---

Sunshine was rare these days, and you could swear the weather was just like it was in the real world. Even the crisp smell of cold that would fill your lungs on a dry winter day seemed to make its way into the not-so-virtual world. The most amazing thing, at least in the opinion of Parks, was that the eerie silence that fresh snow brought had been included. All of that was just earlier though, now he was in a guild hall, warm and comfortable with a mug of hot chocolate. The hall itself was bustling, with its impressive 85 members all helping set up for the meeting. It wasn’t every day that the Fang Family had guests such as these gathered in their living room!

But this was no ordinary hall, it belonged to one of the most prominent helping guilds in the city lead by MamaFang. The North Wen Alliance chose to eat lunch and discuss the current problems here for many reasons, but the most pressing was the fact that the low level delivery quests were being abused the most. This guild mostly consisted of low level players and a few victims of the banditry. It of course didn’t hurt that MamaFang was one of the best chefs in town, but that was secondary.

At the head of the table sat Parks, not because he was in charge of things, but because he got there early to ensure he got that chair. He had sent out messages to various adventurers and guild leaders alike along with other guild members in order to once again gather the North Wen Alliance. Not everyone responded but enough did to constitute a delightful feast. He was currently waiting for the food to come out, a small fairy flitting about by his shoulder and fixing his hair. It had to be perfectly messy, organized chaos.

He oh so wanted to talk to everyone, he was even shifting in his seat with anticipation! Though, from the looks of it, he was the only here other than MamaFang and she seemed busy for the moment, so he chose to just drum his fingers on the table and wait. Impatiently. Tappity tappity tap. He was done with this already. Scrawny arms pushed himself away from the table. The chair he had chosen was much too large for him, and his feet couldn’t even reach the floor in it so it was all his arms doing the scooting. He hopped down to the floor to speak, but the doors to the guild hall flew open.

A man in shining platinum armor stood in the doorway with a wanted poster in one hand and a handcuffed Fox Tail in the other. He shook his head, silver hair cascading over his wolf ears and shoved the man’s chest onto the table.

”I caught this one pestering some low levels outside the city for their delivery bundles. The mule was dead but I decided NOT to kill him. He is grateful for this. Right?” He spoke in an authoritative tone, leaning in to the man’s ear and inhaling deeply. ”I SAID HE IS GRATEFUL FOR THIS. IS THIS ASSUMPTION CORRECT?” He spoke like he was still in the military, and to be honest, the way he ran his guild was just about as close as you could get.

The man on the table nodded, near tears. He tried to choke some words out but Captain Ragar twisted his arm until he shut up. ”Sorry to bring a guest to lunch, I just thought having him here would be fortunate. Remind us of the scum we promise to clean up.” He gave a nod to Parks who pulled his chair forward with a huff and sat back down, crossing his legs in the chair designed for none other than MamaFang herself. The little fairy fixing his hair clapped her hands and gave a triumphant smile before flying into the orb on his staff that currently leaned against the table. He waved back to Ragar.

”Sir Stormfang, what ever would we do without your heroic work. I do enjoy dining with PKers as much as you might guess so I would have left him in the cathedral.” Parks chuckled and drang some more of his hot chocolate. He had grown accustomed to everything being a bit too big so using too hands was so close to not looking goofy to drink from the mug. He set it down gracefully and rose to sit on his knees, now looking a little less short. A king had to be respectable!

City of Arokan, Cleftland Kingdoms

---

Cassio approached the Guild Hall silently, his hands tucked firmly in his pockets. He was used to the bitter cold in real life, and this was no different. It also helped that a small, practically insignificant necklace was worn underneath his shirt, providing protection against the cold and warming his skin to a comfortable temperature. It was just another one of those simple gifts a close acquaintance of his had given him when the seasons had began to turn. If Cassio didn't know any better, he'd think the man cared.

"We're late, Cassio. I believe I saw the good Captain carting one of his prisoners in just a moment ago." The two men stood at around the same height, and Cassio rolled his eyes upon Garkan's arrival. Garkan's black robes had a slight green and gold trim, adding some slight coloration to the otherwise dark attire.

"Might be best to head in promptly. Wouldn't want to keep the good Captain waiting." At this, Garkan gave a slight nod and the two walked in towards the Guild Hall in unison.

Once inside, the two walked in without much fanfare. Garkan went to fetch two seats relatively close to Parks, while Cassio folded his arms and watched the Captain for a moment, eyeing the prisoner he had brought. "Still impeding the will of fellow players I see? Glad to see nothing has changed." Cassio's disdain for the militaristic nature of Captain Ragar and his guild had always been apparent. Unfortunately, The Knights of Bahamut were a necessary evil. Perhaps even moreso now.

Without skipping a beat, Cassio joined Garkan and took the seat closest to Parks. He gave a slight nod towards him. "Glad to see we're having a meeting to sort things out, rather than just let the Guilds go off and do their own thing. Should be interesting."

@Experiment 249

Relka was languidly laying about by the cities fountain watching the clouds drift by. She sat up stretching out her muscles in a bored yawn. The North Wen Alliance meeting would be starting soon. Last time she teamed up with them, she had clashed with a few members for her chaotic nature.

"Damn uptights and their rules, mischief and mayhem is part of the allure of this game. They turned it into the real world, with their laws and tiring government." She said to no one in particular. "Elder Tale favored Darwinism, the strong survive, and if you couldn't get stronger you deserved to be left behind."

The young woman stood up and brushed herself off and drew her hood over her head. Activating her skills she bounded her way to the towards the Fang Families guild hall. Lithely she traversed the buildings, a mere shadow in the peripheral vision of those below. She came to a halt on top of the guild Hall and let herself in.

