"Now that's something I don't hear very often." Dale remarked dryly. Someone who got it? Not many of them around. So she had a similar experience with Levi too? Hmm, perhaps they would get somewhere. It seems that Dale wasn't the only person the masked man had managed to annoy. Good. That made him just a bit more credible. What was he thinking? Johanna would be ashamed! He was too far down the path now though. He had to go through with it. Dale cursed his temper. Once vengeance died down, you really felt empty afterwards. Like the whole thing wasn't worth it. Well, he couldn't apologise. He couldn't go back. Levi couldn't be allowed to win this. No, Dale had to win. If that punk had the nerve to taunt him like that, then he had to learn a lesson. He was going to teach him one. Actually... Dale remembered. Levi was in his dorm. Now there was potential. It looked like she tried to do something with her eyes. Sure it was cute. One little thing wasn't going to turn him away from Johanna, but... Maybe Scarlett could be a friend? An alliance of hatred was a fragile alliance at best, but even still... She seemed to find herself just an unwelcome with normal people. Could there be something to make a friendship on then? He shrugged to himself. He didn't know what to say, and neither did she. "You should probably head off now Scarlett. Nothing to be gained from hanging around with the likes of me at this time. If you ever want a chat though, come find me. You'll find me in a corner in the guild hall, or failing that, I'm in Dorm 2, though you might get a bunch of awkward questions if you're coming down that way. Regardless, that's where you can find me. If you want to. I'd best clean all this mess I made up anyway. I'll see you tomorrow." Dale sat there, waiting for her to leave. Once she had, Dale deformed the chair and sighed. "Icemake broom." And so, Dale Hawthorn the powerful and mighty, began to sweep the floors.
Casual Scarlett was remarkably more reasonable than he expected. It was actually quite relieving hearing someone of a not dissimilar mind to his. Some people were just unbearable. He still wasn't sure on why she was over here, but he had a feeling that it was either unintentional or curiosity. He realised that he had probably been quite loud in his angry destruction of the guild's furniture. Well, that was nothing new at least. He probably wasn't going to get into that much trouble for that at least, although Evanora was probably going to be a little displeased with the whole threatening Levi business, no matter how much he provoked him to acting. But that was just the way of it wasn't it? Her answer as to why she was here, was pretty vague. That told him everything. She didn't mean to be. Well, she was now. "Accident wasn't it? Didn't think you wound up over here with me on purpose." Dale commented, fairly absently. Then something clicked. Was she referring to something else? Did she mean the guild? Oh who knew? They all had their reasons. He was too tired to care. "Don't worry, if you think I care about why you joined the guild or something, I don't. Not much. I'm curious, but that's it. That Levi guy just rubbed me the wrong way. That mask of his, and the way he was behaving towards Johanna..." "I'm not usually crazy. If you want to see normal Dale, just look around the guild hall one day. Look in a corner, and you'll see me there. Maybe I'll have a book, or I'll be making something. But I'll be alone, but I'll always be watching everyone else from a distance. I'm not welcome with normal people." Why was he being so open? I guess at this point it barely mattered. She'll forget about all this anyway, so, what does it matter? I'll move on and forget I even had this conversation. There'll be no continuation here, so why the hell not just say whatever? Alessia listened intently as Johanna talked about Dale. It seemed like it was just an off day, although the idea that it was because she was talking to Levi made her view things differently. Could he really feel that strongly for her? Did they have something going? What was going on there? Either way, Johanna couldn't let herself feel held back like that, but she was starting to get a picture of Dale from this. "It's not your fault. You're allowed to talk to people you know Johanna, there's no harm in it. You don't have to feel bad for talking to another person. I'm sure even he would agree with that." Maybe there was more going on here. Johanna didn't seem very happy about this either. Almost... Regretful maybe? She didn't know, but something just seemed sad about her. She wasn't great at people reading, so, she couldn't get anything for sure out of that exchange. Although, it became clearer as she went on. The only intimate connection? How did that happen? It seemed like such an odd combination. Then, Johanna seemed to realise what she was saying as Alessia was about to ask how that came to be, which shifted the conversation entirely. "No, no that's okay. Really, it's fine. I don't mind listening to people and well, it's nice. I'm new here, so it's like I'm being trusted with something." She heard someone coming in behind them. That had to be that last girl Carmen. She wasn't really sure who she was, but then she noticed it was the ginger girl at the table who was well, revealing a little more than most might in the stomach department. She was polite at least, so maybe she wasn't that bad. "Oh, hi Carmen." She answered. "I'm quite happy thank you. It's good, being admitted into the guild. What about yourself?"
