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Post by Deleted on Apr 2, 2014 10:37:04 GMT
The landers that I ran into back in Londenium talked to me for almost an hour again. They asked me about this and that, but I could not respond. Few people know or believe that speaking can actually be very difficult. The words are formed in my head, but when try to say them out loud, so many considerations bar them from escaping. What if I sound impolite? I can’t take back my words. What if I use the wrong structure and the sentence comes out all wrong?
“ What do you think, Hrairoo? “ I asked the frenmic rabbit which would usually sit upon my head as I traveled.
I scouted him during my first few days in the game, and eventually saved him from a young pittered boar which slaughtered his family. It made me think back to my own broken family. A mother whom I don’t care about and never cared for me either. My father, I miss him, and I hope he isn’t too heartbroken by my disappearance. I was an only child but an older friend kind of adopted me, and at first he was my only friend here in Elder Tale. But times are changing and I know that I should change too. Not only my level, but how I deal with people. I know that they find it difficult to communicate with me, and that I should do something about it. Maybe I should chat with Ryuu sometime, since he likes to talk... a lot.
All this walking bores me; hopefully I reach- ah, there it is. The familiar sight of Savill Flower Grove, where I encountered my first slime creatures. Not a fond memory, not at all. The landers back in the city said something about a quest or a task, clearing the grove again, I suppose? They never give up even though this place is in ruins, so overgrown, seemingly hopeless. But they need to find a goal for which to strive, I guess, and for those landers and for the ones who live around the Grove, making the place beautiful once again would be worth their life’s effort. Hey, I think I see the lander who is giving out the quest, but the sun is a bit too bright.
“ Good job, Roo, “ I said as I patted the rabbit’s head when he put his paws over my brow to shield me from the sun.
The lander seems friendly enough, and the person close to him too. Approachable by the looks of it, I wonder if he is a lander or an adventurer. Should I ask? I might sound rude... maybe I should just talk to the one who’s giving out the quest.
“ Excuse me! “ I speak up, finally, and bow at the quest giver, “ Landers in city said- clear grove? “
Did I say that correctly? How did that sound? I wonder. Maybe I said too much.
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Wolf Hair
Inactive Player
Gold:
Alchemist
Pathfinder
Guild:
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Post by Shepard Dagon on Apr 2, 2014 11:45:31 GMT
It had to be some kind of joke... maybe.
Maybe he missed the hint, maybe he had something in his face or he was looking ridiculous, but why should someone speaking to him in that way without doing it as a joke or a mock?
It had to be some kind of joke Shepard couldn't catch, the girl who talked to him might have confused him with someone else, which was very likely.
Shepard turned around to look at the the girl who speaked to him, without noticing she was much more closer than he initially thought, resulting in a blush followed with a little exalted back off. While he recovered looked at the girl noticing she was also a Wolf, maybe the scent of the flowers hid the fact for his nose and that's why he didn't acknowledge her presence a few minutes ago.
-Shepard-
...
Realizing he was staring at her eyes, Shepard coughed a bit as he thought that he didn't saw any meant of harm or mock in her eyes, maybe she was being serious.
He felt guity for his behavior, answering with a bow and apology for the short cold stare he gave earlier before, for the sight he had of innocence in her eyes, Shepard felt more loose and was able to talk avoiding his usual politic of indifference.
-Shepard-
I'm sorry, I didn't meant to startle you with that reaction, neither meant any offence with the staring, I'm just not used to people.
He tried to give an small smile the best he could, being polite, while thinking in the question she made him moments ago.
-Shepard-
If you were looking for the quest giver, he's over there, behind the tree, I though picking up the quest too, but I got amused by other things, let me show you.
The Shaman started to walk nervously, hoping he gave a good impression of his manners, even when he is so distrustful with people, manners meant a lot for him.
Reaching the place, he greet the Lander and asked him about the task, taking mental note of the things he had to do. The idea of getting rid of what they called a "plague" wasn't grate for him, as he knew the creatures there meant no harm but exist, yet he didn't complained knowing there would be another way to solve this over an slaughter.
Shepard only fights in self-defense, or to defend those around him.
The grove was a beutiful place to rest, it's feels like true nature, even being in the city, the noises of the street couldn't reach this sanctuary, Shepard knew nature always finds a way out of every situation, but the grove was a controlled enviroment and that it had its own rules, like the population limit for those creatures who lived there. With a noticeable discouraged sigh, he accepted the quest, wondering how he will deal with the situation ahead with discontent, but he needed the reward right now.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 2, 2014 12:11:10 GMT
The other person spoke to... to me? Oh no, I should act cool like a tank. Wait, my eyes are too big, I look surprised instead. Hrairoo, help me! This rabbit can’t read my mind, unfortunately. He seems alert up there on my head, but not too scared or worried... wait, the person! Okay, I have to reply to him.
“ Hello, “ came my short reply. Way too short.
Would he think badly of me? Did I sound like a snob? This person looks nice but but... he’s so... tall. Why is everyone in this world taller than me?! I’m not that short at 150 centimeters, right? Wait, why am I staring at him so much? He looks rather plain, nothing out of the ordinary; he doesn't look scary at all. But he’s tall though, and tall people are scary. Can he be both scary and nice?
“ Questing, “ I said as I pointed to my startled face.
I must really sound like an idiot now. Speaking is so difficult... maybe I should stop trying. Oh, I know, the quest! That’s right, I have to get it from the lander. Maybe I can make it up to this guy if we do the quest together. I walked a little too fast and almost tripped, should be more careful.
“ I take quest! “ I told the lander my intentions while I raised a hand.
