Astraeus

Astraeus' hair flicked upwards along with his body as he came crashing back down towards the ground as he was unsure of what just happened. Her movements were a blur before he could find out what was going on. Dagger in hand, he backed away slowly as he attempted to stand up and stumbled, her radiant prowess showing more and more vibrant animosity as the battle dragged on. He was not used to this sort of combat, he was more of a wit vs wit kind of guy, but he admired the ability to do the dirty deed.

"Well done..." he said finally on his feet, his gloved hands pushing away saliva mixed with simulated blood from the corner of his mouth and smeared it, "But this is child's play...don't you think? Our lives are not on the line, but I wouldn't want it that way. You are far more valuable to me alive then you are dead. Maybe one day, I will share with you my ingenious plan I have for this world. Until then...I'll rip you asunder!" He charged from the short distance, he blade hand going up across her flesh but her ferocity was putting her on a new level of experience than he was, she was in the zone and well...Astra was making a fool of himself as he was to the boar. She was easily able to deflect his attack, the short distance from each other...she could strike him down here and now if her momentum kept true.

==

ID: 27725

BD: 5 [Miss]

Aramail: 8/11 (3 till loss)

Astra: 10/15 (3 till loss)

There was seduction in her masochism that Astra found to be a breath of fresh air in this game of mishap troglodytes. Her barbaric nature might just be the thing he needed for his goals down the line, the sweet thought clung to him like whiteness on snow. His deep set eyes on her as she was pained from the deliberate blow to her stomach, almost ripped open by the gouge of his basic dagger. Astra couldn't help but laugh, there was a beautiful sickness to her words and he seemed almost turned on by her words. She came in for a strike, her fist coming in like the wind expecting to be pounded into the dirt. Astra had only to simply step backwards with his right foot and lean back to see that her fist had come up short. With his dagger in his hand, the metal object poised to thrust upwards as she was backing away as she finished her comment. As his dagger went upwards, she was already long gone from his melee combat. Cursing under his breath, he twisted on his foot and slid to a stop as his momentum ended, "Slippery little girl." he said shrugging his shoulders, "No matter, when you get close to me again, I'll have you feel the prick of my dagger across that soft squishy flesh of yours," his eyes narrowed with a closed smile. Intoxicating euphoria of combat, the thrill of slipping his dagger into her flesh...the gratification afterwards. 

===

ID: 27701

BD: 1 [Critical Miss]

Aramail: 8/11 (3 till loss)

Astra: 12/15 (5 till loss)

Smirking to himself, he flipped the long platinum locks of hair from off his shoulders and gave a cocky laugh. His brilliant blue eyes caught glimpse of the female, there was a sort of anxiety pressed to his heart. She actually might connect. Readying his blade to parry or defend, Astra pressed the dagger towards her was caught in her quick leg work. The leggy woman moved with fluid and grace as he seemed to stumble from her starting combo. Dancing and wobbling around, a bright flash of white shot across his eyes as he was pummeled in the side of his face. His head snapped around as his body twirled once before he skid to a stop in the grass taking some damage. He slowly got up to his, his long hair brushed over his eyes as he got up to his feet, his dagger twitching in his hand ready to carve some scars on that woman. He flicked his head back, a crazy looking smile on his face.

The dagger spun in his hand and he tore the grass beneath his feet. His eyes glinted like a psychotic player killer as he ducked in and thrust his blade into her belly, there was enough force to push her away from him after taking double the damage from the shot. He let out a cackling laugh as he turned to her once more, "Come on, I want some more of that hot action..."

((Take as much time as you want! No rush! :D))

===

ID: 27611

BD: 9 [Critical Success] +2 Dmg

Aramail: 8/11 (3 till loss)

Astra: 12/15 (5 till loss)

Astra felt good about his latest recording and set it aside for use later. Still with his mandolin and sitting on his stool. He started to strum along, his fingers on the strings as he plucked the notes while the recording crystal danced around him. There was a series of distortions in the cube when Astra finished recording, he thought he fabricated the room well enough for great musical composition but he guessed it wasn't enough.

