Emperor stepped out to the side of the group, attempting to flank round while the pack were distracted by reaper. He picked up a stone, took aim and hurled it, bonking one of the wolves on the head. This had the effect he'd wanted, sending the wolf away from the pack to charge at him. Charge art him faster than he'd anticipated -- oh crap.

Emperor leaped to the side just in time as snarling fangs and claws flew past him, he swung his blade and managed to get a strike on the wolfs back thigh. Emperor wasted no time as he followed up with another strike, this time slashing the wolf across the side. The wolf snarled turning to face him, readying to lunge for his throat.

As the wolf leaped toward him for a second time Emperor hurled himself to the side, rolling out of the way as he then sprung up from his crouched position and slashed at the wolfs neck managing to shatter it into pieces. He then quickly stepped back in just behind and to the side of Reaper, watching for the next opportune target.

Day 2, morning:

"Bit of a late night - only sober girl in my party, by the end of it - but I slept all right." Kip shrugged. She tried a bite of the pancakes, scowled, and left them alone, sticking to the sausage and bacon. "They can't get food quite right here, can they? At least the cider is good." The beta tester had opted for more of the tavern's excellent apple cider rather than a more traditional breakfast drink; she didn't like coffee that much and milk made her sick, and orange juice was something she had too much of in the real world.

@LadyTale Day 2, Morning

Cin finished his breakfast, as he nodded in agreement with Kip's observation. The food was a tad off, really just enough to notice, but it was disconcerting all the same. He hadn't tried the cider, he'd have to do that next time he was in, probably later tonight. He paid his tab and finished the last of his coffee before seeing if his breakfast date had plans for the day. Cin rolled his head and shoulders as he spoke, trying to relieve sore muscles.

"What are your plans for today? I'm Cin Vhetin, by the way, pardon my lack of manners please."

@Tracyarmav Day 2, Morning

"Go out and kill stuff." Kip replied, pushing her plate away and finishing her mug of cider. "That's basically all I'll be doing today, leveling up as much as I can." Offering her hand to Cin, she gave a crooked smile. "Name's Kip Omega, nice to meet you."

@LadyTale Day 2, Morning

"Ahh, care to join me and friend then? We'll be doing the same, and there's less risk in a group, even if individual xp gain is diminished."

Cin shook the offered hand and sent a party invite and friend request to Kip Omega. If she declined he'd be a bit sad, but he'd shrug it off. Dwelling on the things you don't have will only lead to despair, and there was to much to be done to waste time on despair and hopelessness. Cin finally check his PM's and chuckled. He sent a reply saying he'd catch up soon.

"Speak of the devil, here's Tsu himself saying he's already out and about getting a head start on us."

Bulwar stretched out fully as his brother spoke and they waited for companions to show up. "We're always profitable brother, the question is how profitable are we going to be. I'm hoping for some rare spawns myself."

Bulwar waved at Mai'lo as he approached. "I'm not sure, but the more the merrier I always say." He said with a smile that changed to a slight grimace at the mentioning of their 'strict tactics.' "Be that as it may, while it might not 'mesh' with other people's fighting styles; it's designed to keep us ALIVE. Because as I'm sure you're aware, a slight fault in battle will get your brain microwaved like last night's leftovers." He sighed and took a deep breath. "My apologies. As it seems noone else shall be joining us, let us be off." He turned and proceeded to make his way out of the north gate.

Delcastle nodded at his brothers words, no matter how seemingly harsh they were it was reality in this situation. Failure was unacceptable, and the payment was finality. "couldn't agree more. Though I can say I do not fear death, I still would rather not." A bold lie but still somewhat true.
If he had to sacrifice himself to keep Bulwar alive then so be it. Every minute his brother drew breathe was worth any price.
Still... "Please, can you inform her that if she changes her mind she may always be a part of our group." He smiled warmly at Mai'lo and offered a bow. "thank you for coming, friend. I hope to find riches for all of us."
Del opened a private message and sent one off to the last potential party member, Cinera.

SORRY IF I WAKE YOU.
BULWAR, MAI'LO, AND MYSELF ARE GOING SOON.
IF YOU WISH TO JOIN, MEET US AT THE NORTH GATE A.S.A.P.
IF NOT, WE UNDERSTAND. YOU ARE ALWAYS WELCOME.

"now. As for loot, it is as I mentioned last night. Gold is split amongst us, crafting mats go to the one who can use it. Anything else is given to Bulwar to hold. Rare items, if you want to use it, are up for grabs. Bulwar has priority for heavy armor and shields, and I have priority for pole weapons such as spears, pikes, hammers, halberds, and any other such things. Though only if it is a clear upgrade. Questions?" He smiles, Lucerne resting easy on his shoulder.

Day Two: Morning.

