Fantasy Adventure's Guild: Macindaw Lockdown (OPEN)

[Divinyll]

A long time ago, humanity was threatened by the great and terrible Jaggerous. From the hostile and mysterious lands called the Speltaint, he marched his armies of undead and other monsters across the earth. When the day seemed its darkest and humanity had lost hope, six heroes stood between the forces of evil and utter destruction. With a fearless heart and as humanity’s last hope, the heroes defeated the great demon Jaggerous and changed the tide of the war. In order to prevent evil from growing as strong again, the heroes established the Adventurer's Guild. It was a place for anyone with dreams of exploring beyond their homes and helping the world to be a better place for all. Today, the Guild stands as a symbol of hope for all to see.

While no longer do the employees of Guild venture out to protect and improve the world, it serves as a place for smaller more localized adventuring guilds and freelance adventurers to buy supplies for their adventures, commune with other adventurers, compete against their rivals and friends, and gain prestige. Most importantly, the guild acts as a center of affairs small and large. New quests are made here every day, some small as fetching an escaped dog while others may be to fight great evils before they come to fruition. You never know what comes through those doors.

--

571 A.C. | Friday, April 6 | 8:00 am
Adventurer’s Guildhall | Serena City | Adramil

Just outside the massive twenty meter tall doors of the guildhall, a large collection of men and women gathered patiently. Among them were not just the adventurers, but the requesters eager to get the help they desire. Some of the more experienced adventurers have already spoken with these requesters to determine whether or not they'll take the quest they have to offer. Some of the crowd were neither adventurer or requester. These folks were called quest runners. They serve their local guild by delivering completed quest forms to the office of rankings and retrieving new quests to bring back to their own guild halls.

With a loud metallic clank and the rattling of chains, the enormous doors slowly opened inward to reveal the beauty of the guildhall. From the elegant statues to the wooden carving mounted on the walls, the guildhall was covered with depictions of adventurers performing the greatest acts recorded by history. Two giant golems stepped forward, onto the cobblestone street. With a fluid motion, the golems simultaneously stepped aside gesturing for the crowd outside to begin flooding into the hall. Already the hall was full of life, local vendors had already set up shop. A few of the higher ranking adventurers where already on the second floor balcony conversing amongst each other. Having priority access to the guild hall allowed them to actually make themselves a home there. Most of them were freelancers and spent too much of their time questing to deal with owning a home.

On the third floor balcony, Arthur Woodcrest, the chairman of the guild, stood watching the crowd pour into the hall. To his right stood a dirty, muscular man who seem to feel nervous about being there. “Now now Lione, these adventurers might judge you, but they will not voice their opinions while I am around. They know better than to mock a guest of the chairman while within his earshot!” Arthur chuckled. This seems to help the man named Lione calm down, but only a little.

“Are you sure they'll do it? That they'll help me?” Lione asked despite having been told the answer a hundred times by now.

“Oh yes, quite sure. My name is on the quest flier. It might not sound like a challenging quest for an A rank, but since it requires a royal seal, it is sure to peak the interest of many. And who can deny the chance a such a reward?” Arthur said with a smirk.

“Are you sure you are willing to give up such a valuable artifact?” Lione stepped forward staring at the old chairman.

Arthur sighed and removed a golden coin from his pocket. He flipped into the air and caught it just before it flew out of reach. He turned to look into the worried coal miner’s eyes and said intently, “I fear much darker things will happen if Macindaw remains on lockdown. Giving up this little coin may just be worth it to stop whatever is going on at the edge of the Speltaint”

--

Spoiler: Macindaw Lockdown Quest

The city of Macindaw is under a quarantine and lockdown. The military is preventing anyone from entering a five kilometer radius of the city without a royal seal. While the lockdown is a recent development, Macindaw has been experiencing a host of problems for the passed six months.

A strange disease people have been calling the Blood Frenzy has taken its toll of the city. This disease is by no means conventional. It seems spread, but not through normal means. Doctors haven't been able to identify anything. There are no symptoms or known causes. It just seems to happen.

What is known about Blood Frenzy is that is affects the mind violently. Victims are completely unaware of having it until it is too late. At that point the victim becomes violent and aggressive, attacking anything it sees. Shortly afterward the victim goes into cardiac arrest and dies. While only about a hundred people have died from this, more than three hundred people have been injured or killed by a victim in the final stages of the disease.

Only about a week ago, it was discovered that the bodies of the victims have magic inscriptions on their bones. Upon further investigation, the law enforcement found an abandoned alchemy lab with skeletons having the same inscriptions on them. Local alchemists within the city couldn't make heads or tails of the lab, putting a stop in the investigation.

In addition, citizens are outraged with poor management of rations and the inability to freely move throughout the city. Some have even started taking up arms against law enforcement and city officials.

A RANK QUEST

This is a Personal Contract by Lione Harlson and Arthur Woodcrest. For quest start, please speak to them between the hours of 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM at the Chairman’s Office, room 310.

Requirements:
Royal Seal, any level
Alchemical knowledge

Objectives:
End the Macindaw Lockdown
Expose the truth behind the Blood Frenzy.

--

Rules:
Standard RP Nation rules apply.
No Godmodding
-Controling other player characters or npcs

No Power Playing
-Moving too quickly through time, not taking damage, or inventing item without consent

No Metagaming
-Using player knowledge as character knowledge

No Autohitting
-Dealing damage without approval from either the Gamemaster or another player

Character Limit
-Maximum of two(will be extended to three for veteran players)

Character Introduction
-Once a character is accepted after the starting period, you must wait for the gamemaster to put you into the story

Inactivity
-After one week, gamemaster will control your character. After two, you character(s) will be removed from the game. After four weeks, you may be unable to rejoin.
-Inform me of absences beforehand
-This rule applies through all threads. If you are stuck, stay active in the OOC.

In Character Posting
-Only post in character on this thread
-You must provide at least two paragraphs
-Use the mention feature to tell who should be able to respond. Ex Divinyll
-Avoid double posting, even with multiple characters
-Use third person.

Also, stand by for changes and updates to lore and rules.

 

[Divinyll]

After a week of resting in the capital of Adramil, Reilara felt ready and rejuvenated. She woke up early this morning, ready to set out on a new adventure. From inside the inn room, she could see that it was still dark out which meant she had plenty of time to get ready. First thing’s for first, she thought to herself.

