The Tower's doors (main doors - those that lead to the living quarters we never closed), so, the main doors open up way past dawn. There was a reason to that, of course, even two - "Three jolly goblins" and "Bridge Troll", not to mention several Inns around, that could provide enough nightly distraction as well. And this morning was not an exception. But it finally happened and you could come in.
The entrance with the guild emblem above it - a sword across an open book - was impressive and so was the main hall - marble, dark wood, polished metal and stained glass. Marble benches for visitors, that were waiting their turn, did not look all that comfortable, but whoever built the place was not aiming for a comfort. Right in front of the entrance doors and a bit to the right, visitors immediately could see the no less impressive counter with a clerk behind it - today (or always?) it was a touch scrawny human boy, trying his best to look wise and experienced. To the left was a smaller compartment with a couple of gnomes in it, looking busy even without visible activity.
Solemnity of the whole scene was a bit broken, though, by the presence of brightly dressed individual with a mug of something obviously strong, leaning on the clerk's counter and unceremoniously staring at the visitors, while smiling and giving comments to the agitated young man.
Leon took in the scene as he walked inside. He thought it looked about as he expected, but was glad there was little comfort to be had, as that would have made him feel they were not serious about this. He walked on up to the counter and nodded to both the boy and the man leaning against the counter.
"Name's Leon." He says with a glance between the two. "I am in need of some coin, so was hoping to find work here..." His voice is calm and soft, but spoken in a way that there is no trouble hearing his words.
"By the gods and goddesses - a Githyanki!" exclaimed the man with the mug and took a gulp, "and it's barely morning!" He pointed a finger at the clerk: "I predict a hot day for you, mark my words."
The boy rolled his eyes, audibly gritted teeth but did not answer to the man. Instead, he cleared his throat, tried his best to recreate a welcoming smile and gave Leon a short (most likely rehearsed) speech. "Greetings brave Adventurer" (you could hear that capital "A") "The guild is welcoming you in this halls of Fame and Glory, where your brothers in arms will always aid you in the most troublesome times." ("For a good portion of your money and your glory," commented the man, but boy ignored him) "Should you join our ranks, your future will be brighter than the metal of your blade" ("When did you polish your blade last time?" The man just could not help it)"Our door and our hearts are open to you - join and share our fortune!"
After the awkward pause (the man was studying Leon's reaction all that time with laughter in his eyes, while the boy was the very definition of "hope") the man put his mug at the counter and declared: "You are doing it all wrong. Let me explain it, Will." He looked at Leon "Listen, kid - can I call you kid? I will call you kid. So, listen. This thing around you is The Guild. Like the one smiths have. The rules are simple - you want the job, you have to join, pay some fees, obey some rules, keep some standards. Now, if you say "it's not for me, I work alone" - go ahead, but in this area, The Guilds keeps contracts. Quests, they call it. Someone wants something done - he comes here, not to random guy on the street, get it? I would say it's not even that bad - you have money, you keep the loot (mostly), and all the fame is sure yours. If you have what it takes, of course."
"Now before you sign up anything, look here," he stepped to the eastern wall, covered with names: "Those who did not have it. Most of them. Never returned and not because they run away. Still wants to do it?"
"Oh, would you cut it already, Sam!" The boy was angry and upset in the same time. "The man, I mean, Leon, knows what he is doing, I am sure of it. But you do have to join the guild if you need the job," added boy a bit sheepishly. "And you," he turned back to Sam, "you could show him the Wall of Fame instead." He pointed at the western wall, decorated with well made portraits above the lists of deeds attached to them.
Sam took a deep breath as if reading himself to the long elaborated answer, but instead chuckled and returned to his mug. "Join the guild, kid. Lots and lots of perks. You'll see"
Leon watched the two with a bemused look on his face. When they were done he shrugged.
"As I said before, I need coin, so am hoping I can get some by working for you." He glances to the two walls, but doesn't seem to really be concerned or caring about them. "Finding work, that gets me coin is hard to do, since, as you say, most quests have to be done through this guild of yours now. I am willing to join." He leaves it at that.