So it’s this kind of quest now, huh. I probably have to get rid of some plagued creatures, whatever they may be. Is the swamp creeping into this place? Why is it so overgrown and unkempt anyway? The landers did well to restore some parts, but maybe it is too much for them to handle.
“ Party? “ I suddenly asked the other adventurer once the thought came to mind, and then I sent a party request.
If he accepts it, the other adventurer would be able to see my name and basic information. Similarly, I could do away with the formalities and just look up his info. A smart move on my part, if I say so myself; as I read through the quest, I deduced the place where the plagued things could be. Somewhere close to the castle grounds, where adventurers barely set foot and so death and decay could thrive. I pointed to that direction, towards Windsor Castle Grounds, but not into the castle’s premises itself. Just around that place, I knew that we would find our quarry.
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Wolf Hair
Inactive Player
Gold:
Alchemist
Pathfinder
Guild:
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Post by Shepard Dagon on Apr 2, 2014 13:23:56 GMT
The First Proposal.
A little window popped up when the girl said the word party, his heart started to race quicker for the meaning that involved. Party was, for Shepard, an agreement of teamwork and trust, something he was very careful with. Staring at the proposal for just a few seconds felt as hours, while his brain tried to cover every single "worst scenario" he could have imagined in that moment while his finger trembled between the join and the reject bottom.
For not known reason, Shepard touched the little green bottom, opening another window in his menu with the party members, there was him at the top of the list, and down there, Caer... Caerna... Caerbannog? The name resulted almost intelligible for him, but the real surprise came when he clicked it to take a look at the details.
-Caerbannog-
Samurai lvl. 32
Th...Th...THIRTY TWO!?
How was he supposed to do the quest with someone of such level, the difference was incredible and he thought that he'll be useless in his first party. After those moments he was dragged to reality by the Lander itself, who told him that the Wolf was in fact on its way already. Shepard thanked him and run trying to catch his partner in this quest, while thinking in how should he ask about the issue with the levels avoiding to sound like an ignorant, but he knew she'll realize the low level he had once she do what he did moments ago...
A brief moment of personal shame and desperation took place in his thoughts, thinking in various plans to get away quickly enough... the only method that used to work was disconnecting and blaming it to the bad connection, but that wasn't possible here, since there's no way to log out to begin with... leaving the party wasn't a choice, he didn't wanted to hurt her or be mean, so with resignation he accepted the defeat, it was all over and he'll surely be mocked for it. Trying to prepare himself mentally, he opened his mouth, willing to get his lungs filled with fresh air, releasing it with an impotent sigh.
-Shepard-
Excuse me... how shall we handle the level issue.
If he was going to be ridiculed, it had to be by his own hand, the worst thing that could happen is she leaving the party and fade in the distance with a loud laugh at him, nothing he didn't went through before, the problem was that this is the reality now, and one gets a reputation, think that can be beneficial or harmful... this sure wasn't a good way to start an adventure with someone else...
-Shepard-
If you are going to laugh at me, do it quickly, I'm used to it.
He might tried to sound either serious or mature, but one could tell that his voice had a trace of dissapointment which was corroborated with his face looking directly to the road, that was going to be his first reject in the game also, all in one.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 2, 2014 14:26:06 GMT
Lost in my own thoughts, I did not notice the party acceptance or the delayed departure of my fellow adventurer, not until he caught up to me and asked about the level issue. What level issue though? I then checked the party list, noting his name to be Shepard Dagon, that he was a shaman and of the wolf hair race, like myself. What a coincidence, right?
“ Level... issue? “ was my reply to him, since I did not under- oh, THAT level issue.
Side by side, it was clear as day. I did see the ‘issue’ that he asked about. Level 5 versus Level 32, it sure was a big gap. Now what was it that Ryuu used when we had a level gap? Something-something system. I stopped walking for a while so that I could check the interface. Beneath the quest list, friends list, inventory and whatever else, there was an option for the Teacher System.
“ I use this huh? “ I said absent-mindedly, loud enough for the shaman to hear.
I then clicked that option and activated the system which would synch my level low enough for it to be close to Shepard’s own level. Problem solved, right? Well the issues then were on my end, for my skills all became Tier 1, and the Tier 2 skills became inaccessible. I paid no mind to it, for Tier 1 skills were fine too. I just had to be careful not to pull too many mobs.
“ That better? “ I asked the shaman.
Since his Level was merely 5, my own level was synched to 5. Hopefully he would find it acceptable. I realized that he said something about being laughed at. Why would I laugh though? Everyone started at Level 1 anyway. But the words for consoling another escapade my mind, and he must have dealt with the longest stare from me so far.
“ Uhm... Five comes before thirty-two, “ I began, “ I didn't start at thirty-two. “
Well, back to the road now, and off to that place near Windsor Castle Grounds!
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Wolf Hair
Inactive Player
Gold:
Alchemist
Pathfinder
Guild:
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Post by Shepard Dagon on Apr 2, 2014 15:34:42 GMT
Warm Words Eased His Heart.
The Wolf could help but to let that big smile scape, his fears were totally out of place and a warm sensation of hope went through his entire body renewing his humor.
He took some time to make sure Caer noticed the smile and thought how could he explain why he said it, thinking that he might be rude if not.
-Shepard-
I'm sorry... what you say is true... I guess I'm just used to being rejected... Think about it.
He made a pause to let the words accommodate in my head to become phrases, the idea was there but for Shepard was difficult to pronounce them, because he is not the kind of guy that goes throwing his feelings everywhere... this might be one special occasion, just because he felt secure and knew he wouldn't be criticized.
