Megathread - Link Start: The Outpost

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The many NPC and players would be mingling for the first time! So many smells and voices filling the air. Ah yes! Civilization! Such a wonderful thing... it was something that a certain NPC had a special place for in her heart. A certain NPC that looked remarkably different and much more colorful than the apron wearing merchants, mercenaries and armored soldiers that worked for the various organizations. This sky blue haired girl stood near the entrance to the outpost. She was simply standing still with her eyes wide at each new arrival. A smile of such enthusiasm that it looked like she might explode. She would go up to each person and make a attempt to introduce each player to the outpost. Her eyes sparkling with interest. Anyone who would ignore her she would simply give them a friendly salute and move on to the next.

"Hello! Hola! Bonjour! Ciao! Konnichiwa! Welcome to Terrasphere! We hope you enjoy your adventures!"

 

After his journeying through the forest - or rather, dodging through the outside of the outpost. Despite the strange happenings he found himself here with little fault and a little more tired than he had initially began. The world really replicated real life. Despite his studying in the real world, he had lost all sight of that world and was in this one now. This was his home now. Whenever he was here, he was truly here.

He came upon the Wursht Outpost. The bustle of player versus NPC was real, and alive. They didn't seem at all fake, and he wondered how advanced everything was. The buildings that surrounded the outpost were rustic at best. Wooden, some small masonry here and there but it was called an outpost for a reason. Before he came to the actual gate of the village he spotted the loudest of them all: and she stood out even more than the rest, just like the game had said: he could feel all the associated symptoms of being nervous again.

He stopped himself a bit aways from the the woman greeting people. His eyes scanning the area. He hadn't even spoke to anybody for real yet. A little bit of conversation here and there, but immersing himself. Was this woman a part of the game? A GM, perhaps? Someone hired to play the role of host? His nerves kicked in a bit. Looking to the ground, he had a few moments of contemplation. 'No. You're King in here. Act like one.' and taking a deep breath, he would straighten out his back and begin walking to the blue haired woman. He waved at her to gain her attention. "Hey!" he would attempt to introduce himself to her. "You seem as though you've been here a lot longer than me." he beamed positively at her. He knew what he was doing.

He hadn't even thought to check using the scanning thingy-magig with his hands, and that would've perhaps given him note that he was, in fact, talking to an NPC. But for the moment, King did not know that. "I'm King. Pleasure. Could you help me as to... well. Direct me as a beginner?"

@Pandora

 

((OOC: Continued from the other megathread))

This person did not leave as soon as Merkaba spoke. That alone was a good sign. Someone who was not afraid of darkness but seemed... curious about it. Elizabeth could tell, even through the expression on a avatar that this person was possibly, 'usable'. The girl introduced herself.... oh for Babylon's sake! What a name. Elizabeth had to resist the urge to face palm. She could not stand idiots like that. The very act of doing that showed a disrespect to coming into this new dimension.

"I see..."

Merkaba's eyes squinted and she turned a little more towards the short thief looking girl. A quick and agile ally would prove useful. Merkaba was not slow but certainly not a acrobat. Not with her current character build anyway. Elizabeth only believed in the power of dark arts, both in this world and the other. She did not say anything about the ridiculous name this girl had chosen, instead she just spoke her own avatar's name to move on with the 'encounter'.

"I am Merkaba. The vehicle that will bring seekers to the truth."

The Alphabet girl straightened her back and bravely asked if she could accompany Merkaba. Amusing, but also annoying. The girl was more than a bit not compatible with Elizabeth's style. Although... a variety of followers was not a bad thing. As long as they all went down the same path in the end. The girl would just be her personal jester or something maybe. Whatever. The girl suddenly seemed to lose interest, putting on a display of 'coolness'. Truly this one was probably a child in the other dimension as well...

"Very well. If you want to follow me, you may. Perhaps you will find yourself a purpose in this place with my guidance. If you change your mind, it is all the same. Let us gather equipment and supplies here."

Merkaba would turn away again and begin doing just that.

@Alphabet Chocolate

 

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The girl would see that one of the visiting new players had spoken directly to her! Trinity was ecstatic, what fun. He was looking for tips as a beginner. Trinity loved to help players learn the game. They had so many wonderful and exciting adventures to go on. Although his first comment was... a bit jarring to her even though her perfectly happy face remained unchanging. It was the first time someone actually talked to her so she found the comment interesting. She was here longer all right... alone. Anyway! He needed some help, so she would give him a hand for a little bit. Time to be a assistant!

