Aix

Hunter x Hunter: 108 Stars of Destiny

Basil Lightbourne
Location: 101st Floor
Interacting with: Sayuri

"I'll try that next time," said Basil, coughing. "What's so special about alcohol if you have to acquire a taste for it?"

He then realized it sounded a lot like sour grapes. Fortunately, the Draconian girl's attention was diverted to the tall, pale woman who walked to the stage. Things were finally set into motion.

As he expected, a bottle for a weapon may well prove useful in the coming exam. However, team play could also prove invaluable. The two of them were approached by another pair with intentions of aligning. Although official "teams" could only consist of up to 3 people, there certainly wasn't any rule against teamwork beyond that.

"I can't say my specific skill set have any use here, but I can handle myself well enough in a simple brawl," said Basil. He was aware he did not appear the strongest here, but it was fortunate that the Draconian girl did not decide to simply side with these tough-looking people who approached them. While they didn't look like martial artists, they had a certain hardness to them, he was familiar with it. "The outside walls seems to be the safest place in any case. With our backs to it, no one can simply steal our badge."

However, as he looked around, he saw many other people already backing up to the walls. Some even began arguing over it. Violently. One man got shoved to the ground, and a pair of guards had to hurry over and restrain the offender.

Basil considered for a moment. "Or perhaps we should be staying back to back to cover each others' blind spots," he said. "Certainly that was the intention of having the badges on the back."

Hunter x Hunter: 108 Stars of Destiny

Basil Lightbourne
Location: 101st Floor
Interacting with: Sayuri

After passing the security check, leaving his phone behind, and getting a badge, Basil walked into the restaurant on the 101st floor. His eyes lit up at the variety of characters here, many of them seeming utterly out of place in this swanky setting. A few seconds later, he located Sayuri by the bar and leisurely made his way over, glancing around all the while.

"I am in your debt," said Basil, putting the card on the counter as he sat down beside the Draconian. He looked around at the bar and scanned the labels on the bottles. "I would offer a drink on me, but it seems the drinks here are free."

He was also still a minor and truthfully he had never had alcohol before. Despite being about to take the world's most infamously difficult exam, his curiosity got the better of him. "I'll have a bottle of Domaine de Montbleu," he said the bartender. He recalled it was one of his aunt's favorite Avingnon wines.

"The entire bottle, sir?" asked the bartender.

"Yes, please," said Basil. Of course, he was not intending on drinking it all. Receiving the bottle, he held it upside down by its neck, feeling its balance, before settling it down properly on the table. "A glass as well, please. I will pour myself."

He turned back to Sayuri as he began pouring the wine. "The fact that they took away any weapons is a hint. They even took away my pocket knife," Basil said. "Whatever trial awaits us ahead, I would imagine a weapon, even a makeshift one, would provide a reasonable advantage." He finished pouring and shook the bottle for emphasis. However, any air of sagacity he had was dispelled when he then daintily took a sip of the wine and promptly spat it back, scowling at the sourness.

Hunter x Hunter: 108 Stars of Destiny

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101st Floor, Grand Hotel Mohad - 6:00 pm
A decent amount of time has passed. By now, over two hundred examinants had arrived and had began settling themselves in. The pale woman stood up, revealing that she was well over six feet, and walked over to the stage. Seeing her approach, the performer who was juggling knives while balancing on a ball stopped his act and bowed before hurrying backstage.

The woman paid the performer little heed and grabbed the mic stand. "Ladies and gentlemen, please return to your seats," she said. She waited for a few moments, however there were several who were slow or even disregarded her instructions. She scowled. "Examinee numbers 92, 105, 138, 161, 162, 178, you are hereby disqualified. Please exit the exam center."

"What?!" cried one of the examinees, a fierce man in oriental garb. The badge on his back read 105.

The woman looked at him contemptuously, but deigned not to respond.

"Is this some sort of joke?" said another examinee. His number was 138.