-Shepard-
People tend to abuse their power to feel secure, by making others feel insecure, that's the beginning of a cycle, and I've tried to get out of it, I always was at the lowest levels of that cycle. Sorry if I was rude, I just don't trust people, but you seem to be a nice person.
He remained shut for the rest of the trip, a lot had been told in almost no time, making his throat to close as if were tighten by a rope.
-Thought-
I should not do that again... Not ready for it.
The significant change in the road made him realize they were actually getting in the area the quest specified. Looking through his skill book for some instructions he asked what kind of mob they were seeking.
-Shepard-
Battle Perception - Activate
The Wolf eyes became brighter with an small bluish tone, many monsters were revealed in the surroundings and many more appeared as we moved, most of them proving to be near our level and non-aggressive, yet some of them were +10 level and their name was displayed with an intense red, proving to be very aggressive, most in ambush spots like holes in dead trees or high bushes, waiting for some lackadaisical adventurer to get near.
Shepard get in front of Caer and guided her through clean areas until we get the marked spot in our maps, many kind of monsters were there, tusks, boars, snatchers, weasels, slimes, even treants were near our location, AoE should be kept to minimum for our own sake.
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Nine.
Human
Inactive Player
Gold:
Tailor
Tracker
Guild:
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Post by Kumori on Apr 3, 2014 3:43:27 GMT
 | Kumori HP: 100% MP: 100% | "In order to live, I will continue to fight. In order to retain my humanity, I will continue to destroy those who mean to harm my friends." |
I was at Windsor? Why? It really was a wonder. I just liked the sight of the old castle and the sense of danger that came with it. It was quite safe if you knew where to go, and I knew of these places. Having spent a good bit of time here in Windsor, it’s quite relaxing to just sit around and relax in the shadow. I missed these days, days of laziness and days where I could just do whatever I wanted, like run naked around the office! Well, I don’t think I can do that here, as much as I’d like to feel free, but that’s what the Guild House was for, at least when no one was there. Well, it is my Guild House, so technically I can do whatever I want. This reminded me of the phrase that Kyuu would always say to him. “I DO WHAT I WANT,” which made me shudder. The fact that I’m reminding myself of her is quite scary. Well, if I was seen being this lazy by one of my Guild Members, I’d probably get yelled at. That’s why I set an alert if any of them got into close proximity, which was a handy feature, especially when I didn’t want to get yelled at by people. Ping… Ping… Ping.. Ping. Ping. Ping. Ping the alert started to go off and I suddenly sat up and took out my dagger to make it look like I was doing something. I jumped off the wall I was sleeping on soundly and stood next to the road, trying to make it look like I was moving towards Windsor Castle. I stopped for a minute to wait for the friend to catch up, as it was the one I called my sister, Kyuu, or known here as Caerbannog. As they came in view, Ryuu waved his hands as he sheathed his dagger, making it look like he was using it earlier, and then running up to the player named Caerbannog. He stopped right in front of the party and nodded at the man next to her. “Hey… My name is Kumori, nice to meet you,” I said to the other Wolf-Hair. It was a friendly introduction with a friendly smile. “What are you guys up to?… you guys heading to Windsor also?” I asked them.
“Caerbannog, add me to the party. I think we’re here to do the same quest,” I said. I couldn’t help it, sometimes I wanted to be lazy, but people are always there, watching my every move. I had to make it look like I was here for a reason, and well, they can find out I wasn’t actually doing a quest later and let them lead me. I’d be able to figure it out eventually, or at least I hoped I would. It was that or Kyuu would yell at me for being lazy again and then tell Jojo and then I’d be facing some harsh punishments when I got back to the Guild House. I mean, there was that one time when Jojo almost destroyed my jewels, and while I haven’t done anything to warrant the same punishment again, dear God, any punishment was probably better than her punishment. The thought sent chills up his spine as he imagined what would happen. Sadly, because I am already lying to Kyuu, and when Jojo finds out that I lied and I’ve just made my forthcoming punishment even worse. If they could see within my mind, they would know that I was crying because I already know that I’m a dead man. Unfortunately, that was how it was going to be and so I just decided to continue on with the lie until I was found out.
After Kyuu would add me to the party, I noticed that she was using the Teacher System to level 5. I noticed the other companion was of that level as well, but unaltered. So, being the cool and awesome guy I was, I decided to follow suit, since I was Kyuu’s Guild Leader, and so I had a responsibility to make sure that she was teaching this youngin’ correctly. She was doing a good job so far, but I would be here only as an observer. After we set off for Windsor, I waited for someone to speak, because honestly, I had no idea why we were here or what we were doing. I was just here for the ride, and still hoped that I could get through the day without having to deal with more punishment.
OOC NOTES: 765 words |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 3, 2014 6:53:05 GMT
I was pleased that my statement, no matter how odd-sounding, was answered with a smile and a kind sentiment. Initially, I paid no mind to his woes and worries for everyone had such insecurities, but as the walk went on without as much as another word, I wondered if I should speak up.
“ I don’t trust, “ was my sudden statement; it sounded rude, probably, “ I respect. “
There was a great difference between those two, to my eyes at least. It was something that I learned from my mother’s relatives, although my mother herself never seemed to have internalized it. Trust is afforded only to those whom one came to know personally, or at least at a level deeper than simply being acquaintances. Respect, however, is afforded to anyone and everyone, even those that I've recently met. Respect not only for their lives and their words, but for their presumed capability to take on their roles. A healer trying to DPS when there are capable DPS members is being disrespectful of those roles. A party leader assigning a different role to a certain class is also disrespectful, or simply naive. Strangers are not expected to trust each other, but to respect each other’s roles.
