The Londinium Catastrophe - The Beginning

[Isolde]

Michiko blinked her eyes as they came back into focus. The ruined city of London... or Londinium, she supposed, stretched out in front of her, plants retaking much of the buildings around her. However, it wasn't a quiet ruin by any means. Everyone around her was shouting or panicking in some way. She heard the same questions a lot. 'Where am I?' 'What's going on?' 'I don't understand!' If they were getting any answers, however, she didn't hear them. Michiko glanced at one of the closest people to her, and suddenly realised that something else was wrong here. Not everyone here was human. That... man... was no man at all, but some kind of werecat thing! That's right... that was a race in Elder Tale, wasn't it... Still, even as the rational part of her brain informed her of what she was seeing, she was having serious difficulty processing all of these strange images.

The girl quickly turned away and started to make haste to escape the situation, but she stopped almost immediately. That weight on her head... that flicker of colour on the periphery of her vision... Michiko's hands went to the back of her head and she grabbed hold of her hair and traced it down... down... and down. She'd only had her hair this long when she was a child. It also felt different... thicker than it had ever been. She looked at it, and it was an entirely different colour... the same colour as...

"I need a mirror..." Michiko said quietly to herself as she withdrew her hands quickly. She saw a glass window and made her way towards it. She could have checked the rest of her body for herself, but she needed to see what had happened. The person staring back out at her in the glass was unfamiliar... well... unfamiliar in the sense that she didn't recognise her as herself. It was clearly Isolde, the Fox Tail Shaman that she had made for Elder Tale. There was no way she wouldn't recognise her - she'd spent an hour at character creation to get her just right. Michiko touched Isolde's ears... her ears, and they felt so real! In more ways than one, too. Movement at the bottom of the pane also showed the other notable change - she now had a bushy fox tail. Michiko seized that next, if not in disbelief then in astonishment, and it, too, felt real. It was very warm and fuzzy, and she'd have probably liked the feel of it if it weren't for the fact that it was somehow hers now.

Her eyes started to tear up as she finally began to comprehend the situation. Somehow, she and all the other players of Elder Tale had gotten drawn into the virtual world, just like some sort of manga or anime. What was going to happen to them? Were they all going to die? Were they safe on the outside? Would she see her family again? What would this strange new world be like? How long would she be stuck here? These thoughts and more overwhelmed her as she started crying. She was scared and alone as she stood there, trying to stifle her cries and failing miserably. This was worse than when she went to live in England, away from her family. What was she supposed to do now?

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Word Count: 562

[Deleted]

Hundreds- No, thousands, of Adventurers were all in a similar state of shock and disarray. Most cried, others shouted. Wherever you looked, folks of all kinds were trying to cope with this extremely unusual situation they found themselves in. Who ever you watched, they reacted in an angered or despaired manner. All but one man, that is: A Half Alv man with long black hair and a soft, handsome face and smile. While others had been frightened to a despairingly low level of confusion and fear, this one man had been walking from person to person, not with tears on his face, but a hopeful smile. He placed his hands on the shoulders of the despair stricken crowds of Adventurers, smiling at them and speaking. Though, his words were muffled by the overall hysteria of the crowds. After a moment or so, he happened to come across an orange haired Fox Tail girl who had burst into sorrowful crying. He placed his hand on her shoulder, smiling at her. "Hey now, there is no need to cry! Everything will be fine, I am sure of it!" The black haired Half Alv wiped the tears of the crying girl with a soft stroke of his fingers. "I am Dumah Iino, level one Half Alv Swashbuckler! It is a pleasure to meet you!" He spoke in a very sincere voice, making it evident he really did genuinely wish to help the players who had been trapped in this game. Despite his upbeat, positive, and hopeful tone in his voice, there was an almost perfectly hidden ounce of sorrow that he himself had befallen in this situation. Nonetheless, he forced his despair down for the betterment of those others in this situation. He spoke once more. "I know this is a tough situation, but we cannot simply fall into such a deep despair like this! As such, I wish to know: Is there anything I can do to help you right now?" His voice held a sincerity that showed his experience in soothing the sorrow of others, making him almost seem as if he were a father seeking to sooth his crying child.

[Saskia]

HP 100% | MP 100%

Guardian - Cavalier - Brewer

____________________________________________________

Hope Maclaren had been bobbing for apples while on a skype call with her sister Lacey, whom she never really spent much time with ever since she rose to stardom with her music career. The International popstar and fashion icon was far from a gamer, and was only just starting to play as a small birthday gift for her sister because she was unable to see her in person, because she was on tour in the United Kingdoms, and had to return to her villa in Gloucestorshire to prepare for another thrilling performance. Half-open eyes slowly staggered downward as Hope's chin sunk to her chest, her last memories where just finsihing her character her sister helped her with and being lulled to sleep over her keyboard and a pitch black infernal darkness. 

