Enter, The Werecat Bard! [Open]

[Penumbro]

WORDS 1277 TAGS Anybody! NOTES What's going on?

Darkness, everything is black. When Katsuo awoke, he was leaning against a stone wall of what looked to be an old city. Katsuo got up and yawned, putting hand to his mouth. The taste of a cat’s fur reached his mouth. Katsuo gasped as he opened his eyes wide and stared what he believed to be his hand. His “hand” was covered in white and black fur. Not only his hand, but it appeared the rest of his body was covered in this white and black fur. “What happened? Why am I covered in…fur?” Katsuo said aloud as he started to move around the rest of the old city on his padded feet. As Katsuo walked, he was trying to mentally discern what exactly was going on. ‘Me and Desmond logged into the game and were just about to star-‘Katsuo paused as he had come to remember something. The character he made, Penumbro, was a Were-Cat Bard, and it had white and black fur similar to what covered his body now, as well as padded feet! Since he was paying more attention to the shocking similarities between his character and himself, Katsuo hadn’t noticed the piece of stone jutting out from the ground. His padded feet caught on to the stone, sending him forward, crashing into the ground. “Gah!” Katsuo blurted out as he picked himself up off the ground, dusting off his furry chest. Looking up from his chest, Katsuo saw a menu pop up in front of him. Then a picture of his character appeared with a health bar and class symbol. “Am I really…in the game?” Katsuo said as tried to navigate his menu, finally happening upon his inventory. On this screen he found all of the starter equipment for his character. Curious, he pressed the icon for his Starter Leather Armor, and then pressed the equip option from the menu spanning from that. Katsuo then felt the weight of leather wrap around his body as the armor appeared around him out of this air. Looking at his other weapons, he decided to equip his long bow and arrows as a precaution. The surrounding area didn’t look all too friendly to him. As he readied an arrow, Katsuo realized that he himself had no idea how to use a longbow, but it was coming like a second nature to him. Katsuo wondered what on earth was happening, but he knew about three things thus far for sure. 1. He was the character he had created to go into the world of Elder Tale. 2. He had some idea of how to use these weapons despite never having before handling them in real life 3. He was hungry That last thought had just happened upon him as his stomach growled. To this he sheepishly smiled and continued to wander the streets until he happened upon what looked like the main road going through the town. There he saw other players, of all races and sizes talking with people in booths rather loudly. “GET ME THE GM!” “Where are we?!” “How do I logout?” Katsuo’s ears twitched at this last question as he sheathed his arrow and slung his bow across his body. Katsuo’s hand came up and made if he was to press a button. To his expectations, the menu popped up. He then navigated to the log out screen with a couple errors in button pushing. As he pushed the button, there was a little error sound as a red slashed circle appeared next to the words LOG OUT. ‘Figures, why I would even think it’d be that easy to escape is beyond me,’ Katsuo thought to himself, laughing a little at his moment of foolishness. As Katsuo walked down the street, weaving in between the moaning men and crying women, he clicked his tongue a bit as his ears twitched at the sound, “What a noisy lot” he murmured to himself. Once he finally broke free of the crowd, he saw a shop that had cakes on display, with what Katsuo remembered Desmond had called a “Person of the Land” standing in front trying to attract customers. With his stomach directing his body to approach the man, Katsuo adopted a smile as he waved in greeting to the man. “Ho there, adventurer! Care to try one of my wife’s cakes? Freshly made this morning!” said the Burly man to the approaching Katsuo. Katsuo nodded in earnest as he said, “Oh would I! But, unfortunately I’m just starting out, so I haven’t any money to pay for it…” Katsuo said with a bit of a sad smile. The man put a hand under his chin and scratched his beard, “No money, eh? Well that can’t be helped, so here’s what I will do. I will give you one of these cakes, but you’ll have to tell people where you got it from, you hear?” The man said with a smile. Katsuo’s eyes brightened at his words as he gave an eager nod, “That sounds like a deal, sir! What shall I tell others should they ask?” Katsuo said, eager to get his hands on a cake. The man laughed and said, “Just tell you got it from Old Man Hugo in the plaza, and I’ll take care of the rest once they get here! Now here you are adventurer! Enjoy it and remember our deal!” Hugo said as he gave Katsuo a box with a cake in it. Katsuo bowed to the man graciously as he walked further down the street. Once at the end of the street, Katsuo found himself staring up at a huge clock tower. “Why does this seem familiar?” Katsuo asked himself, but before he could deduce much more, his stomach growled once more, prompting Katsuo to sit down and lean against a post of a gate surrounding the clock tower as he opened the box. In the box there was a cake sliced into eight even slices. Katsuo picked up a piece of cake with his gloved hand and brought it to his mouth. Taking a bite out of the cake piece, Katsuo immediately realized there was something wrong. There was no sweetness of icing combined with the moist cake he was used to. It tasted like mush, which disheartened the bard immensely. The only merit he could grant the cake is that it depleted his hunger levels. After finishing the piece, Katsuo put the box of cake in his inventory and sighed. It was food and he couldn't waste what was given to him for free. As he deposited the cake, he happened upon his beginner violin in his inventory. With some deliberation, Katsuo brought out his violin in hopes to trying to play something to lighten his mood. Placing the violin across his left arm and cradling it with his shoulder, Katsuo placed his fingers on the strings and brought the bow across the strings, bringing forth a high note from his instrument. After playing a few more basic notes, Penumbro began to play a song he and his sister Suiren had sung to their twin siblings when they were younger. If anything, this eased Katsuo’s mind as he adjusted to the fact he was in a game with no clear way of returning home. Half way into the song, Katsuo mentally recognized the fact that he wasn't scared he couldn't return home. He was worried for his sister roommate and possibly his sister. He had been on the phone with his sister as the three of them had logged in together, yet he hadn't seen them anywhere. Otherwise, this was just another grand adventure to him.