The rest of the way, Shepard was kind enough to use his skill to guide us. That was much appreciated. Perhaps I should tell him that... but how? I was so lost in thinking about the difference between trust and respect that I neglected to continue the conversation. He probably thinks I’m some kind of snob. I looked up suddenly as a figure approached us. It was too tall to be one of the creatures of the Grove, unless it was a miniature golem of some sort.
“ Ah! “ I exclaimed, surprised by the presence of a dear friend whom I've taken to treating as my own brother, “ Yooooou! “
I’d lost all the composure that should have accompanied my role as a tank. Derp. Thinking about things aside from the task at hand usually resulted in such episodes. Before I knew it, I already hugged the assassin tightly much like a spoiled child, an image that I wanted to discard. I then pulled away and added him to the party as he suggested, a silly grin crept across my face afterwards.
“ Same quest? “ I looked at Ryuu whose player name was Kumori, then I looked at Shepard, and again at the assassin.
I put my hands on my friend’s shoulders and turned him around slowly towards the wide walls of the castle when a few shadows lurked.
“ Please lead then, Oniichaaaaan... “
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Wolf Hair
Inactive Player
Gold:
Alchemist
Pathfinder
Guild:
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Post by Shepard Dagon on Apr 3, 2014 8:23:12 GMT
Scars are there, even if you don't see them.
Shepard knew what Caer was trying to say to him but she didn't got what he tried to say to her. What he tried to say was that he lost his faith in humanity itself, and distrusting of every person was his own mechanism of defense, respect was something he always kept in mind, but it was something totally different... Shepard didn't believed in human goodness or the human kindness, his image of what everyone represents was cruelty and self-interest until proven the opposite, that for him was a long term thing.
Before the Wolf could realize, submerged in his thoughts and feelings, another player came from nowhere and talked with Caerbannog, when Shepard noticed him, his mental switch triggered as the new member greeted him. His body became tense, the look in his eyes changed giving the feeling of void and coldness and his mouth kept closed as he gave a look to the girl just to let her know he had acknowledged his presence.
Just as if it were some kind of practiced movement, Shepard's gaze got dunked in the floor while he went backwards a few steps to enlarge the distance he had between them.
The blow to his personality was greater when the sound of a new party member get to his ears, assuming he'd have to keep his company.
The impact wouldn't be so hard, but the strong impression of high self-esteem the new member gave made Shepard's esteem drop to the ground, because the people that used to mess with him behaved in the same way. The wrong impression came at the wrong moment.
Thoughts of deserting and using the Call of Home spell crossed his mind, and if it wasn't for the commitment he took with Caerbannog when he accepted to accompany her for the quest, he'd have done it.
Recording his new spell in his memory, Shepard silently mumbled some words as a faded shade figure began to appear behind him. It's told that the familiar or shikigami's appearance is linked to the shaman's state, and there was no better way to describe how he was at that point than what could be seen in the shikigami.
According to his calculus, the quest wouldn't take longer than five minutes being two groups.
The shikigami slowly walked to Kumori and Shepard got closer to Caer, he hoped they would know what he mean with that action, the shikigami was tough enough and capable of holding a good aggro to tank while he support Caer with his barriers, since the quest advanced without the necessity of everyone hitting the same creature, two equally efficient groups will make the job much easier and faster.
For Shepard, faster was good, since that meant disbanding the party quicker and being alone before, which implied loneliness and peace, the combination he adapted for himself and suited him the best, but for the time being, he'd have to be careful with those around him.
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Nine.
Human
Inactive Player
Gold:
Tailor
Tracker
Guild:
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Post by Kumori on Apr 4, 2014 6:57:16 GMT
| Kumori HP: 100% MP: 100% | "In order to live, I will continue to fight. In order to retain my humanity, I will continue to destroy those who mean to harm my friends." |
“Ah… you!” I heard the familiar voice exclaim. All of a sudden, she hugged me. I looked down to make sure it was who he thought it was and then I patted her head twice. “You’re energetic today, aren’t you?” I asked her. I then watched her as she made a huge grin that made me nervous. My eyes looked over to the other man that pleaded for his help. I mouthed the words “help me,” before I was turned around and was asked to lead the way. I looked straight ahead and was now shuddering at the thought that I was needed to lead the group on a quest that I had no idea where to go for. I quickly opened my quest log and looked for any quests that I wrote, but alas, there was nothing I hadn’t done here at Windsor. I’d completed most of the ones given by the Landers ages ago. I sighed as I moved forward slowly. “Sooo, where were you guys heading anyways?” I asked, trying to get any type of information that would be usable. I continued moving forward, trying to think of a quest that a lander would give. After a few seconds of contemplating on what to do, I snapped my fingers and said: “I got it… why don’t we go train his guy a bit, make sure we work well as a team, and then we can go after the quest,” I said, trying to delay the inevitable as long as possible.
“You’re a Shaman, right? Mr. Shepard? Or Mr. Dagon?” I asked. If Caerbannog turned away, he mouthed again the words “help me, she’s gonna get me killed,” and as Caerbannog turned back to the party afterwards, he would continue trying to make small talk. “You’re level 5, so I’d have to assume that you haven’t been on many party hunts before…” I asked, “but if I’m wrong, please forgive me… you look pretty capable,” I said, trying to get any word out of him if it was possible. After a few minutes, there seemed to be a few Young Pittered Boar there were around us who hadn’t noticed yet. “Caerbannog, let’s begin. You know what to do,” I said as I reassured her. I then looked towards the Wolf-Hair. “Just buff the both of us when you need us to. This is just practice, so if you mess up, it’s okay. Caerbannog and I are here to teach you and help you. Our levels are useless if we don’t help the low-levels just keep going up without helping the lower levels. Back us up, and we’ll back you up,” I said to him. My eyes looked at the humanoid figure that seemed to be connected to the Shaman. The humanoid wasn't exactly human, but it also wasn't what I was expecting it to be. It was a ghostish thing, but describing it was near improbable. “Seems like you have some interesting spells...” I said as I looked at the figure, “Use it as you see fit. It can be a good tank or a good DPS, but I trust you… I know you can help us out,” I said with a smile, facing the direction of both the Shikigami and towards the Shaman.