Then suddenly, a ray of light, sprouted from void and gave birth to a new world teaming with life. The eyes of the pinkette Guardian Wolf Hair began to crack open as her body came to life, much like a gargoyle in theory. The body was was molded by the potter's wheel in conception and design drew her first gasp of life. Existence. Rebirth. These concepts held true to the unnatural phenomenon and like newborn babies the children of this world cried out when smacked on the bum with the reality of their new world. Some of them children of Elder Tales were a bit more of a late bloomer than the rest, but a beautiful rose that blossomed like all the others, nonetheless. A soft yawn canvassed her cheeks, as she rolled over in a gentle meadow, still half-asleep. Content. Blissful. Unaware. 

Her ears would tremor slightly at the audible voices in the distance as an authoritative hand would wave dismissively at the disturbance. "Oi, Jeffrey, can you be a dear and turn the tele down o' wee bit~ Some of us are trying to get our beauty, love. You know I got a show bright and early in the morning!" Saskia quipped to the ever-so-obedient and humble butler that no longer existed...at least not in this world.  "Yes, milady..." She would hear in response, a failed sensory reception born by familiarity and consistency to a reply she had grown all too accustomed to. The voice only echoed in her head, a fading remnant of the world she new before. Her delicate features began to wrinkle up as the audible cries grew louder.

"Jeffrey!?!" She shouted in a very commanding voice as she sat up, pounding her fist to her lap in frustration.


Tick. Tick.

It took her a few moments for her brain to register what was going on. She blinked profusely and begun to rub her eyes, looking around for her California King Sized Bed with the red satin sheets, her closet that was the size of most people's master bedroom. She glanced around for her prized shitzu, Penelope. She fiendishly scoured the area for any sign of her butler or a hot breakfast that was prepared every morning before she woke. Tick. Tick. Suddenly it clicked. 

She was dreaming! Ha! Silly girl! She must have nodded off after playing the game and being half bored to death and now she's just dreaming about it because subconsciously it was the last thing on her mind.

Humor helped her cope with the paranoia and quintessence of the pandemonium lurking within her mind.

She gazed over at the lake that she laid beside and rubbed her face. The pretty shade of red fingernail polish that she had on last night was replaced with lightly shaded coats of pink pigmentation. The strands of her hair was a bit more thicker and healthier than normal, and oddly enough, it felt real. She had no idea who the woman was in the water as she had nothing to do with her character design, and was already half asleep, leaving her sister to do all the work.


This new form however, she recognized was displayed on the front cover of the game when Lacey handed it to her. Wolf Hairs. And she wasn't the only race there. Others could be seen shouting and crying and shouting in anger. The voices began to ricochet off her mind, drilling holes into her brain before she finally had enough.

"Oi, what's with all the ruckus!?! My freaking ears are going to be bleeding and dying my hair red if you all keep this up!"

Saskia sprang up to her feet, well, more like struggled on her hands and knees, staggering slightly off balance, being unaccustomed to her new armor and equipment that just seemed to magically appear out of thin air. She gasped at the sight, and pounded on her platemail. Oddly, enough she had the sensation of touch, and the cold metal felt very will. 


"Oi, I really 'ave got to lay off the pot..." Saskia groaned as she shook her head, watching a human-...cat...thingy walk on two legs wearing full armor and a large Iron battleaxe. Followed by a Dwarf wearing a wizardly cloak, stroking his beard. 

She chuckled in amusement, still hardly believing her eyes, and decided to ride along for the joyride before this "dream" would run it's course and she would wake up to a delicious five course meal.

She encountered a crying fox tail, and felt a need to bit a bit cheerful to lift her spirits, so she approached her to see a human, or, at least what seemed to be human until she freaked out at the weird tattoo on his tongue. Maybe some version of her dreams with a high school outcast who tortured his tongue to be different. Who knows. 

"Alright, what's all this about half elv swish swash, and what do you mean we? Ha! This is some sick joke. I can't wait to tell my sister about this one...I can't believe I'm dreaming about goofy game characters...and look the cute little fox has even got a tail!" Saskia laughed as she motioned to touch the nimble fox's tail playfully in a gentle, yet curious manner.

"Ha! Well, I bet I could make a nice fur coat out of you, friend. This dream is so crazy. This reminds me of that movie Alice in wonder land!" Saskia giggled. 


Except. They were stuck here. With none of the wonders of Alice to save them. 