He didn't want to waste a material, so he attempted to poke and prod the recording crystal to see if he could delete the annoying his of a recording. With enough luck, he was able to do just that and salvaged his material.

~~~~

ID: 27602

CD: 7 Bad item (Possible to erase song on a 15+ loot die result) +1 EXP

LD: 20

Materials: 8/9

Name: Hyperbolic Melodic Beast Caller

Your Profession: Performer

Your Rank: Rank 1

ID: 27598

Roll: 10

Item Type: Attraction Song

Quality: Uncommon

Enhancements:  These monsters give you a +1 on the LD when killed if they meet loot requirements

Description: The solo mandolin draws out a single monster that seems to be enchanted by the music. It has a melodic, yet speedy strum pattern to it.

After he set up his shop, Astraeus was determined to get his rank up. He walked towards the forbidden part of the store, the sign clearly stating: "DO NOT ENTER" on a massive sound proof door. Having the right to enter the location as he was the owner, Astra found himself in his little recording studio and with 9 blank crystals at his disposal. With two crafts a day for his rank, he set down on a stool and picking up his prized mandolin, he set forth on recording a song using one of the materials. As the object floated around him, the acoustics in the room seem to give his mandolin a crisp and warm sound.  

~~~

ID: 27598

CD: 10 [Uncommon, Monster Call, +3 EXP]

8/9 Materials

The bold and colorful banner is set outside a top of a ornate building with sculpted musical notes embedded into the walls. With a multitude of colorful looking flags that blow in the wind, the door is stained glass window with a single handle, however it seems the knob gets stuck quite often to those who want to open it. The inside is decorated with a red carpeting, the walls show musical notation as you move around the finally decorated, yet mostly empty desks. There does not seem to be anything for sale in the shop, but there appears to be another passage way that is blocked off and a sign stating: DO NOT ENTER! in big, bold words. Beyond that passage way is the recording area that has been outfitted to bring out the best of the best in musical ingenuity. For now there is a sign on the door that says: Closed

Current Performers Rank: 1 [13/30]

2 Crafts a Day

►The CD Result Chart (Rank 1)

 
[1] = Critical failure (Cannot erase song from recording crystal)
[2-4] = Fail (Cannot erase song from the recording crystal)
[5-7] = Bad item (Possible to erase song on a 15+ loot die result)
[8-9] = Good item  
[10] = Uncommon item (1 enhancement slot)

[11] = Rare item (2 enhancement slots)

[12] = Perfect item (3 enhancement slots)

Epic Fail, Fail, and Bad Item: 1 EXP

Good Item: 2 EXP

Uncommon Item: 3 EXP

Rare Item: 5 EXP

Perfect Item: 8 EXP

 

Rank 1: 0 EXP (2 Crafts per day)
Rank 2: 40 EXP (4 Crafts per day)
Rank 3: 160 EXP (6 Crafts per day)
Rank 4: 640 EXP (8 Crafts per day)
Rank 5: 2560 EXP (10 Crafts per day)

 Items for Sale:

Hyperbolic Melodic Beast Caller [Uncommon, +1LD upon Death of Monster] 200 Col or 2 Mats

Services for Sale:

Weddings and Gala Events: Rank * 200 Col

Boss Battles: Send PM

Party Support: Floor Level * 25 Col

More will be Added

"Fighting? Wolves?" he asked behind her following every step she made, he scrunched his face and looked around, "Well!! I guess it would not be an adventure if we didn't have a little action here and there...." his voice trailed off, that damnable Boar still haunting him like nightmares. He shuddered lightly at the thought and swept it from his mind, "Well, I have indeed fought before here...in this world, against one boar. After that, you can say my experience in combat is next to nil. I don't have any weapon proficiency skills...But I do have Sneak and Hide! Though I am not sure how that might work with two people. No worries though, we are a pair of doves! Never leaving the other! Haha!" 

He laughed and clapped to himself in his whimsical ways and skipped to every other beat landing softly with each step, "How about you little Glory Flower? Are you gonna protect me from the Big Bad Wolf?" He said smiling, "If not, you will be tossed to them and savagely ripped apart to save my own hide," his thoughts grew darker, he would not allow a Boar to take his life, and certainly not allow a wolf the privy either. Just in case however, he produced his basic dagger from it's sheath around his waist, "Can never be too careful~"

As he ventured inside, he was tired. It had been a productive day for the Traveling Musician, and now Professionally a Performer as well. He went to his room, a small quaint little hovel, not much for a King, but a peasant something he was far from, but he had to keep this little charade going on for a little longer. His blue eyes sank into their sockets when he sat down on the bed, twisted his body and fell into the blankets. Using the menu, he got into his PJ pants, and removed his shirt revealing a modest small frame. His eyes closed and he twisted in his bed to get comfortable, finally deciding on a fetal position.He yawned once and his saggy eyes fluttered open and close.

