Enter the World through the Theta Server.

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Wren
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Imprints in Sand...

Post by Wren » Thu Feb 26, 2004 6:19 am

Hard is the heart that has no door. Cold is the soul without a friend. Lost is the half without the whole. Hopeless is the man without a cause, left to his own devices in the harsh wild.

Everyone had left. Everyone. Sitting atop the Grunty Farm in Dun Loireag, the fringes of his clothes being licked at tauntingly by the wind, Wren felt very alone. Even though Kaze was at his side, nestled under Wren's arm, this was his first time without being near one of the others since he found out he couldn't escape The World. The clouds overhead seemed to him to be thicker than usual, painting a bleak picture across the seemingly deserted Root Town. In the back of his mind Wren was upset, all sorts of problems had plagued his mind since they got back from Mac Anu, and the fires of rage that had been bellowing in his chest had cooled into glowing embers. Ready to strike back to blazing hot fire at any moment, but tempered none the less. Kaze looked into Wren's eyes, their twin jade gems met, and a feeling washed over Wren, as if he knew what Kaze was thinking, without any words being exchanged.

There is someone...

Wren looked into Kaze's jade eyes, ignoring all else around him. This made him curious. Another?

Yes... Another. See for yourself.

Something in Wren's head told his eyes to close, and he felt his stomach begin to lift, similar to that weightless feeling you get when an elevator first starts to move. The cool, green grass of Dun Loireag ebbed and flowed in great waves with the wind dancing across the tips of a million blades. The town wasn't abandoned, but players were scarce considering the time of day. The blue sky shone bright with the golden sun high overhead illuminating the arena. For a moment all of Dun Loireag was basking in its warmth, until a gentle, white cloud tiptoed across the sun's path. Everything was still bright, and the sky was still blue, it was a wonderful day in the Root Town.

Wren opened his eyes back up and found himself in the same dreary Root Town. Nothing had changed. The sky was still grey and the sun was nowhere to be seen. And the town seemed to be truly abandoned, hollow. If he didn't know those were NPCs behind the counters of all the shops, Wren could swear that they would leave, too.

There is another...

Wren's head darted back around to Kaze, who was still staring at him.

As he looked around frantically, trying to find someone else... ANYONE else, a clamber came from the room below - the hideout - and Kaze spread his wings, dropping into a defensive position ready to take on whatever would come forth. At the same moment Wren's eyes narrowed and his lips pursed together behind the thin, black veil across his mouth as his hand fell onto the hilt of his Prometheus, waiting to see what was coming forth from the hideout.

What the hell is this...?
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Wren | Blademaster | Lvl. 30 | Ap Raio | Ap Do | Ap Vakz | Ani Slash | Vak Slash | Miu Lei | GiVak Kruz | Rai Kruz | Rue Rom | Repth |

Asgard
Exalted Player
Posts: 285
Joined: Wed Apr 02, 2003 4:28 am
Location: Carmina Gadelica Alleyway

Post by Asgard » Fri Feb 27, 2004 6:42 am

*Meanwhile in the hideout*

Asgard stumbled back into the south wall, quickly losing all balance that he used to have. As result, his posterior slammed down onto the rough flooring of the hideout, the Dualist's swords falling out of his hands with two dull thuds. Awaikage quietly dug into the floor, while Ultima rested on its blade. With crashing sounds bouncing within his ears, he placed one hand on his forehead and calmed down.

"La Repth."

A yellow glow encased the hand and emanated a warm, soothing pulse, healing his wounds. The glow wrapped around his body quickly and dissipated just as fast.

But the Repth wasn't helping. The Dualist could feel the Data Drain on his body. It felt like he was walking with a coffin. Enclosed, small and hard to breathe. Hallucinations were making him see things, like the Gryphon he just saw overlooking his cot in which he slept. The mystical being that made him stumble in the first place and caused the little mess that Asgard stupidly made...

Wait...

He looked back to his bed to see the same Gryphon, spread out on his bed, looking at him with two sharp brown eyes. His wings fluttered for a second, then closed back into its original folded position. The creature's beak opened, releasing a yawn that echoed throughout the hideout.

Asgard motioned to talk, grasping both Ultima and Awaikage. However, Terro, the Gryphon, beat him to the first word.

"Greetings, friend. I am sorry that I startled you and awoke you from your unconsciousness." Asgard let the grip on his blades draw down a small bit. The gryphon leaped and landed gracefully on the foot of Asgard's cot. "My apologies once again."

The Dualist waved it off. He should have been thanking him for getting him out of the deep sleep that the Data Drain had put him under. But, he couldn't feel the ability to talk at that precise moment. It was his untrust for the creature, as he has never seen one so intelligent.

"Your friends departed with a newcomer that most people seemed to know." Asgard raised an eyebrow. Terro continued with a calming voice, "He was a rather short fellow. Snow White hair. Appeared to be a Twin Bla-"

"Argilus."

Asgard got to one knee and thrusted himself up. Nauseated slightly, he put and outstretched hand on the wall. The Data Drain was playing with him and playing very roughly. He simply couldn't go on.

Enter Deus Ex Machina.

A flash mail icon appeared near his face. The blue tinted window had only a few words, but wise they were.

"One Antidote + One Restorative = Relief," he spoke out loud. Terro looked on with sagely eyes as Asgard fell into his own little world. The blue screen quickly disorted, much like a TV distorts when hit. The distortions became frequent until the blue screen exploded into a small shower of blue sparks. The blue sparks shone and disappeared on contact with any solid matter.

