[IC] Cacophony Concord

[Haha]

^[Mentions] @Yankee

---

^{This is truly peak gamer status.}

"You can seriously just query for classes in this game? I thought this game was supposed to be challenging- stumbling upon classes purely by accident out in the world. Oh well, I guess I'll join that bandwagon since I also have a specific position I wish to fill. Class Search: Low Rank - Healer, Cleric, Priest, or whatever variants are available of such in this region." Calace was quite aware that she went a little overboard with the function, but she wanted to cover all of her bases. Maybe there was some form of notepad function in this game so she could note them down, along with their requirements and locations?

Her lavender sights panned to the scuffle happening between Raime, Lewsuke, and Mags. This was a game- games are meant to be enjoyed- but these people didn't know how the player versus player system worked yet. There was that chance that some douchebag who was a few levels higher could just flag themselves for combat and execute whoever lost the duel. But that would be pretty entertaining to watch, and a good learning experience- which Calace could swoop in and explain why a healer was so necessary and how they should be cherished and respected more than they are.

Ames then offered to swing into town to buy the talismans for the party, which was very considerate of them. Having a designated item-runner was always helpful in these sort of games. While the rest of the group farmed and filled their inventory, the pack-mule would have their inventory loaded with spare items to run to town and vendor them off before returning to the party to refill again. Calace was glad that somebody had already shown potential for such an esteemed role- beaming in their direction because of it. But at the same time, she didn't want to be left behind! Without even realizing it, she was slowly walking towards the ginger-haired figure with stiff outstretched zombie arms.

" D o n ' t l e a v e m e b e h i n d !" Whether Calace was genuinely crying for the majority of the time she had now been in the game, or if she were just putting on airs for attention- she was probably beginning to get on peoples nerves. It was commonplace for her though, and rather than continue stirring that pot, she saw this opportunity to go and explore the game's establishments as a good way to break from the bunch for a while and sightsee. Hell, maybe she could find some of the objectives needed to change into one of those healer roles that would reveal themselves to her?

[ERode]

Class Search: "Half Martial, Half Magic"

Low Rank

Ascetic
_{+10% MP | +15% AGI | +5% END}

Requirements

• Max END equal to or greater than 10. (Current: 10)
• Reach the Blooming Springs at Pearl Bloom River.
• Remain underwater for 300 seconds. (Current: 0)

Kekkaishi
_{+10% HP | +15% MP | +5% END}

Requirements

• Max MP equal to or greater than 100. (Current: 100)
• Nullify 200 damage with natural END. (Current: 0)
• Donate 100MP and meditate at Shin-Yu Temple.

Exorcist
_{+10% HP | 5% MP | 5% SP | 10% STR}

Requirements

• Max MP and STR equal to or greater than 100 and 10, respectively. (Current: 100 | 10)
• Defeat 5 monsters, utilizing a spellcasting weapon as a martial weapon. (Current: 0)
• Learn and perform the Daikagura at Shin-Yu Temple.

Smartman
_{+30% MP}

Requirements

• Max MP equal to or greater than 100. (Current: 100)
• Obtain membership to Gin Ren Gym.
• Convincingly defeat an Immortal of equal level without attacking them.

_@Yankee

Class Search: "Healer" "Cleric" "Priest"

Low Rank

Shaman
_{+5% HP | +15% MP | +5% STR | +5% DEX}

Requirements

• Purchase and equip Ritual Markings.
• Total time in wilderness exceeds total time in civilization.
• Defeat 1 Bear in solo combat.

Kannushi/Miko
_{+15% MP | +5% AGI | +10% DEX}

Requirements

• Max MP equal to or greater than 100. (Current: 200)
• Less than 30% of total damage dealt to enemies comes from physical attacks. (Current: 0%)
• Partake in the Purification Rites at Shin-Yu Temple.

Herbalist
_{15% SP | 15% DEX}

Requirements

• Identify and collect 10 Herbs. (Current: 0)
• Process 5 dead monsters. (Current: 0)
• Receive training at the Mou-Zi Guild.