The boy - Will - brightened up as a freshly lit candle: "Over here, please, let me help you to fill that form. Just your name, famous deeds (if any) and preferred occupation." He looked up from the parchment and explained, "You see, some prefer not to fight and asking for the search quests, while others rather not deal with magical creatures - you never know. Now if you kindly take it to those gnomes over there, Momo will make a sketch of your face. Then you return to me and I'll give you guild badge." Will twisted quill in his hand: "There also supposed to be fees - 1 gold - but many adventurers come here broke. The guild can subtract the fee from your first payment".
Cinder stands before the open doors of the tower, arms crossed. She looks up at the guild emblem and smirks. "Mother's going to be so upset when she hears I joined a guild." Clapping her hands together, she tries to get her hair under control so as not to unduly startle anyone or set any low-hanging banners on fire.
Walking in, she stops and takes in the sight of a scrawny boy eagerly looking over the shoulder of an adventurer filling out a form. A tastefully-dressed man sipping on some ale is watching them all with something akin to amusement on his face; Cinder likes this fellow immediately, if not just because of his impeccable fashion sense.
"Now that is something you pull off well," she says to the man with an appreciative wink as she approaches the counter. "So I heard this is where I can find the Adventurer's Guild. Here I am, an adventurer, looking for a trenchant adventure. Think you fellas can help a girl out?" She pauses a bit as the three men take in her words, biting her lip.
Shit. Did I use that word wrong again? I was sure it meant 'incredible'...
Cinder begins to laugh loudly to cover up her mistake and decides to go on the offnsive before someone can call her on her misuse of vocabulary. "Well? I'm waiting!"
A leathery skinned, bat winged adorned gruff looking brute wanders in to the hall. He looks like he's been in a fight. Recently. His nose looks swollen and his fists are bloody. He seems to barely pay attention to the people in the hall as he grabs a form, instantly staining the parchment red with his blood stained fingers. He wears a rusted and damaged chain shirt over some old black leather armor and has a rapier strapped to his side that looks like it was rescued from a hundred year old grave. At least based on what you can see through the scabbard that has several large holes and is falling apart. He makes no eye contact as he fills out the form. He then holds it out towards the boy, his knuckles a mess of scars, his fingers thick and grimy. He seems to notice the red headed woman next to him for the first time, ignoring the boys indication that he should go get a sketch done. He smiles a broken smile at the girl, several teeth missing. He holds the smile and look overly long. Finally he breaks the silence, "What's a nice girl like you doing in a place like this?" He glances up at her hair. "I like your hair." He all but ignores everyone else in the room.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
Cinder looks the winged man up and down, swallowing her reflex to curl her lip at his ravaged appearance. Complimenting her hair went a long way to alleviate her knee-jerk reaction to him, particularly since he didn't follow it up with a stupid joke. Following his example, she grabs a form and begins to fill it out.
"Name: Cinder," she reads aloud. "Famous deeds? Huh. Made it from Almraiven to Waterdeep and back more times than I care to remember, I suppose. And lastly, occupation: Caravan guard for the Arifa Spice Trading Corp," she adds, sticking her tongue out a little as she fills in the form. Handing the paperwork in, she looks the tiefling over. "I suppose I'm looking for the same amount of adventure you seem to have already experienced," she replies. "Although I hope to come out of mine looking a bit better. Still... might as well get that sketch done before I earn my battle scars."
Turning on her heel, she follows after the first adventurer, waiting for her turn to have a portrait made.
Sam - the man with the mug - was enjoying the show to it's full (probably regretting only one thing - that popcorn was not discovered yet)
"A genasi! And one of those flying devils ... what are they called ... tieflings!" He nudged Will slightly as if boy was not paying attention already. "What did I tell you - hot day! Oh, I will enjoy watching you handling this crowd." The boy obviously did not share his enthusiasm but was heavily concerned about the same thing.
He accepted finished parchment and payment from Leon (his grateful smile to Githyanki was 100% genuine now), giving in return an oval copper badge with guild emblem, then gave Cinder the form (blushing and in deep silence) and was now keeping in his trembling hand Ramious' application, obviously reconsidering his own adventuring career and unsure how to tell "the devil" about sketch and - particularly - payment.
