Sweets

Sweets perked up.

"Actually, that would be great! I've never played SAO before and it's been awhile since I've played any video game. If you guys could show me the ropes that would be much appreciated."

Samuru tilted his head to the side as his eyes rolled upward.

"And if you guys could make sure I didn't die, I would forever be in your debt."

Exaggerating a bit but it really would be helpful if someone taught him a thing or two. He had enjoyed himself a good amount in the starting town. He wasn't afraid at all of dying, Sweets actually didn't believe they would really die. No one could confirm the others actually died until they logged out. In a sense, certain players were already dead to everyone in SAO because those still stuck in the game couldn't log out. So even if the whole thing was a hoax, Kayaba had successfully replicated the consequences of real death by trapping players in his world. Better to be safe than sorry. Not much for Samuru to go back to in the real world anyway.

Sweets grinned at the thought of his first kill.

"Hey, are there any rabbits around here? That would be what I'd like to fight first!"

Awkward moment between friends. It seemed Itzal's snarky joke was lost ok Jonathan which made it almost seem tense to Sweets. Instead of a playful joke, or that's what Samuru thought it was, it now seemed to be a direct insult. Given the fact he had just met the two, Sweets was unsure what to make of the situation. So he didn't think on it and instead chose to forge onward. Jonathan may not be the most forward or direct but Samuru was.

"Well, in keeping with the theme of guild's purpose, what about the name Legion. Essentially you want to help build a strong player base, right? The very origin of the word Legion refers to strength in numbers. Can also refer to the most dominant force in the history of the world, the Roman Legion."

Sweets was spitballing. He wasn't actually sure of the origin of the word but he made an educated guess. He was accurate with his referral to the Roman Legion though, has any other civilization remained as dominant as the Roman Empire? Sweets was a fan of simple names as well, he really liked the one word name Legion.

"Ultimately, it's your guys' guild though. I'm just some noob on the street y'all randomly bumped into."

Sweets arms swung up as his hands clasped together behind his head. He didn't necessarily have to marry the guild if he joined, he was under the assumption he could leave whenever he wanted. So it really didn't matter what the guild was called as long as he could learn a thing or two about the game. Become proficient, leave, start his own merry band of guilders if he had to. He tilted his head upwards as he looked at the domed sky above. There was a great big world out there that was just waiting for him to plan this flag in. 

"When I hear apprentice, however, I think of someone in training or learning. When I hear novice I think of someone who has no experience or no idea what they're doing." Sweets responded flatly. He didn't have to but he was more the type to state his mind. Probably part of the reason he used to butt heads with coaching staffs.

Samuru dropped his right hand from his chin to rub the elbow of his left shoulder. He didn't anticipate he would be helping come up with guild titles. If he took a step back and really thought about it, he was in the middle of helping start a guild. In the a backwater alley of the starting town. Good times. Sweets crossed his arms as he continued to think. Itzal seemed intent on the master title. Jonathan had sidestepped the master remark altogether. Honestly, Sweets didn't really care about the higher up ranks. He would get there eventually. The starting name was paramount, not just to him but he guessed other players. He wasn't aware what other  guilds were calling their people but it was probably something like soldier.

"Hmm," he audibly hummed "so this is your guys' guild, did you have a name in mind for the guild? That could help with the naming conventions."

Having a theme to work off of would definitely help. For example, the Aincrad Crusaders could have titles like acolyte then Templar then Zealot, and so on. That would make sense seeing as crusader was typically tied to religious purposes so Samuru would essentially look to religious warrior archetypes. Sweets would have to remember this idea in case he ever got to form his own guild.

A pre-emptive Player Killing. Seemed like a touchy subject. Samuru actually studied a little political science in his university days, he was specifically interested in game theory. Jonathan almost made it sound like the prisoner's dilemma wherein it's either kill or be killed. Sweets was in no place to judge, being a former athlete he knew it was easy to critique. Personally, he felt if a person were never in the same situation they should not be able to judge.

Sweets grimaced internally at the christening of the "Novice" title. You may as well just call the newcomers in the guild noobs. That wasn't uncommon though, one guild Sweets was a part of in a different game made people start out as peons. Perhaps this was karma coming back to bite him in the rear. Should he choose to join this nameless guild, he wild be a lowly novice.