"Ahem. My name is Trinity and I'm here to help!"

Trinity winked and made a cutesy pose.

"Okay! So please select a option! Menu Controls, Needs Meters, Combat, Contracts, or General Beginner Advice!"

She stared at King with a stiff smile as if frozen in place waiting for his response.

@King

 

King remained unfazed about the girl striking a pose. Not that he minded, of course, but it was a little over the top for his taste. People tended to do that in videogames where anonymity could be protected. Well. He was pretending to be something he wasn't, so he couldn't exactly judge the girl either. Trinity. That was the girl's name. King nodded- and she listed off the list... robotic-ly. But then, froze. King looked at her quizzically.

Oh.

She was an NPC. King's eyes widened in suspicion at the NPC. So realistic. Very Realistic. That was an ode to King's eyes travelling around her body in disbelief at the intricacy of it all. "Can you go through everything?" There were many more questions, like he wanted to understand if the NPC had any form of self realization that it was in a game. If it was not possible as a NPC to do all of those things, he would select the third option, Combat, and go from there.

There were a few other questions he had as well, but he'd hold off on those for the moment. For now, it was to explore the mind of the woman who he would eventually place all information to the back of his mind. He was going to learn. He would allow her to spiel on, and even then, he would watch her. So realistic. He felt his thumb tuck into the side of his belt; and the sensation that came with it threw King off a bit as well. Everything had been thought of. It was like the movie inception, except the architects were... well. Genius.

King wanted to gather some supplies and begin his reign; but a King needed to know how to rule first. That, and gather power and all that stuff. He wasn't that arrogant. He beamed again at the now-known-to-be-NPC.

 

Her new height was something that she needed to get used to. Things that she expected to far away from her head were much closer. Which is how, she managed to get up close and personal with some branches. Irritable, she fussed at her silvery hair, now untidy and speckled with tiny green leaves.

Shaking her head rapidly, her silver eyes could detect them falling away from her head. Well, at least, some things were realistic. Maybe, she could bathe as well. Did this world have inns? They had to have them, no decent MMO was left without an inn in some pixelized corner.

Which was how, she stepped up at the Outpost. Hair mussed, looking like a cat dragged from the wilderness. Ears twitching, she took in the sights. Is this an event?

Dodging an heavily armored player intent on making a beeline for the barmaid, her back and tail hit something--well, @King more like.

"Sorry about that."

 

_____Fingers nervously laced in and out of her own hands as she loaded into the game. It had taken her so long to design her avatar she worried her friend would already have wandered off to start the adventure the game had to offer them. Alice was not expecting what awaited her when she opened her eyes and saw, unfortunately nobody before her. Mind entered into panic as she frantically spun a full circle on her exposed heel in the grass looking for her friend. Blue eyes beginning to tear up as she was left alone at the spawn area.

_____She did not know the game randomly spawned people, but what she did know was that she was alone and in a place that was not her hospital room causing her to enter more panic. Her heart felt like it was about to shatter her rips, the beating drowned out her hearing and her lungs constantly filled and emptied with air as she began to have a panic attack. She could not call out for her friend, she could not speak, unknown if the game might allow her or not but to her her voice box was still offset prevent her from speaking.

_____Her panic attack took her down into the grass below her, legs brushing against the soft texture with green color. Her white dress rustling over the grass after her sudden collapse as tears started to trace the child’s face. She was scared out of her wits and did not know if the game could affect her or followed the fact she had no immune system. She worried each rapid breath might be her last, she worried she might die of a heart attack from her level of stress. This was not fun at all for her.

_____Alice received yet another reason to be scared of the game as a deep primal growl broke the sound of her breathing and heart from behind her. Frame froze for what felt like hours before she could move to see what caused such a noise behind her. Standing on hind legs at the edge of the small clearing no more than fifteen feet from the small girl was a not so happy bear. Brown fur swayed in the breeze as it slammed down to all fours and scared Alice to fall on her back in the grass.

_____She wanted to logout, she wanted to hide under her blankets and enter this game again. This was not fun in the slightest, this was terrifying and all she could do was start crawling backwards afraid to break her focus from the bear who slowly began to inch forward. She was going to be mauled by a bear before she was even in the game for a few minutes, she cowered slightly as the bear began to rush forward before something lept over her and stood before the bear.

”Get out of here you damn bear, bad enough she ain’t got a clue what anything is around her she don’t need you freaking her out more.”