Qi Gong
_{+20% SP | 10% END}

Requirements

• Max SP equal to or greater than 100. (Current: 50)
• Receive training at the Gao Long Monastery.
• Recover 200 HP passively, without resting. (Current: 0)

_@Haha

[Cu Chulainn]

---

Lew had his eyes closed, awaiting a very expected kick to the groin. Instead, it seemed their fight was cut short due to the protests of some of their group. Opening them and seeing Raymond standing between the two, Lew only frowned. How was he supposed to learn about the mechanics of the game is his friends were preventing him from experiencing them firsthand? It was at the point where Lew just wanted to learn how the rest of the game worked now. Be it from PvP or actual questiong, Lew wanted to do something for him to get familiar with the mechanics. How else is he supposed to know if this game truly will provide that realistic monster girl experience he was hoping for?

Ignoring Mags' taunting dance and Raymond's protests, Lew turned once more to the rest of the group, his attention being grabbed by the now bishounen Amelia. His- Her-... god this is confusing, their suggestion to grab items had given Lew an idea, one that would allow them to solve their issues while he was able to learn on his own!

"Getting our gear arranged is a good idea, yes. Since I don't believe I have any stats I need boosting up, I'll go search the markets for some gear I could use to protect our more fragile members. Maybe I'll find myself a nice sword, or shield... It might be best if we have multiple people cover ground around this 'hub' city just so we can get familiar with all the important locations, maybe learn of some starting quests as well. We could all meet up at the West Gate and actually start the game out once we're more oriented to the game. Sounds good?"

Lew spent only a minute or two of waiting for a reply before he wandered off by his lonesome to look for any markets selling starting gear. He was eager to get started, and wanted to get his hypothetical bestiary started as soon as possible. As he walked off, he began to think of the next class he would get. The four choices all interested him, although Drunkard drew him in the least as he began to think of the difficulty of getting drunk if his endurance was three times that of a normal man. Kekkaishi seemed interesting, but that would involve a heavy investment into MP early on, and if that lagged Lew behind from the rest of the party, it wouldn't be a good idea in the end... Although using what Lew would assume is "barrier magic" to more safely examine monsters was something that did tempt Lew towards that path.

The two easier options to go for were Samurai and Shieldbearer, though it seemed he won't be able to achieve either goal on his own. Samurai involved joining a clan, and Lew knew he would have to talk with his group about what clans they planned to join before making such a dedication. Shieldbearer on the other hand involved actively defending his groupmates while they did the damage, which is what Lew would likely end up doing regardless given his current stat spread. In the end, they both seemed to be the most plausible of choices to take. Drunkard was sadly out of the question, and the investment Kekkaishi required might be too much for Lew to invest in at this time... Perhaps if he knew about the leveling system better, he'd have a better shot.

And so, Lew searched the starter city for any starter gear to use so he could finally get on with the game. There are dungeons filled with monsters Lew has yet to encounter...

[Psyker Landshark]

Stanislaw/Amulak

Well. This was an interesting list of classes. Necromancer was really the one he was gunning for, just off aesthetic alone. Though they all seemed to have some odd requirements, especially for Low-Rank classes. Killing something without inflicting what the game considered to be heavy damage would be a challenge, assuming he didn't just ask around how to get it done. And being struck by lightning was just odd. Though it wasn't as bad as, say, Animist's or Shaman's requirements. Animist would probably be doable straight off the bat if he pumped some SP and HP to go with his MP, but he'd definitely need to look into this game's death penalty first. Shaman was just odd, and based off its stat spread, probably not intended for his build.

As he was spoken to, Amulak chuckled at Calace's reaction before giving his response.

"As much as I trust you to not fuck us in ass and run off with money, Ames, I am bit stir-crazy game. We just started this game, yes? I want to see sights for myself, probably same as Calace. Sorry if we slow you down." A glance to the side revealed Lew had already ran off on his own, though. With a sigh, he shook his head, starting to make the effort of dragging his body along to follow Ames and Calace.

"Monster girl coomer has already fucked off on his own, I see. We can probably whisper him or some shit to meet up later."

