Roleplay Log: #
The Guild has been growing. What started out as an experiment for peace more than a decade ago has grown to something larger than the nobles government, guildmaster, and citizens could have expected. It grew into an icon of inspiration, encouraging everyone in the underground that there is something larger. Applications have grown over the years, and soon a new building was needed. Some place bigger, with more ammenities, and in a place closer to nobles so their need to feel control is satisfied.
It isn’t open yet - there’s a lot of loose ends of construction outside the actual architecture itself. Just one more month. But enough has completed that furniture can start moving in, especially the offices. And indeed, an electric power moving truck - one of the few vehicles one would actually see around the streets other than those owned by nobility. And there’s been a ‘mission’ to help carry it inside.
Said mission was short notice, so it’s expected others might show up late. In fact, overall this day is organized very haphazardly. But still, Hybris waits outside the guild hall, tapping ball of their foot into the ground while wearing a small snarl, annoyed they got bounced around onto this duty. (Hybris)
There’s a creak at the door as Zi let’s herself in. She looks about before noting Hybris in the hall and striding over. Her hooves clopping loudly against mushroom wood boards that were freshly laid.
Zi say “So, we have a grand opening and we’re kicking off with hauling duty? Wonder who dropped ball here.”
Morka has been struggling to gather all the necessary info to start with the group, but at least he’s showed up on time to get a run down. He glances at the people in the hall and stays quiet for the moment, hoping to get some more info.
Hybris shrugs their shoulders and rolls their eyes. “I think one of them wanted a guild member there to make sure the right furniture goes to the right room. They’re apparently too busy with the paper work especially with darn nobles being so finnicky.” They tilt their head to the side a bit too. “Probably wanted to save on the labour a bit too.”
They break into a walk, heading for the truck outside. “Still, let’s not diddy-daddle.” As they pass Morka, they lightly knock the back of their hand to Morka’s chest, barely look at them. “You’re coming up with us.” Outside the lobby, two movers are carrying our a couch for the lobby room. For sure plenty more furniture inside. (Hybris)
She keeps up the pace, following outside with a scowl. “It’s just like Orientation again huh? Always got to milk that free labor when you can.”
Morka hopes he was in the right spot here, but he gets that impression halfway when Hybris snaps his attention. “Hm? Alright.” He follows along and listens to the others.
Zi eyes up the movers, trying to see if they look competent
“Yeaahhh…” Hybris says, with the strangest sense of sentiment in otherwise heavy ire. “They’ve been better about keeping that to the new recruits.” Hybris steps aside to let the two Vigoroths-morph bring the couch in. For sure, they don’t like they’ll be dropping it anytime too. “You a new guy? Can’t remember you around,” they say refering to Morka.
Once the movers clear, Hybris walks up the ramp. “Welp, that’s why they have us here,” they gesture to an ornate desk. “That’s one of the deputy Guildmaster’s desk. He’ll definitly want us to take care of that. Here,” he starts handing down a few boxes to Zi and Morka to put aside, clearing room to get to it. (Hybris)
Zi interrupts Hybris, “Let’s just focus on getting this junk out before we start dissecting the newbie. Chatting is just going to be distracting.”
Hybris nods. They focus studiously on moving the furniture, much to their chargin. It’s clear they wanted to chat during this to make the labour not feel as bad. But, by the end of the day, they do work hard.
Morka is about to reply to Hybris, but is cut off and stays silent while they keep moving the furniture. Despite his size, he seems to have a lot of strength in him.
With their minds fully focused on the task, they make brisk work of the remaining furniture. There’s a bit of a scare with the pinball machine, one of the legs catches on the door to the common room, but its otherwise uneventful.
Eventually, the moving truck is emptied, the trio wave off the Vigoroth workers, and the truck drives off in the direction of the Verdant Corner.
With that, the first thing Zi does walking back into the lobby, is collapse onto the couch. Her muscles pounding with soreness from that work-out. Strength was never her strongsuit unfortunately.