OOC NOTES: 554 words |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 4, 2014 7:43:56 GMT
While I was trying to make Ryuu’s life difficult, I noticed that Shepard began to shy away from us. At first, I thought that he only walked off somewhere because he noticed one of the quest mobs. When I turned to look at him though, the shaman called out his shikigami. It was a shadowy figure that looked similar to him but reflected a much darker or lonelier side. I wondered why he was acting like that yet when I thought back to his earlier statements, everything made sense. He was a person who was traumatized in the past, most probably in the real world and not in the game given his level. Or worse, he could have experienced it in both worlds.
I remained on the same spot as I waited for his next move or statement, but wordlessly he walked towards me while his shikigami went over to Ryuu. I looked up and nodded at the shaman, meaning that I knew understood his request. With much effort, I tried to keep a straight face without an ounce of worry or pity on it for such negative expressions could only make things worse. My dear friend or so-called big brother began to take charge though. While he usually meant well, sometimes he was rather dense. I knew that he did not do such insensitive things one purpose. I stepped towards Ryuu and tugged at his cloak gently; just to him, I showed a worried expression and hopefully he understood that the shaman was not too comfortable with what was suggested.
“ Let’s split up, “ I said simply, “ Quest is kill plagued things. “
When I turned back to Shepard, my worried expression was gone and was replaced by my usual pokerface. I felt a bit sorry for Ryuu and did not want to be separated from him, but I knew that someday we would have to go our separate ways. If not for our own benefit, then for the benefit of others. With a hand on my saya, I walked back to the shaman and led him towards the right side of the quest area. With his skill, he could probably spot our targets easily.
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Wolf Hair
Inactive Player
Gold:
Alchemist
Pathfinder
Guild:
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Post by Shepard Dagon on Apr 4, 2014 9:09:50 GMT
"I'm not useless...".
The things got worse for Shepard when the new human guy started talking with some self-confidence and greatness air, the shaman took a deep breath to calm himself but the worst words he can possibly say were mentioned.
"Why don’t we go train his guy a bit" he said...
-Thought-
What? I'm not good enough without your help or your approval?
Shepard's hands trembled a bit while he tried to remain calm, but the guy followed with something even worst, that for Shepard's ears was with a tone of superiority.
"You’re level 5"... That statement made Shepard whisper some words so low that was heard just as a mumble.
-Shepard-
I'm not less than you...
The sound of Kumori's voice started to drill through his ears making him fall deeper in the negative feels he had, as the words he said had another, more intricate meaning for him.
"I’d have to assume that you haven’t been on many party hunts before…"
she said, when Shepards mind began to answer those questions for himself.
-Thought-
I know what a party is... I know what teamwork is... I'm not ignorant...
Shepard's face didn't showed any expression, he just walked a bit farther while looking through the environment, looking for more of the boars, trying hard to distract himself from the human's voice, but the guy didn't shut, he kept talking, trying to hide what he said with some kind words... The wolf eyes changed their color for a second to yellow, being lucky enough to not be seen by any of those two.
Kumori was doing that unconsciously, and Shepard knew it, but he was still throwing knifes at him, knifes with sharp edges, she threw one after another after another, it was surprising that Shepard haven't exploded yet... he just was there, mechanically answering every question for himself, to keep the calm, to remind himself what he was.
"If you mess up"... "To teach you"... "It can be a good tank or a good dps"
-Thought-
I'm not going to mess it up... I don't need your teachings... I know what I can do...
The Shikigami's aura became darker, and started to spill a black goo from its hands... Shepard's mind was overloaded with the negative feelings... there was no point back, against all the odds someone managed to piss off Shepard enough. His words still echoing in his head, the wolf-like features came all out at the same time and Shepard turned around to avoid facing her, but his shikigami did.
-Shepard-
I'M NOT USELESS!
He yelled with all his strengths as the shikigami wide-opened his mouth to let a crying-like drowned and long sustained shout that felt like an scratch directly to their inner ear while Shepard moved his arm to command his shikigami, who roamed towards one of the boards and began to hit unsparingly, like releasing his fury against the besieged creature.
For its part, Shepard casted a energy-ball which was the basic attack for his staff and threw it against another boar, who tried to tackle him. While charging Shepard faced him and used his Damage Interception on Caerbannog and making the animal to collide with her by making a series of movements to mislead the attack. The barrier remained in her, but with less energy, yet she didn't receive any damage, it had one minute cooldown or so, and didn't cost that much mana, even when the shikigami drained half his pool, he was fine.
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Nine.
Human
Inactive Player
Gold:
Tailor
Tracker
Guild:
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Post by Kumori on Apr 5, 2014 2:02:30 GMT
| Kumori HP: 100% MP: 100% | "In order to live, I will continue to fight. In order to retain my humanity, I will continue to destroy those who mean to harm my friends." |
Kumori didn’t notice the man trembling or even reacting angrily to his words. He was simply acting like he normally would to a low-level player. All the mumblings, all the unheard thoughts, and all the subtle hints he was dropping, Ryuu saw nothing and heard nothing. He was oblivious to his surroundings and more concerned for his own welfare than the person in front of him. His fear was set on what his punishment would be if Kyuu found out he was lying, which she probably already figured out, and if she told Jojo about his being lazy. Well either outcome would be terrible, and he honestly wished he didn’t meet Kyuu here, but, what could he do?