"Based on your guild's founding mission, helping low level players, it sounds like it will be a fairly large guild. You might need a better framework for your guild hierarchy." Samuru replaced a hand under his chin as he began to think once more. "Since you're helping people, maybe the veteran players not in leadership roles could be called Guardians. Or Sentinels. I'm just thinking of titles that indicate these players look out for lower levels." Given Jonathan's comment on the master title, he chose to leave out mentioning overseer or overwatch. He actually liked the idea of a watchdog title though. "Another potential rank name for beginners could be apprentice? The name sort of infers they are being mentored with the expectation the apprentice will eventually be promoted in order to help others." 

Samuru really was not a fan of the novice title. He was hoping his suggestion didn't make that obvious.

"A pk'er?!" Sweets gasped aloud. He was, of course, familiar with the term. Player Killer. Probably one of the more revered and sought after titles in the online gaming community. PK'ing was the ultimate method of proving one's superior gaming skills. To many gamers, at least. The gaming community in general was an elitist environment where many desired to be the greatest and projected competitive spirit in many forms. No one played video games to be mediocre at them. He had heard of player killers before but to actually meet someone who had danced with a pk'er before was a bit offsetting. He wanted to inquire further but Itzal learned his lesson and closed off that conversation point. Tease.

"What would the requirements of this guild-to-be entail?" Samuru asked with genuine curiosity.

A guild may be just the thing for him. He did just come from a team environment and has thrived in a team environment for a bit of time. He knew little to nothing about the game so he could definitey use some people to show him the ropes. At least until he could become self sufficient to learn on his own. He also imagined joining a guild and growing relationships in a game with perma death and pk played could provide innumerable benefits.

"I know I can't offer much at this time but I am immensely interested in this possible guild you speak of."

Sweets' hand moved to scratch the back of his head. 

"You guys both solo but are taking the time to educate me on this game?"

Samuru let that sit for a moment. He was genuinely confused. Both seemed to be amiable fellows. Was there any reason to solo, especially given the threat of death? Logic would dictate players work together out of fear of death. Based on the knowledge displayed by both parties Sweets had to assume these players had a pretty good grasp of the game.

"Is it hard to find people to work with?" Samuru wondered aloud more than he meant to say it to those present.

He then thought back to his original thought when he first caught a glimpse of Itzal. His first thought was to fear the player despite being in a safe zone. How much more would he have to worry about partying with a stranger in a death game out in the field. On the other hand, how could a player party with someone like Sweets in his current state? He was rolling out question after question acting like a complete noob. Unfortunately MMO etiquette eluded his memory. Having a complete rookie alongside in battle would probably prove to be more of a hindrance than assistance. 

Samuru crossed his arms and brought his right hand up to support his chin as he began to think. How could he learn to become a contributing member in a death game without being a nuisance to others. He had heard of the merchant life but he would much rather be an adventurer. Maybe the merchant life wouldn't be so bad though?

A lot of information came Sweets' way at once. While he was once a tried and true gamer it was still a bit much to hear all at one time. He recognized most of the terms they threw out. A tank? Someone who took hits if he recalled correctly. It would be kind of cool to be a big burly tank, seeing as he was already much bigger than the first two players he met in SAO, but that would be too obvious of a fit. He wanted to surprise others. Go against the grain. Plus, he couldn't really imagine wearing cumbersome armor being fun at all. He assumed tanks would need heavier armor types. Damage dealing was something he would obviously like to do. He would like to put his healthy shoulder to good use. Healer? From what he read previously, he thought there was no magic in SAO. Could he have been wrong?

"Healing sounds kind of boring but tell me more. I thought SAO had no magic?"

The mention of his two handed sword and its ability to target multiple enemies at once sounded appealing. It sounded like that would open up avenues for Sweets to venture out alone. He wondered if solo play was common at all. If not, he was going to be in a bit of trouble. He sort of jumped into SAO all on his own.

"What is the normal method of leveling anyway? Do players tend to form groups or go solo? I imagine solo play allows for faster leveling but what with the possibility of actually dying..." Sweets trailed off. He figured he didn't need to finish the thought to get his point across.

Sweets nodded as Itzal stated his intentions.

"Well then, I accept your offer of help." Itzal hadn't exactly offered up his services to Sweets but he decided to accept anyway. "To tell the truth, it has been awhile since I've been online gaming. I'm not sure if there is any validity to actually dying but there's no point in me finding out. I'm not in any hurry to return to the real world."

