The Legend of Heroes: Tales of the World [IC]

[Pachamac]

Tales of the World Interest Check
Tales of the World OOC Thread

“…all I’m saying is, don’t you think it’d be so much easier if these monsters just, I don’t know, blew up in a puff of smoke and turned into some gald and items?”�

“Yes, indeed that would. But it’d also be insane, Estelle.”�

“It’d make doing this job sooooo much easier!”�

---

Opening Theme: Now~ Paramore

Clockwork Town

With their footsteps echoing along the cobblestone path, the two individuals walked throughout the streets of Clockwork Town, an old fashioned, Victorian-esque town furnished with giant steam work buildings and industrial factories on the town outskirts. A large clock tower loomed over the rest of the town, situated in the town centre. Currently it was roughly 9pm, with the city falling into darkness and the majority of people already returned home from a long days’ worth of work.

The two individuals were a man and woman both looking to be in their late teens or early twenties. The girl wore a long, flowing red and black silk robe across her entire body, that parted to reveal her midriff and tapered off around her legs to give her ease of movement. Her arms and legs, up to her elbows and knees were covered in lightweight armour gauntlets and greaves, and across her chest she wore a light coating of armour. She had bright, fiery red hair pulled back into a ponytail and a confident, if somewhat weary expression on her face. One of her hands lightly rested on the tip of her sheathed sword’s handle, whilst the other was busy carrying and dragging the disproportionately huge Boarig monster they had exterminated earlier in the day. It was at least twice the size of the girl, whose name was Estelle, and was a very large, bloated looking creature that surely must have weighed quite a deal, but she seemed to carry it effortlessly. Simply from looking at her it was obvious she was a swordswoman.

Her companion on the other hand, looked like the typical, classic mage. With a large, white hooded robe adorning his entire body, he walked with confident poise, one hand on a wooden staff that emanated a dim green glow. Across his white robe were several runic markings that at first looked as if they were simply for fashion, but on closer inspection were glowing an emerald colour, an act that would occur whenever the mage would use his magical abilities. He pushed up the circular glasses further up his nose and used a hand to brush through his messy white hair. He was a wind mage, trained in the use of classical wind manipulation spells.

“You know Marcus, don’t you think it’s not fair that the girl has to carry the giant monster? Don’t you think the man should offer to help?”� Estelle asked, addressing her partner. There was nothing malicious in the question, but she HAD been dragging it since all the way from the city outskirts.

“Why my dear Estelle, I AM helping!”� Marcus replied, pointing his staff to the underside of the Boarig. There was a small bobbing cloud underneath, supporting the beast’s weight and helping it glide over the uneven path. “Besides Estelle, we both know you’re stronger than me. And we’re almost at our destination anyway.”�

“About time!”�

The two turned a corner and finally came to a stop in front of a large building, whose windows were illuminated by interior lights and the sound of roaring laughter and chatter from within. Estelle and Marcus had arrived “home”; at the Clockwork Town Guild.

The Clockwork Town Guild

The Clockwork Town Guild served as an inn, tavern, and more importantly then all of that, a guild. A place where seasoned and experienced guildsmen and women would undertake the requests and orders placed from people across the kingdom for help. Whether it was something as mundane as finding a missing item, recovering something stolen, to helping build and craft something, or more dangerous requests such as monster extermination or body guarding. The guild was available to pretty much do anything and everything, as long as the client could pay the price for the service, that is.

The majority of the Guild’s ground floor was a giant tavern, with guild members and a couple of locals all perched around long wooden tables drinking and cheering the night away. The stairs in the corner of the room led to the higher second and third floors where bedrooms were available for patrons and guild members to rest for the night. And on the fourth and fifth floors were the Guild’s administrative rooms.

With a loud creak, the Guild’s doors opened and Estelle and Marcus both walked into the guild, with Estelle still carrying the giant Boarig over her shoulder and carrying it across the large tavern floor to the Guild Reception Booth to report their mission’s results.