MADE BY AMLIN OF BTN AND GANGNAM-STYLE

[Elfriede]

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[attr="class","tran2"] [attr="class","tran"] NOTES ! WORDS. 526 MUSE. --- NOTES. ---

My eyes can see the death of everything [attr="class","ban01"] [attr="class","ban02"] [attr="class","ban03"] even if that thing is God Elfriede was walking towards Big Ben, having planned to meet Touko and Jack there in the real world when this was all just a game. Of course, that doesn't mean she was just strolling on by, Elfriede was practicing with her scythe on the way, reaping imaginary enemies. After all, if she had her weapon and combat skills then most likely there will be monsters. She didn't know if death would permanently kill her, but she knew finding out first hand wasn't exactly the most pleasant thoughts. Even if she did revive at the cathedral and thus had an immortal body, she would still want a decent standard of living in this world. It costs money for food and an inn room. While it wasn't too expensive, rather inexpensive actually, it was still something she would have to fight monsters and complete quests for. In addition, if this really does work like the game then in time her strength would grow to the level of a demi-god when compared to the people of the land. If I remember correctly, even level thirty is high for them, let alone level ninety, or one-hundred now that we have the Novasphere Pioneers expansion, if that expansion is being used. Now I have to wonder if I had logged into the Japanese server would I be on my level ninety summoner? Is this happening back in Japan as well? I wonder if there is a way for me to switch characters? Probably not, and if I did I doubt I would be able to stay in this area. My summoner was on the Japanese servers after all. I would probably have found myself in Akiba, at least that was where I think I last logged off. I would have probably been better off though I guess that would mean leaving Touko and Jack behind. Even if it is half the distance, the amount of time it would take to go from Akiba to London would be immense, and that is if I can find a way to traverse the seas. Elfriede continued her deathly stroll, slicing apart imaginary enemies with deadly dances and the Assassin skill Deadly Dance. She was getting rather used to the weapon, though she felt that she may exchange it for something else later on though the ease of use does make her wonder if she really does have to worry about the practicality of scythes. As she swung her scythe in various ways, practicing evasive maneuvers and counter attacks, she sort of fell into a trance. She became less aware of her surroundings as she focused on perfecting her usage of her weapon. However, that also means she will be a bit slower at stopping. Huh? Turning pale, Elfriede stopped her scythe just centimeters from a werecat bard's head. That was close. If the attack had connected the guards may have been summoned and I would have been the first one to test if we revive at a cathedral or not. “S-S-Sor....ry!” Elfriede tried to apologize, struggling to say the words due to her inexperience with speaking—her face turning paler as the seconds passed.

