For those who didn't know Stokbon all too well, they'd think it was just some city in the game; perhaps with some holy influence. But anyone knowing the real world equivalent they'd know one thing. The city was littered in sin and the clubs were to die for, so it would come as no surprise that the taverns were the same. Entering a tavern in Stokbon would result in one of three things, Eating, Drinking or Fighting. If one got lucky they might stumble across a harlot or two, but it was pretty standard for folks to enter a bar in one mood and leave completely care-free; perhaps too care-free in some cases where a coin purse of two might go missing. None the less it was exactly one of these bar's our rather heroic friend had gone; introducing himself to the world of sin. Being self-indulgent he'd slide up to the bar and tap the top signaling the tavern host for two beers. In reality, he merely opened the menu and slid it down double tapping his selection but to untrained eyes, it was a smooth move.

As he sat there he'd look around, "Seems to be a good night Mac, tell me. You still got that side business off in the forest; the one by that pond and waterfall?" he'd arch a brow, using some inside information from other players, the bartender ignoring him would look away, "No idea what I'm on about huh, perhaps if I ask around the bar, someone might know unless this business is secret and you don't want everyone knowing." he'd say noting the attention shifting back to him as the man cleaned the glass placing it down before him filling it and extending his hand for coin. The usual bribe and or cost of information. Accepting he'd trade the coin for the beer and information. He hated the fact the game could so easily hassle him and it often left him wondering if he could improve his persuasion skill for a better charisma check against the NPCs.

Ay lad, but how did you hear about it. I only tell my most trusted customers, but if it works you're seeking. I run a small shop off at that place; just a ways up, not far from the waterfall. It's inside the cave some, but it's work. I have the mine where you can rent a pick and gather coal, which I buy back at fair prices and the other is fishing. I rent poles and a boat and you can sell me back whatever you catch. I turn that into food here or sell it at the market but be warned, you get paid for quality. Any rare stones add to the payout but I don't do expect much from either. So if that's what you wanted to know I'll mark it on your map. Meet my employees and give them the passphrase, "The cheap bastard told me there is no more firewood and the last axe broke."

Turning away he'd go deal with another customer, grin passing as he drank a few more beers and made his way over to a table ordering a meal. Sitting there he'd hear laughter, cheering both of drunk and sober. Ladies seducing and men gambling their lives away. His eyes scanning the room he'd search out a potential ally, perhaps someone to both make the trip with as well as someone to share the profits with. He hated to quest alone let alone grind out cash alone. Eye meeting with that of another stranger he'd wave, "Hey, what's your name." he'd say grabbing his plate getting up and walking over to the other, "The names Aaron Steele, and you are?" he'd say joining them and extending his hand out to shake. "So new to the game or a beta player?" he asked curiously trying to make small chatter.

Once their names were exchanged he'd arch a brow, "So you like to travel or you been in Stokbon this whole time. Heard about a fair process to earn some gold, if you're up for it. It's not but a few hours journey from here. We could gather supplies get some training in along the way and wrap it up with some relaxation and banter; all of course while working. I mean a couple bits of coin here and there would be bad. Earn some experience too, so what do you say? Join my party and let's get going. We can stop for supplies along the way if you need any." He'd say getting up.

Invite

Aaron Steele has invited you to their party. Accept?

Had the male agreed he'd head for the door holding it open and exit. Lips turning into a grin he'd rub under his nose and look over at the male, "So, what do you like about the game so far, I love that it's life like. I also love how great the AI can be, it makes each experience unique. Even if you choose the same path, you know what I mean?" he'd asks curiously, "So what class are you, I'm aiming to become a paladin, maybe even open up my Own Guild. The Heroes of Falderen. Our Tag would be HERO and our emblem that of a heart with wings. Yeah, I can see it now." he'd say some laughing as he was lost in thought; pausing he'd stop outside the alchemy shop "If you need anything lets get it now. I'm saving up my gold for this guild so I'm good." he said smiling as he waited for the clearance to start moving again.