Relka had arrived just as Cassio and Garkan did, she followed behind them silently, hiding herself in a dark corner of the room where the tiny Parks didn't see her. After watching the large Wolf Fang flaunt his power over the captive prisoner, she stepped out of the shadows behind Parks. She played with his hair as she began to speak.

"You know, knight, that people don't like those that abuse their power. Twisting the helpless Fox, that is borderline authoritative behavior, you could start a revolution against this government. You know what, forget I said anything, there is plenty of money made in war, and if you keep sitting in MamaFangs chair, you know what will happen." The words came out lazily, but with a touch of venom that she always reserved for the self named police man.

"And hello master Parks, it's always so lovely to see you. Have you grown a couple inches since our last visit?" She asked the little fairy, trying to get a rise out of him. She didn't even flashed a look towards Cassio or Garkan, she wanted to play with Parks first.

Today was a mess, not only was she having to cook for a larger number but several guild heads had chosen her hall out of all places to set up shop for whatever horrid excuse they were surely ready to lie to her with. All in all most of her time spent in the game since the whole expansion business was spent watching over her guild. " Mama, I think we got the... the err. " The small dwarven girl went pale, her cheeks going pink as she failed to pronounce the dish. " Honey, it's Pitepalt, and if it's ready go send it out with some of the older kids and MissGrump. " The girl nodded in response, her voice echoing in the back rooms and gently out into the main hall as within a surprisingly short amount of time a group of 5 came out carrying plates and dishes, readying the table with practiced ease as a Dwarven woman with thin grey hair tied back into a bun shuffled along carrying a pot.

" Pitepalt, for those of you uneducated little monsters around here, it's a swedish dish originally. Down to it's basics it's a breakfast dumpling whose dough is made of potato and is stuffed with such things as pork, and in Mama's case cheese as well. It served with butter or jam, as well as milk. "

The old woman commanded an air of respect in the same way your grandmother would always be obeyed at the dinner table. As the nearby chairs filled, other more american dishes quickly came out for those who wished something else. Pancakes, oatmeal, fruits, MamaFang was expecting company and nothing would be too much. It also served as a way to show off her guild hall, as it was slightly larger than normal, allowing for the massive central hall to function as a giant dining room.

Upon beginning the serving of the Pitepalt the old woman raised her head, allowing a single eye to glare violently at Parks. "Child I really don't know who you think you are sitting in Mama's chair. If SHE won't whup you I will." With that she grunted, not waiting for a response as the room slowly began filling itself, the main table being left for the guests and MamaFang as the side tables easily filled themselves. The room echoed with laughter and talk already, and was host to a range of levels now, most who belonged to The Fang Family being under level 40, with the higher levels and ages scattered across the room keeping an eye on everything and helping prepare and deliver the food. Yes The Fang Family was surely as it's name implied.

"Doriya!"

Chopper rushed her target with a flurry of blows, her strikes connecting against the guardian's shield but failing to do any damage. She was training some low level characters about keeping their cool in the midst of a chaotic battle; rarely will you even be given a second to think and have to act quickly while keeping constant awareness of one's surroundings. Case in point: while the young guardian was able to keep his guard up he didn't realize that Chopper was leading him towards an edge. It wasn't a large drop but it was enough for him to loose his footing when his foot misjudged how far it would drop. This gave Chopper the opening to knock his shield aside with a swipe of her bardiche and claw his face. Or at least bring her claws close to his face; at her level Chopper could easily kill the boy with a single strike, so she held back long enough for him to regain his footing.

The boy looked ready for another barrage but Chopper just smiled and lowered her weapon. "Nothing wrong with being on the defensive, but if you keep glaring at me like that you'll get tunnel vision. I'm not the only threat you have to focus on when you're fighting; your terrain can easy be your doom too. Don't expect every battle or instance of PvP to be on a perfectly flat and level arena just between you and your target. And your plan to wait for me to get worn down so you can strike has it's flaws too! Not just because I'm high level, but because you're being reactive instead of proactive." In the middle of her lecture Chopper rolled a glowing flask under the the guardian's feet. He jumped back startled, which gave her another opening to lunge forward and knock him down. She planted the blade of her polearm against his neck as she used her tail to flick up the glowing bottle. It wasn't anything dangerous; it's literally just a glowing bottle meant to provide illumination without casting a flame.

"Stay on your toes and make your enemy use up their resources. If you won't attack you're not a threat." The lad snarled and swung his sword at Chopper, which she avoided easily enough as she stomped on his shield and backed off. He came at her with renewed vigor, slashing with ferocity. Chopper was certain he must feel very vicious right now attacking with such fury, but he was literally burning up all of his skill cooldowns trying to hit her while she was on full defensive. Didn't quite take the lesson to heart it seems. When he used a skill that would have resulted in stunning her, Chopper activated her <Sīnchéung Sīnyìhng> skill, causing his attack to miss harmlessly as she smashed the end of her bardiche to the back of his head, stunning him long enough for her to knock him over and disarm him. "The key is balance. An all-out defense and an all-out offense is just going to leave you tired and useless. Create openings to make your foe attack, so that you have an opening to counter. Bunker down when your enemy unleashes a barrage but throw in a feint to kill their momentum. These aren't things you learn from one lesson of course, so come back and practice! Practice practice practice! Work hard, work smart, and you'll go far."

Chopper gave the young boy a wink as she gave a him a hand to stand up. He thanked her for the training and went back to his party. They were some new recruits wanting to join this guild that Chopper found herself working for. They seemed lost and uncertain, so Chopper wanted to give them some pointers before they made a fool of themselves. That and give a good impression for future references; if they do make themselves worth anything, hopefully they'll fondly remember the time they spent learning with Chopper-senpai and pay her a favor. Speaking of favors, Chopper headed into the guild hall as well. While not a member she was honest enough that they were willing to work with her on jobs to get money, supplies, and connections for her treasure hunt. She didn't really give much of a hoot about their hierarchy; she never gave the old kings and queens much respect when Elder Tales was still just a video game, and Chopper hasn't gotten any better since she got stuck here.