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[Kreiss]

"Why can't we log out?!"
"Where is the game master?"
"I can't stand this, what the heck is going on?!"

A glimmer of light broke through the leaves of the tree that he rested under. His nose twitched slightly at the warmth and his lips formed a thin quivering line before releasing a sigh. Sitting up, he reached up to run a hand through his hair before opening his eyes. The sound of the adventurer's chaotic questioning of the events that led to them being trapped was ruining the sanctity of his nap. All he wished for was a bit of peace and even that was unattainable in a virtual world, though he was slightly curious on how he could take things so easily. Just a moment ago, or perhaps it was a week or two - he had called his parents wishing them good tidings and telling them of how much he loved his new home. Now he was trapped inside of a game that he had bought for the heck of it. Looking upwards, the sunlight glistened off of the tree's leaves and bits of the sunlight warmed his face even as the cooling wind swept by to rustle his clothing along with his hair. How could a world that was this beautiful be akin to that of a prison? Rising to his feet, he stepped out of the shade of the tree to take in the sunlight that bore down upon them warming himself to the bone.

"I'll never understand their plight, but it is best that I enjoy myself anyhow and make a living."

At the moment he had little to nothing, no gold, no way out, and only starter equipment. Leather armor, and two rapiers that sat at his waist ready to be drawn at any time that he may need them. He would have to find a tailor eventually to make him new clothes, either that or he'd have to pick up items from monsters outside of the town. Speaking of which by examining his surroundings, he deduced that he was in London, England. London was a very beautiful city though at the moment he seemed to be looking at a version of it lost in time. Cars, lamp posts, buildings were covered in moss and in front of them shops and little hubs were built by the People of the Land. It was quite interesting watching as they interacted even when the adventurers themselves were fighting against one another. Nonetheless, waiting about wasn't going to do him any good. Kreiss gathered himself together and walked away from his temporary sleeping spot choosing to head into the commotion with a slight hum.

People were grabbing one another, and exchanging yells of anger and confusion. Some were cradling their heads, curled up in fetal position wondering how this could have happened. Frankly it was rather a horrific sight to behold but one word could cause a frenzy. Choosing not to confront them with his own ideals, Kreiss kept his eyes pointed ahead although his mind was going on at about a hundred miles per hour. He thought about what he was going to do from here on out, how he would live, and who he would talk or live with. The possibilities were endless as it didn't take much to live in this world. However every human being craved for sustenance, something to keep them grounded down to their beliefs and ideals.

"Would you like a cake?"

Kreiss was knocked out of his thoughts noticing a beautiful pastry dish being placed into his hands. He hadn't even noticed that he had raised his hands from his waist. The NPC next to him was a man that looked to be quite up in his age. He had a beard that he scratched from time to time and a friendly smile on his face. Though Kreiss immediately remembered something and placed the cake back into his hand.

"I apologize, I don't have any money."

"You too, eh, well thats alright. Just tell 'em that Old Man Hugo in the plaza gave you these cakes, and I'll take care of the rest."

..Cakes?

In that moment, a box of cakes were pushed into his arms and he hobbled backwards for a moment before taking one out. Looking from Hugo who went back inside to tell his wife to the cake, he took a bite out of it before his eyes widened. It tasted like mush. Dried out mush with no taste at all instead of a fluffy buttery sweet dessert, it tasted as though he had eaten a child's Play-doh creation. Kreiss' eyebrows furrowed and he slowly turned before walking forward, by the time he had gotten to the end of the street he finished the entire box of the cakes and felt sick to his stomach. Was this a punishment for being in this world? Having food that was out to kill you the moment that you ate it? If so, he would have to rethink before he ate something that came from the People of the Land. Though his sickness subsided as he heard a few melodies that sounded as if they were coming from a violin.

