Scene #1652: Logging the Horizon

Owner	Pose
Akatsuki	Something new has recently connected itself to the border of the Cyber Core, its gateway set atop a small rolling hill being a barren stretch of the Core the his is bare save rhytmically pulsing gateway and oddly a small circle of stone with what could only be a wood campfire, given the smoke, in the middle. Where the wood came from would be anyone's guess. It was from a nearby town in the Cyber Core that a message was sent to the Union a number of days ago, it was the standard form for declaring alliance that came with the Union's welcome to the Multiverse packet. The primary unusual thing about it was it was signed 'The Round Table Alliance' and had an accompanying the form. It was a neatly hand written letter requesting the Union send some representatives to discuss in finer detail the exact expectations of this alliance. Assumably the Union has put together a small group of experts both in diplomacy and the areas around the Cyber Core and these individuals have found their way to this lonely location to meet with one Naotsugu and Akatsuki to guide them into the Round Table's city. If any try to scan the hill from a distance before closing, there is one person in medieval style armor lazing by the camp fire that is very easily seen, while a second figure might be glimpsed by the very perecptive while it hides near the gateway on the other hand the very patient or very lucky might see it as it rarely leaps from its hiding place to land on the lazing figure before slipping back into the shadows with rather impressive speed.
Nathan Hall	Nathan Hall is here. The spectacled librarian moves like a robot, with slow and deliberate motions, and his face is completely stoic, lacking an ounce of emotion behind the glasses. But no, he is one hundred percent organic. He's also hiked his way here over the barren cyberplains, for some reason, likely alongside Kirito -- an occasional bodyguard -- and Tomoe -- an occasional co-bodyguard -- from another nearest warpgate. Unfortunately, he doesn't get to see the smaller scouting figure as they ninja their way around, so lacking any other targets, he heads just for the larger armored figure, making no attempt to hide or to amplify his own presence. They're likely at the mouth of their own world's entry, so Nathan will make sure to approach without seeming much like a threat. "Salutations." He calls out in a monotone, from a distance. "I am Nathan Hall, are you with the Round Table Alliance?" This is the right meeting point, right? Best to put his identity on the table and help get this going quick while he closes the distance on that hill.
Tomoe	Tomoe had caught the arthurian referance and wondered about it, she does not mind playing bodyguard to Nathan. After all She and Kirito in Avatar form were idea. They could go down and not be lost, right? So here she comes looking to all the world the fairy kight she is clad in a migure of plate and heavy cloth and clocking in at nearly six foot 2 possibly in part ot the heels on her boots but either way here she is. Her long ears would likely get her flagged as some kind of elf. She takes a moment to look oer their hosts and she speaks up. "I am Tomoe the Iron Lily. It's good to meet you." Tomoe is smiling pretty widely at this point and seems in a good mood but it's also clear she's pretty much the tanky sort.
Kirito	Orindarily Kirito would be happy to go on some errands out in the Multiverse, especially for his friends. That was before his avatar became so... girly... though... No longer the proud, youthful and wirey spriggan, he's instead a shorter androgynous figure in similar attire. Decked from head to toe in billowing black, with some futuristic breastplating finishing the outfit out, his long black hair swishes about freely behind him on the march towards the campfire. Unusually anxious and nervous he may be, but he's no less observant. A glance left and right. As discretely as possible when he's passing by Nathan Hall to greet Naotsugu, he whispers into the General's ear quietly, "We're being watched." Of course, that's only to be expected, isn't it? "Yo. The name's Kirito. Nice armor."
Twilight Sparkle	Twilight Sparkle has joined the group at the last minute. She is capable both at combat and conflict resolution, and it is nice to get out and see the Multiverse every now and then. She clops along beside the other three, She stands out a bit as a little purple pony, but her mannerisms make it clear she is no animal. Not being on official dignitary, she just follows after the others for now, looking around at the cyber surroundings.
Fate T. Harlaown	And there is another here as well, a tall blonde wearing a black uniform. "It's okay if we are, Kirito. They're just being cautious." Still, she can be cautious as well, and a soft chime from her coat pocket indicates that Bardiche has begun a scan of the area. "Hello," she says softly in greeting, giving the armored man a smile. "My name is Fate Testarossa Harlaown. Please just call me Fate. I'm glad you decided to get in touch with us."