_____Alice knew that voice, tears fell for another reason as she looked at the back of her only friend. His white hair trailing far down his back and a black cloak wrapped his figure as he glared down the bear. She could only cover her ears as the bear roared at him, but her friend simply shouted back and sent the bear running. His frame slouching before he turned to smile at Alice and offer a hand to her.

 

Success! Although the introduction hadn't knocked the lady—Merkaba, she reminded herself— off her feet, being invited to a group with her was a triumph, wasn't it? Well, it may be relatively small compared to her might-be-accomplishments in the future but this was no baby step! It was like a leap, maybe. Or a full-on sprint? Who knows, but Alpha knew that she could give herself a pat on the back for a job well-done.

"Equipment? Supplies?" As soon as Merkaba had spoke those words, Alpha remembered that she didn't have a dime on her body. Maybe. Who knew, maybe there was some inventory screen somewhere and, just maybe, the game would've given her tutorial money of some sort? She definitely read something like this in one of those World of Warcraft or Runescape guides that she scrolled through online.

Her skin began to feel clammy and she felt a drip of sweat roll its way down her forehead. Huh? Realistic.

"O-Of course!" she stammered. "Yuppers, let's go!"

She hid a groan by coughing into her scarf as she trailed after Merkaba, following her footsteps like a duckling to its mother. God, she better find a way to get some money fast before they get to a vendor or something. It'll be so embarrassing!

@Merkaba

 

Minerva had arrived at the location that was shining such bright light. It was a camp or some sort of marketplace. Looking at the sign at the entrance, she learned it was named Wursht Outpost. It was a welcome thing. Although Maya was more interested in getting onward to the city of Stokbon sooner rather than later. The best information, quests and equipment would be available at a large city this early in the game. It was acceptable for the time being though. At least she could meet some NPC's and get a better understanding of how they worked. She did not feel that anything very interesting would happen here unfortunately. It felt good that there were lots of people around and the feeling of life was strong. Being inside four walls all the time really makes you see the good in this kind of thing. Even if it stank more than a little.

Minerva saw a weird looking girl talking to a larger man right near the entrance. It was not something she cared to be a part of. The girl looked like a silly anime trope. Moving on Minerva would wander a bit aimlessly for a while just taking in the sights. The NPC were giving out equipment and merchants were selling what looked like complete garbage to unwary 'victims'. Unlike many players, Maya already had the complete image of her character in her head. Even her personality was shaping up nicely. What she needed to complete the character was a Holy Order of sorts. Looking around at the various organizations. Maya tried to find one that seemed appropriate to chat with and try and get on good terms with.

 

Merkaba did not pay much attention to her silly named follower. Which was lucky as it caused her to not notice the girls nervous reaction to Merkaba's command. This place was full of players that had no idea in how blessed they were to be in a dimension closer to the dark gods. They saw it as a game and nothing more. Blasphemy! Elizabeth held the urge to burn down the entire place and show everyone how real the fear in the 3rd dimension would be. How they would feel the pain and suffering before the electronic 'safeguards' pulled their souls to safety. If only a disconnect could happen, like in the SAO incident. These unkept masses would have to learn a lot more then...

Elizabeth shifted out of her dark brooding to find a stall that had several hooded figures. They had several pagan symbols on their goods and a assortment of simple things a dark arts user would need at this stage. The electronics forced this world to behave like a game... disgusting. Elizabeth would free them and allow this dimension to thrive again. That would require more work on the outside, so for now... she played along. She saw a good starter scythe and a skull for worship. It was just a rat skull... disappointing. Perhaps it would be possible to transfer a digital version of her personal ritual skull into the game when she gets back.

When it came time to purchase the items. Merkaba was prepared. She offered some starter gold and quickly made sure to not over spend on unneeded things. There really weren't many other merchants she wanted to visit here. Her dark appearance and obvious good eye was already winning over the robbed stall owners. It would be trivial to begin spreading her dark word in this world really.

Merkaba did not at any time check on the thief girl. No, she was the kind that expected perfection from those that were with her. Hopefully she was still not right behind her the entire time....

@Alphabet Chocolate

 

As Alpha shuffled after, she noticed a few gold coins on the floor and pouches that loosely hung off the belts and shoulders of the various celebrants. She took a quick, unnoticeable glance at Merkaba to find that the woman was getting alone smoothly with the vendors (who seemed to give off that same eerie feeling that Merkaba seemed to exude, albeit in lesser doses). Alpha quickly ran through a plan and, stealthily tip-toeing out from behind Merkaba's back, she swiftly picked and pocketed the stray gold bits on the floor into her own bag.