"Kings and Emperors...fools and pawns."

====

Rewards:

+2 SP [+1 for 1 Page Completion, +1 for Quest Reward]

+400 Col

Ability to open a Shop

Performer Profession/ Title + Basic Instrument [Mandolin]

Extra materials (rolled by GM with Loot Die upon topic completion)

Thomas smiled and took Astra by the hand, the walk home was pretty silent until he questioned Astra's performance, "I never heard you sing like that before. Normally your songs are really inspiring and light filled. I guess its different when you are singing to grown ups. But I think that is good! You are certainly different Astra!"

The Mandolin Player nodded with a smile and laughed, "Yes. I suppose I do use a different formula when I am singing to an adult audience. When I sing to you kids, its a little different. You shouldn't be subjugated to the dark world of my songs. You little ones need bright, cheery music!"

Thomas nodded as Astra swung his hand explaining the way he sings to the children, Thomas was silent till they got to the front door and Astra opened it up, "Like I said, it's time for bed. Hurry up now..."

"Wait! Astra! I know...you are trying to protect us with the being kind and gentle...But the world isn't really like that, is it? That's why you sing with a much darker passion to the adults, its like a warning for us all. But thank you for looking out for us! Goodnight!"

Thomas sped back into the house and the door closed behind him, Astra looked down, a melancholy expression. He shifted his weight and tossed the long platinum hair off his shoulders, that damn brat...making him feel like that. He turned to look up at the sky, the moon seemed to be mocking him. He cursed lightly under his breath. Today was supposed to be a good day, he finally became a Performer, that was one notch on his belt that needed to be done but he wasn't expecting Thomas to bring his spirits down, all that talk about warning people...As if. He could care less for these drones, they were all part of his play, puppets for him to do as he wishes. He'll get there eventually, and one day they will be bowing to the King.

Astra cleared his throat, there was a small audience looking up at him as he stood by a fountain holding his newly made Mandolin. The crowd of people were quiet, some of them were fans, others who resided on other floors never met him and seeing him for the first time. He scanned the area, Thomas was sitting on the ground clapping his hands for the newly tested Performer. Eyes on him, he smiled.

"Now, I am just a lowly novice in the creation of musical pieces. I have used others work in place of my own, and for the first time tonight you shall hear and original! Good or bad...for you to decide. I give you...EnGarde Sonata~"

Relaxing his pose, the strap of the mandolin wrapped snuggle over his shoulder as he held the light instrument in his hands. Delicate fingers were placed on the strings as his picking hand came to. Taking a deep breath he started to count down a beat with his foot and slowly he started to strum. The music filled the air with his romantic tune as it lifted through the wandering people's spirits guiding them over to him. His blue eyes set on the fretboard of the instrument as his digits carefully maneuvered over the doublet strings. The strumming was a little peculiar as the in game mechanic was helping him with this skill. His foot continued to tap and his lips parted for him to sing.

"May I hold you until eternity corrodes?

Say it again, "I Love You" are the words that will erode

And I feel this lunar night, entwined these burned out souls

Do we Cross the fate that gives us control?

 ...

Such is the life of a betrayed heart in dark times 

Are you but a ghost engraved inside my hollow mind?

Bound by imperfection, a chance of love that life flows

Foolish love that we speak, never do the words echo~~"

His fingers strummed over the instrument picking them lightly as he continued his song. The lyrics were much darker than people had thought, but this was the side of Astra they knew. He had such passion in his dark music, but it made it beautifully enchanting all the same. His eyes looked over the audience as the speed of his music picked up, there would be more singing as he would grace their ears with the pleasant sound of his voice.

"Are we now so distant, that these eyes must behold

As you look at me with feelings that are now dead and cold

Needless to say, memories you kept locked entombed

Fading from the foot steps of a graveyard you call home

...

Back to the time cherished by love, the love we gave

Fragile is the heart, broken by years of decay

Sat in silence by your desolate tomb I cry out and wish for you

Madness closed my mind from a world with out you."