The man with the mug, meanwhile, put his drink aside and offered his hand to Cinder with a pleasing smile: "My lady, let me escort you to the better artist - Momo is certainly good," (gnome that just finished Leon's portrait mumble something, "but Mika will be able to catch that fleeting expression of your face that makes you particularly radiant". He handed Cinder's application to the second gnome that took it unceremoniously and began to work, casting quick glances at genasi now and then.
Will cleared his throat once more (it did not help - the voice came out weak with periodical high pitches) and asked if the "great adventurer" will be also willing to proceed for a sketch "just over there", pointing at the gnomes.
Ramious frowns briefly as the woman walks away, then shrugs to himself and turns to the boy, “Ya, whatever. I can’t pay the fee. Name....Ramious. Deeds.... nothing good. Occupation, soldier." He seems to remember something. "Ex......I'm an ex soldier.” He heads over to the gnome, adding, “Make me look pretty...” to the gnome with a grimace.
After the drawing is done he'll head back to the boy. He seems to be gaining a growing awareness of his surroundings. The dull ringing in his head from his recent tussle must finally be clearing up. Ramious looks at the child behind the desk with a wry expression. So it was to be like this. A grown man begging for crumbs from the child this place puts at the door. Well, Ramious had long ago lost any sense of pride. His current state could more be described as 'clinging on to desperation'. He brought his fierce gaze up towards the boy, holding his eyes long enough to force his glance away back towards the desk. "Right then. Your cursed paperwork is done. How do I earn some money around here."
Today's the day my mom finally takes me with her on the 'top secret trip' she's been planning for what feels like decades. Maybe I finally get to go on an adventure with the Misfits!
My mom's a little eccentric. Quirky, the others would say. But she's a seasoned adventurer with the Misfit Company. I've flipped through and studied every one of her journals over and over. There's the story of how her their group of friends recovered a cursed mansion from a mad druid, which they were able to keep in the end! This is where I grew up… They freed their companions mother and slaves from an orc enslavement camp by striking a deal to slay a greedy beast that's been plaguing the area. The group ventured into a dragons den, slaying the legendary creature!
I've spent the last decade studying under her mentorship. She'd only take me to cleared ruins and dungeons for studying and archiving. She insisted that I learn and understand basics before --
Alyssa would be scribbling along in her journal with her familiar on her shoulder when the woman in front of her would stop abruptly causing her to walk into her. Squawk! The pointy eared woman would turn around.
"Lyssa, listen!" The woman would look up at Alyssa and flick her in the forehead, "You should be paying closer attention to your surroundings. Listen to me Lyssa." She'd stare into her eyes, "You need to remember it's important to ground yourself. Your mind. Right here. In the present."
"Yes, Mom."
"Lyssa. Listen." She'd grip her daughters arms, ignoring the albino raven familiar on her shoulder. "Madness is a cruel mistress."
Alyssa would roll her eyes. "Yes. I know." She's heard this many times.
Her mom would shake her to bring her gaze back forward. "Lyssa." The older elf would poke her in the forehead, "You're smart. But you know nothing Alyssa Amastacia." Her eyes would narrow. "Listen and learn Lyssa."
"Ugh, you make me so sick of my own name…" She'd mutter while putting away her journal.
The older elf will raise a brow at her spawn, "Today's the day you start your own journey. Your own story." She'd gesture to the guild tower. "Myself and the Misfits have scouted out this guild for you. You can make some of your own friends and find some good work."
"Wait. What? I'm not joining you?"
Alyssa's mom would start to laugh. She'd wipe away a tear before pulling the door open, "Oh no sweety. You're on your own. And your allowance is cut off. Have fun!" and she'd shove the young elf through the doorway.
"Wait wait wait!"
"Love you, bye!"
The door slams shut.
The door inches open and some talking and rustling could be heard before a young woman gets shoved into the main hall just before slamming shut behind her. An albino raven squawks and rustles in protest on the elf’s shoulder. Alyssa would give an awkward wave and nod to anyone who may have looked her way from all of the commotion.
Image reference for Alyssa:
There’s quite a few people here…
Straightening herself up, Alyssa would approach the counter bringing a hand to her mouth to clear her throat. She'd reach a hand out in greeting, opening her mouth to speak.
"Listen Lyssa, Listen! Squawk! Listen Lyssa." Interrupts the raven.