[Searat]

HP:100/100 | MP: 105/105 | SP: 110/110

---

Accepting the fact that their current first impression is beyond salvaging, he lets Mags do her silly chicken impression and let his hands slide off his face before letting out a sigh. He faces Lew to reply to him. "Sure thing, Lew. We'll see you by the West Gate when we're done." Raime says before offering him a half-hearted wave as he walked off to God knows where. He would then look to the remaining friends that were still with him at spawn. "Monster girl coomer? I mean Lew is a bit of a weeb in real life but I think calling him that is a little bit harsh." Raime says with a shrug. "But I digress from the topic, we need to find that talisman guy to fix the low stat point issue. If nobody has any qualms in leaving now, I say let's go." Raime then looks to the discouraged cat girl. "Lead the way, Ari."

---

Character

Username: Raime Braun
Race: Human
Gender: Male
Height: 189 cm
Weight: 90 kg
Voice Pitching: 0
Decorations: None notable.
Appearance: Splitting image of his own physical appearance. Wearing a full set of traveller's clothes.

Attributes

=Points when applied to HP, MP, or SP, each point consumed grants 10.=

HP – 100
[Determines how much damage you can take before death.]

MP – 105
[Used for spellcasting. Affects magical damage.]

SP – 110
[Used for techniques and skills. Affects physical damage.]

STR – 10
[General physical strength.]

AGI – 11
[Affects perception of time in combat. Partially affects physical speed.]

END – 10
[General toughness and physical defense. Affects SP regeneration.]

DEX – 11
[General skill and accuracy of movements. Affects weapons and tool usage.]

LUC – 10
[Affects item drop rates.]

Class/es: Scout

User Experience

Perception: Realistic
Gore: On
Pain Setting: 100%
Clothing Damage: On
Nudity Censor: Off
Profanity Censor: Off
Combat Action: Manual
Spell Incantations: Manual

---

[ERode]

On any other day, looking for starter gear would have been a simple, if not easy task. But Nyu-Taro, suffused with opportunistic merchants as it was, had become a completely different beast. Stalls popped up in every corner of the streets like weeds, and for eyes untrained as Lugh’s, it was hard to tell what was ‘real’ equipment and what was simply replica souvenirs. Scarlet nodachis, monumental warclubs, obsidian-specked shields, and so many more fanciful weapons and armor lined the streets, accompanied by full-body paintings of people that definitely looked as if they were high-level Immortals of good repute. In the distance, the raucous clanging of bells and the hooting of worked-up hooligans resounded, above the din of the crowd. Paupers were there as well, of course, rattling their prayer wheels as they sat crosslegged around busy intersections, praying for coin.

After some searching, however, Lugh was able to find a particularly promising street, where the clanging of hammers against hot steel could be heard, as well as the sharp, rhythmic cries of the artisans within. Brick, rather than wood, made up the buildings, and as he peeked in from the clouded windows, he could see the bright, orange flame of the hearth, fuelled by white-hot coals. It may not have had the feel of a calm equipment store that one could find in a JRPG, with rows of ready-made weaponry, but there were racks of completed arms, and if Lugh paid some extra attention, he could see that more was getting churned out at an accelerated pace; upon the forge, a weapon was forming right in front of his eyes, almost as if by magic.

Well, what was truly magical though, was the smith’s muscles. Red-skinned and two-horned, the ogre-smith swallowed liquor and spat it out in blue flame, coating the weapon she was currently forming with an even greater heat before slamming at it more with an iron club.
_{@Cu Chulainn}

[OwO]

With a resigned raspberry blown especially at Raymond, Mags was defeated before she could even start. But a single loss wouldn't stop the battle-crazed woman. No, it was just the beginning; it was just a minor setback. She would have her fight, whether they liked it or not.

"Fine, we'll get the wittwe babbies theiw bottwes." A mocking Mags started as she went to pick up the crawling Amulak. She'd get her fight, even if she had to threaten them all by choking out Amulak. Not now, though. She'd at least relent until they got the +5 stat charms. After they did, however, all bets were off. She was going to choke a bitch out or start a riot if she couldn't get her fight.