Chopper promote approached a table full of fine foods, meant for the king with the crown, but Chopper simply ignored him and dined on his meal. She even had the audacity to go up to the guild leader himself, Park, and drink his hot chocolate. It was delicious. "Mhmm. My compliments to the chef. Where did they get chocolate from?" She asks inquisitively as she drinks the rest of his hot coco.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

She hated the cold, mostly because in the real world Anubis lived somewhere where it was mostly sunny year round. So nothing about City of Arokan this time of year appealed to her outside of the business opportunities. Which was the only reason Anubis found herself out chilling herself to the bone. A group of lower level adventurers wanted info on a few good spawning grounds where the PK guilds didn't normally hunt. Since many of them were having their items taken from them and some lower level adventures made small guilds of their own. Information like this was a goldmine for someone like Anubis. There was many who paid for good tips such as this. Of course that was slowly changing.

Many guilds were bringing a sense of order back to the city. Player killers were still a problem at times but it seemed with the likes of Captain Ragar and a few others they would be in for a new line of work soon. Not that it matter to Anubis, she was information broker and cleric. There would always be line of work for her, no matter the shift. "Anubis?" The whisper of her name made the cleric whirl around. She had her weapon ready, not that it mattered much considering they were in the safe zone. However her position was clear that if they made the wrong move she would retaliate. "You're obviously not a low level player." She answered. Her interface pulling up their profiles. There was three of them. The two at the rear were both lvl thirty-fours. Anubis recognized them as her original contractors. However the obvious leader here was at level sixty-eight and she had no idea who this guy was. Anubis frowned. She did not like this.

"Obviously" He replied in kind. He stepped forward out of the shadows, his figuring towering over her. Anubis refused to back down. Whoever this guy was he had wasted her time and used these two inexperienced players to do so. "So clearly you don't want the information I was going to supply to your two stooges." He smiled. "On the contrary." He pulled out a gold sack. Anubis interface picked up on the number immediately. It was what the amount they had agreed upon with a few extra gold piece thrown in. "That is exactly what I want" If Anubis was certain what this guy was about before she knew now. He was a player killer and she did not sell info to their kind. "Unfortunately for you I don't sell to those who aren't my contracted customers." Anubis brushed past the small party heading towards the alleyway exit.

"Next time you want to do business. Contact me yourself." That was her final word as she headed back out into the hustle of the city. Anubis wasn't worried they follow her. Not unless that little party wanted to drawn attention to themselves. Considering their line of work she knew they didn't. Beside picking a fight with a level ninety player wasn't exactly smart, and they also had to consider the royal guard. Anubis smiled she would have paid to see that group throw them in jail especially after they had wasted her time. She was still miffed by that. She had set up this whole entire meeting and now she hadn't any gold to show for it. Not that it was a total loss. She now had information on a player killer and Anubis was pretty certain that the two low levels he was with were being forced to join him. That kind of info would make her a lot with some of the guilds within the Fang guild hall today. So everything wasn't a total loss.

Jarac That had been the name that popped up on her interface of the player who had been the leader of that small group. Anubis had no idea who this guy was but she would definitely be looking into him in the future. She made a mental note to hire one of the trackers she had contact with to look into it in the future. For now Anubis would head to the Fang Family Guild Hall, she knew the Alliance was meeting there soon. While she wasn't a member of any guild, she knew that it would be a good for information and a bite to eat. The guild had some high level cooks, Mama Fang being one of them. So it would be interesting to see what would be served.

Anubis mouth watered as she weaved through the crowds. She was definitely looking forward to a good meal. She arrived at the hall five minutes past three in the afternoon. The hall was filled with quiet a number of guild members from the Fangs and there was even a good number players from guilds. Anubis recognized some players she had seen around town. Cassio was one of them. He was a Swashbuckler who was the guild master of the Blades. Anubis really didn't know much about him other than that his guild was swordsmith classed. Captain Ragar was another she knew of. He was the Founder and leader of The Knights of Bahamut. His class was guardian and his guild was primarily a raiding guild. He was also a founding member of the North Wen Alliance. So it was not a surprise he was here or that he was sitting next to Parks who was occupying Mama Fang's guild chair. However it was surprising he was holding a Fox tale hostage.

Anubis wasn't sure what would make more entertainment, the Fox tale or Mama Fang when she arrived. Parks was definitely about to make this meeting interesting. Than again he was the guild master and a founder of the Neon Colossus. From the little information Anubis knew about him she would describe him as someone with a playful presences. Either or it was bound to be entertaining. She sat down at one of the corner tables in the hall. It was far enough away where no one would notice her but close enough where she could still hear a good amount of discussion. That was when someone Anubis didn't recognize seated next to Cassio came her attention. The interface said she was an assassin named Relka.

Other than her stats Anubis didn't know much about her. However she did like how the assassin stood up Ragar. She had spunk and Anubis could respect that. The food began to be served shortly after and that was when the real fireworks began. "Child I really don't know who you think you are sitting in Mama's chair. If SHE won't whup you I will." Anubis giggle nearly choking on her drink as the older woman serving in the hall gave Parks a piece of her mind. If that woman serving wasn't afraid to give a guild master a piece of her mind, then Anubis could not wait to see when the meeting began and Mama Fang arrived.

"Bitter cold, bitter cold..."