Dale lashed out with magic, spell after spell. Each crack, crash and shatter let his anger fade away a little bit. He was a flurry of ice and dashing around, sometimes smashing the furniture apart with the staff itself. Damn Johanna! Why couldn't she see? It wasn't just him! That Levi... He wanted that fight! He was waiting for it! Baited by some masked clown! He kicked a chair over in his rage. "Icemake hammer!" The chair was satisfyingly crushed underneath the weighty iceform. He backed up. Alright, there wasn't much left. There was probably a couple of pieces behind him and that was everything. Then there was a soft thud and a rattle. Dale turned around and there was that red dressed girl. Scarlett maybe? He exhaled a deep breath. Her sudden appearance knocked the wind out of him and he realised how much energy he had spent doing that. He wanted to sit down, but then realised with frustration he just destroyed the last chair. He began to laugh at that realisation. What was he going to do now? Stand? She probably thought he was insane. Oh wait. His magic. "Icemake chair." He slumped into the seat. He didn't sound as crazy before. He actually sounded normal, just, tired. "You're Scarlett aren't you? I remember you from the hall. You didn't seem to think much of this guild did you? In the case of some people, I don't blame you." Dale commented, somewhat directionless. "Anyway, why are you here? What's someone like you doing 'round here? Stick around if you want. You probably saw that whole outburst, so, probably not terribly good company." "Oh, Dale got you those? That's sweet of him don't you think?" She asked. He seemed really off balance from the display he put on in the hall. Maybe that was an exception, but then again she didn't see him at any time other than that. He just kind of, showed up out of nowhere for some totally unknown reason, had that little argument with Levi and disappeared as soon as he came. "That's kind of surprising because of the hall... He isn't usually like that is he?"
Dale was only vaguely aware of the conversation happening behind him. He built up a little space in his head. His void. Everything burned on the outside, flames of hatred twisting with the desire for revenge. He could just here. It couldn't affect him in the void. Not here. This was safe. This was where nothing coul- THUD! THUD! The void shattered like glass. The black misted shield around Dale's mind was broken and everything came in like a flood. Hatred and anger filled him. He collapsed to the ground from the force of it. Seething, baring his teeth he got up to his feet and tried to contain himself again. He clutched his head, eyes wide seizing control from the furious torrent. He calmed down a little, but was still fuming. He'd let it out later. For now he just had to- Damn. She was gone. Finally, he made his way to the dorms, opening the door trying to not bellow his anger to the world. His head hurt like hell after that beating Johanna gave him. He didn't want anything to do with this damn room he just had to release everything! Dale's dorm was actually remarkably well kept, despite his temper. His iron staff with the amber eye at the top rested against the wall. His sword was carefully laid out on a chest of drawers by Dale's bed. It was a very nice and orderly room. Two chests of drawers to each bunk bed. He kept a bookshelf on one wall, containing various tomes of varying genres. From magical theory to romance novels, everything was on that shelf. Dale liked to read. He could escape from the world when he read. Upon opening the door, he remembered. He should grab his staff. And write a note. He did so. On the door when his room mates arrived a hastily scrawled note could be seen reading: Do whatever you want with your area of the room, just don't touch my stuff. I have top bunk on the leftmost bed no questions asked. I expect the room tidy and neat. To see my standards, look inside immediately. If any of these rules are disobeyed, that individual will regret it very quickly. Regards, Dale P.S. I'll be in late. Need to do something. That ought to do it. He picked up his staff and went to the area outside the hall. He dragged a table and a handful of chairs from inside the hall, including the chair that Levi had been sitting on. Then he grabbed a series of boxes and placed them around. Good. Drawing his magic into himself and channelling it through his staff, he took aim at Levi's chair. "ICEMAKE SPEAR!" He roared. The sounds of shouting and destruction continued for some time. If for some reason anyone wanted to find him, it would be fairly obvious where Caliborn retired to his room pretty quickly. Gaius winning that fight was impressive, but after that there was no real reason to stick around. Besides, he didn't bet anyway, although it was undeniably funny that Cassandra lost the bet for once in her life. Her trick finally ran out when the redhhead won. None of them won that bet. And that was why Caliborn didn't do bets. Chance did all sorts of strange things when it felt like it. This was going to be special though. Cassandra was almost never wrong. Something special had to happen when she got it wrong for once in her life. He entered his room and headed immediately for his desk, taking a seat on the high backed chair that sat beside it. Caliborn's room was also neat. The beds were carefully made and organised ready for them and he had also installed a set of drawers, but furthermore a chest for each person to put other stuff in and some shelving spare, for the guild members to express themselves more freely. Caliborn's for example had a few books, but also several small models of beasts on the desk, including a dragon in flight. Some of them were made of conventional materials like marble, but others, including the dragon in flight were