Zyran Maclaire

"Oi! It's time to wake up! Get it in gear!" As he heard the familiar voice of his sister, he also felt the bed shake a bit as he assumed that she also kicked the bed in an attempt to wake him up. "Come on, I don't wanna be late and take crap from Ourain and Kazuma!"

Quickly sitting up and getting out of bed, she stretched his arms to behind him and yawned greatly. 

"Good morning to you too..." Zyran said irritably. He hated how loud she was when trying to wake him up. Granted, he knows that he would sleep through a stampeding heard of elephants so he figured the extra measures were necessary. Getting out of bed, he started to pace the room a bit, a typical routine for him until he was fully awake to function. He never really understood it, but it helped him more than coffee ever could to wake him up. After about 5 minutes of this, he looks over to Issa.

"So where were we meeting them again?"

Stats and Gear
 

As he followed Kazuma and the rest of the group, he watched as everyone started gazing out at the open fields. One by one, they all mentioned something about how beautiful it was. He didn't have to think about what they meant at all... Everything looked so real and believable... It was enough to make you forget that you were in a game. It wasn't all just pixels... you could smell the grass and flowers and feel the breeze against your skin.

Shaking himself back to reality, Zyran gets ahead of everyone and dons his shield and sword. 

"Well, since I'm the designated tank, I guess I'll take the front." He offered. "Makes no sense for the tank of the group to be in the back, huh?"

Without a second thought, he looks over to his sister and smirks. "You're with me too. Little shrimp like you will make a great distraction for the boars." He teased.

As Kazuma kicked and struggled against his grip, Zyran kept his hold on him tight and firm and carried him off. Although he was able to keep him from escaping, Zyran admitted that it was quite the challenge.

"HEY WHAT THE- LEMME GO!!!! Get your hands off me, ya giant! Let me go and square up!" Kazuma screamed at him, which Zyran just sighed and kept moving.

"We don't have the time to be showing off... Ourian is getting impatient, I'm sure... Save all that energy for the monsters..." Zyran scolded as he slowly felt Kazuma stop resisting. As he approached Ourian, he felt Kazuma relax and then a tap on his arm, which was the usual signal that he gave up. 

"Okay I get it... You can let me go now..." Chuckling, he let Kazuma go and continued to follow Ourian, who was a little ahead of them now. 

And here we go again... Zyran sighed, rolling his eyes as Kazuma started to show off a bit. While he and Kazuma were good friends, he always wore on Zyran's nerves a bit, especially when it came to someone talking about fighting. He never missed a chance to show off his knowledge and skills on the subject. Granted, I guess we all do when we talk about things we are passionate about, but we hardly have the time for this... He thought, walking up to Kazuma, who had taken up his fighting stance, and grabbed him by the back of the collar of his body suit and picked him up.

"Okay, Billy Badass... Save it for the mobs... Ourian looks like he's ready to leave us all behind..."Zyran remarked, pulling Kazuma toward the rest of the group. "I get you like fighting and it's hard to find people with similar interests, but we really need to get going..."

OoC: Sorry, I've all been away for the last few days on a trip and we didn't bring our laptops. I'm sure everything will be back to normal starting tomorrow.

A duel... Now of all times? Zyran couldn't help but find the idea appalling, considering that they were in a death game and any wrong move, even in a friendly match such as this, could prove fatal. What bothered him even more, however, was that Kazuma seemed like he was wanting to accept the challenge. 

"I mean no disrespect... but I think that this not the time, nor place, for any kind of PVP..." He said grimly as he looked over both of them. "Kazuma, I know you're a hothead, but keep your wits about you. As for you, Zuekin. I'm sure you meant it in good faith, but I would highly advise not challenging people to a duel only days after the news of a death game was announced. You don't seem the type to wish ill on others, but challenging others may be considered offensive for the time being... We don't know if someone could die as a result of a duel yet, and quite frankly, I would like to avoid any accidental deaths between players..."

Hoping that Zuekin would understand, he placed a hand on his shoulder and smiled. "Maybe some day, once we understand more about Sword Art Online, we can have a friendly duel... Until then, however, let's refrain from trying to fight other players."