 

 
 

INVENTORY

EQUIPMENT: Starter Platemail, Starter Great Shield, Starter Longsword
ABILITIES USED:None
Words:1065



TAGS: Isolde @dumah

template by caesar

[Deleted]

The black haired Half Alv made a somewhat angered face, but in a defensive manner. He grabbed at Saskia's wrist to force her to stop teasing the Fox Tail's tail as she had been doing when she approached. "Pardon me, Alice," Dumah began in a defensive manner, making reference to Saskia's mention of Alice in Wonderland, "but this is no dream; of that, I can assure you. As such, I would appreciate it if you did not mock these people. I am a Tailor, so if you need a fur coat, bring me some hides from monsters outside of town." Dumah suddenly noticed how he almost sounded like a quest giver, and gave his introduction to the pink haired Guardian. "I am Dumah Iino, as I mentioned but a moment ago. As you can likely see quite clearly for yourself, these people are in a state of such palpable despair. I would not wish for them to feel any worse for the time being." Dumah realized that he was doing it again, a certain habit he had: Playing the valiant and noble hero, benefactor of the people. His history in theater bestowed upon him the charisma and eloquence necessary to help those frightened players in this situation, and sadly it seemed as if his brave manner of helping these people in such a way might cause him to make an enemy. He was just as confused as all of the other Adventurers, and an enemy was the last thing he needed right now. Nevertheless, he would keep trying to instill hope and optimism in the players who had gotten absorbed into this world.

[Isolde]

Michiko jumped slightly at the sudden contact on her shoulder, her sobs dying down a little. She looked at the speaker - a young and dignified looking man with a warm voice stood before her. He brushed aside her tears and did his best to reassure her that everything would be alright. It wasn't like he could guarantee that or anything, but his introduction won him a small smile. "He... hello." She managed to say, unable to give him a full introduction yet. It was partly because she wasn't sure how in this world. Did she give her real name, or the name of her character? He said his name was Dumah, and that didn't sound like a real name, but she could be mistaken.

She was still sobbing, but just having someone talk to her and reassure her was definitely helping. An island of order in the sea of chaos. Still, the question about how he could help was a confusing one. He was already helping, just by being there. What else might she need help with, asides from fighting off the 'deep despair' he mentioned? Michiko sniffled a bit as she thought about the question, when a loud woman stumbled on the scene and started shouting at Dumah... for... something. She was kind of hard to understand. It wasn't just him, though, as she then turned her attention to Michiko... or at least her tail. It flicked slightly as she pointed and laughed at it. She couldn't help but blush, as if it were something to be embarrassed about. The girl even turned away and hid her tail behind her back when she mentioned making a fur coat out of her. Is that something that happens in the game?! That woman certainly looked armed for battle.

Dumah acted quickly to shield her from the woman's attention and sternly told her off for her actions. He sounded very formal, almost like a teacher. Still, she hoped that it wouldn't antagonise the woman or anything. She didn't quite seem to be all there. "It's... it's OK." Michiko said, working to get the words out. "I'm feeling better. Honest." She sniffled as she tried to reassure them that she was fine when she clearly wasn't. Michiko knew she was a crybaby, and she was working on not making others worry about her all the time. "It's just... I'm so scared. This is real, isn't it? All of this... I don't know what to do." She felt lost in more ways than one. It was one thing moving to a different country, knowing that you'll be returning after a set amount of time. It was another to be forced into a strange world and left clueless about absolutely everything.


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Word Count: 457
Total Words: 1019

[strife]

Cold. The brick pavement was cold against his forehead as he lay face first on the ground, slowly opening his eyes. Ugh... Feels like my head was straight up dunked into jelly just now. Richard thought to himself, blinking a few times and raising his head. He felt different, and feeling his face, he noticed that his features were different. As soon as his hand touched his face, he realized he was wearing metal gloves, cool to the touch. But of course, that wasn't all. He was clad head to to in armor, and examining the armor closely, he noticed something familiar about it. Wait a minute, this looks like the Starter Wardenscale armor from my character in Elder Tale! But why am I wearing it? How am I even moving in this heavy armor? I'm not that strong.

His musing was cut short by the cries and wails of all the other people around him. Glancing around, everyone looked like a character straight out of an anime, with some of them even having tails. Oh right, that was one of the races in Elder Tale. He slowly stood up and walked over to a nearby glass window with a Fox Tail, a Wolf Hair, and what appeared to be a Human, though Richard supposed he could also be a Half-Alv like himself. Speaking of which, Richard looked at his reflection, sticking his tongue out and seeing the distinctive marking on it. But not only that, He also looked like a character straight out of Elder Tale, wearing his Wardenscale, with his character's distinctive Red Hair. Under his armor, he didn't feel any more muscular, but he was managing his armor quite well.

