[PP-F11] Ever Forward (PM for Invite)

[Ashrah 0]

Taft was a bustling suburban settlement, and most players with a general knowledge of European Architecture agreed that it probably found its roots somewhere in the Southern portion of the continent. While it lacked the aquatic beauty of Venice, it had all the historical panache of Florence and the dusty streets offered a change of pace from the cobblestones of the Town of Beginnings. Agriculture was central to their way of life, and middle class merchants intermingled with a smattering of nobility to give the city its very own feel.

Reminiscent of the Arno that ran through the same city, the small plaza of Taft boasted a waterside forum where players could relax and converse with one another. Nearby there sat a bell tower that stretched skyward was reminiscent of the Santa Maria del Fiore. There were obvious discrepancies between the actual world geography and the locations of the different landmarks in Aincrad, but the game had a notably different scale about locations. Taft was small, much smaller than anything in Tuscany. It was a place for players to rest after the strains of their adventure, before moving forward to the next big challenge.

Arc sat polishing his blade in the midst of a festival, one of the few times people gathered to enjoy life inside the death game. Daytime fireworks sparkled in the sunlight, much less beautiful than their nighttime relatives but stunning in a different way. The Mercenary took the time to appreciate them as men courted their lady friends, and he enjoyed the sight of different low level players on even footing with Frontliners. It was definitely a sobering experience.

Though they came down to lower floors from time to time, most of the Frontliners could only be found if someone took the time to ascend to their level. Rarer still, they were found outside the towns and settlements until they came back for rest in the late evening. That was not why Arc came this far up to begin with.

He wanted a taste of the world up high, something to coax him forward. He needed a taste of the air up there, or he would start to become discouraged.

So many players talked about the Frontlines, but so few actually saw them with their own eyes. Arc was not going to be one of the ones who missed out on the opportunity. And the game had rewarded him with this event, seemingly.

"Real pretty show," Arc commented. Another player glanced his way and smiled politely. Figures they don't want to talk, though. People tend to keep to their own social groups in this world.

[Domarus 0]

It started when Domarus heard about a festival being held on floor eleven.  At first he didn't care and moved on.  Then he heard that the front liners would be there.  He hesitated at that point.  Forwards he thought about how he'd need to get a good idea of what these powerful players were like and start adjusting his plans early on if need be.  Not only that but maybe there would be a decent follower or two at the festival he could sway into his grasp.  Domarus turned to Keres who was ever following him.

"We're going to floor eleven, stay close."  Domarus turned around and suddenly he could almost feel her pressing against him with her closeness.

"As you command master," she said with a very pleased tone.  He paid no mind and walked over to the teleport pad and the two of them warped away.  When they arrived at the floor, Domarus could see the festivities really easily.  He looked around and noticed with curiosity that this was an Italian town, sort of like old Italy or in roman times, though with a modern touch to it.  He shrugged as it didn't really interest him that much and moved on to where the crowds were.  He pulled up his knight in shining armor act and smiled and greeted everyone there.  He was wearing his dragon bone armor so he didn't look like a complete wannabe noob to the front liners.  Progress was progress after all.  As he walked through the crowds he took note that most of these people were here for the festivities, and those seeking the front liners seemed to be wanting autographs was all.  Wishing he could grunt with annoyance he continued to move through the crowds, ignoring the entertainment set up for the players visiting.  He cared not for small features like that.  As he scanned the area his eyes fell onto a familiar player.  Could it be that Arc wanted to see the front liners as well?  For what purpose he could not help but wonder.  He walked up to Arc with a smile.

"Hey Arc!  You here to see the front liners as well?"