[OP-F1] Taverns Are Loud.

[Poplar 0]

"Ale," Poplar grumbled to the tall, hefty NPC behind the bar, her small body making a surprisingly loud thump! as she plopped onto the bar stool farthest from the door. She slumped over, staring into the tankard that was set before her like she was staring into an ominous crystal ball. What am I suppose to DO? She cussed the world around her under her breath, wallowing in a mixture of self-pity and annoyance. Mostly annoyance. The self-pity was more because she forgot she hated the taste of beer. 

She nursed the ale nonetheless, the black cloth strips criss-crossing her slender forearms making the perfect napkin when a few drops spilled down her chin. Ugh. She had grabbed what basic armor she could. Had even managed to find a jian, though it was rudimentary, almost foreign in calloused hands that were far more used to the finely-worked curved swords that hung on the wall of a dojo. 

"Another?" The NPC asked someone near her, who nodded. She stared at the NPC sourly. Where was the quest board? The questgivers that were supposed to litter the streets with large icons above their heads? She took another brooding sip of ale, full lips twitching as she did. It tastes like beer. My virtual ale has taste. She tipped her head back, abandoning the tankard to cross her arms behind her head -mussing her long black hair in the process- and stare at the ceiling with a new determination. 

There had to be someone in this loud, humid tavern that knew where to find a questgiver. Now, she only had to figure out who to ask. With that, she turned her narrow grey eyes on the crowd and began blatantly staring at each of its occupants, expression as flat as the ale in her tankard. 

Edited January 30, 2016 by Poplar

[Brax 0]

     It was not as if Brax did not like crowds; indeed, he often saw it as a moment in time to observe natural social interaction.  The milling about of players as they shared their dreams and lives was...an interesting endeavor, to say the least.  But, it also was a stark reminder to the stalwart stoic that, despite all that he had done thus far in the world of Aincrad, all of his hunting trips and his current ascent through the Quest Board, he had not yet...grown...in his ultimate quest: to rediscover his emotions, to find his past.  The only thing he had was some vague references that had appeared to him at the end of one of his trips, and as of yet no one had been able to offer him an explanation of what they could mean.  Therefore, here he sat, at a back table in a crowded tavern, sipping from a stale drink of a non-alcoholic variety, looking out amongst the throngs of people enjoying their 'normal' lives.

[Poplar 0]

Underwhelming was a good word to describe the majority of those she saw. They looked friendly, jovial, enjoying themselves amongst their friends and allies. She quickly swiveled on her barstool when a hopeful-faced man approached her side, dropping onto her feet and slapping a col on the bar. Her last col. I really need to ask someone about a quest board.

She rested one hand on the hilt of her jian, strolling towards the back of the tavern, glancing about before finally deciding on a pensive-looking fellow that sat by himself. A loner, like her. She grabbed the back of the chair adjacent to him, one eyebrow raising slightly. 

"Mind if I sit here?" She had already begun settling into the chair, hand lifting to push her bangs out of her eyes, which were peering at him intently. 

[Brax 0]

     "If you wish," said Brax, turning his head slightly to view the woman who had chosen to join him.  The woman carried herself confidently, already taking a seat despite the fact that he had not yet answered her query.  His eyes took in the whole of her countenance, noting the sleek lines of her body and the strong steel that flashed behind her eyes, covered only momentarily by her hair before she brushed it from her face.  It was as if she was trying to peer into his soul, 'A futile endeavor,' Brax thought dryly, as he had little soul to peer into.  The Alexithymia prevented such things, and all one could see was a void of being, an emotionless robot staring back into their gaze.  It afforded him the ability to be honest and direct in many of his dealings, no guile or games in his actions.  Such that, as she watched him like a hawk, he spoke plainly and to the point: "So...what brings you here?"

Edited January 30, 2016 by Brax

[Poplar 0]

He's direct. At least there's no small talk. Poplar nodded at his response, eyeing him more closely for a moment before visibly relaxing. He seems off. Oh, well. She had only some basic questions, after all. 

"Desperation," She responded dryly. She shrugged, arms crossing across her chest. "After watching level ones get taken out by boars, I figure questing is my best bet for leveling up. But the quest givers allude me." She paused, fingers stilling in their rhythmic tapping against her bare arms, to look at him pointedly. "Mind pointing me in the right direction?"