The tug of Kyuu came and drew his attention away from his own plight. She told him that they should split up as well as the quest objectives. “Fuu…” he let out, knowing he was found out. He was confused at her request, but then before he could question, all he heard was “I’M NOT USELESS,” surprising the assassin to say the very least. His rampage did not end there as he took out the entire party of pittered boars by himself. He used both the Shikigami and himself, destroying every single boar that was nearby. He stepped back in fright and horror as the shaman rampaged through the party of boars. Ryuu was unsure of what he did that would make him like this. At this time, Ryuu would run up and attack the remaining boar. While he was attacking Ryuu pondered for a moment, back upon what he just saw and said. After attacking and destroying the remaining boars so that they became pieces of light, Ryuu looked at the shaman in his eyes and then bowed low. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I didn’t know that my words were doing such… Please accept my apology, I’ll try not to do that again,” he said as he turned away and began to travel on his own. While still in a party, he moved ahead to kill his own set of plagued beings so that he would not annoy or cause the Shaman to go ballistic once again.
As Kumori left the vicinity of where they had met, he removed his daggers. He was focused, now, on the mission at hand, rather than what he just witnessed. He knew he was at fault, fearing for his own safety rather than considering the feelings of another person. Ryuu wasn’t one to do that often, to push buttons that he didn’t know existed. He usually kept things cool and neutral and respected other people, even when they were low level. Ryuu scolded himself in his mind, especially when it came to not understanding the feelings of others, or not even noticing it. With his dagger pulled out, he began walking and killing everything in sight that would represent a plagued monster. He was taking out his frustration on himself on the monsters that were around, because killing boars and the like was simply a great way to relieve stress. His dagger was much like a machete, as he hacked away at everything that was in front of him.
OOC NOTES: 537 words |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 5, 2014 6:21:00 GMT
Equipped: Charcoal Yoroi with Pitch-black Yukata | Windsor Antiqua Nagamaki (2H)
Skill: Denkosekka (Buff)
Shepard mumbled and just had a very negative aura about him. It was not something that I often saw and it was different from Stryke’s appearance when he attacked me, nonetheless it was a reason for me to feel alarmed. It did not help that Ryuu was oblivious, and I could not find the words to tell him about the situation. Eventually, the shaman reached his limit and it was evident due to the appearance of wolf-hair features. As far as I knew, those things appeared in battle or accompanied by strong emotions. I’ve never experienced that before since my own emotions were usually subdued; most of the time I did not care enough, even in instances when I was happy or excited. Or maybe my wolf-hair DNA was broken.
Not.
Shepard and his shikigami went off on the nearby mobs, drawing their aggro unnecessarily. It was not unexpected, but it pissed me off greatly. Something that could have been prevented by a calm talk and maybe a bit of tact... I felt the odd sensation of the appearance of my wolf hair features. First the ears which I pulled back, then the tail which I pointed right at the ground, in my mouth I felt my canines which grew longer; my eyes, for sure, they had turned a golden color. The shaman put a barrier around me which would have absorbed the impact from a boar, a mob which he evaded and sent my way. I didn’t need it. Not the barrier, not anything.
Screw this teacher system. I’m killing everything.
I turned the system off and put my level back to what it was. I drew my sword as the boar reached my sword’s range, and with Iaido’s passive effect I overkilled the damn thing. Usually a hit would count something like 200; when I hit that boar, it was probably 9000 or something. Two hands on my nagamaki’s hilt, I went farther off the right side seeing as Ryuu went off to kill things on his side. To make things more interesting, for me and not for the boars, I used [Denkosekka]. The speed which it afforded was becoming addictive. Probably because it was my first skill, but I was not completely dependent on it. I could move around just fine without it, but it did make things easier and perhaps a little more flashy.
Boar limbs flew about as I dismembered the creatures which I passed by. Both the plagued and normal ones- no mercy. Since we were all in a party, the quest objectives would have counted for the other two. At first I merely cut off the targets’ legs to immobilize them. Once there was a pool of bleeding boars on the ground, I cut them up and sent them to Elder Tale heaven. That probably completed the quest, yea? I then sheathed my sword and walked over to the shaman hoping that he was not crazy enough to attack me, otherwise I’d have to use [Kodamakaeshi] on him.
| OOC Notes: Iaido is passive, no MP usage. I will correct any errors when I get back. | | Word Count: 504 | Tags: @dindeen Shepard Dagon Kumori |
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Wolf Hair
Inactive Player
Gold:
Alchemist
Pathfinder
Guild:
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Post by Shepard Dagon on Apr 6, 2014 4:14:45 GMT
Chain Reaction and After Effect. After just few seconds a ring from the menu took Shepard out of his wolf-like state making him see the entire river of blood that flowed under his feet. An unbearable sensation of sickness and repulsion came to his throat while he tried not to throw up, the place was a mess, an slaughter or a bloodbath to say the least... he was horrified at how everything ended, being with other people... never brought something good for him, but this time he acknowledged the blame for what happened.He turned around just to see the wolf girl without the teacher system with the wolf features in her face while she got closer to him, as a reaction, he just walked away to avoid any kind of problem like he always did, just by walking into the woods and leaving the party so he could not be chased, a few meters away he casted Call of Home and get back in the city garden where he used to rest.The remorse in his face was obvious... it was his entire fault like always was, he wanted nothing of that, he just wanted to be treated like an equal. His manners made him write a letter and send them to the both adventurers that were with him there.-Letter-I'm sorry for what happened, it's my fault... I didn't want an end like that...I'm better be left aside... don't worry and forgive me.I won't bother any of you again.When the letter got dispatched via PM to both and the confirmation of reception was verified, Shepard disconnected the system, denying every kind of invitation income and went to the three top, lying in a branch trying to sleep with the numb feeling in his head, maybe everyone was right and he was the bad person, maybe he deserved everything that happened and will happen, after all, the problem always were him.
