Kane

Smoke meowed softly as the halls echoed with the sound of Kane's resounding blows, striking down the targets in a blaze of color, only for them to reset and gaunt him again with their carved visages.

He stopped for a moment as he heard the passive mewl, and he looked in his familiar's direction. "You wouldn't want to help me, would you boy?" The cat's eyes radiated amusement as he watched Kane pick up the massive war blade once again.

Kane watched the whole exchange, and gestured an affirmative as Grim and Angel went out in the hall. Sighing, he turned back to Seldentar. "Well, it appears that there's something going on that I'm not privy to. Regardless, when they re enter, we should decide whether or not to pursue the underwater mission. "

At that moment, Kane's HUD alerted him that he had a message. Opening it, he saw that it was from Grim. "Well, speak of the devil. Wonder what he wants?" Rising, all in the room heard a knock at the door. Undoubtedly, it was Grim, having some news to tell them. Kane opened the door to let whoever was knocking come inside. (Enter Grim)

Kane felt conflicted, and his furrowed brow gave it away to his Guild-brothers. "Hmm. One yes, one no. Seeing as how we're not all in agreement here, I'd like to propose a compromise: What if we offer Grim a trial period? If he accompanies us on the mission to craft the underwater gear, and he doesn't do anything crazy or endanger us up to that point, he'll be a probationary member, and come with us on our mission to hunt whatever it is that lives in the lake. Perhaps there's a dungeon down there with loot that's never been touched before, just waiting for the right Players to dare to sieze it...If he doesn't work out as a stable member of the Guild, we can always take him on as a client and do the mission ourselves, though I'd like to have as much muscle down there as possible. Any thoughts, or does this work for everyone?"

Kane smiles and nods as Seldentar enters, appreciating his Guild-brother's quiet, but strong presence. His own familiar, Smoke, blinked its gold cat eyes at the fox in Seld's lap, licking his paw in faux haughtiness. Seeing Angel enter as well, Kane gestured for him to shut the door. As his two Guild-brothers sat across from his desk, Kane sighed at the discussion that had to happen now.

"Thanks for coming, gentlemen. I couldn't discuss this in front of Grim, but I think we all need to talk about what we're going to be doing in the near future. We have a few options." Kane held up his fingers, gesturing as he rattled his points off. "We could take Grim's mission, which would be a lengthy process in which we hunt enough Gillmen to make helmets that let us breathe water, then go underwater to hunt the Gillmen Brood Mother. I honestly don't know what the point of all that combat would be, but it would be a job that would net us some experience and money, as well as equipment for future aquatic missions. Could be useful." He held up another finger as a counterpoint. "Or, we could decline the mission, and seek other jobs. I have a few leads, and could provide some jobs for the Guild in the near future."

Kane shifted in his seat, obviously uncomfortable at this next bit. "Now, as you probably already know, Grim's behavior has been... odd. It's definitely not the same as when I first met the man, and he obviously had some issues when he was glitching up. He's requested membership in our Guild, and I wanted to ask your opinion before I make a decision."

He sighed as he leaned forward, looking his allies in the eye. "My gut is telling me no, until he's shown clear signs of mental stability. I don't know what that business was back there, but it's worrisome. Still, I felt like your input would be valuable. So, thoughts, gentlemen?"

Kane had made his way to the Training Hall at the temple on the sixth floor. This floor had previously been a great source of experience for Kane, as it was the Waterfall of the Sage that he had meditated beneath, and faced his own darkness. Emerging triumphant, he had come away from the introspection a better Player, and a better man. But now, his direction in life had taken a drastic change of course. He was now the leader of a small band of mercenaries, the Heroes for Hire. His Guild-mates lives' were now in his hands, and he had to vow to become stronger as a result. So, he had come here, to a place where he could concentrate on growing stronger for a few days, while the ink dried on his Guild's charter.

When one thought of a temple, usually peace and quiet were the words that came to mind. Not so in Aincrad. The halls were filled with the martial yells of Players who were sparring and practicing inside the rooms, dojo-like in their wooden construction. The whole structure had a Xiaolin feel to it, and Kane appreciated the chance to hone his swordsmanship as well as his mind.

His familiar, Smoke, sat curled up in the corner, watching in semi-veiled boredom as Kane swung his greatsword over and over, practicing the movements of his various Sword Skills... Sonic Charge, Falling Leaf, Bravier, K-Strike! His blade changed color rapidly as he unleashed his techniques, whirling to and fro, his sword an illusion of light. There were <> training dummies set up for him to attack, and he did so with gusto, knocking them down as quicky as they set themselves back up, his virtual muscles becoming sore under his heavy new armor that Seldentar had forged him. He kept going, pushing himself in spite of his growing fatigue. He needed a breakthrough in his training, and he wouldn't let anything stop him!

Kane unlocked his door and looked inside his room. It was spartan in decoration, with only a few of Kane's personal effects on the desk and table. He was making enough from doing mercenary work that he could afford a slightly larger room than most Players, able to host a meeting comfortably.

Smoke meowed softly as he padded in behind Kane, and went to the corner, knowing that feeding time was nigh. Kane poured the <> in a small dish, and watched in amusement as the Umbra lapped it up. He then arranged the desk and chairs so that he could face his brothers in arms. They needed to discuss this business with Grim, quickly.