Akatsuki	The armored figure sits up at the sound of approaching figures, he then stretches and waves cheerily, "Heya! Welcome." A wide grin is set upon his face as the Union Reps appear, "Yep, that'd be us!" Again the man seems rather enthused though for those that haven't noticed the other figure the 'Us' might seem a bit strange. He proceeds to stand up and in doing so reveals his massive shield and sword that'd been laying behind him, the sheer thickness of his armor should be screaming Tank from anyone that is familiar with MMOs. "I'm Naotsugu of Log Horizon, one of the member guilds of the Round Table Alliance." He looks at the assembled reps, continues to smile his wide smile, and then leans forward to Nathan, "So..." He begins with a very serious tone, "Which are you, there are only two types of guys" Kirito is obviously being considered a girl by Naotsugu, "those that are Openly PevARGHGUGH!!!!!" It is at this point Naotsugu's face is struck by a knee attached to a tiny doll like girl dressed in dark colors that appeared suddenly from the shadows. She then uses the top of his head as a spring board and flips over him to land in a perfect seiza position, "I am Akatsuki of Log Horizon." Her voice solemn despite her violence a moment ago, "It is okay if I hit the idiot in the face?" She asks of the assmbled reps before Naotsugu roars, "ASK BEFORE YOU DO IT!!!!" The two then glare daggers at one another for a moment before turning to the Unionites again. "Umm, yeah we're here to guide you to Akihab..."Naotsugu starts before he stops dead with a hollow chuckle, "Umm the Alliance's city!" While for her part Akatsuki only gave the armored man a brief look before again scanning the group in front of her, a pony, a man, two girls, and most likely a third girl but she wasn't completely sure. "So just follow me!" He says trying to sound like a tour guide as he goes to pick up his gear, makeing sure it is ready to go. He's not quite as tall as Tomoe in her heels but it's not much difference in height at all maybe one or two inches at most. The girl says nothing but let's the group go in front of her. "Unless you guys have any quick questions, we're going to head on through and get going, we're only about 20 minutes out from the city." And if no one asks anything right away he steps through the gateway... On the otherside of which is an absolutely massive forest and those that are magically inclined might feel a great deal of mana in the environment, a small pig like beast is startled before running off into the brush by everyone's sudden arrival. "Alright, this way to the road...so you might be curious how we found that gateway, huh?" He asks the group, "It was actually by totally accident we had some adventurers mapping the near by Fairy Rings when one of them accidently stepped through, from there we started cautiously exploring till we found that town and the Union Info Packet." He pauses, "Umm thanks for that by the way." The entire time Akatsuki brings up the rear totally silently unless she's directly spoken with. As they clear the forest the 'road' comes into view and is very clearly the remnants of a modern highway system and there sitting upon it is a covered wagon mysteriously with no horses, "Ah finally, now we get to ride the rest of the way there!" He chirps heading towards the wagon.
Nathan Hall	"Understood." Nathan quietly whispers to Kirito, during their greetings. Then, as they approach, he looks up at Naotsugu with a perfectly flat expression. While he's asked what kind of person he is, while the man asking him is kneed in the face, and then while his position is taken by a small ninja girl. After an extremely long pause, punctuated only by a worried noise and a glance at the prone armored man, he decides a friendly, respectful nod is due here. "Salutations, Akatsuki, and Naotsugu. It is a pleasure to meet each of you, thank you for agreeing to guide us and establish this meeting." He follows along quite swiftly. "I am quite prepared to move on to the main subject of the meeting, yes." And they do! Revealing such a natural environment. "Ah, I assume that is some manner of local gate transport. The Warpgates have a natural tendency to associate themselves with this sort of thing to some degree. Your mappers must be working quickly, considering how soon after your unification we heard from you. It is good to see my information distribution policies working well, though." He'll head immediately towards the wagon, eager to take a load off of his feet for now. "I see you have arranged passage. Thank you." He tilts his head. "The road resembles the remains of a highway from another world archetype. And this is an unusual world type to find located in a Cyber region." It's a mild prompt to the pair here to explain if they have an explanation, but he knows better than to press the issue as he goes through whatever rigmarole the wagon necessitates.
Tomoe	Tomoe ponder at the us bit and she listens to the talk of guilds being part of an alliance? Okay that gets her attention and Kirito getting his gendered miss IDed as well. However there'a a tiny titan whos top things pretty quick there. "I see the home city of this alliance?" She falls in step. "I must admit the term Round Table has certain implications on my world and a number of others." Yes after the trip it's very much reminding her a bit of SAO or ALO as she looks about. "No problem about that and humm ride? Well I could fly but I could only carry one or two of you I'm afraid." She does make for the Wagon and all. She glances to Nathan for a moment at his mention of archetypes. She'd heard there'd been another world like her world's MMORPGs but well those people had been operating in another sector for a number of years.
Kirito	Kirito looks a bit out of place in the strange locale but when he gets going with the others... well, it's after rubbing his face at Naotsugu getting kicked to kingdom come. But hey, minissassin! The black swordsman regards her a bit more warily, but eventually smiles. "Keeping an eye on the foreigners, huh..." Hard to say if he sounds approving or bemused by his tone, but oh well! Onwards to the road. "Warpgates! ... Yeah, they show up in all kinds of places. So you just found them, and that was all?"
Twilight Sparkle	Twilight Sparkle jumps in surprise when the armored figure gets attacked by the smaller girl. "Are you alright?" she asks the tank, clopping toward him quickly. He seems fine, though. He feels well enough to glare at the doll-like girl. She follows along when they head toward the gate. When they step through to see a carriage with no apparent method of movement, Twilight's ears perk. "Oh. Is this a magical carriage?" she asks even as she hops up into it. "So, why didn't you finish the name of the Alliance city?" she asks once they are all inside.
Fate T. Harlaown	Crimson eyes blink as the tiny girl drops out of nowhere and knocks the knight over. "Ah--" He seems to be okay, though, and by the casualness the two seem to have, Fate guesses this isn't the first time that's happened. "Ah... Naotsugu. Akatsuki. Nice to meet you." She smiles softly at them both. "You two seem like very good friends." What, nobody else can see it? "Akihab--?" Fate tilts her head slightly. Why does that sound familiar? "We're glad you've found the Union, at any rate. We're always glad to meet new friends." The journey into the world of Elder Tale seems to go easily enough, though the blonde's eyes are crawn to the road as Nathan mentions it. "Mmm. Those look like cars... or something that used to be cars." The magic surrounding them isn't hard for her to feel, though she glances toward Tomoe and Kirito to see if they can as well. They're both here under MMO avatars, after all.
