After Mentor finishes his statement, Branra waits a few seconds before raising his glass in toast "To a successful mission and the banishing of the forces of chaos!"

After drinking most of the remaining ale in his glass, he turns to Mentor and says "We won't let you down."

“I guess we better get going, then. Thanks for everything, Mentor,” Addi says as she gets up from the table one Branra is done with his toast.

Mentor smiles to himself with pride and admiration.  He then stands and reaches into the leather pouch at his side; pulling out several small green carved figures, setting each one on the table.  The first is quickly recognized as the legendary hero Rogar, sword held high, his long hair down to his muscular form, and his iconic metal studded belt, chainmail loincloth, and fur boots; traditional garb of the barbarians of the time.  The second is an armored dwarf, in thick leather attire, with a longaxe in hand; his long beard split down the center, making two braids.  The third is an elf, sword at the ready; his clothing light for maneuverability, and an air of agility about him.  A human figure follows, staff planted on the ground while his other hand is raised, as if to cast a spell; his cloak billowed behind him, as if he commanded the wind itself.  The final figure is also quickly recognized, as the Mentor himself; though much younger in age and appearance, still possessing the stern look of determination, as well as a bit more hair upon his head.

"These are some of the heroes that have come before you.  Not all are remembered, but they all served the Empire and gave their all to combat the Forces of Chaos.  I would like each of you to take one, in hopes that they inspire you to stand tall upon the shoulders of those that came before you; and to remember that you too shall one day be the heroes of this realm."

Addi takes the one that looks like the human that looks like they’re going to cast a spell. She also looks at it, trying to discern if there are any special properties about it. Arcana: 4. Investigation: 18

Examining the figure, Addi notices that they are made of jade; a valuable stone.  Upon looking it over, she finds arcane runes at the bottom of it's square base; that require the wielder to bond with the item.  There are additional runes behind the bonding runes, but they are broken and partly hidden.  It appears that the first requirement must be met before the other runes are revealed.

Luna takes the Elf jade figure

OOC: Is Addi able to read the runes?

Branra will take the statue of Rogar, the barbarian, and looks it over with some interest. 

Fallon watched Luna pick up the elven figure and gave it a strange look "Whoa there, cleric" they reached out a hand to press hers, and the figure, gently back down onto the table "Like calls to like and all that. This one looks lithe and quick. Lightly armored to move fast and deadly...like me." The shifter picked up the dwarven figure with another hand "This one looks a bit like a cleric to me, wouldn't you agree? Why don't you hold onto that and I'll take our sneaky friend here."

((let's see if I can convince Luna Persuasion: 14 I cannot q.q))

Mentor looks down at his figure, still left on the table; a slight look of disappointment in his eyes.

Luna looks at Fallon then at Mentor. She lets go of the jade elf figure and picks up the one that looks like the Mentor saying to Mentor; "I like this one the best." Then looking back at Fallon saying; "I was just looking at it cause it reminded me of my mom." With that Luna walks and sits on the grass still holding on to the Mentor's jade figure.

Luna looks at the bottom of the Mentor figure in her hand and sees the runes; she holds her Amulet up to it and prays for divine guidance in understanding these Arcane symbols. Arcana: 10

Luna use's Message to ask Mentor; "How do you bond with items?"

Inside Luna's head, she hears; "I like your choice.  Your bond will come with time; it will show you the way."

Addi whispers to Fallon, “Maybe the statue of Mentor is best for you. He looks like the closest thing to a rogue here.” Pausing, she thinks and says while still whispering, “I noticed there are runes that require us to bond with our statues. Not sure how that works, but maybe we can work on that together.”

Before Fallon can reply, Mentor picks up the dwarven figure, looking at it.  He then looks up to Julian, who is currently munching on some pie, with a bit of a potato wedge still sticking out of his mouth.  Mentor stands up, and puts the dwarf figure back into his pouch.  "Julian, this was a test.  A hero needs to know when to take initiative, and you failed to act.  You are not quite ready.  But fret not, I need assistance here at the Academy.  Forces of Chaos will seek to pressure us here while the others are away, I will need a protector while I stop the Powers of Chaos from influencing the Empire.  I need you to be a defender right now."

As Julian sits there, his mouth too full to reply, Mentor turns to the rest of the group.  "The chariot is ready, talk to the driver Tarric; he will take you wherever you need to go in the Capital before you leave for the Borderlands.  Tarric knows the Borderlands well, as well as the roads that span from there.  Use his knowledge to your advantage.  The time has come for your adventure to begin."  He then walks over to Julian, puts his hand on his shoulder; and leads him back into the Academy.  The neigh of a horse can be heard in the distance out front of the Academy.  Branra, a breeze brings the small of the flowered hidden field from the bushes on the far side of the courtyard; a reminder that it will be some time before you are able to return to your place of rest.

“Well then, I guess we better get going, then. Fallon, take the statue of Mentor that he left behind. You may need it. Let’s go talk to our driver, then,” Addi says as she starts walking away, flipping her hair over her shoulder.

Branra will place the statue of Rogar in his pack before he slings the pack over his back and follows the others out to the chariot softly singing a bawdy tune slightly off-key.

Once they are all settled in the chariot, he asks "Is there anything we should get for adventure, like a medicinal kit?"

The carriage is black, soft violet cushioning inside, with the driver Tarric sitting up top; hands on the reins to the horses.  His hair is mid length and black, his clothing brown and white; with the wear of a traveler upon them.  The horses are large and sturdy looking, all four geared up for the long journey.  There are only four seats inside the carriage, with the places for two more spots removed and replaces with your gear and supplies, as well as a red dyed wooden chest; that no lock resides upon.  The carriage shifts and moves, as the horses stir in impatience, and a soft jingle of coins can be heard from inside the closed chest.

Luna gets up and walks to the carriage then get in taking a seat in the back left corner.