though she was just bribed to be there. Besides, it gave her plenty of time to think, all the waiting. After a couple of them seemed like they were about to depart the premises, Kamala gave Levi and the others a brief nod, a gesture of goodbye. Maybe just for now. She had a feeling she'd see them again. Somehow.

Well then, if that is all, then I should probably go. I hope that roof holds out. Thank you for bearing with me. I had such a lovely time!

 

[Magdalyn]

Mags munched her cookie as she studied the room's occupants. Well, munched may have been a bit generous, as the cookie had been thoroughly soaked in the roof's collapse. It now had the texture of food someone had already eaten, and then spit out again. She'd popped it into her mouth absentmindedly, while listening to the faction members speak, and now there was no going back. If she stopped eating, or gods forbid, spit it out, she would be insulting her host. So she... just... ate it. And to the adorable Faerin's credit, the taste was still pretty impressive.

Her violet gaze shifted toward the blond haired Chad, then the dark-haired man who had tricked her led her to the meeting. He hadn't spared her a glance since their arrival, content to mingle with his faction-mates. His Pride. A vice closed around her heart as she stuffed the last of the mushy cookie into her mouth. Imagine having a group that welcomed you like that. The thought came suddenly, a crack of thunder on an otherwise perfectly pleasant day. Had she known just how much she missed that sense of comradery? How badly she needed that level of acceptance? Be it Landers or other Players, the idea of being welcomed into a group, greeted by name, known... it tugged at her.

She found her feet again, her boots making an uncomfortable squishing sound in the process. She casually walked beside the group of gathered Pride members, snagged Justo's eye, and offered him a quick salute. Then she dropped her gaze and shuffled toward the door.

Married. Tch.

In a room full of people, Magdalyn had never felt quite so alone.

 

[Asch]

Levi extended his hand toward @Cleo Looker, offering a handshake to the woman.

They'll be glad to have you as an ally.

Welcome to the pride, Cleo.

Levi chuckled a bit when he noticed Rakka's reaction to the topless Chad before he quickly resumed a more serious expression when Rakka beckoned for his attention.

I mean, the list isn't a secret or anything. But, just be aware that four years is a long time for a number of these people and they might not receive you like how they used to.

(Levi looked at Hanno in particular when he made that comment.)

Levi handed @Rakka Deltorra and @Hanno Futaba a list of names.

Note

Ashiore – Alive
Bradwynne – Alive
Sean – Alive
Haru – Alive
Seigi – Alive
Kaede – Alive
Nalla – Unknown
Blank – Alive (confirmed)
Magi – Alive (confirmed)
Ivan – Dead
Corvella – Dead

Use it responsibly, yeah? I mean, definitely don't pursue them if you plan on antagonizing them. Four years in-game means they have become very capable at inflicting damage whether that be physical or emotional.

And to Hanno, Levi had an aside with the faerin.

I'll grab you an ale if we get a chance to catch up at some point. I do want to hear about pro tennis at some point…

(He had a completely serious expression on his face at that time.)

When blond faerin spotted @Cyrus Sylvester and @Akiva heading out by themselves, she ran up to them and offered both a waterskin each and a bag of pre-wrapped cookies that were safe from the flood.

See you again!

(She waved.)

Levi, Chad, and Mimi waved to @Kamala Graham as one of the knightesses offered her a map to the other faction's HQ.

[ Thread End ]

Plays of the Thread

High Roller (best roll luck, nat roll) @Cleo Looker [ 90 ]
Dice Jailor (worst luck, nat roll) @Cyrus Sylvester [ 4 ]
Socialite (for tagging players and getting folks involved) Everyone for this one!
Wombo-Combo (for team-ups in combat) @Rakka Deltorra
Pioneer (offered or discovered a unique path/solution) ---
Hard Carry (best support in combat or with skill checks) @Vina Skysong
Lone Star (the loneliest character) @Magdalyn