Niklaus

"Funny you mention an artisan, as I am one heh, but putting up flyers seem a bit much for my task. I also don't want to draw unnecessary attention to my dear elder sister." Pushing his frames up, Nik turned Shira to address her concerns. "Rest assured, I am confident in her ability to hold her own. With the ferociousness of a lion and the beauty of a nymph, she is nothing short of a mini god in her own right. Trifling with her would mean suicide for most. That aside, there are forces beyond our control especially here in this world. I just want to ensure she make's it back to our world safely. If she becomes angered with me because of that, then so be it. I don't regret my decision nor will I ever." Just as he finished, a notification sounded as a a message appeared within his HUD. His eyes widened. "Someone has info on her whereabouts.. y-you must-t excuse me." Getting up, the blonde hurriedly exited the cafe making sure to send both player s a friend request on the way out.

"Rest assured I am aware that you may or may not have the answers that I seek. But better to ask than regret it later. However, where are my manners? I am Niklaus. You are?" Once the green-haired youth responded, the blonde would follow up with what this conversation had originally been started for. "Do you know of a front-liner by the name of Rebekah and if not, do you know someone who might?" the search for his sister grew more tiring by the day, but his resolve served a greater wall than what tiredness could jump. As he awaited the young man's answer, the bespectacled man shot a glance to the blonde lass that had approached the Nixon fellow earlier. Odd, I wonder what draws her towards us? Attention? Maybe she has a question of her own? Hmmm...

The grasp was as firm as the apology was sincere, thus Niklaus accepted both. Keeping his eyes on the fellow, he opted to answer his question with an observation he had made long ago. "While the materials that can be found are very much dependent on the location of where you search, floor to floor, all materials of all types can be found. The peculiar thing for me is how the game can determine what material you are looking for and allows it to drop should your RNG be lucky enough. I suppose that is a question best left unanswered but the thought amuses me none the less. That aside, for what reason do you ask?"'

Though Niklaus hadn't known the two for long, his observation of them seemed lined with more information than he could care to ask for. His thoughts ran rampant with judgments and impressions as well as their feelings and actions toward one another. His thoughts lasted him throughout most of Hataki's simple yet fulfilling answer, however; his focus snapped as a comment laced with traces sarcasm reached his ears. His crimson eyes slowly steadied upon Shira as she snapped back a few quips and a retelling of how she ended up here. His thoughts swam once more. Going over his encounter with them thus far. However, he came to the conclusion, its still didn't add up. Why Shira? Why did she treat the poor fellow the way she did? Furthermore, why does he put up with it? Again it didn't make any sense.

He sighed. His mind exhausted from rummaging through answers he wouldn't get without asking. Putting his brain to a more practical use, the blonde mulled over the answer to his own question proposed by Shira. To tell them the full details would take ages within itself, I suppose I'll keep it brief. "To answer, I came here for my sister, I had heard a rumor that this game was intended to be a death game from the start. I assumed it was crazy talk and dismissed the notion. How naive I was when I realized that all the possibilities were right there. So rather than leave her to her own devices, despite my utmost faith in her abilities to handle herself, I joined in as well." He paused, thought of having still not seeing her brought a hush upon his lips. Shaking it clear, he finished, "Tis' why I'm here now. Looking for leads I guess you could say."

Shakespearean dialogue rolled off the tongue nearby, far too close for the man's comfort as another younger looking blonde approached him. Despite the initial insult, Niklaus suppressed the urge the knock the antediluvian language out of him. Sighing, Nik turned to face the boy. While he understood the quote, he felt the message was out of context. "While plotting your damnation sounds rather amusing, I worry you are not the focus of anything I have going on. Now if you'll excuse me, I have some recruiting to do and you my insightful poet, are blocking the sight of the gate." His eyes paused briefly as another blonde, albeit more attractive and female, approached him and the Shakespeare quoting lad. Briefing her presence with a slight nod, he looked to move past them 

Edging past the blondes, Niklaus spotted a green haired fellow emerge from the light that encompassed the warp gate. Taking note of the symbol inscribed next to his name, Niklaus made way to cross paths with him. Upon successfully doing so, he stopped before the man and attempted to garner his attention.