So does this mean I'm actually stronger or can I just manage this armor because I'm a Warden? I guess I'll have to test that later, but for now, I must prioritize! He turned around to introduce himself to three others by the window, seeing as this was basically a fresh start. In this world, he could be something more. "Why hello there you three! Mind if I cut in? Of course I can, after all, I am the wonderful, magnificent, amazing Strife, the one and only! But at any rate, I couldn't help but overhear your pleasant discussion. Why yes, I do believe this is real, after all, if this was a dream, it would be a lucid one, and I could alter it." Addressing the others in his own pompous manner, gesturing emphatically as he spoke, with many waves of his arms. He then turned to the armored, pink haired Wolf Hair.

"Additionally, my Dear Lady of the exceptionally loud exclamations, are you absolutely sure you are quite alright in the head? You seem rather distressed." Strife then spun around to address the other two. "And as for the two of you, panicking is terrible indeed, but we are in a bit of a pickle. We have somehow been transported into the world of Elder Tale, and while that raises many questions, it also means we have a lot of problems. Why, I don't think even I can get us out of this one."

_______
Word Count: 529

[Pen Ddraig]

As the sunlight shown through thick tree branches that grew through broken windows and crumbled walls it fractured into spears. Piercing the shadows of the building's interior. Sarah, or Pen Ddraig as she named herself in this world, opened her eyes to the blindingly warm onslaught of the sun. Her red hair seemed to blaze like a flame as the sun's rays washed over it. Her emerald green eyes scanned the area, her mind slow as if she had just woken up. As he looked over the train station interior confusion slowly crept across her face. "Where am I?" She asked aloud, her voice a bit rough like she hadn't drank anything in hours. As her eyes scanned the interior she noticed that the few train cars that were on the tracks and immediate area around her was overgrown in foliage and vegetation.



She looked around her for a few more moments, confusion now completely evident on her face. "Seriously, where the hell am I?" She asked the air, as she began to shakily walk toward an archway leading to the exterior of the train station. It was obvious to her, if no one else, that she walked with an awkward gait. As if she were on Norman Bradford's stilts back in secondary school. She stopped suddenly, just before the archway, her arms pinwheeling as she steadied herself. "Bloody hell what am I wearing?" She asked, casting her eyes down at her clothes; metallic armor over her torso, legs, and arms. A somewhat sturdy looking shield was on her left arm with a basic looking long sword resting vertically in the space between her forearm and the back of the shield. "Where did I get this? This isn't very good looking quality." She groaned as distant voices caught her ears.



Sliding her gaze from her gear to the area outside the archway she noticed more people dressed like her, with some variation. A young woman with what looked to be animal ears and a tail was joined by a decently dressed man with black hair and two blades on his hips. They were soon joined by a pink haired woman whom seemed to be pointing at the tailed girl and laughing about something. The tailed girl looked upset, though if it was due to the pink haired woman or not, Pen couldn't tell. The three in the group were quickly followed by someone in heavy armor. It was like she had woken up from a drunken spell in a renaissance fair.  Due to her distance she was unable to hear what they were talking about. However, from what she read about their body language, Sarah decided it would be best to avoid that group. They looked like a powder keg of emotional discord that she didn't want to become involved in. 

Sarah turned and face the opposite end of the street and set her slightly wobbly legs into motion down the road. She needed answers and would prefer not to get drawn into an emotional roller coaster.

____________________________
Word count: 507

[Saskia]

HP 100% | MP 100%

Guardian - Cavalier - Brewer

____________________________________________________

"Pardon me, Alice," 

Twitch. Twitch. Twitch. The corner of of left eye began to tremor slightly. 


Oi, off with his head!

[Reticent] Off with his head. Off with his head. By order of the Queen. Uh, you heard what she said!



Her thoughts began to surge through her mind as she began to daydream about the Half-Alvs demise. She could still hear his words begin to interrupt her thoughts. 


"but this is no dream; of that, I can assure you. As such, I would appreciate it if you did not mock these people. I am a Tailor, so if you need a fur coat, bring me some hides from monsters outside of town." 

[Reticent] ...But surely, milady, there may be truth in his words, dare I say, we should have a trial? 

[Reticent] Your Majesty, members of the jury, loyal subjects... and the King... the prisoner at the bar stands accused of enticing Her Majesty, the Queen of all that is bountiful and beautiful, into hunting wild animals in the forest, thereby and with malice of forethought, molesting, tormenting, and otherwise annoying our beloved. 