Hybris follows suit, collapsing fully on a couch with a big groan, throwing thier claws over their eyes. “Let’s go team,” they say sarcastically - not insultingly, just, glad it’s over with. (Hybris)
Zi however isn’t shy to throw the disparaging kind of sarcasm herself. “We’re clearly ready for all the daring adventures ahead: local landscaping and wall painting!”
Morka takes a seat as well, looking not quite as tired as the others, but still content with finishing. He nods at their remarks and briefly scratches his cheek. “At least it’s done.” He pauses and glances around the room. “Anyway, sorry, yeah, new here. I’ve been meaning to meet with Lail to sort out a few more things. I’m still getting familiar with the guild. And the people.” He sounds like he’s not been disappointed so far.
Hybris keeps a hand over their eyes. “Pretty sure that won’t be our jobs… I think…”. They do raise an arm right up thumbs up to Morka’s statement. “He’s a nice guy. And welcome. Kick Rogue ass or some shit.” The arm flops down. “Sorry you’re wrapped up in this chaos. Moving to this new guild building has been a bit more chaos on the office guys than anyone thought. I swear we do Mystery Dungeon shit. Yeah, Zi?” (Hybris)
“That’s the job description, but it wouldn’t be the first time I’ve had a job with unexpected job responsbilities.”
She readjusts on the couch to get a look at Morka. “You know kid I don’t think I caught your name?”
“Hybris,” Hybris says. They corner of their mouth tugs into a very smug grin. They know what they’re doing. (Hybris)
Zi rolls her eyes, physically moving them in a circle for extra dramatic effect.
“The new guy” she clarifies
Morka nods. He figured he’d be in for some chaotic things when starting out given how much has been going on in the surrounding region, but he didn’t let it discourage him. “No problem. There’s always room for these kinds of difficulties. Getting them out of the way quickly makes it easier for the rest of it.” He looks back at Zi. “Morka.” He smirks at both of them. Seems like they’ll be easy enough to get along with.
“Heeeeeey Morka,” Hybris says. They adjust themselves, moving their arms behind their head and glancing over them, getting a good look for the first time despite working with him the entire day. “What brings you to the guild?” (Hybris)
Morka seems fairly modest overall. He shuffles a little in the couch seat and lets his tail relax to the side. “I’ve wandered to a few different places for a while, then heard about the guild. Seems like pretty fair offerings for the work to be done here.” He pauses and looks upward for a moment. “And, well….. I’ve always wanted to learn the secrets of the Mystery Dungeons. Someday, maybe.” It seems hard to tell if that’s the primary motive vs the good survival it provides.
Zi settles back into snuggling against the couch… Or at least as much as she can, lobby couches are never the most comfortable things. “Yeah, the pay’s good. It’d be enough for me to drop my professorship at the Uni which doesn’t even pay the bills alone.”
“Pay’s good enough,” Hbyris says. They shift onto their side. “Depends on a lot of factors. But eh, you’re risking a lot too.” They shuffle a bit more. “God, I hope they throw away the lounge stuff they have at the old guild and buy more comfortable ones…” (Hybris)
Morka looks at Zi. “Sounds about right. Hopefully that works out for you.” He turns to Hybris. They seem a bit concerned, at least up front. “True. But… there are a lot of risks out there. I feel this will give me a purpose. Or at least something to look forward to.” He stretches a little bit before his tail seems to expand a little bit to deal with the old couch. “Hah. Maybe that’ll be an upcoming task for us. Could stack on more pillows or something.”
“Been to a Mystery Dungeon yet?” Hybris asks. They get an expression that’s a bit hard to read. A bit smug and intimidating, but not hostile. “Have you found any partners yet?” (Hybris)
Morka is a bit quiet while he thinks back. “Twice. I found one when I was 9. I thought it was just another small passage somewhere. You can imagine the panic when I couldn’t find my way out.” He looks upward once more. “The gods were looking out for me that day, I’m certain… It was pretty small and almost nothing but a few small ferals in it, so I was able to crawl out of there after a few hours. Next time I was 16. I was sure I found another, so I went in. I wanted to explore this time, after reading a bit about them. That one was a bit tougher. Not much in there but a few metal scraps, but every bit helps.” He does a quick neck stretch. “I definitely need some more experience. And a partner.” He looks at both of the others with a curious expression, giving the impression that he feels he can learn a lot from them.