When Kazuma turned around to confront the guy behind them, Zyran's curiosity got the better of him and he did so as well. The guy was massive! While not taller than Zyran, he was definitely broader. Damn... how many push-ups and sit-ups did he do? He thought, chuckling to himself as he walked over to the newcomer, grinning.

"Looks like you know how to handle yourself fair enough. I'm sure that we could use another in our group. The name's Zyran, nice to meet ya." He said cheerfully, extending a hand in friendly gesture. Truth be told, he felt that a sixth player would be good just so that they could have an even number in case they needed to split up while training. 

Now then... let's see what you've got... He thought, waiting for the newcomer to grasp his hand. He always believed that a man's resolve is measured in their grip. 

Zyran watched in amazement as Kazuma explained what a support player is to their group, and he couldn't help but smirk. Walking up to Kazuma, he slouched down and rested his arm around Zyran's shoulders, just hanging there and laughing.

"Aww... now was that so hard? I'm impressed that you actually CAN be nice to someone. You should do it more often, makes you more approachable." He teased, ruffling Kazuma's hair before letting him go and patting him on both shoulders as he stood back up. "Although... that's a big name to live up to, brother... Kikuro was amazing at what she did... But, knowing you, you'll do just fine. At least, you better. I'm counting on ya to keep an eye out for anything that could get us killed..." Winking to Kazuma as he finished his praise, he walked to the other side of Ourian and steeled himself for the true beginning of their journey. 

"Ready when you are, bud."

At least it seems like everyone knows what they want to do... He thought, but was still overly concerned about the possibility of aggro being pulled from him when it mattered due to all of the DPS in the group. 

"Well, it seems like we have our group's composition set up... Though, Issa, if you insist on being an off-tank... you might want to invest in a shield and one handed weapon at some point. In the chance that we come across a larger group of mobs in the future, I won't be able to keep their attention focused on just me for very long with everyone else doing DPS. So we may need two tanks at once at times." Zyran warned, giving his sister a gentle, yet serious look. He couldn't stress enough how serious it was for them all to work as one cohesive unit to ensure their survival and to be sure that they all make it back home safely. 

There was now another factor as well, however... Riley.

None of us know much of anything about our new cat-like friend here... They seem a little too playful and might let their guard down in a fight, which could cost one of us our lives... he thought, trying to think of a solution. 

"Will there be any more people joining us, Ourian? I personally think that we should get going as soon as possible and start leveling up. We can't just sit around."

"Kazuma... What have I told you about being cold to people?" Zyran snapped as Kazuma harshly, crossing his arms and turning to the cat girl, who introduced herself as Riley and nodding his head as Ourian called his name. "Riley, huh? Nice to meet you. Hope you can excuse my sister. She's easily excitable, as you have already learned, I'm sure. She means well, but she has a tendency to act before thinking." 

Now that introductions were out of the way, it was time to discuss what their plan was. He was sure that Ourian asked them all to meet up to discuss strategy and what they were all going to do. 

"So Ourian, what IS the plan? If it's about figuring out a party composition, I'll fill the Tank role. My gear already has me somewhat prepared for it." He informed everyone, accessing the menu and displaying his stats screen for everyone to see, displaying his above-average Mitigation skill to everyone. "Pretty sure I can take a beating and not get hurt as easily. Althought it wouldn't hurt to have an off-tank in case I need to disengage and drink a healing potion."

Hmm...

"I guess some things just don't change, do they? You were a klutz in real life, you're still a klutz here..." While he heard those words, he felt a tap to the arm.

"And you're still the same ol' goofy brat... Still can't believe you slept in your armor, though... bet you feel great right about now." He teased right back, as he stood back up, towering over her. As he did so, she mentioned that she heard him as she was waking up. "As for what I was talking about, Ourian sent a message to a bunch of people... Hell, some we don't even know... Wonder what he's got planned?" 

Not wanting to waste any time, he makes for the door and gets ready to leave. "I'm gonna head out. Ourian said to meet him in the clock tower plaza at the center of town. Once you wake up, meet us over there." He explained, closing the door behind him and leaving the inn. 

I guess he's finally gotten over the shock... But why message EVERYONE?! That seems a little strange, even for him... He thought as he continued to run to the plaza, side-stepping people as he did so and taking care to not bump into anyone and ignoring the stares. He hated how tall he was... it always drew so much attention...