Mortified, Alyssa's eyes widen as she turns to try shushing her familiar. "Shush Hue. You're embarrassing me."
"Shush yoo! You're embarrassing!" It squawks back.
The elf suddenly turns back around, her hand reaching to try to cover her raven's beak. With pink cheeks, Alyssa looks to the young man behind the counter. "I'm sorry. My name is Alyssa. My m-" Feeling like there are at least another set of eyes on her, she'd 'correct' herself, "An acquaintance of mine… suggested this would be a great place to meet some f- adventurers… and procure some work." She'd clear her throat again and flash a timid smile.
Leon, finished with his application, watches as the others all file in after him and put in applications themselves. He stands off to the side, gray eyes looking to take in much. He has a slightly bemused smile at the raven's antics.
Ramious turns to watch the young girl enter. As the scene of her entry unfolds he continues to stare at her, his mouth dropping open in disbelief and shock as the depth of her naivety is revealed one stumbling incident after another. Finally he looks around the room at everyone, his eyes taking in how green and inexperienced those around him are. Mostly to himself he mutters, “Is this a theatre company? Maybe I misread the sign out front...surely these people aren’t going to fight anything..”.
"And indeed it is," the young man was overjoyed to see someone less intimidating and to postpone the next big question he was supposed to answer to everyone present. "Welcome, Great Adventurer!" He finished his speech and handed form parchment to Alyssa, charmed, grateful and excited. He even managed to say in a steady enough voice an apology for the necessary waiting - he was going to explain "how it works" just a moment later.
Sam too interrupted his cooing at Cinder and looked at newcomer approvingly. "An elf, genasi, Githyanki and tiefling walked into the guild...". He did not continued but returned to his mug once again waiting for show to unfold - this time it was Will explaining the quest system. On the way to his drink he did not forget to pat the big "devil" on the back - "you'll be surprised how those things can turn out, just watch".
When everyone was properly registered and parchments with descriptions exchanged for a copper badges, Will dived into one of the big bookcases behind him (there were three). The one he chose contained quite a lot of scrolls, middle one - less so, and the last one - thinner and more decorative - very few. Will returned with a handful of scrolls and try to explain the whole idea of quest difficulties and how they here determine which task is suitable for whom, but got lost somewhere in the middle of the third sentence and stopped.
"You are hopeless, boy", sighed Sam whose curiosity about Will's performance was satisfied. "Take a break, I've got it for you." "Now, my dear Great Brave and very new Adventurers! You came for gold, right? Then stop looking at that pitiful scrolls" (he ignored shocking look from Will) "They are for "lone wolfs", he-he. All you get there - 5-10 golds, these are just lockals and their small silly problems. No! The guys like you - you need to aim bigger. But (!) - and it's a big "but" - you will need a group. Sure, you can sit here and wait until an opening in some band," he pointed at the eastern "memorial" wall, "or(!) you can make a band of your own and go big - dungeons, treasures, Princesses - they are all out there, just waiting."
"What do you have for groups, Will?" With a meek "but they don't have a group" the boy hurriedly began to search through the modest pile of more serious quests. "Hurry, boy, they can not be all taken. What about that Patric? From Crabapple Valley? Oh, just give it to me!" He checked the scroll and grinned happily: "What would you say about hunting real Hydra? Good money in it too (if we believe the scroll - and why would not we?). A worthy cause, enough gold and all the glory you can handle?"
"As long as it pays." Leon says with a shrug. He adjusts his greatsword as he looks to these others. His gray eyes look them over without any real care for decorum. "It seems these would be interesting to travel with." He finally says.
The bat winged bruiser peers at the man who's love for himself is almost more than he can take. Ramious wondered what it must be like to love yourself like that. He cracked his knuckles. "I ain't ever taken on anything like a Hydra. I just smash skulls together. But...as ol' Snapper used to say, sometimes you got to go big or go home. And honestly, if I don't win big right now, i'll be outta the game shortly enough anyway. If it pays in gold, I'm in."
Ramious walks over and leans next to the GIthyanki, speaking in a not-quiet-enough-not-to-be-heard-by-everyone voice..., "I think it's going to be up to us to keep this lot alive."