“Hey kids, not a bad job!”� cried out a large, bearded gentleman with glass in hand and a laugh plastered over his face. His size was preposterously huge, nearing 8 ft tall, and he had the muscles to match it. What could be seen of his skin seemed to be coated in scars, each one a memory of one job or another performed throughout the decades. “Keep up the good work and you’ll get out of Rank H eventually!”�

“Thank you, Largo,”� Marcus smiled and waved back, whilst Estelle pouted.

“We’re never going to get out of Rank H if we only ever get useless missions like this! This Boarig was nothing. Just eating some farm crops… ugh. I’ll never reach Rank A like this and make a name for myself as a Swordsmaster!”� Estelle sighed. “And this probably won’t have paid well, either.”�

Marcus laughed. “You could always join the Imperial Army, Estelle. I hear they pay a bit better.”� The mage joked.

“Are you kidding, Marcus? Those fascists? No way!”�

The two eventually reached the Guild Reception, where across them seated on a plush leather stool was a beautiful, slender woman dressed as a businesswoman with long, blonde curls that fell to her waist. She wore fashionable rectangular rimmed glasses that helped to accentuate the appearance of a secretary in charge.

“Estelle! Marcus! You’re both back, and from the looks of it have had a safe journey! How nice to see you both.”� She smiled warmly.

“Yeah yeah, this thing was a pain in the ass.”� Estelle dumped the Boarig on the floor. “I’ve never seen something so fat run away so quickly before.”�

“Either way the client should be well pleased to hear about the mission’s success. Congratulations, both of you. Here is your payment.”� The secretary handed forth a brown leather purse rattling with gald inside.

“Thank you, Marise.”� Marcus nodded.

“Hey, Mari, what about our rank?”� Estelle asked bluntly. “Did that go up any?”�

“Hmm, let me have a quick check, Estelle,”� Marise replied. “Ah, you’re just a couple of points from moving on to Rank G.”�

“Ugh! We’re never going to get anywhere. Can’t you approve us for some higher levelled missions? At this rate we’re going to get be stuck here forever!”� Estelle pouted.

“Now now, Estelle, every Guildmember must start from somewhere, and slowly rise up through the ranks. This is a marathon, not a race.”� Marcus tried to calm down his partner.

“But we’re better than this! I’m sick and tired of searching for lost cats and dropped jewellery!”� Estelle argued. “And this Boarig was nothing! All it took was one hit after chasing it for two hours. We’re better than this, I know we can handle something tougher!”�

“Estelle, we don’t hand out extremely high levelled rank missions for both the safety of you and the client’s ease of mind, but I can understand your frustration. Let me see if we have something on the Guild Requests not already taken. We're bound to have something what with the current political climate...”� Marise tried to comfort.

“Ever since those jerks in the Artar Army assumed control, they’ve been policing everything and taking control of everything! Fighting their wars!”� Estelle fumed.

“Well, they are our government…”� Marcus tried to both reassure and explain.

“Take a look at the Guild Board, Estelle, Marcus, and see if there’s anything on there suitable. Or talk around to some of the locals. The guild might be willing to allow you on a higher ranked mission if you had more allies with some experience. Or there might be some others here who need a few other people’s help. The Guild’s all about working together, right?” Marise suggested.

“Thank you Marise, we’ll do just that.”� Marcus politely nodded.

“Thanks Mari!”� Estelle shouted with a cheer, and ran throughout the tavern to look for a new mission and allies, whilst Marcus walked behind her with a low sigh.