made of ice. Dale was kind enough to make some for him when they had been out on missions together. Many of the ice models were things that Dale and Caliborn and the others on that mission had defeated. Good times. Also, most out of place was a large flagon with the Sapphire Eclipse symbol on it. A present from Edric. Caliborn's weapons were on a rack next to his bed. His bow, Ashmark was unstrung and hanging horizontally supported by two pieces of wood, and underneath it was his sword, Heartfire. It was made with a little silver in it, which he believed to be more effective against monsters. It was said to burn them. He had yet to find this disproved. Edric didn't so much walk to his room, so much as he did stagger. He lost track of how much of the Guild's beer he drunk exactly over the course of the day, but, he was pretty sure it was a lot of it, but the damn thing never ran out. It was like magic! How did the damn thing fill up so often! They had to be ordering it in. Somehow. Hmm, he'd have to figure that out. His vision was swimming a little bit, but he did make it to the room, through the door, across it and into the bottom bunk where he duly collapsed, fast asleep. Edric's room was a bit of a mess. He had been living in it by himself a while, so there were various things scattered across the floor. If Evanora knew, he'd be cleaning it up and kept away from his precious drink for weeks, but, she hadn't caught on because nobody yet cared to report it if they knew at all. A lot of the room's walls had various labels along them. Most of them alcoholic beverages that he liked. A few boxes with logos on them indicated that he ordered some of the stuff in personally and a few bottles could be seen here and there, but it was all too likely that there were even more besides. Edric's twin weapons were leaned against the wall. Dawnstar, his main weapon and Frostfire, a blade like Caliborn's Heartfire. Frostfire, was the twin of Heartfire. It was Caliborn's present to him for their time working and arguing together over the years. A symbol of their rather odd friendship. It made Edric's gift of a flagon seem pitiful, yet the man seemed to appreciate it all the same. For anyone moving into Edric's room, a tidy up was definitely required. "Oh, oh my. Thank you!" Alessia exclaimed, watching as Skadi made the little Sapphire Eclipse symbol for her, She smiled at it after Skadi went. Wow! She'd have to do that some day! She made her way over to the room. It took her a couple of minutes, but she made it. New places and all. That was the way of it. Alessia couldn't help but smile, despite being stuck with Scarlett. She had made her first friend in the ice sorceress, and she looked forward to maybe meeting more of the people. Maybe a lot of people were like Skadi and nice- They just needed to show it. That said, it would be nice to try and befriend some of the more spirited people too, so she'd have to try that. Johanna's room was, well fascinating. When she got in there initially, she went around looking at all the birds. How had Johanna found so many? And flowers. There were so many flowers! Did she get all these from people? It was amazing. She also took note of the pretty music box on the desk. Some day, she'd ask Johanna if she could open it. Alessia went over to the bed opposite Johanna's. She'd leave that Carmen person to have the other bed of the bunk with Scarlett. She was not putting up with that. Besides, she preferred sleeping on her own. A bunk bed would be too weird. She'd never really got on with those. On her nightstand, Alessia rummaged through her things and put a little frame up. Inside, was a drawing somebody had made of her and her family. Her younger brother was always an artist and, well, he drew her that for the road. After all, you couldn't forget the family. Never forget the family. In the draw of the stand, she placed a small book and a pen too. It was her journal. She'd fill it up and set it home so the folks at home could see what was going on with their daughter. With all her set up done, she approached Johanna. "Hello Johanna." Alessia said, trying to wake her from the strange daze she appeared to be caught in. "Can I ask you something? About your birds? Where did you get all these from? They're beautiful."
"It won't do for someone like you to go besmirching my good name, though I can't say someone who threatens an injured man for a simple jibe has much of a decent reputation himself. Tell me, do you often assault the newest members to your guild?" Dale's grin faded into a snarl. His eyes narrowed. His good name? The pride! The nerve this man had! Even worse, he didn't have a response! Rage pooled inside him. A red, bubbling anger that leapt and bellowed inside him, each word fuelled it until Dale's face was twisted into something barely recognisable as the distant, careless look he usually held. He would unmask Levi. See how his pride held up there! This wasn't exactly the first time this had happened. It wasn't his fault that people were aggravating! Damn him! Damn Levi! There would have to be payback for this somehow! But he couldn't hurt him. No. Levi was untouchable right now. And that was the infuriating part. "Well played." Dale growled. He allowed the blades to disappear. They seemed to melt away as the ice flowed into his hands. Levi was clever. There was no way out of this one. The smile faded, replaced by a hard look. That didn't go according to plan at all! "We'll duel. A month's time. I don't want to fight you now anyway. I want to get a measure of who you really are. Fare thee well Levi. And train hard. You'll need it." The anger still bubbling inside him, Dale spun on his heel and stormed off back to his corner. You will pay Levi! Just you wait! Nobody messes with Dale Hawthorn like that and gets away with it!