The haunting lyrics along with the phantom like plucking of the instrument sent cold shivers down the spines of the audience as they eagerly awaited more from the youthful and yet dark lyricist. His soft blue eyes were closed, his instrument becoming an extension of his soul as he played out to them. His digits rolled over the strings, intricate patterns to create harmonic chords along with this style of music. Who knew the mandolin could be played in such a way? As they were silently watching him, they anticipated the ending and to what it would reveal in his song.

"Such is the life of a betrayed heart in dark times 

Are you but a ghost engraved inside my hollow mind?

Bound by imperfection, a chance of love that life flows

Foolish love that we speak, never do the words echo

Back to the time cherished by love, the love we gave

Fragile is the heart, broken by years of decay

Sanity reaches out and threatens my world built of lies

My eyes are open, and I know you have died~~"

He stopped immediately as soon as the last line was finished, ending his new song. There was but silence from the crowd, nothing even of a whisper. Thomas who seemed distant didn't know what to think of his music, was that even him playing it? Astra opened his mouth to saying something, but then there was a clap from the back and then another. Slowly everyone chimed in and congratulated the Performer. Astra bowed deeply and shook hands with the others who passed by. 

"Come on, Thomas. Time to go home."

-BURP- "Ugh! How revolting...I didn't think it'd be possible to have gas in an online game. Ugh, should not have gone with the extra spicy sauce. My poor, poor intestines..." Back at what he called a home in the Orphanage House, Astra had finished his late night meal and was waiting for the NPC to finish his instrument. Time was going by slowly for him as the anticipation was mounting over his neck as he watched the time dwindle down into the evening hours. Getting up from his seat there was a little boy yawning as he was coming down the stairs.

"Thomas, it's late. You should be in bed."

"What are you doing up?"

"I'm just finishing up my meal, and waiting for a quest to resolve my instrument."

"That's right! You are going to be a Performer! Oooh!! Oooh! PLEASE ASTRA!! PLEASE LET ME COME WITH YOU!!??"

The boy darted for Astra's leg and hugged it tight, the Traveling Performer gave a small yelp in shock as he latched on to his leg, "Ughh!! Off! Off! Thomas! Don't make me err aggh!" Astra fell over as he stumbled backwards, the boy still latched to his leg pleading eyes looking up at him. With a defeated look, Astra reluctantly gave in. What harm could it be? Nodding, the boy got up and allowed Astra to stand on his feet once more. His blue eyes darted for the door, "Alright Thomas. But once we are done, its back to bed with you!"

With the agreement they set off into the night, Thomas was maybe thirteen or so in age, dusty brown hair and a young boy look. He admired Astra though, he seemed to be interested in the adult, but that's only reasonable, Astra was awesome to begin with. As they walked down the street, the luthier Scoffna seemed pleased with the creation of her instrument as the event triggered.

"Hello Performer! I have your instrument finished, a fine and dandy Mandolin for you to quest with! With the coming close of this quest, you may set up a shop and sell your recordings should you have Recording Crystals at hand. I am sure there are shops out there that you can buy from as well. So congratulations, Player! On becoming a Performer!"

There was a small display of miniature fireworks as normal players gathered round and clapped their hands at Astra. They knew about him from name and face, it was hard to forget a guy like him once you have met him. With the cheers and applaud, Astraeus was given his instrument which he quickly equipped, and held in his hand.

"Ohh! Astra! Play us a song! Your first one as a Performer!"

"Oh? Indeed. I suppose I could...let's find a place..."

He stepped outside chewing on his finger while deep in thought. He hadn't noticed the once warm and gentle sun was passing over the horizon and setting giving the sky a flame like cloak. His eyes rested to drink in the remnants of warmth from the sun, soon the candles will be burning and the torch lights in the streets will be ignited. He should hurry and finish this quest before the shops close up. He looked to the menu once more and to his map, looking at the legend, he found many luthiers in the region. Wait, the materials were collected, perhaps going back to the origin of his Profession...that Scoffna character? Perhaps they could craft his instrument.

The distance was not so far off and that was perfect since he was tired from the day already. This quest was taking longer than he wanted it to, but the experience was above rewarding and to finally have an instrument of his own...he cherished the thought before making way back to the Quest Marker. His feet on the cement seemed to resonate deeply around him, like heels on the boardwalk as he made his way to the destination. The NPC in question, Scoffna...still an awkward name to look at and say was standing by waving him over.