Rubbing the sleepiness out of her eyes, she got to work on preparing a little potion. She had laid out the ingredients last night so she'd could start without having to wake up her little friend. A dash of Cirikian pepper for flavor, fifty miligrams of Numarkian sandsalt catalyst for mixing, and a few summerbloom leaves for energy. The sandsalts heated up the potion quickly, as they did when touched by water.

Within only a few minutes, the potion was ready. It was really just tea, but since Reilara used sandsalts instead of heat it was technically a potion. She let the potion cool a little, the sandsalts would burn her throat otherwise. Once cooled, she drank the entire thing with one big chug. Afterward she cleaned the vial.

Then she put on her traveling clothes and tossed her sleepwear into her pack. She'd wait until it was light out before waking Kiev. Once her pack was filled and Kiev tied to her waist, she left the Inn and headed for the Guild. She was the first to arrive.

About an hour later, the crowd startes to form and daylight broke. Reilara wandered into an alley so she good wake Kiev and put everything into him with looking insane. Right right, I'm awake now. Thanks for lettin me sleep so long, Kiev said.

“So I was thinking we could go back to Dalenland,” Reilara started, ”cause we some more dragon bone powder for fire breath potions. What do you think?”

It's a long away way, but I love seeing the mountains. Who knows? Maybe we'll even find a dwarf! Kiev joked.

“Oh don't be silly, the dwarves don't exist. We’d have found evidence years ago!” Reilara said putting the last item into the magic bag.

Oh sure, but you'd be surprised just how deep the can dig. And their magic is fully of secrets! I'll show you one day. Maybe then you might rank up!

Reilara chuckled and rolled her eyes before returning to the crowd. Just as she got there, the doors openned and the golems let everyone in. She never could get pver the over extravagance of the first guildhall. The guildhall back in Cirikia was just a cute little office building, only one floor. Then again, Cirikia didn't really need a strong adventurer presence.

Once Reilara was inside she made her way to the Dalenland Questing Office. While there weren't any quests of her level there(those were made in Dalenland), she could tag along with a quest runners from Dalenland. Any A or S rank quests had to be shared between nations to prevent X rank events. While she waited for one to get done with there business, she started reading the available quests.

Alot of them were quite difficult sounding and she'd never risk going on one like it, but she always dreamed of being the type that would. That's when one caught her eye. It was an A rank quest put in by someone named Lione Harlson and the chairman of the entire Adventurer’s Guild, Arthur Woodcrest. He was offering an ancient magic artifact and quite a lot of coin.

Then she saw it required a Royal Seal. Bummer. She was about to move onto the next quest when she noticed it also needed someone with Alchemic knowledge. As all quests are, a multiple people can attempt the same quest, whether individually or in a group. If she could team up with someone with a royal seal, she'd meet the requirements. Since so few adventurers studied alchemy, she'd like be the only willing candidate in the entire city.

This might be your chance. Complete one of these and you might just be a C rank instantly! Kiev chimmed.

“Oh shut up,” Reilara said. She waited a moment before making up her mind. Eh, bone dust will be isn't going anywhere. She thought pulling the flier of the board. It said to go to the third floor to see the chairman for quest start, so that's where she went. She'd wait outside the door until someone came along with a royal seal.

 

[Divon]

NIRVA BULDEER

.

Time: 8:15 AM || Serena City - Adramil || City Square​

"Have you heard about what's happening in Macindaw?"
"Don't think I have -- don't you have a cousin there, Deloris?"
"Yes, it's William. Apparently there's some sort of disease spreading within the city and they've got it on lockdown. I hope Will is going to be alright."
"Disease...you mean that Blood Frenzy shmuck? That's actually real?"
"I suppose so; there's been news about people tearin' each other apart because of it."
"I reckon'd was just mankind fuckin' themselves up again, not from a disease--"

The man looked past Deloris and frowned at the inconspicuous eavesdropper that was rapidly eating away at a small, purple-blue cabbage.
"Hey, you've been standing there for a while now. Can't you get a move on?" His question sounded more like a statement to Nirva. The little lady took the hint, finishing off the last of her snack with an audible crunch while taking atleast 3 steps away from the two city-dwellers. However she returned the hard gaze he gave her.

"I'd been standin' here before the both of you arrived! Why do I have to run off?" She shot back but then a tug on her right arm began to lead her away. Nirva watched the man's brows raise in confusion as she tried to pull back her arm from an invisible force, but to no avail.
"I'm not walkin' away in my own accord! You're luckily my hands are holdin' me back, you rude bastard!" Nirva yelled as she used her left to shake her fist at the man.

After the scene some folk made way for her while others threw her distasteful glances. She didn't really mind -- yes, she did actually mind -- as her stay in Adramil wasn't one of the best as she'd experienced throughout her travels. Though could she really blame the exhibited ill-behaviour of these tense citizens? Since the recent and shocking tale of the Macindaw Lockdown and its apparent outbreak of a homicidal-inducing disease...she'd probably act extra cautious too.

"If I keep burstin' out at this rate somebody would probably think I got the Blood Frenzy..." Nirva mumbled as she felt the strong grasp on her right arm disappear, and she now had control of it again. It took her a few seconds to realise the area where the gauntlets had led her to and the realisation brought back her toothy grin and chased away the downer attitude she was about to put on.

Time: 8:21AM || Serena City - Adramil || Guild Hall​

She clapped her hands together (an action she thought that was similar to "patting" both gauntlets, for approval) and strode towards the opened gates of the city's Guild Hall. When she had first seen the Guild, which was around the dead of night, it had been closed shut. Though it still managed to sport a sense of regal-ness, even in the dark. But in daylight it was even more glorious, albeit very stuffy once inside for Nirva. Indeed, the actual Hall was much bigger than she's usually accustomed to but what's within is often the same -- adventurers, mercenaries, requesters, and if she's lucky to recognise them, a few "heroes" as well.
"Since I'm stuck here I should make myself useful."

As she shoved, ducked, and weaved her way through the bustling crowd to get to the quest board she muttered under her breath, "...Hopefully join another band of misfits too. Gets boring being alo--"

Nirva wasn't able to finish her personal monologue as a man clad in dented but functional armour cracked his elbow against her jaw. She reeled back in pain and a string of curses flowed from her slightly bloodied mouth where she had accidentally bitten her tongue upon impact. An adventurer she backed into caught her before she would've fallen onto her ass, and the makeshift warrior countered her curses with rapid-fire apologies.