May be not exactly "himself" but Sam sure loved the sound of his voice (to be fair, the voice was not so bad - halfelven blood (clearly visible too) saw to it): "I would not be so sure of that, boy. You'd be surprised how many times a delicate girl or a boy of more ... agile constitution" (he patted Will on the shoulder) "was saving an oaf companion who truly believed he can do anything." He gave the girls big smile: "What say you, dear ladies? Would you risk to travel with this brave warriors?"
Ramious raises an eyebrow at Sam, a deep frown on his face, "Did you just call me........boy?" A growl seems to work it's way up from his stomach. "Call me 'boy' again and you'll find yourself tasting the dirt."
The Tower's doors (main doors - those that lead to the living quarters we never closed), so, the main doors open up way past dawn. There was a reason to that, of course, even two - "Three jolly goblins" and "Bridge Troll", not to mention several Inns around, that could provide enough nightly distraction as well. And this morning was not an exception. But it finally happened and you could come in.
The entrance with the guild emblem above it - a sword across an open book - was impressive and so was the main hall - marble, dark wood, polished metal and stained glass. Marble benches for visitors, that were waiting their turn, did not look all that comfortable, but whoever built the place was not aiming for a comfort. Right in front of the entrance doors and a bit to the right, visitors immediately could see the no less impressive counter with a clerk behind it - today (or always?) it was a touch scrawny human boy, trying his best to look wise and experienced. To the left was a smaller compartment with a couple of gnomes in it, looking busy even without visible activity.
Solemnity of the whole scene was a bit broken, though, by the presence of brightly dressed individual with a mug of something obviously strong, leaning on the clerk's counter and unceremoniously staring at the visitors, while smiling and giving comments to the agitated young man.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Leon took in the scene as he walked inside. He thought it looked about as he expected, but was glad there was little comfort to be had, as that would have made him feel they were not serious about this. He walked on up to the counter and nodded to both the boy and the man leaning against the counter.
"Name's Leon." He says with a glance between the two. "I am in need of some coin, so was hoping to find work here..." His voice is calm and soft, but spoken in a way that there is no trouble hearing his words.
"By the gods and goddesses - a Githyanki!" exclaimed the man with the mug and took a gulp, "and it's barely morning!" He pointed a finger at the clerk: "I predict a hot day for you, mark my words."
The boy rolled his eyes, audibly gritted teeth but did not answer to the man. Instead, he cleared his throat, tried his best to recreate a welcoming smile and gave Leon a short (most likely rehearsed) speech. "Greetings brave Adventurer" (you could hear that capital "A") "The guild is welcoming you in this halls of Fame and Glory, where your brothers in arms will always aid you in the most troublesome times." ("For a good portion of your money and your glory," commented the man, but boy ignored him) "Should you join our ranks, your future will be brighter than the metal of your blade" ("When did you polish your blade last time?" The man just could not help it)"Our door and our hearts are open to you - join and share our fortune!"
After the awkward pause (the man was studying Leon's reaction all that time with laughter in his eyes, while the boy was the very definition of "hope") the man put his mug at the counter and declared: "You are doing it all wrong. Let me explain it, Will." He looked at Leon "Listen, kid - can I call you kid? I will call you kid. So, listen. This thing around you is The Guild. Like the one smiths have. The rules are simple - you want the job, you have to join, pay some fees, obey some rules, keep some standards. Now, if you say "it's not for me, I work alone" - go ahead, but in this area, The Guilds keeps contracts. Quests, they call it. Someone wants something done - he comes here, not to random guy on the street, get it? I would say it's not even that bad - you have money, you keep the loot (mostly), and all the fame is sure yours. If you have what it takes, of course."
"Now before you sign up anything, look here," he stepped to the eastern wall, covered with names: "Those who did not have it. Most of them. Never returned and not because they run away. Still wants to do it?"
"Oh, would you cut it already, Sam!" The boy was angry and upset in the same time. "The man, I mean, Leon, knows what he is doing, I am sure of it. But you do have to join the guild if you need the job," added boy a bit sheepishly. "And you," he turned back to Sam, "you could show him the Wall of Fame instead." He pointed at the western wall, decorated with well made portraits above the lists of deeds attached to them.