Ah, the defensive sort. He did appreciate the logic behind it though. It certainly did make an impression, although the running in terror bit was certainly an exaggeration. Still... He did have something about him. This man was more than he seemed, that was for sure. Well, he'd have to find out some time. He was quite surprised he noticed the medallion. His reasons for wearing that were a little similar, but also because he identified with the animal. A hunter. An animal to be reckoned with. Would the masked man dare face the wolf? It would hardly be a fair fight. Yes, as a matter of fact, Levi did dare to face the wolf. He dared very much in fact. Dale grinned wolfishly. This was the kind of man that he enjoyed facing. Angry and a little proud. It made them stupid. That said, he would have to make sure to miss the arm. No need to make that any worse, but he could do with a little putting down. It was him who started the fight of course. Dale just asked a question. Nothing wrong with that was there? He couldn't help but feel a little smug about that. He didn't show any sign though, he just gave that same grin. You walk into the wolf's forest, there's only one way it can end. This was his land, his hunting ground. His home. He sought solitude at this guild many years ago, came here as a boy and was raised. This was his and this pathetic rodent dared to face him? Dale formed his hands into two balls and then spoke. "Icemake Blades." In Dale's bunched fists two icy swords coalesced, icy weaves wrapping their way around themselves, forming, twisting, glittering in the light of the room. They were plain weapons, these. Straight, twin edged and two good sized crossbars to boot. This was a pretty biased fight. He had to give the poor man a chance to surrender though. It was probably best- For Levi. What was a little starting member going to do against an experienced Wizard? "Now then Levi, you make a fine speech. But if you have to hide behind a mask to instil terror, then perhaps you're not so strong as you think. Actions make a man, not the face he wears. And in the end, we're all forgotten. Only legendary people are remembered for long, and I'm afraid that neither of us are one of them. The world might not know the face of Dale Hawthorn for the short time I walk this world, but while I live they'll remember what I did. You're not half what you think you are I'm afraid, even if you had your second arm." He glared now, his eyes staring balefully at Levi as Dale kept on grinning. "Now, back down Levi. I'll give you this one chance. Say no, and I show you the power of an experienced wizard first hand!" Dale warned. He held his blades easily in a combat stance. "You choose to back down, we can sit down and settle this like gentlemen. A fight won't serve you here newcomer." And you can tell me the real reason you hide behind that mask!
Alessia nodded understandingly as she spoke about Scarlett. She felt much the same about what she had said, and then when the dorms showed in the sky that she had to share a room with her! That was bad luck. Fate wanted to play a trick somehow, she just knew it. There was one good thing though. If Skadi was happy to stick up for the other guild members like that, no matter what the reasons it showed that she was going to get on just fine around here. She was probably had as much guts as anyone else in this room, but it would just take something to show it. She couldn't pull it out of nowhere- Not yet. Although her shyness was bound to change some time. If she could help her feel a little less weird around here, Alessia would consider it a job well done. "I know what you mean." She said simply, making sure that she acknowledged the other woman's thoughts. She noticed the fight was over quickly, and was frankly amazed to see Gaius come out on top. How did he do that? Well, it looked like he wasn't full of it after all. It looked like he was at least somewhat as good as he made himself out to be. She'd congratulate him some time, although she was talking to Skadi at the moment and it looked like he was inundated enough. The conversation switched tack back to the previous question. Heh, her own magic. She wasn't as much of a magician as she'd have liked. Not yet anyway. "Well, to be honest my magic isn't that great. I've wound up being better with a sword. At least for now. The only magic I know is a little bit of wind and a little bit of healing, but at some point I think I want to learn about Water Magic. I haven't found anywhere to learn it though, so, maybe someone at the guild can help some time." Ice was basically water, just frozen. Maybe Skadi could show her a little bit about ice and she could learn from there? "Actually... Do you think that maybe, some time, you can show me a little bit about forming ice? I mean, that's frozen water right, so if I start from there..." She giggled nervously. She wasn't used to asking help, let alone from people she just met, but Skadi was nice, so she wouldn't be that bad right? Dale appeared shortly around that area of the table where Johanna and the people around her were. He couldn't help but examine the man that Johanna was talking to, trying to get the measure of him. He couldn't tell what was being said, but judging by what her reactions were... This man was trying something. Johanna didn't have that look of shy curiosity usually. He knew her too well for that. So what was he doing hmm? Whether either of them would notice his examinations, well, that was another matter. Looking at the man, whose name he caught as 'Levi', one question sprung up to his mind. Why the mask? He considered this carefully, very carefully. There were numerous reasons why a man might have to hide his face. Perhaps a disfigurement, or a criminal? Or maybe, it was an expelled guild member trying to get back in? Not every outcast went Dark Guild, but plenty did. Actually, Dark Guild was another option. Could be doing a Dark Guild infiltration job. The chances of that were slim, but still... There was a chance. Either way, he was suspicious. He waited until Levi said what he was doing there before speaking. Honing his skills and meeting ladies eh? Well, he came to the right place, but that explanation wasn't going to shake Dale. Not now that the query of the mask was framed in his mind. "And why the mask?" Dale asked. A simple question. No obvious malice behind it. Every inch your curious guild member. If Levi wasn't too busy staring at Johanna maybe he would have noticed him watching from a distance, approaching and casually listening in, then it would seem chance. Had he noticed, well, maybe then he'd notice something a little different.