"You there, donning the insignia of of the Knights of the Blood Oath, may i pester you for a moment. The matter, while of extreme importance to me, may seem ever trivial to you."

Despite the man's plea, Niklaus still felt on edge. He mused the game was beginning to get to him, instilling a form of paranoia he was all to familiar with. His hand lofted to the side for a bit, pausing the tracing it had been doing as Niklaus sighed and weighed in on the man's words. "Against my better judgement I believe. Let us start anew. My name is Niklaus Mikaelson, brother of Rebekah Mikaelson, the front-liner. My apologies for the hostilities Kranzer." Niklaus wasn't one to normally offer such an apology, or one at all for that matter. He was used to being feared and respected all the same. Here, here he was powerless and for all intents and purposes, very much the mortal man. Walking to the cloaked player, Nik extended his hand, gesturing for a shake.

ID: 520321 LD: 1

Heels clicked against the tavern floor, as the brunette returned to them. Hefting a tray with him, he placed the platter on the table as he passed out drinks and crisps for them to enjoy. Glancing over at the tea placed before him, Niklaus offered a dry thanks whilst inching the warmed cup closer to himself. His blonde locks spilled over his head once more as he tilted the digital mug to his lips, allowing the smooth liquid to sail effortlessly down his throat. The light drink warmed his core, causing him to nearly yawn from the immediate comfort the drink offered.

Placing the cup back down, he looked over to Shira who seemed to have handled Hataki's question at hand. Holding true to his word, the blonde offered no follow up to her response, only a dejected look to the brunette, replacing the words he couldn't speak. Shifting to a more open and receiving position, Niklaus raised his fist to his cheek as he slouched in his seat to rest upon it. "So riddle me this, how'd you two managed to get stuck in this beautifully crafted hell hole we live in today?"

The young man re-adjusted in the booth so that he was more directly facing Shira. "I mean for all the time I've spent here in Aincrad, we have players out there pushing the front lines for us...and I'm not one of them. My hopes? I hoped to have found my sister by now, but she seems as elusive as ever. I just-" The blonde stopped. He was opening up to a stranger he had only met moments ago. Once again pushing the stray strands back, he chuckled. "Look at me getting all worked up over things I can't control. Well aside from my level that is."

His eyes flicked tot he brunette who seemed to be returning back tot he table. Gesturing to Hataki with his eyes, Niklaus returned to his slouched position and averted his gaze back to the drippings of the pane. Where are you Rebekah? Are you out there? Fighting for us? Hiding much like I did in the beginning? You just better be alright.  Sighing, he let out a yawn as Hataki returned.

Level 4? Much lower than I had initially assumed. They seem competent at least. Neither of them have managed to get themselves killed and despite what they show on the surface, neither of them would let the other down if it came down to it. Much like my own family and I. Though with recent happenings, I can only cover my own ass as I search for Rebekah. The thoughts seemed to subsided in the brief time they had occupied his mind. Nodding to Hataki, Nik responded. "Always better to be safe than sorry lad."

As Hataki made mention of going to grab drinks, the blonde wasn't sure if that included him or just Hataki and Shira. Either way he'd be making an order soon enough. Suddenly the booth moved a bit as Shira addressed him. She spoke of the inn keeper and her worries about ruining his seats, and how though she didn't want to admit it, Hataki had been in the right to scold her. But in the midst of her confession, she asked Niklaus to refrain from mentioning it. The blonde simply chuckled in response.

"Your secret is safe with me love," he mused. Tousling the strands of his hair that had strayed back to the front, he pushed them back revealing more of his face and allowing the full sight of his crimson colored eyes. "And to answer your inquiry, Level 8. Rather low for my standards I'm afraid."

