Arthur wakes up groggily, slightly hungover. But experience taught him to be careful the night before his first big crawl and he's fairly ready to go.
Yep! Let's do this! See you in the locker room!
He begins gathering up his stuff and makes his morning preparations, including praying to Vesta for a while. When he's all ready, he heads out.
Lora emerges bright eyed and bushy tailed, well not literally cause that would be weird. All ready she says with a grin all geared up. Bouncing from foot to foot, either in nerves or eagerness she probably doesn't even know.
Virgil appears relaxed while having a good breakfast. The 1/2 orc grabs his gear ready to head out.
This will be a day to remember!
When getting to your destination Paparazzi are taking pictures as you set off into the dungeon. Or more precisely into the comfortable green room.
The wall has a banner advertising Frederick Fleetfoot's Financial services. above the craft service table an AVS is running a rerun of Larry's Castle.
Arthur pulls out his shield and thumps it enthusiastically a few times.
Let's do this!!
Glade throws tiny pebbles at the Paparazzi to chase them away, though he doesn't aim at the face in case he puts an eye out.
Ranveer grins waving to the press and giving his most rakish grin as he throws back a hipflask taking a great gulp of liquor. As they enter the green room he snags a couple of doughnuts with his tail and drops down into a seat,
"Are we ready to rock this dungeon! Hell yeah we are!"
Never the poster child for long attention spans Ranveer's eyes soon stray to the screen, "Oh, is this the one where he tries to date two girls on the same night? Ha, he should have just been shameless, that generally works for me, you just wiggle your eyebrows and purr right?"
Virgil grins.
Just like prom!
Arthur laughs at the bravado of Ranveer and Virgil.
I never did anything like that! Cindy and I started out as high school sweethearts and nothing's changed in the last 30 years.
He shrugs and sits back to try to stay calm but he's obviously sweating at the prospect of entering his first serious crawl.
"Argh? That is nice, not really an option if you are an anthropomorphic catman though... Fun for a night, but difficult to explain to your parents I guess," Ranveer chuckles, glancing upwards and exhaling expression faintly wan.
"So do you have any children Arthur?"
Arthur calms down slightly as Ranveer begins making conversation. He smiles a little and gets a somewhat distant look in his eye.
Yeah... Heh... I've got three little rascals. They're watching right now. I'm gonna put on a good show for them. How about you? I hope it's ok to ask. I don't really know how that works for... you.
"Ahhh, no that's problematic, I mean I am barely qualified to be on this side of the Crawl. I am lucky I was raised by the Baroness, otherwise... Well let us just say I am not sure my offspring would have such fortune. Maybe some day, when I am a rich and famous DJ..."
Likewise, I'm sure. If I wasn't city-raised, then I may have been joining you.
The handsome 1/2 orc then smiles.
It has really been my forcefully charismatic personality that has allowed me to be here today.
It ain't like us full blooded humans have life full of dumplings and cake... unless of course your born into it. she gives a half smile to them We all got to dig, claw, and beat our way up, which they can just take away at a whim... but that's a little heavy before a brawl, don't you think.
Being first to run you know the pre-game show and opening ceremonies can take several hours.
Ranveer stretches out in his chair and begins lazily nibbling the donuts from his tail.
Virgil watches the proceedings with rapt interest.
The Mesmerist is actually scanning for anything irregular from previous opening ceremonies...
Arthur sighs in sympathy with his companions and relaxes a little, trying to enjoy the opening ceremonies.
Ranveer? How are those donuts? Maybe pass me a couple?
He looks down at his middle-aged belly.
Just don't tell my wife.
"Not bad, hard to go wrong with a doughnut, sure," Ranveer says lazily, his tail snaking out forming a loop under a paper plate and using it to slide under a couple of donuts and pass them to Arthur.
Arthur gladly accepts the plate of donuts and starts munching. After his second donut, he turns to Lora thoughtfully.
