Once Upon a Time I

Lyre · Jun 26, 2017

Dungeon Master

You woke up to feel the grains of sand running down your feet and thighs. The scent of saltwater flowing through your nostrils as you exhaled through your mouth, tasting the saline sticking to the air. It's hot. The sun shines down upon you with its relentless embrace but its attention is deadly and, when you look around, you find there are some tan and sunburned patches of skin that littered your body. It's not bad and you doubt the condition would last long, but the damage is done and you feel sick of the heat surrounding you. Sweat stuck your hair to your clothes and neck, giving you a displeasing feeling.

The last you remember was clicking the green check that centered itself at the bottom of the pop-up quest notification. The quest, you remembered, was about some fairy tale villain and a very familiar story which you knew would, hopefully, end well. You open your eyes but find it unaccustomed to the light. Instead, you sit up in the scathing hot sand, burying your head underneath the protective shade of your legs and arms, and slowly open your teary eyes. It's dark from under your little safe place but, eventually, you looked up and, lo and behold, there were two others around you.

You don't pay much attention to them at first; you were way too disoriented by the sudden change of scenery and the sting that spikes at different parts of your uncovered body. Almost panicking, you look around to find that everything you owned and belonged was still there and in one piece. That most likely meant that some thief didn't just knock you out, mugged you, and then dragged you to this idyllic beach. It was planned, to some effect, for something you do not know.

Suddenly, a man approaches all three of you on the beach. None of you were aware of his presence before he introduced himself, still bewildered by the sudden trip. The man was burly and he carried some sort of bludgeon or weapon behind him. It was obscured by his bulky figure and he gave a good-natured laugh at the sight of all of you. You couldn't help but feel it was mocking in someway despite his obvious friendliness and openness that you could somehow feel exude from him.

"It's not good to fall asleep around here!" he guffawed, trying to hold himself upright from his bemusement as he laughed. His arms were clutching his stomach and he had tears forming at the corners of his eyes from some sort of delighted glee at the situation. "Tourists, right? Not many come to the coasts of Dunnstads for fear of pirates!" the way he spoke was proper and slightly similar to olden dialect. He was educated in spite of his incessant, pestering behavior.

"Do you need help?" he asked, genuine and holding kindness in his eyes. "My name is the Huntsman and I patrol the area to make sure none get eaten by the wolves that lurk deep. They're not here—it's the beach after all, but the possibility of certain personages taking advantage of your displaced situation is not unheard of."

His noise gave a crinkle as he looked over all of you, reminded by the acts of people lacking in a sense of decency. Regardless of your answer, he walks away to the town and you could either scramble to follow or stay where you were. Either way, you knew you had enough time to choose. The man had walked as fast as an exhausted, dehydrated turtle.

@Jack Anders @Magi Heart @Kessler Cole

Jack Anders · Jun 26, 2017

“Holy crap…” The dark haired man let out a weak groan as he sputtered out a mouthful of sand and slowly picked himself up off the tropic shoreline. “I thought that was supposed to happen after taking the red pill, not the green check mark… uggh.” Yet another groan sounded as he’d wipe his mouth clean of dirt before slowly patting himself clean. A skeptical look was given as he’d hazily check his surroundings, only to find two other characters stranded in a similar fashion.

“Hey, you two alive?”

His voice questioned probingly before the mage’s attention was drawn towards another voice nearby. Eying the local curiously, he’d slowly begin to piece things together. Given the man’s dialect and the local terrain, he’d recognize this as Dunnstads. “Huntsman huh? The name's Jack.” His mind flashed back towards that familiar interface he last recalled before pressing the button. Perhaps this had something to deal with the quest he had recently accepted. No, it had to be… right?

“Yeah sure. Lead the way!”

Still kicking sand out of his footwear, he’d glance back at the other two. Were they still unconscious, he’d check on their bodies and try to stir them awake before tailing behind the old man. Otherwise he’d simply tag along for the adventure. As far as Jack was concerned, there wasn’t any point in sweating the details currently anyway.

@Kessler Cole @Magi Heart

Kessler Cole · Jun 26, 2017

Among the other two, Kessler certainly didn't need to be awoken. The moment he sat up, his hands were over his eyes as he shouted loudly. "Motherf--" Almost immediately, the first thing he did was vomit up a stream of obscenities and curse words; relentlessly spilling out every foul and unreasonable thing one could say making full use of his vocabulary to properly describe his frustration. He was not a man that couldn't adapt, being maced and flashed in the past, this was hardly a new experience, but being suddenly taken by the nose or ear was discomforting.

It was only when the Huntsman neared that Kessler would also hoist up his large blunt weapon onto his shoulder as well, as if trying to compete with the burly man for 'biggest stick'. With a sneer Kessler let out a scoff as he tried to retort the man's mocking words. "What would pirates have to gain attacking such a motley group? Sure it might be a bit fun to shove people around, but there's bigger business out there-- fish to fry. Who'd waste time on something like this huh?" He answered back, puffing his chest out, as someone who understood illegal activity well, he understood that no one would commit a wrong without weighing risks and rewards-- save a few psychos that is.