Akatsuki	The armor clad man shakes his head, "I'm fine she just hits hard is all." In unison the two say, "Not at all!" in response to Fate, then to Nathan, "Nice to meet'ya too!" Naotsugu says cheerily meanwhile Akatsuki nods and does a combination of a bow and a curtsy but remains fairly quiet still. Naotsugu nods in response to Tomoe, "Yep this is the only city we govern there are a number of others on the continent and throughout the world but right now the teleport gates that normally connect the cities are all not working so we don't know as much as we'd like about what's going on elsewhere anymore." He then tilts his head at Tomoe, "Oh, like what do you mean by that?" He asks about her Round Table comment. He raises an eyebrow as they near the Wagon, "Eh? I don't think it'd be that easy to carry me and my stuff." He clanks his armor a bit more heartily with his next few steps and a chuckle, "The pip squeek wouldn't be that much of a problem though." Akatsuki's response from the back of the group is a loud, "Idiot!" For her part Akatsuki simple stares at Kirito not commenting if he was right or wrong about 'foreigners' or not. Naotsugu pipes in, "Well that was a new one for us definitely! We're used to the Fairy Gates which depending on time of day, the light of the sun or moon, the alignment of the stars, and the current season can transport you different places...and the Gates on the other end likewise are as variable so when you go through you kinda might not be able to get back right away." The explanation partly for Nathan and partly for Kirito. "Ya don't say?" He muses with a slight chuckle at Nathan's observation about the road. "The Wagon has some enchantments but it isn't magic that moves it." Akatsuki replies smoothly, "We'll summon some help." With that she and Naotsugu pull out two whistles and with a quick clear note the sound of hooves striking pavement can be heard as a couple of massive horse like creatures appear, the armored man and girl offer them a few carrots before rigging them up, they do not seem to have the same spark of intellect that Twilight has, they aren't magical constructs though as the don't radiate any unusual magical energy though the whistles did intensely when they were sounded....curious!!! Naotsugu sits up straight as he sits in the driver's seat in response to Twilight and Fate's questions, "Umm to be honest..." Akatsuki gives him a shot in the side and shakes her head at him, "We've been asked to leave that for the Council to explain." He adds after a moment. Akatsuki then seems to nod and shake her head ever so slightly as though she were speaking to someone but neither says anything nor seems to be using magic. With that they begin to ride in style, besides the cars that Fate notices as they approach the city, people familiar with human cities especially those of the Japanese style would start noticing a number of things that look like this is a ruin grown over by the wild. Occassionally there are wild fantastical animals near the road and once there are something that looks like goblins staring at them with beady eyes from just within the tree line their weapons held ready but seem to have no desire to attack either. The wagon rounds a been and directly in front of them are what appears to be the ruins of Akihabara and anyone familiar with that district will be able to see the haunting similarity inspite of the fact that fantasy structures and a forest have merged with it, "There it is!" Naotsugu says! Distantly in the skys above something that might be griffon's fly by while even further away something vaguely dragon shaped whips through the air before diving into the sea.
Tomoe	Tomoe :may be seeing what Fate is, but uisn't sure to state it just yet, she takes a moment and lkooks to Fate noding she's looks to Fate for a moment nodding it seems she's seen it. The patterns seem to match up the feel and she also notes the cybercore. She's not nathan but she gives Twilight and Kirito a look, she assumes Nathan's already caught the patterns given how he is. "This is starting to sound a lot like places I been, and the Round table? As in King Arthur and the knights of the round table, if that means anything to you." She is eying the gates now and pauses for a moment as help ios being summoned. "Lets just say I suspect a few things but I'll wait for them to explain in the name of good relations." Also while she had a japanese name her accent is western. "This looks like it would be a wonderful spot to go flying...Akatsuki."
Kirito	Unfortunately Kirito has no sense for magic. Even less in his present incarnation! But he has no trouble hopping onto the wagon and staying fairly quiet compared to the others. Nathan's a much better talker than he is! But he's scanning the countryside and pondering hard on what the representatives are saying. More than that, he's got an eye on their fashion and bearing... Combined witht he location... His suspicions are only further roused when a WHISTLE is used to summon beasts of burden! A quick, vaguely uncertain look's aimed at twilight Sparkle at this development, just vaguely nervous about how she's gonna take it. But then the structures start coming into view... "G-...hwah?!" Cue a gaping stare.
Fate T. Harlaown	The instant denial brings a soft smile to Fate's lips, though she doesn't call them on it. As her question is deflected, Fate lifts a hand and nods once. "I understand. I imagine it would be easier for them to explain all the details at once rather than us grilling you along the way." The summoned horses are given a curious look, and Fate even reaches out to pet one of them while they're being cared for. "Ah, that's your city? It looks very interesting!" Fate may want to ask more, especially about the appearance of the buildings, but she holds back for now. instead, she turns to Akatsuki. "So what is it you two do? Aside from being liasons now to other worlds, that is."
Twilight Sparkle	Twilight Sparkle, as a unicorn pony, -should- have magic sense, but surprisingly she does not have any real ability to detect magic passively. She would have to cast a spell, and with no reason to cast that spell, she just enjoys the ride. "Oh! I see!" she says as those beasts are summoned. She will never get used to animals that are do not have basic cognitive reasoning. She doesn't recognize the town when they approach, but the reactions of the others tell her something is up. She looks up at Kirito, then back toward the overgrown rebuilt town. "Is that town familiar?"