The situation easily diffused itself because the gauntlets covered her mouth to prevent her from escalating it, and the warrior took her muffled silence as a sign of forgiveness. In pity, Nirva ended up being guided to the quest board by the man. When she begrudingly gave him a nod of thanks, she was left to her own gazing up at the board with a few quests that was inches above her reach.
"I'll be damned..." She groaned as she ran a hand through her unkempt hair. This wasn't the first time nor will it be the last that she needed assistance of some sort to even get a quest flier -- this is one of the many reasons why she preferred travelling in a group.

Nirva's gaze flitted around the room, noticing that the majority of the adventurers were in parties of their own. She chewed her lip, conflicted on whether she should ask to run with them or not. With how she almost got knocked out a few seconds ago, it wouldn't be a surprise that they'll reject her. Nirva shook her head and looked up once more up at the board.
"Just be useful for now."
She gritted her teeth and reached up as far as she could for any quest flier to pull down.

She had read through atleast four, with only one being in a Rank that she was able to do and so she held onto it. The D rank quest was solo however, and very short-time so she'd eventually would've come back here to fetch another one. The little fighter threw her hands up in the air in frustration, almost scattering the fliers she had torn down from her hands.
Suddenly a parchment floated down to her feet. As she bent down to inspect itshe stuffed the other fliers into the crook of her arm.

"I can't do this one either..."A" Rank and all those other requirements..." Nirva sighed deeply and straightened up. The left gauntlet that gripped the parchment tightened, almost scrunching it up. She watched it curiously for a second as her index finger brushed over the "Objectives".

"Expose the truth...?" She lowered her voice, "I mean this Blood Frenzy seems a bit too dangerous, even for me, don't you think? Besides...I got no seal and no alchemy mumbo-jumbo."
The right gauntlet violently pulled her forward, causing her to drop the fliers stored at her arm. Nirva's eyes narrowed and she began to strain against the force until she looked back over the crowd -- she saw no eyes on her for now but she didn't want to wait for the attention that she'd knew that'll come if it looked like she was being dragged away by an apparition.

"Damn, damn, okay! Why can't you just tell me? I've heard you once, even though you got no tongue and all!" She muttered savagely as she the pressure of the gauntlets ceased and her arms dropped back to her sides. She strode forward a couple of steps before realising she had no idea where she was going because she didn't read it thoroughly.
"I guess it'll be nice if I could do this, you know? For the greater good and all...but I won't be surprised if I can't."
Nirva squinted at the letters and found out where to meet the requester.
"Room 310...that's a lot of rooms to get through." She breathed quietly. But she knew basic math and so assumed that it must be on the third floor of the Guild. She looked up from the parchment and then down again. After her brief pause she began to make her way to Room 310.

Time: 8:28 AM || Serena City - Adramil || Guild Hall - 3rd Floor​

Nirva peeked around the corner of the hallway on the third floor. For good measure, the little lady re-checked the Room number and walked into the open. Another person was already standing in front of the Room that she had to be and she stopped just a few paces away before deciding to lean against the wall.
"I'm...gonna wait here too. Let them do the talking as usual."

Coded By || Stonewolf18​

 

[Divinyll]

Reilara had been pacing in front of the office door for about ten minutes. She had read the quest flier in her hand several times by now and had been trying to come up with a way to ignore the Royal Seal requirement. She was willing to go all out to do this quest. It wasn't a matter of a reward or rank, but alchemical knowledge never comes up in quests. This was her chance to show the world just what alchemy can do.

An invisibility potion would get me around the military lockdown. Oh, but I don't have any giant chameleon skins. They are way too far away for me to go hunt them myself! Someone else will surely start the quest without me. No no no. Reilara’s thoughts raced as she tried to find a solution. Maybe I could make an invisibility cloak? But that leave me without any charged arcana and I’ll need them for the quest. Is there a well between here and there? Probably not. I'm really going to have to wait for someone willing to take me with them.

Reilara turned to look over the balcony. From the third floor, she could see everything. They could have had three complete floors, but the architects knew having a massive room would be a sight to behold. She technically wasn't even the highest she could be. The fourth balcony had the door controls and the fifth had roof access.

Then someone spoke. A girl. Reilara almost jumped before turning around. Reilara was a tall person by any standards, but she had to look down to see to owner of that voice. It was almost laughable. She withheld the urge, just in case she had a royalseal.

“Um, are you h- here for the Macindaw Lockdown quest too? Do y- you have a royal seal?” She asked, struggling with her nervousness. She always felt like this around high ranking adventurers, and she though this little runt of a girl was one.

 

[Divon]

NIRVA BULDEER

.

Serena City - Adramil || Guild Hall - 3rd Floor || Divinyll
​

She did a double-take on the taller and younger looking female when Nirva realised that she was being addressed. The little fighter used the strength of her feet to kick herself off the wall so she no longer leaned against it. Nirva found the other's stuttering very amusing; sure she's meant a few that stuttered naturally but even they lacked a shred of fear in their tone when they spoke to her.

Nirva scratched at the nape of neck. "Nope, got no seal --" and she mumbled under breath " --which I actually mentioned to something before,". That earned her a pinch from the gauntlet and quickly withdrew her arm back to her side. "But I am hoping to tag along for this one. Y'know to do the dirty work part," She emphasised by running a finger across the hilt of her short sword. From an outsider's perspective they would scoff at her display of confidence but practical work is all she's really good for -- and she'll be damned to not let it show, regardless of her stunted growth.

"Since you asked about the seal...I'm guessin' you got somethin' else? I'm not one to really judge, but you don't look like an "A" Rank quester to me." Nirva squinted up at the woman and suddenly smiled. "Hah -- looks can be deceiving, as you can see!"

Coded By || Stonewolf18​

 

[Divinyll]

Divon

She’s short, but looks kinda tough. If she doesn't have a seal… she must know alchemy. Right? Why else would she really be here? Reilara wondered. Even if the short woman was more bark than bite, Reilara just wasn't built to fight.

“Yeah, no. I- I'm only a D rank. If you don't have a seal, then d- do you know a- alchemy?” Reilara had said her rank at an almost inaudible level, almost embarrassed about it. Regardless, she would prove she'd been the better alchemist to whoever possesses a royal seal.