Terro looked at Asgard with a quizzical look.

"Everything to gain, Nothing to lose..." he spoke aloud, but not in Terro's direction. Reaching into his pocket, he procured a small red vial, the Antidote, and a bottle filled with a pink tinged liquid, the Restorative.

Asgard shot the Antidote back. Instantly, he could feel his nauseated self balance back to normal. With nothing said, he drained the pink Restorative. In a glow of yellow, he could feel his psyche, his body and his soul return to normal.

"Thank god. I thought I was going to be stuck that way." Asgard trailed off into thought. But something bothers me still. Administrators were only authorized to use Data Break in extreme circumstances. Are our excursions into The World causing them so much grief???

*shuffle shuffle shuffle*

The Dualist heard something moving coming from the entrance to the hideout. Wielding both of his blades, he stepped closer to the door. He looked over to the Gryphon.

"You...erm...name?"

"Terro," the bronze Gryphon responded. Asgard nodded and quickly looked back to the door.

"You must be here to help me, somehow. There's someone on the other side of the door. We might have to fight it out. Be on guard..."

The gryphon raised its wings into the air and waited.

"I am ready. Let them come..." the creature responded, its sharp claws digging into the floor.

Lets hope so...
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ramza
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Joined: Sun Mar 30, 2003 11:26 pm
Location: the world

Post by ramza » Mon Mar 08, 2004 10:39 pm

(OOC: asgard gave me permition to join this thread))

*thump* Ramza heard the unfamliar sound of his feet hitting the dusty ground beneath him. it was odd, last Ramza had seen of this town it had been a bustling center of various job classes and abilities. stupid Rizzo, he had been tipped off by his contact that there were a few suspicious characters about this server. all he could see was the puffy clouds suspended by the programmers within the seemingly endless sky. Ramza had been to those ends. he has seen many horrors, and has aged quickly. He was no longer the vivacious child that had romped about playfully throughout the battles in both servers, never completely understanding the terrors spoken to him by the eldars in the group. all Ramza knew was that he was getting stronger and having fun, until it happened.

the real world had always been unkind to Ramza. the young adult had seen many things most children shouldnt. he was stronger for it. in high school, his sister had come down with a severe case of leukemia. this was when he first started the world. since then his sister had died, and he quit his professional career of surfing, unwillingly, because he could no longer compete, being in the world. within the game, he has been staying at the Omega server, unexpectedly being relocated there, from the coolness and comfort of the hideout.

he spent his time wisely at the Omega server, waiting for his chance to come back to theta server. Rizzo had been his only contact with the other servers, and kept close tabs on the team in exchange for money. he became a fierce compettitor, but more importantly, he became a skilled hacker in that server. he created his own protected areas,and hid them from the admin, and whenever someone stumbled through here, he blew them out with his great power. he constantly created custom monsters within his area, always fighting, becoming stronger, awaitning the day he would return. he waited paitiently for his time to come when he would make his return, and that time was now.

so here he stands, Ramza the Dark, once light and electrical based, now pure darkness. while at Omega, he made his own transformation. He vecame stern, battle scarred. his face was dark, with a scar across the right of his dark blue eyes. when someone looks in those eyes, he sees not a trace of the little boy inside. they see a man on a mission, cold, stern, fearless. his body was completely shrouded by a glistening, black cloak, clipped on by a reby pendent. beneath his cloak, he hid his mystery, his Rod of Darkness. this was his custum made staff, that brimmed with dark powers. he wore a black tuxedo vest that would only be seen during battle, with baggy black pants, with dark, dirty brown boots. other than the pendant, there was only one source of color. this was a mysterious red beret worn with a feather on top, that always bristled in the wind, evn when there was none. all of his character was custom made, and now this little boy had matured into a six foot soldier, with ages worth of wisdom and experience. his power is vast, but he only uses the extent of it when it is needed.

"Where is everyone?"

his deep voice cut through the game with an eerie feeling to him. standing there alone, all his memories came back to him. suddenly he snaps out of his trance, as he hears an intense knocking far off in the vicinity of where the hideout was , if he remembered correctly.
Rod of Darkness(Custom)
Night Cloak(Custom)
Dark Vest(Custom)
Red Beret(Custom)
OrmeAni Kruz, ani rom, meani zot, ani kruz
ola repth, rip maen
Ap anid
Dek anid
Level 28
700gp

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Cypher
Exalted Player
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Post by Cypher » Tue Mar 09, 2004 1:26 am

Floating…floating endlessly in this dream…nightmare…? What’s the difference…I’m all alone…alone…abandoned…am I dead…?

No you’re not…welcome to a new “World”…welcome to the truth…

****

Long thick shafts of bright light rays penetrated the dark sky that was his eyes, slowly making for a new day inside his subconscious. He laid motionless on the hard ground, sprawled on his back with all distal body parts extended in different directions. His neck was tilted to his left side, most of the cheek area encrusted with dust, due to the direct contact with the ground. He was in denial and confusion, his previous encounter with the strange being sending him into a chaotic spiral of hurt, hate and nothingness.