Never mind all that! Get to the part where I lose my temper!

[Reticent] ...thereby causing the Queen to lose her temper.

[To Dumah] Now... are you ready for your sentence?

[Reticent] Sentence? But there has to be a verdict first...

Sentence first! Verdict afterwards.

[Reticent] But that just isn't the way..

[shouting] All ways are...!

[Reticent] ...your ways, your Majesty.




"It's just... I'm so scared. This is real, isn't it? All of this... I don't know what to do."

Saskia blinked at the poor fox that seemed to have been an unruly juror in her mental courtroom. Saskia sat on top of the Judge's bench. Glaring at the wee foxtail. 

Order in the court, order in the court! All rise! The Honorable Judge Saskia, presiding! Now do we have any witnesses? Anyone at all who can make sense of all this?




Saskia, began to groan and she began to hallucinate seeing a tall, black, werecat, wearing black shades dressed in a black trench coat with the username "Morpheus" above his head. The image began to fade and flicker out like some electronic ghost hit by an EMP wave. In his hands were two potions,  one a cerulean blue, the other an ember red. Saskia glanced bewilderingly at the vials as she studied the bubbling concoctions. 


[Reticent as Morpheous] I am willing to testify... What if I told that the world you thought you lived in....was already dead.

I'd say you need to lay off those shrooms and stop going to that club kryptonite and hoarding all the red and blue pills for yourself!

[Reticent as Morpheous] Hey, quit discussing my personal business on the forums! Nevermind her you all, woman's bat shit crazy! 


And she thinks I'm mad...

[Reticent as Morpheous] Silence! Ahem, now where was I....


[Reticent as Morpheous] This is your last chance. After this, there is no turning back. You take the blue vial - the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red vial - you stay in Wonderland and I show you how deep the rabbit-hole goes.


Saskia waves at the red vial dismissively and takes the blue vial, beginning to drink, until it is all finished. She begins to feel a little woozy.


"Why hello there you three! Mind if I cut in? Of course I can, after all, I am the wonderful, magnificent, amazing Strife, the one and only! But at any rate, I couldn't help but overhear your pleasant discussion. Why yes, I do believe this is real, after all, if this was a dream, it would be a lucid one, and I could alter it."

Oi, wait...what am I still doing here? Curse you Morpheus!


[Reticent as Morpheus] Oh, crap, I must have mixed up the food coloring dyes, my bad!


Oi, you tricked me! You dimwitted idiot! Now fork over that vial, before I shove my sword where the sun don't shine, you blimey saxon! 


[Reticent as Morpheus] Nope. Afraid this one is for me! I'm getting the hell out of here. You people are crazy!


Morpheous gulps down the bottle and the omnipotent werecat fades away. 




"Additionally, my Dear Lady of the exceptionally loud exclamations, are you absolutely sure you are quite alright in the head? You seem rather distressed."


Snap back to reality. Saskia heard the echo of the second Half-alvs words as she began to rub her eyes in disbelief at her previous hallucinations. Maybe she shouldn't have tried those mushrooms in the meadow before walking over to the group...

"Oi, look here, Morpheous, I don't know what type of wicked trick you're all playing, but I had about enough of this dream. I'm out of here!" Saskia asserted confidently to Dumah as she gave a brief nod and looked down towards her hands and began to pinch herself, a surefire remedy to prove this was all just a horrid nightmare. But her eyes only dialated and quivered as she felt the prick. Once. Twice. Three times now, but to no avail. Confirmed realization that the nightmare had just begun. Her lips tremored as as she inhaled deeply, and licked her lips, rubbing her temples. "This is all just rubbish, I really could use a shot of vodka, right about now..."

INVENTORY

EQUIPMENT: Starter Platemail, Starter Great Shield, Starter Longsword
ABILITIES USED:None
Words:900



TAGS: Isolde @dumah strife Pen Ddraig

template by caesar

[Isolde]

Evidently she was causing a bit of a scene, as another person made their way over to what was now becoming a small crowd. This was another more ordinary looking man compared to Saskia or herself... but he certainly wasn't ordinary in personality. He talked almost like a brash shounen type hero, only dialled up a few notches. He was also quite hard to understand, although it was his choice of words rather than accent that was the issue here. Still, while this Strife fellow may have been quite arrogant, he was so bombastic with his gestures that it just came off as humourous to her. He was certainly less dangerous than the swordswoman. His lack of concern for their predicament was certainly odd, but Michiko couldn't help but smile a little at his antics. She looked away slightly in embarrassment and sniffled a bit, but she sounded at least a little better.