Reilara was finding it difficult to look the other girl in the eyes. She wasn't shy, but she was intimidated by authority. It wasn't often she stood in front of an A rank adventurer, after all. There was a lot to be intimidated by. Especially when in the presence of a high ranker willing to get down with the dirty work. She knows those types tend to be a little more belligerent and violent.

 

[Divon]

NIRVA BULDEER

.

Serena City - Adramil || Guild Hall - 3rd Floor || Divinyll
​

Nirva held herself back from standing on her toes in an effort to hear what the other had said; though unfortunately she missed the first part, the little lady caught the question. She began to rock on the balls of her feet, and averted her gaze for a moment, suddenly finding the wooden railing of the 3rd floor balcony interesting.

"Nope. I'd gather ingredients for those rituals but never, uhm, did 'em myself. Thought it was obvious I have more brawn than brains." She gave the other female a side-glance as she stilled herself. "I guess I just don't have the part of wantin' to do somethin' that unnatural I guess -- but I'm not against it or anythin'."
Nirva's shoulders relaxed as her thoughts suddenly wandered off to her twin brother. She figured that he would've given the woman a more "educated" response or a full on passionate rant about the subject.

Her eyes glazed over for a second and she forced herself to turn back to the other.
"Right then, my turn. What about you? You do that fancy smart stuff? Don't worry about me givin' you shit about it -- I mean, atleast one of us has gotta fit the quest requirement after all."
Nirva might end up proving Esse Periit wrong this time -- she may be unable to take this task after all. but she first might as well try and see if she could.

Coded By || Stonewolf18​

 

[Divinyll]

Divon

Reilara felt the tension she was subconsciously build release, causing her to give a sigh of relief. So I don't have to compete after all. Reilara thought. A new confidence and sense of superiority built up within her.

“Alchemy isn't unnatural!” Reilara almost shouted. She blinked rapidly and shook her head gently. “ Alchemy isn't unnatural. It’s wonderful and opens up so many new possibilities. Some people just…” Reilara trailed off, remembering the horrible things her parents had done.

Reilara? Kiev said concerned

“Some people just try to take shortcuts that aren't meant to be taken. People get hurt, sometimes worse. But alchemy isn't unnatural. It can solve so many problems and do so much good. I can show you and the whole rest of the world the good in alchemy!” Reilara said with such fiery passion that she intimidated herself.

She turned away, hiding her embarrassment. Being from Cirikia, she was embarrassed to be so loud. Reilara couldn't help it though. Alchemy was all she felt she had left. She needed to show the world that is was good. Otherwise her brother would've been...it would've meant everything her parents did was evil.

 

[Divon]

NIRVA BULDEER

.

Serena City - Adramil || Guild Hall - 3rd Floor || Divinyll
​

She had taken two quick steps backwards when the woman suddenly let out an outburst, and a hand instinctively grabbed for the hilt of her blade. She made no further movement than that as she sensed no possibility of a brawl happening between them, though Nirva kept her hand there as the feeling of steel in her grip was quite reassuring.

Nirva blinked awkwardly as the other turned away and she forced out a deep exhale from her nose."Wow, damn. Now there's another reason for me to not try alchemy then," she cautiously took a step forward and chuckled, "Because I sure love taking shortcuts."
The little fighter licked her chapped lips and tried to see past the female, in an attempt to look as if she was staring at her. She truly didn't mean to make the other blow up suddenly, though these sort of things unfortunately happen often as of not, as her words had triggered similar (if not more violent) reactions before.

Upon treading down memory lane of such experiences, Nirva felt heated tension blossom up her neck and she lost the remnants of the smile that she had worn during the earliest parts of the conversation. The awkwardness she felt just moments ago dissipiated into annoyance and disbelief. "Also didn't I just say I had nothin' against that stuff? Why are you suddenly being so shitty to me when I meant no offense...?"

Nirva used her free hand to rough up her already messy locks as she breathed harshly through her nose. "You know what, don't -- do you -- can we just backtrack from this entire conversation? This is definitely leading down to some personal sort of shit that a bunch of misfits in a party would talk about; and we haven't even gotten each other's names yet."

She stared long and hard at the other, a hand still on the hilt of her shortsword.
"I'm Nirva and I mean no offense to whatever you like doing in your spare time -- hell, I would be more than happy to help you out if you wanted it too." She said carefully as she gauged the body language of the female.

Coded By || Stonewolf18​

 

[Divinyll]

Divon

“Sorry sorry, bad memories.” Reilara said without turning around. She look up and closed her eyes. She inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly, calming her nerves. She was glad she wasn't as loud as she could've been. Then she had an idea. She looked down at her waist, at the magical dimension bag and whispered, “Kiev, give me a vial of true sight”

Reilara took the vial out of the little bag amd spun around. She held it up for the small woman to see. It was a small tune with a cork containing a translucent black fluid. “See this. This is something alchemy can do. It's a potion that lets you see in pure darkness, through rain, fog, and dust. It even temporarily cures blindness. There are potions like it, but only alchemy can perfect it. Take it. It only last about an hour”

She lowered her hand to let the smaller one take it. “My name is Reilara. Reilara P- Parosa of Cirikia” she said with an uneasy smile.

 

[Divon]

NIRVA BULDEER

.

Serena City - Adramil || Guild Hall - 3rd Floor || Divinyll
​

"Yeah, I figured." Nirva slowly nodded in understanding as she felt the simmer of her anger die down substantially. If she hadn't resist the urge to fist-bump the air in victory of diffusing the tension, her gauntlets surely would've stopped her from doing so. So she busied her hands by idly swinging them by her sides; and so the hand had gripped the shortsword hilt was freed from its burden.

She watched curiously as the other woman turned back to face her with a small vial in her hand. The little fighter's head tilted to the side as she observed the slightly transparent dark fluid slosh within the glass as the young Alchemist explained its properties. Nirva blinked rapidly when she processed the part that the vial was a gift, and her face easily broke out into another wide grin; this time actually sincere.

"Reilara Parosa of Cirikia." Nirva Buldeer tested out her name on her tongue as she eagerly snatched the potion from Reilara's outstretched palm. She raised it to her eye-level and shook it playfully. "You really make it up to people fast, don't you? There should be more folk like you out there, it'll make my life more enjoyable than it already is!"
Nirva hastily shoved the vial into the satchel that hung by her waist before shooting a wink at the young Alchemist.