Finally at the square, he notices one thing that  truly catches him off guard: A cat girl, and she appeared to be talking to Kazuma and Ourian. For some reason, Ourian had his weapon drawn. Is she an enemy? No... Kazuma seems calm enough...

"Hey guys. seems I'm a bit late to the party. Sorry about that. Issa just woke up so she should be here shortly."

OoC: (For context, Zyran is almost 7 feet tall, if you want to get an idea of his actual size.)

I can't believe it's only been four days since all of this started... with all the chaos and panic, it seems like a lifetime ago... Zyran thought as he woke up to the sound of his inbox alerting him that someone sent him a message. "Probably Ourian..." He yawned, stretching as he got out of bed. Looking over to the other side of the room, he saw his sister sleeping in the other bed. Slept in her armor again. Well I can't really say I blame her... she's been the most scared out of all of us... He thought as he equipped all of his gear, then navigated to his messages to see that Ourian did, in fact, message him. 

"So he's finally getting us all together. I honestly expected him to wait longer. Then again, the sooner we get started the better." He muttered as he turned to go wake his sister, hitting his shin on the coffee table in the room and making a bunch of noise.

"DAMN! Virtual or not that still hurts!" He yelled, bending down to massage his shin.

Stats and Gear

Zyran Maclaire

Username: Zyran Maclaire
Real Name: Josiah "Joey" Varheist
Age: 21
Height: 6' 9

"Wait... WHAT?!" Joey exclaimed, as his name was called over the loudspeaker, announcing that he was a winner of the college raffle to get one of the 6 copies of Sword Art Online had obtained for their contest. Without asking permission, he bolted from his seat and ran straight for the main office to claim his prize. Damn... I'm sure I'm going to get into trouble for that, but I don't care! I have a copy of SAO now!!! He thought excitedly as he nearly slid in the hall to the front of the school where the office was, not paying attention to the other names called for the raffle. Finally, the door was in view. All he had to do was open it and he would have his prize.

"Well THAT was fast!" A girl's voice said as he entered, catching his breath. Looking up, he saw his sister smirking at him. "Now if only you would do the same thing whenever I call you over for dinner or something... I get you are an addict for instant ramen and all, but a home-cooked meal would do you good every once in a while... we have kitchens for a reason..."

"Bite me... Anyway, why are you here?" He asked. She never gets into trouble and it wasn't her day to assist the principal... So that left one thing... "Wait... Did you-"

"Yep! I did!" She shouted excitedly, showing him her copy of SAO, then handing him a second copy, obviously it was his. "Now we can play together!"

"AWESOME! I wonder who the other winners were..." Joey thought as his question was answered by the door opening again with 4 more people entering the room... and his face lit up right away...
   ---
"Oh man! I can't believe we all won!!! This is gonna be EPIC!!!" Zachary exclaimed as he walked back to his college dorm with his friends Joey, Chris and Sarah, each of them grinning from ear to ear as they each waved around their own game cases. Of the thousands of students to attend their college, only 6 lucky people were able to win the contest and earn their own copies of Sword Art Online, and they were 4 of those lucky players. 

"For real!!! I can't wait to get to the dorm and boot it up!" Sarah cheered, skipping a little as she started to move a little ahead of everyone. "We should all meet up in-game and form a party, and eventually a Guild! It's gonna be so much fun!"

"True... but I think we should wait on the guild until we learn the game a little better, my goofy little sister." Joey teased, sneaking up on Sarah and snatching her case away playfully, causing her to chase him around and make everyone laugh. 

"Damn it, Joey! Give it back!" She shouted, slightly annoyed while still laughing as she chased him around, trying to jump up and grab the game from him. He knew she couldn't reach it, considering he was so tall and she was so tiny. It was hard to believe that she was actually the older sibling. 

"Only if you say 'please Onii-chan!'"

"HELL no!" She said, punching him in the stomach.

"Ow, haha. Alright, alright, too far, I get it!" He laughed, handing it back to her. "Huh, I guess Zach and Chris already went ahead to their dorms. Can't say I blame them though." He sighed, walking with his sister to their dorm building. Once there, he waved to her and they went their separate ways in the entrance hall, since each of their own rooms were on separate sides of the building. Upon arriving at his dorm, his roommate was there messing with his laptop on his bed, who waved to him since he had his headphones on. Waving back, he hurried over to his desk and got his Nerve Gear ready and opened the game case, and set everything up.