"I fully expect you guys to fight me after we get these talismans, though. You'll unlock me a REAL class and we can fight some starter frogs with some new physical body experience. You know, so we don't look like the start of Grimgar." She gave a brief pause. "Old anime. Don't worry about it. Worry about me starting a riot if you don't fight me, and don't test me. You know what happened the last time y'all did."

She was, of course, talking about the great discord cock-up. A traumatic event that was too painful to talk about, even to this date.

[GreenGoat]

Ari Reina Caladis(Theresa)

---

Nodding appreciatively at both Ames and Raime, she perked up a little bit. "Yeah, lets go shall we?"

Ari didn't feel the need for a class, having no sense of such things, nor having any sort of gaming savviness to want it. She was, after all, here to play a game and have fun with her friends. What she had immersed herself into was books and comics after all, and those had never really impounded into her any sort of these 'gamer instincts'. Ari wasn't too keen on fighting each other at the moment too; she didn't really feel that would be fun for anyone.

What she did feel the need for was both equipments and stats, now that she had seen first hand how important it was. As for weapons, and armor, well, she wasn't too worried yet. A simple stick, long enough for a quarterstaff was an effective enough weapon, at least, for now. There would be more to come needing magical weapons and exotic materials for sure, but they had to start somewhere.

"Talismans right? If I recall correctly, the vendor should be somewhere here then." She spoke as she lead them there.

[Yankee]

aмeℓιa

aмeѕ
 aмeѕ

^{___________________ Class: Warrior Funds: 40s}
Ah, Calace was a character alright. Ames laughed and opened her arms, welcoming the short female avatar into them as she stalked over. "Okay, okay! At least you can actually walk. We'll bring everyone who wants to come." Amulak's... colorful word choice had the red head floundering for a few moments, but she recovered quickly enough. "Uh... thanks? I definitely wouldn't... do that." Then again, with this new make believe body she actually could, right? ...well, that wasn't a rabbit hole she wanted her thoughts to go down right now. She squeezed her eyes shut and when she opened them again, it was just in time to see Lew walk away.

"Oh, okay! West Gate..." she mumbled after the man, then turned back to their heavily accented friend to reassure him. "Don't worry, some of us aren't in a rush, so it's okay." Ames had to try very hard not to turn her eyes pointedly in Mags' direction with that last comment, especially after her vague - but very real - threat, but she succeeded.

After collecting Kriz's silver coins with a promise to return as soon as possible, Ames was pretty much ready to go - save for one thing. She looked over at the keystone again, studying the results it'd returned for her. Ascetic, kekkaishi... Those were pretty good classes... Right? Maybe? Ames smiled blankly at the screen the stone produced, sweat beginning to form at the base of her neck. What the fuck was an ascetic or a kekkaishi? What the hell was "Smartman" supposed to mean?? The only one listed that was even vaguely familiar to the red head was exorcist. That one also seemed the easiest to satisfy the requirements for. She committed the location names to memory and closed the screen, then helped Calace over to the rest of the group with a supporting arm as they ventured away from their spawn point for the first time.

[ERode]

Even with sub-human statuses, the group of Ames, Calace, Amulak, Raymond, Magpie, and Ari were able to fully enjoy the sights and sounds of Nyu-Taro. Some of them may not be able to withstand the planet’s gravity, but there was nothing that impeded their sense of the world around them. Beautiful people were practically everywhere, regardless of what perception setting they had, and the vibrant colors of the city-state popped out with just as much freshness as one would from seeing a tourism-focused city in real life. The street that the strange man directed them towards looked to be one of the busier streets too, enough so that, with all the festivities going on, it was absolutely congested. Normal people filled the street itself, but even the walls of surrounding buildings and the rooftops were filled with people. Immortals and Riens alike, so long as their statuses allowed it, ran on vertical surfaces or hopped from one building to the other, while the music of the Ryoku-Jo clan, filled with percussions and brass, resounded brightly and obnoxiously through the air, though the exact source was hard to tell.