"All I've got to offer you is my sword and company though. Once we get on with this quest It'll be my turn to show you just what I'm capable of, Reilara." Her brows furrowed suddenly, as she remembered something. "Well, kind of depends if I'm actually allowed on this quest anyway." Nirva ended up mumbling the rest, "But I'm never really in it for the rewards; I find my own loot in the end."

Coded By || Stonewolf18​

 

[Mqueserasera]

Before the massive doors, two people were greeting each others. One of them dressed in leather armor, the kind that usually would not stand-out this place if not for its wearer. The other person in contrast, was wearing a long, slender dress, practical for anything but adventurer works, that person was looking up to door frame far above.

"Admiring fine craftsmanship, Frenda?" The girl in leather amor asked?
"All the money into all the wrong things you mean, what good are ornaments when we can't have a little more room around here?", The girl said, returned her gaze to the one before her.
"A beautiful sight has it practical use, I told you. Shall we go in?" Although, Walpurga quietly agreed as she navigating through the crowd with her friend, this place can use some more space. Not that it's easy to imagine a room bigger than this.

Walpurga stopped before the general quest board then glanced at her companion.
"Have you got a quest for us?"
"I haven’t told you, huh? I can't accompany this time, got a special quest from the college."
Walpurga's friend and guild mate feigned an apologetic face while her tone betraying a carefree mood.

"But you see, dear Walpurga, you can't just rely on me all the time, grow your own wings, fly away and someday you can even teach me a thing or two. Still, it saddened me to..."
"That was quite enough of an explanation, Frenda. Is there any profitable quest you know of?", Walpurga cut her short. Her friend had always been helpful when it came to questing since she has more acquainted in this business than her, even if she acts a little off at times, although Walpurga is not as annoyed by it as her friend hopes. The fact that Walpurga was relying on her too much was not as troubling as it should be, in the end, one cannot accomplish anything in this line of business without some helps. Only the foolish would let their pride isolated themselves from others.

"You still want to try an A rank quest right? No luck so far, eh? Maybe I have something for our little greedy girl here."
"Any worth accomplishing goal requires money, Frenda. And I can't blame the A rank adventurers for not wanting a C rank joining them.", She answered in a matter-of-fact-tones.

Higher ranking quest means bigger rewards, but they are divided based on contributions or rank, so it's not as attractive as it seems to lower rank adventurer. Nevertheless, completing an A rank quest can boost one's rank, so it still wouldn't be a waste in the end.

"This one requires a royal seal though; apparently a village was overrun with a strange disease causing people to attack each other. You know, like bar brawl, but with a reason. Just take a look will you?" The cheerful girls bid her farewell and disappeared into the crowd.




"Unknown disease, civil unrest, agitated authority... Frenda, are you by chance trying to get rid of me." Walpurga mumbled to herself in the Dalending Questing office.

This is too good an opportunity regardless. This quest can put an entire city in her favor, its benefit for her career in the future will be immeasurable. But where can she find an adventure with alchemical ability? Well, that's too much doubt for a day, she thought, I will just report to the requester and see if someone comes along.

Walpurga quickly made her way to the third floor. Her eyes fixed on her destination and didn’t linger on any unimportant detail for long. But she wasn’t completely unaware of her surrounding, there weren’t as many people in this hallway, and only two seemed to have the same goal as her.
They were talking about something in front of the room; Walpurga also noted that they didn’t seem to be accquainted.

The mage approached and greet them, “Pardon me, ladies. I have some business to attend to in this room.” she slightly lower her head and gestured toward the door.

They both don’t seem like A rank adventurer, Walpurga concluded. People in A rank usually show of confident borderline arrogant that can only be seen in the powerfuls and the fools. Neither of them had that kind of expression. Are both of them alchemist? Are there even two adventurers who deal with alchemy in this city? Or perhaps one of them has a royal seal? She musing those question while observing the girls before her.

“If perhaps you two have also come here for the quest to Macindaw then I’d like to propose that we enter together. What do you say?”

Divinyll Divon

 

[Divinyll]

Divon Mqueserasera

Reilara was pleased to have made amends. Normally that potion would have costed quite a bit of money, but it'd be well worth it to prove her point. “I'm not really in it for the reward either, but always looking for a chance to use alchemy for good”

Reilara felt a less intimidated by the short one. She seemed nice enough, just a little rough around the edges. “You are from Dalenland, aren't you?” Having been to Dalenland a lot in the past three years, she'd grown to learn it's people a little better. Nirva certainly didn't look like a Numarkian either.

A third person spoke, cause Reilara to jump little again. This time, she spoke more bravely. “Oh yes, certainly. Do you have a royal seal? I'm Reilara Parosa, an alchemist” she might have not stuttered, but she did talk a little faster than normal. This new person, however, looked less intimidating and a little more familiar.

 

[Mqueserasera]

“So you really are here for the quest.” Walpurga said, a hint of relief in her voice, “I was wondering if I can find a half-decent alchemist in this city for the job.”
At least this girl seems polite enough, it’s always good to have someone obedience and well-behaved around. Sadly, that was not the case for over half of adventurers, Walpurga thought as she glanced at the well-built one beside Reilara, like this one. Hopefully that other girl can do some fighting or I will have to stick with bashing people’s head with my staff again. Otherwise, well, brainless brutes aren’t impossible to deal with, but I would rather not induce any needless headache along the way.

“I am Walpurga Mauer, a magic user with a bronze Royal Seal.” She introduced herself briefly, it’s not really fitting to linger too long in front of the door. “So long as you can do whatever our requesters want with the disease, I will assure your safety with my wards, which I’m rather proud of.”

Divinyll Divon

 

[Meekakitty]

Meeka was woken up by the chattering of the crowd outside the guild hall. She felt fairly well rested and ready for a new quest. She spoke to her friend Arthur in the late hours of the day before about a potential quest. Some man came from a town not far from the Speltaint. Meeka dreaded going back to that place, but she had matured since her last venture there. By the sound of it the location wouldn't be in the Speltaint, just close. She didn't fear that place, she just had bad memories from it. She cleared her mind before she started to dwell on the past.