@Grim

 

Having talked to the NPC figure for quite some time and offered him some work he'd hope the figure would be interested; but due to a lack of tits and too much between his legs the words fell on deaf ears as the figure got up chasing after an NPC of sorts; perhaps a waitress or some harlot. Either way, he'd sigh, sipping on his beer more. How impossible was this task to be; how many folks would give up and avoid this opportunity. Shaking his head he'd shift his gaze about the bar; a depressed and lost look on his face was visible. How could he not figure out the male was an NPC; although to be fair in more than a few cases it would be hard to determine such a factor. Sighing heavily he'd stop the next waitress to swing by with some more drinks placing the gold upon her tray, having shifted his gaze to some folks at a distance playing cards he'd smile some. At least someone was enjoying themselves in this place. It wouldn't be long before those exact males approached the table and offered to play with him.

Accepting he was eager to relieve his mind of the mishaps, but he wasn't as eager to fork over the gold. A game of poker, simple and clean. Accepting he'd work with what he got winning some, losing other hands before eventually, it was just him and one other. A faint smile passed his lips as he pushed his cards forward folding. The male laughing admits to bluffing and continued to try and bait him, "No...you were just not going to make the switch this time. I've been watching you cheat this entire time. I'm sure if you empty your sleeves you'll have a pair of aces, slowly but surely you've been swapping out cards until those were resting firmly in those sleeves. But I can't blame you, this con is as old as the time period this game is set in." A faint chuckle passed as he soon saw the male raise up accusing him of cheating, removing his armor he'd show there was nothing to hide, " Your turn..." he'd say as the other then took on the offensive to attack. His shield coming up quick would slam into the side of his head and pin him down,"Leave with just the clothes on your back and I won't slay you, the cost to clear your penalty isn't even worth what's here."

Having scared off the male he'd call a waitress over and took what coin he had to begin with putting the rest on the tray, "Buy a few rounds on the house whatever is left is yours. You've been a good host tonight, this might not make up for the harassment but it should certainly help you remember why you are in this business. Not everyone in scum M'lady." he'd say taking his cup and finishing off the drink. Sighing he'd place it down exiting the tavern. Leaning outside, against the wall he'd look off to the distance, bored and disappointed. Had it not been blood money it would have been a great addition to his guilds cause, none the less the male would wait around a bit. Had no one bothered to introduce themselves or explicitly join him the male would make his way out of town and head off to the alleged pond for the trading of fish for coin.
-----------------------------------
Arriving sometime later; perhaps an hour tops. He'd share the passphrase with the other male and rent the boat and pole, turning back he'd look to the water before resting the boat in and preparing to fish alone if need be. His attention shifting to the other being in the area he'd holler off asking to join him only to be ignored as they rowed off to get away from him. "What the fuck did I do to get such a cold shoulder. Did I fuck someone's mom? Get drunk and piss in the brewery?" Agitated he'd pull up his menu and do a general message to all those within range.

Aaron Steel

Alright, there has to be one of you folks within the range of this pond looking to make coin, I am trying to get some fishing done and the more you have the better the catch rates are. I'll make sure you get paid for each fish caught and if you want we can even split the money earned. If this interests you, meet me at the pond near the waterfall, I have a boat and a spare rod.

As he finished typing his last plea for aid he'd frown and look to the side, "If this doesn't work I give up running solo will simply have to do." he said some folding his arms as he tossed his line out to try and get some practice; finally a realistic fishing experience no more quick time events or at least none found yet. Seeing as he hadn't caught anything yet. But his assumption given the rest of the game and lack of combo buttons pressed to cast left him feeling somewhat relaxed and content once more. While waiting had anything bitten he'd begin to try and set the hook; prepared for a battle.

