Realistic or Modern ♦ Saint's Weapon ♦

[Clouds]

Saint’s Weapon​

Saint’s Weapon is a multiplayer online game and has been raising its popularity throughout the years, upgrading the game whenever they could so it would be more pleasurable to play. Now, it’s the fifteenth year of existence and it has reached its all-time high due to the slight changed that had been made such as more in-dep characterization and enhanced combat.

Championships were started after seven years and the competitiveness rose with its popularity. More pro players started to play the game and eventually arenas were filled with fans of Saint’s Weapon. Japan took the lead and won the last two championships in a row, making them quite dangerous. But that was not all. Many players competed with each other to become the best of the best, creating guilds to show their power to the other players. The number one guild of them which is also filled with pro-gamers was called: Moonfall.

Now a lot of pro gamers didn’t manage to get in an official team and were forced to improve themselves even more or just quit paying competitive. But little did they main guild know that they might have a more dangerous threat coming their way. One that would shake up the whole gaming community.

What is this about:
You’ll play as a gamer (professional, ex-professional or amateur) which means you’ll be writing about your character’s real life as well as in-game. You’ll be aiming to become one of the top players of the game.

Moonfall [3/5]
> NightSky
> Chachalotte
>
> Minyari
>

Unknown [2/5]
> Clouds
>
> Wolf Wolf
>
>

Characters
Ooc
Extra
Ic

 

[Clouds]

Nao Arisawa
Fangz​

The new season of Saint’s Weapon started and the people were completely hyped about it. They were expecting great things from the professionals, hoping that they would become world champions once again. However besides that longing there was also the tension between the teams about who would become the top and participate in the games overseas. The calmness would reside in the people their hearts until the “auditions” would take place. It was exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. Some would cheer for the newly formed teams while the others would root for the top 3 who were most likely going to be placed into the auditions. Auditions were strictly based on the tactics and technique of the players. How more fun and/or eye-catching it was, the more chance one got to participate.

It all got more commercialized and it wasn’t unusual for players to be sponsored if they were good like the group “Moonfall”. They got the best equipment and even received a private place to practice their gaming. Because of this most of their hours went to video gaming in order to hone their skills and succeed. The group had five main players who were considered to be almost god-like with their techniques and swift manoeuvres. They weren’t an opponent to mess around with. They were often compared to the previous number one guild Titanz yet they lost to them in the semi-finals, not being able to have landed a spot in the championships. It was a bitter defeat and fans were disappointed but they didn’t quit and kept going for the better or for worse. Perhaps they would make a new appearance in the contest this year.

The main place where all the interesting things would happen was Congree City. It was the place where people spawned when they were beginners but it was also the best spot to get some new equipment and materials. Because of the large community it wasn’t weird if there were a lot of summoners on the platform but that just made things more fun. They could help each other out whenever they needed someone for a raid or they would make arrangement for an upcoming battle. The main communication was through microphone. Players would rarely type something unless they didn’t have another option. Of course it was up to you to allow them to talk to you or not. There were specific buttons for that.

---

Since Nao didn’t have any work today, he pondered for a little while about what to do. Perhaps he could go hang out with some people but they didn’t necessarily have the time. Tapping his finger against the leather couch, he glanced towards the computer that had been sitting there for ages. He didn’t play as much as he used to anymore and honestly, he almost forgot why he liked to play on it for a couple of times. With a click of the tongue, he went over there and sat down in front of it. Starting everything up in a flash before clicking on the game he had played for a long, long time already. Saint’s Weapon. The game that made him into a gamer. It felt like he hadn’t been on it for a century but adjusted quickly to how everything worked again. A light smile faintly caressed his lips as he looked at his character who was standing proudly on the screen.

”It’s been too long.” He whispered to himself as he could feel the excitement rushing through his body once again. He had been on and off for the last two years as he didn’t know what to do anymore after his team disbanded. It was his choice but still, he didn’t think it would give that kind of a blow. Anyway, even if he did get on, he would just go to dungeons instantly to pass his time and set some records of fastest clearing. They’d be broken because he worked alone so it wasn’t as effective. But now, he actually decided to start playing again with more focus. Though when he spawned in Congree City he didn’t expect the scene that happened next.

A ton of text balloons would float on his screen that were directed to him. Friend requests flooded in as soon as they took sight, making him freeze on the spot. He didn’t want to accept random people as he didn’t have any use for them. He chewed on his bottom lip as he made his way through the large place, looking at the stalls that were spread around. Some had some pretty neat materials that he could use but not for now. He started to get used to the keys once again, reading the beginner manual while he was at it just so that he could refresh his memory.