“Ugh…”

The light grew stronger, it’s potency increasing as his eye lashes separated. His iris did not welcome the cheerful light with glee; much pain was felt from the lack of adjustment due to the quick dark-to-light transition. His left hand jerked towards his face, an attempt to block out unwanted light leading to a new discovery: his gloves were caked with dirt and dust. Small particles of sediment fell and made their way into his flickering eyes, causing uncomforting sensations to begin. Immediately he sprung up, hoisting his body with his right hand behind him. Adjusted to the light by now, he slowly lowered his left hand to allow his vision to kick in…

“What?!?!”

What he saw amazed him…he had found himself in the Theta Server, lying unconscious in the Highland City of Dun Loireag. The last memories which bore his mind were that of an epic battle. The fighters were Cypher and…a voice? As strange as it sounded, the voice which haunted and trailed him throughout his “World” career had finally made its appearance, taking the form of Cypher’s idealization of a player. They grinded it out to the very end, until Cypher held no more…the voice attacked furiously, bringing darkness to his world.

And then I appeared here…

He had gained full orientation, proving it by getting up without the help of his arms. He kick jumped up, stretched his aching body and yawned.

I’m tired…

As soon as his mouth began to close from the yawn, another blazing light entered his vision’s domain. This time, the glare was a mere reflection.

My sword…

Stuck underneath an orangish collection of dust was the hilt of his legendry sword, The Reliance. Its beautiful arrangement of rare and exotic metals gave off the imposing light, now shining in the form of the various colors of the rainbow. He executed a mid squat, bending his knees down until the hilt was at arm’s reach. Although it was hot, Cypher pulled it out and wielded it, executing meaningless air slashes. Once satisfied with its condition, he sheathed it and began to explore.

This place is empty…and it’s so hot…

Showing a face of disgust due to the unnatural heat level, he began to unbutton his coat. Some relief was found, but the heat still lingered. In the distant he spotted a small building in an abandoned state. Disregarding the emptiness of the root town, he began a small jog to the door. The pounding of his boots set a low beat rhythm for his state of mind, drifting away into a small day dream. Once there, he swung the rusty door open in a hurriedly fashion, then shutting it just as fast behind him, a large slamming thud being produced.

“Finally…”

A small draft greeted the blademaster, blowing a refreshing gust into his face. Closing his eyes, he smiled slightly, arching his left lip high and emitting a small laugh. Once done with his one-person celebration, he scanned the area for anything odd. Like the are behind him, it stood empty and lifeless.

Where is everyone…?

Although refreshment had fortunately made its way into his path, the earlier heat had yet subsided, causing a small sweating spree to begin. He removed all heavy clothes, leaving only his dark shirt and thin pants to wear. A small table which he had found provided the perfect storage, having everything open for surveyment, yet not getting dirty with the dust. For a hole hour he began to analyze a new look, tracing each clothing piece up and down constantly. Finally he decided what he wanted.

*A few hours later*

The product of his make over was the following: away went those long white locks, using his razor sharp Reliance as a means to cut his hair. The length was now just bellow his shoulders, with some uneven strands ending at his neck. Next, he removed any extra metallic ornaments which bore his boots, leaving only the firm hard leather for support. His coat lost its sleeves, cutting a small portion off, then rolling them up just past his elbow joint. Finally, out of his thick giant belt came two smaller, slender looking belts. He tied both by his hips, each inclined oppositely to each other in a diagonal fashion.

He had concluded his “transition”, when nearby sounds outside the building set off alarms inside his head. With a determined look he shoved his Reliance in between the belts, sheath and all, and began to exit the premises.
Wishlist: Ends of Earth (11 BM), Black Sharp Angel Wings, BM Swords (Rare/Common)

New sig coming soon!

Wren
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Post by Wren » Tue Mar 09, 2004 5:53 am

Flashes of fear and doubt entered Wren's mind as a thin bead of sweat trickled down his forehead and got caught in the corner of his left eye. What is this? Who... or what, is down there?

His unconscious speech was answered by Kaze in his mind's eye. You'll only know by looking. Worry not, I'm here beside you, we'll traverse the unknown together.

Wren's jade green eyes, twin gems that sparkled in the sunlight, burst with life, gaining almost a yellow hue around the iris as he became excited. Then, without warning or any sign of alteration, Wren took a deep breath and leapt off the edge of the Grunty Farm's rooftop. Just as his left hand left the warm stone surface, a quick thought jolted into Wren's consciousness, a warcry. Maybe I should yell to throw whomever is down there offguard? Sure!

As he fell through the air with his Prometheus drawn and ready, Wren let out a deep and booming cry that reverberated from his gut, vibrating his vocal chords violently to create an undulating noise that otherwise may have resembled an animal's roar.

With a thick thud Wren's brown boots collided with the ground, causing his knees to buckle down to absorb the shock. Wren's gloved hand touched the cool, chlorophyll-green grass and his warcry stopped as he shifted his right hand to take his first strike. To his surprise, and dismay, there was nothing there.

What the hell is this? Am I going nuts? I could have sworn I heard something...

You did. I heard it, too. Perhaps the source of the ruckus has gone on and away? You did stay perched for a good spell.

Wren stood up, feeling rather foolish. After he cleared off the dust from his knees with a few swipes of his hand, using his arm like a pendulum swinging from his shoulder joint, Wren stood up straight and looked around to see if anyone saw him. A sigh of relief escaped his lips as he noticed no one nearby. The closesest person seemed to be over at the Magickery, which was far enough to not take notice. "Well, that was stupid," Wren muttered to himself as he turned on his right heel to put his back to the wall of the Grunty Farm. His eyes were closed in contemplation for a moment as he folded his arms across his chest and crossed his legs at the ankles, right foot over left (as he would have done in the real world).