[Brax 0]

     "Hmm..." Brax considered her comment 'Desperation.'  It was...honest.  And...more direct than what he was used to from others, both in this world and the real one.  Many people with whom he had interacted were more open and vivacious, and less informative in their words, than the Asian woman he was currently in conversation with.  It was...novel, to say the least.  And very intriguing, as well.  If there was one thing that caught Brax's attention, it was a mystery that required solving.  Her differences made her...fascinating.  As such, he could not let the woman leave so soon, not without more time to observe her, perhaps in some other setting.  The only settings he knew of, though, given that he never engaged in frivolity, involved combat in the wilds.

     Coming back to the conversation, he lifted his half-filled drink to his lips and, after taking another sip, spoke: "As far as quests are concerned, they are littered about everywhere.  The easiest to begin with, though, may be the <<Feeding the Familiar>> quest, which can be obtained from any quest board at the center of town.  All that is required is a thorough search of the outlying fields for an animal to call your own.  They can provide a buff to your skills, be it searching for loot or accuracy in battle, and the like.  Care must be taken not to get in over your head, though, as some monsters are...touchy...when it comes to taming them.  Also, in the mountains of Floor Two, there is a dojo of sorts, in which one can take the <<Breaking the Unbreakable>> quest, that rewards an individual with the Martial Arts skill.  All that is required there is to break a large rock, using only your fists.  Upon completion, the skill is given.  No danger, save what may be encountered on the trip.  Finally, on this floor, there is a village deep in the forests that is always in need of medicine from the Nepents that spawn there.  It...would definitely require a higher level than what you currently possess, or more adventurers in a party, but the rewards are...decent enough to warrant the effort.  Though, there is a bit of luck involved, as your vision must be quite keen to see the <Ovule> that is required for quest completion."  Brax took one last swig from his beverage, and placed the empty mug on the table.  Wiping his mouth with his gauntleted hand, he looked at the woman with a keen stare and said, "Does that satisfy your query?"

Edited January 30, 2016 by Brax

[Poplar 0]

Poplar blinked slowly, peering at him with increasing amusement as he spoke. He's thorough, that's for sure. But the pale woman straightened up when he mentioned a dojo, eyes narrowing in instant focus. She let him finish speaking, carefully tightening the bands around her forearms and making sure the tie around the hilt of her jian was tight. 

"It does. I'm no stranger to a blade or a dojo, but I'd sooner play it safe than die on the first floor like some kind of noob." She ignored the harsh glare of a nearby player, continuing on in her blunt manner. "Thank you for your input. Any tips for surviving the boars long enough to reach the area I'll be taming a familiar?" 

Poplar was normally not so talkative, but she was in no way embarrassed to admit that she needed all the tips she could get. She refused to die to a boar, one of the most basic mobs. A boss, sure. But a boar? She had been playing MMORPGs for years, a VRRPG wouldn't stop her at level one. Her ego couldn't take it. Besides, this man seemed willing enough to speak to her, even interested in the conversation. Which was rare- most were put off by her brosque tone.

[Macradon 0]

"All too noisy" he thought, opening his eyes again. He woke up in the tavern, how did he end here? He would take to his head and get back up in the stool at his empty table with 6 chairs around it. The scent of alcoholic beverages filled his nose, he wasn't too fond of those, but maybe he just took one too many last night. He would stretch his body out still sitting down, in a short time a waitress arrived at the table. "Oh, you still here?" she asked Macradon. He would look up at the waitress and nod slightly. "Sorry for occupying the table" he said as he would get back up from his chair. His armor would clang as he quickly stood up, though not loud enough to disturb the loud background. His white armor with white trim details, truly the uniform of the Knights of the Blood Oath. He would get away from the table and make room for more costumers for the tavern. As he walked up towards the bar stool he noticed a pair talking about something with quests and level one players. He could not do anything else than just bump in. "I'm sorry to interrupt you two, but did I hear something about quests?" he asked. He had done nearly all the quests that were worth doing, but all was getting boring doing those quest in the level he was in and not many on the frontlines would help him with the more difficult quests, so helping the low leveled players was the only thing he had in mind for now.