Nathan Hall	The strangely vitriolic behavior of the pair gets Nathan concerned. Should he... Should he comment on it? Is it a comedy act? Are they in some kind of strange relationship? Nathan isn't sure what to make of it, only that it is definitely way too awkward to ask about. His boggling is well-hidden behind the passive, emotionless mask. The sudden carriage behavior change seems to strike him especially dissonantly, but he runs with it, or at least his failure to run with it isn't being reflected in action. Taking a seat within, Nathan begins to discuss the matter of the Gates. "I am a minor scholar in the subject of thaumaturgical matters, I am sure we can return in something approximating a timely fashion." He's mostly waiting on pending queries he left hanging before, but they're rather more severe when he examines the mundane-turned-fantastical environment. He puts on a contemplative posture to go with his stoic look. "This environment seems yet more dissonant in its composition. I..." He tries to be culturally sensitive. 'This looks like a modern city', that won't work, right? Right? "I recognize the signs of the world archetype that appears to have decayed to form this environment, before it seems to have been..." He tilts his head at a passing fantastical beast. "Reclaimed, by unusual local fauna."
Akatsuki	"Really?" Naotsugu struggles with that thought for a moment before shaking his head, "Oh, that's easy the table the group was founded around just happened to be a round table though I guess it'd sound cooler had they named it after Arthur and those guys huh?" The armored man directs the 'horses' down the road as they continue nearing the city and a bridge that seems to act as a gate to the city."Thanks, I'm not the most fantastic explainer of things." Naotsugu admits to Fate. Akatsuki perks up, "Hmm, it could be but I do not have a griffon to ride to know for sure." Is her simple response. She peers at Kirito and notes the dumbfounded look on his face as he makes that surprised sound, it is as Shiroe suspected there might be some Japanese people from a similar world as they were from originally. She nods to herself. She leans up and looks, "It is." Is Akatsuki's response to Fate's question of if that was their city or not. It totally dawns on the dark haired girl that the summoned 'horses' might be a bit odd for Twilight Sparkle, "Umm sorry we didn't explain we have all sorts of summoning whistles for different creatures, like these guys." She points at the 'horses', "Birds of different types, bats, and even slimes..." She fidgets slightly before Naotsugu pipes in, "Summoners can summon all sorts of things like living lights or even a phoenix without whistles." For his part Naotsugu chuckles at Nathan's comments as though the nail has been hit on the head but not quite in the way he thinks. "I don't think you're wrong at all, Nathan." The armored guy says between bouts of stiffled snickering meanwhile Akatsuki rolls her eyes at him. It is at this point they cross the bridge and enter the city proper in which people are hustling and bustling, "4 gold for ramen!" An adventurer standing next to a push cart yells as the wagon passes while further on down through glass can be seen an adventurer dressed as a maid serving some other adventurers what appears to be an omelette. Kirito and Tomoe might be getting the heebeejeebees from this while others might start to get the idea....meanwhile they pass what decidedly doesn't look like an adventurer as he calls out, "Read all about it, the new steam engine is complete!!! Steam ship might be possible in less than 3 months!!!" If anyone is paying attention to where they are heading they seems to be heading towards the most massive building in the ruins and clearly something that is newly made but it stands out because it is as big as some of the high rise buildings but made entirely in the fantasy style.
Akatsuki	For once Akatsuki answers Nathan's question, "No, I am sorry we didn't make that clear. The Fairy Rings and the Gateway are seperate our team investigating the Rings stumbled on the Gateway on their way to the Rings." She explains impassively while Naotsugu looks sheepish, "Sorry I wasn't more clear when I was explaining." Before looking to Fate, "See, I'm not the best explainer."
Kirito	Something in the way Nathan's speaking is getting to Kirito. The vaguely distracted youth is promptly no longer distracted by the odd surroundings. Instead he simplifies for Nathan, "You mean it's a ruined, overgrown city." One that is indeed giving him the heebiejeebies. He turns about to ask Naotsugu in a somewhat spooked voice, "What happened to Akihabara?" Not that he doesn't have a few suspicions himself with all the things he's seeing around him. The locale looks SUSPICIOUSLY familiar...
Fate T. Harlaown	Anachronism is what this whole place screams to Fate. There are all the trappings of a medieval type world, but then there are wrecks of cars and modern buildings and... maids, it seems. "Ah! There are summoners here? Caro might like to come visit sometime then." Leaning over a bit, Fate explains to Akatsuki and Naotsugu, "My little girl, Caro, is a summoner, you see. She's got some dragon friends." Even though she doesn't go into detail, it's not hard to tell that she's proud of Caro. The blonde turns to glance at Kirito. "Mmm... I thought that's what Naotsugu was about to say earlier. I wasn't sure, though. I haven't been to Akihabara since middle school." Don't ask how long ago that was.
Tomoe	Tomoe says "I see so that's curious." Another bit of information that' of use for it she smirks a little bit at Notsugu fore a moment befor eshe looks back to Akatsuki. "As I said I can fly. Humm yes it's curious really." n She looks at Aktsuki for a momen long and hard it's clear Tomoe suspects things very strongly and then she gets quiet at the town and she looks very haunted like someone hows almost seen something like this she shakes her head . "It's almost like you took over a Dungeon, and humm whatcha mean what did happen?" She peers at Naotsugu for a moment.
