< Furrow's Ledger >

[Furrow 0]

(Sakuma, Joker Game)

Profile
Username: Furrow
Real name: Jake Furrow
Age: 30
Gender: Male
Height: 5'11"
Played-by: Saber (Discord: Saber#3413)

Total SP: 11
Used SP: 11/11

History

Peace of mind, quiet, and the enjoyment of being alone are some things very few people savor. Three key parts of life that help keep the mind together. Pieces that keep us sane. Most people spend their time rushing around, bouncing from one thought to the next, from worry to worry, or from friend to friend. They spend time throwing away their lives for the sake of others, and for the sake of those who won’t be beside them when they die. It’s quite fascinating to watch them, like ants beneath an hourglass. They crawl along without any idea of where or who they are and in an instant, the light of god comes down on them and burns them away.

He used to be like that. He used to rush around when he was kid and worked hard to satisfy his friends and family. He put on a face and wore a smile for a mask to cover up his burning annoyance for the way the world turned. He worked his job, pleased his mother and father with a foolish term called a “dream” and made his way through the grind of capitalism and love. He married a woman who fell in love with him and gave her two kids. He served only eight years as a police officer in his town, then retired after being shot in the lower back. Now, he sits on his back porch and smokes cigars day in, and day out.

This man has no worries, has no stress, and has no reason to frown. Yet he does not smile. He sits, quiet and peaceful, from the moment he wakes until the moment his wife comes home. His kids know by now that he doesn’t wish to be disturbed before she returns. Their conversations with him are generally short and done from a distance. There is no fear of abuse, but just an acceptance that his mind is elsewhere. He tells them that food is in the fridge and has no problems getting up to cook a quick meal. He doesn’t mind doing housework, and doesn’t mind driving them to other homes.

But when she comes home, that’s when he disappears. Oh yes, he still sits in that chair. But his eyes tell he is half a world away. She comes home. Removes her shoes. Sets down her purse. Kisses her kids. Kisses his cheek. Then… it starts.

She begins her tirade that doesn’t end until she goes to bed. Incessant nagging and complaints about her day, her life, her friends, her family, how he does nothing but smoke and drink, her feet, her arms, how she’s tired, how she wants another kid or how she wishes she never had any. They don’t end. Ever. Regardless of whether she complained about the same thing the day before or not; if she wants to say it, it’ll come out of her mouth like an unstoppable waterfall of ear scrapping, intolerable garbage.

And while she whines and talks, and talks, and talks, and talks… he sits in silence and blows another puff of smoke into the quiet air. His eyes are open, but his ears are closed. He listens for very specific words and key triggers to ensure he stays out of the firing line. But the rest? Years of working with fools and ignorant civilians have made him dull to the blade of words.

But, as mentioned before; it wasn’t always this way. Before his days were spent sitting in a comfortable chair from the moment he woke up until the moment he went to sleep, he was an active person.

In his younger years, he was quite the stud. He danced every day for an hour before classes with his boys to keep his moves sharp, and dressed to impress the young ladies. He was a gentleman, through and through, and always ensured his clothing was slick. He studied hard, and played harder. When he wasn’t in class, he was busy with a club, a sport, or a date. In elementary, studies were his focus. In secondary or middle school, he began to touch on sports and developed a love for chess. He played football in the summer and fall, tennis and lacrosse in the spring, and swam in the winter. He participated in the chess club as well as the student council as a Treasurer. After graduating to High School, his love for chess and football drove him further into both of them. His love for the sport of thinking and war, as well as the sport of finesse and sacrifice, led him to become a leader and developed him into quite the human being.

His football coaches loved him because of his unwavering drive to win and he stood out from the rest of his team because of his ability. In chess, he was known as a talented and vicious player, whose tactics relied heavily on clearing the board of every piece possible before securing victory. He was ruthless. But after every game, regardless of a win or a loss; he smiled and shook the hands of his opponent. Even in football, he left everything on the field. No hard feelings.

Post high school, he was a bit of a flop. He bounced from job to job for a short while and then was pressured by his father to find a civil service job to sustain himself. He picked law enforcement, believing it to be an easy one that would keep him active. While he was partially correct, he wasn’t so ready for the training. The academy was like a sucker punch. To someone who was always in control, having someone suddenly tell him what to do for every moment of his day for several weeks was agonizing. He nearly quit several times, but pressed on. He started it, so he would finish. No matter how much he hated himself. He would finish.