Food stalls were set up in every available spot by the street, and carriage-drivers urged their oxen through the same roads that pedestrians took. Sometimes, the oxen were the ones brushing people by. Other times, the people were the ones brushing oxen by. In a world where superhuman individuals were high in number and could only be distinguished from others by their outlandish attire, the frenetic chaos was certainly intense. Interspersed chaotically upon footprint-marked walls were posters, depicting in bold brushstrokes what looked suspiciously like a schoolgirl in a sailor uniform, a fox mask covering her face and limbs of red, lacquered wood extending out from her back. In black, calligraphic script were the words ‘Rinkan Annihilation Tournament Victor: Ryoku-Jo’s Flamebringer Princess’.

There wasn’t much time to linger though, not when the crowds pushed anyone swept in along for the ride. Though Ari, Ames, Raymond, and Magpie were able to make it through fairly smoothly, with the catgirl finding it particularly easy to navigate the busy streets, once again, Calace and Amulak lagged behind, jostled to and fro by the disorientatingly attractive masses. Their companions helped them along though, ensuring that no one was separated from the group, and after some more struggling, the six of them broke out to the side, right at the doorstep of a teahouse. A wooden plaque designated the place as ‘Mei Rei Tan’, and, just as that vagrant-sage-shitter said, there was an old man sitting cross-legged a couple meters beside it.

In a world where 90% of the Rien population seemed to be at least moderately attractive, this particular fellow was the 10%. His skin, dark and sunburnt, was stretched over his thin bones, and liver spots marked his almost bald head. The robes he wore to cover himself up must have been white one day, but had yellowed with age and browned with…just more age, hopefully. A scraggly grey beard dipped down all the way to his ankles, and his dark, bulging eyes were clouded, staring a hole into the ground that he sat on. Shallow breaths hissed out from between rotted teeth, and his stomach caved inwards.

In front of him lay a straw hat; only a couple paper bills sat in it.
_{@Yankee@GreenGoat@OwO@Searat@Psyker Landshark@Haha}

[GreenGoat]

Ari Reina Caladis(Theresa)

---

It wasn't long until she was completely enthused again, the sights of multiple people milling about their business, the people jumping about, the sheer experience of being in another world, fueling her imagination. That was, until her eyes caught the poster. The figure was, in her eyes, undoubtedly cool. And it was a winner of a tournament too. Her imaginations, running rampant before, now went into overdrive with excitement, thinking of the ways that she too could someday win the tournament. Maybe even fighting the girl on the poster.

"Whoah, look at this!" Ripping one out from the several on the walls as she passed it, she gazed at it for a moment, her head swimming with a million and one possibilities of herself being on one of these. "...think we can be like her one day?"

Soon however, the group arrived at the merchant, old and decrepit looking, with what seemed to be a hat for donations or something. Ari moved forwards first, "Excuse me, are you the one selling charms?"

[ERode]

The old man snorted, started, as if roused from his sleep. He swivelled from side to side, his clouded eyes straining to see anything at all, before he finally took in a deep breath. A pause, and then the skeletal man whipped his head right in Ari's direction. "Oooh," he moaned, "Ooooooh!"

Half-crawling over, he grabbed the young adventurer by her ankle, a desperate grasp that pressed in like a vulture's talons, big, fat tears welling up the corner of his eyes.

"Please, young lady, show this old man some kindess! It's been so long since I've had a proper meal! Please, I beg you! Some alms so I can live another day! Have a heart! Please!"
_@GreenGoat

[Searat]

HP:100/100 | MP: 105/105 | SP: 110/110

---

Raime would have paid more attention to the sights the city had to offer but he was more concerned in helping his friends traverse through the cramped and compact streets. He'll have time in the future to appreciate the sights and sounds of the city but, for now, their priority was looking for this old man who sold talismans that buffed stats. Ari then tore off a poster of the city's most recent champion by the name of the 'Flamebringer Princess'. "Maybe. Only time will tell, Ari." Raime answered with a neutral tone. He was at least pretty sure that he wouldn't be considering he doesn't play games competitively.