"An Ice Mage? Okay. Well, I'm a practitioner of-" Alessia was cut off midway by what Skadi heard. How dare she? That said, it looked like Skadi had it and by the sounds of it, oh she had. Alessia grinned as she heard Skadi serving up Scarlett like that. That should put the overproud witch back in her place! What could she possibly know about anyone here just from that? She would have gone over herself, but Skadi did everything for her. That said, this red dressed girl was clearly thought rather much of herself, so she might cause trouble. If she did... Alessia cracked her knuckles at the thought. Obnoxious people were ever so annoying. Either way, Skadi was coming back, looking a little startled and breathless. Maybe she didn't quite realise what she just did? She probably didn't make a habit of it. "Nicely said. I'd have done it myself but it looked like you had it." Dale was legitimately surprised by that turn of events. The most interesting turn of events so far had to have been Gaius winning that. That made the whole affair a lot more interesting that was for sure. He probably actually ought to do something. He was somewhat of a role model for the guild so he should. Groaning, Dale got up from his chair which he had become quite accustomed to. He scratched his head, looking for one of the people around to talk to. He decided it was best to go on over to the table. Actually, that was a great idea. It put him close to Johanna. Actually, if he did that then she might actually talk to him! He strode over with as much nonchalantness as he could muster, hands in his pockets. He could see a little group over there, one of them being so loud and obnoxious and actively offensive towards the guild he could hear her from where he was seated. Well, if he had to put up with her to speak to Johanna, then so be it.
I'm in two minds here. Half of me agrees with Makaze because if a deity emerged and they had simply allowed this suffering to happen without a damn good reason then I'd be furious, because far too many people have had to go through terrible things and for all that to be for nothing would be unacceptable. The other half of me would accept and repent, because it would mean that my question is finally answered. I don't know whether there is a God or not and I'm not strongly convinced either way and I've had personal experiences that are enough to lead me to question both sides. I don't know that I could change myself to fit that God's ideals, but I'd accept that they exist and that they are the truth, as it would illogical of me not to at least recognise them. Assuming there's some kind of tyranny on this world that is clearly against humanity then I'll fight that. Whatever it might be. If that isn't enough to repent then... Well there's not an awful lot more I can do. I'd have to try and push against whatever came in this theoretical last day scenario but if any more is asked, I'm not sure that I can follow whatever these high standards are.
When it comes down to it, the dream is an offline relationship right? I think at the end of the day, everyone wants to be able to find their dream person or someone as close as they can get to it, settle down and live together and be happy ever after. All that good stuff. I share that one myself. I think that an online relationship is totally fine though. I mean, the point of relationships is to build up a connection to someone you like. Share feelings and experiences with each other and have a good time together. Doing that online is totally possible. As everyone has said, Skype, dating sites, social media in general exist which has made online relationships possible now. You can meet people, find someone you like and you can have feelings for them that are just as real as they are for someone who is just down the street from you, goes to work with your or goes to school with you. A lot of people say that online relationships aren't real, but as many people here have also said, I disagree. Emotion isn't fake. if you feel like you love someone, you love them do you not, regardless of whether you're actually there in person. I've been in an online relationship for just over a year now, and I've had a great time. It's been really nice, I've been over and visited over the summer, we've been talking and playing games together and it's been amazing. Just because she doesn't live in the same country as me, or near me, doesn't mean that my feelings for her aren't real, that we aren't a real couple. It's a stigma that I wish wasn't there because there are plenty of people that do have genuine feelings. The dream is as I've said, to take it offline (For myself at least, and many others) and actually seeing her was amazing. It was one of the happiest weeks in my life and I really didn't want to have to leave. I'm now looking forward to when I'll have the chance to visit again. Doing things locally is nice as well. The physical element is good to have and I really miss being able to give and receive hugs, so this is one of the strengths of doing things locally. It's harder in a way. For a lot of people with little to no confidence their feelings will remain a wish they hold while looking across the room at them, because in real life in many ways people are so much harder to get to. It's intimidating in many ways, because you have to approach someone where you can be seen and in many cases they might not be alone so you'll have to say your piece in front of people. There's another thing that's just as damning in local dating, it's the fact you can see people. Lots of people will get blown off or ignored because maybe they're not the prettiest or the fittest and that may just be the factor that stops what could be a great relationship from kicking off, because while the personalities may work well together the looks just don't come up to standard. The fear of that the way I see it is one of the many issues I find with society. People are scared to be what they are, because they won't be able to meet standards. Not everyone can be fit, with a toned body with fantastic skin, hair and have the perfect personality to boot, but that's what everyone wants and in some cases, people aren't willing to sacrifice the physical to find the person that may well be right for them. At least with online dating you get to know the person and when you're comfortable, you can show each other who you are with a webcam. That way, if you're compatible as people then you should be comfortable with who that person is so at the end of the day, the looks will hopefully not matter as much. In a way, I'm glad things are the way they are with my relationship at the moment, because if she was more local and I'd know her from school, then I don't know that I'd have got the chance to get to know her. As much as I miss being with her (which is one of the drawbacks of online because you'll always wish they were there with you) the fact that I even got to know her at all is worthwhile. Besides, it might work out that we end up living together one day. I can't really add anything more than that. A final point is, it's a shame that society as a whole hasn't worked out that everyone trying to find someone to be with on the internet isn't a Catfish, but just your average human being looking for someone to love and be loved by.
