[PP-F4] Meeting of the Minds - Guild

[Mack 0]

OOC: Keep track of where you post as you come in as we'll set the posting order in the initial round of posts.

Clad in the Angelic Sheath, Mack stood tall and silent as a sentinel in the middle of Snowfrost Town near the portal pavilion. A gentle snow was falling down around him, blanketing the blood red cloak with gold trim that he had added as a cosmetic enhancement to his armor. At least for operating in snowy environments when he didn't wish to completely disappear from the view of others. The gold trimmed hood of the cloak was thrown back and Mack's storm grey eyes scanned the portal pavilion, waiting to see who among all the players he had messaged would bother to show up for the meeting. Xion, Hirru, Grave, Abalasster, Beoreson, and Lindow had all been invited. Lately the smith had been reflecting on the fact that, in order to truly get ahead in Aincrad, it really was necessary to either be in a part or to join a guild. Simply put, it was just more efficient since greater strength meant that tougher mobs could be taken down and more experience reaped. With the butt cap of Guillotine planted on the frozen cobblestones of the town's street, Mack watched and waited to see who among the list of invitees would turn up.

[Xion 0]

Xion had been in his shop when he had received the message from Mack, intrigued, he had set off at once to meet him on floor four. The player donned his Blacksmith's trench coat, as he wouldn't be needing any armour, before locking up his shop, and walking towards the teleportation gate in the cents of the town of beginnings. "Teleport: Snowfrost!" He said as he stood before the shining portal, before disappearing in a brilliant blue glow. 

 

When he re- appeared in Snowfrost he looked around for the burly warrior, eventually finding him, wearing a red rose with a golden trim, what Xion assumed was to be the guild attire. "Mack..." He said as he approached, his trench coat catching a slight breeze as he did. "Assuming the robe is to be our formal guild attire, a good choice" he said, as he stood next to the man, looking into the distance as he waited for more to arrive. "How many did you invite exactly?" He asked, not taking his eyes off the teleportation gate. 'Me...a guild' he thought, as he watched snowflakes slowly fall into his hands, and onto his coat, only to melt. 

 

 

 

[Abalasster 0]

I was sitting at my cart in the market, trying to entice local players with my stock. It was a slow day, like usual. That's when I became a bit more upbeat. I received a message from Mack about a meeting on the 4th floor. I closed the shop and put Khepri on my shoulder before I walked out of the district towards the portal. I walked over to the portal and said... "Teleport Snowfall"...

Once I arrived, I found out that I was among the first to arrive. I was met by Xion and Mack. "Gentlemen" I began. "How wonderful it is to see you both". I looked at Mack, who was dressed differently. Could this be the guild uniform, or just the Leaders? "Nice new outfit Mack" I said to the smith. "So, what is it that we are meeting about"...

[Beoreson 0]

     The raven haired warrior was to put it nicely lounging around his shop. He was taking a nap, as no one every came in his store he had a makeshift bed set up. The young warrior woke up to a beeping sound. Beoreson assumed it was a bomb and he rolled off the bed, taking cover behind makeshift bed. He waited there a few moments and, the beeping stopped. The warrior peeked over the table turned bed, and noticed that he had a notification on his HUD. The young warrior took and opened his menu. There was a message from Mack. The message told him to go and meet him at Snowfrost Tavern.

     The young warrior knew that Mack was not a person to waste his time so, he decided that he should probably go and meet with him. The raven haired warrior looked though his small chest of things that belonged to him. There was Viper's Kiss, Shadowsteel, a suit of chain mail, Wolfbane, a health potion, and some mats. The young warrior grabbed the Viper's kiss and, Wolfbane. He knew that it was cold so he would take the warmer of the two suits of armor. He equipped the basic leather armor that had a wolf's head as a hood. He also, equipped Viper's Kiss, the ninjato that Mack had forged him.

     Beoreson then, headed out into the busy streets headed towards the teleporter. The young warrior arrived at the teleporter and waited the few moments wait for the line to come to him. Once, he got his turn he flipped up the hood, which now made him look slightly like a Cubone but, not as much of a creepy backstory and, it was a wolf's head not a skull. He then, selected to teleport to Snowfrost. There was the blinding flash of being teleported as he was transported to the fourth floor.

     The warrior walked to the tavern and entered it, seeing that two people had already beat him here. He declined to remove his hood as Mack as was wearing a cool hood thing to. "Evening everyone." greets the warrior fondly, his blue eyes shining though where the wolf's should have been. He walked over to a table and, spun a chair around to face away from the table. He sat down on the chair and, reclined slightly. "So, Mack are we here to start a cult today?" asks the warrior with a grin.