When asked if he needed help though, Kessler huffed, brushing himself off and even rolling his shoulder. How he got here was of no consequence-- the reason wouldn't change the predicament, only allow him to prevent it in the future. After already reaching this stage, he wouldn't need to know the 'why' until it was at risk of happening again. For that reason, he made a point to try and wring everything he can out of the encounter. "Some food'd be nice, information too-- You gonna help with that big guy?" He asked shamelessly, after all, he offered or at least asked if they needed help, why not take help when offered?

Das Ein Magia · Jun 26, 2017

Magi Heart's eyes were blurring really bad. What was going on? Was she just on a boat? Was she still in the game? Wendy herself was confused. This Terrasphere game was just so real sometimes. Blinking a few times, a small hand rose up to block the shining light from her hers. It was her own hand. Whew, she was really disoriented here. Continuing to blink and sitting up. Magi Heart could feel sand falling off her back and her arms. Eww... it was in her hair too. That was not nice at all. Shaking her head and letting her pink hair swing free. She stood up and shook it out some more with her hands. Then tied it back into twin tails.

Looking around at where she had ended up somehow. Magi Heart saw it was a beach, a very pretty one too! It also looked monster free for now! Yay! Wendy loved going to the beach, other than getting sand in her hair, it was great! Oh right, best check her equipment and stuff to make sure she did not lose anything. Whatever had happened really sent her for a loop. After looking at all of her stuff and seeing she was a-ok, Magi Heart noticed a voice calling out. She was not alone! Had others wound up here too?

Her head turned to look and she saw a old man, a black haired guy and a guy with dreadlocks. Wendy was pretty sure she never met any of them before. Cool, new players! She waved and yell'd a greeting as she headed towards them with a light jog. Stopping next to the black haired guy she would listen in on some of what was being said. His name was Jack Anders. Wow sounded like the name of a guy in a movie! Magi Heart tried to imagine the guy with a cigar and in black and white. Somehow she got that feeling from him. The old man was mysterious, listening to him it sounded like he was a NPC. Talking about wolves.. ooh... was this going to be a quest? Cool beans!

After speaking the old guy turned and headed off without even waiting for her introduction! She gave a quick look and nod to her two new friends as she ran after the old guy.

"Hey wait up Mr Huntsman! My name's Magi Heart! Nice to meet you Mr!"

@Kessler Cole @Jack Anders @Lyre

Lyre · Jun 26, 2017

Dungeon Master

The Huntsman smiled at the young fellows who followed him. The young girl, in particular, reminded him greatly of his own niece and, whilst he answered the group's questions, he felt distinctly connected to her. The man had adopted many orphans abandoned in the woods so far and, with all things that come with raising a great deal of children, he developed a strong love for children and small creatures alike. With a bellowing, strong laugh, he clapped his arm gently on the pink girl's shoulder.

"It's nice to meet you too, young lady!" he grinned. He then turned back to lead them all on, continuing to answer their questions and explain what was happening as he did so. "We could talk more back in my home. I had built it myself with the lumber nearby as Dunnstads has many natural resources to collect from, you see. I have plenty of food for many mouths and I am certain that the kids would love your presence for a bit before we discuss anything of importance!" he declared.

Despite the change in land from the sandy beach to the dense woodlands, the path to either end was short and it took about ten minutes at most for the party to arrive at their destination. It was a simple home that had shone as a beacon of hope for the youngest and most vulnerable. The sounds of kids playing and running could be heard; the echoes of bright laughter and the scent of warm chocolate chip cookies swam and danced in the air. The Huntsman took a deep breath and chuckled, obviously happy just by being there. As he laughed, some of the kids took notice and their faces appeared to brighten even more, quickly swarming the old man by the plenty and assaulting him with questions and cheers.

"Where were you?"
"We missed you!"
"Who're these people!"
"Mr. Huntsman!"

They all circled round the group, some warily observing and some practically hounding them with curiosity. The man gave yet another laugh as they pulled and pushed their way to the forefront of the crowd. There had to be at least thirty kids here and they varied in ages from toddler to teenager. "Settle down!" he shouted and they all fell silent, but it was obvious that they quieted out of respect rather than fear. "I missed you all too," he began with a smile. "But these are our guests and I think it'd be good for them to rest and for me to accompany them to guest rooms and welcome them, alright?"

The kids all nodded in perfect unison, giving a mixture of bemoaning sounds or accepting ones. After awhile, it seemed that they had all lost interest and scurried away, going back to playing some games of scrimmage or exploration with each other. The Huntsman looked sheepish as he looked back at the group. "Magi Heart, Jack, and, uh, a great companion I'm sure!" he recited, trying to remember the names of his newfound guests. After a few minutes of him deep in thought, trying to assign their names to their faces, he grinned and beckoned them to follow him as he entered the large cabin home.