The pieces, however, were few and far between, scattered throughout the messy streets and crowd. By the time Alpha got up and straightened her back, dusting the dust and grime off her clothes (this game sometimes frightened her with how realistic and complicated it was) before giving a sheepish grin. She gave a breath in relief when she found that Merkaba was still purchasing items and had just bought some kind of baby skull and—was that a scythe?!

Alpha was sure that the blade was at least three-fourths of her size, if not more. Alpha hesitated a bit before reaching out to give Merkaba a pat for attention. She really didn't want to surprise the taller woman lest she slice her head off with that very sharp, very deadly weapon. Alpha wasn't even sure if she had a weapon or any sort of barrier between that death-weapon and her fleshy, mortal body.

"Oh, uh, Merkaba,"

She stuttered. She was proud to only eye that gigantic scythe nervously for a quick second before redirecting her attention. If she closed her eyes long enough, she could pretend that the sweat pouring off her neck in droves had been some kind of rainwater instead and not because she saw her life flashing before her eyes in that moment.

"I got some coins! Wanna go get some more stuff or food to eat or toys or something?"

She gave a tentative smile. Maybe she could convince Merkaba to, uh, put away the weapon into a storage facility or something (preferably in Area 51, maximum security, with release only being possible with all three nuclear launch codes). It was also kind of worrying to see the occultists (what else can they be, dressed in creepy robes and selling bones and sharp things) glare daggers at her for interrupting their exchange with Merkaba. They really seemed to be drawn to her at least. She couldn't say the same about herself (unless she stretches it a bit and say that they are drawn to her with the urge of murder and promises of bloodshed).

Alpha merely focused away from them, showing Merkaba her loot proudly. Yup, this is gonna be a girl's day out (hopefully)!

@Merkaba

 

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The player named King finally responded after a moment of looking at Trinity with a look of realization. He wanted to choose all of the options? Trinity would laugh and clap her hands with a happy smile. What a newbie! Or just a curious person! Curiosity was fun!

"Hahaha, of course, of course I can answer all of your questions! I am the 'Mascot Girl' after all! Hmhmhm... let's see from the beginning."

Trinity whipped out a large tome seemingly from nowhere. Her eyes skimmed the pages quickly as she opened the book with a flourish. If one were to look at the page they would see nothing but scribbles. Reaching a certain page. she looked at King and spoke:

"You have a personal menu available to access at any time! Isn't that great? It allows you to check your Needs Meters, Equipment, Items, Mail, and current Quests. To access, just close your fist and open it again quickly. All the options will appear just like if you had a magical cellphone! Yay!"

She then repeated her previous motion and skimmed the book more, landing on a new page of scribbles.

"Needs Meters are what you need to keep track of to survive in this game! Don't ignore them or you'll be sorrrry hahaha! HP is your lifeforce. If it hits zero your current life will end. EP is your energy needed to to accomplish actions that push yourself more than usual. Magic always takes some energy. Water is what you need to stay hydrated. Don't be stuck without any or you might pay the piper! Food is just like water but you chew it hmhmhm. Rest is also important. If you don't rest you'll get pretty sick and you don't want that do you? Log out if you want your character to rest while you do other things! Temperature is dependent on where you are. Don't let yourself get to hot or cold. Environments can be fatal!"

Again she repeated the same motion turning the pages of a seemingly endless book.

"Combat in this game feels identical to real life. When you attempt to attack, simply start the motion and the game will carry it through. You can also adjust this so you have more control over your movements. In combat, you can tell how strong an enemy is by the color of it's name. Keep in mind that this system does not take into account special abilities the enemies might have kay?"

And again...

"Contracts are how you forge bonds and quests with the people of Terrasphere. When you want to make a contract just open the contract menu when you are with another character or player. Be careful, if you break the contract you could make enemies!"

Closing the book at last. Trinity winked at King.

"That's it in a nutshell. As for general advice, I recommend you look around here and make some friends with fellow players, get starting gear at the vendors, and maybe find a organization you'd like to befriend. Best prepare now cause there might not be a next time, heehee!"

With that, she made another pose and saluted King.

"And that's all from Trinity! Enjoy the adventure!"

She stood still with her arms on her hips and legs apart. Staring into Kings eyes. Saying nothing.