Nathan Hall	"Ah. Something else to be explained in person by the Round Table, I expect." Nathan says, simply. "I will remain patient." He seems quite willing to wait for his answers on this subject. Then he gestures at Kirito. "Kirito, you may need to put points into the dexterity stat again. You are dropping the other shoe too early." Holy shit, did he just make a joke? He pretends like he didn't, but goes on. "As he says, it resembles modern cities, especially from my own world, though in another region. Remarkable to see it so... Reclaimed, though." He looks impressed by the market in the streets. "Steam engine... Goodness, what an unusual progression for the world." Then he peers at their apparent destination. "That seems much less anachronistic. Is that our destination? An apropos location for a Round Table, if there is any here."
Akatsuki	The two adventurer's look at one another before Akatsuki jumps in, "Nothing bad, because this isn't the real Akihabara." Then she goes quiet leaving Naotsugu to explain more, "Well according to the setting the modern world fell and became a fantasy world, but you're getting ahead of us...we promise it'll get explained but if we do it...it might be really confused and not the best explanation and...yeah that's it alright!" With that the wagon rapdily closes the distance with the large centralized building before beginning to slow in front of it, "We're here now, you'll get your answers pretty soon anyway!" Akatsuki nods with some interest at what Fate says. Unfortunately she's not comfortably familiar with summoners in Elder Tale to give any details about them. Naotsugu just sighs, "Yep that's what I was going to say, welcome to Akihabara just let the Council give the details, just know the Real...well from our perspective the real one...."The guy seems lost as he tries to explain it before Akatsuki says, "Our Akihabara is fine, this one is ruined." Then from the steps an individual that can only be desribed as a Catman speaks up, "Letting the cat out of the bag, nya~." He chuckles, "The representatives of the council are inside ready to give you all the details." He pauses, "There'll also be a home cooked lunch, I hope you like it. Nya~" The two in the wagon both speak up at the same time, "Chief!" "Nyanta-san!" The duo is obviously surprised to see him here. "A surprise for your hard work." The cat says obviously amused, "There will be tea, salads, some Crescent Moon burgers, and pastries." Nyanta looks at the guests, "Do any of our guests require a special meal?" His cat eyes falling across each of them as he asks. Once any special meal arrangements are set up, Naotsugu and Akatsuki lead the group into the building and up into the council's chamber room. There is a massive round table at the heart of the room, which has numerous arhes acting as entrances created by a set of massive statues of women ringing the edge of the room. There are currently 12 chairs around the table but only 3 are filled at the moment, two men with glasses and a young woman with elven ears. "My lord! I present Lord Nathan Hall and Ladies Fate Testarossa Harlaown, Kirito, Tomoe, and Twilight Sparkle of the Union!" Akatsuki introduces everyone rather formally before continuing, "These are Krusty of DDD, Shiroe of Log Horizon, and Maryelle of the Crescent Moon Alliance urgk!" The last is interuppted as Akatsuki is pulled into an absolutely bone crushing hug by the elven eared Maryelle and spun about, "You did a great job!" She enthuses before letting the little ninja go and flying tackling the armored Naotsugu to give him a hug as well, "You too!" The two men with the glasses look bemused and chuckle quite loudly at the scene before Maryelle turns her attention to the Union reps and gives all indications she's going to hug each of them if not stopped!
Nathan Hall	Nathan quietly exits the carriage with a humble sort of posture. "Thank you both." He says, softly, to his guides. And then he gives a mild bowing nod to the catman. "Salutations. I will be with them shortly. Thank you for the offer, but if your food is suitable for the humans of this world, it will be perfectly suited for me. I look forward to the meal." He'll follow along with the further guidance of these two adventurers, and head inside. And then they're properly introduced. "Salutations." Nathan says again. "It is a pleasure to meet all three of you." The abject stoicism with which he reacts to the aggressive affection display going on between Maryelle and the other locals is almost comically. He focuses on the two more sane-seeming ones. They are cool protagonist-looking types with glasses, like Nathan himself, and as such he feels an immediate and inexplicable kinship with them. "She has a point, they did do a good job." He says, his tone not changing a bit with the dry commentary. "I am open to begin now, but I will wait if you prefer we give her time to finish." He gestures at Maryelle. He does intend to take a seat when it's polite to do so, though. "I admit, I have some measure of anticipation for hearing what your circumstances may be."
Tomoe	Tomoe is shown in she seems to be paying attenion as she hears the names she peers for a moment it's clear she knows naming style like that. She pauses as he gets interupted she doesn't say anything however she's trying to be polite there's been a lot to think over at this point she looks to Nathan for a moment the names and such almost confirm it at this point. "I have to admit as well I am much as Mr. Hall is, I noticed certain things that are not unknown to me as well."
Fate T. Harlaown	A cat man... though a very well-spoken and mannered one. Fate gives Nyanta a warm smile in greeting, even though she's more of a dog person. "It sounds like you've really gone out to prepare for us... we definitely appreciate it." As she's introduced, the blonde gives a small bow in greeting. "Krusty, Shiroe, and Marielle. It's very good to meet--" Crimson eyes widen slightly, then Fate smiles in amusement as their announcer is captured. "...good to meet you all." For her own part, she already feels a kindship with the elf. Though if Marielle approaches her, Fate instead reaches out to clasp hands with her in greeting. There may be a bit of unspoken communication, though, from one hugger to another.