"Whoa! You were one of the winners?! Dude I am so jealous!" His roommate yelled when he glanced over to see the Sword Art Online case on the edge of the desk. "Dude, if you don't mind, can I give it a go later? I won't be able to get it until next week, sadly... All the pre-orders at the game shop were sold out and they won't get more until a week after launch tonight..."

"Sure, I don't mind. You'll just have to play my Avatar though... Remember the Nerve Gear only stores info for one player. Sucks you don't have your Nerve Gear yet..."

"Yeah mine doesn't come in until tomorrow or maybe the day after... Thanks a bunch though! I can't wait!" 

"I hear ya. Well, wish me luck, Tora. I'm going in!" He sighed as he laid down onto his bed and relaxed. "Link... Start!"

Personality
Athletic and strong, many people are intimidated by Joey at first glance, not to mention it didn't help that he was so tall that he had to duck to get in through doorways. This has always lead to him being touchy on the subject of his height. He hated it for as long as he could remember. He didn't like sticking out, but at the same time, he had embraced it over time, even going so far as to play basketball all the while studying engineering. He wanted to help work on the next generation of computers and gaming hardware. He met Zach a year ago after bumping into him accidentally after one of his basketball practice meets. Zach smiled and never mentioned his size, which was a first, and didn't seem intimidated at all. Ever since, they had become close friends and it helped him to relax a bit more around others, although a bit clumsy and goofy.

On the court, however, he changes completely. Calm, collected, and scary focused. He only thinks of keeping ahead of the game and doesn't pay no mind to anything else. Every move, every pass, every shot... they all count... and there is no room for error... Although one thing always catches his eye at any game he goes to: his friends and sister cheering him on. Even Zach, who hates sports, goes to all of Joey's games. Knowing his friends and sister are watching him make him even more driven to earn that win.

Virtues/Flaws

• Dedicated - (Virtue) Joey loves basketball and running and will do both whenever he is presented the opportunity. This passion for basketball and running drives him to be the best he can be at anything he does, both on and off the court. He's always ready for one more round, and won't give up until he achieves the goal at hand.
• Easy-Going - (Virtue) Laid back and easy to talk to, Joey is easy to approach and is always willing to lend an ear to hear out a friend or a cause. While this is a typically virtuous nature, it can also be considered a flaw. An easy-going nature tends to allow others to use you.
• Intimidating - (Flaw) While it is unintentional, he comes across as excessively intimidating at first. This is mostly due to his size and posture, since he tends to tower over people. Once people give him a chance, however, he shows how kind and gentle he actually is.
• Focused- (Virtue) Hard to distract and always keeps his eye on the goal at hand. Whether it be to help a friend in need, finish a class assignment, or to score that winning shot in basketball, he never lets his mind wander when something important is at stake. This can also be considered a flaw, however, because he has a tendency to become too wrapped up in what he is doing and it often gets him into trouble and awkward situations.
• One-Track Mind - (Flaw) Focusing on a goal and nothing else is the easiest way to achieve victory, or at least that's what Joey believes. He has the tendency to focus so much on one thing, that the other things don't matter until that one task is completed. This leads to getting him into trouble in class when he will be thinking of strategies for the big game that happens that day after school. 
• Clumsy - (Flaw) While he has good intentions at heart, Joey is often considered a klutz due to his size. Bumping into people and hitting his head on doorways and ceiling decorations is commonplace, as well as tripping over things due to his big feet. He always tries to turn it into a joke in the end, but he can't help but be embarrassed when this happens.

Skills
Total Skill Points: 5
{Novice Heavy Armor}  5/8          Mitigation while wearing this armor type increases by 8 and your stealth rating decreases by 1. (Evasion capped at 1 enhancement slot)

Equipment
   Consumable      Vanity      Uncommon      Rare      Perfect      Demonic   
---
   Starter's Banded Mail    -----{Tier 1 Rare Heavy Armor}-----{Mitigation +6 / Taunt +1}
   Starter's  Axe   -----{Tier 1 Vanity Axe}
[3] Starter Healing Potion -----{Consumable}-----{Heals 50 HP}
---
Materials
[10] Tier 1 Materials 

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