Samuru glazed over most of what Itzal had to say next. Based on the explanation offered by Itzal, it sounded like the dragon Velnia was an NPC. He couldn't imagine another player taking on the role of a dragon. The audible sigh preceding Itzal's response indicated there were lamentations on the past with the familiar. Most likely because of the pet's resulting death. Sweets wasn't exactly the sympathetic type so he chose to move away from that conversation point. 

Itzal also chose to comment on his more... respectful... manner of eating. In truth, Sweets did it for the benefit of the other in his presence. If the young man didn't mind him munching like a mongrel, Samuru wouldn't hold back. He polished off the rest of his bread in a hurry. With his hunger sated, virtually, Sweets felt ready to adventure. He stood up from the bench as Itzal introduced himself. It was then Sweets really took notice of the size difference between himself and Itzal. He realized then he was no longer in the professional sports realm and that most of the players in Aincrad may be significantly smaller than himself.

"Good to meet you Itzal, I look forward to working with you." Sweets stated as took up Itzal's non-existent offer once more. Sweets also put his hand out for a handshake which if taken he would consider an indication of Itzal's acceptance.

Another approached, presumably an acquaintance of Itzal. Sweets astutely deduced this based on the fact the simple garbed individual referred to Itzal by name. This one was a bit taller. Considerably taller actually. But not quite on Samuru's level. 

"Howdy, I'm Sweets." Samuru responded to Jonathan. Jonathan didn't exactly sound like an in game name. Samuru chose not to linger on this point and decided it was time to get to work. "So, I've read about SAO prior to joining but really, I have no idea where to start or what to focus on. If I had to guess, money making would be my priority, right?"

"Check on players for what?"

Sweets perked up a bit when he heard that. It was a little odd but not unheard of. He had heard a couple rumors about higher leveled players better known as frontliners. Most of them were precautionary or downright derogatory. Few were as grateful as they should be considering all he has heard came from players who were hiding in the starting town. Sweets couldn't necessarily assume the player gifting him meat was a frontliner or even all that much higher level than himself. The only indicator of a difference in level between himself and this player was clothing. The clothing was sleek yet it wasn't all that impressive, mostly a plain darker themed outfit. Adding to his inability to judge the man's level was the fact Sweets was completely new to the game.

"You had a familiar? What happened?" Sweets was straight to the point. He figured the familiar was no more based on the use of "had" but it never hurt to confirm. Right?

Sweets popped the last bit of meat into his pie hole. He completely neglected his bread thanks to all of his attention being put towards the meat. He didn't know if he could pocket the rest of his bread or if it would disappear should he try to return it to the inventory. His only safe course of action would be to finish the loaf. As much as he wanted to be a ruffian and scarf the rest of it down, he was entertaining another individual now. He took his eyes off of Itzal for a moment to watch his hands pick a piece off the bread before popping it into his mouth. He then returned eye contact with Itzal once more.

"Oh yeah, My name is Sa-"  Samuru paused as he squinted his right eye. "Sweets. It's Sweets." It was going to take some time to get used to his in game name...

Upon first glimpse of Sweets, any ordinary passerby may think he was totally unaware of his surroundings. He had plunged himself face first into the starter bread. Sweets really didn't have the best table manners. Good thing he wasn't at a table. Despite the bread not being the best tasting entree in the world, he felt hunger. Which was strange since he was in a Virtual Reality. On second thought, it wasn't that strange because he could actually feel the rest of his body as well. It also didn't help that once he took the first bite all he could think about was food from then on. Leading to his current state of feeding. His 'meal' was interrupted as an object landed in his lap. Meat. Meat?!

"Try that,"

Sweets raised his head to make eye contact with the benevolent stranger. He didn't have to raise it that far.  The man, if you could call him that, was considerably shorter than Samuru himself. Unfortunately, this took away from the menacing look the young man's outfit was going for. Sweets watched intently with his standard stern look as the player, as indicated by the green diamond overhead, revealed his face. 

