Big City Living (Midpoint Mingle)

[midpointmods]

The town of Midpoint: called thus because it is at the exact center of the game arena, a busy little Western town full of strange people, many of whom don’t look remotely human, because this is where all the players gather and live. Midpoint Saloon: called thus because it is the only bar in Midpoint. It’s also the biggest building in town, four stories high, dotted with windows, painted a jaunty yellow and decorated with red and green flowers in all the window boxes.

This is where your veteran teammate points you. Or just stomps off to and hopes you follow.

Downstairs is a bar and tavern, Old West style, right down to the upright piano in one corner and a raucous crowd of locals - largely locals, but with a healthy smattering of unusual or downright alien faces that clearly indicate the presence of other Players - eating, drinking, gambling, and getting into trouble. There’s a broad, bearded man behind the bar, waving cheerfully at you as you enter.

The rest of the night and the next day is yours to do with what you see fit. Explore the town, take a long nap in your new room, try to get to know people... everyone is here for the next twenty-four hours before travel to the mission site, so it’s a good chance to scope out the competition, at the very least.

Comments

[midpointmods]

Oh, no, you didn't, Jiro. North turns back around slowly and draws himself up to his full height. Which is surprisingly big, and broad, and with his brows drawn together he looks a lot more menacing than he does with his smile on. "There is no fighting in my inn," he booms. "You draw veapon, and you are ejected. Understood?"

[cicadashell]

Jiro isn't intimidated in the least. He's very tall himself, and has fought monsters much larger than North. Most importantly, he has no self-preservation instincts. He stands as well, jabbing his finger at North.

"I don't need a fucking weapon to take you down!"

Rago agrees; the cat demon is also unfortunately volatile despite being generally a pacifist. Black smoke rises from Jiro's body; forming long cat ears, a tail, claws, and some half cat-mask thing.

[midpointmods]

Clearly no one has warned Jiro of causing trouble in Midpoint Saloon.

North pulls his apron aside and pulls his saber, pointing it at Jiro across the bartop. As soon as metal clears sheath, Rago will find himself unable to use any of his power beyond giving Jiro his ears, tail, and scary face. Everything is locked down tight, like it had been in the jail cell.

"One round ban. There is no fighting in my inn. Leave now or I vill make you."

[cicadashell]

Jiro's only stopped from trying to punch North in the face because Rago issues a warning of his own. He's realized he can't do anything, and it's a disturbing revelation. One of the most powerful beings in his own world, the mononoke has essentially no power here. The woman in the stables was right, and those in charge are extremely powerful and something to be wary of.

The smoke recoils, and Jiro settles for growling at North. He's tempted to pick up one of the bar stools and throw it at the old man, but he turns away. He only gets about five steps before the urge overtakes him and he goes for the bar stool after all. Fuck it. If he's stuck in this place, he's not going to be complacent about it.

[midpointmods]

North catches it easily with one big hand before it can do any damage. He sets it down smartly, and advances on Jiro. If Jiro doesn't get out of the building in advance of North reaching him, he'll find himself scooped up by the collar and thrown out...

"Learn how to control your temper, and maybe I vill think about letting you back in!" he barks from the door way, glowering at Jiro.

[cicadashell]

He's never been one to run away, usually to his detriment. He stands his ground and doesn't make any move to retreat. Once he's deposited in the dusty street, Jiro's yelling before he even picks himself up.

"Like I wanted to hang out in your shitty-ass bar anyway, dick!"