[Brax 0]

     "There are only two tips that can be offered: either be swift and sure of foot to avoid being caught..." said Brax in a direct manner, "or...you would require an...escort...to draw attention from yourself."  No two ways about it, those were the only ways to survive the first few levels in Aincrad.  He recalled the first trips he had made outside the city walls, several material gathering sojourns that forced him to think on his feet and truly feel the weight of his armor and weapons, before he could challenge even the smallest of prey.  While the obviously tone muscles of her arms and legs spoke of outside exertion and exercise, as well as her statement regarding experience in a dojo, told a story of previous experience in combat skills, a game was built on certain rules, and those rules were adamant: one could not go beyond the level they were currently at, not without time and training.  Thus, either fleetness of foot or acceptance of aid was the name of the game at the start.

     Speaking of aid, another player appeared suddenly at the table, having overheard their conversation about quests and the like.  His full armor on display, Brax recognized the color scheme of the Knights of the Blood Oath, a guild that had recently had a resurgence of sorts, if the message boards were to be believed.  It was...an ostentatious look, to be certain, the red and white in stark contrast to the more subdued color tones throughout the tavern.  It had the effect of making the man stand out, more so due to the large sword draped across his back, larger than his own Battle-Axe.  Brax was not one for flashiness, but supposed that there was a need, at times, for such showings.  He signaled another round for himself, just a small one, and responded to the intruding figure: "Yes, you did.  What of it, adventurer?"  The waitress brought him the half-filled mug, and before taking another drink he eyed the warrior expectantly.

[Poplar 0]

Poplar nodded along at the axe-wielder beside her, listening closely as he spoke. Fleet of foot, she was. But enough to trust herself in fields of mobs, even low level ones, by herself? She didn't like gambling her life. An escort, though... She automatically grimaced, remembering the horrific silences of the exercises in the dojo that required a partner. Her father had eventually taken her as his permanent demonstration assistant due to her lack of patience with others and unintentional coldness. 

"I'm not exactly a people pe-" She turned, both eyebrows raising this time once she got a look at their new companion... as well as pulling her hand away from where it had automatically settled on her jian. He looked like some sort of knight. She let the other man respond, staring with the previous obviousness she'd regaled the axe-wielder with. That's a big sword. I wonder if it hinders him in defending against smaller blades...  

[Macradon 0]

"Well, I was curious if anyone needed any help" he said. That's what he'd been doing a lot of at this time when the floor boss hadn't ben spotted yet and his guild wasn't out scouting. Macradon would just relax down here and stay at his shop for now, helping out newbies that couldn't handle it carefully enough themselves. Of course at some time people would gather around when they would be low leveled and get going together. But he was all sick of seeing all those low leveled players getting killed by boars. It was getting annoying with the news popping up all the time. He even took in a little boy as a student so he wouldn't die in the fields against boars. He felt responsible to protect and aid those in need, even though it wasn't his responsibility. It was like a hole left from his own helplessness in the higher floor was filled when he helped those down here on the starting floors. 

[Brax 0]

     "You would...have to ask...the lady.  She is the one...who has been...questioning me."  Brax was...feeling a little like he was back in group therapy, all these people surrounding each other in a circle, asking questions and expecting answers.  He wasn't nervous, per say, but as there was no clear goal in mind to the situation, he was experiencing...some slight discomfort, due to not knowing what to do.  The intrusion had thrown a wrinkle in the direct conversation between the two, making him unsure.  While his body remained unchanged, his comments became more...disjointed, less controlled.  More space began to appear as he carefully chose his words, unsure as to what might need to be said at a given time.  He reached for his drink slowly and practiced, as if it took all his concentration to pick it up and bring it to his lips.  Reaching back into his bag of tricks, Brax recalled that the man had not introduced himself, and grabbed hold of the courtesy lifeline.  "My name...is Brax.  Who...are you?"

Edited January 30, 2016 by Brax

[Poplar 0]

Poplar could sense the awkwardness in the air now. Or at least, what seemed like awkwardness. She glanced between the two males, head tilting slightly whenever Brax -how odd they didn't introduce themselves earlier- began speaking in a strange manner. She had been being a bit aggressive in her questions, hadn't she? She sometimes forgot that most people used filler to make conversations less... well, less like interrogations. Too much work. 

She glanced at the warrior, waiting for him to introduce himself before she would speak. She picked at her gloves, idly wondering how many players used their real names as their usernames, as she had. It seemed to have been a good idea now, since she wasn't sure when she would be leaving this world. 