The doors would be open and the crowd would flood in soon. Meeka wanted to watch the guild hall come to life. She enjoyed the morning busyness. She quickly dressed herself and gathered her equipment before leaving her dorm of the second floor. A few other guild residents were already out and about getting breakfast and idly chatting. She walked over to the balcony and peered over the edge. The doors shifted into motion and opened. The sunlight gleamed through the cracks. Meeka eyes adjusted quickly as those from the desert are accustomed to the brightness of day. The golems allowed the crowd in and the first floor was soon brimming with activity. She strolled over to the quest board on the second floor and browsed it. The question Arthur mentioned had been posted so she ripped the page from the board and proceeded to the third floor.

The floor was empty, as it was still early. When she arrived at room 310 she entered without hesitation. Arthur and the client were waiting patiently. Meeka greeted Arthur, but didn't give the client any acknowledgment. She took a seat in one of the nearby chairs and awaited briefing. Artur and the client mingled, and Meeka wasn't very interested. She heard Arthur mention her, but she didn't make any gesture indicted she was listening in. She heard a couple women arguing outside the door of the room, but otherwise didn't pay much attention. She simply waited patiently for something to happen.

 

[Divinyll]

Divon Mqueserasera Meekakitty

Arthur busied himself with his typical morning paperwork. The old man managed to keep a smile on his round face, even with a mind of worry. The other man was not so composed. He stared at the Numarkian woman with desperation in his eyes. The woman wasn't friendly or talkative. The chairman had assured him that it was just the way she was, especially around men. The Numarkian Deserts were rough hostile and damn near lawless. A much more uncivilized and violent Dalenwood.

When a few women started chatting outside the door, the coal miner started getting antsy. One of the voices escalated causing the man to rise to his feet. He walked over to the door and was about to open it when Arthur spoke. “Now hold on there young man. Best not meddle in the affairs of adventurers lest you want to be a part of them. They'll come in when they are good and ready to. Sit, sit down. Your wife and children aren't going anywhere!” The chairman joked with such a calm voice. Lione backed down, though he wasn't all too amused with the chairman making light of his situation. Arthur had been too kind to him; he meant well with his joke.

--

Reilara nodded and stepped over to the door. She was still looking as the new woman while she fumbled with the door. I swear I've seen her before, she thought. She shook the thought out and focused on opening the door. She had to look at the door to find out she was grabbing the wall.

“I'm not just half decent, I'm the best alchemist in Cirikia. I won't let you down!” She said cheerfully. When it came to alchemy, she felt as if she had no equal. She opened the door to let the other women in.

 

[Divon]

NIRVA BULDEER

.

Serena City - Adramil || 3rd Floor of Guild Hall || Divinyll Mqueserasera Meekakitty​

“I'm not really in it for the reward either, but always looking for a chance to use alchemy for good.”

The little fighter rolled her eyes at that, but the grin on her lips betrayed any notion of offense.
"How you really wanna make a great name for alchemy is kind of tear-jerkin', you know." She chuckled as she placed a hand on her hip.

“You are from Dalenland, aren't you?”

Nirva shrugged airily, "Yep, nice guess! Though I look worse for wear than the usual nomadic folk; we're actually supposed to be hygienic people."

A twitch of her ear notified her of approaching footsteps upon the wooden boards of the 3rd floor, and Nirva quickly turned her head to see the new arrival. She was greeted to the sight of a fair and pale woman draped in a common travelling cloak with a few glimpses of clean armour beneath. She straightened her posture, but nevertheless remained the shortest, and regained a bit of the lost tension from before. It's more of a reflex now, especially to those with appearances that had the possibility on kicking her ass.

“Pardon me, ladies. I have some business to attend to in this room.”

Nirva politely stepped out of the woman's way as she herself politely spoke to them.

“If perhaps you two have also come here for the quest to Macindaw then I’d like to propose that we enter together. What do you say?”

“Oh yes, certainly. Do you have a royal seal? I'm Reilara Parosa, an alchemist”

What surprised the little lady was Reilara's quick response to the other female's query and the lack of her stutter. She quietly snorted at that small detail as she added her own name to the conversation, "Nirva -- not an alchemist or someone who's got a seal."

“So you really are here for the quest.”

“I was wondering if I can find a half-decent alchemist in this city for the job.”

Nirva made eye-contact with the fair woman and she deflated a little. She saw something in the younger female's eyes that Reilara did not have -- and holy shit did irritation blended with self-pity wash over Nirva like waves creeping up on a sandy beach.

The little fighter tore her gaze away from the Mage as she introduced her name and instead started awkwardly humming to herself. She'd be damned if she ruined Reilara's good chances with this Walpurga Mauer with whatever her heart wanted to spit out; but instead all she uttered (to no one in particular) was "You've got a seal, great stuff."

“So long as you can do whatever our requesters want with the disease, I will assure your safety with my wards, which I’m rather proud of.”

“I'm not just half decent, I'm the best alchemist in Cirikia. I won't let you down!”

Once the young Alchemist had opened the door to Room 310, Nirva quickly breezed past the two of them -- offering Walpurga two thumbs-up and a tight grin as she past her.

Serena City - Adramil || 3rd Floor of Guild Hall - Room 310​

Three folk were already inside; Nirva assumed that the requester and client were the two men while the other was a brown-skinned woman seated upon one of the chairs.
The little lady whistled, impressed at the sight of the long blade that was strapped to the woman's back, as she herself half-ran, half-walked past her to snag one of the remaining chairs to sit on. With her feet barely touching the floor, she attempted to make herself comfortable by wriggling around a bit.

"Right! I'm -- we're here now! Let's get to it."

Coded By || Stonewolf18​

 

[Mqueserasera]

Walpurga’s eyebrows raised at the short girl’s gesture, wondering how she is supposed to feel about it. Seconds after meeting those potential quest mate, she was reminded how little she knew about the adventurers’ culture. For four years she had done many quests with all kinds of people, but never did she think of this job as anymore than a part-time job, a stepping stone on her path. The finer detail in how these people socialize had never interested her.. She deemed them trivial then and still does now. Still, maybe getting to know if people are plotting behind your back or not is nice. She made a mental note to attempt learning some adventurer’s social etiquettes later from those girls.

Inside the room, the chairman was sitting behind his desk. Not as relaxing as the chairman is a muscular young man who Walpurga assumed was Lione Harlson, one of the two requesters on the flyer. It was a habit of hers to remember seemingly important person’s name, very useful in times of need. But those men weren’t the most stand-out sight in the room. A woman was sitting in the room, fully armed with weapons and a distracted look. This is the kind of confident borderline arrogant Walpura was looking for, Of course at least one rank A is interested in this quest. She sighed a little inside thinking of the reward distribution.