Soon afterward they arrived at the place where the player said there would be a merchant of sorts. The old man did fit the description but didn't seem he was selling anything. Ari then approached the old man and suddenly swiveled to look at her and make himself look absolutely pitiful to hopefully earn some coins to feed himself. "Uhh...he looks like the guy described, but I don't see any talismans for sale." He thought out loud before looking to the pitiful form of the elderly man. "Hey. Do you by chance sell any talismans that can help my friends over there." Raime uses his thumb to point back at those who had been suffering from their below-average skill scores.

---

Character

Username: Raime Braun
Race: Human
Gender: Male
Height: 189 cm
Weight: 90 kg
Voice Pitching: 0
Decorations: None notable.
Appearance: Splitting image of his own physical appearance. Wearing a full set of traveller's clothes.

Attributes

=Points when applied to HP, MP, or SP, each point consumed grants 10.=

HP – 100
[Determines how much damage you can take before death.]

MP – 105
[Used for spellcasting. Affects magical damage.]

SP – 110
[Used for techniques and skills. Affects physical damage.]

STR – 10
[General physical strength.]

AGI – 11
[Affects perception of time in combat. Partially affects physical speed.]

END – 10
[General toughness and physical defense. Affects SP regeneration.]

DEX – 11
[General skill and accuracy of movements. Affects weapons and tool usage.]

LUC – 10
[Affects item drop rates.]

Class/es: Scout

User Experience

Perception: Realistic
Gore: On
Pain Setting: 100%
Clothing Damage: On
Nudity Censor: Off
Profanity Censor: Off
Combat Action: Manual
Spell Incantations: Manual

---

[Haha]

As the small group of newborn-nooby players made their way into the busy streets of Nyu-Taro, the lavender-haired munchkin relentlessly stared at fellow players and the denizens of the the city with doe eyes of wonder and intrigue. She passed some signs boasting a small feminine figure as a tournament winner within the city- it sparked a flame in her tummy, giving the mostly debilitated girl a small burst of energy and a spring to her step as they hunted down for the toothless hobo.

He was a filthy, grimy, smelly, deplorable, senile old man who seemingly had difficulty with even basic communication. Calace couldn't help but scowl and remain silent, allowing the others to communicate and haggle with the man for his talismans. There was still a chance that he wasn't even the guy- or even if he was out of these talismans for some reason. Hopefully it could be resolved sooner rather than later. Because she wanted her stats to be improved so she could actually have the energy to run about and explore the town- maybe network with some potential business partners along the way- and eventually reach the level of stardom that people like this Flame Princess has.

"I need to find someone with that Miko class a s a p." Calace spoke quietly, not trying to derail the mission at hand for the others. She wasn't selfish enough to drag some of the others with her to hunt down that temple, at least not this early on. Instead the words were meant for herself as she glanced the perimeter for anyone that might fit that criteria, that way she could b-line for such a person as soon as they got their talismans and starting equipment.

[Psyker Landshark]

Amulak al Acturus (Stanislaw)

God damn, but were this game's graphics insane. The fact that everything was rendered seamlessly in such high quality, with this many players in the zone was nothing short of amazing compared to the MMOs of his childhood and early teenage years. Hell, marveling at the sights around him nearly took his mind off the sheer fucking exhaustion he was feeling from just walking around.

Still, he managed to nod and reply to Ari's question.

"I do not see why not. At least I very much want to try to compete. Maybe here I not get completely shit on by sixteen-year old Korean boy." Amulak said dryly, his mind briefly flashing back to the match that had made him realize he should call it quits for his pro gaming career. Oh, well. He'd had a good run of it and lasted longer than some others in the pro circuit. Stanislaw supposed he really shouldn't complain, considering if he continued to make the money he'd earned then work for him now, he'd be pretty much set for life.

The old man was...interesting. Hell, Stanislaw was half convinced that this was just a very immersive way to acquire their talismans. The game seemed to be all about immersion and flavor, so he wouldn't put it past the devs to pull something like this. Would've helped if the little shit from earlier had given better instructions, but Stanislaw supposed that was really all just part of the experience. You lost something in a MMO when you just followed a guide a hundred percent of the way without figuring some things out for yourself.