Just then, the sound of electrical voltage, like you would hear in hollywood movies when power lines were malfunctioning, or being siphoned of their energy by some external source. A familiar laugh entered the Root Town and echoed back off the invisible walls that floated out in the skies of Dun Loireage, keeping players from going beyond the boundaries of the server.

"Think to do what you ought to know should be done. Having said what ought not to be said should you open your mouth to retract the act of saying, as if turning back a clock? And then rises the question, should time be turned on its head... for you? Questions, questions. Won't you find the answer? The truth lies Hidden in the great Destroyer's dangerous Pilgrimage. Open the book and flip through the pages to find your truth."

Wren and Kaze looked to the sky and listened to the voice. Wren's eyes were full of confusion and behind the solid gems of solidarity resided a small seed of fear that was ever growing. "I recognize that voice..."

What voice? I heard nothing.

Wren turned around, moving away from the wall of the Grunty Farm. "Don't tell me you didn't hear, beast! You looked to the sky just the same as I had! I am not crazy!"

Kaze simply flapped his wings once, unthreatened by Wren's sharp tongue. Either way, Wren wondered if this was some sort of event, or maybe a trap set by a set of Admins? "No..." He knew this voice, it was changed ever-so-slightly, but he knew it still.

"I wonder if anyone else heard it?"

There was stirring within the Hideout. Nobody was supposed to be in there, other than Asgard, who'd been Data Drained in their last fight. Wren, lost in confusion and curiosity, entered the passcode and trod lightly through the door into the Hideout to see Asgard standing on his feet, ready and waiting for something.

"You're awake!"
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Wren | Blademaster | Lvl. 30 | Ap Raio | Ap Do | Ap Vakz | Ani Slash | Vak Slash | Miu Lei | GiVak Kruz | Rai Kruz | Rue Rom | Repth |

ramza
Exalted Player
Posts: 203
Joined: Sun Mar 30, 2003 11:26 pm
Location: the world

Post by ramza » Tue Mar 09, 2004 8:00 pm

ramza stood confused as he witnessed the slightly comical image before him. a player jumping of the roof screaming some sort of battle cry, hardly landing, when Ramza remembered something, that was the hideout! Ramza could not recognize this player. he assumed the worst, someone had somehow discovered the whereabouts of the hideout and had prepared to attack.

Ramza dashed as fast as he could and reached the hiseout within seconds. realizing that the player was not attacking, he stopped, and stood behind the building, witnessing something he did not expect.

"Asgard, ur awake?!"

Ramza had not heard this name for a long time, but he knew who it was. a powerful player part of the group with Ramza. much more powerful than he was himself. Ramza approached them and when he drew near, the unfamiliar player turned on his guard.

"who are you? how do u know of this place?"

Ramza did not answer immediately. he instead walked around the player to a tired asgard.

"hello friend, u look terrible" Ramza said to asgard.

the player still looked confused and did not let his guard down. asgard stepped in netween them. he gest ured toward Ramza, introducing him to the player. asgard was hardly sure himself tha this was indeedd Ramza, but something about his eyes reassured him.

"Ramza, meet Wren."

asgard gestured toward wren and wren finally loward his blade. *squawk* Ramza quickly turned around and drew his weapon, not sure of what this bronzed creature was. *squawk* Ramza lowered his guard and knew that the bird was a friendly. it would not be in here with asgard if it weren't. Ramza could tell asgard was still confused, so he told his story.
Last edited by ramza on Mon Mar 15, 2004 9:52 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Rod of Darkness(Custom)
Night Cloak(Custom)
Dark Vest(Custom)
Red Beret(Custom)
OrmeAni Kruz, ani rom, meani zot, ani kruz
ola repth, rip maen
Ap anid
Dek anid
Level 28
700gp

User avatar
Cypher
Exalted Player
Posts: 235
Joined: Wed Mar 03, 2004 11:01 pm
Location: Who am I...?
Contact:

Post by Cypher » Wed Mar 10, 2004 3:48 am

Once again, waves of sweltering heat showered his face as he reemerged into the outside. Judging by the racket heard earlier, he expected a grand spectacle, or at the very least, a player which he could share his fears and doubts. But nothing…nothing had once again found his path, interfering with the quest for knowledge. Albeit he had undergone a strong transition, gained energy and reinforced his drive to move on, he still found himself no further from where he had started. He was stuck.

What am I going to do…?

His spine-to-head area acquired a small hump, slumping forwards and downwards. He dared not whimper, for that was a coward’s exit. But he could not fend off the nagging feeling of desperation which slowly boiled in his insides, eating away at his sanity like a bad acid trip. Wondering what to do next, he decided the floor beneath him would serve as a good thinking spot, providing the landscape scenery he needed to clear his mind. The ground, it turned out, was warmer than he had predicted. Immediately he jumped up, rubbing the heated area furiously in an attempt to cure the burn.

*In the Real World*

“He’s gone…lost in a comma in afraid. We have to take him to the hospital…Ma’am I’m truly sorry. Let’s go!”

The paramedics rushed to the boy’s unconscious body, grasping each extremity and pulling him upwards. Another paramedic appeared inside the bedroom entrance accompanied by a stretcher. After some heaves, they hoisted him on, and rolled him towards the ambulance. The comatose induced boy bore a distinct odd smile, crocked in fashion, and had a glassy lifeless stare embedded, the direction being upwards and right. His mother let out an “ep!” of fear as they rolled the body passed her. Left behind, inside the boy’s dark damp room were a pair of goggles, an odd black controller thrown on the floor, and the words “game over” plastered on his T.V.