It was a work of superior architecture and a magnificent sight to behold. He took the three into the kitchen, gesturing for them to sit down as he went straight for the counter with his eyes set on a dish of chocolate chip cookies. He seemed excited, like a child almost, upon seeing the plate of delicacies. "Grandmother's signature cookies!" he held the dish up victoriously, as if showing off an award or a fabulous prize. His eyes twinkled as he quickly set it on the table and took a cookie for himself, munching on it with his mouth wide open and obviously enjoying every single bite.

"You are all very lucky to try them!" he smiled. "I've been eating these cookies since I was a child under Grandmother's care. Since she lives farther down the woods we rarely get the opportunity to have a taste unless she sends my niece, Little Red, down with a batch! I seem to have missed the basket while I was out but I'm sure that the cookies are still fresh and they'd probably be tasty if you left them outside for fifty years!" he exclaimed.

After he finished his cookie, he sat down on one of the chairs and fixed the trio with a soft smile and gentle eyes. "Now that you aren't all in the blistering hot sun and heat anymore, I suppose I could answer any questions you may have of this place! I'm not sure I can answer everything nor do I understand your situation, but I would try my best!" he cheered and waited for them to ask away.

@Kessler Cole @Magi Heart @Jack Anders

Jack Anders · Jun 30, 2017

A skeptical look was given as the man simply watched in silence. Judging from the flood of kids that had poured out to greet the old man, it was safe to say that he was well loved by the children. That said, the dark haired man couldn’t help but wonder whether something like this would be considered legal in their world given the natural complications for logistics regarding caretaking for so many.

Instead he’d continue to let the man ramble on about children and grandmothers and cookies and what not before finally agreeing to take a bite for himself. It wouldn’t hurt to accept the man’s generosity, right? Especially if the dessert was as famous as the man had made them out to be. “Don’t mind if I do.” He’d approvingly before finally seating himself and looking towards the other two. Without a doubt in his mind they were here for the same purpose. Why else would the game force them to convene?

“I caught wind of a nasty rumor out in Stokbon. It said there was a wolf out there hunting for flesh, human flesh. Is there anything you can tell me about this?”

Jack was blunt and went straight to the point. He didn’t waste much time mingling words considering the mild irritation he had already felt from being warped to distant location.

OOC: No real posting order right? Just DM, us, DM etc...

Das Ein Magia · Jun 30, 2017

The old man was really nice! Wendy thought as he slowed and placed his hand on her shoulder. The only uncle she knew died a long time ago so she never really had one that she knew well in her real life. Maybe she could consider him one? That would be fun! Magi Heart did not want to make him feel uneasy though so she did not say anything about that thought yet. Happily walking along with her party to the village, she heard Mr. Huntsman mention a lot of kids lived with him. Cool beans!

"Wow, there are a lot of kids at your place! Neato! Show us the way Mr Hunstman!"

The girl was already feeling that she would enjoy this adventure a lot. When they arrived. The many children all shouting greetings to the old man brought a smile to the magical girl's face. This was great! In this world she could really be like a hero to look up to for these guys! Time to put on Magi Heart face! She made a cute pose and prepared to announce herself with a really cool line.... but just like that the children left. Aw boo! Maybe later then.

Mr. Huntsman would offer them cookies once they were inside his house. Oh wow! They looked good too! Magi Heart sat down and took a bunch for herself. The fact she couldn't get fat in this game made her a bit of a glutton when it came to food, especially sweets!

"Mmmmmm.... *munch munch*

Magi Heart just sat around eating cookies while the rest would talk. She did listen though. This was probably a important quest!

@Kessler Cole

Kessler Cole · Jul 2, 2017

Kessler was initially stunned, seeing the kids, the huntsman and how they all interacted together. Kessler couldn't help his demeanor softening a little, his perpetual state of irritation and frustration easing even as he grew calmer from the atmosphere. This sight was something familiar, something he had a vague longing for even. As a child, this type of atmosphere was the one he enjoyed the most at various shelters and centers. Though the scenes were a little different, the adults were always worried or uncertain unlike Jack and the Huntsman, the children were all alike though, eager for adults who cared, happy for shelter or even the vaguest of efforts made on their behalf. These-- Those kinds of children always knew how to appreciate every little thing they got. Kessler himself was no exception-- he'd been one of those types of children, raised in a situation not so different from this one.

The cookies naturally didn't hurt either, though cookies weren't among the three great loves of his life, they were pretty damn close. Baked goods, if he had to reach for a point to rank them would likely be fifth or Sixth on his top ten chart of things he loved in life. Just as he was about to reach out and eat two or three suddenly though, he heard Jack's inquiry that made his brow furrow. A wolf that was hunting, it wasn't a good sign, but wasn't necessarily unusual in his mind either. Everything had to kill to eat, humans were no exception... but weeding out the dangerous beasts had become the norm clearly. He wouldn't refuse the request if it was made. "I wouldn't mind finding the recipe for these cookies either." Kessler suddenly threw out bluntly.

"Or where all these kids came from also..." He spoke, it wasn't exactly any of his business, but even if he was a cruel monster, he was one that had a code. Messing with children was one thing he couldn't get behind, if something shady was going on he'd want to get his hands dirty to fix it.