"Hmm...perhaps I give you twenty silver. What will you give Amulak in return?" He questioned, attempting to fish for more information from this NPC.

[Cu Chulainn]

---

Lew's search for items had quickly felt like an arduous task indeed. Judging by the quality of all the items across the markets being pedaled so far, it seemed as if many of these kiosks happened to be player-run and only higher-level loot was being sold, something Lew could not afford at this time. Perhaps Lew should have joined up with the others in finding the man with the talismans. An assured stat-boost is probably better than nothing, anyway.

Before Lew resigned to backtracking with the rest of his group, he had found himself in one of the seemingly more legitimate parts of the market. The sound of metal being hammered down drew Lew in, as if he was hypnotized by the very sound. As he moved towards this contemporary, somewhat industrialized section of the city, Lew's attention was quickly brought towards an orange glow produced by a certain smithy. Eying the vast array of arms and scrutinizing their craftsmanship, Lew was quick to believe that this shop would have what he wanted. Why Lew felt that specifically was something that alluded him... At least, until he looked over to the smith.

Words could not describe the emotions that Lew felt when his eyes met the glistening biceps of the blacksmith at work, gazing at awe as she bathed the sword she was working on with an azure blaze. The attention to detail the developers put in making their monster girls so far truly was one that deserve an applause. Ogre-girls were something Lew would have assumed he would run into at some point in his adventures, but he did not expect to run into one so early in the game. It was a good thing that he had split apart from his group, as Lew was surely as about as glowing red as the molten iron being beat into shape by the ogre smith. As much as he could spend the whole day admiring the smith, Lew remembered his promise to his friends that he would meet them at the West Gate, and Lew was never one to break a promise, no matter how small.

After taking a few seconds of observation, Lew had finally mustered the courage to approach the smith, less red than before and with silver pieces in hand. "Excuse me," Lew cleared his throat, "but are any of your goods for sale? I'd be fine with a spear, or even a sword... Anything I'm able to afford with twenty silver coins." Much like he always has before, Lew conducted his speech in a stoic, almost monotone matter, though those who knew him well would notice a slight tremble of nervousness hidden in his speech. It was clear that the longer he would spend in the presence of such a wondrous creation of modern gaming, the longer he would keep his friends waiting, so Lew tried to conduct business as fast as he could.

[GreenGoat]

Ari Reina Caladis(Theresa)

---

"Eh!?" Ari recoiled for a moment upon the old man's sudden animation. "Uh, here, have 5 silver."

She knelt down and gave the money to him, without thinking twice. Well, she didn't really need the stat charms as much as the others, so perhaps she could do without one for a bit. Looking towards Amulak and Raime, it seemed they too think this was the charm seller. Well, at least the man could eat for another day. What was even the cost of food in this game anyways?

"Ah, yes. If you do not sell charms, please tell us where it might be? My friends are kinda in a pinch here."

[ERode]

The old man grasped Ari’s hand as she knelt down, five silver gleaming in her palm. Dragging it up close to his nose, he drew in a deep breath, taking in the aroma of precious metal. A shiver ran down his spine, and he swept the coinage off her hands next, cradling them like one would with a child. “Thank you,” he blubbered, “Oh, may the s-”

Then, Raymond spoke up, about the talismans, with Amulak soon following up.

The old man froze, turning his face up towards them.

“It’s…” He swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down against his weather-beaten skin. “…been so long! Oh, bless the Sun’s Providence, bless the kindness of the Immortals! To take pity on an artisan such as myself, oh!” Hands still gripping the five silver, he thrust his airs skywards at an angle, before prostrating himself so low that his forehead bounced against the pavement. “Yes, yes, silver, twenty, please! To have lost such hope, only to regain it once more! Blessed days, blessed benedictions!”

The old man pulled himself back up, before bringing his hands up over his mouth, muffling the words he spoke within. A soft light peeked out from the gaps in his fingers, and when he removed his hands, there was a paper talisman. The color of the paper looked yellowed by age, while dark red symbols marked its surface. In the light of midday, it looked almost glossy.