Kirito	Augh! Kirito makes some flustered stammered noises when MAryelle closes in with him. He'd tried to make himself a bit small when the hug parade started but NO DICE! He's left momentarily dizzied and embarassed, blushing awkwardly for a few moments. Would probably be gasping for air if he actually needed to breathe. That's one way to make a late teen feel like a kid, embarassingly... But the explanation doesn't escape him. Though he looks not at all like he wants to, he still manages to alertly scan the room and the Round Table members... "I get the feeling the situation here is... UNIQUE, that's for sure. Yo!"
Akatsuki	Nyanta gives what can only be described as a cat smile to Fate, "It is no trouble." He tilts his head, "I hope you'll enjoy it, nya~." He then carefully takes note of any special exceptions for the meal later while everyone passes inside the building. He follows them in but quickly disappears down a sidehall moments later off to get the food ready. While Maryelle continues her aggressive affection upon everyone that just joined them, Nathan included if he doesn't take precautions, Krusty and Shiroe regard Nathan and the other Union representatives. "Allow me to begin by saying thank you for coming all this way to see us." Krusty begins rather diplomatically, "We can begin discussions now, Maryelle will calm down in a bit." The two men in glasses give measured nods to Tomoe as she takes a place at the table. For her part, Akatsuki has escaped and is now standing silently and respectfully behind Shiroe, while Naotsugu has been released from Maryelle's grasp and joined the others at the table. The elf in question is finishing her embarrassment of Kirito and gives Fate a very firm, enthusiastic, and meaningful hand clasp sensing she is not the only hugger here before realizing her other targets have escaped by sitting down for the moment, so she joins everyone at the table as well. Seeing that everyone has made their way to a seat, Shiroe finally speaks up in response to Kirito's comment, "An excellent observation, You are quite correct we have a fairly unique situation here. This world is real...." The Villain in Glasses lets that statment hang for a moment before continuing on, "But it was once a video game, a MMO to be exact. The individuals we call Adventurers were all originally players of this game called Elder Tale Online. On the launch night of the 12th expansion pack all those that were logged into the game found themselves suddenly trapped in what can only be described as the game world become real." He pauses for a moment more before continuing, "That explains our situation but not why we're in the ruins of Akihabara." Shiroe glances to Kirito and Tomoe as they were the two that showed the most reaction in the wagon, apparently someone had been in contact with him the majority of the trip, "Elder Tale's setting is a fantasy world that has grown up in the ruins of the modern world after a terrible apocalypse. Thus what you were told is accurate, Akihabara is fine but this one is a ruin that has been rebuilt in fantasy style." It is at this point that Krusty jumps back in, "I imagine you might have a few questions, we'll do our best to answer at least if we know the answer." He offers a somewhat bemused smile at that last statement.
Kirito	Kirito takes a seat with the strange ease of a grumpy and opinionated teenager, but his gaze remains vigilant and hyper-analytical through Shiroe's explanation. The truth of this world hits him like a sack of briks though, and it brings a shocked grimace to his face. For that instant he's just a terrified boy.... but the moment quickly passes. He clamps down hard on that! Or tries to, anyways! Only after he swallows hard and regains his composure does he speak. "I got the feeling something was off after seeing the marketplace and a few other details. ... I'm kind of in a similar position, but my situation's not so important right now. So everyone's basically become their characters? Do the game mechanics like respawning still apply?" His last question's tense as it GETS. After all, that one question will dominate his understanding of the social culture that he's dealing with... After a few moments though, his expression utterly screws up and he declares, "By the way... I'm a guy..."
Tomoe	Tomoe is being polite and she nods a bit to Nyanta she seems used to cat things from the looks of her. She'll be quiet for a moment as she lets their hosts talk for a moment longer. She poinders what they have to say before she even think abotu saying anything. She seems to know for a moment and makes a call. "We originally played a VRMMORPG called Sword Art Online, on the first day using a unknown function of the hardware we were trapped for over two years in a death game, because a mad man wanted to make his world 'real'. I also admit when I saw the cart, and how the market place was strange the tech progression felt off and ... yes he is he's got a wife." See she's helping. She carries on after a moment. "Yes and are there any effects in SAO we got our brains fried if we died in game."
Fate T. Harlaown	Surely nothing bad can happen as a result of Fate and Marielle hitting it off so well, right? Fate takes her seat and grows a bit more serious as the explanations begin, though her expression is still fairly soft. It hardens a bit as Kirito asks his question, though, and she casts a sympathetic glance toward him. Hopefully it won't be as bad as other games she's found... "The modern world... so I'm guessing the late twentieth or early twenty-first century, by the cars out there. It's been quite a long time since I've visited Akihabara in my own world, but it didn't look... too strange to me." The blonde looks thoughtful. "How many players are trapped inside? And how long has it been since you've had contact with the outside world?" Another thought occurs to her. "And what might happen if the players find out they can go back to a Japan, if not their own, through the warpgates..."