As an officer, he strove for excellence and did his best to be the image of perfection. He kept his uniform clean, maintained a crisp attitude, and kept himself out of trouble. He wasn’t the best and made mistakes, but he accepted the idea of a slip up here and there. Each time a mistake occurred he happily accepted punishment. He learned from the mistakes and moved forward with his life. Four years after joining the force, he met his soon to be wife at a house party.

They clicked well and ended up marrying six months later. Their first child came two years after, and the second two years after that. The third was a surprise and came a year later. But, they accepted the challenge and kept on moving forward. She worked as an accountant and with his salary as an officer, they had no struggles.

Then, the years dragged. Time added up, and the sand in the hourglass piled on itself. After many years of hearing the same complaints and same conversations, the love for his wife began to dull. Like a well-used blade, the beautiful woman turned into a living wretch. He still loved her, that would not be contested. However, the tolerance for her mouth depreciated at a rapid rate. But, like a good husband and a good man, he bit his tongue and nodded his head.

He started to drink a few cups of liquor before going home, and took up smoking cigars. Not because he was an alcoholic or a smoker, but because they gave him something to do when he got home. And one day while out on patrol, some dirt bag decided to play hardball. He was shot in the leg and in the back, forcing him to retire on disability. Now without any excuse to stay out late or avoid his wife, his drinking became heavier and his smoking got thicker. But once more; he never grew addicted to either. He had no troubles putting down the glass or tossing the cigar. His body didn’t yearn for either.

His body yearned for the peace that they brought him.

And how did he wind up in Aincrad? Well, when the release of the NerveGear became public, it piqued his interest. A full dive and immersion system was just the thing he needed to help take him away from the casual day in and day out he now lived. It wouldn’t be a full, 100% replacement of his life but it would give him just that extra amount of excitement that would allow him to build up for the annoying few hours of dealing with his wife.

When Sword Art Online was released, he wasn’t one of the first in line. He was one of the last. It was actually an idea from his son to get the game. After news about the NerveGear was released, the son noticed that his father had become more interested in the digital world. So what better than to refer his father to the latest and greatest game that he could play on that NerveGear? The reluctant decision led the father to buy the game, plug it in, and say the magic words “Link, Start”.

Now, he’s stuck. Stuck in the world of Aincrad and in a place where he doesn’t have to worry about a bullet lodged in his lower back or a wife to chew his ear every day. But while the scenery has changed, the man has not. His drive to enjoy this new world is all but stalled. After hearing that he could actually die in real life, he simply decided to let the others do the dirty work while he made his basic life earnings and sat around in a tavern.

That changed one day when he watched someone die. Someone he didn’t know, someone who didn’t know him. He watched them fall over, beaten by a boar. They shattered into the air like glass. Never to be heard or seen again. He didn’t know their story, and he didn’t know their name. He didn’t know anything about them, except that they died in that moment in reality.

At that moment, the gear that had pushed him through school and into law enforcement kicked in. He became an officer to satisfy his family but also for another purpose; to be a better person, to bring the best out of those he met, and to keep the peace and quiet of the world safe. After being shot, he had lost that. The light which shined in his soul was extinguished on the day he was forced to quit the force. When he saw that player die, that light began to burn again.

He wouldn’t be the best, he wouldn’t be perfect. The road would be rough and he knew he couldn’t save everyone. But as long as he was ready, he could give someone one extra breath, give them that extra step that could lead them to being free. And in this world; freedom was everything. Thus, he accepted his new role. He would put himself in the front, in harms way, and would carry the burden of life on his shoulders.

---

Personality

Out of the many front-row dedicated players, very few have the mentality similar to that of Furrow’s. Many are up front because they wish to protect, but Furrow is there to lead. His mentality is to be the first one out. He is the one who knocks. Fear does not find him; misery and worry are not on his mind. He paves the way through life with his hardened hands and shapes his own fate. He does not rely on others to do it for him. He knows that through hard work, smart thinking, and actively seeking the proper solution, he can conquer any challenge and answer any question. There is no doubt that he will become better, that he will be a stronger person at the end of the day. And there will be no one, no one, who can tell him otherwise. Those who try are labeled as enemies and simply cast aside. Those who look down or try to demean him are worthless and do not deserve a single breath of his.