"You can leave willingly," said the woman. "Or against your will. It does not matter to me. In this Exam, my word is law."

With some hesitation, the examinees whose numbers were called began leaving. However, number 105 stood his ground. "Let's see what ability you have to make me leave," he said. He crossed his arms.

The woman smirked. "The first one to drag this boy out of here will receive a free pass through the Exam's First Phase."

At this, the examinees around number 105 leaped in action. However, 105 had some ability on which his confidence was based, instantly knocking out the first person to reach him with a chop to the neck.

Once the commotion settled, the woman gave a warm smile to the examinees. Her personality seemed to take a 180-degrees turn. "Well, first of all, I would like to congratulate you all for being able to make it here," said the woman. "I'm sure you're all eager to get started, but please sit tight as I explain the rules of this phase. My name is Aleksandra Maximovna, I am a Jackpot Hunter in charge of overseeing the First Phase of this year's Hunter Exam. My hunt has put me in all sorts of dangerous situations, and the key to success and great fortune is the ability to adapt and seize victory no matter the conditions. For example, what if you had to attend a party in high society where you were not permitted to bring your weapons?

The goal of the First Phase of the Hunter Exam is to seize the badges of others while safeguarding your own. A group of up to three need to turn in two badges to the guards at the entrance to pass this Exam. Indeed, you are free, and even encouraged to work as a group. Of course, if you wish, you can count yourself as a group of one. If someone in your group has their badge removed from their back, you need three badges to trade for a new badge for them when you go to turn in your badges. Or, of course, you can simply remove the dead weight from your group. On an additional note, if you have met your quota of two badges, you may collect extra badges as credit towards the next Phase of the Exam. Doing so may greatly improve your chances of passing the next Phase. Now, I will give you all five minutes to strategize, during this time, you are not allowed to fight, steal anyone's badges, or leave this room to go to the kitchen, the washroom, or backstage."

When she finished talking, a projector displayed a timer on the stage that began counting down from five minutes.

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Hunter x Hunter: 108 Stars of Destiny

Basil Lightbourne
Location: Grand Hotel Mohad, Avent City
Interacting with: Guiles

Basil looked at the Draconian girl in surprise as he felt the card slip into his pocket and he watched as she walked away escorted by the guards. It seemed there was no verification needed. However, surely, she realized this was a competition, right? It couldn't be that she didn't think he would pose any threat could it? His thoughts were interrupted as a very loud and unruly-looking man pranced over waving his VIP card. Well now, it seemed everyone and their grandmother earned their card and he didn't. He couldn't help but feel a little annoyed.

"With the pass, could I bring someone else up with me to the 101st floor?" asked the loud man.

"A rare question, but indeed, you may bring one other person," said the receptionist. She glanced at him and then at Basil before smiling. "As it so happens, this customer here wanted to go up to the 101st floor. Perhaps—"

"As it happens, I remembered I picked up a card like that a while back," said Basil, pulling out the card the Draconian gave him just moments ago. "I've changed my mind about the room. I'll just head up to the 101st floor."

The receptionist paused for a moment in surprise before nodding. "Please wait over to the side for the elevator."

Basil took a few steps over to the elevator before glancing back at the blond ponytailed man. "I'm curious. The Hunter Exam is a competition. Why are you inclined to help potential competitors?"

Hunter x Hunter: 108 Stars of Destiny

Sorry for the really late GM post guys.

Anyway, you are free to invent any details about the exam site... within reason of course. Everyone after you must maintain continuity.

Any questions can be directed to me here or on Discord.

Hunter x Hunter: 108 Stars of Destiny

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Basil Lightbourne
Location: Grand Hotel Mohad, Avent City
Interacting with: Sayuri

"What's the matter blueblood? Shouldn't one million be a chump change to you?"