*Meanwhile in the Theta Server*

Tired of meaningless pondering, Cypher decided to explore the Root Town up and down. There was bound to be at least one person stuck as he was, and he was going to find it, even if it was the last thing he did. With the stores locked in his sights, he began a determined walk when he heard it…

What was that…?

A long deep scream pierced the silent sky, ringing his ears for the few seconds after the actual sound had erupted. He darted his vision here and there, looking for the origin of the scream…he stopped dead in his tracks, for…

“It came from behind me”


The realization led him to turn around, and discover…the last place he would think twice for inhabitants.

The Grunty Stables.

Of course grunty’s could have been the cause of the noise, but this yell…this yell certainly did not come from the bowels of a Grunty’s chubby stomach…it was human. And it was mad…Cypher ran hastily towards the farm, his powerful Reliance once again seeing action. Once he reached the shop though, no sounds were emitted. He crept along the walls, searching for anyone…
Wishlist: Ends of Earth (11 BM), Black Sharp Angel Wings, BM Swords (Rare/Common)

New sig coming soon!

Asgard
Exalted Player
Posts: 285
Joined: Wed Apr 02, 2003 4:28 am
Location: Carmina Gadelica Alleyway

Post by Asgard » Thu Mar 11, 2004 4:09 am

"Fascinating. So you've been in Lia Fail all of this time."

"Yes. It has been a most...educational...experience..."

Wren, Ramza and Asgard were now at the entrance to the grunty farm, the farmost point in the Theta Root Town of Dun Loireag. The city was bustling again, as it was now around four o'clock on a friday afternoon. Now the students on the east coast of Canada/America would be home from school, playing the game. The sun glistened amongst a lightly clouded sky, a simulated breeze flowing through the town, giving the players a breath of fresh air. Well, to those who can actually feel the air.

Asgard sat on the ground with his baby grunty, Kjata. Terro, nestled in a medium sized haystack, yawned and carried on. The gryphon looked down upon the cute game creation as Asgard handed it a Twilight Onion. Being the pint sized thing that it was, the baby grunty put its front hooves on the onion, and began to eat the slivers of the mysterious vegetable. It was almost as if it was a newborn baby trying to walk, but eating the chair it grabbed upon. But somehow, Asgard found solace in the trivialities that the grunty produced. It always oinked at him, asking for food in a neverending manner. The dualist always told him that if he spoiled him rotten, that Kjata would grow up into a fat grunty. That wouldn't make Asgard proud. Everytime defeated, it whined and curled into his lap, seeking a place to sleep, as the mystical creature Terro had taken up his resting place.

"I think you should get off Terro. Babies need their sleep, you know." The Gryphon huffed and looked at him with a stone-splitting look. It seemed that the gryphon was getting used to the bedding.

Ramza and Wren stood at each side of the entrance to the grunty ranch. Ramza told tales about the powerful beings that roamed the fields of the Omega server: Gigantic Dogs with Three heads, skeleton creatures the size of a house, goblins decked to the teeth in almost impervious armor. Asgard overheard their conversation as Kjata fell to rest upon its respective bed of hay. It was all true. He had been there in his previous life, as Thor, the now ex-administrator. The Omega Server was a hurdle in its own class, housing the strongest monsters in the game, even the ever famous two bulbed Guardian creature. Lia Fail was also a sight to behold to players. It was an archaic temple of sorts, combined with an arabic bazaar type atmosphere. Asgard wished that he could go there again, but feared that higher level characters wouldn't hesitate for a split second to turn him into the authorities.

A bounty is a bounty, no matter who you are.

"So what about you Asgard? I haven't seen you since Tritoch attacked us here..."

Asgard flashed back out of his mental thought. It had been a month or two since then. For some reason, it felt longer, like a lifetime or two.

"I had an...interesting change, so to say," the Dualist said, procuring both of his Blademaster swords. Ramza whistled. Indeed it was a sight. It was illegal too. Asgard had gained great power over a short period of time. Yet, the cost was still very grave and very grand.

"That's great, man. We can sure use that power to combat the admins. Yea, and those hackers too...I wonder what happened to them..." Wren raised an eyebrow at the motion and Asgard was lost in thought again.

That was a very good question. A question that he didn't have the answer, or even a clue, to. The elites were still a great, but dormant, threat at the current time. Sooner or later, they would run into them again.

Kjata was sound asleep now, with Terro on the rooftop of the Grunty Farm. Asgard stood back up and brushed himself off. "Alright. I think I'm ready to-" He stopped, looking forward out into the crowd. From the masses came one man.

A blademaster.

He held a rare sword, the reliance, and was decked out in various gear, most medium and others heavy. It looked as if he was sweating. Profusely at that level. Stepping forward past Wren and Ramza out into the open, he pulled him aside.

"Hello there, sir. Can I help you??"