Kane saw that Grim was acting incredibly sporadic, seeming like a man possessed. He hadn't heard anyone at the door, and even if someone had been there, all they had been talking about was hunting Gillmen. It wasn't a sensitive subject, so Kane was incredibly puzzled by Grim's behavior. Rising slowly, he addressed Seld and Angel. "Okay gentlemen, meeting in my room, please. We have some Guild business to discuss." He gathered his cloak about him as his familiar leapt after him on his heels as he exited the room. (New topic imminent)

Kane nodded in agreement with Angel, mulling over the prospect of breathing underwater. "Well, I've heard about crystals that give you water breathing for a day, but I don't think any of us possess such an item. If we had those crystals, it'd make the fight more fair when we went to the underwater chamber. So, since you're so adamant about going and hunting the brood mother or whatever, you'd have to provide the crystals. We're a Guild of mercenaries, we don't risk our lives for nothing. "

Kane waited for things to settle down at the bar, then sat back, relaxing. He'd wait and see if anyone else responded to the message. After some time had passed, it was clear that today's recruiting session had come to a close. Satisfied, he headed upstairs to Grim's room, where his story continued.

Kane looked at the pictures of the Gillmen in the lake. "I see, so there's a secret tunnel under the lake? Well, that seems pretty dangerous to be fighting Gillmen on their home turf." Turning to the others, Kane kept in mind that Grim had been behaving very oddly. He'd take this job with a grain of salt.

"Okay Grim, what exactly is your objective? We can't exactly kill every Gillman in the lake, they respawn. Is there an item you want retrieved, or their scales? We can work with clearly defined goals." Kane realized that now, as a Guild leader, his brothers' lives were in his hands. He had to make sure they knew what they were getting into.

Kane shifted from foot to foot. It appeared that Grim had some anger issues... This was something to bear in mind for the future. Hearing about the Gillmem, he nodded. "Yeah, I usually don't fight the beasts, but a client wanted their scales. What about 'em?"

After the meeting on the lower floor had ended, Kane ascended the stairs up to Grim ' s room. His cat familiar, Smoke, padded along by his knee, curious as ever.He knocked on the door cautiously. "Grim, you up? It's Kane."

Max seemed to have wandered off, so Kane shrugged, looking at Seldentar. "Well, you, me, Angel and Trinoko make enough to start a Guild. I'll be sure to put in the paperwork soon. I'll make sure that I always have a room here on hold for when I'm not out on assignment. "

Kane stood, looking at his new Guild - mates. "Start spreading the word, gentlemen: There are heroes for hire."

Kane nodded, shaking Seldentar's hand. "You're right, this is the highest floor thus far. I've heard reports that there's a group of front liners that are challenging the floor boss soon. Until we get up to floor 10 and open up the residential areas, we'll make this tavern, The Well, our meeting spot. It's quiet, the rooms are affordable, the drinks are cold, and it's sparsely frequented. When we get to 10, we can pool our resources and get a Guild hall."

Kane pondered for a moment, then shrugged. "I don't see why not. Since there's no Guild until I have 4 members, I'd consider making you Order of the Shield officially, but giving you assignments just like an Order of the Sword member. That way, you can focus on your crafting, but when you want to take a mission, just ask."

Kane looked up to where Grim had entered his room. He got the feeling that there was some force at work he wasn't familiar with. "I hope so. I'll check up on him when I'm done with my interviews. Well, let me explain what we're all about..."

Kane explained everything that had been on the initial post outside. "So you see, that's what we're all about. You'd be a great candidate for the Order of the Shield."

Kane smiled broadly at Seldentar's news. "Great work, Seldentar. Pity about your weapon, Trinoko. Here, use my last stinger for yours." He transferred his last stinger over to Trinoko, then turned back to Seldentar. "Yes, the Heroes for Hire. I'm starting a Guild for fighters and crafters, dedicated to providing a place for the mercenaries and guardians of Aincrad. Did you read the briefing, or do you want me to go into detail?"

Kane was fine with letting Trinoko have his attempt first at getting new weapons, though it didn't quite go as planned. He turned to Seldentar, placing his two stingers on the table. "If you'd like, I'll just leave these here and come back tomorrow for the armor, if luck is on our side."

Kane had been dumbfounded by the odd display on Grim's part. He seemed okay, even if there was something odd about his tone after his outburst and subsequent collapse. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "Well. That was... Something. Hope you feel better, Grim."

Maximilian hadn't answered his question yet, but Kane figured he was still trying to process what had just occurred, and didn't blame him. Seld had just entered, and Kane acknowledged him. "Hey, you're that smith from the second floor, right? Checking out the Guild?" He grinned sincerely, turning again to Angel. "Angel, you're officially in, if you so desire. I'll send you a message when we formally organize."

Kane gladly traded the 2000 Col for the mask, adding it to his inventory. "This will be useful in leading the new Guild. Thanks, Trinoko. I know your skills are only going to improve from here!" Turning with a wave, Kane left the shop.

Kane grinned as Trinoko entered. "Well, I happen to have 2x Scorpion Stingers from doing a quest with this guy. Distilling the venom, would those work?"

(OOC: I'll be busy with moving into a new place this week, I'll get on when I can though.)

Kane adjusted to the new surroundings, trying to get his bearings. "Well... This is odd. In any case, I'm able to equip one more item. Is that mask still up for grabs? If so, do you think 2,000 Col Would Be A fair price?" He looked around some more. This really was weird.

(Ooc: Sorry, I graduated college today, been very busy lately. )

Kane snapped back to attention, his HUD having frozen up. "Ugh, I have to stop doing that. What'd I miss?"

Kane laughed, looking at the masterwork mask as Trinoko spoke. "Well, I do enjoy saying hello, but I'm looking for extra gear. That mask is exquisite craftsmanship, my friend! I'd love to make you an offer if it isn't spoken for."