NightSky Chachalotte @Wapiti Wolf Wolf

 

[Minyari]

Isao Sakai
(Frevor)
​

A sudden slam against the desktop following up with, "Shitty ass game!", an audible deep breath being intaked by Isao. The bright monitor displaying a bright "Defeat" as the defeat music could be heard from his black gaming headset. Since the start of the season he had been doing constant PvP duels, climbing the leader boards, improving his skills. This would be his third lost to the same opponent, all three 1v1s coming close to the time limit's end. Isao quickly recovered from his immediate rage, unmuting his microphone, "Good game well played my nemisis. Hope to duel you another time.", the two exchanging quick compliments of each other's skills before leaving the afteright duel menu. The menu fades into darkness, the monitor displaying nothingness for a quick second before reappearing where Isao left his character, Congree City.

The interface soon pops up, the chat box blares up with teasing messages from the players that were spectating themail last duel. "Frevor sucks! Can't even combo his abilties right!", "You would think dueling him for the third time you would learn!", "LOL, WHAT A FAIL. HOW IS THIS GUY IN MOONFALL?". Isao quickly read them before replying back with similar insults, before closing the chat box. "What a bunch of noobs...", Isao muttered to himself before he walked down the streets of Congreeach City. The yelling merchant stallservices with their goods, the crowds of players walking and the sounds of their equipment clanking, and the soft Saint's Weapon theme song. Isao continued his walk down the path, dodging other players while moving through. "What busy day.", he thought to himself. Finally reaching his destination, a popular tavern where players new and old spent their passing times. The tavern's tables and stools were all mostly filled, the players discussing guesting tips, dungeon times, and the new season's teams. Isao walked his way over to an open stool, signaling the tavern keep for ale.

 

[Wolf Wolf]

Victoria "Vi" Lorian | xRune
[In Game]​

"Legend has it that this dungeon is haunted by the people who dared to venture into it." the NPC in ragged clothes informed the avatar with the name xRune floating above her head. "But if you manage to return with my brother, I will forever be grateful."

Vi stared at the text box, pondering over the quest. Should she or should she not accept the quest? The reward was a mere 20 gold as well as a rather large amount of experience, but luckily, dungeons most often had vast riches to offer to those who sought for it. She was piled in school work for weeks, and it was only this weekend that she was able to find the time to play her favorite game, Saint's Weapon. Then, shrugging, she moved her cursor to the green YES on the screen below the quest description, and she received a notification that a quest had been added to her journal. "This is going to be a piece of cake." she says to herself, smirking. She took control of her character and willed it to move forward by pressing the letter W, entering the dungeon.

...........................................................​

That had happened about an hour ago. Currently, Victoria was fighting waves of waves of ghouls, slowly getting backed into the corner of the cave she was in. Her clicks grew more and more frantic as the monsters closed in on her. She had used her last health potion a few rooms ago, and the chests she had looted didn't contain any potions to aid her. "You know what? Screw this." she swore under her breath and drank her last large mana potion, refilling her mana bar after it was drained from spamming her basic abilities. Her highest level ability lit up (Wild Blood Strike), and she activated it. The greatsword she had equipped glowed green and upon executing the move, the front line of the monsters were blown back, some even getting destroyed.

Despite her small victory, her mana bar was now a quarter of what it once was, and she could only execute one Collapsing Mountain and a couple of Backwards Slashes. "I should've bought more potions before this." Victoria groaned and followed up on her momentary advantage and jumped back into the fray with a series of Backwards Slashes. The weaker ghouls immediately dissipated but the stronger ones withstood her attacks. Thinking that it was time to activate Collapsing Mountain, she did so, and the remaining ghouls staggered, and Victoria auto-attacked them while they were immobile.

LEVELED UP! [48]

She leveled up when she brought down two, and then they started going after her again. With her mana bar drained, and her health bar flashing, she quickly realized she now had no other choice but to run. She turned her avatar to a random direction with no ghouls in the way and sprinted. She side-stepped skill-shots from the ghouls as she ran, and when the cavern split into two paths, she took the left path and she found herself in a workshop. Hearing a thud behind her, she looked behind her to see that the path she took was closed off with a stone door that she didn't notice when she entered. "Oh no, this better not be a boss battle." Victoria readied her sword for any possible hostile encounters.