Thrown die:

48

@Grim

OOC: I'll be rolling for what size and if I catch to fail to catch my fish. Each fish is worth a set amount of gold; 5, 10 and 15. So it should align with what is earned per post. Post-tax for it to make sense. It will also keep it from getting too bland on my end. You are welcome to use my chart.

0-30 Small fish | 31-69 Average | 70-100 Large
Odds are a success, even is they get away or you missed the bite.

 

​

As the fish hung from his hook wiggling hard to escape. He would hear someone approaching from behind him. They would come up from behind and their reflection would show in the water before Aaron. The girl was probably in her late teens with long black hair and a casual white shirt and jeans cut short above the ankle. Her long black hair was somewhat messy and she stared at the fish with red eyes. Generally she seemed out of place particularly because of wearing modern jeans in a setting like Terraspheres. Perhaps she was a player that had gained a few vanity items and was showing them off or this was yet another oddity among the NPC of the game.

She made no effort to sit down. She did not have a fishing rod either. The reason for her being here was not really much of anything. She had not yet made a decision, nor did she know if she had a choice in the matter that plagued her at all. For now she was just wandering. Just doing what she felt was best. Whether or not it was something she truly needed to do was still not yet clear for her. The girl looked up at the sky and watched a cloud pass over head. It would pass and the sun would return to signing down on them. The girl would then finally speak to Aaron. With a husk voice lacking in much formality.

"The fish is a fucking fake you know. You can do that and get as many useless fish shaped copies as you want. The game will reward you for wasting your god damn time with it. If you think some digital useless shit is a good reward."

She knelt down next to the man and ran her hand through the water. Her long raven black hair covered the sides of her face and hung down long past her thighs onto the grass. She watched the ripples as she ran her hand around in it. No smile was on her face, in fact her look was very hard to tell. It was either angry or sad... or maybe just indifferent. The girl would then scoop her hand into the water and gather some of it as she raised her hand back up. Letting it drizzle past her fingers back into the river. All the while her eyes watched it with a intensity that belied the actual action she was doing. She shifted and sat down keeping her legs folded under her. Her modern looking shoes becoming apparent now as well. Her hands reached back and pulled her black hair into a pony tail. Her face would appear strangely familiar if Aaron paid attention to everything in the game. However it may not be something that he puts together immediately.

"You going to eat em or sell em? Either way, isn't it a damn waste of time? Why not fish where they actually will be a fucking fish."

@Aaron Steele

​

 

As he reeled in the fish he was excited it was of decent size. It surely would make a decent chunk of coin, yet as he soon felt a bit of hair stand up on his neck he'd notice a face in the water, a bit startled he'd roll back some to the side makeing space. "Whao, scared the hell out of me. Wait, you seem familiar...yeah you remind me of someone I've seen before... but I don't recall, maybe I'm just imagining it. Life is sort weird like that. Slaves to our own thoughts." he'd say laughing either an odd turn of phrase or a hint at his subconcious noticing. "Eitherway welcome. Pleasure to meet you, perhaps you got my message. Pleasure to offically meet you, the name's Aaron" he'd say as he then shifted his focus to the fish wiggling free before cursing once it did "Damn it. Sorry, didn't mean to curse in front of a lady. Although I know the fish is fake, everything here is, even our bodies. Casting back out his line he'd talk as he waited.

The only real object real here is our minds and even that to some degree isn't entirely so. I've heard they've found a way to mainpulate it some in game; hence the fears and penalties they enact. We may appear real, feel real but it's all 1's and 0's But why am I telling you, it's not like you an NPC. Didn't catch your name, but I'm not uch for the scout option I like the realism, so if I'm to know you then I'd like to learn the proper way; keeps it fun. If you lie I'd never now anyways. Honestly for all I know you could be a man playing a female avatar, everything here is fake right?" he said teasing, "Not calling you a man, just saying what we know and think we know is a lie here, your not wrong. But is it truely a waste of time, think about it. If I sleep eight hours a day and can play this while doing so, am I wasting time or finding purpose for this time sleeping?" he said some smiling, "Nice clothes, your very cute; or should I say the fake you is. Although to be fair I'm not really sure the clothes are fitting you should try dressing up as a jester, your lack of emotion would fit that so much better." His dense nature not making connections it probaly should.