@King

 

Merkaba looked over the Scythe carefully. It was adequate. Long enough to keep a enemy at bay and a nice sharp edge. It was light and a beginner's weapon so Elizabeth had no need to worry about slow attacks. It would still take some time to really reap with this at the level she would need to fulfill her goals here. Between that and the small odds and ends she gathered. The purchases would do for now. A cold smile and a hand motion from the witch was all that was needed. These ones were aware of her understanding and knowledge, How amusing that a few mere digital dolls would be wiser than the masses. Of course they were more than that. Elizabeth was all knowing. Anyone that disagreed with her beliefs... would be either removed or converted.

A interruption brought a end to the glorious talks of those blessed with understanding. It was the alphabet girl... sigh, Elizabeth almost forgot she existed. Then the small nervous voice brought a end to that. Merkaba rested the handle of the scythe in both hands as she tapped it in her right palm. Her eyes sliding back to the side as she responded to the thief.

"Yes, little one? What is it?"

That girl said she had found money.... found money? Why did she not have a starting stash? Did she somehow lose it? Then she asked to go get food and... toys? TOYS? Enough. Merkaba looked at the robed figures and made a silent nod. Then she turned to her pitiful follower. This was going to have to change, quickly. Elizabeth was a patient woman though. A good teacher should not become so annoyed so soon. Perhaps she needed a good scolding.

"My dear... I am happy for you that you found some currency for this world. Why you did not have any money to start with I will not dwell on. Do not leave yourself penniless again."

Merkaba gave a motherly and surprisingly warm smile. She placed a hand on the girls shoulder.

"Regardless of the dimension. Life is dangerous for the weak minded and unprepared. You will either die a million deaths here or a single death in the prime dimension if you do not improve. Confidence would also help. I do not travel with stuttering idiots."

Her look became cold as she removed her hand put her Scythe away using the game menu. As her fist clenched shut making the menu and scythe vanish. She would look towards the food tent. Her avatar was not too unlike herself. She was not unhealthy per say but not one to go on long trips without a break. Even a witch had to eat. She had yet to figure out how to leave such mortal needs behind. So there was only one option.

"Let us go and see what the delicacies are here. Food maintains one's body, and... gluttony is in itself a way to worship the dark."

Merakaba quickly began to stride towards the tent. Her black goth attire almost creating a stream of darkness as she walked due to the black streamer like wings coming from her back.

"And no. We shall not invest in toys."

@Alphabet Chocolate

 

Alpha listened with rapt ears and shining eyes as Merkaba placed a hand on her shoulder. The woman, despite her cold and deathly appearance, had the embrace similar to a grandmother or a caretaker of equal nature. Alpha felt that she could simply melt at the touch, milking at every sign of attention thrown her way regardless of its benefactress.

Merkaba had spoke in a warm tone that made Alpha yearn for her younger days, simply and idly playing as her mother and father looked over her and amused her in some frivolous antics. Despite just having met, Alpha felt she could trust a woman who seemed to exude care and kindness in such bounties.

Still, Alpha felt her stiff back release and her shoulders deflate upon Merkaba drawing back to put that scythe of hers into the inventory. It was a strange sight to behold, considering that she had just joined the game a mere half-hour ago, not used to the sights blatantly displayed for her. At least without the scythe she felt much, much safer to wallow in the freely given succor.

Then, her eyes lit up as if it was Halloween, Christmas, and some other obscure celebration combined. "Ooooh, I saw some biscotti and flan and sorbet and-and-and..." she continued on, rambling sentences full of sweets and goodies. It was definitely not a mistake to join Merkaba if the older woman would go out with her to get some sweets so early! She had a pessimistic fear that the lady would stay at the creepy stall forever! Oh, the joys of being wrong!

Then she heard Merkaba's next words and her jaw dropped comically.

"N-No toys?!"

They said that, as Alpha dimly and ghoulishly dragged herself after Merkaba into the food tent, her screams and cries of agony could've been heard for miles. Well, until they found out the gourmet sweet buffet awaiting them. Then they could've called her sounds of gluttony and the screeching music of her lips and teeth chapping to be the loudest and most obscene thing they've ever heard.

Obviously, game mechanics weren't exactly realistic as Alpha continued to devour and tear through the prized feast laid before her, much to the shock and repulsion of several of the NPCs and players alike.

"Merkaba! You have to try this; it's like chocolate torte mixed with sugar and spice!"

@Merkaba