Nathan Hall	Nathan knows how to deal with aggressive hugging. He has learned, over the ages: Squirm ineffectually, awkwardly, refuse to articulate actual objections, and other similar tactics. They've never worked. But damnation, he's going to try them! He's very adept at negotiating under high-pressure circulstances, though, and so he's able to contionue his conversation with that same flat, stoic tone, as if a woman wasn't attempting to squeeze the cute out of this guy. Once he gets to his seat, he readjusts himself, especially his glasses. "Right. Well. I can certainly understand much of the scenario. And your real-life circumstances -- your form in the 'real world', your life at home -- what are the circumstances there?" And then he leans forward, hands clasped a bit. "More relevantly, I need to know the current circumstances vis a vis social, political, and economic matters, primarily concerning the conditions here. What problems are you currently facing, and how might the Union assist in their resolution, in exchange for the alliance and assistance you may have to offer?"
Akatsuki	Krusty fields Kirito's question, "Everyone became their character, whether they were male or female in real life, they became whatever their character was." At these words Akatsuki seems to flush just slightly and tries to use Shiroe's chair to break any direct line of sight towards her, "It took some a while to learn to move properly with their new bodies." No one makes any comment regarding Kirito's gender but Shiroe does coug into one his hands, "We understand." That said he focuses on what Tomoe has to say seeming to file some information away to ask later. Krusty continues, "As for respawning, that seems to be the case as I've already died two or three times and nothing seems to be wrong." Maryelle speaks up again, "Things are getting better actually, when we first learned people respawned it lead to a lot of PKing because people were bored and depressed." She looks rather upset about that before she smiles, "Since we formed the Round Table we've ensured that below a certain level PKing is banned and that there are things to do again in the world...so it's dropped off a lot!" It's Shiroe who responds to Fate, "For the setting and the world we come from that's the right time frame." He looks thoughtful for a moment, "On the Japanese server alone we estimate that there were around 30,000 players logged in and when you include all the other servers for the rest of the world we believe several hundred thousand players have become trapped in this world." He then pushes his glasses up the brim of his nose, "While we've kept the gateway mostly a secret of the Round Table, we already have plans to publish information about the Multiverse and if people want to go explore that's for them to decide but we plan to make it clear that despite the similarities we don't think our Japan...our world has joined the multiverse just this world of Elder Tale as for any other possible gateways on the Japan continent or the other continents I believe it is likely there are other gateways. It's already been over two months since we had any contact with our 'Real' world."
Akatsuki	Krusty responds to Nathan's first question, "I assume you're talking about our bodies in our 'real' world? As far as we're aware the bodies we have now are our real bodies now. We need sleep, to eat, and most of the other functions you would think. We've seen nothing to indicate otherwise and as Shiroe said we've had absolutely no contact so we have no idea what our home world's reaction to this has been." Shiroe picks up the next question, "At the moment we've established a government of sorts here in Akihabara, we've sent representatives north to another player city in Susukino, where modern day Sapporo would be, to deal with some issues there. As you may have noticed our methods of transport and communication are limited to mostly what falls in line with a medieval setting. Though we are working to change that." He pauses for a moment to think something over before continuing, "We are for the most part self sufficient though trade for new supplies and goods would be appreciated due to various rules of this world traditional methods of assistance might not work as well as either of us would like. For example, without taking the Chef subjob none of us have the ability to cook in any form without absolutely ruining every ingredient despite knowing how to cook in our 'real' world." Shiroe lets Nathan and the other Reps grasp that idea and its implications. "As for what we offer, we have serveral raid guilds ready to offer aid in any combat matters." Krusty begins, "We have production guilds that are using science and magic to create technology that is like the modern world so we could trade that to other more fantastical worlds, and more generally every single Adventurer is what you would call an Elite or so we believe thus we can offer a range of support from our citizens as they have the talent for and they have the inclination to provide." He grins, "Akihabara is a very loose goverment and while we speak for the city and our guilds the adventurers as a whole are free to choose their own paths." Shiroe chimes in, "Which also brings up the People of the Land, or the NPCs of this world, since the Catastrophe we've noticed they've become as real as this world. They have kingdoms of their own and we do not speak for them despite many of them living here. Though for the most part they are not elites from what we can tell."
Tomoe	Tomoe is listening to the bit about PKing and the like and she itlts her head a little bit. "That's enough for be a small country into and onto yourselves that's not going to be easy to help with this. You should make them realize people don't tend to get better however. Tomoe nods a bit about the bodies. "Not quite like us then. So you need help with supplies I know a company that can help with that it's run by a guy name Fayt." See she does like Fayt for all her tormenting of the cronic over worker. She cringes about the job skills and shakes her head a bit. "I do not thin everyone would be an elite but I think there's a number of you who likely are even then? Being able to get back up is still a heck of a sellable skills." She pause at the NPCs and thinks back to Kirito giving people hell over trying to lure the mobs into an NPC town in SAO and she shuidders a bit even with them not being 'real' so to speak it seems the ones from this game are. "I also assume unlike your people they don't have the arrays of powers you do?"
Kirito	Kirito may not be that old, but his mental maturity is something to be frightened of on occasion. He ends up folding his arms and sitting up straight, eyes half-closed as he ponders on this information. "You guys sure have ended in a strange situation. Heh... it sounds better than the SAO situation." Respawning still works? yeah, he'll take that. A stance that might shock some of the other SAO vets - Kirito'd maybe be OKAY with real life becoming a game? Freaky. "No use trying to figure out why right here. So the next order of importance... what Nathan asked earlier. Is there any war to speak of going on to worry about? Or any crises to be dealt with in a hurry?"