Bowed down her head a bit, Walpurga introduced herself again, “Walpurga Mauer, I’m here for the quest of Macindaw, I also have a royal seal with me.”


Divinyll Divon Meekakitty

 

[Divinyll]

Divon Mqueserasera Meekakitty

Just as Reilara was about to enter two scary looking men arrived. Both of them wore the same black armor, one of them had no helmet. He was missing his left eye, but had replaced it with a arcana stone. He also had a tattoo around his missing eye. That tattoo continued down passes his neck. The helmet one simply entered the room silently while the one eyed one nodded at Reilara. He simply said “thank you” before entering himself.

Reilara herself entered, feeling uneasy about the black knights. She closed the door quietly and turned back around to face the chairman.

“Lione, if you would kindly explain the situation” Arthur said, still busy with his paperwork.

The coal miner seemed much smaller with the black knights towering over him, but he’d been around worse things so he did not waver. “Right right. My home, Macindaw City is under lockdown. They aren't letting anyone in or out without a-”

“They already know this my friend. Tell them everything else.” Arthur said without looking up

“Uh, yeah. My wife and children are trapped in the city. I need to know they are safe. I need you to get them out of the city. Bring them here. Their names are Gretta, Amelia, Hans, and Mika, Gretta’s me wife and Hans me oldest son. You'll want to find him first, works at the only tax office in the city. He'll lead ye to the rest. Please, I can't rest until I know my family is safe”

“Very god Lione, my turn now. Arthur placed his quill down and stood up. After securing Mister Harlson’s family, get with Jhames Schimmer, the town mayor. Tell him I sent you and he'll do everything in his power to help you. Find this accursed alchemist and stop him from spread more of his treachery. Too many good people have died by his hand” Arthur said dropping the smile from his face.

Reilara was frantically taking down notes. Being her first A rank quest, she didn't want to forget anything. The two black knights shifted. The helmeted one stays silent once again, the other spoke. “Aye yeah, Master Chairman. That's all find an good lad, but what of this artifact ye be offerin’?”

The chairman remained silent as he scanned the room. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small golden coin. One side with the ancient common word for “bad” and the other side read “good”. “This is a fate coin. You can ask it your fate and flip the coin and it will tell you if your next hour will be fortunate or unfortunate. It will only answer once per day. You can effectively cheat death. However, should you wish to change your fate, simply tell the coin ‘I do not accept my fate’ in ancient common and toss the coin into the air. You'll know if it worked if it disappears. That last time anybody use a fate coin must have been when facing the Dragon King Komoiza almost two hundred years ago. And we all know how that turned out”

--

COMMON KNOWLEDGE

The Dragon King Komoiza had not only lost a fight against a single adventurer, but that same adventurer was completely unharmed. Considering an entire armies struggle with lesser dragons, it was undoubtedly the most impressive feat recorded, even more impressive than Jaggerous’ defeat.

 

[Meekakitty]

Divon Mqueserasera Divinyll

Meeka watched as the inexperienced adventurers entered the room. Some of them look like they've never been in battle. She thought. The two black knights that entered looked like the most suitable companions for this quest. Still, she neglected them for their gender, and decided she'd rather go alone. She examined her copy of the quest flier as the briefing began. So an alchemist is needed then. Which one of these people would that be? She glanced over the adventurers. Her eyes focused on two women, they both seem neatly and tidy. Probably one or both of them.

One of the black knights asked about the reward. Meeka's interest in the briefing returned to Arthur, who held up a gold coin. As Arthur explained it Meeka thought of it's potential uses. She desired it, but she was more in it for the money rather the artifact. She decided to take on this quest. "You have my interest," Said commented," though the only alchemist's I know of are outside of the country. If anyone here is one, speak up." Her words were cold and demanding. She scanned the room looking for someone to answer.

 

[Divon]

NIRVA BULDEER

.

Serena City - Adramil || 3rd Floor of Guild Hall - Room 310 || Divinyll Mqueserasera Meekakitty​

Nirva's attention flitted between the composed man -- who she assumed to be Arthur, the requester -- as he debriefed them about the quest, and the two knights in death-like armour. Despite her fidgeting and lack of proper attention to the details being explained, she wasn't taken aback about the information overload or how these bigger and intimidating folk were possibly going to be her newest party -- it was quite the opposite. Perhaps it was the fact that she'd been travelling on her own for far too long, on a fruitless search for her old party members. Making conversation to a magical artifact that can't even talk back, or more so doesn't bother to, loses its charm after a few days.

"Oh shit should I be writing this down...?" The little fighter muttered under her breath. To her relief, she didn't have to as she glanced over at Reilara who was furiously scribbling down notes. She almost laughed to herself at that as she didn't even have a parchment to write on unless she'd have to use the quest flier.
Nirva's brows furrowed as the reward for completing the quest sounded way too valuable to be just handed off like this, even for an A Rank quest. She quickly shrugged the thought away -- thinking about it too much would lead her head down a hurtful path. However the sudden curling of her fists, controlled by Esse Periit, worried her a tad.

"You have my interest, though the only alchemist's I know of are outside of the country. If anyone here is one, speak up."

The little lady piped up with her own expression of interest, "Yep, count me in too! Also, don't sweat about chasin' after your alchemy friends, sword woman, because Reilara--" Nirva jutted a thumb at the young Alchemist whose head was still down on finishing the last details of her notes, "is a self-proclaimed quality alchemist!"
She pushed herself off the chair and stood with a hand on her hilt. "And we've got a royal seal too," Nirva didn't bother to spare a glance at Walpurga as she said so. "so I guess we're settled? I'm damn sure there's nothin' else."

Nirva intentionally didn't mention about the "A" Rank requirement, because with the number of candidates for the quest one of them was bound to be atleast that rank. All she wanted was to tag along.

Coded By || Stonewolf18​

 

[Mqueserasera]

Walpurga observed the new adventurers following behind her into the room, wondering if they would be her allies or competitor, the conclusion soon came to her. Team up with higher ranking adventurers mean her share of the reward will drop significantly compares to working with adventurers in the same rank. In that regards, she should team up with the alchemist girl and the shorty. But their chance of success as a team full of low-rank adventurers is not high. If it was her, she won't mind a little disadvantage, but she wasn't sure if the other girls share her resolve. The girl concluded that at least one of the three high-ranking adventurers is needed.