-----

The Mission Board located in the centre wall adjacent to the bar front had a number of missions listed upon it, with the equivalent rank located next to it. Further information for individual missions could be obtained from the reception, manned by Marise, an experienced C-Rank Guilder who dealt with most of the Guild's administrative duties. Amongst the listed missions included:

Bandit Trouble in northwestern mining town Tabul: Rank D (A big fat L was scribbled next to the listing)
Monster Infestation in Tabul outskirts: Rank G

[WinkleOrgy]

Standing in front of the Mission Board, was an athletically built man, clad in a simple long coat, black slacks and a plain dark blue tee. Staring at the Board he ran his hand through his hair contemplating which mission to take. He was torn between the fairly easy Monster Infestation in Tabul outskirts and the more challenging
Bandit Trouble in northwestern mining town Tabul. Cole couldn't decide whether to go for the easy cash or for the challenge of the D ranked mission. As he stood mulling this over he faintly heard the opening of the guilds wooden doors dismissing it as another returning guild member. Yet when he heard the complaints of a female member who wished for more challenging missions and was checking her ranking, having come to his decision.

Cole turned back to face the rest of the tavern, looking for the owner of the voice he had heard complaining. His eyes caught the woman, running away from the reception desk. "Oy, woman with the red hair! I could use a hand with a D ranked mission." He shouted over the noise of the tavern, hoping she'd hear. He could use the points to rank himself he was nearly E ranked already and the gald would be good.

[shylarah]

At a table near the board, a nekomimi sat with her lightweight but durable boots propped up on the table and her chair tilted back. She was drinking warm cider from a mug, her bracelet of tiger's eye beads clicking softly against the ceramic. At her right side hung the holster for her energy gun, counter-weighted by a pouch on her left. The black skort and midriff top she wore fit snugly, showing off her shapely physique. Her hair, styled in a ragged and slightly long pixie cut, was streaks of black, orange, white, tan, brown, and half a dozen similar colors, matching perfectly her calico ears. "I am /so/ bored," she complained to no one in particular. Large yellow eyes with slit pupils gazed into her cup. "All the interesting jobs have either already been taken, or are too high a rank for me~"
Her ears swiveled to take in Cole's words. "D rank mission? Oooh~ you mean the bandits? Bandits sound like fun~!" she interjected, not caring that he wasn't addressing her. She took her feet off the table and sat up in her chair, turning to face him. "I'll go with yo--hey, you're not rank D! What do you think you're doing, getting my hopes up like that, hm? You know we need someone at least rank D to go on that mission!"

[Dharc]

Sitting in a chair right next to the mission board, listening to the banter of the nekomimi and the built man, Tobias laughed, grinning as they yelled.
"Ahh, I feel right at home... Hey, kitty-cat, can't you see? Largo's signed up for that mission! It's practically as good as done! If you wanna join, you should ask him!" Tobi, leaning back in his chair, sipping at his cup of coffee, which isn't such a great idea for him, being hyperactive and all.

The red-headed swordswoman and her accompanying Mage, who had dragged their catch in, spoke of almost reaching rank G with Mari, and brought upon a few thoughts. He could always take them on the Monster Infestation in Tabul outskirts: Rank G mission, being a Rank G himself. He also could join up with Largo and help with those bandits. He hadn't taken a mission up in a while, so he wasn't sure. "If Largo lets you go with him... Hey, Mr. Lion, do you need a gun on your side?!" he asked, smiling.

[shylarah]

"That's an L? Largo, your handwriting /sucks/~ I thought that was a check mark~!" Nikki called across the room, laughing. "Well, I'm in~ That is, if Largo doesn't mind~" Nikki smiled sweetly at the older guild member, eyes dancing. "C'mon, whaddaya say~ I'll be good!" Largo probably knew that Nikki's definition of "good" was highly variable and subject to what she thought she could get away with at any given time.

[Taerinn]

A door nearby opened, and a young woman emerged. As she strode across the room toward the mission board, her silky robes -- if one could even describe what minimal garments she wore as “robes” -- trailed behind her, the numerous pearls and feathers adorning her clothing swaying with every movement. She had completed a small H-rank mission earlier that day, and took the afternoon to rest. Giving a weary smile to those around her, she made her way to Marise’s counter. “Good evening, Marise.” she said warmly.

“Oh, Selan, are you feeling more rested now?” Marise replied, reaching below the counter. “You went to your room before I could give you this.” She withdrew a small pouch of coins, and slid it across the counter to Selan.