Nathan Hall	"Ah, a lack of motivation." Nathan says, nodding firmly. "We have awareness of this sort of thing. I would propose a supplementation of your own endeavours with off-world tasks that may better occupy the minds of the more nihilistic. I can ensure you are well informed of potential advantageous roles for your population to engage." He puts a hand to his chin and considers. "You have a surplus of specialist manpower and a deficit of generalist manpower." He concludes. "Mutually beneficial arrangements can be made with areas that have a reversed scenario. I know you cannot order all of your people to do things in particular, I am familiar with the mindset here. I believe it will be productive simply for you to distribute the information." There's quiet "hmmm" as Nathan contemplates this. "As for the People of the Land, we will offer them the same information that we offer you, and they may make their own decisions. Until they seek to make arrangements or until we become aware of immediately pressing matters, the Union will not make pressuring diplomatic gestures in their direction. If you have other advice regarding how they might be handled, however, please do inform us."
Akatsuki	Shiroe shakes his head at Tomoe, "Please understand while I don't care for PKing and have done my best to give people alternatives as long as they aren't picking on those significantly weaker than themselves it was always part of the game. That said, I wouldn't mind if it disappeared entirely." At which point Maryelle pipes in, "Right now it'd probably be best if everyone worked together until we know more about this world." Shiroe finally sits back down and looks a bit more relaxed, "Things have gotten much better." Akatsuki nods silently. "The few people of the land that could rival an adventurer seem to be missing or at least haven't responded to our attempts to contact them." It's Krusty this time who speaks, "Outside them, there are the town guards that use a special suit of armor empowered by the device that keeps monsters out of the city but they only get involved if anyone tries to PvP inside the city." "There could be." Shiroe admits to Kirito's question, "But from what we know right now, there is no immediate looming threat. That could change tomorrow, this world has a tendency to surprise us with the subtle ways it is different than what we know." Krusty nods in response to Nathan's suggestion, "That sounds like a good arrangement." He then nods, "We have no issue making this public information, though we would appreciate any offers of jobs or such go through the Round Table as we already have put a 'Quest Board' into place and there's no reason to have seperate ones." Maryelle speaks up again, "Unless you have any other questions, I think we should take a break and have a meal." When she smiles sweetly like she is now it's like the sun coming out to offer everyone warmth on a cool day.
Tomoe	Tomoe looks right at Shiroe with a very serious look on her face. "Forgive my confusion i was concerned with them thinking it applied to everyone in the multiverse." She seems to have issues but given she was in a death game where you didn't get back up that might explain it however. She does let thing go an seem curious about the locals from what she's told of them. The talk of food sounds like a very good one at this point. Nathan's made a good point and she ponders about giving out Quests it's a good idea really. "I think Nathan has the right idea and the idea of found sounds like it would be amazing though if some of you are looking for some quests I know a few places in the core that might perk your interest."
Nathan Hall	"Certainly." Nathan says. "As Union allies it would make no sense at all to not use your services in information distribution, given you already have an infrastructure. Collaboration at the highest efficiency is the best route." He gestures rather casually. "As for potential threats, if there are any, you have secured what is by nature one of the highest efficiency resources to address such potential challenges. I will be eager to direct the Union to assist in whatever capacity I may, should anything of major substance occur." And then, food! "I have other questions, but they are political minutiae that may be asked of subordinates or with less of the group. A break would be quite sensible at this time, I will certainly take one now if you like." He seems quite politely eager to get a meal, though as ever it's expressed utterly without emotion or tone.
Kirito	This warrants thinking hard. Something Kirito's trying to do. Extrapolating information based on what he's been provided is leading to some dire thoughts indeed... "A crisis could appear instantly if something like a field boss spawned and nobody was in the right place..." He rapidly shakes his head clear of the horrible mental imagery. It reminds him vaguely of Asuna's plan to sacrifice a village to an unusual floor boss in order to distract it and let it savage the NPCs. Kirito hadn't been fond of the plan. "... Yeah, let's just hope there aren't any crises too fast. I've been in a situation like yours... it's jarring any way you go about it." Thankfully Maryelle distracts him in a way that gets his eyes going wide. "Food?!"
Akatsuki	With a nod from Shiroe, Akatsuki disappears in the blink of a eye and within a few moment returns with Nyanta. The catman is pushing a rather large cart and gives that odd cat smaile to the group, "Things are going well I hope?" He removes the top from the tray on the cart to reveal a number of salads, "No one had issue with this as the first course if I remember." Another smile, "Enjoy, nya~." His smooth gentle voice resounds slightly in the room as he passes out the first dish. The Ninja girl takes a seat at the table finally and begins to eat her salad while the discussion continues, "Ah! Sorry for misunderstanding." Shiroe says a tad sheepishly to Tomoe, "I don't think most of us will have a problem understanding that, but we might need to limit who takes the Union's quests to those that've shown more finesse in the past until we can make sure everyone is on the same page regarding the Multiverse." While Shiroe speaks the gentleman duelist and chef goes around filling glasses with water, hot tea with a hint of citrus fruit, or chilled milk. Meanwhile, Naotsugu wolfs down his salad already ready for the main course. Krusty has the hint of a smile as food arrives and regards Nathan, "It sounds like we've got the details handled for the moment then, I suppose this has become a celebration meal at this point." He regards the food and drink producing a bottle of something from apparently no where, likely his inventory for the MMO savvy, and offers it as another choice for those that look of age. "Let's hope nothing happens like that!" Naotsugu says to Kirito between massive bites of salad, "Bring on the Burgers!" He enthuses obviously ready for the next course.