Yet, he does this not for himself, but for others. He exists to fulfill a single objective; to leave the world better than it was when he came to be. If he has to sacrifice himself to make that possible then he will do whatever it takes. He will carry his loved ones through the hardships and shoulder all of the burdens so that they never have to see the dark. He will go first into the unknown, so that those behind him can walk without fear. Because while they fear the dark; the dark will fear him.

Even with his wounds and handicaps, Furrow waits for the moments where his family needs him. It is those moments that he gives them everything. No matter how much he hates being nagged, or how much he hates being unable to chase his son around in the yard; he will take the little moments of joy as his glory.

That is who he is, who Jake Furrow is. A man of power and fortitude, with a focus on keeping those around him as happy as possible regardless of the pain he may feel. He comes second to anyone who calls for help.

---

Virtues

• Diligent: As a police officer and in his school years, Furrow worked hard to maintain both his physical appearance and his mental abilities. He works hard to be the best man he can be, keeping himself in line to ensure he never becomes the enemy he swore to bring to justice. He strives for perfection in his work and accepts mistakes only to ensure that they never happen again. He does everything by the book and when it is necessary to branch out, he does so with extreme care. He outlined every detail possible, makes his decisions wisely, and takes each step with a sure mind. And when it comes down to it; he’ll do whatever it takes to get the job done and won’t stop until it’s finished.

• Honest: No man can call themselves a true man if they cannot be seen by the world as a good man. A good man does not lie, a good man does not hide. A good man faces the truth and accepts it, because a good man does not turn away from his fears or his troubles. Furrow is honest to a fault in these terms. He follows the ways of truthfulness and believes in a clear division of right and wrong. But while this does mean his words can never be doubted, it also means neither can his mind. Furrow is fully comfortable with his sense of self and has a full understanding of who he is as a person. He knows his limits, and knows when he can push them. He knows the answer to “who are you?”, and gladly stares at himself in the mirror every morning because there isn’t anything in his mind that tells him otherwise. He believes in himself, and believes that he is a good man. Because a good man, never lies. Not to the world. And not to himself.
• Tactful: Being able to manage himself, others, and maintain a level of professionalism in the face of danger takes practice and well hone instincts. Furrow has had many experiences, has heard and been apart of many stories in his life. He has seen things no man should ever see. He has done things no man should ever do. And all the while, he has done so with care because while he may be able to bear the burden of his duties, a normal person cannot. He has learned that while a heavy hand is necessary for handling crime, sometimes a kinder, more passionate way can be taken to achieve a peaceful solution. When dealing with people, knowing which card to play is a game Furrow has practiced ever since he was young.
• Reliable: One of the biggest traits of a gentleman is timeliness. Being there when they are most needed is something every gentleman strives for, and Furrow makes it a priority for his loved ones. While after retiring he became lazy to himself, he never stopped caring for his family. He remained the central strength that they could always look to and ensured he was already ready to go should they call for him. As an officer, he never turned down a shift and left his home many nights because of a phone call. Others come first, self comes last. Be there both when you are called, and when you are needed. And even when you are not called, be ready for when you are needed.

Flaws

• Narrow-minded: Focused on his duties and his work, Furrow tends to forget about other things. He often lets his focus overrule what normally would be an obvious choice, sacrificing the easy path for the path of success regardless of difficulty. He ignores those around him and moves forward without a thought of how others feel. He ignores his body and any weaknesses he may have, all so that he can take that one extra step in hopes that taking it will end everything and give others the chance to move beyond him. He also isn’t very receptive to other ideas very often. Unless met with a force that he cannot oppose, such as his wife or a commanding officer, Furrow will make his voice heard and will resist.

• Ruthless: There is no reason for mercy when fighting or arguing. If you are right, if you are stronger, or if you are better; then make it clear of your position. Furrow leaves no doubt when it comes to battle and will kill anything, or anyone, that stands between him and success. Achieving the goal is everything, and he will do so without fail. Any enemy that crosses his path will be cut down, and he will step over their bodies without so much as a blink of regret.