"Hopefully not too soon..." She murmured absently at her gloves, frowning. 

[Komrk 0]

Komrk eyes the bar as he walks in. There was the usual bustle to be expected from any tavern but two men with extraordinarily large weapons seemed to be talking to what could only be a level one. The man with the axe seemed to be acting stiffly, even from this distance, towards the man in red and white. Not a bad color scheme come to think of it, very similar to the Knights Templar of whom he had always taken a liking. Maybe they were offering her help, which is what led to him approaching where they were seated. While he didn't mind the thought of death, he didn't want to die senselessly due to overconfidence or stupidity. Either way, it couldn't hurt to check out what was going on, I guess it's time to be social he thought as he grimaced. Approaching the group, he saw the girl looking down seemingly uncomfortable.

As he reached the group, he stands next to where the group is sitting, crosses his arms and says, "What's with the party?"

Hopefully they can help him out. At the very least, he may be able to party up with the level one. Anything will help at this point.

[Antofer 0]

Antofer had failed to help his friends  Tusbasa tame a Familiar for the 3rd time and was a little dishearten "Hell I guess I could use a drink why not?" Antofer then walked into the bar It was quite loud and there seemed to be A lot of people around some lower level girl. strange but ill leave them be Antofer thought to him self, normally he loved to meet to people and make friends but he just wanted a drink at the moment. He sat down and asked for the house's strongest Drink. The NPC simply nodded his head, grabbed a bottle and poured a drink out for Antofer. "Thanks" Antofer put a pouch of Col on the counter. that should cover it. Antofer sat by him and tasted the Alcohol. whoa that/s really strong he thought. its to bad there don't have any wine that's what i miss but this will do. As Antofer enjoyed his drink he couldn't help but over hear the conversation going on next to him. After some time and having been a little tipsy Antofer Decided he wanted in on the little party. Antofer had only made Two friends while in the game of SAO and no one from the real world had joined him, he was a people person always  had been but the people of this game where a little untrusting and for good reason. its not unheard of to get PKed by strangers. After Komrk had made him self known. From behind Antofer asked what was going on "You know I may not be the highest level in the game but i can hold my own and i wouldn't mind forming a new party." "Strength in Numbers right?" Antofer explains that at level one he was nearly killed by a boar just for his bad luck. A single boar almost had killed him but luckily Tusbasa helped just in time. "yeah you don't want to have the same think happen to you as it did to me. I'm never going to solo again" Antofer got a few looks and realized maybe he had been a little quick to talk. Oh they must think i'm a fool now Antofer thought to him self. Why did i bring up the boar thing again.  

[Macradon 0]

Macradon would quickly react, how stupid was he? "I'm sorry! I forgot to introduce myself! I'm Macradon, nice to meet you, Brax" he said. He would look over at the lady Brax mentioned, it was supposedly her who needed help, or did she? "And whom might you be?" he asked with a smile, looking at the lady. Macradon would look over his shoulder as more people came to the table. He wasn't sure if it was himself who attracted the attention because of his uniform or because it were players who were gathered in the tavern. Macradon would shrug it off and take a step to the side so everyone had a good view of each other, he didn't want to be a wall like that, maybe to mobs, but not to players. "Seems like the party increased" he said with a rather mellow tone. He noticed how Brax wasn't the best at comprehending the amount of people around him. Macradon was sure to try to be the face of the conversation for now, unless the others had anything else to say.

[Poplar 0]

Poplar blinked slowly at Brax, glancing at both of the men that had joined their table. Wow, people sure are friendly here. She inwardly sighed, though she did manage a friendly nod of greeting at the others. I guess a party can't be helped. She had never enjoyed partying up with others unless need be, though admittedly the games she played could generally be ran through by grinding mindlessly for hours. Around here, one boar could kill you. The male that smelled a bit of liquor confirmed this. Besides, they seemed friendly and unobtrusive, not the worst companions someone could ask for.

She first addressed the black-clad man who, she noted, seemed around her level. The basic straight sword he wore indicated a lower level, at least. 