What basic principles do you use to decide how moral something is? Do they have a system? I try to measure my actions in terms of what potential effects they will have on others and combine that with the situation at hand. This is something I'm going to find quite hard to explain, so if this rambles a little I'm sorry, but it's because I have no idea how to describe it. For the most part it's situational. I have a basic set of things (I don't know what to call them) that I refer to when decision making. 1: Will this action harm others now? 2: Will this action cause harm later? 3: What effects will this have on myself? 4: Is this action illegal? 5: Is the action right/wrong? 6: Is it worth it? Now, defining right and wrong is one of the things that has to be done here. For me, the principle of right and wrong is measured on potential harm and potential benefits, but it also has a basis in law. The way I see it, law exists because it is what is commonly acknowledged to be the best for society. I tend to follow the law of wherever I'm living, which in this instance would the UK. I find most of the UK law to be fine, although there is stuff I disagree with on certain issues and this is where the whole law basis falls apart as there are some points of it I simply disagree with, yet the way I've been brought up and my own logic would lead me to believe that breaking the law is wrong so going against it is for me, almost totally impossible. Outside of situations with legal impact, I look and the perceived rightness and wrongness of a situation which as I've said, works in potential harm and benefits. If by one action I'm likely to cause harm to someone, then I'd try and do what I can to avoid said action occurring to avoid harm to them and indeed, myself. That said, points 1 & 2 about harm on other people usually trump point 3, effects on myself. I don't mind if something harms me if it will make a reasonable amount of difference to someone else. Now, the catch there is, would I value that person enough to make that action. For the most part, I think the answer would be yes and only people who I didn't like would have the answer be no, and even then I believe that would have to be to a sufficient degree. To me, it seems abhorrent to leave someone out in the dust as it were. For the most part, it is worth while (point 6) There's another point to it but I can't figure out quite how to explain it in short, so I'll explain it in form of an example. I don't like Shark Fin Soup. It seems totally wrong to me. I'm quite happy eating animals throw me anything and I'll eat it. Chicken, Beef, Lamb, Pork, Crocodile (I have eaten this), whatever it is, I'll eat it because I have confidence that the life wasn't wasted. That's why I don't like Shark Fin Soup. I've never eaten it, because it feels wrong. The way they cut off the fins and then chuck the animal back in the ocean to die is just a waste of life and wrong because of it. If they had used the rest of the animal then it would be fine for me, because I wouldn't find any sort of issue with it, but the inherent waste of a life puts me right off. As curious as I am, I simply refuse to find out based on that. If that was ever corrected, I'd change my mind but until that day I'm staying well away from it. If I can look at those 6 points, then I will come to a decision on the moral rightness/wrongness of something. How did you come to have this compass? (What made you choose those principles over others? How has your compass changed over time?) I guess most of my compass came from my parents. They gave me a fairly good sense of right and wrong which I think helped a lot, and then over time I encountered more and more things I disagreed with and also agreed with so it built up from there. I feel like one of the things that actually helped develop my compass was video games amusingly enough. I was always playing games when I was younger (Still am) and some of them helped me build up choices. The one that I think strikes me the most is the old early 2000s RPG Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. You gained Light Side and Dark Side points based on your actions, which sort of helped guide me in terms of what was right in a situation, because I knew from seeing the movies IV, V and VI fairly early on what the Jedi stood for- Justice and Rightness. It sounds ridiculous, basing a moral compass off Star Wars, but that's what I think helped shape me because it was something I always loved, and I always wanted to be a Jedi as a child so naturally, I'd follow them. Playing KOTOR actually helped in a way, because it showed me how to follow that path by measuring my choices in terms of Light and Dark telling me what each choice meant. Behind all the waving around a Lightsaber, there was plenty there. When KOTOR II came out, it presented the issues of Light and Dark again, this time pointing out a lot of the grey areas in it and showing me a deeper picture of it, as that was one of the main things that the game did differently to any other portrayal of SW that I had seen up to that point. That got me looking deeper in, and really showed me how to examine what an action did. The scene that did the most for me was Nar Shaddaa when you could choose to give money to a beggar- Once you've made your choice to give or not, then Kreia talks to you while you watch the effects of your choice. Had you given him the money, he'd be robbed and if you didn't, he'd sink into despair and cry. While this is a rather cynical view of events and also how Kreia herself was cynical too, it just showed me how to think things through. I think that was what brought me to think of point 2. How well does your compass serve you (in society, in your personal life, etc.)? I like to think that my moral compass serves me fairly well in society. I'm not the most popular guy, but within the circle of people I converse with I think it helps because it means that I can be seen as someone who can help. While that is somewhat selfish, wanting to be seen as something I feel like it balances out with the fact that it stems from a genuine desire to help and it's always saddening when someone either refuses or ignores my offer for assistance, because at the end of the day the way I see it there are very few people, if any, who deserve to suffer. I've never met a single person who that could apply to as far as I know. Within personal life, I think it's highly important because that is what enables me to be there for people that matter to me which I will always strive to do. If someone needs me, if I can, I'll be there. The way I see things, there's a lot of things that are wrong with this world and if I can balance that by doing just one thing right, no matter how small, that's worth it to me- Even if it requires a little personal sacrifice.