Edited August 21, 2015 by Beoreson

[Lindow 0]

Lindow didn't know exactly know who he was meeting. He only spoke to Mack through the Private Messaging mechanic of the game, apparently they shared some common goals and interest for the game and it was decided then on that Lindow would join him and his group of people to form a guild. Lindow felt good about that, there was safety in numbers and he was good member when it came to squads. Being the DP of the SFPD was something he had earned while in law enforcement, that was to say he might be working with rookies right now. The player didn't have far to go, he took to the fourth floor as a sort of get-away for him from the busy day to day life style of the first floor dwellers. There was a sort of peace that Lindow enjoyed on the fourth floor, albeit a bit colder but it was probably just the serene hold of the place that drew him here. In nothing but his basic cloth armor, Lindow equipped the only sword he had got as a reward for the last quest he had done, The HardEge. A long two handed sword with a cut square tip instead of most swords bearing a triangular pointy end. 

He stepped out of the inn and walked towards the central plaza where a hooded figure in crimson seemed to be waiting, sure enough from the name of the guild he suspected the big guy there to be Mack bearing the colors of their newly formed Guild. He watched from a distance as a few others have arrived, faces he has never seen before, perhaps all younger than he. Well, it was time to introduce himself as the old dog. With confidence in his stride, the two handed swordsman man way to the small yet growing group of players surrounding the red mass of a player. As he neared, he heard the late end of the conversation of starting a cult, and snuck up behind the dark haired warrior, with a dark and creepy voice he responded back in a manner that would make people jump with fright, "All must pay homage to the great Cthulhu...!" After his little introduction they seemed to stare upwards at the tall swordsman who shared a soft smile, "I'm Lindow."

 

[Grave 0]

"Why did you have to pick somewhere so BLOODY FREEZING Mack?" were my words of greeting to the giant, white-clad blacksmith standing with a few other players.  I recognised all three; Xion, Abalasster and Beoreson.  Oh, how rude of me, I forgot to say how this all happened and why I was FREEZING MY BLOODY TOES OFF.

As per every day, I was casually napping out in the field on the nice grass of Floor One, until a strange ringing sounded in my ears.  When I opened up my HUD, I had received a message from Mack, asking to meet up on the fourth floor, somewhere I had yet to visit.  Having absolutely nothing to do, I gladly obliged, and regretted it as soon as I entered Snowfrost.

"Well, what's going on, a costume party or something?" I inquired, shivering heavily.

[Hirru 0]

Staring at the message that was sent to him, Hirru wondered about this new situation.  Coming from someone that he had gone raiding with, he was willing to meet up with them for whatever they needed.  Though, if it was anything about going to higher dungeons than the 5th floor, he would have to kindly decline, as he hasn't even gotten past the 2nd floor dungeon yet.  He had been a solo player for a good while now, and it had served him well lately.  Though, something about going through there alone made his mind wander away from it, but once his gear that he ordered was completed, Hirru would be an unstoppable force.   

Hirru stood in front of the warp gate on the second floor, dreading the news that he was going to get.

"Warp! Snowfrost!"

Appearing in the snow covered land that was the Fourth Floor, he stepped out to find quite a few others around.  Most of them were fairly familiar with one or two that he didn't know just yet.  Stepping out of the portal, he figured that Mack would be among them..

..until he turned to see a hulking figure in a red cloak.  Jumping back, while placing his hand to his sword, he would notice the blonde haired of Mack, the one that sent out the message.  Hirru took in a deep breath before exhaling harshly while staring hard at the red cloak.  If it wasn't for the distinguishing golden hair that Mack was almost famous for, he would have mistaken him for Kayaba Akihiko.  That, or a Game Master that finally came out of hiding.

"Why are you dressed like a GM?  I almost attacked you thinking you were Kayaba himself!"

[Mack 0]

"Gentlemen," Mack rumbled in a low tone, by way of offering greeting to the entire assembly of players, as he ignored the remarks about a cult and Cthulu from Beoreson and Lindow. As they had filtered in slowly, the mountain of a blacksmith had remained stony faced and silent, noting with some amusement that not everyone had bothered to show up in clothing that was suitable attire for a snowy winter environment such as Snowfrost Town. "Now that you're all here, as you've gathered from my message, it is time to discuss forming a guild. Much as I don't want to admit it, a team will be necessary and much more efficient for moving through the higher levels of the Aincrad," the tall blonde man continued, sheathing Guillotine at his back. "Now, there is a reasonable tavern here in town and, since Grave failed to bring warm weather gear, I propose we move the discussion to that warmer location," Mack said, with a pointed grey eyed glance in Grave's direction.

"As for the cloak, they will be Guild attire for official functions and they are supposed to look like Kyaba's garb," the hulking blonde said, spitting the name Kyaba as if it were something disgusting he didn't want in his mouth. Moving at a reasonable pace, he led the group of men through the town in the direction of the tavern, which had a wonderful strong dark Imperial Stout style beer, among other things. "The psychological element is as important to battle as the physical is, these cloaks will strike fear in the hearts of those who oppose the guild, Hirru," he continued, as he left tracks through the snow. "Those with weak minds shall see our cloaks and know despair in their hearts," the smith said, reaching the heavy oak door of the tavern and pulling it open for everyone. "They will distinguish our guild from the others and shall serve as emblems for displaying guild awards."