"Sorry, don't mean to insult, just not use to someone so neutral or deep thinking, I like you, don't et me wrong, Like not like like but like. Although I'm sure if I got to know you I could but why bother. This is all fake nothing happens besides. Your younger than my sister. So I wouldn't even contemplate it, I enjoy staying out of jail." he said lauhging more as he'd gotten another bite while waiting. Setting the hook he'd real it in, "Are there not a lot of fish here or do you mean in the real world, not much point to that. Then again, here is food for thought, how do you know we aren't some NPCs in some elses game, some game created for the mere purpose of entertaining some werid people living out their lives we wish we could have; similar to here. Well for some of us. So tell me, stranger if you have any real advice for making coin what might it be. I mean the game might be fake but the power it can have over an addict, someone who puts some value to it. I could sell the gold in real life, I could use it to buy things that gain me power her. I could become a king eventually and with that comes power; so a bit of work and effort here leads to greater end results" he'd sigh

"I guess my point is, to raise to greatness you need to work at it, you aren't just handed life. Fake or not, this fact about life is universal, So what do you say care to kill some time with me and waste some time or do you have a more fun idea?" he'd ask reeling in the fish, trying his hardest to bring the damned thing in. Whatever it was seemed to put up a decent fight. The male slowly raising to his feet he'd appear much larger than the female as he grinned, the fish put up as decent a fight as they did in reality. Fake or not, you can't put a price on fun. But he felt something familiar about her, it was about this time he'd realize, "Wait...clown girl?" he'd ask almost confused, "No..no. Sorry I must have mistaken you for another. Although I'd hav made an exception for her, to be a slave for a beauty like that would be nice, although you bring up a good point. Who cares, it's all fake. So slavery to an Illusion a false reality. Well that's a depressing thought. Is that how you view the game?" he'd ask turning to look at her as the fish grew closer to the shore.

Thrown die:

1

@Triad

 

​

The girl would stare at him while he went on and on and on about things. What the hell was he talking about? The black haired stranger made a expression that was pretty easy to read this time, a 'what the fuck?' face. She did understand what he was saying to a degree but he kept bringing up clowns and jesters and being semi flirtatious with her. She was not accustomed to that. The teen did not even really care for this kind of guy, actually she did not know what she cared for. She did not put much thought into relationships. Not that the thought was not something she should think about... or not. She was not real anyway.

The way the man, Aaron Steele was what the game data code read his name was, talked. He obviously thought he was a smart ass, or he was just a numb nut. The teen stayed away from these player characters for now, but she could not help but wonder if they were all like this. Maybe she was wrong in even considering what she was considering. No.... that was not right either. It was all so damn confusing! She was going to have to come to a conclusion soon and get the ball rolling. There was not all the time in the world, or game, or whatever the fuck everything was. He was not aware what she was. A NPC or something like that. Non player character... pretty damn racist name in her opinion. Yeah her opinion probably meant shit.

"You are pretty fucking strange. Have people told you that?"

She finished up her ponytail and looked at the virtual fish he had caught this time. It was really tiny. Well, whatever floated this guys boat. Real people were not all that less strange than the fake ones.

"You don't worry much huh? Carefree asshole. Probably better that way. Watch who the hell you call a fucking clown though buddy. It could get you killed one day. Oh right... Reincarnation is a thing. Endless lives is worth all the fucking fake shit."

She stood up and cracked her knuckles by stretching her hands out in front of her. She had to go. There probably would not be many more chances to talk to these player people though, so why not at least... try? The chances of success was probably 0.00000000001% but why the hell not?