• Father-syndrome: After having children, it became apparent that Furrow’s mental state had shifted. Rather than see the world as his enemy and every person as a potential criminal, he began to see everyone as fathers, daughters, wives, and sons. He started to see people, not tickets. And it has made him softer and more compassionate, but it is also quite the hindrance. He looks down on nearly everyone and believes that it is his firm duty to take the burden of worry and pain. He believes that he himself should carry any weight for those close to him, and hopes that the lighter feelings will allow them to be happier. Even if it hurts him, he does not mind. To those he loves, this has made him weak, and makes him slightly more emotional in battle.

• Hard: Because of his tough and strict personality as a police officer and father, it can make Furrow difficult to deal with at times. He wants to ensure everyone makes it home safe and is generally adamant that he will take the lead position in battle. When it comes to survival, he is also hard on the issue of staying healthy, staying refreshed, and staying alert. Any deviation could mean weakness later. This persistence towards keeping others alive and watching over them can sometimes be… suffocating. Handle with care, and don’t take his scoffing to heart.

---

 

Profession (Earning a Living: Not Completed)

 

---

 

Skills
Weapon/Armor Skills:
»One Handed Weapons [Rank 3: Expert] (10/12)
»Light Armor [Rank 0: Unskilled] (1/5)

Combat Abilities:
»

Passive Skills:
»

Utility/Non-Combat:
»

Extra:
»

Inventory
Weapons/Tools:

» [N/EQ] [T1 Perfect] The Blade of the Joker - [Image] - A long and hefty one-handed curved blade with an edge which flows like the body of a seductress, attracting only those who will bare its burdens. The shimmering blade is sharpened well, and mended with practiced care. The precise craftsmanship created a weapon capable of carving nearly any flesh, both with its straight edge, or its sickle-like belly. The straight edge makes up almost two thirds of the blade, and makes slicing apart opponents easy. While the sickle portion in the belly occupies the rest, for more precise use. On the back half of the sickle, serrated teeth are set in to rip the flesh of those who deserve some extra finesse to bring down. These details make this weapon handy both at reach and close up. Wielded by the Jesters of the dark, this is a blade of trickery and thirst. Its elegant appearance is bested only by the violence it has wrought on the world. Those who carry this weapon tend to always have an agenda, whether that is good, or bad. For ease of storage, this weapon is capable of folding the blade at the hilt. - [Enhancements: Phase I / Paralysis I / Vampiric I]

» [EQ] [T1 Rare] Greek Lakonia Sword - [Image] - A short, double edged sword. Its body curves elegantly and bulges to allow for exceptional slashing techniques, making it dangerous in close-quarters. Its hilt is made of bronze, but years of use have caused it to tarnish and lose its luster. The blade itself is discolored, but it's sharpness remains undoubted. [Enhancements: +1 Accuracy, +1 Paralyze]

Armor:

»[EQ] [T1 Uncommon] Light Fur Armor Set - A set of light armor provided by a Master Blacksmith as a reward. The armor is light, flexible, and keeps the wearer comfortable even in chilled conditions. Beware of stains. [Enhancements: Mitigation +1]
»[N/EQ] [T1 Vanity] Light Armor Set - A beginning set of light armor. It'll cover you from head to toe in leather, but you probably don't want to wear the cap. Unless you don't mind bacteria.

Recovery:
» (x3) Starter Healing Potions - [+50 HP on Use], (x5) Tier One Health Potions of Uncommon Quality (+40HP)

Crafting:
» (x10) Tier 1 materials

» Candy Cane Material [Player's Tier - Unique Item] - Ability: When consumed for a craft, no roll is needed and becomes a auto Perfect Craft. (You do not gain EXP from this craft.) - Description:  A special material with a candy cane swirl.