The other lady wasn't having any of it, however. She seemed as convinced as ever that it was a dream - and in her defence, this was something that was very out-there. Still, she seemed positively unhinged. Michiko would probably be scared of her if she weren't already scared about everything. After she tried to pinch herself, however, she seemed to deflate a little as worry and concern set in. Hopefully she didn't react in a violent way - after all, she had a big sword to flail about. Michiko had a staff with her, and training to use something similar, but she knew that right now she wasn't in the right state of mind to be able to do much in a fight, especially against a potentially crazy person.

Fortunately, it seemed like she'd lost some of that fighting spirit when she failed to wake up. Should she say something to her? Or would it just set her off again? Perhaps it might be best to try and talk with the other two and wait for her to calm down. "So... so all of you... you logged in to the game and were suddenly here? Because that's... that's what happened to me." It was probably a stupid question, but she felt like she had to say something. "And... and none of you know what... what's going on?" She sniffled again as her ears lay flat against her head. "I just want to go home..." It was a reasonable request, but one she didn't expect would be forthcoming. Maybe if she knew that there was a way out she'd be more excited about this, but this was all new to her, and quite likely to be very dangerous. Maybe if they talked about their experiences, they might be able to work something out, though? At the very least talking might help her calm down... assuming the other woman didn't snap.

_________________________

Word Count: 473
Total: 1492

[strife]

Richard sighed at the pink haired woman. She was clearly very hysterical, with the reality of her situation now setting in. This was not a god time to panic. Their situation was indeed bad, but panicking would not assist in any way, and these first few hours could be crucial for everyone. So, if we're all in Elder Tale, how did we get in, and how do we get out? But of course, what matters right now is figuring out our surrounding areas. But before even that, everyone needs to be calmed down. Richard reached down and patted the Fox Tail's head as she talked about what had happened to them all. "It is exactly as you say miss. My arrival here personally was if as in the blink of an eye. Clearly greater forces are at work here, and we must figure out the how and why of things." 

Richard sighed to himself. What a pickle this was. But first things first, before any of those things, was introductions. He knelt down in front of the Fox Tail, and gently grasped her hand. He then brushed his lips against her knuckles in the respectful and chivalrous manner befitting a lady. After taking the utmost care in such proceeding, Strife rose to his feet. "It is an honor to make your acquaintance my lady. Do not worry, for I am sure that all of us shall return home in time. We were brought here in an instant, and as such, we can probably be brought back in an instant too. So please, do not fret over it. May I ask your name?" Richard knew that proper courtesy was no less than a distressed young maiden deserved.

He turned to the two others briefly. "I would also know your names, good sir and madam. If this world truly is the world of Elder Tale, it will be perilous outside the city of Londinium, and we are safer in numbers, regardless of what we decide to do." Richard knew that if any other servers were transported as well, they would be a lot better off, considering that they would have several higher leveled players to scout out the surrounding area and keep order. This new Unfounded Kingdom server was at a disadvantage. And what about the Non-Player Characters? So many unanswered questions. So many difficulties to overcome. How would combat even work? Should they even attempt to leave? But what if there was some kind of requirement for going back home?

"This is a bad situation to be sure, but I know that together we can overcome it. We shouldn't underestimate the power of all these adventurers working down. Humanity has done much grander feats, we can handle a minor setback like this." Richard spoke with the confidence of someone who knew what they were talking about. But the truth was, he didn't. They might not even have a chance, they might be stuck in this world forever. But it was always better to have hope rather than to assume the worst case scenario. "After all, the magnificent, wondrous, talented, amazing, Strife, is here, and with me working on this, we'll have things fixed in no time!"


____________
Word Count: 535
Total Words: 1064
Tags: Isolde @dumah Pen Ddraig Saskia

[Deleted]

Dumah seemed to be staring into a deep, abyssal void... After some time, he jolted back to reality- if one could call this reality... "Hmm? Ah, my apologies; I seem to have blanked out a moment..." Dumah looked around, surveying his new yet familiar surroundings. "With the situation we have found ourselves in, I am sure friends would be an important asset right now." Dumah made a few quick, silent swipes through the air before him, tapping it a few times. It was the menu, he was browsing. He looked to all of the people in this small group, each and every one of them soon being notified of an alert with a soft ping. <Dumah would like to add you to their friends list!> was written in a pop-up in front of everyone as the black-haired Half Alv smiled cordially and warmly.

[Saskia]

HP 100% | MP 100%

Guardian - Cavalier - Brewer

____________________________________________________

 Saskia was still in the mental infirmary, as her psyche was undergoing recovery from the surgery of reality at it's finest. A grim expression was plastered upon her face expressing discontent and hopelessness as she palmed her face with her right hand, slightly taken aback by the cloth material of the inside of the gauntlets. She still wasn't used to the mechanics of the game or the equipment she had been designated. 