Walpurga was troubled by the generous reward for this quest. Surely a treasure that can help one observes and manipulates fate is too big a reward for saving a town. Such a treasure even tie with the name of a legendary figure. Kings and lords must flock to it the moment its name is announced. People either want to have it or don't want others to have it. The value for such high demand is unimaginable.
The mage couldn't help but stole a glance over other adventurers in the room. Can she trust anyone of them to play fair before such a desirable reward?

She responded to the other girls' declaration to team up with a gentle nod toward the alchemist girl. "I too would like to team up with you, Reilara. Of course, The decision to have someone else joining us is yours to make as I don't have any other suggestion as of this moment". Then she turned to the chairman again.

"I have a question," Walpurga spoke up. "With a quest and reward of this scale to have two separate objectives, I want to know what would happen if we can only accomplish one objective? Based on the reward, I trust that we are to take priority on saving the city over that man's family, but what will we get if that was the case? What if we can only save his family, but the city is a lost cause?" The mage frowned, her eyes fixed on the chairman's reaction. "Or are you going to tell us to complete both or nothing? You surely understand that we would immediately abandon this quest the moment we fail to accomplish one object if that was the case."

Divinyll Divon Meekakitty

 

[Divinyll]

Divon Mqueserasera Meekakitty

Reilara perked her head up when her name was mentioned, but said nothing. She was too concerned with making sure she had written everything she needed to remember. She was struggling to keep up.

At the mage’s question, Arthur seemed to ponder the thought. “Yes that is a good questions. I certainly wasn't expecting so many so soon. As it is the most powerful artifact in my arsenal, that coin is reserved for completion of all tasks successfully. They mayor of Macindaw is supplying the majority of the gold, though I don't know the exact amount, I know it is a small fortune. He only cares for the end of the lockdown. As for Mister Harlson’s family, we have eight hundred gold. Now it wouldn't be right to only give an entire party of six one artifact. Once you return, I'll discuss further rewards with Mister Harlson and Mayor Schimmer. I have plenty of artifacts to go around,” the old chairman said, sitting back down.

“Brilliant, I will see it done” The one eyed knight replied. His silent companion simply grunted deeply and crossed his arms. He didn't seem satisfied, but it was hard telling without a face to see. Something about him disturbed Reilara. From his silence to his armor, there was definitely something off about him.

“Any more questions?” The chairman asked, picking up his famous smile.

 

[Meekakitty]

Meeka smiled at the spunky little one. She imagined she would have been like that had things gone differently. "I wasn't worried about the seal. I've collected my fair share of those," she chuckled. Turning her attention toward the one called Reilara. She seemed determined to keep track of the briefing. It amused Meeka to a same degree. She guessed this would be her first real quest. Can I allow such an innocent person to go on such a dangerous voyage? She pondered. Perhaps it would be better to find an alchemist with more experience instead. Then again, I've done things, that most her age wouldn't have been able to do, as a teen with no experience. I'll have to test her resolve.

When the other well kept girl spoke it pulled Meeka out of her thought. With all these novice adventurers revving up for a dangerous task, she feared she'd had to protect them. She assumed the two black knights wouldn't be of any assistance, but rather competitors. If they were going to get in her way, she'd kill them. The mage girl asked a bunch of questions of if we were to fail. Meeka thought it was funny. To her, this was a small quest. Her chance of failure was low. She didn't let that affect her judgement though. She knew that quest difficulty can be changed in a heartbeat. She wouldn't let herself underestimate a quest like this.

Something was off about the quest. Arthur didn't seem to be telling the full story. The reward he is offering is worthy of something more than a quest like this. Meeka felt in her heart that if she would fail, something terrible would occur. Whatever Arthur is hiding, he is doing it to avoid raising alarm.

Meeka stood as the briefing seemed to be coming to a close. She planned to partner up with Reilara. If the others would come, she wouldn't reject them, but she wasn't going to protect them either. Reilara was all Meeka needed, the others would just be meat shields.

 

[Divon]

NIRVA BULDEER

.

Serena City - Adramil || 3rd Floor of Guild Hall - Room 310 || Divinyll Mqueserasera Meekakitty​

Now it wouldn't be right to only give an entire party of six one artifact. Once you return, I'll discuss further rewards with Mister Harlson and Mayor Schimmer. I have plenty of artifacts to go around.

Nirva had been pacing back and forth during the answering, paying only the minimum of attention but remembering details that she'd thought herself important. Of course she'd figured gold would be part of the reward and she didn't need to check her satchel if she needed more; she could feel it.
The little fighter didn't actually use any of her coin to buy potions, stock on food or new weaponry and armour so it's a wonder how most of her gold gets used up. She can't carry all that stuff by herself and it'll be more burdensome than anything else. Though it couldn't be because she often spent it on the best rooms in an Inn or how she usually ends up eating quality food in towns or cities she's wandered into, right? Either way she believed that it was all worth it anyway.

When she sensed that the briefing was meeting its end, the little lady lifted her eyes from the floor and surveyed the folk in the room. Large sword woman, high-born mage, Reilara and two death-knights. Nirva suddenly inhaled sharply when her hand grabbed her chin and forced it to stay in a particular position where she was staring at the knights in dark armour.
"Ow, gods! I don't get what you're goin' at...!" She muttered as she used the same hand that her gauntlet was controlling to run through her unkempt hair; in an attempt to make it look natural.

Esse Periit usually acted up when there's trouble, particularly if she was going to cause it. But all in all Nirva had no clue what was truly wrong with the situation -- they're all just a party of adventurers ready to embark on a dangerous quest; for money, fame, or the greater good. Even better she wouldn't be travelling alone this time, even if its for a limited time. Esse Periit was a decent helper but not even closest to a good conversationalist.

“Any more questions?”

The little lady inched closer to the door now. "So we all good? I'm revved up to go --" Nirva placed her hand on the door frame so whoever made an indication to move she would be the first one out of the room, "and, uhm, I'll let you all lead first -- the other thing I'm best at is not gettin' in other peoples way." The last part was definitely a lie but it sounded so heartfelt and giddy that she even believed what she said.

Coded By || Stonewolf18​