Curiously, Zi’s eyes are closed. It seems her exhaustion has beat the aching from the couch as she dozes off.
There was a ‘mission’ to… Help move furniture into the Guild’s new up-and-coming guild. Of course, with how thrown together said mission was, it’s possible some people may be late. Or, alternatively, people may show up to just check out the fancy new building - especially with how cramped the old one was.
If one were to walk in, it seems like most of the work’s already been done. There’s no trucks outside and the lobby has people already lounging inside. Zi, who’s already asleep, Hybris the H. Zoroark lying on a couch, and Morka the Cyclizar, currently chatting with them. The Cyclizar-morph looks like they must be new, and they’re already talking about Mystery Dungeons.
“Wow, that’s more experience than the average starry-eyed newcomer. You went all on your own? Wow… Don’t do that. But hey, you’re cute, I might join up with you.” They make a sly smirk, the compliment more teasing than flirtatious. “My own experience with the guild was some psychopath giving me tours when I was younger.” (Hybris)
Victar He walks into the room, and studies the Pokemon inside. He’s still dressed in his adventuring gear, his tan jacket, pants, heavy boots and satchel. There’s some patchs of dirt and dried blood. Regardless of what he was doing before, there’s a smile on his face and a glint in his dark green eyes.
Victar says “Hope I’m not late for the festivities.”
Morka nods and smirks back. “Ha, yeah, I’ve kept that impulse at bay since then. And thanks.” He listens to the rest. “Oh, wow. I’m guessing it’s a bit more orderly by now, haha.”
Morka glances toward Victar, and waves. “I think most of it’s done.” He looks around for any remaining items. “Unless there’s still some to move or unpack.”
Morka seems interested in what is being said. “Ooh? Nice. I’d like to learn more about them myself. Maybe after getting some good momentum in here.”
Zi’s eyes flutter back open. she lets out a barely audible gasp. “Whoa, dozed off there for a second… Oh hey Victar!” She gives a rare smile as she waves to him.
“The Calamity Quary closer to Basalt City is one of my favourite. Exploding minecarts and anything.” After that’s said, they swing into standing up. “…Uh hey, this is nice and all, but I’ve been procrastinating something I really should stop letting myself get away with it. Sorry to peace out so suddenly but I’ll see y’all ‘round the old base.” They give a gentle wave and start walking out. (Hybris)
Victar says “Oh, well nice to see you. Name’s Victar, if I see you around.”
Victar turns back to Zi and grins. “Well isn’t this a pleasant surprise! How’ve you been, Zi?
Morka waves to Hybris. “No problem. Take care.” He looks back at the others and just listens for now. Still, he makes a bold mental note to get more info on the place they mentioned.
Zi says “Oh, apparently running myself ragged spending my entire night grading essays and then being a manual laborer on a last minute notice.” She also finger guns to Hybris. “You take care, you hear?””
Victar says “Ah, working you like a Stoutland as per usual. This is why I’d like to stay out in the field, sure it’s more dangerous than a classroom, but adventuring can be a great stress reliever. I ought to steal you for a dungeon dive one of these days.”
Zi says “You and me both, Victar. You and me both…”
Victar shrugs. “Well, at least now we have some time to unwind. Is there any liquor?
She gets a sly grin as she rummages into her jacket. “We haven’t stocked the wet bar yet, but I managed to smuggle this out of one of the illegal frat parties that was being held at Castillo’s.” She pulls out a small, unlabelled flask.
Victar laughs. “I can always count on you, Zi.
Morka watches them and smirks at their antics.
Zi shoves herself off the couch. “I’ll get the shot glasses, I saw them while we were unloading.”
She rummages through the cardboard boxes in the corner until she has 2 in hand. “Hey Morka you want some? This is the good shit, not the pisswater at the Down Canal pubs.”
Morka leans up and stands from the couch to stretch. He nods at the offer. “Sure, thanks.”
Zi grabs a third glass and comes back. Laying them out for each of them, she quickly gets to pouring. Both the sight of the liquid and the smell prove it is indeed a variety down under: vodka!