She started to get the impression that Skadi was quite uncomfortable in this situation. She shared a laugh about the drinking comment though. It was actually kind of funny, but there was something about it and what she said before that indicated that Skadi might well go and do it and perhaps even feel better for doing it. "I wouldn't do that if I were you Skadi. You don't want to get marked down as a drunk on the first day right?" Alessia replied with a short warm laugh to accompany. She wasn't sure what to do here. She didn't want to put too much pressure on her because she might not be socially confident, but equally she didn't want to leave her out by herself. There was Gaius she supposed, but he was... Occupied and afterwards was probably going to end up being a bit battered and maybe not in the mood to talk. Would talking to more people make Skadi better or worse? Would asking make it sound like she wanted to get away from her? She definitely didn't want to give that impression. "Besides, I think you'll have to compete with Edric for the drink it looks like he's had plenty." She wasn't wrong. There were numerous glasses being taken away and brought just as quickly. How did he handle that much? She guessed he was used to it. Returning to more important matters, Alessia shook her head and quickly thought of a question. It was painfully obvious. It's what this guild did! "What magic do you practice? You've got to have some magic prowess to be in here, right?" Alessia asked.
I guess I'll join this one too since it's here XD
Alessia nodded understandingly as Skadi explained her story. She couldn't help but wonder where Caleb was since Gaius and Skadi made it over to the guild. Maybe she'd ask another time, since it seemed a little to personal to ask now that they had only just met. Hearing about that made Alessia think back to playing with some of her friends back when she was younger. She mentally slapped herself. Back when? It was only a few years ago now, but it felt like a long time after she hadn't done it for so long. She hadn't seen her friends since she left her home town. They weren't that interested in being Mages like she was. They all loved playing Mages as children, pretending to be Dragonslayers and powerful wizards, but none of them really felt it. Not like she did. This was her dream coming true. For them it was just a silly childhood fantasy. "Well, he'll probably be okay. He seems confident enough to handle himself and well, he's still standing and that's something." She replied, paying a little attention to the howling winds and crackling thunder in the hall, although it felt like they were dispersing now. "Don't worry about it. It's fine, I don't mind listening to people talk. And as for my name, I'm Alessia Darkstar. A pleasure to meet you." She smiled brightly at Skadi. "I know what you mean about feeling odd. For me this is, this is like a childhood dream coming true if you know what I mean? It's not quite what I expected, but just seeing all these people with magic and yes they're all fighting, but it feels like the real thing. Like I'm part of it." Alessia's smile widened as she spoke, and it seemed as if she was drifting off and not quite focusing. In truth, it was simply that she was happy. After seeing the people here, she was quietly worried about actually talking to people in the guild. The little conversation she had with the girl at the table was a good start, but talking to Skadi was great. Maybe she'd be able to find new friends here after all. These things could be a real drag sometimes. They always went on way longer than necessary, and the already loud room was even louder because of these idiots having a huge fight on the table people were eating at! Dale sighed and rubbed his eyes. He had seen plenty of these. He even remembered his welcoming ceremony/party/thing. It was a great deal like this and he had even got involved in a fight like that. He couldn't do that these days. That would be rather silly. Leaning back in his chair and releasing what must have been the thousandth exasperated sigh of the day so far, he settled down to watching the room again. Folks talking to folks, people being people, the usual. Everything you'd expect to find in your average run of the mill wizarding guild. Except perhaps, none were quite like Sapphire Eclipse. He seriously doubted other guilds were this rowdy. He picked Johanna out of the crowd with ease. He could spot that long, beautiful hair from anywhere. She was smiling and looked like she was having a good time. How did she do it? He had known her for goodness knows how long, but he could never understand how she managed to enjoy these things. "Shall we go and talk Dale?" He asked himself, rubbing his chin. He scanned the room for someone that he might be able to tolerate, and likewise. He didn't spot anyone yet. "No, not yet. We wait. Maybe there's someone..."