Mai'lo shrugged and stuffed his hands into his pockets. "Nope. No questions from me. Seems like a decent way to split things up." He thought for a moment about the entire situation and absently sent off a message to Kip, informing her of Delcastle's thoughts on their battle plan.

It made sense. But at the same time their battle strategy was designed around the two of them. It didn't take a third party or more into account so much as he could tell. He was reasonably certain his new weapons would do well for the lower level creatures they would run into in the land around Bull's Run. If they found anything more dangerous than he'd break out his primary weapon. He really didn't want to seem like a fool or a braggart but the rare item would come out if it was needed. Pride meant nothing in the face of death.

[Still still evening 1]

Sapphira laughed. "Nah, that's not weird. Trying to build a capitalistic trading empire in a virtual world is weird." She stuck out her tongue before a beeping sound informed her of the arrival of a new message.
Cinera had sent her reply.
"Ah, well. If they helped you, they're good in my book. I'm at the inn. Got another companion, if you want we three can share a room. Less expensive that way and then we'll see what we're going to do tomorrow. Does that sound like a good idea?", Sapphira replied.

@KabenSaal @DestinyStar

Nena grinned broadly at the idea of a trading empire, in a virtual world. She would love something like that, with well-guarded supply trains bringing her a flow of raw goods.
"That's no different to play Civilization 5, or some other game of that genre. Only, you are the person, not the God Controling All. A trading Empire here, would actually be highly efficent, since it would prevent people from spreading out and each working for their own profit and nothing else. Being a blacksmith, I have a fair bit of money even on the low floors, since only a few people joined intending to be a crafter from the start. Crafting, unfortunately, does make all other adventuring take a back seat, so most people passed it over so they could go out and kill things. Of course, the few of us that realized you don't need to sit in your shop every day, or can just put your name up and have people message you if you are out, took to the smithing right away" she then blushed softly and stroked her tail.

"Sorry, for rambling. I just, get like that sometimes when talking about blacksmithing. It's cool"

@Tracyarmav Day 2, Morning

"I'd be glad to." Kip grinned and accepted the friend request and party invite. "Your friend's name is Tsu? Interesting." Standing, she stepped away from the table. "Well, if your friend is already out and about, we'd better catch up."

---

TsuMeTai was having a pretty good time, working out a new playstyle with his new scythe. One of the advantages of his chosen weapon was unpredictability; often, even the wielder didn't know where the next blow would land. Add that to the power of it, and it was a devastating weapon, with enough skill in its use.

@LadyTale Day 2, Morning

"Yes, let's."

Cin said with enthusiasm as he stood, and leaving enough to cover the breakfast for both of them on the table headed for the front door. He moved quickly through town, and out the gate. Cin equipped his Halberd as soon he was outside the town, and began engaging mobs along the way, practicing his heavy attacks, and letting Kip finish the mobs so she'd get experience too. Soon the two reached Tsu as he finished a mob himself.

"Tsu! I see you decided to follow me in my choice to take up a two handed weapon." I call out as we approach, grinning as I tease hoping to avoid reminding Tsu of why he had to switch weapons. As we get closer I make introductions, and offer a plan for the day. "Kip, I'd like you to meet Tsu. We met pretty early in the game and seem to work particularly well together. Tsu, this is Kip, I met her at breakfast this morning. Most of the good players will be moving north, to farm bigger threats, but it might be easier for us to farm the southern portion of the first level, as there will be less competition to share the experience with. We could move east along the southern wall, and then circle back to town for supper as the sun goes down. What do you two think?" I keep an eye out for wandering players, aware that not everyone is willing to play nice and not take advantage of others, but trusting that my two companions won't cheat me.

Delcastles reply was a broad smile and a chuckle, pleased to see two out of the three invites had accepted to come along. Something about the day struck him as almost perfect for what he had I mind. The night before, he had planned to fight duo with Bulwar and let then figure out where to fit in but that wouldn't work now.
Instinct told him to test both about combat immediately before they fought todays big league monster.
"welcome, welcome, glad you could make it." Smoothly he dipped into a bow, taking her hand and lightly kissing it, fully expecting her to blush. Delcastles laughter wouldn't be mocking her if she did.
"apologies. Our mother always said to treat ladies with respect." Another shallow bow and he motioned for her to join the now solid group of four. "today will be a simple run. Gather herbs, iron, meat, leather, and any strong items we can. Gonna be a lot of fighting, so if you get tired please do not hesitate to speak up. Bulwar and Me run a hard course but we aren't monsters." He eyed Mai'lo for a moment. "and we don't keep secrets." His smile was back in a flash. "now!" He clapped his hands for emphasis, "Mai'lo and Bulwar, I want you to go on ahead and familiarize yourself with the formation. Bulwar, keep it simple, Mai'lo? Hit hard." Both gave a shrug and started off on the route to the looming trees in the distance. It would take the better part of the morning to reach them but it was a straight walk through easy territory.