The city didn't seem to offer much difference to Byron from being by himself as he effortlessly slid through crowds, as if in his own world separate from the others. Humming to himself as he trudged through the winter weather, Byron idly strummed on his guitar, his sandals and loose tunic not providing much actual resistance to the elements, causing him to shiver and shake uncontrollably. Still, despite his body positively chattering, he didn't seem much maligned to the bitter snap against his skin. In fact, he wore what could probably be a smile on any other person though on his face it looked like a twisted grimace. A few scratches, a new instrument, another quest conquered, it was time to head away and rest to the nearest area he could remember. A few days rest and some food couldn't kill, especially in an area that was so friendly.

The Fang Family. God, a month felt like forever when you moved around so much. The young bard remembered slightly faintly running with some of them for a little while when he was still uncomfortable and unlearned but it didn't take too long for his inner opportunist to spur him out of the protective hold of the warm guild. Still, he figured that no one would notice or hopefully care if he slipped back in and sort of blended in for a momentary respite from travelling. Maybe he could have some time to work on some new songs for once, playing the same ones for as long as he had wasn't conducive for a bard. Songs are like bread, the fresher the better and should only be saved if it'll be worth it. Or. Some stupid bullshit like that. Even Byron's internal monologue was becoming awkward and it was himself to himself, fucking magical.

"Mm. Yeah, that's it."

If sight wasn't to be an indicator, sound and smell definitely worked just as well. Now was the to enter discreet mode. Letting his guitar slide along his body to his side, he quietly entered the guild hall now free from the bustle surrounding the city.

Despite the larger density of people, it was somehow quieter in the hall. Sliding along as he had outside, he snagged some food randomly without looking at the place or people near it and slinked into a corner where he easily got cozy. Pressing his back to the wall, he gently slid himself down to the ground with his legs crossed, and stuffed the piece of food into his mouth where he messily chewed while slinging his guitar into his lap to gently pluck away a whimsical tune which befitted the almost comedic nature of most of the antics happening in the busy hall. While his shifting eyes definitely gathered what was happening, at least to a degree, none of it seemed especially pertinent to him. A few people squabbling and playing around, just merriment. Perhaps some could afford to look a bit less foolish, but who was he to judge? One of nipples was visible at almost all times.

Parks, Level 90 Elf Summoner, Neon Colossus

---

Upon feeling his hair being brushed he tossed his head forward to try and shake whoever it was off. He reached up and grabbed the wrist of the culprit before he even heard her speak. He smiled, parting his lips to begin a long winded disciplinary speech but was cut off by Relka announcing her presence with her usual shit. He sunk back into the chair as she mocked his height but decided to play around a bit with it. In one graceful motion he maneuvered his legs from under himself back into a crossed position and then stood while spinning to now loom over the assassin. He was a good half foot taller at least and bent over to rest his elbows on the chair back leaving his hot chocolate completely unguarded.

”Oh you didn’t hear? I’m a solid 6’4 now, and you seem like the short one from up here, little Assassin. Probably a good thing for all that sneaking around you have to do. We cannot all be gifted in soaking up attention for being so wondrous.” He chuckled, patting her head and then aggressively rubbing her hair. It was at this moment the food came out and an old dwarf approached, accusing him of being a child and in the wrong chair. ”Oh, I’m so sorry, I figured it was a free for all as it should be. I’ll deal with Mamafang as she comes and... Who drank my. MMMMM Hello Chopper I see you’re still just as evil as I remember.” He spoke with his butt still facing the table.

He turned back to Relka and pat her head then cheek before standing up, now just his hands resting on the back of the chair so she was at chest level with him.

---

Ragar, Level 92 Wolf Fang Guardian, Knights of Bahamut

---

”I impede those who step out of line, Cassio. I don’t care what they think because they don’t care what others lose when they go to the cathedral. I didn’t think you’d have such sympathy for them, you seemed like a good man.” Ragar practically hissed the words at the sword smith. He was not a man to take any criticism or critique. He was a man of action and idealism without a hint of rationality left. The stoic man then simply shot a glared over at Relka. She had not broken any of the laws his guild upheld and therefore he had no reason to hate her other than her constant pestering. He pulled a chair out and sat the criminal down. A further view of his stats revealed his name, or at least username, was Craxis. He was a level 65 pirate and in no guilds with the armorsmith subclass. Ragar was swift to move in and sit uncomfortably close next to him and eager to start this meeting. He filled up his plate with food and pounded on the table.

”Lets skip this bullshit, we have issues to talk about, hmm? Parks organized this meeting but I called it and I don’t want any interruptions. PK’s are high, and I didn’t bring this man just to show off a criminal. Even our CRIMINALS are having problems. We’ve got a near army of monsters just outside the city, player killings in front of that, and people don’t enjoy the new laws we’ve got. I expect to eat and then go to my guild and get more information, I hate almost all of you and you hate me so there’s no point in me staying. Any questions ask Parks or this scumbag, they’ve got all you need.”

Ragar spoke and then immediately shoveled pancakes and breakfast meats into his mouth, not giving anyone a moment to speak to him as he was constantly eating from this point on. He nudged the Fox Tail he brought in.

Graxis let out a small eep of fear and then nodded shakily, staring at the low level adventurers that surrounded him. No doubt a few he recognized but luckily these weren’t any he killed, just scammed with pricey armor. ”Uh um, yes yes, so us um, us outlanders and such have seen ho-hoards of monsters roaming the woods between cities it makes trade very hard between us and and and the landers, they’re um... They are unhappy?” He looked to Ragar for affirmation that he told enough information but got nothing in return.

Parks spoke up again, looking over his shoulder and leaving himself open to surprise attacks from Relka and the grandma or anyone else that may come in from that direction. ”Oh the people of the land are upset? I’ll check that out! I’ll need protection and some other help though, I don’t enjoy hoards of monsters ripping me apart and my subjects need a king they can look up to, right Relka?” He started to fully turn around, his back now to the assassin entirely.