Basil raised an eyebrow as he turned to the voice. Who spoiled this girl's cereal this morning? His expression quickly turned to one of interest however, much like the face of a Beast Hunter encountering a rare species in the wild. Indeed, Draconians were a rarely seen kind in human society as they mostly kept to themselves. He momentarily lost his manners there as he gazed curiously at her pointed ears and then at her scaled forearm as she held out the VIP card. Basil realized she seemed wary. Perhaps he stared too much. "My apologies, it is not often I get to see your kind."

"Please come to the right here madame, one of the guards will escort you up the elevator and over to the VIP zone," said the receptionist smiling. To the side, another receptionist gives the same directions to a man dressed in ethnic garb. Basil recalled such dress was similar to what he had seen of tribes who dwelled in the jungle. The Hunter Exam really attracted all sorts, he was treated to two rare sights already today.

As much as those rare sights brought up his mood, his lack of a VIP card was vexing. After a moment of thought, he gave a bright smile to the receptionist. "So the 101st floor is off-limits to the general public right now. A shame, I just wanted to go up and get a view of the cityscape from there. I'll just have a room with a decent balcony view then. I'm only staying here for one night."

While 1 million was well out of his price range, the few hundred dollars required to stay here was still doable. He supposed that he would find a way up once he was inside.

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101st Floor, Grand Hotel Mohad - 4:54 pm
There were three elevators that reached the 101st floor. Once one arrived, one would be greeted by guards who would perform a body search and remove any electronics and any items that could potentially used as a weapon with the promise that they would be returned when the first Phase of the Exam was over.

Then a butler would come and attach a numbered badge to one's back. The examinee was not allowed to remove it, doing so would disqualify them immediately. Finally, the butler would direct them through a door to the main site with the instructions that they were not allowed to leave, but they were free to do as they pleased within until the Exam officially starts.

As of the moment, there were 193 examinees who had already arrived at the Exam site. These people could already be considered the cream of the crop. They came from all backgrounds and nationalities, but in one way or another had demonstrated an outstanding performance to have reached the Exam proper.

At the end of the pre-exam tests, what awaited examinees up top of the 101st floor was a massive four-layered restaurant that allowed diners on multiple levels a view of the performances on the stage at the front of the restaurant. Each upper level of the restaurant was smaller than the level below it.

Of course, not all tables on the higher levels had a view of the stage, some were positioned farther in on that level. All tables of the restaurant were the same size, and circular with five chairs positioned at each. Waiters were stationed all around the restaurants whom examinees could order extravagant food and wine from completely free of charge.

"Look at these idiots. Some of them act like they've already passed." A very tall and very pale woman sat at the edge of the bar at one end of the restaurant, watching the examinees. Few would call her beautiful, but certainly quite striking. Unlike the others partaking in the food and drink, she did not have a badge on her back indicating her place in arriving here.

The head bartender finished serving a cocktail to an examinee before turning to the woman. "What's more disappointing are those who are not enjoying fine wine with company," said the bartender rather softly. He looked around. Most of the aspiring Hunters-to-be kept nervously to themselves and the restaurant was abnormally quiet for the number of people within. "My heart grows heavy at the waste, many of them even have had a whole day to find worthwhile friends."

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Hunter x Hunter: 108 Stars of Destiny

You're right, we're starting with the Hunter Exam, so no one has Nen yet.

Hunter x Hunter: 108 Stars of Destiny

Alright, so first IC post is up.

So what has happened thus far, before the present time, is that your character has already passed all the tests of the people who appear before the Hunter Exam even starts. Then your character also passed the test of the Navigator, a person hired by the Hunter Association who actually knows the exam location and can point you to it. If you remember, only like 500 people make it to the actual Exam site, this is because of these pre-exams.

If you passed your Navigator's test with flying colors, they will have given you a VIP card to the Hotel's 101st floor which is where the true Exam will start. Each Navigator only has 1 card, so they have to give it out wisely.

You may make up the tests that you faced before the Hunter Exam or just be vague about it and pretend your character faced some great trials.

Now, as for making it up to the 101st floor. You can sneak up there, but there'll be guards with swords and guns. You can buy your way up there with the equivalent of 1 million USD. You can also just say your Navigator gave you the card.