Alessia nodded at Skadi and watched with some curiosity as the other girl started betting on other people to make her friend perform better. It took her a couple of moments for it to click that what she was probably doing was betting against him to inspire him to try harder, although Gaius was clearly confused by this turn of events. It made her wonder. How well did those two know each other? Maybe they had joined the guild together? That would explain it. She was quite curious now. "Do you two know each other well then?" Alessia asked as casually as she could. She didn't want to come across as nosy. The battle was quite a spectacle and the lightning flashing about was putting her nerves on edge quite considerably. They really should be careful! They might hurt someone other than the fighters casting magic like that! She glanced around and saw the two she was sitting with talking a bit, which reminded her- "Oh, and what was your name again? I never asked." She made a mental note to go over and ask the others the same thing. "OI! RED LADY! DON'T LOSE ME MONEY!" Dale said by way of encouragement. It was encouragement of a sort he supposed. Then she launched an Aero on Ra and it looked pretty effective to him. "That's it! Do it again lass! Another one of them and you'll be just fine!" Hmm, not a bad person to bet on. He did admire Gaius, the guy that issued the whole challenge though. It was quite brave and he was going in there pure fisticuffs which was pretty good. Upon hindsight maybe he should have had a little more faith in the guy that had the gall to stand up and issue a challenge like that. It looked like he had some money on him, but not much. Some of these people were going full ridiculous though. He knew that some people had thrown a sizeable chunk if not the entire Jewel purse at this, Edric being one of the former. He wasn't that free with his money to put the whole thing in. Besides, that guy was going to look pretty silly if he lost wasn't he?
"That one's a flirt by the looks of things. Good luck mate, good luck. Alright looks like he's messed up a bit and- Ooh. That didn't end well. He should really learn how to do this a bit better. He's not terribly good is he?" Dale said to the S-Classes, although none in particular. That was the way of it for Edric Storm. Observe, comment and know that nobody is listening in all likelihood. He sipped his beer again and looked on. Wow. That girl was something. She FROZE the guy's feet? Actually froze them! Well it looked like he was hardly the most experienced with some poorly aimed fire to melt that ice. Well, that was certainly a downer on the poor boy's quest wasn't it? Maybe he'd try it again later and it would be just as funny to watch. He shouldn't laugh at his guild mates, but they were new and adorable and had stuff to learn. Of course, the whole situation got a whole lot funnier when Gaius got on the table and started challenging everyone. Edric erupted into a fit of laughter and nearly joined the fight himself. It would have been embarrassing for the poor guy if an actual S-Class came and beat him. Well, let the newbies have their fun. It was always great having little competitions. It brought him back to his starting days with Caliborn and how they always used to scrap. The fight got a lot of traction quickly. Some golden armoured guy got up and made a little bit of an intro, which he nodded in approval to. The guy could be good for speeches. As if this couldn't get any better, the flirt jumped in and Edric did not miss the cheeky wink he gave those three girls down the end of the table. Was he trying to impress the girls? Quite possibly, although the next challenger that appeared was easily his match. A girl in a very stark red and white dress appeared and joined the fight shouting down the flirty one. "My word this is a feisty bunch isn't it?" Edric laughed. That red lady seemed pretty reasonable. He took out 100 Jewels. "My money's on the lady!"
"Sounds good to me." Alessia replied. She noticed Cal gave the girl a slightly weird look, but it was probably nothing. She stood up and walked around the table to the white haired girl. She habitually straightened out her skirt before she approached. For whatever reason it made her feel better about the way she looked. She hoped she didn't come off as a bit too forward or loud. She didn't want to spook her like that weird Casanova guy over there. Who did he think he was really? I mean, he didn't even seem that good at what he did. She couldn't hear him, but the way he held himself seemed way off. "Hey there. Do you want to come sit with me and-" Oh wait, she didn't actually know the girl she was sitting next to's name! And then there was another person there too! "Me and my friend-s over there?" She made a mental note to go ask who they were, it wouldn't do not knowing who people's names were.
Alessia seated herself at the end near a curly blonde and a dark haired girl to listen to the speech. She wasn't entirely sure what to make of them. They all seemed a little... Odd in their own ways. Apart from perhaps Evanora who was the very essence of a guild leader- Proud and straight backed. Caliborn and Cassandra seemed to have an affinity for the dramatic and Mikasa... Well... She was a little... Cold? She wasn't quite sure what to make of her but from the look she gave them all she obviously didn't think an awful lot of the new people. That said, from what Edric said right afterwards it was apparently quite normal for her. He was something else. She wasn't entirely sure how Edric reached S-Class by the way he introduced himself. Something seemed very casual about him and it seemed entirely unlikely to her that he would have got there. But he did. Maybe he was quite competent behind the face he put on in public. Alessia laughed at the two boys who had just challenged one another. Well this was going to be interesting that was for sure. She quickly examined the situation. So, the dark haired boy was a flirt- And a bad one, the guy on the table with the red hair and the guy with the golden claw were competitive, and possibly a little cocky in relation to the former. The latter, whose name was evidently Ra was also quite fond of speaking. And motivating, but that wasn't such a bad thing. The girl that Ra had talked to seemed shy and so had the girl that the flirt chased off. Wow, this guild! So many shy people! She leaned over to Cal. "I guess we pretend that they don't exist and let the silly boys fight it out." She laughed with Cal. "I guess you could say that about them." She cast her eyes around and noticed the shy girl slipping away. She leaned over to Cal. "Do you think she's okay? She seems a little nervous? Should we go see if she's alright?" If those two were really going to fight it out then she would have to watch. It was definitely going to be good.
Glad you could find that e-mail in the spambox XD
I haven't played a game of Mafia for ages. Signing up, if I may.