You're right, you know. I didn't have it so easy myself growing up. We lived in a bad part of town and both of my parents had to work long hours. I spent a lot of time on the streets and that was something of a crawl on its own. Things were rough until Vesta spoke to me. How'd you get here?
Shortly before your run is to start a camera crew starts hauling in some equipment for your pre-crawl interview. No, it is not the woman who interviewed you two days ago.
Arthur is similarly on edge. He, too, is jumpy waiting to start his first crawl. He smiles nervously at the camera crew, unsure how to conduct himself in a tv interview but ready to give it a shot.
Seeing Arthur's nervous demeanour Ranveer grins, "Just imagine yourself naked... No wait? Ah, yes, I have it, just drink some of this!" He extends a flask and waggles it enticingly.
"I put some bacon in here to, because vodka good, bacon good, and it is definitely sterile."
Hello Lora will say to the camera crew, We've got plenty of snacks and stuff if you all are hungry. she'll offer.
An unusually burly gnome just waves you off. We'll raid it after you start your run. One of the perks of the job.
A dwarf adjusts the camera critically. Before walking over and grabbing a sandwich. So, you guys think you'll put on a good show out there?
Yep Lora answers without hesitation Without a doubt, we're all very... hungry you see. We won't stop, we don't even know how.
The dwarf looks over at you. You know your not on camera right now, right? You don't need all that bravado.
Ranveer grins, "Its good practice though! The Baroness always told me always assume you are on camera that way at least you will everything with style. Besides this is our first real Crawl if we don't stoke up the bravodo now..."
With a hesitant grin, Arthur sips the bacon-vodka. He makes a wry smile after trying it, very confused as to whether or not he likes it. He jumps into the conversation enthusiastically
Oh yeah! We're going to bust out the gate on this Crawl!! BREAKERS!!
We've been waiting for this chance our whole lives and we're not going to let it go.
He nods enthusiastically at Lora and Ranveer's words.
Yeah. I guess the show never ends now. He shrugs. Especially when we make it big.
Virgil awaits for the start of their crawl. He laughs and jokes with those present. The 1/2 orc smiles at the TV crews, but reserves any show for the live shots.
Lora smiles at the others and then shrugs at their dwarven friend I meant it, sorry if it looked like an act. We all got reasons to be here. Simple but very important reasons, so no... we ain't going fall out there. It's too important.
The dwarf laughs heartily and holds his hand out to you. Well good luck.
Thank you Lora will beam, shaking his hand with enthusiasm.
"Well I suppose every new team things they are going to be the next Harlem Harriers, we can only walk the walk to back up our bluster!"
Arthur nods and grins along with his companions, fully believing they have what it takes to go all the way in this crawl and the crawls to come. He turns to his comrades while the camera crew is setting up. He turns to Virgil excitedly.
You gonna be ready to lead us through this crawl? Finding those traps, scouting those monsters!?
Virgil nods to Arthur, lifting up a cup of tea.
I shall be your scout in these things, yes.
Virgil looks to an official looking fellow.
How long do these Crawls generally last?
Arthur chuckles at Virgil's calm demeanor.
C'mon, Virgil! We're supposed to get worked up here! Not just calmly state: "You are correct."
He shakes his head amiably at the orc's demeanor. But his ears perk up at the question.
Yeah! I'm wondering that too! I didn't really watch much Division III growing up. Always "the big crawl" for dad and me.
The 1/2 orc smiles at Arthur.
I am certain that there shall be excitement a plenty; once we begin.
The burly gnome finishes up his tasks. Traditionally it's 6.
Arthur grins hugely.
Well we'll just have to make sure we're number one! He sits up straight, excited to start the interview.
"They have a name for them don't they... Oh yeah, loosers!" Ranveer purrs enthusiastically.
Virgil (politely) asks his question again.
"Well it depends on how fast we handle it, but with a new DJ? Not a clue, probably a day or two?" Ranveer offers, but his exaggerated shrug lends little confidence to his guesses.
At 10 til Noon a half elf walks in. The man is dressed in an impeccable suit. You ready to say a few words to the audience?