[Xion 0]

Xion nodded in thanks as Mack held the door open for them. " I like the aesthetic, intimidating, but at the same time elegant" he said, before walking up to the bar and buying himself a mug of ale, seeing as he was in a tavern he may as well. The group then sat themselves down at a reasonably large table in the back of the tavern. It was a round table, with enough seats for the entire guild. "So, I do believe that we have a few things to sort out, namely positions in the guild. Obviously Mack is the leader of the guild, as he is the one who created it in the first place. But who shall take the position of second in command?" He asked, as he looked at the other players. " Shall we vote?" He asked, as he drank some of the ale in his mug. "This is surprisingly strong stuff" he said. 

 

[Abalasster 0]

We all filed into the tavern that Mack had suggested. It was a rather nice place. It was warmer than the cold weather outside,  so it would definitely do for me. He all sat down at a table towards the back. Mack began to explain the cloak and what it symbolized.  I admired this. "Fighting the enemy on both a physical front and a psychological front. Turn their own fears against them. It's brilliant Mack". I ordered a  glass of water. This to me, was the best drink that had ever been made. Xion then made a point for positions in the guild. This was a place that I wanted to enter into. I wans't interested in being second in command or anything of that nature. But one position did intrigue me. "For the thought on second in command, i'm not interested, but I do nominate you, Xion. A position that I would be happy to grab would be that of Minister of Intelligence, if no one else objects, of course"...

[Beoreson 0]

Beoreson saw the gray haired warrior walk around the corner of the room to sneak up on him. He stood still as he heard what the man said, and with a evil, grin replied in the same creepy tone used by the other man,"Yes.... all must pay homage....The cost to show honor to the great lord.... is you're life...." Beoreson was trying his very best, to be as creepy as possible as it would be pretty funny later on. Hearing Mack talk, he instantly stopped joking around and focused on the cloaked man. hearing what the blond soldier had to say he responded to him,"I don't want to be second in command as, I would be a horrible role model. I would however like to be a quarter master of sorts. I already have training in that." sates the warrior. He thinks for a moment then, says ," I also would like to be on what ever team comes up with plans of attack and defense."

[Lindow 0]

They were a lively bunch, and for a moment Lindow felt a sort of brotherhood forming between them all. It was a warm feeling that made him forget about the coldness of the air around them, all of them had burning desires that seem to melt the snow so to speak. As Mack, clearly the guild leader, spoke he suggested that they take leave due to Grave having not worn anything to help protect against the weather of floor four. Lindow was little haunted by the fact of the weather, his tunic and vest were warm enough to evade the wintry touch and perhaps he could snag himself a cloak like the one that was around their great Leader. As Lindow and the others were escorted to a warm Tavern, the two handed swordsman had actually visited this place quite often as for the time being he has taken up residence here. Mack was a big guy, strong and formidable. With every syllable he spoke it sounded like a slow rolling of thunder spilling from his mouth, but he was mature and steadfast and kept a serious stony expression. Lindow wondered if this player was just as old as himself or perhaps another reason of discipline. As they were huddling into the tavern, Mack held the door open to them as they filed inside. It was warm and lively inside and they seemed to find their place in the back with a very large round table to seat themselves. The player he attempted to spook earlier seemed like a lively sort of fellow and in turn played along with his little cult montage. Lindow gave a laugh and straightened up as they say down amongst this mighty fine round table. 

Each of them ordered drinks in turn, or most of them did. Lindow just had his lunch not too long ago so he was satisfied on that front. But he was eager to hear everyone suggesting who was doing what as far as positions in the guild were concerned. Did they all know each other that well? Xion seemed to guided as the Second in Command, was that the one who suggested that they make the vote? The light haired fellow to his left mentioned being the Minister of Intelligence, and the raven haired warrior mentioned being the guilds Quarter Master and help plan attacks and defense strategies. Lindow's eye brows pinched in between his head, he didn't wanna sound like an old man...But, if not he, then surely Mack would speak up on the matter.

"Umm, before we take charge on who is doing what. I...I'm sorry, I don't know any of you or what you have done in the past that would suggest that you could fill the required spot of whatever roles we are to take up. Before we do voting and so forth, why don't we take some time to learn who we all are. This way, we can find true positions that we can fit instead of being in whatever random spot we wish to desire. I am sure...Xion..." Lindow looked around wondering which player was this Xion character, "I am sure he is a fine gentlemen, but can he do all the duties that would require of being in Second in Command? That is quite the position to handle. No offense to you, Xion. But perhaps before start nabbing at positions, we learn who we are first and go from there. Perhaps Mack will be more suitable in handing out our positions rather than us picking ones for ourselves. With that said..."