===============================================

OOC: Btw, that blademaster is j00, Cypher
This is my non-banner profile. Read at own discretion!
Wishlist (Bolded sections denotate priority, in descending order)
In General: LEVELS
Pet-Related: EX-Levels, [Lv. 2]Overdrive Sphere, [Lv. 2]Ressurect
Armor: Dice Gloves (20 RARE), Golden Turban (42), Saint Cross (41), Protect Ring (41)
Weapons: Master Nunchaku (40 RARE), Three-Section Staff (37),
Items: (None)

User avatar
Cypher
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Posts: 235
Joined: Wed Mar 03, 2004 11:01 pm
Location: Who am I...?
Contact:

Post by Cypher » Fri Mar 12, 2004 11:48 pm

(ooc: yeah I figured…*pokes*)

The noises…they had disappeared, converting into silence and ceasing to give proof of their existence. Had he been hallucinating? Had the sweltering heat truly transformed his way of thinking, to the point where the line of reality and fantasy had been blurred? Carrying now a new burden upon his already tired shoulders, Cypher leaned back softly, his back making contact with the Grunty Farms’ uneven exterior wall. The grip on his Reliance softened, its smooth hilt rolling down his hands until they rested loosely on his fingertips, dancing on the idea of falling with gravity. His free hand dropped in a tired fashion, landing on the hard surface with a hollow thud. A small prickling feeling was emitted to his brain from his sensorial system, alerting him to a foreign item causing discomfort to his hand area. With a soft sigh, he turned to examine what disturb him at the moment…it turned out to be a soft patch of hay, blown off from the Grunty stables. From this discovery, many other small and insignificant details came to his mind, but he was in no mood to deal with them…

“And did you remember that 100 Trees that came up from behind me!?!? It scared the s*** out of me!!!”

Voices…

His left hand grabbed for the corner on the wall, pulling the rest of his upper body with it. Around came his head, searching for the voices. On and on he looked until he found the origin…two longarms, clad in simple armor, strolling happily down the wooden bridge.

People…

Others followed suit behind them, turning the empty ghost town into the bustling root town it was intended to be. Players of all sizes, shapes, classes, colors, and gender’s gathered, exchanging monster tips, trading items, or just simply walking. He was alone no longer…

But did I want to be surrounded…?

His cold desolate feeling had faded away, blown from his insides with Dung Loireags’ ferocious gusts. But what was left from the storm…was emptiness. The expected warmth he awaited to fill his aching heart came not…leaving him longing for his own space.

Leaving him wanting to be alone.

“Sigh…”

A sigh was all he could let out, disappointment ruling his mood at the moment. He thrusted his Reliance into the ground, using it as support to get up. His free hand grabbed at the wall beside him, tugging firmly at anything hard enough not to break. With a hard fast tug he had once again stood tall, brushing off traces from his jacket. He felt a small scratch originate at his left shoulder, causing an instinctive right hand to come to the rescue. His brisk movement caused his Reliance to cut into his cape, revealing a small trickle of blood to flow freely.

“Ouch, I didn’t know you could cut yourself”

Or can you…

The small twitching wound didn’t bother him…the moist blood flowing over his jacket and onto the dusty ground didn’t bother him…he had cut himself, with the aid of his own sword…in a Root Town…

And had bled.

His sense of weariness and defeat began to fade, the intriguing discovery showing interest to him. He began to monitor himself, observing how he had reacted to the wound.

“Just like real life…”

His eyes put on a curious expression, fixated only on that particular area when he heard voices behind him.

"Alright. I think I'm ready to-"

Now he was fully concentrated, life being poured back into him like a gushing waterfall. He disregarded his minor slice, re-gripping his Reliance with firm strength. He knew something lay behind that Grunty stable, and now, despite all the waiting, he would soon find out.

Wow…

His 180 degree turn revealed a tall slim man, short hair, blades to his sides, approaching Cypher in a hasty fashion. He nudged him to the side, away from the entrance, and spoke to him softly.

This twinblade is strong…wait a minute…those swords…they aren’t of a twinblades…those are blademaster swords!!!

His new discovery had him thinking deeply, his face twisting awkwardly in a confused manner. How was he able to wield 2 swords at once in such fashion? More questions poured into his mind, when a sudden image blasted into his psyche, coming and going with a white blur.

Beware…admin…danger…

Then a picture appeared…the person being exposed was the player which stood in front of him…

Beware of what…?

The player stared hard at him, probably frustrated due to Cypher’s lack of an answer.

“Erm…I…I was just looking around, and I heard voices. How did you get back-“

Cypher’s sentence was cut short. He gagged a bit, coughing and shaking furiously. His mouth had grown dry, to the point of discomfort and pain. He was not used to these levels of heat, his body reacting horribly to the sudden change of temperature.

“Why…is it so hot in here?”

He doubled down and fell to his knees, grabbing at the dual blade wielding player, gasping and coughing.
Wishlist: Ends of Earth (11 BM), Black Sharp Angel Wings, BM Swords (Rare/Common)

New sig coming soon!

Wren
Elevated Player
Posts: 77
Joined: Fri Nov 14, 2003 3:13 am
Location: San Jose, CA, USA
Contact:

Post by Wren » Mon Mar 22, 2004 5:55 am

"Ramza, meet Wren."

With these words, Wren turned towards the foreign player, not bearing any form of emotion, for good or ill. His eyes were the only thing that would give away a hint of kindness, for they tend to glimmer when he smiles.

"Hello..." That was all that escaped his lips, which were securly hidden behind the folds of his black scarf that wrapped around his neck, the fringes hanging off his left shoulder. A look of perplexity, and maybe even hostility, hung on Ramza's face. Wren wasn't totally sure which it was, or if it was both. It'd been quite some time since Wren dealt with people up close and personal. He'd spent the last few months scouring the fields of Mac Anu alone, away from "he", who would have seen him dead.