@Experiment 249

Park's messed with her hair, as she watched a few more people come in, one player caught her eye right away, Anubis. While she had never actually met the half-alv, she did know they were an information broker. Relka smiled warmly in their direction, she would love to pick their brains for anything new, but later. Ragar pointedly ignored her as his sour disposition demanded of the guild master, but he should know that only spurned her on. Before she could start anymore antics the meeting officially started.

After listening to Ragar bark at everyone and his criminal explain, Parks started his mumblings about the king not being ripped apart. Relka jumped on the table and started picking at MamaFangs food, which was delicious as usual.

"Well we would need to have a king that we in fact looked up to first, not a Samwise Gamgee with a crown, isn't that right short round? Besides, the information I know just says the monsters are behaving this way due to adventures not leaving town as much so we aren't keeping their ranks thinned. Why not send out roidocop over there with his people to thin the here's a bit. And while he is at it I can have my way with a few loose coin purses." Relka snickered a little bit while stuffing her face with the delicious potato snacks that MamaFang made. She waved to all the lower level players surrounding the table while they looked unhappy.

"Besides, not like I am officially in the alliance, I am just a blade for hire, man these pitter patter things are so nice!!"

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Anubis expected a lot from this meeting. Information, a scouting for potential clients and of course a good meal. What see didn't expect was to be vastly entertained. It was like having dinner and movie. Only the entertainment was live. Park's was going toe to with the assassin Relka and serving woman. Much to Anubis surprise he was holding his own. Though the fact that he mentioned his height was a little telling. Though she was certain how he would deal with Mama Fang. Anubis had only seen her a time or two but from the impression she left she was not the type that be handled. Then again she could be underestimating Parks. He was a guild master as well so there had to be something to his charm. However he didn't seem to have foresight when it came to his meals. If he did Park's might have protected it better from...Anubis interface pulled up the revealing their latest arrival.

Chopper?

Anubis felt she had heard that name before but the connection wasn't clicking. Her profile listed her as a Youxia. That was the listed class name for Pirate on the Chinese server. She wasn't certain if there was anything to Chopper but Anubis made a mental note to look into her at a later date. Besides it wasn't like she was any threat unless...you know you were Park's dinner. Anubis took a sip of her ale, that was when she had noticed that Relka the assassin she had seen pestering Park's had notice her. She smiled at her. Anubis smiled back lifting her pint of ale in salute to the assassin. She could tell that both their lines of work could help benefit each other. For now Anubis would leave it, there was enough time for her make contact after the meeting had adjourned.

Ragar then made his presence noticeable once more. He was speaking to Cassio, who early on had voiced his disdain for his fellow guild masters actions with the Fox tale. Ragar on the other hand really didn't seem to have any real remorse. However it was obvious he did not like being chastised. I impede those who step out of line, Cassio. Anubis chuckled. Ragnar impede them all alright. That Fox tale look downright terrified. Anubis didn't know if the Fox wanted to shit his pants or run for the hills. The latter would be entertaining but with Ragar on the watch she was pretty certain he would not make it very far. "I don’t care what they think because they don’t care what others lose when they go to the cathedral." True but there was better ways to handle them. Not that Mr. Military seem to care at the moment. He was obviously ready to start this little pow wow.

"Let's skip this bullshit, we have issues to talk about, hmm? Anubis couldn't agree more. She was ready to hear to juicy bits. Information after all was a brokers bread and butter. Parks organized this meeting but I called it and I don’t want any interruptions. Anubis took a sip of her ale. Ragar had her full attention. PK’s are high, and I didn’t bring this man just to show off a criminal. Even our CRIMINALS are having problems. Anubis paused on those words. Her hand tapping lightly on the table. The PK's being on the rise wasn't new, but after that run in the alleyway with that mid tier PKer. She knew they were up to something. Anubis made a mental note to look into the problem further. We’ve got a near army of monsters just outside the city, player killings in front of that, and people don’t enjoy the new laws we’ve got.

Monsters outside the city that wasn't new but if there numbers were growing well that could because of one or two reason. One players weren't going out the city often. Which was to be expected with player killings on the high and players not wanting to risk death with monsters. However there was a third plausible answer. The rise in monsters could also mean there was an event in progress. The game always use to have a few a couple times a year. It was slim but it could be a reason. As for the people not settling into the new laws well Anubis didn't know much about the political spectrum of landers but if it was true Ragar was saying. Then this was a prime opportunity to begin making connections with the major players. Anubis tones out what the rest of what Ragar added to the conversation. It was mostly grumbling after that. What did interest her was what his pet For tale held in the way of information.

He not only confirmed he info that Ragar had relayed but he gave information on the landers situation. Since the monsters were gaining in numbers they were attacking the landers. Which meant that the problem wasn't just a monster hunt Anubis was more than determined than ever to get to look into both these situations. The Pk's came first. However some the answers she sought came in the opportunity with Parks. Since it seemed he was taking the lead on the monsters. The party he formed would be on the field and that was a good place to begin information gathering. Anubis stood up leaving her chair. She walked over to the lively residents in attendance at the meeting. "If you are planning to look into the monster situation. I can offer my services for a fee. King or no king Parks needed a party and Anbuis was willing to offer help for the right price. As well as chance to gain further information but they didn't need to know that.

City of Arokan, Cleftland Kingdoms

---

Cassio leaned back in his chair, fingers interlocked with his thumbs resting upon his chin as he listened carefully. His expression was blank and borderline frustrated as the conversation progressed. Frankly, Cassio wasn't exactly a fan of the joking around. This was a serious meeting for the North Wren Alliance, and it had devolved into children playing games. As much as Ragar's policies and tactics were unethical and controlling, it was nice having an adult in the room, if only momentarily. Parks' suggestion in checking in on the People of the Land could prove promising, and he had little interest in running lower-leveled characters to kill monsters.