Lindow cleared his throat and stood up, he looked up at each individual that was seated and gave his best warming smile. He felt like he was in the spotlight on a stage or something and that made him a little nervous. He cleared his throat again, perhaps he should have ordered that drink. 

"My name is Lindow, real life name is Gordon Shaw. I am Deputy Chief of the SFPD and have been in Law Enforcement for fifteen years and have done other security guard jobs before then. I have been married to a lovely woman named Crystal for the last twenty years and have known her for twenty five and we have a teen daughter named Jasmine. I am forty-eight as of November fifth. There is nothing more than I would love than to get back to my family in one piece, they are my everything and I wish to keep it that way and survive. At the current moment, I wield a two handed greatsword that is comfortable with my height and strength. In time I hope to become a versatile character filling in both roles as Tank and DPS, and will eventually be carrying two sets of gear for whatever the situation calls for. I am a Fisherman by trade in the game, though my craft is still of low rank. I haven't done much in terms of hunting and my gear is...subpar at best. But I plan to work hard on being a contributing member of Aincrad. The sooner we finish this Death Game, the sooner I can go back home to my family. I...think that is all..."

Lindow nodded and took a seat.   

[Grave 0]

Well, Hirru came soon after, yet another friendly face, but he seemed highly spooked by Mack's choice of apparel, noting it as looking very similar to that of a GM.  I had to agree, it did look reminiscent of the cloak Kayaba wore when he told us of the life-or-death situation we had been plunged into.  

Mack began to explain that he was calling us together to form a guild.  Strangely enough, a day or two before, I was thinking of joining a guild, so my chance came then... And I cowered when the smith threw an accusing glance in my direction, due to my poor choice of attire.  "You don't have to rub my face in the dirt for it," I mumbled, still shivering, proving his point.

To my surprise, the giant had intended the cloaks to look like that of a GM, to 'attack' players on a psychological level. I had to say, Mack was a born warlord; he knew exactly how to take down anyone who opposed him.  I nodded my approval when he opened the door to the tavern for us, and noticed a few of the members getting drinks.  I shrugged and approached the counter myself, ordering a glass of wine.  Hadn't had one of those in a while.

We all sat down at a giant round table, and I couldn't help but think of the Knights of the Round Table.  There was actually another player there that I hadn't noticed before, but he was someone I didn't recognise.  I kind of felt bad for not noticing him.  Xion was the first to speak up, bringing up the topic on guild positions.  I swirled my wine while I pondered.  Sure, it'd be awesome to be second-in-command, but I thought Xion-

Yeah, it wasn't only me.  Abalasster had the same idea, nominating Xion and recommending himself as Minister of Intelligence, followed by Beoreson doing the same for Quarter Master.  The other player, though, the one I hadn't noticed, spoke his mind on whether everyone was fit for said jobs, suggesting that we get to know eachother, before launching into quite some detail of his real life.  He had some real guts, that was for sure.

I followed his lead, "I already know most of you here," I began before taking a sip of my tangy red beverage, "But my name is Grave.  I moved from London to Japan to play SAO.  I focus on hitting the opponent as often as possible, while dealing high damage.  I have one rank in <<Battle Healing>>, one in Curved Swords and one in <<Martial Arts>>.  I don't have any special armour, but my wakizashi, Cobra Strike, was kindly made by our dear leader, and has a damage and accuracy buff," I explained, and remained silent for the next man to speak.

[Hirru 0]

It would have never occurred to the young hunter that this was a call to arms, for the creation of a guild.  Hirru didn't know what to think about it.  He never really considered what that would entitle.  He had been mostly mixed between going alone and going with a small group, but a large group?  It was something he never thought about.  Though, it was something that he wanted.  All of his friends, under one roof as they keep the peace, and fight to save the people of this world.  A group of his friends, all under one roof as they protect the innocent and all that is good.  What else could he ask for?!

Listening to everyone talk about the guild, something felt odd.  Like this was sort of familiar, but he didn't know where from.  It was something that hurt though, more than anything that he has ever experienced before.  His head felt that it was going to explode, but as soon as it appeared, the pain vanished just as quickly.  His pain would probably be shown through his features right now.  Straightening himself out, the young hunter seemed that he had just went through an entire boss battle by himself.

Everyone was talking about positions, and who could do what.