Selan bowed as she took the pouch, and pocketed it within a hidden fold of her robes. “Mm, thank you, Marise. It was just too hot today, and the old man’s caravan was moving so slowly...” she sighed, glancing over at the mission board. “Ah, more monster infestations...?” Money had been running tight for Selan, due to all of the missions regarding a rising increase in the monster population. Her specialty in song and dance was more or less useless against animals and beasts, and thus she was forced to take on a number of small escort missions. Her eyes trailed over the D-rank mission listed on the board, and she began hearing various chatter about it nearby. Bandits were much closer to her area of expertise, despite their increased danger. “I’ll be back.” she said to Marise, as she made her way between two tables, where a number of guildmates had gathered, including the reputable Largo. “Are most of you looking to join the D-rank mission?” she asked, placing a hand on her hip. She needed the money, and if Largo was to join, it would likely be a piece of cake.

[WinkleOrgy]

Cole's eye twitched each time Largo was mentioned. That damn strong arm, it wasn't the fact that he was revered by many, that he was a higher rank. No the fact that his claim to fame was his ability to cut boulders in two. One day, one day, he thought, I'll find a stone that even he cannot cut. If Largo was going then clearly he was, if only to prove his own might.

"Well I see no reason not to join," he shifted gaze from Selan who had caught his attention after joining the conversation, to Nikki, "but little cat you sure you're up to this? I mean no disrespect by that but you don't seem very fitting for a D rank mission." He truly meant no harm by his question but only was worried that if she were not prepared that she could be in danger of harm.

[Dragonite777]

Today wasn't normal. Most days were different, but today didn't feel at all like any day Brennen has experienced. So few monsters, so many guilders. I can't help but feel like something is wrong. Brennen thought as he meditated. He likes his quiet time right after lunch, leaning about halfway up a tree, on a limb. The forest was quiet. Too quiet. There was no wind; no birds squawking in the distance; not even squirrels chattering among themselves. Just feet distilling the grass as some new rank-hunters try to find some monster to slay and return to the madhouse.

Fools; Brennen couldn't help but think, The newcomers are always looking to be the best in their class, hunting for jobs to whittle down the number of those poor creatures that have the same basic needs as humans. Those that are the best in their class know this, or hopefully they do, and attempt to sway the feelings of the guild members who seek nothing but rank. It's funny: rank and the want for rank are inversely proportional. Too bad the newbies can't figure that out. I guess that's why I'm here now. Guided only by my instincts. No contracts, no jobs. Just taking care of me. I might could do for some new clo- no. I don't NEED new anything. I can fend for myself without the guild. Hell, even without the town. The only use the town has to me is decent shelter. Oh, well. If I were any better at making shelter, I'd be town-free. Brennen sighs as the thought of being independent from the so-called "civilization" makes him wish it were possible even more so. Well, looks like it's time for some hunting. I need to work on that jutsu I've been perfecting. Making a holy aura appear as a sword is harder than many people would think. It's not even the making of it that's the hardest. It's maintaining it. Man does it take concentration. As Brennen finishes walking down the tree, he breaks into a sprint towards the nest he knows is ready for some practice battling. They've had enough time to breed.

[Renose]

---

"Memories"

They make up our past, our present, and our plans for the future.

They allow us to answer questions about ourselves like what we have been through or who we have ever known.

They give us reasons for taking action and our reasons for the way we act.

But most importantly...

They define "who" we are.

"So...without them, do we possess no meaning? Does that mean I am...meaningless?"

---

It was getting a little late. A man walked into the place known as Clockwork Town, his long white hair flowing behind him as his fierce blue eyes gazed at the darkened streets. He wore a strange, pitch black garment that looked like it would be some incredibly formal clothing one would wear to a fancy party. His clothes seemed strange though, as when Nero walked under a light his coattails seemed to actually be slightly wispy for only a single moment that only the most observant eye would probably be able to notice. He also wore gloves that were also pitch black over his hands. What seemed so strange about his clothes, besides the incredibly small and strange black "wisps" that came off of them was that they seemed to appear to be just one single garment rather than multiple, but Nero knew that even the truly observant would have a hard time catching that bit, so he wasn't worried.