"It's a lot tastier,"

Sweets' gaze lingered for a moment longer before considering the meat. The boy, or young man as Sweets really couldn't tell, seemed to have an honest face. Samuru had heard stories in town before about certain players targeting other players. It seemed like he didn't have to worry about that as this player's icon was green. And they were in a safe zone. But then again, Sweets in his starting outfit could stand out to potential predators as an easy target. On the flip side, he could also stand out to generous players as a newbie who needed help thanks to his starter clothes as well. Honestly, this was way too much thought. He was hungry and meat was sure to be better than his bread.

He took the rabbit meat in hand and went for the biggest chomp possible. It wasn't the greatest meat he had ever had but it was a welcome taste. The meat was chewy but tender enough to allow for enjoyment.

"Thank you." Sweets murmured with his standard expressionless face, "You're right, this is a lot better than bread" he agreed before taking another bite of his rations.

"You look like you've been around the game a bit. What are you doing in town? Wait, more importantly, where does one get this meat?" Sweets wasn't the greatest conversationalist. His mind thought in more segmented thoughts than one continuous flow and he wasn't afraid to interrupt people to get his multiple questions out.

Sweets managed to keep calm among the chaos coursing through the streets of the city. It had only been a few hours since the Game Master, whom he heard many thought to be Kayaba Akihiko, had announced there was no option for logging in and in-game death led to actual death. Despite paying the utmost attention to the announcer and his message, it had happened too and almost seemed too unreal for Sweets to properly digest. Unlike the others, he remained relatively level-headed. Or so he thought. There are two common reactions to fear. The first is to react in a physical manner expressing fear such as jumping, screaming, etc. The second, which is basically what Sweets was experiencing subconsciously, was to freeze up. This thought did not cross the mind of Sweets as he interpreted himself void of emotion. He basically died when his pro career ended. Why should he fear death or the inability to return to reality?

Sweets had moved down a couple blocks away from the main plaza of the Starter's town. It had been awhile since Sweets played a video game, much less an MMO. Actually, the only MMO he had ever played was vastly different compared to SAO. The only aspect of the game relatable to SAO was in certain PvP situations you were capable of losing all your gear to the enemy. From what he read on SAO, however, the combat and other mechanics were vastly different. He needed to gather his thoughts and figure out a plan for starting his new life. 

He would settle upon a bench along a smaller street in the city. There were a few vendors around, some patches of green, a few players/NPC's, and of course the pavement. He opened his menu to get to his inventory. He had bread and water. Perfect. Now that he thought about it, Samuru actually hadn't eaten dinner yet. Good thing he skipped dinner to log on. He pulled the bread from his inventory and hurriedly took a chunk out of it with his teeth in a semi-barbaric manner. Initially a wry smile ventured upon his lips until he really began to chew. 

"Bland. At least I have something to munch on though. Now how am I gonna make my way in this game?"

Profile
Username: Sweets
Real name: Kagami, Samuru
Age: 24
Gender: 6'0
Height: 224 lbs.

About: History/personality
Samuru grew up in a fairly standard home. Sure, his parents argued here and there occasionally in front of him as well, but what normal family didn't have their fair share of problems? He allegedly had the liberty to do as he pleased with his free time but his parents pushed him to focus on sports and academics from a young age. When he excelled at both, his parents saw opportunity and rode him harder on both fronts. Samuru felt the stress of consistently performing on both fronts but fortunately found solace in video gaming. The appeal of taking on a hero's personage with free will to save a fantastical world captivated Samuru. Obviously, the hobby clashed with his other obligations eventually leading Samuru to a crossroads as he entered middle school. Samuru chose to drop his participation in sports to focus on his studies while also leisurely gaming.

Before entering high school, Samuru's family moved to a new higher class district. Samuru was thrust into a completely new situation for the first time in his life. The change in curriculum humbled Samuru as he struggled with subjects he once navigated with ease. Or so his parents thought the new challenges humbled him. Samuru, who rarely encountered challenges growing up, was discouraged by the change in curriculum and once again sought the sanctuary provided by video games. In these games, he was powerful and a solution was always  around the corner. He took a nose dive into online gaming. At the end of the first half of his freshman year, Samuru brought home the worst grades in his academic career and had few friends to speak of. His parents intervened.