"Seems like you are finished with all your tasks. Congratulations on becoming a Performer! All that needs to be done is creating your instrument. Now, the materials you collected will make your item look basic, no matter which options you chose. But don't be concerned about that, you can eventually upgrade your instrument with skins and vanity appeal as you rank up in your Profession. Now then! Hand me the materials and I'll begin working on your instrument; The Mandolin. Come back in an hour and it shall be ready!"

There was no need to reply, Astra handed over the materials to Scoffna and had an hour to kill. The Quest Completion was still pending. He rolled his blue eyes, perhaps he can find a bite to eat.

More walking...why isn't there cars? Or at least horse drawn buggies in town for this sort of thing? Aincrad was lavishly large and everywhere you wanted to go took a ridiculous amount of time. Sighing and giving up, he shrugged his shoulders and his dainty figure strolled through the massive streets. It was dinner time for most folks in Aincrad it seemed and the rush of people coming and going made the streets thick with people. Dodging and almost being bowled over by many players, he weaved through them without much difficulty and ended up on the other side of the market district...finally.

With almost weeping like eyes, Astra pushed the double doors open to the shop. This resource collecting was becoming a massive drag, but it had to get done. His light blue eyes peered over to the NPC, "Can I help you with something?"

"I'm on the last leg of my Profession Quest and I need strings to make my Mandolin," Astra replied, trying to give as much detail as he could for the NPC. The stranger eyed him and scratched his chin, "Strings you say? Strings...strings...yes. Come this way, I have a fine selection you might be interested in."

He followed the shop keeper to a remote portion of the store, they all seemed to do this...it was somewhat creepy. Shaking of the thoughts, Astra looked at the display of strings that were set out before him. A description for each was available as well as a sample not on each stringed instrument in the game. He looked them over, the base of the mandolin was going to be a deep ebony sort of color, so maybe something in contrast to that would liven it up a bit for the colorful sound of the instrument. He noticed a fragile set of red, orange and yellow strings. The description said: Phoenix Feather, but there was no sound sample accompanied with it. Odd, he selected the Phoenix Feather and the shop keeper handed him the set free of charge. Two materials down.

"You just need to find yourself a luthier now. There are many in the area, you can even visit a player run shop if that tickles your fancy. Good luck!"

Scrolling through the contents, he needed a few objects in order to make his musical instrument; the Mandolin. Just the thought of owning one made music in his heart. The soon to be musical performer, Astra, walked back into the safety of Starting City and looked at the materials he needed for the make of his instrument. First off he required wood, this was actually found in the city itself which was a nice change of pace from going out in the fields, hunkering over a piece of lumber. His eyes scanned the area for the wood shop, and he walked in circles or what appeared to feel like an hour. When he finally arrived he could see all kinds of wooden tinker toys sprawled out in display. He opened the shop door and was greeted by the NPC.

"I'm looking for wood for the creation of an instrument."

"And the instrument in question?"

"Mandolin."

The shop keeper nodded. And had Astra follow him to the corner side of the store for quest items. He displayed on his counter several different kinds of woods each of them having their own description and an example sound it would be made with. However, this sound or note could be altered with the use of the other materials. In the end, it was all just for vanity and looks...or so Astra had thought. He picked a darker looking wood from the display and was handed to him. There was no cost for the wood, which meant Astra was able to keep what little Col he had on him. Thanking the NPC, he placed the piece of lumber in his inventory and sallied forth to his next destination; the strings...

As soon as his left foot landed in the trigger zone, the NPC's health had almost been drained. The flute fumbled in his hands when he noticed that and started to grieve on the mistake, and he would cry if he had to restart this abysmal task all over again. The boy needed to be healed, he was using a dagger and had very little armor on...if any at all. His body was bruised and dirtied, his jet black hair was a mess and he seemed to be exhausted moving in and out of range of combat. He took another hit, HP in the red now. 

Gritting his teeth, this lesson was taught to be under pressure and how to quickly react so your so called allies were not killed in battle. His eyes rolled in a whatever manner and he placed the flute to his lips once more. His eyes on the NPC as his tune started, delicate fingers placed over the melodic hole of the flute started to escape into the air as the music started to play and swirl with the wind. Once more his shiny silver hair escaped his body as it bristled into the wind. The wild boar was coming on strong against the dagger wielding fighter. Soon the HP bar was slowly being revitalized and the heal was going through. A parry here, a thrust there, the boar going down for the count. Just a little more and Plonk, the boar fell on its side and shattered into digital matter.