“This right? This had to be! I was famous for these! …before misfortune fell at least. Please, I can make as many of these as you want!” He made a grab for Ari’s hand once more, but missed. “Twenty silver for one, fifty for three!”
_{@Searat@GreenGoat@Psyker Landshark@Haha}

---

She was even more imposing up close.

Easily two meters tall, if not more, the ogre smith wore a thick leather apron and shorts, clothing light enough to show off thighs that could absolutely crush watermelons. Her red skin was pockmarked by small burns, and veins bulged out from her forearms as she wielded a short-handled hammer with a head the size of a bowling ball. Sweat seeped into her sooty bandana, and her white hair was cropped short, more of an overgrown buzz cut than anything else. She hammered away at the weapon in her tongs a couple more times, before quenching it in oil and turning to Lugh.

“Silver coins?” The blacksmith leaned over slightly, hooking her hammer over the straps of her apron. “You…ah, new to these parts. Kiddo, ya gotta get that coinage changed to rishis if ya wanna do business round Horoshi. Find a bank or somethin’, otherwise yer probably getting’ scammed.” She leaned closer to him, glaring at Lugh with her coal-like eyes, taking in his posture and his countenance. Only a couple inches separated their faces from one another. A moment passed, then another. She frowned, a flicker of resignation or disappointment in her features. The blacksmith stood up straight once more, cracking her neck.

“I can see yer eager to get goin’ though. Not a numbers lass m’self, but with twenty…feel free to grab any two things from that wall over there. Armor pieces are separate though.”

Pointing in that direction, the ogre smith motioned towards a rack of rudimentary weapons, shields, and armor pieces. Though basic in design, they seemed sturdy, reliable. It wouldn’t cause any explosions when you swing them, but it didn’t look like a scam either, at least.
_{@Cu Chulainn}

[Searat]

HP:100/100 | MP: 105/105 | SP: 110/110

---

"You heard the man. 20 silver for a stat-fixing talisman." Raime announces to his companions before looking back to the old man. Despite being an NPC, it pulled on the man's heartstrings to hear that he was once a famous figure around these parts brought so low. Kinda reminded him of his great grandfather, well at least from the stories his grandfather told him. Having a stable and honest life only for him to lose it by uncontrollable circumstances.

Though it's unlikely the old man NPC was forced into poverty because of the rise of fascism in the country.

"I'll be inside the tea house while you guys buy talismans." He then walks into the shop and takes a seat before asking the shopkeeper for some tea and information while he was at it. "I'll have some green tea. Also, what's the story with the talisman maker outside? How did a famous talisman maker like him even get brought so low? Cause it doesn't make much sense to me that someone as skilled as he is can't get back on his feet."

---

Character

Username: Raime Braun
Race: Human
Gender: Male
Height: 189 cm
Weight: 90 kg
Voice Pitching: 0
Decorations: None notable.
Appearance: Splitting image of his own physical appearance. Wearing a full set of traveller's clothes.

Attributes

=Points when applied to HP, MP, or SP, each point consumed grants 10.=

HP – 100
[Determines how much damage you can take before death.]

MP – 105
[Used for spellcasting. Affects magical damage.]

SP – 110
[Used for techniques and skills. Affects physical damage.]

STR – 10
[General physical strength.]

AGI – 11
[Affects perception of time in combat. Partially affects physical speed.]

END – 10
[General toughness and physical defense. Affects SP regeneration.]

DEX – 11
[General skill and accuracy of movements. Affects weapons and tool usage.]

LUC – 10
[Affects item drop rates.]

Class/es: Scout

User Experience

Perception: Realistic
Gore: On
Pain Setting: 100%
Clothing Damage: On
Nudity Censor: Off
Profanity Censor: Off
Combat Action: Manual
Spell Incantations: Manual

---

[GreenGoat]

Ari Reina Caladis(Theresa)

---

Perhaps she would have given him the rest of her money. Or perhaps she would have just kept it for later. Maybe she should've even asked more about his services. But... the moment he mentioned misfortune, she perked up instantly, tail twitching uncontrollably. Was this perhaps... the call to adventure?

"Those things aside, what do you mean misfortune?" Ari pressed for more information.