Asgard then, amid the deafening silence, chose to intervene. He began to tell Ramza the story, everything that he'd apparantly missed. Wren lent an ear to the tale until Asgard fell upon more recent events. About that time Wren's own mind began to wander.

While Asgard wound his tale, the Hippogryph, Kaze, came strutting into the room, with modest undertones. Kaze, covered in his auburn fur and winged with white feathers, stopped and stood beside Wren, who's eyes were staring blankly into the far reaches of the hideout, and beyond.

Wren's hands groped around Kaze's head, the fingers massaging his scalp between his ears, and then their tips gliding down his neck as far as they could reach without stretching. Kaze purred, his own green eyes looking over to the mysterious Gryphon perched across the room.

* * * * *

It was raining in that field... I remember it clearly. I had fought Loyd only two weeks before, and I was still exploring the myriad of changes that my character's data underwent amid the fight. Everything was strange. I--I wish I could explain it, but I can't. The feelings were so profound, beyond words... Heh... I'm getting off track, now. I forget the name of the field, there were just so many that I'd adventured to in those few months. But there was rain, falling like a perpetual curtain upon the field. Luckily the grass was thick and profuse enough that it held up the rain, and never in any spot except for around the Dungeon did the field turn into a thick, slippery slime that glistened with a glossy texture: the mud.

Loyd was leading me on a goose chase. I'd already run away from all my friends and allies. My greatest fear was that I'd drag yet another innocent person into this, and get someone hurt. I came to realize, after fighting Loyd to get Asura back, that I couldn't protect anyone. I was lucky to protect myself against Loyd's powers. But I could risk other's lives no longer. So I went on searching alone.

Thunder boomed, and then a bolt of lightning fell from the sky in the distant, unattainable horizon, which set the whole field aflame with white light.

When the light had cleared, I could have sworn I saw the silhouette of that man, the cloaked one who had plauged me with these changes, these changes that allowed me to harness the power required to defeat Loyd. But when I cleared my eyes of the rain, I saw nothing there at all. Only the grass and the hills...
*

* * * * *

A pause in Asgard's story startled Wren out of his thoughts. It seemed as if they were both looking at him, staring. Ramza was at the top of the stair looking through the doorway at Wren, and Asgard stood waiting with his Gryphon under tow. "You coming," Asgard asked.

Wren turned, wondering how long they'd stood there waiting for him. He closed his eyes and shook the thought off. "Yes."

So Wren and Kaze walked slowly over to the door and exited the hideout, a significant distance behind the other two, more acquainted players. The door closed after they'd walked through, a safety precaution Wren assumed.

Once outside, he found Asgard sitting with his baby grunty and Gryphon. Ramza was at the opposite fencepost that constructed the 'entryway' to the farmyard.

Kaze flapped his wings and took flight, inconspicuously taking up shelter atop the Gruny Farm, looking down unto the trio of players as they relaxed. Ramza began to tell his tale to Asgard. A story about his stay in Lia Fail, the Omega Server, and all the oddities he encountered there. Though Wren, taking on his Lone Wolf attitude, displayed no interest in such things. He merely leaned back and stared up at the virtual clouds that hung overhead, slowly sailing across the sky via some undetectable force.

A familiar face came staggering towards the farm only a few minutes later. Wren lifted his head and narrowed his eyes to get a better view. He knew he recognized this character, but he wasn't sure where from. It was on the tip of his tongue. But he'd been so out-of-touch with THE WORLD since he left those months ago, that he was having trouble placing a name to the face.

He merely sat there in passive observation, trying to focus his perception down to their conversation. That's when a thought shot into his head from the outside.

Cypher. That is his name. I acquired it from his character data. You seem to know him?

Wren nodded gently to Kaze's words, which were internalized, transmitted into Wren's mind.

Standing up, Wren walked past Ramza, who watched him curiously as he passed, and came to stand beside Asgard.

His jade eyes fell upon Cypher, who'd drastically changed his appearance somehow. He seemed to be suffering greatly. Though he knew who this character was, thanks to his pet, Wren didn't let it show.

"Hey Asgard, what's wrong with this player? Do you know him?"

Wren's eyes fell unto Cypher, who seemed to be choking on something, or maybe he was dehydrated or out of air? Wren wondered in the back of his mind how a normal player could be so physically drained from sitting in front of a computer screen. Other than the unique circumstances surrounding those he'd recently come into contact with. Cypher couldn't possibly be like them, could he? And if he was, how long has he been like this?

Wren placed his left wrist on the hilt of his sword, which tilted the blade up a bit so it wouldn't hit the ground as he leaned down in front of the seeminly wounded character.

Again he looked up to Asgard. "What do you think's wrong with him?"

-----------------------------------------
*Note to Avantgarden: This cloaked figure will make an appearance in At The Final Gate
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Wren | Blademaster | Lvl. 30 | Ap Raio | Ap Do | Ap Vakz | Ani Slash | Vak Slash | Miu Lei | GiVak Kruz | Rai Kruz | Rue Rom | Repth |

ramza
Exalted Player
Posts: 203
Joined: Sun Mar 30, 2003 11:26 pm
Location: the world

Post by ramza » Wed Apr 07, 2004 4:37 pm

Ramza was growing impatient. the grunties were beginnning to "smell bad", (he remembered he could smel in the game now.) a little wierd, but nonetheless, it smelled a little bad.