Fate had a strange way of blessing Niklaus with things in his life. Always wanting to play the giving game, but never seemingly giving him what he wanted. Days like today, seemed to be just that. He still very much wanted to find his dearest sister, but given his inability to do anything worthwhile since his time in Aincrad, he didn't even feel worthy enough to search for her. So rather than grovel in his woes, the blonde decided to partake in the most fundamental of activities the game could offer. A training session. And not just any session, one that would employ the taking down of a field boss known to run rampant in the fields of of the first floor.

However, he would need a small party to accompany him, a thought he wasn't overtly thrilled about. With this in mind, he found himself within the cluster of beings that made up the town square. Standing next to the warp gate, he kept his eyes peeled for potential partners.

Curiosity tugged at his brow, as he raised one in response to Hataki's lecturing of the girl. Well he cares for her that's for sure. Whether or not she reciprocates the feeling is another matter entirely. As he observed, he noticed the slight red tint to Hataki. My my. He definitely likes her. Well I must say, why most people are rather mundane or boring, his interest in her intrigues me. Not that I blame him. Her looks alone could be reason enough I suppose. Then again, her attitude on the surface would have to go. But I digress. Relationships aren't my cup of tea.

The noirette introduced herself as Shira. A name that wasn't all to familiar too him, not that Hataki was either. Looking her over, she didn't seem very high-leveled herself, so her claim earlier seemed boastful at best. Resting his lids, he stared in the direction of the window once more.

"Pleasure to meet you both, I am Niklaus."

A fleeting thought crossed his mind and a rather unplanned outburst ensued.

"What level are you both?"

Order:

Having researched all the active top tier smiths, Niklaus had to choose between The Blazing Typhoon and the Gurando Foji. While he didn't doubt the skills of either, The owner of The Blazing Typhoon had lower prices than that of the of the other and given his lack of Col; the decision was simple enough. Stepping inside, he collected an order form and promptly filled it out. Once he was satisfied with its details, he left it on the counter along with a note.

"I've never shopped here before and as such I am a tad hesitant. I'd like to see your work in action before handing over the funds. If this is fine, I will also give a tip for the inconvenience. ~ Niklaus"

Folding the note over, he exited the shop and awaited word from the smith.

ID: 51678 BD: 8 (6+2) BD: 8 [3 x 4 x 1 = 12 - 4= 8]

In a flash of blue, the blonde was close to the Kobold, that it had little time to react to his next action. A grunt of pain escaped the creature as a knee was brought to its torso. Slightly raising it into the air as it gasped for breath. Niklaus followed the blow with a spinning back kick, completing his sword art <Delayed Sword>, and sending the reptile like mob tumbling into the dirt behind him. However, the creature wouldn't be dismissed so easily. Growling, the Kobold lunged forward, sending its spear directly for his jugular. Narrowly dodging the full blow, Niklaus smirked at the red slit across the side of his neck. "So you do have some fight in you eh?"

Niklaus: 29/32 E: 4/8 [-3 HP][-4 E]

Kobold Trooper: 8/16 D: 3 M: 4 [-8 HP]

ID: 51677 LD: 11 (9+2) BD: 9 [Monster Spawn]

As he placed his foot to lift him up, a ragged grunt caught his attention. Slowly turning around, Niklaus' gaze settled on that of a <Kobold Trooper>. Amusement tugged at the corner of his lips, as he placed the gem in his inventory and placed both hands in his pockets. A crazed grin overtook his features as he slightly raised his head to stare at the monster. "Well go on, be bold young Kobold. I've bee itching to break this skill in." No longer feeling generous, Niklaus lunged forward.