To her surprise however, she saw instead an NPC with a beard in ragged clothes holding a torch at the far end of the workshop. "Who are you and how did you find me?" the man said. Text options appeared, and Victoria chose the words 'Your brother sent me.' The NPC's voice changed to a surprised tone. "Nicholas is alive? I must leave this cursed place at once!" Another set of text options appeared, and she picked 'Not so fast. I was followed by hordes of ghouls, and there's no going out that way.' Instead of moping about, the man seemed to be fine with it.

"We might be able to sneak past them. This dungeon is wired with pressure plates, and when you entered this room, you must have activated that door, but deactivated another one somewhere." The NPC approached a chest stationed near one of the tables with papers strewn across on the surface and opened it. "Here, you look like you might need these." When 3 health potions and 3 mana potions were added to her inventory, Victoria cheered in her own room. She quickly used 2 of of each, and followed the NPC who claimed to know where the deactivated door was.

...........................................................
​

"Brother!" The two men in ragged clothes embraced each other. Victoria's avatar stood outside the dungeon entrance and watched the teary-eyed reunion. "You have no idea how much this means to us. We would reward you with mountains of gold if we could but... As you can see, we only have each other. How can we every thank you?" Her journal appeared on the side of her screen and she clicked on COMPLETE. 20 gold was added to her account, and she watched her experience bar fill up until...

LEVELED UP! [49]

Wow. She leveled up two times in one dungeon. And that's saying a lot, since the experience cap got larger and larger the more you leveled up. Victoria sighed in relief and activated a town scroll. She was going to buy a lot of items.

 

[NightSky]

AMI TAKAHASHI [R0S3]
TAGS: Minyari

The distinct smell of coffee lingering around Ami was briefly interrupted by the scent of strawberries as she poured out the contents of the blender. It was uncommon for someone to order a smoothie on the early morning shift but she didn't complain, they had left her a tip as she gave them extra cream on top. Even though her thoughts floated elsewhere; her hand-eye coordination aided her in making beverages to the customers preferences. With that order the clock had clicked to 10:00. Ami released an audible sigh as she disappeared into the back room, her five hour shift finally over. She untied her apron to hang it up before pulling on her jacket. The barista wasn't in a rush to leave work but she was always one for specific timings and refused to work longer than she was being paid for. Stepping back out into the café she offered a small smile to the manager. He was an elderly man who had inherited the café from his grandfather, the man had been friends with Ami's parents for a couple decades so he gladly accepted her as an employee. Despite her school grades being close to non-existent. "Thanks for your work today Ami, enjoy the rest of your week." She nodded her head in his direction before collecting her tips from a small black tin with silver and red detailing. The patterning vaguely resembling the clothing of an avatar based in an online, multiplayer game. Widely known as Saint's Weapon.

A short bus journey later the brunette had found herself back in her apartment, just out of the town. The collection of rooms surrounding Ami were small in size but they contained all her belongings and was cheap to maintain. After flicking her shoes off near the front door she padded over to her desk. With the press of a button Ami's computer buzzed to life, red lights rippled across the system. While the computer started up Ami picked up a water bottle and filled it with some water and ice cubes. An essential before she even logged onto her game. Now prepared she crossed her legs on her desk chair before putting on her headset. Her hair still held the scent of coffee but her headset still had a lingering 'new' smell. With the new season on her treasured game companies had sent her equipment in hopes of advertising their brand. Ami very rarely mixed virtual reality with her outside reality, but she did maintain a handful of social media accounts for the computerised avatar she had established. Taking a sip of her chilled water her mouse drifted across the screen before making a single click before the screen flickered to a world very different from the one outside Ami's front door but perhaps more familiar.

IN GAME​

A lone character stood in the centre of Ami's screen, but only for a split second. As the buildings and characters loaded in the surroundings seemed much less bare. Ami's second persona took the form of a video game character. She stood confidently and purposefully in a busy street, in a well known city. Congree City. Although bustling with characters they made no sound through Ami's headphones; and she much preferred it that way. The character on her screen, clearly labelled as R0S3, walked through the crowd. She had planned to check up on the leader boards and perhaps partake in some warm up 1x1's before she stopped outside an old fashioned building, the tavern. The character's long raven black hair swung back and forth as the character stayed stationary. Among the vast amount of character names on screen, one was painted in a bright green. An indication of someone from her guild, Moonfall. Guiding her character into the tavern she clicked her mouse a couple times; inviting Frevor to a voice party. Usually, Ami was quiet and reserved but online she was more expressive and interactive. Perhaps due to the familiarity of the people in this world or their acknowledgment of her existence.