Victar says “You certainly know where to get the good stuff. Anything’ll do for me, so this is quite nice.””
Morka takes his glass and nods. “Same here. I’ve had my share of, uh, varieties, haha.” He takes a small sip. “Mmh.. nice.” He glances at the two. “You’ve known each other a while?”
Zi raises her glass. “Fringe benefits working at CCU. Always a treat when those brats those nobles paid to get enrolled bring their parent’s stash… How about a toast first, Morka?”
Morka stops and nods. “Ah, sure, sorry.” He raises his up as well. “Great meeting everyone here.”
Victar raises his glass. “To the guild, to new friends, and to still being alive.” Clink!
“And to our health. Cheers!” Zi says before swigging it in a gulp. It burns as it runs down her throat. The good, clean feeling kind though.
“Now, as for me and Victar… I’m only out of adjunct hell thanks to him getting that one relic that impressed the head of the department. Honestly, he’s inspired me to just get in this line of work: maybe I can find the next winner myself and actually get tenure!”
Victar says “I bet you will, I’ve seen you in action. Though need help, you can just give me a call.” With that said, he takes a swig of his own.”
“Likewise, and to our persistence to those ends.” He consumes his in 2 sips to let it set in. He listens to her side of the story. “Wow, nice. If the rumors I sometimes hear of the dungeons are true, then that sounds likely.” (Morka)
Victar smiles. “If anyone can take down a dungeon, it’s this woman right here.”
with an air of cockiness, she says “Don’t worry, once we get this place opened and missions start coming in, I’m grabbing the first dungeon request and cashing in that offer!” She then puts her glass back in the box and stashes the flask. “Now excuse me as I rush back home before I collapse from both exhaustion and inebriation. See you later boys!”
Victar waves back to her and raised his glass again to her as he finishes his drink. “You stay safe out there. Till our paths cross again!
Morka finishes up his shot as well. He nods and waves to her. “Yep. Looking forward to working with everyone.”
Victar says “Likewise. Though since I’m still in Basalt, I may only see you every so often. So don’t go dying on me before the next time we drink together, you hear?””
Zi waves goodbye as she opens the door to the entrance, “Don’t worry these cardboard boxes won’t best me!” She offers a warning to Morka though, “By the way, do not let the nobility know about the booze. We want MAXIMUM donations and that involves convincing them that our bar’s dry!” And with that, she shuts the door behind herself.
Morka nods to Zi and keeps in mind. “Make sense. No problem.”
Victar turns to Morka. “So, Morka, what’s your story?”
Morka looks toward Victar. “I’ve wandered through some parts around Canal City, but haven’t really gone much farther. Yet. Ambitious as it is, I’ve always wanted to figure out the dungeons’ secrets. The guild seemed like a good way to do that while being a good support source.”
Victar nods. “Fellow adventurous type, I see. I think we’re going to be fast friends.”
Morka glances around and smiles at the remark. “Yeah. It seems you know your way around this field, so to speak. I’d love to gain some insight. Usual navigation and fighting tricks, of course, but even each mission I’m sure needs a specific skill set.”
Victar says “You’ll get there. Guild’ll make sure of that.”"
Morka says “That’s the impression I get here. I do appreciate the support folks seem to provide here.”
Victar says “The guild’s a fine group to belong to, for sure. A bunch of buzzkills sometimes, but nonetheless, fine company.”
Victar says “Well, I hate to leave as soon as I get here and have a drink, but I ought to prep for tomorrow’s expedition.”"
“Yeah. Well, the struggles out there get to everyone, but it’ll be good.” He nods and notices he should prep for the evening too. “No worries. Nice meeting you and the others. Let’s all get some good rest. Take care.” (Morka)
Victar nods and smiles. “Best of luck out there.”
Victar He gets up and begins to walk out the door. He opens the door, then stops to put a cigar in his mouth. He pulls out a match to light it, and then leaves, exhaling a puff od smoke.
Morka stretches and walks out as well. He looks into the darkness and feels an intense emotion wave over him. Same one he feels whenever he looks out there.