Delcastle stood quietly as the others left, waiting for them to be out of sight before he got down to business. "you're scared. I can see it in your eyes. Nervous about your actions and the future." Gently he placed his arm on her shoulder. "I promise that me and Bulwar have no interest in risks to life and limb. We are profiteers, we build a name and trade our wares to willing merchants..." His thoughts careened back to the night before. The barkeep had told him two strange foxtailed women had slept in the same rented room he had purchased for Cinera, driving the price up just a tad bit. "Might be a surprise but I already met your fox friends. Though I doubt they know or care what I had to say. One of em is aimin' to be a merchant but I doubt shes got a supply chain ready. We get back, think you can organize a trade deal with them on World Walkers behalf?"

"Well, if I want to get stronger, I need a stronger weapon, right?" Tsu replied with a grin, then turned his attention to the girl Cin had just introduced. "Wait, Kip?" He asked, slightly startled. "That name wouldn't happen to be the human alias of one KiNaTu, would it?"

"Yep." Kip nodded. "I'm surprised you know him. It's from an old comic based on an even older video game." She smirked and held one hand out to Tsu.

"Well, considering my full name is TsuMeTai, it would be pretty hard for me not to know Kip." Tsu quipped, accepting Kip's hand and shaking it firmly. "Now, shall we go kick monster arse?"

"Yes, let's." Kip nodded her assent both to Tsu's question and Cin's plan. "You two heavy hitters lead the way, and I'll dart around and steal your kills." The teasing smirk on her face showed that she was joking; partially, at least.

Mai'lo noticed the look Delcastle Gabe him when he mentioned secrets and frowned. He didn't like being accused of something. Not that he was doing anything wrong, it was just embarrassing and stupid. But he set his shoulders and followed Bulwar with a determined scowl on his face.

He would do just fine.

The walk was relatively straightforward so there wasn't much to do but talk. "How's this formation your brother mentioned work?" He asked after about fifteen minutes of monotonous ploding along. "Might as well use the walk to try to learn something new."

@LadyTale Day 2, Morning

"Someone's going to have to clue me in on the reference, but let's do it on the go please."

Cin set out at steady jog, moving south and kiting enemies as he went, knocking them into the red with Tsu before moving on to the next mob leaving Kip to mop up the remains. This worked well in the southern regions were the mobs were relatively weak, but Cin soon grew bored with the easy pace, and began kiting more aggressively, engaging as many mobs as possible, before turning to fight them all at once. With Tsu and Kip helping it wasn't really all that dangerous, with the mobs all being just level threes, but Cin didn't have the skills or gear necessary to mitigate all of the damage sent his way, and his health fell a little farther each time. Eventually it dropped down to the red, but Cin didn't seem to care, moving on to the next group of mobs apparently ignoring the danger to himself. In fact, he was testing an idea. most games had way of rewarding especially risky players, and Cin wondered if this strange game did that too, since the risk was actually that much greater. He hoped so, but he had no idea what reward he might get from it. He was very careful to kite only enough to keep his health in the red, but not enough to push it past just inside the red zone.

@DestinyStar Theme

The poor girl. Stuck here all alone, lookin' for a way out of her world only to realize how badly she wanted to be free of this one now that they could not leave. Cinera had likely thought of him as chivalrous but had no idea how truly right she was. Delcastle had plans bigger than just a tidy profit and a cozy wait till the braver fighters was done, he intended to be one of the main players armoring those brave front line fighters in due time but couldn't do it any time soon. For now, he needed order in his crew and manpower to get the job done, marketeers to draw a crowd and make the name of World Walkers synonymous with safety and power, and make sure that if any player needed a push they could give it to them.
"Cinera.. I know you are not strong, not yet, and there is determination in your eyes to be free of this curse. World Walkers can be your shelter until you are confident you can fly on your own some day. Know that even though we will not partake in the fighting, we will influence it." He stood tall in the rising sun as it crested the horizon, bathing him in the glow even as he pointed his Lucerne north, a grin on his face and an intensity in his eyes. "I will make us strong. Strong enough to push the front line fighters forward, strong enough to help those who have fallen behind..." His weapon lowered ever so slightly, his arms slumped as his eyes lowered for a bit as he whispered, softly to himself, "Strong enough to protect those important to us.." Delcastle shook his head with a laugh, returning to the confident fighter he always tried to display. "Even if you do not walk our path to its end, you will always find friends in World Walkers. We might not get home quick but we can atleast make the experience comfortable. Battles are won by weapons and bodies, but a war is one won on the backs of those who support them." He offered his hand to her with a grin, back to the sun. "Let us find fire and fortune, together, ok?" He tossed her a sly wink. Delcastle would make sure everyone under his wings had the tools they needed to succeed.