PP-F1 "Where There's A Will There's A Way!" (Ethereal)

[Xanatos 0]

After gathering so much from the Cave of Harmonies. I checked my messages to see that Azide had announced a few changes to the guild roster! It mentioned some promotions of players I had not even met yet, but what really caught my eye was the recruitment and promotion of a player named Ethereal! I scrolled down my onlone list and saw that he was here on the 1st floor! I pulled up a new message and composed an invitation:

 

To: Ethereal

From: Xanatos

Subject: Hello!

Greetings Ethereal! I am Xanatos, a fellow guild member! I was curious if you would like to join me for a drink at the "Rusty Sword
pub here in starting city! Maybe get to know each other and our plans for Aincrad :D

 

I sent the message off and sighed. I hope this guy isn't a nutjob...well if Azide trusts him. I can give him a chance right?

 

[Ethereal 0]

Ethereal scratched his beard thoughtfully as he rolled an empty glass in his hands, glancing about the dark wooden establishment that he had found himself in. 'Jeez, this is depressing..' he decided before standing abruptly and taking the few short steps out of the heavy wooden door that stood in his way.

Dressed in his commoner's clothes the S1 Specialist pulled his grey cloak around himself before a message popped up on his HUD. Eyebrows rose as the young man checked it with the dextrous flick of his hand.

To: Ethereal

From: Xanatos

Subject: Hello!

Greetings Ethereal! I am Xanatos, a fellow guild member! I was curious if you would like to join me for a drink at the "Rusty Sword

pub here in starting city! Maybe get to know each other and our plans for Aincrad :D

"Seems I have something to pass the time with." Ethereal smiled. Looking up at the sky for a second his smile turned to a frown. A sign hanging just above his head stated this was - in fact - the Rusty Sword. "Damn." he whispered to himself.

Judging by the timestamp on the PM it had only been sent mere seconds ago. Ethereal hadn't seen anybody come in, so leant against a support just outside of the bar and waited patiently. He needed to find out more about his new guildmates anyway.

[Xanatos 0]

Walking towards the Rusty Sword, I watched the younger players and NPCs playing together. I smiled wide, picturing the old days when I myself would play in the park with all the little kids. I rounded the corner of the block to see a bearded man standing outside the pub. "Are you Ethereal?" I asked the mysterious player. I need a drink, hopefully this guy is willing to take down a few brews with me. I walked up to him, my hand extended outwards. "I am Xanatos! Allow me to personally welcome you to S1!"

[Ethereal 0]

Ethereal took the outstretched hand with a light smile as he moved away from his leaning position against the beam. "Pleased to meet you too, Xanatos. Good name you got there. Greek if I'm not mistaken?" he replied warmly. "I guess we should get inside rather than looking like oddballs out here." he commented before gesturing towards the heavy door into the pub.

[Xanatos 0]

We walked into the Rusty Sword to do sound and smells you would normally be greeted by when entering a pub. Music playing loudly in the corner, the smell of ales and beers filled your nostrils, and the feeling of your hand on a cold mug. It was paradise to those looking for a good time! "Why don't we find a seat my friend! We can get to know each other a bit, maybe share some thoughts about our current front line situation on the upper floors?" Hey, he hasnt tried to stab in the face yet so this is going well!

[Ethereal 0]

Upon re-entering the bar Eth drew some strange looks, which he shrugged off. The bar wasn't packed however it had a fair amount of customers despite the time of day. "Sure, sounds good." Ethereal needed to establish some relationships inside the guild - many of his friends had disappeared or died in his time away. Scanning for a spot for the both of them a deserted square wooden table with a couple of chairs caught the Specialist's attention. He gestured with a open hand before seating himself on a lightly padded chair.

"So. I'm Ethereal aka. Eth, veteran front liner, alchemist and newly appointed Training Specialist. Pleased to meet you." he said warmly.

[Xanatos 0]

I sat at the table that Eth had gestured to. "Nice to meet you Eth! I am Xanatos. Specialist huh? I'm sure Azide was happy to have you join Square 1. We have been needing more front line capable allies within the guild itself. Where do you intend to begin in training the lower level members of the guild?" I asked intrigued. If he is as good as Azide says he is, hopefully he will already have some sort of plan in place to train. I sent for the bartender. "Two ales please" I looked to Eth. "And for you?"

[Ethereal 0]

Ethereal smiled, he liked people who went straight to the point. He also liked people who could hold their brew. "I'll have a cider, please." he said loudly so the bartender could hear him. Once the alcohol was served to the pair of them with a small clink of glass in wood, Eth nodded his thanks.

So, now to answer a curious question - "I've found the best way to train is to set down a base level of expertise." he took a sip of his cool cider before continuing. "Then a special trial by fire before honing their weakness to strength on a small group or one to one basis."

[Xanatos 0]

"A thoughtful strategy, and if someone fails? What do you do when one cannot exceed the expectations of their trainer?" I grabbed my first ale and began to run the cool liquid down my throat. Seriously nothing is ever as satisfying as the refreshing feeling of an ice cold ale. "My concern is as we are a "training" guild, where do we draw the line in how far we push our fellow members? It's time to see if this guy is as cutthroat as he looks. Hopefully, hes not one to waste lives

[Ethereal 0]

'Hmm. Seems I may have left a bad impression.' Ethereal took another sip and readjusted his glass before he responded. "Perhaps you misunderstood - I meant I train them initially to a base level before giving a trial to test things like teamwork, strategy and traits. They aren't in any danger but the trick is they believe that they are. To elaborate on the final part of my method, if someone is excellent at tanking I encourage them to take that path. If someone is struggling with teamwork I help them for example."

"In regards to a 'line'.. Everybody had their limits but many people never get far enough on their first wind to find they have a second, if you catch my drift." a small sparkle in his eye followed these words.

"But that's enough about me. What do you do that's interesting?"

[Xanatos 0]

"I'm what you may call a duelist. I focus on quick and decisive strikes that cripple my enemies in the most efficient ways possible. Grace and tact are key to any strong attack. Winning the battle of the minds first before beating them physically is the best strategy. Frustrate them, make them feel as if they will never win, and they won't. I am a..."justicar"  if you will, like the enforcers of old I set out to face injustice wherever I may find it in this world. I was once a criminal...now I aim to be a light of hope, rather than a cloak of darkness."

[Ethereal 0]

At that he raised an eyebrow "The person who trained me - Grim - was very similar to you. Fast, accurate and effective. Sadly, he didn't make it.." Eth took a long draught of cider to hide the sadness on his face.

"It's good to hear you've changed your ways from the dark. You've got to remember that some criminals and PKers are just misguided. I used to be a Raoul of the Inquisition and we were all about destroying PKers.."

Eth's thoughts lead him through memories he had long buried. The look of fright on Jester's face when Ethereal nearly ran him through. Grim, bleeding and defeated buckled beneath Vile. Before any memories of Dirgun, Rui or his descent into madness could come back he shook his head to clear them.

"Anyway, S1 is better in my eyes. Not as extremist."

[Xanatos 0]

"I am sorry about your friend Eth...I know how it feels to lose someone close to you. Raoul eh? I could understand where some thought had to be in that job. I agree that some criminals and Pkers are misguided, the problem is when they refuse to change their ways. Much like myself, I used to...get rid of problems for a crime boss. I was and am still young, so he thought I would be a wise investment. All it did was plunge me into darkness..." I took a swig of my second ale. "But now, thanks to S1 I have a new purpose! I would be honored to fight by your side any day Eth! Then maybe you can not only earn my trust, but my respect ;D"