Cassio gave a slight nod to Garkan, as if the two knew exactly what the other was thinking. "I believe I could be of some use in your diplomatic mission, Parks. I was planning to set up a trade negotiation at some point to get a steady stream of trade going between the Blades and the People of the Land. If you want someone to accompany you and make sure we get there safe, I suppose I can push forward that time table." Cassio's smile was unsettling on an avatar that appeared so young, carrying with it years of experience and a slight air of pretentiousness that only he could master in that moment. His eyebrows then raised upwards slightly as he turned his gaze towards the others before settling on Parks himself, looking for some sort of confirmation.

"Well all in all I agree with the girl who is looking for a one way ticket to the respawn temple. Seriously what are your parents teaching you? And you Parks, I am really not sure how much HP your little king shtick gives you but I am 100% sure I could more than likely half hit you if I were to backhand you right now, out of my chair." MamaFang sighed as she walked out of the kitchens and into the room. Unlike normal, MF was not currently wearing her armor, instead she wore a set of simple black trousers and a thin cotton shirt that hugged her shape.

"We need to make the roads safe, it's no good if we can't move without being ambushed by some unknown amount of monsters and player killers. It just makes no sense to me, all in all we need to stop bickering and actually try to solve some of these problems instead of immediately treating this world as real and taking advantage of it. Do none of you want to go back home?" MamaFang sighed as she slid into her chair, no longer caring if anybody else was sitting in it.

TinyFang stood behind her, watching the table with a steely gaze, she had followed her mother in and kept silent the whole time, this was a time for adults to speak... adults and kids barely out of their teens it seemed. Her mother was right, they needed to at least thin the amount of monsters on the road before doing much else, even the player killers could wait until the roads were cleared out.

In the midst of him making the dense air thicker with catchy chords and almost incidental melodies that felt effortless in the atmosphere created by the hall, Byron managed to catch a few bits of information. Mostly from the people surrounding the buffoon-like self-appointed king of fairies. While not exactly familiar, he was a known figure. A pseudo king, to some. As a travelling helper of the highest regard, the call of potential wealth was too much for Byron to just ignore.

Approaching the group, Mamafang, Relka, Parks and those surrounding him, Byron didn't attempt any form of pleasantry, no false bows or overdone introductions. Still plucking away the same near comical song with his guitar in front of him, the dark skinned half-alv boy gestured to Parks with his head and spoke in a cold tone.

"I heard you require assistance? I offer myself with no resistance."

Realizing that he may have interrupted some conversation, Byron awkwardly stood before the others. His hands were still playing his instrument as if they were moving unconsciously as he filled the air with sweet, memorable notes.

Valk groaned and sat up as the sunlight streaming in through the window over his bed finally coerced him into waking. He ran one hand through his hair and stared out the window at the city streets. "Why do I still bother?" he muttered to no one. It had been about a month since he'd found himself trapped in his favorite MMO, and in that time he'd essentially done nothing. Sure, he had swaggered out into the surrounding fields and slaughtered mobs by the dozen, but that didn't really help anyone. He'd saved the odd noob from PK'ers, but it's not like the cost in repairs was doing him any favors. Other guilds, like the Neon Colossus and Fang Family had been proactively trying to sort out the mess everyone found themselves in, but his guildmates were safely back home; maybe they were even playing from behind their screens and wondering where their guildmaster had gotten to. With a little grumbling, Valk stood, threw on his gear, and exited his now-empty guildhall.

As he wandered the streets, Valk watched both other players and People of the Land going about their daily lives. He absently fiddled with his Phantasmal-class spear, the Lance of the Valkyrie, as he walked, lost in his thoughts. For some reason, going back out into the wilderness no longer appealed to him, but it wasn't like he could raid anymore. Even regular dungeons worth his time weren't feasible when he just by himself. He could just begin recruiting new members, he supposed, but anyone properly geared and experienced was either dedicated to their independence or already with a guild. Training up a bunch of lowbies into proper raiders would be a months-long project that he really didn't have the heart for. Dissolving Gatecrashers was out of the question. Sure, a raiding guild with just one member was little more than a name and a place to sleep, but this was his guild. He and his friends had worked themselves sick to become the equals of any top-tier raiding guild, and he'd be damned if he'd just throw that legacy away.

Eventually, Valk worked his way back to the Meeting Hall where he noticed a bounty posting calling upon adventurers to bring the rampant PK'ers to justice. "At it again, Fang?" he mused. He couldn't be sure the self-declared Mother of Noobs Everywhere was behind this posting, but it seemed like the kind of thing she'd get up to. They'd never crossed paths in-game, but she had become an immediately recognizable public figure in the wake of the Apocalypse. Underneath the call to adventure, such as it was, was notice of an open meeting to discuss the recent rash of player-killing and loot exploits. Lacking anything resembling something else to do, he wound his way through the maze of hallways to the Fang Family guildhall.

Feeling a little like an intruder, Valk sidled into the guildhall and found himself an unobtrusive spot near the door where he could listen in on the meeting already in progress.

Chopper mostly ignored the king as she continued to stand over his meal, drink from his cup, and eat his food. It was just easier this way. As she loitered here some big guy in armor started talking about problems in the land regarding monsters, PvP, and public relations. She assumed this was with the Landers. Everyone chimed in with their thoughts in opinons, giving Chopper time to figure out what she wanted to do. "Well, monster hunting sounds fun and easy to do. Though if I have to go with a group it'll be hard for me to really show my stuff. PvP also sounds like fun. Nothing like an ambush one-two. That Lander stuff isn't really my forte though. Unless I need to fight monsters or bandits to earn their trust, I think it'll be better if I just fight people." Chopper thinks to herself as she sits on the armrest to Park's throne and was eating his meal. She turned to him directly since she figured Park's was the one who was going to divvy up assignments.