"̸͂͐͑͗ͫ̀Hͦ̾ͪ́̏i̓̈̏̄r̂̐͐͑̍͢r̀uͩ̇ͯ̕!ͧ̔ͩͫ̓ͮ͏ ̶ͥ͗̈́̋ͯͥ̉ ͧͫ̅ͫ̽̋̿͠W̑ͮ͜hͭͫ͂ͮ̑̐͒åt̡ͬ ͤͯd̶̈̀̍oͮͯͨ́ͮ̒ͣ ̎ͩ̌̒̍ͪͧy̶ͮ̒̂͂ͤ͗ͭo͊ȗ̷͑̌̑ͨ͊ ̛ͩ̚̚t̢͑ͯ̽͒̇̈̚hi͆n̴̅ͨ͆ͩ̂̚kͥ͑͜?͒̅"̍ͫ̀̈͞

"͢Huh?̶"

"͞W̢ho ̢sh̕oul͏d ̷d́o ̵what͞?"̴

"I͢ d͠o̕n͏'t́ ͢k̢nơw͏,̷ ́Ja̛sper̛,͢ y̕o̷ú're̸ ͜the pla͞to̢on ̡l̕e̶ad̢er̶!̨ ̡ ͝Y̕ou f͘ig̕ur̕e͘ it ̨out̷!"

"Oh ͡c͜o͞me ͠o͢n̵!͠ ̷ Y̴ou͝ k͜now I ͝ẁas nev̧er͏ t̸hát̶ ͞go͝o̴d͝ a̡t d͢e͘ci̡sio̵n ̴mak̸in͟g̀.̸.̀

"̜̕H̤̟̕o͙w͙̰͎̦̹̳̺ ̭̻̫y͙͖̯̪͓̺o͎͓̥̯̲ͅù͎̭ͅ ̪̟̠̬b̸̬͈̜e̥̰͙̜͉c͓͕͉͝a͔m̭̭͕̤̲e͉̻͎̜͔ ̤̰̗̺̙̬t̵̮h̲e̞̝̳͕̖̱͜ͅ ͖͙̦̼͚̙p̪͕͡ͅͅl̝̙ąt͉̖̝̹̹o̩͈̟̪̼̟͎o̧͉̫̼̱̭ͅn̶͎̯͉ ͝l҉̪e̘a̩d̡̞̞̝̫e̼̤̳͈̪̣r̵̯̦ ̙i̫̫̝̦̜s͙̜͞ ̥̮͈b̯̳̖̩ȩ̱͍̹̖y͇̩̤̻̘͘o̹̠̝̭n̢̠͈͔d͓̞̙͕͍̹͟ ̳̩͍͓̜̘̖͡m̞͡e̗̥.͘.͔̫̞́ͅ.͉̤̗̤̪ͅ"̪̲͙̞

Introducing themselves for the ones that they have not met.

"̍Hͤ͆ͨ̏e̡ͯͤỷ͂̊ͯ̊͊ ̕yͩͧ̌̎̋ͣ҉òͮu͋̍ ̧͆m̴̌̒ͥ̈́ͩ́̉u͆̆̑̅́s͛̏ͦͦͩ̎̉ť̢ͦͨ̆͊͒ ̧b̀̔ͦ̅͘e͡ ̶̃ͪẗ̛͆̚hͯͮ͛ͯ̓ͨ͆͏é ͬ̈ͤ̓͐̔ņͯ͑́ͮeͩ̓ͩŵ͆̃̽͂̿҉ ̓̊rͩ̔ͩ͒͢o͐̅̅̔͂͏ǫ̃̃̉̿̍mͧ̉ͯ̍̐͛͋͞iͧ͆̀e̸͐̋!̵͑ͯ͋͆̈́̾̚ ̧ͩ ͭ͟Ĩ̧'̄̌͆ͭͫ͑m͑̀ͩͤͤ͆ ́Ž̽̒ͫa̵̾͋ͭcͪh̸ͭͤâ̊̽͟r̶̀̈́̋̐͐̄̑y̧ͥ̄̅̒ͭ͂̍ ̵ͭͣͮ̿́͛K̈͏e͜y̓͗̉ͯ̃a̽̓̎͛n͐́d̸͋̔ȅ̷̏̆̚r̊͒ͧ͊̾̓̚.̛ͨͨ͐̏͆̈"͐̂̏͆͐͑͘

"Name'҉s͏ ̶H̢iŗr͘u̶!̀ ̡ Hir҉rù ̷Ŗ̶̦̦̘̬͇̙͎̰̖͗̎ͩ̆ũ̴͉͍̻͔̲̠͕͓̲ͣ̑̇́̊ͫ̏͒̅ͨ̄̓͢͜͡͞i̺͉͚͔̖̮̐ͧͣͪ̕͞ͅk̷̵̨͇̩̞͙̼͖̘̮̖̳̩̱̗͖͈̐̓̅̽̆̌̆ͪ̆̽͆̀̂ͮ̔̎̈̓̍́͡ụ̴̷̧͓̩͈̥̠̻̥̺̣͉̬̠̬̻̱̳̦̇ͬ̇̓͗̓͡n͚̘̞͉̫͓̩ͥ̍̆̓ͬͥ̓̈́͂̃͂̌̕í̸̢̲̠̯̩̦͓̺̣̥͆͒̆́̔ͧ̀͝!̡̡̛̬̱̫͆͆̆ͤ̇̋ͦ͒ͨ̃ͤͭ̚̕̕ͅ ̸ ̴N̴ice͝ to ͝me̴et̶ ͜ỳa!"