Lifting his head, he noticed a werecat player that was playing a violin cradling it with his shoulder while moving the bow with his left arm. The melody soothed Kreiss' heart and helped subside the sickness that he had been feeling. A smile formed on his lips and he took a seat on a nearby boulder just listening to the melody. Though something happened quite out of the blue, a young woman wielding a scythe that seemed much to big for her almost lopped off the man's head.

"Oh dear."

[Penumbro]

WORDS 484 TAGS Elfriede, Kreiss NOTES Close Call!

Penumbro was fully engrossed in his violin playing, so much so that he had nearly lulled himself into a peaceful sleep. His playing started to slow down as he came to the end of the song, letting out a yawn as he let the violin and bow come to rest in his lap. Just as he was about to let himself slip off, he felt a disturbance in the air around him, causing his ears to twitch. Penumbro cracked his right eye open as he eyed the blade of the scythe that was dangerously close to his head. Penumbro smiled at the girl who seemed rather flustered that she had nearly cleaved him in twain, as she was stuttering in her apology and growing paler by the second. Penumbro let out a laugh that turned into a yawn half way through. “It’s a bit early to start killing people off, don’t you think?” He said in a cheerful tone towards the player. As he listened to her explanation, his eyes wandered, finding a human sitting on the rock; quite shocked at the spectacle he had witnessed. Winking at said player, his gaze returned to the scythe wielder to the right of him. “Well, since you didn’t kill me, I suppose I can let you know who you almost killed. My name is Penumbro, a Were Cat Bard who got stuck in a game by dumb luck. Who might you be, I wonder?” Penumbro said as he smiled at her, flashing his right canine at her. Whether or not she provided her name, Penumbro grabbed his violin and bow and stood up, seeing her status screen pop up as he stood to tower above the female player. By what the status screen said, her in game name was Elfriede, and she was an human assassin. Smiling at her once more, Penumbro started playing his violin, this time around a more energetic song, to which he danced around her, studying her appearance without seeming he was staring. She was a petite girl, with long, beautiful black hair, and magenta eyes. She seemed like one of those girls you could put in a dress and she would take everyone’s breath away. With his observation complete, he finished up his song with a bow to her. “I do hope you enjoyed the tune, milady, for it is the staying of your hand that allowed me to play it,” he said with a disarmingly charming smile. Penumbro then adopted a more serious expression as he asked her a question he had asked himself, “So, might you know why we’re stuck in this game, because I haven’t the slightest clue myself.” As he listened to her response, his eyes wandered and found the man that was on the rock once more. ‘I wonder how long he has been there.’ Penumbro thought to himself as he raised a hand in greeting.

MADE BY AMLIN OF BTN AND GANGNAM-STYLE

[Elfriede]

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[attr="class","tran2"] [attr="class","tran"] NOTES ! WORDS. 487 MUSE. --- NOTES. ---

My eyes can see the death of everything [attr="class","ban01"] [attr="class","ban02"] [attr="class","ban03"] even if that thing is God “Ah! Mm-m-my nnnnnn-naaame is El-fi-reeede,” Elfriede said as she struggled to say the worlds, becoming flustered and redder as the seconds passed, increasing her adorability. In the end she resorted to using sign language, 'My name is Elfriede. I was a mute in the original world and while my vocal cords were restored here, I never really spoken before. As for why we are here, I do not know. I was surprised to find myself in what appears to be Elder Tale as well. I was a level ninety Summoner on the Japanese, but it was just a regular MMO back then.' Elfriede was a bit dejected at herself; despite having functioning vocal cords for the first time in her life, she still cannot speak. She can't imagine how much easier her life would have been if she could have just said, 'Hi, I'm Mana. Nice to meet you!' Instead, she went through her childhood with practically no friends. I need to practice speaking. I have been given working vocal cords, I can't waste them. “Iiit w-w-w-waas a nnnnn-ice song,” Elfriede struggled once again, getting more and more flustered. Switching back to sign language, 'I am a bit more worried about what happens if we die though.' Probably not the best subject to bring up, but it is kind of necessary. 'I remember reading a light novel series called Sword Art Online that was rather similar to the situation we are in right now. The characters were trapped in a virtual reality MMO and if they died in the game they died in real life. However I am not sure if death in here will kill us for good or if we just respawn at the cathedral like normal. Though, I am not sure if this is even the game. There isn't a computer that can process details to this level.' Elfriede calmed down a bit as she pondered her questions about the world again. In SAO, the characters were stuck in the game because Kayaba wanted to make Aincrad as real as possible and they just had to clear the game to escape as there was a final boss. Elder Tale doesn't have anything like a final boss though. We may have some crazy creator, but I don't think that is the case. Still, there isn't any sort of end goal in Elder Tale; we just adventure. Was there something added in the Novasphere Pioneer expansion? Is there a new raid that counts as finishing the game? 'Do you know if there is like any end game goal, like something that could be considered “beating the game” that was added in the Novasphere Pioneers expansion? The expansion was added just as everyone got trapped in here. Was there any information leaks on raids or dungeons that may count as a game ender?' It isn't much, but it may be the only lead we have right now.