"I look like a bloody idiot at a renaissance festival...somebody pass me some mutton..." Saskia joked in a less than humorous manner. Not really fond of the idea herself. 

Curiously she began to examine the sword that was sheathed in her blue scabbard that was laced with gold embroidery.  It seemed to hold a slight essence of nobility, but wasn't extremely fancy. Perhaps a part of a uniform for an aspiring squire. Saskia curiously curled slender fingers, over the edge, rubbing the hilt softly. 


"Wow, it feels so real...this is amazing..."  Saskia exclaimed as she slowly pulled it out, carefully, away from the others, she finally managed to pull the full sword from it's scabbard as begun to gaze at her reflection in the flat of the steel. She blinked at it as she scrutinized the blade from hilt to the tip of it's edge. She seemed rather fascinated by the blade, almost seemingly enticed by it, until the little fox tail's voice broke her sudden trance. 


"So... so all of you... you logged in to the game and were suddenly here? Because that's... that's what happened to me."

It seemed that the girl had gotten stuck in here as she was logged in. Strangely enough, it seemed that the exact same situation happened to Saskia before she got lost in this world. 

"Uhm, well I kinda fell asleep...the last thing I remember was the intro theme and waiting on the loading screen but I passed out on the computer desk because I was so tired...that's why I thought this was all a dream. I'm sorry for the misunderstanding...I could have swore you all weren't real, I mean look at you, fox tail and ears...but it feels real, and that's what's so creepy about it." 

Saskia muttered as she tapped the flat of the sword lightly against the armor of her right shoulder as she listened to the other boisterous fellow tell his side of the tale. 


"So, if we're all in Elder Tale, how did we get in, and how do we get out? But of course, what matters right now is figuring out our surrounding areas. But before even that, everyone needs to be calmed down."


"Very good question. But I mean if it's just a game. Maybe if we just beat it, then we earn our freedom? I mean that's the most logical theory I can think of. But still, why on Earth would someone do this...and why now? Isn't this game old as dirt? Maybe it's just our server..." 



"And... and none of you know what... what's going on?"

Saskia frowned as the little fox tail sniffled as she gazed at them for more clarity on the situation. Saskia simply held the blade against her shoulder and shook her head while simultaneously shrugging her shoulders. Her eyes drifted to the male that spoke earlier, hoping to gain some knowledge from him. 


"It is exactly as you say miss. My arrival here personally was if as in the blink of an eye. Clearly greater forces are at work here, and we must figure out the how and why of things."

"Greater forces...hmm, you mean like the game developers? You know...maybe this is just some surprise they had planned for the new launch that they didn't ant to tell anyone about. Some new technology. They will probably do some mass announcement or something later...though, either way, they can be expecting a fat lawsuit from me and my attorneys. I just missed out on one of my biggest concerts in London...." 

"I just want to go home..."

Just want to go home. Suddenly Saskia had a brilliant idea. She waved at the three adventures and muttered "Say goodbye, Todo~" As a final attempt to return home through impractical means she clicked her heels together repeatedly and closed her eyes to the sky and began saying out loud. 

"There's no place like home. There's no place like home. There's no place like home. "

With a graceful smile she opened her eyes, hoping she'd emerge in her bed, waking up from a massive hangover. Instead she frowned when she saw the same exact scenario as before. 


"Awww, shit. To hell with this!" Saskia shouted stomping her foot, before calming down and finding the words to empathize with the foxtail. 

"I know, love. Just try to give us all some time to figure things out. It might not be as bad as it seems." 

"It is an honor to make your acquaintance my lady. Do not worry, for I am sure that all of us shall return home in time. We were brought here in an instant, and as such, we can probably be brought back in an instant too. So please, do not fret over it. May I ask your name?" 


Saskia was almost flattered by the sudden sophistication of the gentleman, until she realized that we was not the current target of such courtesies. 

"I would also know your names, good sir and madam. If this world truly is the world of Elder Tale, it will be perilous outside the city of Londinium, and we are safer in numbers, regardless of what we decide to do."

"Londimini-...what? You mean London...or? Ah, wait....this is one of them cities in the game..."  

"This is a bad situation to be sure, but I know that together we can overcome it. We shouldn't underestimate the power of all these adventurers working down. Humanity has done much grander feats, we can handle a minor setback like this."

"Well, we shouldn't automatically assume the worst. Maybe we're just overlooking something..."

"After all, the magnificent, wondrous, talented, amazing, Strife, is here, and with me working on this, we'll have things fixed in no time!"