Sam took a deep breath as if reading himself to the long elaborated answer, but instead chuckled and returned to his mug. "Join the guild, kid. Lots and lots of perks. You'll see"
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Leon watched the two with a bemused look on his face. When they were done he shrugged.
"As I said before, I need coin, so am hoping I can get some by working for you." He glances to the two walls, but doesn't seem to really be concerned or caring about them. "Finding work, that gets me coin is hard to do, since, as you say, most quests have to be done through this guild of yours now. I am willing to join." He leaves it at that.
The boy - Will - brightened up as a freshly lit candle: "Over here, please, let me help you to fill that form. Just your name, famous deeds (if any) and preferred occupation." He looked up from the parchment and explained, "You see, some prefer not to fight and asking for the search quests, while others rather not deal with magical creatures - you never know. Now if you kindly take it to those gnomes over there, Momo will make a sketch of your face. Then you return to me and I'll give you guild badge." Will twisted quill in his hand: "There also supposed to be fees - 1 gold - but many adventurers come here broke. The guild can subtract the fee from your first payment".
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
"I can cover the fee now." Leon says with a nod, taking the form.
Name: Leon
Famous Deeds: X
Occupation: Any
He then walks over to the gnome in question and has him do the quick sketch. Moving back to the desk he hands over the gold and the paperwork.
Cinder stands before the open doors of the tower, arms crossed. She looks up at the guild emblem and smirks. "Mother's going to be so upset when she hears I joined a guild." Clapping her hands together, she tries to get her hair under control so as not to unduly startle anyone or set any low-hanging banners on fire.
Walking in, she stops and takes in the sight of a scrawny boy eagerly looking over the shoulder of an adventurer filling out a form. A tastefully-dressed man sipping on some ale is watching them all with something akin to amusement on his face; Cinder likes this fellow immediately, if not just because of his impeccable fashion sense.
"Now that is something you pull off well," she says to the man with an appreciative wink as she approaches the counter. "So I heard this is where I can find the Adventurer's Guild. Here I am, an adventurer, looking for a trenchant adventure. Think you fellas can help a girl out?" She pauses a bit as the three men take in her words, biting her lip.
Shit. Did I use that word wrong again? I was sure it meant 'incredible'...
Cinder begins to laugh loudly to cover up her mistake and decides to go on the offnsive before someone can call her on her misuse of vocabulary. "Well? I'm waiting!"
A leathery skinned, bat winged adorned gruff looking brute wanders in to the hall. He looks like he's been in a fight. Recently. His nose looks swollen and his fists are bloody. He seems to barely pay attention to the people in the hall as he grabs a form, instantly staining the parchment red with his blood stained fingers. He wears a rusted and damaged chain shirt over some old black leather armor and has a rapier strapped to his side that looks like it was rescued from a hundred year old grave. At least based on what you can see through the scabbard that has several large holes and is falling apart. He makes no eye contact as he fills out the form. He then holds it out towards the boy, his knuckles a mess of scars, his fingers thick and grimy. He seems to notice the red headed woman next to him for the first time, ignoring the boys indication that he should go get a sketch done. He smiles a broken smile at the girl, several teeth missing. He holds the smile and look overly long. Finally he breaks the silence, "What's a nice girl like you doing in a place like this?" He glances up at her hair. "I like your hair." He all but ignores everyone else in the room.
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
Cinder looks the winged man up and down, swallowing her reflex to curl her lip at his ravaged appearance. Complimenting her hair went a long way to alleviate her knee-jerk reaction to him, particularly since he didn't follow it up with a stupid joke. Following his example, she grabs a form and begins to fill it out.
"Name: Cinder," she reads aloud. "Famous deeds? Huh. Made it from Almraiven to Waterdeep and back more times than I care to remember, I suppose. And lastly, occupation: Caravan guard for the Arifa Spice Trading Corp," she adds, sticking her tongue out a little as she fills in the form. Handing the paperwork in, she looks the tiefling over. "I suppose I'm looking for the same amount of adventure you seem to have already experienced," she replies. "Although I hope to come out of mine looking a bit better. Still... might as well get that sketch done before I earn my battle scars."
Turning on her heel, she follows after the first adventurer, waiting for her turn to have a portrait made.