Today had two objectives for the blonde. One involved the acquiring materials while the other served a more purposeful role. Training the Martial Arts skill he had acquired some time ago. These to goals led him to the space he currently occupied. A mini dungeon of sorts it would seem. The cavern ceiling and floor littered with rock spirals protruding from above and below. But that wasn't his focus, but rather the gem materials that could be farmed here. Swiping through the area, a menu materialized. Selecting a few items, his glasses changed as well now there was a wooden clover resting within the inner pocket of his jacket.

Taking a look around, he spotted one of the elusive gems he was to collect. One down, several to go....

ID: 51676 LD: 15 (13+2) [+1 Material]

"Hmm?"

The blondes gaze shifted upwards as a voice broke the solace of silence he was beginning to enjoy. A player had approached him. One that seemed no stronger than himself. His outstretched hand indicating he wasn't looking for trouble but rather companionship to chit chat with until the storm blew over. Grasping the hand, Niklaus gave it a firm shake. His eyes scanning over the player that had taken residence in the seat opposite his own. Satisfied with the thought that this player meant no harm, Niklaus returned his gaze to the pane still trickling with droplets of water. "I would hope its sunny out, then again, I've lost so much time here, that even the current season of the real world would prove difficult for myself."

The pounding of the rain slowly increased outside. A rhythmic thumping that echoed a thousand times over with each pellet of rain that met the floor. The harmony of the falling rain outside seemed majestic, inspiring even. Retrieving a note pad from his inventory, Nik scrawled a few things down on to the tanned parchment before sending i back to where it came. Shifting in his seat, he realized he had still yet to give his own name. "My apologies, Hataki. The names is Nik... Niklaus Mikaelson."

The bell of the inn chimed. Normally the blonde had no reason to detract his sight to the latest inn dweller, but for some reason he glanced up. Surprisingly, by the time he had done so, the player in question had already seated herself among them. She seemed rather acquainted with the Hataki fellow, though he wasn't one to assume. However he wasn't above speculation. Lovers perhaps?, he mused internally.

'Afternoon love," he acknowledged with a small gaze in her direction.

Crimson irises glossed over every inch of the man as he emerged from the forest. From the looks of it, he may even be of lower level than myself. Hmm, it wouldn't have been in his best interest to reveal himself if he was indeed trying to kill me. Then again, he may just be trying to lower my guard. I'll keep my eyes peeled nonetheless. 

Releasing a pent up exhale, the blonde closed his eyes and went back to tracing the trunk of the tree. "You're meanderings will get you killed if that is how you approach potential threats, Kranzer." Adjusting his frames, Niklaus focused his gaze back on the twisted root. "You are free to stay if you wish. I have no intent of causing you harm. I wish to only gather some materials before heading home. Due note, that any attempts on my life, however; will result in a death for you." 

The words rolled of the edge of his tongue as a wicked grin crept along his features. Whether he could back the claim wasn't up for debate, he just made his concern blatantly clear and anything results in that concern being broken, will require action.

Earning a living, while initially served to grant players a profession, an additional taking of the quest seems to yield materials for the player. Using this information, Niklaus edged himself out his shop door. He'd need to collect some more materials if he was to continue crafting any time soon.

Breaking away from the confines of the settlement, he found himself surrounded by trees and waving grass. The idea place for him to look for materials. Raising a hand to the splintered wood, he traced the lines whizzing around the gnarled trunk in hoped of being able to find something worthwhile.

SNAP

Rising slowly, Niklaus gazed through the thicket. "Well go on, introduce yourself!"

Rain. A form of weather that seemed to be more irritating to the blond than anything. Half-lidded eyes stared into the foggy water painted panes as the heavy drizzle pounded the cobble roads outside. His gaze went beyond the drops that raced down the glass. Focusing on the fields that seemed to beckon to him even in this weather. While not a stranger to the world of being drenched, the feeling was uncomfortable enough to keep him in doors. With a glance to the reflection in the window, he rationalized that it kept those within the tavern inside as well. Shifting his gaze to those around him, Niklaus swiveled around in his booth to the crowded player space. Despite this crowded-ness, he found himself alone. Not that he didn't mind the time to think, however; the loner shtick could only last so long.