Twirling the flute in his hand as he did a victory stance, Astra was greeted by the NPC and took a step back from being touched. A friendly wave was given instead and that ended the last task of the fourth quest. Turning on the ball of his foot, the Traveling Performer took a few steps back into the safe zone where he greeted the quest NPC.

"Looks like you had great success in using your instrument to help your allies. The Performer may seem like a fragile character in the back row, but their tunes, dance and song make up for what they lack in strength. I congratulate you on you fourth task! One more to go and you will have achieved Performer Profession! Now, you may chose an instrument that is closets to you. You have played a variety during your quest, chose one and create your very own unique instrument you may take with you on the rest of your journey. Depending on the instrument you chose, you will need to hunt for the materials to create it. You have a list in the quest description. Good luck, Performer!"

Finally...he was a step closer to becoming a True Performer. His eyes scanned the menu quickly, what did he enjoy most of all? The violin was a person favorite of his...but there was an instrument he did not get to use in this quest and it struck him as a fancy little piece of equipment as well. Scrolling through the list he found it!

"Yes! That is perfect! The mandolin!"

The next segment looked like a sword and board type of player. He held a short sword in one hand and a shield in the other, his quick attacks were getting through but the Boar didn't seem to be taking any damage as his HP Bar was increasing every third turn. Astra scratched his head with a manicured nail, so what was the problem here? His attacks were connecting, but his damage was abysmal...so was that sword he was equipped with. His shield acted as a defense mechanic alone...so he needed to come up with a tune that would raise the damage modifier of his attacks. This could be done, now just the right tune.

"Alright, you keep that boar at bay my friend, I shall give you a boost to your damage so you can slice and dice yourself to victory. Let us begin! Three! Two! One! Let's go!"

High pitched resonance echoed in the grasslands, the nature of the music was upbeat and cheery, something Astra needed to practice on. But for a damage modifying tune, he thought something that would be robust and engaging would raise the morale of the troop and increase his stat. The tune did uplift the mighty sword warrior, his gallant single handed strikes came down swiftly like a raging storm as he diced and minced his foe. The boar sluggishly moving down and its HP Bar becoming depleted was running out of options and there was no escape. A sizzling strike to the boars left side ended the battle and Astra had finished his tune and exceeded in his second task. Another thankful NPC with a handshake sealed the deal...Astra who was still miffed from his shoulder being touched by the last Trog, dusted his hands free of the pseudo grime and looked to the last station of his fourth task. Tapping the flute against his right hip, he marched with victory in his shining blue eyes.

To the far left side of the grassy knoll was a spear-man, thrusting about at a wild boar as his HP seemed to be filled up, but he was missing like crazy. Every lance, every thrust, seemed to miss its target. He look exhausted and was clearly not doing well, he finally got hit and HP bar slackened a bit. "Ouch!" Astra thought as he watched the NPC take a tumble. Getting up, spear in hand he once more began his assault. It seemed like his accuracy was a bit lacking. He thought of a tune to play with his flute, and nodded. He knew just the one...

Placing the mouthpiece to his lips, bending his arms and tapping his feet, he counted in his head a simple beat. The music started to harmonize as the wind blew by him, his long platinum colored hair seemed to whip to the right as it blew from the left. His blue eyes open as he maintained a vigilante eye on the NPC's health. He would help bring up the accuracy of the spear-man by a point so he could successfully strike the boar. The tune was light and airy, his fingers held position of the holes of the flute while he continued to tap his foot in the thick green grass. The NPC turned his head and seemed to enjoy the instrumentation of the flute and the melody of the instrument. He was able to listen long enough for the stat to increase, his next attack landed a critical blow to the boar and down it went. Jumping up in the air with his fist up, he thanked Astra for the help and patted him on the shoulder. The Performer nodded his head and dusted his shoulder off from the grody touch, even though it was just an NPC. He looked to his right...two more to go.