 

[Clouds]

Nao Arisawa
Fangz​

So there he was inside of Congee City, one that had a lot of other users inside of it. He did notice that there was a serious increase of summoners along the years and he was proud that the game had made it this far. He honestly didn’t think that its popularity would rise this high and took over the number one spot of favourite all-time game. When it just came out, it also had a lot of people but a lot of them quit along the way as the graphics didn’t suit their taste or they didn’t like the combat style. Due to serious upgrades, they came back and started to enjoy the game once again. Nao just liked it for the way it was. It wasn’t, like most people thought, a simple game but it was rather complicated. One had to keep in mind the playstyle of others and try to find a way to get the best out of each other. The beginners and casual players didn’t understand that and just enjoyed it in their own way.

But now that he ‘returned’ to the game after a time of absence, he got a little overwhelmed. He didn’t think that he’d still be this popular even after he quit Titanz some time ago. Most pro leaguers would be forgotten within three months if they didn’t keep active in the game. He was an exception so it seemed. He appreciated it that the people didn’t forget about him and kept hoping for his revival in the championships. That was a completely different matter that he still had to put some thought in. He liked his job as a hair stylist so he didn’t feel like giving that up in order to start again. Plus, he wasn’t the youngest anymore either as a lot of the pro gamers started when they’d graduate from high school.

Anyway, his character Fangz made his way throughout the small streets of Congree City, looking for something that would catch his eye but to no avail. A lot of stalls did have some rare materials but once he checked his inventory he saw that he already had those he needed. Honestly, sometimes being at the end level had its disadvantages as they’d need to look harder for the stuff they needed. His character was now just aimlessly walking around as he was looking for something interesting.

Eventually he found a nice looking tavern where a bit more people were located, indicating that it was popular amongst the gamers. Out of curiosity, he pushed the door open and was met with those who were having something to drink, others were planning out a raid against one of the bosses, others were just waiting for their friends to come online. There was a variety of reasons as to why they were hear which made it indeed an enjoyable place to stay at.

The tavern was held open by a NPC which was normal as most summoners would mainly stay with opening a stall in the streets in order to trade or get some easy earned gold. It was all possible so why not make the best out of it. As he sat down on a chair he finally had the time to look through the requests and messages he received in the period of time that he logged into the game. Almost all of them were ridiculous questions which he didn’t respond to but some actually asked for advice. As he was busy with replying to them, he glanced towards the casual text bubbles that were send to him as well while he was in the tavern. Having a friendly talk with the other gamers who had just gotten out of a raid.

 

[Minyari]

Isao Sakai​

(Frevor)
​

In tavern, there stood Isao, leaning on against the back wall as he checked his inventory over and his skill sets. Alt - tabbing and visiting the official Saint's Weapon forums and reading through some news articles on the upcoming championship. A notification sound would be heard by Isao, quickly alt - tabbing back into the game. A notification popping up infront of him, a name in green; R0S3. It was an invitation to a private voice chat by a guild member. Isao, not seeing any reason to decline, accepted the invitation as he put down his headset's microphone. Speaking in a normal, delightful tone, "Helllooo! Long time no see Rose!", Isao awaiting a response.

NightSky (little short but don't know what else to put, sry)

 

[NightSky]

AMI TAKAHASHI [R0S3]
TAGS: Minyari

IN GAME​

The dark haired character seated herself at the counter in the tavern as Ami waited for a response. It took a few seconds before she could hear a voice come to life through her headset. It mingled with the, now quietened, recorded sounds for the tavern. "Helllooo! Long time no see Rose!" She wasn't particularly familiar with the owner of the voice but being a part of the same guild she had heard it frequently. Frevor usually had a signature upbeat tone, which suited the appearance of the character. He had pale pink hair which swayed when the character moved and ethereal green eyes.

"Hey Frevor," She replied in a cheery voice but it was not as uplifting as the former. "our schedules haven't lined up much recently." Although he couldn't see her Ami nodded in agreement to his statement. It had gotten rarer to be online the same time as another member of their guild, let alone all of them at once. But with the new season starting it was inevitable they would all be online more frequently. "I've been working more than usual, someone's got to pay the bills." She let out a light laugh before reaching out to her bottle and taking a sip of her water. The character on screen autonomously looked around her surroundings; happening to line up with Ami's next question. "What brings you to the tavern then?" Her voice laced in question, perhaps just trying to make conversation but she was also genuinely curious.