Everyone had their concerns and fears...

"̧͝K͜e͠ll̡ą͝n̷,̸̸ ͠I̢ ͢dó̕n͘'̢͞t t͞h̵in͜k͞ th̵i̴̶s ̵w̴ilĺ̵̸ ̕w͠ò̕͠r͟͡ḱ̕.҉ ̡ ̷̧͘Ẁ̴é s̸h́o͠ùld͠͏͠ d̡͠e̕͜͝fi̡̡͢ńi҉t͟e͢l̡ý̵ g̸̡o͢ ͘͘a̧͝͡ ̕͞͝d̷̀i̧f̛f͟è̸͟r̀e̸̢n̡̡͡t̀͝ ͝r̶҉o̷͠u̸te͠.҉́҉"̡͞
̨
̛́́"̸̢Non̡̨se͏n̡s͘͘e̸͞!͘ ̢ ̴͘I̴̡ ̴̴ca͏m̸̀͟e͞ ͜͡up̴̛ w͝i͜t̶h̷͟ ̧҉t͟h̕į͘͡s҉ ́͟àf͜te̴͘r ̷̨s̡om̧̧͝e͢͜ ͞r̡oug͢h ͝t̢͜ḩ̵i̛n̷҉k͝҉̛į͢ń͘͠g.̶͝"
̵
̧͝"̢͠͡An͘͏d̢͏ ̛s̕͜͢o͜m͝é̀ ̀͝su̧g̛g̷e̡̛s̵̡͘ti͞͠o̸̧n̛͢s̨̀ ̷̷͠f̶̡͢r̷̡̕om̴͏ ͏m͜e.̡́.̢҉."̶͝
͝͞
"̧H͟͟ey͝͡!̨̕ ҉ ̴̸͘I̕ f̕͝͝i̴͟g͝u̷̸͢rȩ̶d̴̢̛ o̵u͏͡t m͠͠o͜͝s͘t͟ ̶͞͠o҉f t̵h̨é͠ ͏̨course!̡̧"̛
̨͘͞
"̶̨S͞͝t̢il̢͟l̶̕͏, I̵̧͡ ̵̢doņ'̷̀͝t̸̷ ̶͘͢lik͢͠è ͟t̸͡h̴̢e̡͞͞ ̡͡r̸̨͝e̷̷p̸͘͜o͝r̀͘t҉̨͜s̴̸ ͡on̶ ͘t̴̷h̸a̷t ͟a̶̴r̵è̸a̵͏.̵͜"̵̶̛

 They would keep the streets safe..

"͘C҉̧OC,̴̡̛ CO͏C͠!̶͘̕ ̴̸ ͘T̡͘h̷i҉̢s̵͡ ̧͘i̸̛s͢ ͡F̨҉e҉nr̡̛i͟r̸͢ ̡O̷̡ņe̵̛,́ ͝o͏v̀er̢.̡͞"̀

̛͏"̴͘S̡͟ę̵̢nd ̢̕it̕͏, ̕̕͠F̀͜ęn̷҉r҉i̡͏r̵ ̸On͠è.͝"͞

͞"͜W̸̡͏ȩ ͢j́ư͢s̀t̛ ͢p̷̕as̢̡s̷͠ed c̕h̶͠e͠çkp̷̴ò͠in̨҉t͘ ͘ć̶͟h̀͟a̷r͜͠l̡i̵̕ȩ. ̢̀ ͘N̸ót̕h͏̨͢i̧̡̛n͡g͟͢ ̧ś͟ų͞s̀p̴͝i̸c̨i̶͢o̴͟u͟s͠ t̶͠o̢͟ ̷r̕͝͞e͝p̶ǫr̵̢͝t̡.͟ ͜ ̧͟͡C͜͜o̡n̸̴҉t̴i̕n̵u̸͏i҉҉ņ͝ģ ͢on͘ t̷̸͜o ̨ch̕͝e͡c̀k̡̨p̵͘͜o͡i͝n̴t͘ ̶͢d͟ę͘l̶͘͞t́a,̷ ͠͞ơv҉ér̵̢.҉"́͜͝

̴̧͜"̶So͘li҉d̨ ͟co̶̕p̕͞y͜҉̛,̸̛͞ ̷̨̧F́ęǹ҉̢r̶i͠r͠ ̕͜Ǫne̛.̷̸ ̵ ͜͡C͏͟͠on̴t̶i̵͞n҉̷͜uè͟͠ ̢͡҉oǹ̴ ̶r̶ǫ̷u̷̴t͢e̶,̴̨͢ o͏̵v͘͞e̴͠r̕.̷͢͢"̵͡

̸̷"̕R̴̷̀og͜e̸̡r̢,̴ ̸͟F͢e̕҉n̵͘r͡ìr̀ ͢͏Ơ͘ǹe͟͢ ̨o̵͝u҉t."̷

No one had to..