The lone wolf fell asleep after half an hour self-reproach hoping the same thing won't happen again, he didn't even turned the quest, the shaman felt like in the reality again, he just wanted to disappear for everyone.
For the shaman's luck, the place was quiet... his mind just shut down and he won’t feel the pain for what he did at least for a brief moment. He was unable to dream, and he was thankful for it.
Tags: @dindeen Kumori |
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Nine.
Human
Inactive Player
Gold:
Tailor
Tracker
Guild:
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Post by Kumori on Apr 6, 2014 7:33:50 GMT
| Kumori HP: 100% MP: 100% | "In order to live, I will continue to fight. In order to retain my humanity, I will continue to destroy those who mean to harm my friends." |
After removing the limitations of the teacher system as well, after Caerbannog had, he regained all his levels and disposed of the plagued monsters with ease. Every single monster that came at him were destroyed and every monster he went after were mutilated. His eyes showed no remorse nor did he care to slow down. He only wanted to finish the quest so that he could be done with it and then return back to the guild house and reflect on his actions. After destroying a plethora of different plagued creatures, Ryuu looked at the quest requirements and it seemed like it was done. He sheathed his weapon and looked towards his Party List. It seemed that Shepard Dagon had removed himself from the party. Before he could message him to ask why he left, a message pre-empted his attempt and showed up in his inbox. The words that he read made Ryuu feel even more sorrow. Ryuu wrapped his hand into a fist and punched the nearest tree next to him to let out as much anger as he could. “Gaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh” he yelled out, trying to express the anger he had in himself to push someone to do such. He always meant to keep people together, to make them feel like they were a part of the family, but instead, he had pushed someone away from him.
His eyes closed after he had let out his frustration on the nearby tree and shook his head. He sighed loudly, trying to reduce the emotions he was showing, trying to stay strong and to correct his mistakes. He sent a PM, and hoped that Shepard would be able to read it. It wrote: I’m sorry for what I did. I did not mean to push you to such lengths to stay away from me or even stay away from Caerbannog. Please know that my goal was in no means a way to put you down, rather it was my way to show people that I care about their well-being. Do not feel obligated to distance yourself from Caerbannog, since it is my fault for causing this problem. Should you feel ready to talk to me and know that I am truly sorry for what I did, then just ask Caerbannog where I am. I would like to formally apologize to you in person. he wrote. After that he went to look for Kyuu. If she looked at him, she would see that he was disgruntled. He was no longer angry at himself but you could tell he was not content with what had happened. “Are you doing anything else?” he asked, half hoping she said yes to invite him along, and half hoping she said no so that they could go home. Either way, it’d keep his mind off of what just happened.
OOC NOTES: 472 words |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 6, 2014 9:22:25 GMT
The shaman used Call of Home and left our party. That snapped me out of my momentary rage; although it was directed at the mobs around us, I realized that I could have scared my fellow wolf-hair away. Did I look anything like Stryke when he went berserk? I hoped that I didn't. I saw Ryuu finish up his side of the quest area and approached him warily. My wolf ears drooped and they no longer signified aggression; my feelings had changed entirely after the shaman left us. When Shepard’s message arrived, at first I wanted to scold Ryuu because things only went downhill due to his insensitivity. But when I saw him punch the tree and just generally look miserable, nothing like his usual self, I knew that he was already punishing himself.
“ No... “ I shook my head when Ryuu asked if I had anything else to do, “ Submit quest and go home. “
I wasn't used to seeing him like that. Much like the earlier situation with the shaman, I did not know what to do. But at least the person that I had to deal with after all of that was Ryuu, who knew what I meant though I used few and disjointed words. My wolf features soon vanished since I was out of combat. I probably looked like a little girl standing next to her brother again, but I guess I could go along with that if only for the current situation.
“ Don’t worry, “ I said to Ryuu as I gave him a quick hug, careful not to make him uncomfortable, “ Let’s go? “
As I walked on, I wondered if I’d ever see that shaman again.
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Wolf Hair
Inactive Player
Gold:
Alchemist
Pathfinder
Guild:
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Post by Shepard Dagon on Apr 7, 2014 1:02:46 GMT
Falling Back to Reality.
Soon the quiet atmosphere of the garden was broken, when the air started to smell differently with some kind of familiar scent. The wolf started to feel uncomfortable while he slept but it didn't was until he heard that known voice that his brain suddenly woke up, in such a rush that not even his body could respond to the actions it commanded.
Shepard's ears started to tremble a bit while his eyes slowly open, giving a blurry sight to him, the amount of light that went to his dilated pupils made him react, taking both his hand right to his face to cover it, but it wasn't the brightest idea, given the fact he was sleeping in a branch around seven meters above the floor.
The view of the shaman was soon clarified letting him see what was underneath, apparently the bad luck he had won't stop teasing... his last team was there, and of course, there was the place the quest had to be submitted, how stupid of him... The sight froze him in the spot, combined with a chill going down the wolf spine were the perfect combination to make him fall from the high branch like some kind of bullet.
He couldn't process what was going on because of the shock, but the gravity did its job, the speed increased each meter he fell without making a single sound, he was close to unconsciousness due to the blood going out from his brain to somewhere else in the body.