Samuru was forced to take up sports once again, an activity intertwined with school that required a certain grade average to stay eligible. He took up baseball, the sport he was best at growing up. He was a natural at the sport with a strong arm and what many described as a "sweet swing". Samuru quickly became liked among his teammates for his natural talent and quirks. Being forced into a structured environment also had a positive effect on his grades which saw a dramatic uptick. The combination of sports success, academic excellence, and newly formed social life slowly drew Samuru away from his virtual passions. By his senior year Samuru had garnered national attention for his baseball career; he was expected to forgo college in order to turn pro.

Samuru did indeed become a pro baseball player but not before attending university first per his mother's wishes. Samuru cared for the sport and had fallen in love with the sport over the years. Baseball gave him friends, an education, a career, and recognition. Samuru was off to a hot start in the league despite his character quirks catching up to him.While his on the field performance was heralded by fans and critics alike, Samuru did not get along well with his coaches. His coaches did not particularly care for his seemingly uninterested demeanor. It didn't help Samuru had a natural aversion to authority. Before reaching the pros his coaches had been nurturing and supportive, acting as second fathers of sorts. In the big leagues coaches were akin to cutthroat businessmen which is understandable considering the paychecks at stake for wins and losses. Samuru did not buy into the professionalism of the game and felt it ruined its sanctity. An unpopular stance to take with management and coaching. During his rookie year, Samuru suffered from a stress induced injury rendering him unable to swing a bat. Surgery was required. Samuru was incapable of finishing the season The team he slaved for took advantage of the opportunity and cut him from the team at the end of the season after not making playoffs.

Samuru fell into a depression once the sport that had given him everything was taken away from him. He wanted to run away. He wanted to go back to a better time. He knew one surefire way to leave everything behind, even if it was just for a short time. A new game was on the market, "Sword Art Online", and Samuru just so happened to get a copy of the game along with a NerveGear. He was ready to indulge himself once more.

Virtues:

Analytical: Samuru possesses a talent for reading others and situations. Samuru enjoys sitting back to observe his surroundings and letting his mind go to work. He is also capable of picking up on body language and facial cues. 

Dedicated: Whether it be to a craft or an individual, Samuru displays unwavering dedication. He is willing to put in the hard work in cultivating his talents or even a relationship. If he is going to be involved with someone or something, his attitude is to show he cares through his dedication. Can come off as obsessive. 

Optimistic: Possibly one of the few traits that can be considered attractive to others. His positivity isn't the bubbly sort but rather "At least we're not dead" type. Still, he finds instilling even dim hope in others can be inspiring. Until his last breath, Samuru will believe there's a solution to any problem.

Flaws:

Exaggerator: Calling Samuru deceitful would not be entirely inaccurate. Samuru enjoys his hyperboles and is no stranger to stretching the truth for his own benefit. Whether it be overstating a grand tale of his heroics or overemphasizing a weakness in others, Samuru has been known as one not to take at face value. He also employs exaggeration in his sarcasm as well with the hope it would make his sarcasm obvious. It doesn't always work.

Stoic: Samuru can often come off as cold and uncaring. He often sports a bored look upon his face and is slow to respond facially. Smiles and frowns are rarity upon his visage. Complicating the matter further is Samuru's flat tone, leading others to believe his words carry a bite. In short, he does not wear his heart on his sleeve which tends to bother others around him. Especially those who are more forthcoming with their emotions.

No Filter: A flaw exacerbated behind a virtual avatar, Samuru is one to speak his mind to any party regardless of status. He is honest to a fault and unfortunately his mind isn't always quick enough to prevent sharp words. Samuru was raised on tough love and tough truths leading to his lack of verbal control.

Contrarian: Kind of a ridiculous flaw, even Samuru himself would admit. He possesses a rebellious spirit and hates being told what to do/think. Sometimes he will take a position he personally does not believe in just to take a view that opposes the norm. Just another trait that makes Samuru all the more lovable to new acquaintances.

Profession: (Leave blank until the Earning a Living quest has been completed.)

Skills
Non-combat:
»

Passive:
»

Combat:
»

Weapon skills:
» Two Handed Straight Sword


Inventory
Weapons/Tools:
» Starter Two Handed Straight Sword

» 10 Water

» 15 Bread

» Cloth Clothing


Roleplays
» [solo/private/open] LinkedTitle
» [solo/private/open] LinkedTitle - in progress
(no "in progress" means its complete; "incomplete" can mean one or the other person stopped replying for a long time)


Relationships (optional)



Story Thus Far (optional)