Hirru could feel his memories pooling back into existence within him.  Something wanted to get out, and it was scarier than anything that he has ever faced before.  It was a familiar feeling.. One that nearly hurt someone else. 

'No..I won't let him back out!'

********************

To everyone in the room, Hirru would be quite silent for a long time.  His face vacant, eyes soulless.  Xion would recognize that sign, while anyone with real life combat training or hospice knowledge would recognize a form of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.  It wasn't until Grave ended his speech when Hirru would snap out of it.  His face filling with color, or, as much as the system would allow.  His eyes were brighter than before, but a look of sadness kept its hold.  Getting up, he looked to the group.

"I am Hirru... A one handed straight swordsman of the DPS build.  I know most of everyone here, except for maybe two or three, and even then I have only seen your combat skills.  I can't say anything about positions, or why anyone should be in one.  I don't even think I even belong here.  Everyone having their own life outside to protect."

Hirru could feel his throat harden as he kept talking, and the feeling of wanting to cry, but his features wouldn't allow it.  Something that those memories brought back.  Stalwart and hardened, though soft inside.

"I'll help you guys, but I won't be joining.  I have my own issues to deal with, and need time to myself to figure them out."

Sitting down felt harder to do as he fought the urge to walk out.

((If you're wondering WTF is going on?  Everything above the asterisks is in Hirru's head.  Read the journal to know more.))

[Mack 0]

"Lindow raises a valid point, introductions are in order," Mack rumbled, both of his hands wrapped around a tankard that looked much too large to be allowed that was full of dark stout beer. "Introductions breed familiarity, familiarity breeds trust," he continued, throwing back the gold trimmed crimson hood of the cloak and looking around the table, his grey eyes searching out the eyes of each of the men at the table. "My name is Mack, I am one of those players that doesn't change their names for online gaming. I'm twenty-seven and a Sergeant in the Field Artillery Branch of the United States Army, currently deployed. I have no family to speak of and I favor a DPS build, with the ability to solo and tank as needed and prefer to overwhelm enemies with intimidation and sheer brute force. The shock and awe approach." Mack lifted the tankard to his lips and took a long pull of the dark liquid before continuing.

"I believe the more capable and responsible players have a duty to look out for the weaker ones with the expectation that in any form of warfare there will be casualties. I also believe in engaging in player killing as necessary to protect players that are incapable of defending themselves. If I am to be the Grandmaster of the Crimson Blades, which seems to be the general consensus, then it will be understood that this guild will be run in a military fashion. I expect orders, especially on the battlefield, to be carried out and I will not give any of you an order I would not carry out myself," the blacksmith continued in a low rumble, pausing to take another pull from his tankard. "Furthermore, each of you is here for a reason."

"Xion, we will require a dedicated tank and I will require an even-handed and fair Seneschal to serve as second-in-command. Someone capable of leading from the front and organizing troops. You are quite right in thinking that I had you in mind for this role," Mack said, turning his attention next to Ablasster. "Our silver-haired friend is here because he alone, among us all, is of the Merchant profession. The game will grant him certain skills and abilities using col that none of us shall ever have. The guild will require a Grand Treasurer, and I have observed Abalasster's interactions with low-level players. As a merchant, he will also go more places and hear more things than we are likely to hear. This will make him a useful information broker. Much that has been said of Abalasster, at least in terms of interacting with and looking out for low-level players can also be said of Grave, he will make a fine Grand Officer for the Council."

"Beoreson is a capable planner, he is also one of several blacksmiths among us. He is also a stalwart, if somewhat clumsy warrior. Despite that, we will need a Quartermaster General to oversee the outfitting of the guild members with armor and weapons produced from guild materials by the blacksmith's in the guild, including myself," Mack continued, moving around the table to point out Lindow next. "I know Lindow by reputation only, but given what he has just said there will be few among us that would argue the point that he understands the administrative side of things. As we will be something of a mercenary guild, seeking to stay on the proper side of what is morally correct, Lindow should serve as Grand Secretary. Keeping track of the various deeds, ranks, and awards of the guild members and making sure that contracts engaged in are fulfilled both by the people that hire us and by the guild members themselves in performing the tasks."

"As for Hirru, I had hoped that he would join us for any number of reasons. He's a capable battlefield commander and, at least based on what I saw when we cleared the first dungeon together with Xion and Beoreson, he understands the minds of Sword Art's creators and game masters," Mack said, turning to the final member of the group. "He would also have given us a seven person Grand Council which would prevent ties in votes. As we will have, now only a six person council I propose that the Guild's Grand Master cast the tie-breaking vote. As Hirru is choosing to remain as a solo player, for now, I propose we appoint him as the Grand Liaison of the Crimson Blades to the Solo Players. As such, he would remain a solo player and have no voting rights or guild standing. However, he would keep us informed of the leanings and opinions of the solo players in general while we, in turn, would keep him informed of major guild decisions as well."