Buff Consumables
» (x1) Tier One Damage Potion. (+1 Damage) , (x1) Tier One Over-Health Potion (+50 Temp. HP)

Regular Inventory
» (x1) Safeguard Potion

Col:  3,300 

---

Roleplays
» [SP/F1] The First Few Lessons are Free
» [N/A]


Relationships


Story Thus Far

The Beginning -

After ending up stuck in the world of Sword Art Online, the world of Aincrad didn't look much different to Furrow than his real home. It was larger and more open, but the people all looked the same. They may have been clothed different, but nothing else was. He lived in the city and stuck to his normal routine. Without cigars, he simply spent his time sitting in the taverns and sipping on some ale. He would go out and grind every now and then, but only to get enough coin to survive. He didn't care for the floors or for battling the Bosses. To him, this world was an escape from his wife and his normal, boring life. Ever since he was forced into retirement, his drive to do anything to better himself was all but gone.

And then it happened. He watched someone die. A complete stranger fell to a boar right before his eyes. That was the trigger and the spark that told him it was time to stop being a child. Furrow tossed aside the pitiful weapon he used to swing about and picked up a real blade, one he found more comfortable and could count on. The blacksmith gave it to him for a discount, so he was grateful. With a new blade, and a steeled mind; he began his climb.

  * * *  

The First Outing and the Alchemist -
 

Spoiler

Several days after his decision to get on with it and start walking up the stairway to the top floor, Furrow came across a small shop near one of the Town of Beginning's gates. It wasn't a shop with much of a presence, but he had decided to enter in search of some health potions. Instead, he came across an older man named Zackariah. Zackariah, a patient but slightly pushy alchemist, offered Furrow a quest to retrieve some materials for crafting. Furrow wasn't exactly keen on any kind of gathering quests, as he didn't see neither the point in them nor the fun factor. He figured they were useless time wasters. But, he took the quest anyways just to help out the older gentleman.

It turned out to be quite the ride. With the ingredients listed on a piece of paper much like a shopping list, Furrow began his search just outside of the Town. He first looked for a bush with red shoots near the base of the bush and large, green leaves at the ends. He went up to a small tree patch he had been directed to and searched there. At first he found nothing, but after taking a break and being spooked by a rabbit he discovered that the bush was right in front of his face. The next item was a boar tooth, or so he thought.

On the way to a few boars he had planned to kill for their materials, Furrow decided to check his list again. Only then did he realize that the ink had been smudged. He cleaned it up to learn that the actual item was "Berry Root". Distraught but undeterred, he started looking for berry bushes. Three bushes later, he found what he was looking for. Following the retrieval of that, he needed to find some special leaves. He elicited the help of some nearby players and was referred back to the initial tree patch he had searched through with a new hint; find the caterpillars. He searched high, he searched low. But once again; no joy on the caterpillars. Then he had an idea. Caterpillars were insects, insects that ate leaves. So if he found a plant or a tree with a bunch of bite marks and chunks missing from leaves, he would find what he needed.

Moments later, he found the tree. He plucked the leaves then moved on. Tomatoes were next. He decided to ask a nearby Farmer for some. After having lunch, the two played a game of luck and chance; call the suit. The Farmer drew cards from a normal 52 card deck, and Furrow needed to call the suit and whether the card was a face or a number card. The first card he called was Clubs and Face. He was wrong. After that, he passed the entire deck. While doing so, he counted the cards up and eyed the cards drawn. He placed his faith and luck in the last card. With one card left and only one guess, he called it; Joker. The card was played, and Furrow got his tomatoes. After some pie, he left the home and carried on to the last item.

The final item was a bird egg. He found it easily in the eave of a horse stable. The twist that he had to suffer with was the fact that he had to steal it from a nest, and the parents were home. He plucked the egg out of the nest and ran. Mother Bird chased him from the nest, and attacked. She pecked his head and his hand that he tried to fend her off with. Furrow ultimately gave up trying to fend her off, and carried her back to Zackaria's. She sat on the egg when Furrow set it on the counter.

Zackaria came out of the back room a few minutes later and used a familiar to return the Mother Bird and her egg back to the nest. Afterwards, he helped Furrow with making some Health Potions. The first attempt was a failure, but the second succeeded. Furrow learned the joys of hard work and effort, changing his views a little on gathering and crafting quests. But he didn't have much time to savor the moment as Zackaria sent him off to see Lyle, a blacksmith, and deliver the blacksmith a package. Furrow obliged and traveled to see Lyle. The package was delivered, and Lyle requested Furrow's help as well.

 

Edited July 28, 2019 by Furrow

[Stryder 0]

Approved!

Welcome to our little death game, Enjoy your stay!