After a few seconds that felt like hours of continuous falling, Shepard landed in the thing he last expected, and the impact wasn't a good thing either...
His head collided directly with Kumori's head, with a loud sound both of them ended in the ground, but Shepard ended unconscious because of the strength of the hit due to the fall. Luckily for Kumori, the hit wasn't enough to let him unconscious but was strong enough to leave a good headache and a bruise.
It was a surprise that Shepard didn't died from the fall, maybe because Kumori's "interception" to call it somehow, but he wasn't ok either, the fall damage emptied almost all his health bar, it will took a good while to recover the consciousness.
At the time, the lander was just there, looking with astonishment on its face, this is surely why they all didn't have a good impression of the adventurers...
Tags: Kumori @dindeen |
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Nine.
Human
Inactive Player
Gold:
Tailor
Tracker
Guild:
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Post by Kumori on Apr 7, 2014 8:15:38 GMT
| Kumori HP: 100% MP: 100% | "In order to live, I will continue to fight. In order to retain my humanity, I will continue to destroy those who mean to harm my friends." |
The hug was comforting, especially coming from his ‘sister’. It allowed him to calm down and know that at least someone was there by his side at all times. He nodded slowly, knowing that they should turn in the quest. He wanted to skip that portion of the quest and make it a free service, but he didn’t want to take away from Kyuu’s rewards or his guild’s reputation. It was a necessary action to tell the quest giver that they had completed the task, with the name Aeryn thrown around.
Kyuu would lead the way towards the quest giver as Ryuu still had no idea who gave them the quest. He followed slightly behind her, staying in a two man tank and striker formation so that should they be attacked, they’d be able to defend themselves easily. While Ryuu kept his focus high on the surroundings to make sure they wouldn’t be ganked, he also was trying hard not to focus on the events that had occurred earlier.
Finally after a few minutes, they made it to the quest giver. Ryuu looked up at the quest giver and nodded. “Kumori and Caerbannog of Aeryn return to tell you that we have completed your request to slay the plagued beasts. Their numbers have been minimized and it shall be a while until they return. Should you need our services again, please come by our Guild House. Thank you for the job and please contact us if you have any other jobs available,” he said with a forced smile. He was still a businessman and he could not let something like this effect his business as a guild master. He shook the Landers hand and began to leave, with Kyuu in tow. Before he made 3 steps, a scream and a bang had occurred. Ryuu flew backwards onto his back. He rubbed his head as he had realized that it was in major pain. “Owww…” he let out with a moan. He was sprawled out on the floor and was trying to recuperate from the sudden collision. “What was that?” he asked with his eyes closed. If Kyuu would tell him or not, he didn’t know as he wasn’t paying attention, but he’d soon find out anyways. He got up from his ground position and looked at the person who had run into him. Ryuu facepalmed at the man who had gone through all the trouble to avoid them only to come here face to face with them. Ryuu looked at the Lander and told him that he was part of the group. The Lander nodded and gave the gold to Ryuu to give to him. Ryuu was known as a fair man, so the Landers typically trusted him.
Ryuu picked up the unconscious fellow and decided to bring him to the Guild House. “Let’s go Kyuu, we’re going home,” he said. After a few more minutes, they were in the Guild House and Ryuu placed him on the couch in the entrance lobby of it. Since Jojo was not around at the moment, Ryuu was forced to call on an outside cleric to help him sort the mess. The Cleric came by and healed the male to full heatlh. Ryuu paid the cleric with his own gold and sent him on his way. Ryuu sighed, but he awaited for the man to regain consciousness. “Looks like we have a house guest for a little while, Kyuu… can you get some of those cookies that you already made and tea as well?” he asked her.
OOC NOTES: 594 words |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 7, 2014 9:32:58 GMT
Equipped: Pitch-black Yukata | No weapon
Though I went ahead on the way to the quest giver, I let Ryuu take the lead when it came to submitting the quest. He was much better at it compared to me; he liked to talk a lot too, as if he had to talk twice as much for the both of us. Not that it was a bad thing... it would have been agonizing for anyone who partied with us with both the tank and her companion DPS did not speak at all. We turned to leave as soon as the quest was verified by the lander and our rewards were given. Suddenly, from overhead, something fell. Rather, -someone- fell.
“ Oh-! “ I exclaimed and pointed at Shepard before I went to check on the assassin’s ouchies.
As expected, Ryuu did not leave the shaman on the ground. He was the Good Samaritan type of person, rather odd for an assassin but this and that were different things. Instead of leaving Shepard where he lay, Ryuu carried the other adventurer all the way to the guild house. A passing cleric was hired to heal the injured shaman, and then I was told to fetch some cookies and tea.
“ Okay! “ I enthusiastically said while also hoping that the shaman would not be too surprised once he woke up.
In the kitchen, I first put away my armor since I didn’t need it. We were in the safety of the guild house anyway. Only my boots, shorts and yukata were left, leaving my arms lighter and easier to move around; I put my nagamaki away into my armory as well. The cookie jar was within reach, thankfully... it was difficult to get to whenever someone taller than me put it on a higher place. One, two, three- six cookies; I put them on a plate and set that plate onto a small tray. Next up, I had to make tea. That I did with much concern for I was a chef and not a brewer. The green tea that I made would probably taste like water or watered-down tea.
“ Ready~ “ I cheerfully said as I walked back to the lobby and put the tray of snacks on a nearby table, “ Is he okay? “
A bit concerned, I sat down on the floor beside the table and waited for the shaman to wake up. There were chairs around us upon which I could sit but I’m a rebel. Heh.
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