"If this all sounds appropriate to you gentlemen, I propose we signify assent with a simple vote right now."

[Xion 0]

Initially Xion was worried when he say Hirru blank out, going rather limp and lifeless, but then he remembered the time that this had happened before, the swordsman had been fine, and sure enough before long the turquoise haired warrior was in the world of the living once more. Sure that his friend was not going to die on them or anything he turned his attention to Mack as he talked to the entire gathering. Xion watched with admiration and pride as the man spoke about all of their roles, and how important they each where, the man was a born leader and warrior, one fit of leading the guild to greatness. 

 

"Familiarity breeds trust, and idleness breeds heresy" he said with a small chuckle before standing up himself, as an introduction seemed to be in order. "Well, my name is Xion, I am 15 years old and while I have a family, they're not the nicest of people. My build is of the tank variety and I could best be described as a status tank I guess, as my main tactic in PVP combat is to paralyse my enemies, and failing that use my large HP reserves and battle healing to wait out the battle until I can paralyse them" he said before sitting down, hopeful that the introduction was a good one. 

"And Mack, I am i favour of the proposed roles in the guild, and do not oppose any of the proposed positions, although I would like it if Hirru was to join our guild too, as he is a great warrior in battle, and a  great person outside of it"

[Beoreson 0]

Beoreson looks to the people around him, "I'm Beoreson. My real name is John Smith. I'm 22 years old and, I was going to college at the when we where first trapped into this game. I was participating in ROTC and participated in JROTC as well. I had one semester left before graduating. I was at the top of my classes most of the time. I am going for a weapon master build. I want to learn how to use most of the weapons in the game. I have points in swords, one handed assault spear, and dagger." says the warrior with a nod to Mack for the comment about his planing skills. It was clear to anyone with tactical skills that he was wasn't telling everything about his build. "I want to say that I'm working on weapons training as well. I am doing better then, we last fought together, Mack" The warrior his little introduction with pride and, confidence.

[Lindow 0]

Each person around the table was interesting to say in the least with a colorful variety of backgrounds. Mack seemed to know everyone for the most part and their required skills. As Lindow listened to his Guild Leader, he nodded and appreciated the in depth explanation of the assumed roles everyone were given, as well as Lindow taking full swing of the Grand Secretary; his role was to keep assignments and deeds by the books of those who hired out the men for such quests and the completion of the jobs as far as the mercenary sides go. He was also to take charge in keeping tracks with most of the records that goes on in the Guild, in other words he needed to know everyone at this table from the inside out. As they all took their turns in introductions and the final voice going to Mack, the Searg, Lindow looked about the table to see if there was any instance of rebuttal, there was only silence. 

The two handed swordsman gave his vote, "I vote yay on these roles as well as the proceeding military structure of the Guild." Lindow didn't stand up this time but stayed in his chair as he looked to the men. So this was really happening, the formation of the guild was coming together nicely. There was some people in the room tavern watching closely and more or less eavesdropping as they talked about their structure, do doubt some of these people were happy to see a force coming to be as the front lines have gone cold for some time. With no other thoughts of his own, Lindow awaited for their next order.   

[Grave 0]

Grand Officer, eh?  Sounded sweet, but... "Sorry if I sound rude here, but what exactly would a Grand Officer do?  What parts of the guild would one deal with and oversee?" I asked, my voice cracking with fear I may have asked it the wrong way.  I was just hoping it came across alright.

Beoreson wanted to be a weapon master, eh?  Similar to myself, but I wasn't as broad with my weapon choices, especially since recently picking up <<Martial Arts>>.  Lindow agreed on the positions and structure, and I followed suit by silently putting my hand up in agreement.  The guild sure was about to get somewhere.

[Abalasster 0]

I listened to the rest of the people go around the table and introduce themselves. This had been the most formal introduction that I had been apart of so far in this game. "I suppose its my turn" I said. "Hello gentlemen. So of you I am very familiar with, while others I am not as much. For those who do not know, My name in game is Abalasster. I derived it from Albatross. My real name is Edward. My family consists of my sister, my mother and my step father. I rather no delve too deep on my past with all of you but if you want to confront me individually then I will discuss it with you. I don't want to be too untrustworthy but seeing as how I'm a merchant, how can you trust me anyways. Moving on, I have chosen the rapier to be my weapon of choice. I'm a stabber, not a slasher. I also have skill in Battle healing, Search and detect and precision. Now, seeing as how I may not make minister of intelligence, I will gladly take grand treasurer. I will be the Alexander Hamilton of the guild. Now, what is our next priority gentlemen, after introductions?...