"I'll go handle those PKers. If nothing else we could cull their numbers and capture them at the temples. Maybe we could recruit them or something too. Idle hands are the plaything of the devil, so we could hire them and put them to work culling monsters just so they have something to do instead of bothering everyone else. But killing them, that would certainly do enough to keep them in line." Chopper made a mental note to visit a smith to buy manacles too. Perhaps she doesn't have to kill all of them, just stun them long enough to keep them bound and then arrest them. Death was cheap after all, but being locked away in some hole with no means to escape, not even death, could be a viable punishment too. Chopper wasn't sure if such a place existed however.

---

Parks was prepared for the level of shenanigans offered by Relka and was already prepared to return the favor MamaFang finally introduced herself by promptly attempting to crush his body with hers. A simple Fey Step sent him right through her to be standing on her thighs, a foot on each. The benefits of being much smaller meant he had more creative ways to assert his dominance over the group's largest member. His back would be in her face, with his phantasmal-class cloak billowing occasionally against her. He used this added height to his advantage as he addressed everyone who spoke to the king of fairies and Lander appointed ruler of the Cleftlands.

"Perfect! You'll all be my guards as we, well mine and Cassio's guards as we make our way to the nearest Lander city and clear up a trade route. Anubis and Relka can be our trusty eyes and ears, MamaFang our sword and... True, Sir Stormfang, why not just take out these monsters with your own guild mates?" Parks turned to the man who had just swallowed two pancakes with a full stein of orange juice to force it down.

Captain Ragar Stormfang stood slowly, picking up the Fox Tail with one hand and forcing him to stand. He cleared his throat and pounded his chest to make the pancake slide down before he could be able to speak. A cough escaped, followed by a sort of primal roar. "My men are busy with this hoard of low level player complaints and cathedral visits. We're spread too thin and need to focus on what we can. Speaking of, I'll be taking my leave and this one to his cell for the next two days. Feel free to visit him." The Wolf Fang chuckled and excused himself from the meal, offering Mamafang a smile and a sort of bow. "As always, the food was wonderful Miss Fang." He turned and shoved the man forward as he disappeared into the snow, his boots crunching it as it compacted beneath his armor.

Parks nodded and turned to Chopper and gave her a quick glare before reaching forward and grabbing a biscuit and some jelly and working on combining the two. His gaze never breaking from the short girl with limb enhancing armor. A traitor to the tiny person alliance. "I'm sure the monster problem could use more help than just you, Chopper. What with you being 4'5 was it? Very dangerous for you to go alone. Anyone up for going with her? If not, I say we could move out after this meal! The nearest city to here with a trade route is a 3 day griffin ride or a 14 day march, or... if we ride horses it would be... numbers numbers adding them up caaaalcuuulaattinnnngggg.... I think a week?" Parks cocked his head to the side and looked to Anubis. He had no idea if she was good at math or numbers but did know she seemed smart. And she was a cleric, they often had to stare at health bars and those had thousands of numbers, or numbers in the thousands he should say.

Relka used the captured man's shoulder to help herself off the table, using the moment of contact to pass a lockpick and a note to the convict. If he was smart he felt it and would figure out how to get out. The note she left told him to remember her name in the future if he needed any help in a dungeon or any information. Ragar said his peace and than left with his prisoner. It was than she turned her attention to a seated MamaFang all innocent smiles and mischievous eyes.

"Now Mama, in my defense, Gizmo over there said he was going to bite my ankles. I just so happen to like my ankles ungnawed and merely jumped up to escape him. And may I just say your pitter patter potatoes are amazing as usual!" She sat herself in Ragars now vacant chair lounging back, and turned her attention to Parks.

"Now listen here Tinkerbell, while I agree that he adds are getting out of control, and I am sure to those fine outstanding people who enjoyed being ruled are annoyed with the PKers, I truly don't see how that's OUR problem. It is just a game, and PVP was encouraged before the apocalypse. If you want me to help with information and blades, like my fellow broker said, it is ganna cost you. I am sure you can find an assassin a higher level who would do it for free, but no one is as efficient and meticulous as I am, it's why I get these calls." Relka stopped for a moment to pop more food in her mouth and build theatrical tension.

"I want 5,000 gold for the whole job, I don't care where the money comes from, but that is my starting price, if you want to haggle, I am open to discussion, but for every 1,000 less I go, I am adding something to sweeten the pot that only Santa's Helper can pay. Also you will have to agree to that one without knowing what it is until after the deal is made, that one is more for fun." Relka drank the rest of Ragars orange juice and made a face. "Hey, the T-3000 had booze in this!"

@Experiment 249@ilovepapa

Chopper didn't seem too bothered when Park's defiantly took the biscuit away from her. Mainly because once he finished assembling the jam and bread together, Chopper's quick hands allowed her to snatch it out from his hands so she could eat it right in front of his face, her Food Fighter ability allowing her to consume the snack before Park's could get his own reaction off to take away or tamper with it. "Trust me, your majesty, those monsters will have more than what they bargain for once I'm there." Chopper turned her gaze to Relka who was starting to annoy Chopper with the chaotic evil mercenary act. It just made the fellow merc sigh and shake her head. "You know absolute freedom is the birthing grounds to tyranny, my fellow myrmidon. Funny how you espouse the flaws of laws and praise the freedom of a video game, and yet demand that we somehow give you respect and consideration as if it's due to you."