"I'm trying to not die in my aim to level up. Specifically, to go find and complete the <<Feeding the Familiar>> quest. I'd rather not spend the next few months on the first floor, or be boar fodder." She reached up, once again flicking her bangs out of her eyes, now turning her attention to the one named Macradon. What an unusual name. 

"I'm Poplar, or Poppy. Either works for me." The name was almost ironic, a bright flower not at all denoting her pale skin, black hair, and standoffish aura. She grimaced a bit, glancing from each fighter to the next. 

"So... is everyone in this game this helpful?" She asked, leaning back in her chair. She was genuinely curious. Gamers weren't known for kindness, generally.

[Brax 0]

     'Macradon...that name seems familiar...' Brax mused to himself, lost in thought as more players joined the impromptu party.  He robotically continued to sip at his drink, willing his discomfort to ease itself.  'Remember the exercises you learned, to...interact with others in a...regular fashion.  Just because you have no goal, doesn't mean you are directionless.  Instead, focus on the journey, and let the road take you where it will, to your ultimate destination.'  Closing his eyes briefly and releasing a measured breath, when Brax again opened his eyes the discomfort had evaporated, leaving only his emotionless existence behind.  Even with the added people, he had...returned to himself, so to speak.  Taking a look at both Macradon and the new arrivals, he listened as the first man asked what was up with the party, while the one behind him launched into a story that sounded very familiar, and would no doubt raise the ire of the woman seated at the table with Brax.  'Hmm, and she had just been talking about NOT being a people person.  How...interesting...'

     Putting his drink down, Brax looked into the young lady's eyes squarely and answered the new arrivals' questions, stating, "Apparently...the party is just fine," making note of Poplar's comment.  "If you all wish...please sit down.  I...find it uncomfortable staring up at you all."  Following up on her statement, he answered, "It would seem so.  Especially...the inebriated one.  His story...is not unusual though, as you may have surmised.  Which is why," Brax said, taking another sip, "I made my comment.  One has to...be generous and accepting, at least at the beginning, in order to survive.  The road to freedom...is long indeed, paved with...many fallen bodies.  It would be...unfortunate...if you," and with that he turned to the rest of the lower levels, "or any of you, were to fall...and join them.  At least...not before making a contribution to the world."  Brax finished his drink and with that, turned to regard them all, expecting another to pick up the conversation.

[Antofer 0]

"Don't mind if a do" Antofer Takes a seat at a empty stool near by "Well in my few months i have been it SAO I have come across may kinds of players if this world" "Many are friendly yes but maybe that's because unlike in other game if you work alone you will die alone eventually." Antofer washes down the last of his drink. I teamed up With two guys named Tusbasa and Abandon...strange  names i know but they can handle them self in a fight." Antofer's face becomes more serious and me looks at poppy and then at Komrk. You two are new so be careful not everyone is to be trusted, here and floor one In the forest I was the sole witness of a murder, This man was jumped and got PK'ed. I was almost seen too but I managed to get away So for your sake learn to trust, but never let your guard down and always watch your back out there  "Well on a more positive note! I Think our new friend poppy should take the Familiar quest. Not only well it get you leveled up and earn you a Familiar but it also makes you a friend look at mine shes a cutie huh." Antofers Flying squirrel runs up to Antofer and rest on his shoulder. Well what's the plan are we forming a party or are we going our separate ways?" Antofer Winks to the group. "Stay with me though and ill take us to floor 100 and win one day. Antofer smiles

[Komrk 0]

Komrk sits down and leans back in the chair looking at Antofer. "You're pretty... confident aren't you?" he says as he turns to the girl, "I have no clue if everyone is this helpful, but we both need help and they're offering it. As Antofer here said, strength in numbers and it's pretty dangerous. I know I don't have a death wish and I doubt anyone here does if they're still alive." He fidgets with the sword on his back and continues eyeing the tavern nervously. "While I'm not personally looking to get a familiar, I'm more than willing to tag along to help out and I figure it could work both ways." Turning back to Antofer he smiles, "At the very least, I'm willing to party up with you, and if you think you can get us all the way to Floor 100, I figure you'll want a tank there with you." He considered getting a drink like everyone else but alcohol had never been much to his taste, it only ever gave him a headache anyway. "I'm not much one for trust, and maybe even those who warn you may be out to get you..." he declares as he raises an eyebrow at Antofer for a moment before laughing, "It's not like I have much of a choice anyway."