His eye twitched, his lips curved into a squiggle, the sweatdrop animation appeared...he was looking at a field of boars. BOARS! He took a step back, surely...they didn't think he was gonna sing Boars to sleep...did they? He looked around for the quest marker and sighed finding a station that spawned in the safe zone. He walked slowly, begrudging over the fact he might have to enter combat. He was performer, not...a barbaric oaf. He arrived at his destination and listened to the task giver.

"Welcome! It seems you have two tasks to do here. As a Performer it is recommended that you understand what your abilities can do in battle for yourself and your allies. In just a few moments, NPCs will be spawning in the area fighting wild boar! Don't worry, they will keep the aggro on themselves, all you have to do is use the right ability in the right situation. You will be given a choice of instrument to use for this scenario, and you are to do what you can to keep your troops alive, healthy and fighting! Good luck!"

The NPC was overly cheery for Astraeus, but alas...at least he would not have to do any REAL fighting. Such a barbaric action was not dignified for such a high class citizen as himself. Understand the rules of the quest, he picked the flute as his instrument of choice, basic in its nature with a brass lacquer finish. Stepping out of the safe zone, he stepped into the grassy field and awaited for the spawns to show up. One by one, three of them gathered in a small little area where he recognized the NPCs by their icons over their heads. Nodding his head, "Let's get this done...shall we?" he spoke to himself.

"Your presence is the morning
Your absence is the night
I'm searching your dark hallways
Trying to find the light
Swimming your sad ocean
I'm drowning in your sea
This will all be over soon
And we'll learn to live again~"

The song was filled with a robust nature, decorated in the chimes of perfect harmonies and vocals displayed by the performer. Now, had Astra had this Profession under his belt he could have really made something worth while. Until then, he had to act on his pure ability and while the vocal range was within reason, he swore to himself on a few parts he felt were dry...or not so tight with the rhythm. Once more his body followed

"And I!!, I could have died last night
But I heard the voice of a smaller god
And I!!, I could have died last night
But I heard the voice of a smaller god~~
 

In the evening stars I see your eyes
I hear you speak to me
I miss you now so much it aches
So broken so af-RAID!!"

The delicate softness of his voice broke out showing the range of his vocal capabilities, an astounding and pleasing sound when he went to that next plateau in his performance as his hand gestures swung around and touches his chest lightly. He wanted the people to feel the music as it touched him, he wanted them to experience the beauty as he gave it wings and flight. They seemed to be enjoying it, a few feet tapping on the ground...Some digits drumming along the tables.

"And I!!!, I could have died last night
But I heard the voice of a smaller god
And I!!!, I could have died last night
But I heard the voice of a smaller god~~~~~"

The song faded out towards the end as Astra was left on stage, he waved to the audience that he stole the hearts of and made a sweeping bow. His small frame bowed deeply and he walked off the stage as people resumed their normal conversations. Taking a seat by the bar, he held up a finger, the nails perfectly manicured as a glass of red wine was produced to him. The performance took it out of him, and he smiled as he talked amongst the common folk, holding that glass of red wine delicately between two fingers.

He bowed once more before the beautiful audience, violin in one hand and the bow in the other. He bowed once more in the other direction and then hopped down from his little stage. The instrument disappeared from his hand as he saw the task was now completed. He sighed after finishing the quest speech with the NPC and hurried on his way out of the door. He enjoyed playing the violin, it was such an amazing creation and instrument, unfortunatly he was unable to fully utilize it to the best of his ability. Perhaps one day he could.

Stepping outside once more he looked back into his menu and brought up the map. His eyes scanned for quest markers and found one to be closer towards the city entrance. A quizzical look, he thought that would be the next place to go, or well...the only place he could go. There was nothing else showing up on his map that depicted the continuation of his Profession Quests. Once more with a pip in his step, three tasks down, two to go, he was ready for anything...! ANY. THING!

...

Or so he thought...

Astra waited, the back of his hand resting on his hip with the bow in his hand. His eyes looked back at his foe, there was a smug look on his face as he seemed to be tuning his instrument. Astra looked down at the basic violin in his other hand, lifted it and set it to his shoulder. It was a comfortable fit and there now was a countdown on the HUD. It was time to get serious. As the countdown was winding down, Astra took in a deep breath and held it for a moment before slowly exhaling. His blue eyes were like twinkling stars as he placed the bow down on the strings.