Chopper got out of her seat and looked back towards Park with a snide glance. "Culling monsters will be child's play and while I'm no fan of politicking, I know a few people who could help ease these PvP problems if you want to pay my price. Of course since I'll be so busy dealing with that monster problem pro-bono, I'll need some funds to help grease the wheels for the PKers. Just enough to cover the service cost. 3000 gold. No strings attached." Chopper normally didn't show her cards like this, but this would be a good chance for Chopper to get some extra gold out of this. She already had plans to deal with both monsters and PKers, but if he could get money for doing both she'll milk as much as she could. Undercutting Relka would hopefully make Park's more agreeable to Chopper, regardless of her horrible table manners.

"A king must be decisive and fair. I'm sure you'll know what would be the best option for everyone in these lands of yours. I can promise you that when it comes to problem solving, you'll find no one more efficient and tactical than me. I didn't make its far by bumbling around and getting lucky after all."

MamaFang sighed as she listened to the two mercanaries speak, it was just like back when this was just a game, she wondered if people could speak without being called out like this was still modern warfare xbox. "Now now, children I am sure you both are veeery dangerous people, and lets get this out of the way as well while we are at it. Yes, you fucked eachother's mothers, you both have a 'third leg', and are the scariest people in the room. Now that that is over, the adults are talking sweeties." Now that MamaFang made her position very clear, punctuated by a barely muffled laugh from TinyFang behind her, and a hand that suddenly moved to snatch Parks up by the collar and casually senf the tiny boy flying away from MamaFang, she continued. "I understand how some people would find this world more appealing than the previous, but you fail to realize that with the combinations of the guilds here, there is literally no reason to be hiring you two. Sure it would make things go slightly faster, but like our resident table goblin said, I am quite sure we can find people who are more capable for the same prices. Now if you wish to stop brining up being paid for literally nothing, I myself would happily provide a reward for any guildless folks who help out.

MamaFang sighed again, rubbing her forehead. "That being said, if I hear another word from anybody about anything even vaugely resembling payment before the details for the issues at hand are yet to even be confirmed, I am banning everyone not in my guild from my hall after curb stomping anybody with their mouth open. IF there is going to be payment, I would imagine it would be in the form of a reward, AFTER the job is completed in some form. If the choice is left up to me I would pay you only what I found you to be worth to us, and not a peice more... Or am I the only person in this room who actually has experience playing this game as anything other than a dammed roleplaynig forum? I refuse to pay anybody anything if they plan on leaving the job half finished, or sitting in the background doing nothing. There is a reason quests pay when they are completed, as do jobs in the real world, you do not get paid for doing nothing!"

MF had gone from speaking to yelling in the span of a minute or two, a combination of factors spanning this previous month finally catching up to her as she spoke. Silencing the hall with her stature and bellowing voice, a few of the older kids looked at eachother and worked on getting the others ready and out of the hall, TinyFang now moving to an empty seat next to her mother, who was now red faced and seething, her peircing glare daring anybody to speak out of turn. "Now I thank you all for enjoying the meal, but over the last month a few things seem to have been forgotten by you people. This is a game. You are not some holy church. You are not some magical king. You are not a mercanary, you are all just a bunch of losers who logged into Elder Tale at the wrong time. Just because this WAS a game does not mean that hurting others is ok. PvP was one thing when we could not feel what was happening. If we are to ignore playerkillers unless it profits us, why step in for kidnapping, human traffiking, or worse? I mean, it is a 'Game' after all right? Nobody ACTUALLY gets hurt, right? No, this is no more a game than real life was, not anymore."

MamaFang exploded in anger, harsh enough for even Relka to sit up a bit straighter. If anyone happened to be looking at the assassin, Mamas "third leg" comment made her visably recoiled at how close to home that hit for her, and with all the fun sucked out of the room she simmered down. She drummed her fingers on the table and let the moment settle before she opened her mouth again, a rarity for her Parks would attend, if he was even conciois at the moment.

"With all due respect Mamas." Her voice softer and no where near as cocky. "I never asked for payment upfront, I merely stated my price for doing the job, if this is our world now than people need to make a living. Before buying a product, are striking a deal a predetermined price for said services are agreed upon before the sale not after. Despite your superb reputation, how am I to know I am getting a fair deal for my services. I built this avatar to escape the... Irregularities of my real life. Here I am Relka, great assassin and information broker. Out there in the real world, I was nothing like I am here, to timid to speak. And now we are stuck here, in this game with no way of knowing if we are going home, that would make even the sanest people crack. But here you are doing your best to take in as many as your guild hall fits and better them. All I have is my wit, my word, and my reputation. I have already agreed to help by coming here, I would of came even if the Minish Cap didn't beg me to. Payment afterwards is more than acceptable, but to not discuss what said payment is before hand is negligent of a business person."

Relka surveyed the room, gauging reactions. She wasn't on to open up, and while she didn't reveal to much of who she was in the real world, she hoped she gave enough to quell Mama's doubt about her. She than turned back to Mama, noting a fair young woman behind her, she gave an uncharacteristicly weak smile to the girl laughing before continuing on.

"Like I said, I start at 5,000, but I will knock off 1,000 for every indulgence Park's gives me. I will give you the those demands. At 4,000, when this is over I want Park's to wear a very feminine dress to the next party Cleftlands holds. For 3,000 I want the dress, and he has to wear makeup to the party. And finally, my lowest, at 2,000 I forget the dress and make-up, if I get Park's tent and bedding for this entire quest, without the crying baby in it of course. I will help, but price must be discussed first hand. If that is such a problem Fang Family, let me know, I will leave and not darken your doorsteps again." Relka done monologuing sat back in the chair, this time she stayed respectful while she waited for the Wolf Fang to make her decision.

@ilovepapa