EDIT: It's getting really late. I was intending on making a GM post (not from my character's perspective) to show what's up top, but that will have to wait until tomorrow.

Hunter x Hunter: 108 Stars of Destiny

Glad to have you aboard. Come on Discord, I'll give you access there to our lore document.

Hunter x Hunter: 108 Stars of Destiny

Basil Lightbourne
Location: Grand Hotel Mohad, Avent City
Interacting with: No one yet

Basil coughed, and fanned the smoke away from his face. "I told you, I can't stand the smell of tobacco," he said to the driver. His usual tranquil expression distorted into a scowl. "Now, you're just being a dick."

"Aw, you poor kid," said the bald Arzan native, completely disregarding his passenger's complaints as he took another long drag from his cigarette. His rugged appearance, with a studded leather vest and dark, weathered skin, came in stark contrast with the high-brow, civilized aura of the person sitting beside him.

In ordinary circumstances, Basil would never willingly associate with a bandit, much less let one chauffeur him around. The Burial Sands of Arzan would not have been his first tourist destination either. Feeling sick and choked for air, he rolled down the jeep's window only to get a faceful of desert heat. The cacophony of a busy Arzan city also blared in from outside.

"How you managed to get the Boss's approval I have no idea. What's a pampered little lady like you doing taking the Hunter Exam?" asked the driver. "I hardly think you're wanting for money."

"Just curiosity," Basil said simply. He ignored the urge to correct the bandit on his gender for the third time, refusing to let the man get on his nerves any further.

"Rich peoples," scoffed the driver. "The Exam is no joke. I have brothers who have tried it. Even the Boss tried it before. That's how he lost his foot—got eaten by a shark. He's stayed far inland ever since."

Basil did not respond. Instead he shivered at that a little. The driver took it for fear, but it was anticipation.

"Now, I've never been to this part of town before," said the driver. "Rich people's neighborhood, this is."

Basil looked ahead. Up ahead were extravagant modern buildings that one would not even expect back in the Elancian Republic. Living here were mostly people involved in the oil business.

"Here, let me bring up Kookle Maps," said Basil, drawing his smartphone out of his pocket. Using triangulation with the cell signal towers, their location on the map could be determined. Of course, this was only possible in areas near civilization where there were at least three towers close enough to receive a signal. "Take the next left... and then right onto Shorad Street and the destination will be somewhere on the right."

The all-terrain jeep soon pulled over to the drop-off zone of an extremely luxurious hotel. Grand Hotel Mohad was written in big gold letters above the door. Seeing such a dirty vehicle come in triggered the reaction of the guards, but they stopped as Basil stepped out and a porter hurried over instead.

"Your luggage, madam?" asked the porter.

Basil creased his eyebrows, but deigned not to bother with a correction. "I didn't bring any," he said and just stepped past the porter. He glanced at the guards with interest as he passed. They were all extremely powerfully built, and in addition to sidearms, they actually carried khopesh swords. This was a different country indeed.

Walking into the lobby, Basil's interest was piqued again. The interior design was a stylish modern take on the traditional designs of the Burial Sands, but more interestingly there were also numerous artifacts laid on display to the sides. According to the plaques beneath them, they were excavated from ancient tombs and many people died to retrieve them. In fact, the exact number of deaths for each artifact was written like it was an indicator of value.

Finally, he wandered over to reception. "Excuse me, I would like access to the 101st floor," Basil said.

"Do you have a VIP access card?" asked the reception woman.

Basil tilted his head. He never heard of needing one. The Navigator told him he needed to make it up there to qualify, but did not give him any card. However, it would be just awkward if he were to say he did not have one.

"If you don't have one, you can also buy access for one million bennies*," said the reception woman.

"One million?"

The reception woman gave an awkward smile. "Yes, it has been reserved and the terms for entry are one million or a VIP access card."

*1 benny = 1 USD