"What if I told you, you should log out of this thing and just never come back? That it was not for you? Heh... yeah never mind."

The raven haired teen turned around and began to walk away. She waved nonchalantly with the back of her hand over her shoulder. She really wanted to believe that he would just leave. Spread the word about leaving. Never come back, and take all of his kind with him. Leave her alone to deal with what she needed to deal with. If she even chose to deal with it.

"C-ya... although it would be better for us both if I don't."

@Aaron Steele

 

As he continued to ramble and fish she seemed to be completely confused by his words; of course one might assume he was merely speaking to hear himself talk and in some cases this was true. However, in this instance, he was more into messing with her. But she failed to grasp it, yet her words in retaliation stung some, "Strange, yes. Fucking strange, eh never had that complaint about how I fuck." he said like a wise ass as he chuckled, "What would a kid such as yourself know but to each their own. So if you are not a fan of the game, why be here? Why not just log out and do something you find worth your time. Clearly, I'm odd for enjoying this face world, these fake people and so on. I mean, to be honest with you, the folks here feel more genuine than people in our world. But then again, there are fake people everywhere. The NPC here are nice, interesting. I have a question for you tho short stuff. If NPC can't be reborn like us then does that make us a god or something god like to them. Do they even recognize us or do they just not remember us, our life and deeds forgotten?" he asked some honestly unsure, but given their attitude a thought that might make them think.

"I am sorry if I offended you, at least I'm not being fake. I speak my mind and things are what they are. But your words hold truth, funny how some folks so strong can be hurt by things so weak such as words; then again wars have been created over just words. So call me what you will, but I'm just keeping it real. Oh, so you've never dressed up as a clown. Thought you were someone else I ran into...then again they spoke weird and were into some weird slave concept or what not. Not sure, at least that is what they seemed to say; spoke old world English. Elizabethan era, closer to England's funny English. Meh. Reincarnations are worth some to others. Again, an NPC can't be reborn, they die and it's over. Taking that for granted is almost like taking life for granted in the real world. You get one, make it worth living. Here it's a gift, a blessing from the gods." he'd say before arching a brow, "What do you think of the Elysid Court? I am a paladin in training, a follower of Tyl. Believer of Justice and what is right. I fight for honor and to protect those from the darkness."

He'd say with a chuckle. Until she spoke once more telling him to leave, frowning, "I'd ask you why not, it's a fun game. I enjoy it and I want to be here, to make the lives of those who are stuck here better. I can leave sure but that leaves the NPC of this world in danger...what if I believe in all honesty, perhaps my purpose in my world was to come to this one, protect those here. What if their gods are really my gods; but only able to speak to me through this game? Either way, let's say I'm not this mad man. Let;s just say I like a challenge and I've yet found no reason to not return. I think I'll stick around, although I'd like to talk again sometime." he said reeling in another fish; this one bigger. Cheering with glee, "YES!" turning back as he stood up to chase after, "wait, don't ditch me. I wanted to talk...well. I won't give up on this world like you. It's not just the NPC's it's mine as well. I can make a difference here, much more than mine. So fuck it...we'll meet again then and when you do you'll thank me...thank me for saving this fake world, creating a new one, one you can be happy with. Remember the Name...Aaron Steele, it will be told in tales." he said shouting as he laughed a bit. casting his line back out to fish some more, now alone and bored once more. Back to square one, sifting through the list he hoped to find someone to talk to.

"Am I truly so unbearable to be around. I mean, first I scared off that one gentleman who bailed on me at the bar, now the girl. Maybe I ought to just log out like she said...no I can't let her negativity get to me." Placing hand over his heart he'd close his eyes and pray to Tyl, Lord Tyl please give me the strength to fight these dark thoughts, this urge to give in and surrender. I want to protect this world, to become your vessel and be the hero this world deserves, even if I'm not the one they need right now." he'd sigh as he opened his eyes to stare out across the digital world before him.

@Triad