The NPC stole the opening act, Astra gritting his teeth thought he was able to get the first note in but had to wait for his turn. Another countdown, three, two, one...He quickly started to play with an articulate fashion. His form was fluid but strong, his eyes closed as he moved his body with the sound of the instrument. The crowd seemed to move closer to him as he played euphorically to the audience, a cocky smile now appearing as he lowered his body like a wave and up he came swaying his hips back and forth. The music filled the room as if to uplift the spirit and to drown out any care of the world. It sent a positive attitude into the room and it was something Astra had not thought would happen. Taking a side glance, it seemed the NPC was keeping a watchful eye, soon his time would be up.

The NPC finally got his turn, a shorter sequence after the crowd seemed to be in Astraeus' favor. He watched once tapping his foot to the harmony and when it was his turn, he stole the spotlight and came out with shattering resonance of his instrument. He made it scream to life in an intoxicating and warm way, as if the violin itself was alive! The people flourished towards him once more captured by the incredible presence he was giving out like something of a musical aura. His smiled beamed and his bright blues turned as he finished with a sweep of the bow. There was dead silence followed by a rowdy round of applause for the musicians. His Rate Bar was maxed out and it seemed he had won the violinist challenge.

"Ahh! Hello and welcome! You must be here for the Performer's Quest. I shall give you your next challenge! You will be given a violin to use during your next performance. You may chose whatever song that tickles your fancy...However, you will have a challenger as well fighting for the Grand Applause at the end. Out perform the Challenger and the task will be complete!"

Astra was biting down on one of his manicured nails as he nodded and was given a very basic looking violin, it didn't even seem to be fully finished. As he was checking out the placement of the strings and the bow, another NPC as wild looking as he strolled up to him. He looked Astra in the eyes and smiled, but it was so fake...he would know, because Astra always wore a fake smile. He knew what BS smelt like... scoffing, they both each were asked to move to their designated pedestals. Standing on his little platform Astraeus looked at his opponent and smiled reassuringly as he was going to be the victor and outplay the peacock looking NPC.

SO! Scene 1 was a success in my books. I am not sure how many people actually read other people's RPs, but I am looking for a certain individual to RP with that will help lay out my plans for World Domination. You are probably thinking that it can't happen, or it won't happen. But its thought like that, that make me WANT to do it. Just to see if I can. My character Astra is very manipulative, selfish, but he does not show that side ever to anyone. He shows a more genuine appearance of actually wanting to help people and get them back on their feet. This is typically true of his ultimate plan, but with a bit more Bite.

Anywho. This individual must be 100% in agreement of all terms that Astra sets forth and this may cause chaos and anarchy down the line...especially when involved with Boss Fights. If you are an Assassin Type, this is even better. However, these plans of mine will be gently laid out over time, but the ultimate goal is two tier: 1) Stop the Assault Teams from Finishing SAO through means of PKing, deceit, manipulation or whatever other devious forms. And 2) To help Astra achieve a sort of status that will name him King Of Aincrad! Think of it like how Palpatine assumed the mantle of power in Star Wars...Yeah, I just went there...referencing Star Wars. @_@ [In hindsight, I am looking for my Darth Vader/ Anakin Skywalker]

STOP LAUGHING!!! OK! So, if there is more than one individual interested in this scenario...then, by all means, let me know. This particular RP Thread will just be the start of getting to know each other and knowing Astra's true plans and what his vision of Aincrad should be like. There are other ways to achieve the above, but ultimately...Astra is a power hungry individual and just wants everything to be his...I know, you are thinking I am crazy...But I love playing the Villain...it makes my heart happy.

Anywho...anyone interested? :D

Two tasks completed he thought mentally. He looked once more at his map, his eyes traveling back towards the other direction where the other pub was located. Once more he took flight to the opposite side of the city. He was called out by a few friends as he stopped for a chat, explaining to them he was doing his Profession Quest. The chit chat did not last very long, they were just resting up before going back out to level up some more. He was envious of those players, being out and about in the fields, but all the same...he would not risk his life, the mere thought of that boar again crossing his mind. He shuttered and continued his little march down the beaten path. The soft glow of his eyes came up to a quaint little corner building, there seemed like a fine selection of violins on display, perhaps he would be able to play one of them to an audience. He adored the violin, it was such an enchanting piece of musical equipment. He would hope that he could chose one as his preferred instrument when the Quest was complete. Smiling from the nature of the thought, he stepped inside.