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[Kreiss]

The initial shock soon subsided and Kreiss calmed himself, folding his legs and placing his hands on his knees. Eyes flickering from the werecat player to the young woman, he couldn't help but allow a small smile to form on his lips. Meeting odd people, or in this case new people was always an exhilarating experience though he wasn't entirely sure what was going on either. His eyes flickered to the werecat, he was quite a polite fellow with a demeanor that resembled his own. The young female however clearly had no control over her weapon as she apologized for the almost lopping off the former's head. The two of them seemed to be at a loss for answers just as he was so to see them as a threat wouldn't be applicable. Standing up from his perch on the rock, he pocketed his hands and looked upwards. It was seen as rude in his family to gaze upon people as they were holding a conversation especially if you weren't to be included in such a conversation. Though his ears were still open and he listened hearing the darkening of tones, and the explanation of a light novel wrapped about a game where the exact same situation happened. Raising one hand to stroke his chin, his other hand holding his elbow as he thought.

That was quite a peculiar comparison. In psychological terms, when one person finds a certain event or situation interesting to the point of obsession - they may be tempted to copy it. After the expansion on the game they found their way here, could it have been that the producers of the game were trying to copy the light novel's essence. However that would be dangerous to an insane level considering the mental stability of the people without the lack of reassurance or a way out of the game. Also the fact that the food tasted like mush wasn't helping whatsoever, and 'homesickness' would be on the rise in the matter of days or in the case of those in the town's square - hours. There was nothing to connect the dots and it was beginning to grate on his nerves but there was one thing that they knew for sure. They were stuck inside of the game with no way to escape, and for the moment they would have to make the best of an otherwise awful situation.

"I apologize for intruding on your conversation. I am Kreiss, its a pleasure to meet you both."

He lowered his hand from his face and placed his arms at his sides turning to face them with a small smile on his face.

"The Novasphere Pioneer Expansion was one meant to spread the game's environment. As far as I know, there were no dungeons that would count as a game ender considering that Elder Tale is an MMO, it is meant to keep people playing for as long as they are able to keep it running. Content brings players, players generate revenue. Though that wouldn't make any sense for them to trap us in here, if it is the producers doing this at all."

He folded his arms over his chest and looked down with a thoughtful expression.

"You brought up a good point however, Miss, about Sword Art Online. This may be a long stretch but it could be a theory. Could the producers or, someone who may have found interest in Sword Art Online's storyline, formulated a way to trap the players of Elder Tale into their own game. In that instance, the same person could not have thought their plan through and left us stranded here without a way to get out. In Sword Art Online, from your description, if you die then it is game over. However in Elder Tale, if you die then you are revived in the Cathedral. If we are here and if this world has become our reality, my theory is once we die - the cathedral is where we will end up. Although there is only one way to answer this question, someone must die."

A seriousness passed over Kreiss' features and he could feel his heart sink into the lower recesses of his stomach. How could such a beautiful world be akin to that of a prison.