"yo, while you guys talk with that guy, ill be waiting for you guys at the gate." asgard acknowledged it with a faint wave over his head, and then waved a hand in the players face.

Ramza walked down to the Dun Loireag chaos gate. he sat down next to it, wondering what was up. there was a cool breeze that genlty lapped his face, strengthening for a second, then waning. this small strengthening of the wind gave an eery feeling. then he felt something movingon the otherside of the gate. hejumped up immediately on his guard looking at the gate. he quickly swung his staffaround and stoped a hair from the players face. it was Rizzo. the player who has been keeping Ramza in touch with what was happening to the group. he was a twin blade who was wearing red leather like DareDevil. he never showed his "face". \

"what do you want Rizzo?" Ramza put his staff at ease.

"ill give you this bit of info for free. heheh....your group has been moving along quickly in their journey. theyre near the end now. you guys better get amove on to. the admins have been going a little crazy now with their security. they've tightened their hold on mac anu already. be careful."

"thanks Rizzo, her's ten anyway, here they come, you need to go"Rizzo disappeared in a flash and the party came up to him.

"okay we're set to go, he was a little busy before, but he snapped out of it and told us his name is cypher and he proved that he is with the group."
Ramza introduced himself to Cypher they prepared to leave for they're job.

OOC: lets go guys, somebody post please.
Rod of Darkness(Custom)
Night Cloak(Custom)
Dark Vest(Custom)
Red Beret(Custom)
OrmeAni Kruz, ani rom, meani zot, ani kruz
ola repth, rip maen
Ap anid
Dek anid
Level 28
700gp

Wren
Elevated Player
Posts: 77
Joined: Fri Nov 14, 2003 3:13 am
Location: San Jose, CA, USA
Contact:

Post by Wren » Thu Apr 08, 2004 4:42 am

((OOC: lol, thank you Ramza. I'd been waiting for someone to reply. Cypher came to Main, then left. So he couldn't reply to this which really irritated me. Now we're jarred free, and I will turn this into a formal post sometime tomorrow before it gets too late. ^_^ ))

----------------------------------------------------


Wren watched Cypher get up, suddenly uninhibited by whatever it was that had been bothering him just moments before. The Blademaster stood up and with a sneer, he changed servers, leaving those three ghostly gold rings in his wake.

"Well... that was odd. I wonder what he's doing here."

Ramza, who had been over by the farm, was now across the isle from Asgard and Wren, urging them to go on.

The blademaster stood up and dusted off his knees, glancing behind himself to the farm where Kaze sat perched. With a gentle nod and a flash of his eyes, the Hippogryph sent himself soaring high up over the Root Town, intermixed with the few clouds that are actually inside the server, not plastered onto it.

Turning back to Ramza Wren smiled behind his scarf, causing his eyes to glisten. "You're right. We should get going." With a nod to Asgard, he started off towards Ramza.

What that voice had said earlier... there's a hidden meaning behind it. It had a hint of Loyd in it. He said something about Hidden Destroyer's Pilgrimage. A field? I should go there...

When he approached Ramza, a cold look befell him. "I know where we need to go. It was in this voice I heard earlier... He spoke of the truth, and questions... in his words he encrypted a keyword: Hidden Destroyer's Pilgrimage. That is where I am going. If you follow, that is up to you."

Then Wren turned to look at Asgard, who was following up behind.

"... You both are welcome to join me if it suits you. And I trust that you're feeling well enough to journey, Asgard?"

Waiting for an answer, Wren turned back to stare at the Gate. He hesitated, waiting to hear if the two would accompany him or not. Of course this deathly grave manner wasn't much like him anymore, but he still felt like using it when the occasion presented itself.
Last edited by Wren on Tue Apr 13, 2004 3:32 am, edited 2 times in total.
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Wren | Blademaster | Lvl. 30 | Ap Raio | Ap Do | Ap Vakz | Ani Slash | Vak Slash | Miu Lei | GiVak Kruz | Rai Kruz | Rue Rom | Repth |

ramza
Exalted Player
Posts: 203
Joined: Sun Mar 30, 2003 11:26 pm
Location: the world

Post by ramza » Thu Apr 08, 2004 1:50 pm

OOC: i couldnt wait anymore for someone to post, so i tried to advance it, btw, oyur picture is the coolest thing ive ever seen
Rod of Darkness(Custom)
Night Cloak(Custom)
Dark Vest(Custom)
Red Beret(Custom)
OrmeAni Kruz, ani rom, meani zot, ani kruz
ola repth, rip maen
Ap anid
Dek anid
Level 28
700gp

Wren
Elevated Player
Posts: 77
Joined: Fri Nov 14, 2003 3:13 am
Location: San Jose, CA, USA
Contact:

Post by Wren » Sat May 15, 2004 7:57 pm

[OOC: Because of some problems revolving around some of the players in this quest, among other things, I think this quest should just be dropped and forgotten. I was originally doing this to get one of my approved hacks solidified in some sort of story, but whatever. It seems to be impeding the rest of the site because Asgard, Ramza, and Wren are locked in a slow-moving plot when there's already something else lined up.]
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Wren | Blademaster | Lvl. 30 | Ap Raio | Ap Do | Ap Vakz | Ani Slash | Vak Slash | Miu Lei | GiVak Kruz | Rai Kruz | Rue Rom | Repth |

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