Name: Frames of Clarity
Your Profession: Artisan
Rank: 3
ID: 51632
Roll: 11 [10+1]
Item Type: Lucky Charm
Tier: 1
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: +2 Accuracy
Description: A pair of thin wired frames.

Name: Clover of Luckiness
Your Profession: Artisan
Rank: 3
ID: 51633
Roll: 11 [10+1]
Item Type: Miniature Masterpiece
Tier: 1
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: +2 Loot Die
Description: A wooden carving of a four leaf clover.

Name: Bag O' Money
Your Profession: Artisan
Rank: 3
ID: 51634
Roll: 9 [8+1]
Item Type: Trinket
Tier: 1
Quality: Uncommon
Enhancements: +1 Prosperity
Description: A wooden carving of a pot of gold.

March 16- 

Niklaus analyzed the metal and glass based materials that littered the translucent counter tops at his disposal. A pair of frames to increase my accuracy wouldn't be too far out of the question I suppose. Though the tedious work of crafting them in real life is far superior to what I have here. Which is just a simple tap hear and there. A sigh escaped between pursed lips as the blond settled into his chair and set the materials up to be crafted. Placing a scope over the frames, Niklaus brought his crafting tool to it's edge before lightly tapping a few times. He repeated this motion twice more before stopping to check his work.

ID: 51632 CD: 11 [10+1] [Rare] [+5 EXP]

ID: 51633 CD: 11 [10+1] [Rare] [+5 EXP]

ID: 51634 CD: 9 [8+1] [Uncommon] [+3 EXP]

-3 Materials, 0 Materials Left.

+13 EXP, 56/80 (Rank 4)

"Ahh there you are. As for my sister, that matter can be handled at another time." If I let him call her she might think somethings up and she can't know of my presence just yet. Nik whipped around to see what the younger player was babbling about. All that ruckus over a material. What is with this kid? Klaus glanced around for some materials. He figured the sooner he found the stuff the better.

[15571] LD: 7

His search yielded no better results than Zeri. "Keep searching. There's gotta be something around here somewhere."

[15308] LD: 14

As I thought. Now I just have to locate her. But it will be a lot easier now. As for this Zeri character let's make this quick. I have business to attend to. Luckily Nik didn't have to wait long, since the boy ran off to search for materials. I guess I should help to speed up the process. 

Niklaus exited the safe zone and headed for the fields. He kept his eyes peeled for wooden materials that could be foraged. The fields were barren however. Where'd the brat run off to? "Zeri?!?!"

Eh he's one of those eager types. Though if I can gain some type of loyalty from him, his intel could prove invaluable. He's also emotional it seems. "Alright. I'll help you out. And to think she's been there for more or less the whole time. You mentioned a guild. It wouldn't happen to be Square One would it?" I had my hunches. This just proves it. As far as being an Artisan goes he'll need a few supplies. 

"To become an Artisan, you'll need a paint brush, paint and a canvas. You can have these items made if you gather the materials. Once gathered, return them to an information broker who knows about the quest and you should be able to become an Artisan from there." Nik glared at the boy. Then stretched out a hand. "Let's go, while the day is still young."

"I only know of one active artisan and it is myself. As far as willing to teach goes... I suppose I can teach you in the ways of paint and sculpting as those are my preferred methods." Nik raised another eyebrow at the boys next inquiry. "If you must know, she is my sister. And that alone is enough reason why it is imperative that I find her." Zeri ? An awfully weird name. Sadly it seems we are on the same level in terms of strength so killing him would be prove more difficult than it's worth. Furthermore he may still have information regarding her whereabouts.

"I also already knew she could be between the first couple of floors. If you could remember exactly which floor, it would be much more appreciated." Klaus stepped back, and looked the player over, then closed his eyes and spoke. "So what exactly do you need my help with?"