"Sorry, brah, but I think we already are overdosing on enough 'strife' as it is..." Saskia replied as she continued to impatiently tap the flat of the blade on her shoulder as the other loudmouth male began to voice his opinion. Though he seemed to in his own world. 

"Hmm? Ah, my apologies; I seem to have blanked out a moment..."

"Well, now certainly isn't the time to be getting lost in the sauce, mister Dumah!" 

"With the situation we have found ourselves in, I am sure friends would be an important asset right now."

Saskia then began to freak out as he summoned some mystical pop-up window that seemed to have various data and statistics, having never played games before she freaked the hell out. She even screamed even further when her own menu burst open and crystallized into virtual weaves of information and a sudden message came blaring in front of her. 

<Dumah would like to add you to their friends list!>

"What type of sorcery is this!?! How the hell did you...wait...you can't be? Yesss, it ll makes sense now! That's wh I couldn't go home earliar! You're the Wizard of Oz! Why didn't I notice before....Dumah Ilno sounds like a wizard's name. So..wait...if you can access some type of in-game menu...then maybe logging out is as simple as logging in!" 


Saskia cheered vibrantly as she pushed the accept friend button. 

"Oh, and it's a pleasure to meet you all, my name's Hope...Hope MacLaren. Yes, the very same that released the Virtual Seduction album that made #3 on the billboards in London in 2018. That's if you listen to pop music." 

INVENTORY

EQUIPMENT: Starter Platemail, Starter Great Shield, Starter Longsword
ABILITIES USED:None
Words: 1010 
Post song theme: The Awakening



TAGS: Isolde @dumah strife Pen Ddraig

template by caesar

[Pen Ddraig]

The farther down the road she went the more and more she realized that there were groups going through the same hysterics. Sarah wondered if it was just a matter of time before she too would be like that. After a few minutes of trying to talk to people and failing to get past "this is hell" from the people she tried talking to. The amount of people whom could not give her an answer was staggeringly infuriating. The wolf hair moved on till she saw a female adventurer screaming and getting physical with someone at a food stall. "WHAT ARE WE DOING HERE!? WHERE ARE WE?! SEND ME BACK!" She ordered frantically, her long brown hair was pulled back and woven into braids. While Sarah might not know what was going on, she definitely knew that the way she was going about this was not okay. 

Sarah awkwardly stepped between the two of them and wrapped her fingers firmly around the adventurer's wrist just enough to garner attention. "That's enough." Sarah said calmly, her emerald eyes locking with the woman's steel grey gaze. She was quite pretty and had a cute face, however, her fear had twisted it into an ugly mask. "Calm down, you're frightening the man." The woman seemed to act in fearful response to Sarah's grasp and ripped her hand back, striking her in the jaw with the back of her hand. The blow normally would have just made her stagger a bit, but unfortunately Sarah found herself on her rear looking up at the woman with a blank stare. The short series of events that followed revealed to Sarah the answer she was looking for. An loud sounding hum rang through the area as a bright blue light shown from over head. Everyone in the immediate area looked up and watched as a large suit of armor lowered to the ground, a large, heavy ax in hand. 

The woman was instructed to cease her actions at once or face the consequences. When the woman went to protest Sarah moved to intercept. "It's alright. She didn't mean to! It was an accident!" Sarah explained, giving the woman a glare over her shoulder to stop. It apparently worked as the woman released the Lander and sagged her shoulders. "I apologize for everything." Sarah said to the Royal Guard as it vanished. Her eyes lingered on the space where the guard had disappeared from, her limbs were shaking now. "Royal Guards. It can't be." She breathed before she slowly dropped to her knees. "That's not possible though..." The Lander thanked Sarah for her intervention and continued on his way, leaving both women behind him.

Sarah was silent for many moment till she lifted her hand to her face, wiped her face and let her hand drop. During mid drop a status screen spawned before her eyes. She recognized it as a large emblem for the Guardian class in Elder Tale. Everything clicked. She had no doubts rolling through her mind now. He hesitantly scrolled through all her screens, her heart rate quickening with each swipe. A smirk tugged at her lips which turned into a grin then a smile. Her eyes were wide with realization and wonder. "It shouldn't be possible....but here I am." She muttered in bewilderment. "Elder Tale." As the words left her lips her body grew hot with excitement. "I don't know how and right now, I don't care!" She exclaimed haphazardly climbing to her feet, her voice carrying far. She released a uncontrollable roll of laughter. "ELDER TALE!" She howled with pure delight.

____________________________________
Word count: 600
Tags: Isolde, @dumah, Saskia, strife
Notes: She's all pumped up now!