"So this is Clockwork Town?" he asks himself quietly as he continued to examine the surroundings. "So this is that place that rang with familiarity in the completely blank landscape that used to be my memory" he thought to himself as he soon began to hold one of his black gloved hands to his forehead for a moment as he closed his eyes, his expression being one who was cringing in pain for just a few moments before he seemed to finally regain his composure. Once his composure was regained his lips curled up into a smirk for just a few moments.

"That pain...makes the ten day trip and all the trouble that happened along the way worth it, perhaps I can begin to collect lost shards of myself here" he muttered. With that thought stored in his mind, a destination set, and a deep breath to calm himself down, Nero set off from the entrance to the town and headed inward towards one place that seemed even more "familiar" than the rest. The one thing that rang out in his mind the most was the large clock tower that loomed over the town like a colossus, which made the behemoth structure his first target of investigation.

Since he didn't remember Clockwork Town that much though he ended up getting lost several times. Even with the behemoth clock tower as a guiding beacon, it took him a good fifteen minutes just to get to its base where he began to look around and walk around the general area. After a bit of aimless wandering in the areas near the clock tower, since he didn't really know where to go from there, a strange new sight greeted his eyes. It was a large building that appeared to be quite bustling, but what mainly took Nero's attention was the sign on the building. As he read its words his eyes shut tightly as he held his gloved hand to his forehead once again.

"This...is it..." he cringed after a few moments of finally beginning to calm down. The building before him seemed to be the source of all of the ringing in his head that came from this particular town. After finally calming down, he put his hands in his pockets and pushed forward, yawning a small bit as he did as he was tired, but he wasn't going to let that get a hold of him now when this sort of thing was right before him. Nero didn't know what sort of place he had here or what made this building seem so familiar to him, but he figured he would find that out as he entered the building and took in the surroundings.

As he walked in his bright, topaz-like eyes widened at just how busy the place seemed. Nero wasn't much one for extremely noisy crowds, so something like this took him aback a little. Despite that, he knew the best thing to do was to just talk to someone and ask them exactly what this place was. He began to peer around the room, looking for someone that he could ask without seeming too intrusive or like he didn't belong there. Of course, another thing he was doing was taking in the surroundings, which seemed to have a small ring of familiarity, but not a whole lot for some reason. Eventually Nero's eyes settled upon a strange board that had a cluster of different types of people surrounding it. He decided he would start there as he slowly walked over to the board.

His eyes peered over what was posted on it, mainly noting the two "missions" that were attached to the board. From what Nero could surmise, this was some sort of place where people took on requests, but even that could be completely different from what it actually was. Deciding to get a little more information, Nero turned to those at the table right next to the board and asked "This..."mission"...what exactly is it?" He appeared to be clearly lost from the sound of his voice, which in actuality was pretty true since he really did have no idea where he was at the current moment as it was only the call of his missing memories that guided him here.

[Rexaura]

Suddenly there was a thud. A bite-sized teen girl named Trixie had slammed her gloved hands upon a table behind the gathering, right beside the curious man who had just entered the building. As if it weren't already cluttered enough. Her brunette pigtails bobbed as she spoke, "Sooo, what's this about a D-ranked mission I hear??"

Being two years below the age restriction of the Guild - something both she and her partner had fought against for her admission - meant that she was confined to the safest of missions, the lowest of the low. Saving cats from trees, finding lost puppies... baby-sitting. Missions in which she never got to do anything - despite the fact that the duo even had to persuade the higher-ups just to let her keep her precious miniguns! As grateful as she was for the Guild giving her a place to call home, Trixie always hated the restriction, but if she ever complained, she knew they wouldn't hesitate to give her the boot.
But this time...

She eyed the large A-ranked man not too far from her and grinned impishly, biting her lip. Maybe, just maybe, with so many other lower ranks banding together like this... maaaybe...