Sam - the man with the mug - was enjoying the show to it's full (probably regretting only one thing - that popcorn was not discovered yet)
"A genasi! And one of those flying devils ... what are they called ... tieflings!" He nudged Will slightly as if boy was not paying attention already. "What did I tell you - hot day! Oh, I will enjoy watching you handling this crowd." The boy obviously did not share his enthusiasm but was heavily concerned about the same thing.
He accepted finished parchment and payment from Leon (his grateful smile to Githyanki was 100% genuine now), giving in return an oval copper badge with guild emblem, then gave Cinder the form (blushing and in deep silence) and was now keeping in his trembling hand Ramious' application, obviously reconsidering his own adventuring career and unsure how to tell "the devil" about sketch and - particularly - payment.
The man with the mug, meanwhile, put his drink aside and offered his hand to Cinder with a pleasing smile: "My lady, let me escort you to the better artist - Momo is certainly good," (gnome that just finished Leon's portrait mumble something, "but Mika will be able to catch that fleeting expression of your face that makes you particularly radiant". He handed Cinder's application to the second gnome that took it unceremoniously and began to work, casting quick glances at genasi now and then.
Will cleared his throat once more (it did not help - the voice came out weak with periodical high pitches) and asked if the "great adventurer" will be also willing to proceed for a sketch "just over there", pointing at the gnomes.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Ramious frowns briefly as the woman walks away, then shrugs to himself and turns to the boy, “Ya, whatever. I can’t pay the fee. Name....Ramious. Deeds.... nothing good. Occupation, soldier." He seems to remember something. "Ex......I'm an ex soldier.” He heads over to the gnome, adding, “Make me look pretty...” to the gnome with a grimace.
After the drawing is done he'll head back to the boy. He seems to be gaining a growing awareness of his surroundings. The dull ringing in his head from his recent tussle must finally be clearing up. Ramious looks at the child behind the desk with a wry expression. So it was to be like this. A grown man begging for crumbs from the child this place puts at the door. Well, Ramious had long ago lost any sense of pride. His current state could more be described as 'clinging on to desperation'. He brought his fierce gaze up towards the boy, holding his eyes long enough to force his glance away back towards the desk. "Right then. Your cursed paperwork is done. How do I earn some money around here."
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
Today's the day.
Today's the day my mom finally takes me with her on the 'top secret trip' she's been planning for what feels like decades. Maybe I finally get to go on an adventure with the Misfits!
My mom's a little eccentric. Quirky, the others would say. But she's a seasoned adventurer with the Misfit Company. I've flipped through and studied every one of her journals over and over. There's the story of how her their group of friends recovered a cursed mansion from a mad druid, which they were able to keep in the end! This is where I grew up… They freed their companions mother and slaves from an orc enslavement camp by striking a deal to slay a greedy beast that's been plaguing the area. The group ventured into a dragons den, slaying the legendary creature!
I've spent the last decade studying under her mentorship. She'd only take me to cleared ruins and dungeons for studying and archiving. She insisted that I learn and understand basics before --
Alyssa would be scribbling along in her journal with her familiar on her shoulder when the woman in front of her would stop abruptly causing her to walk into her. Squawk! The pointy eared woman would turn around.
"Lyssa, listen!" The woman would look up at Alyssa and flick her in the forehead, "You should be paying closer attention to your surroundings. Listen to me Lyssa." She'd stare into her eyes, "You need to remember it's important to ground yourself. Your mind. Right here. In the present."
"Yes, Mom."
"Lyssa. Listen." She'd grip her daughters arms, ignoring the albino raven familiar on her shoulder. "Madness is a cruel mistress."
Alyssa would roll her eyes. "Yes. I know." She's heard this many times.
Her mom would shake her to bring her gaze back forward. "Lyssa." The older elf would poke her in the forehead, "You're smart. But you know nothing Alyssa Amastacia." Her eyes would narrow. "Listen and learn Lyssa."
"Ugh, you make me so sick of my own name…" She'd mutter while putting away her journal.
The older elf will raise a brow at her spawn, "Today's the day you start your own journey. Your own story." She'd gesture to the guild tower. "Myself and the Misfits have scouted out this guild for you. You can make some of your own friends and find some good work."
"Wait. What? I'm not joining you?"
Alyssa's mom would start to laugh. She'd wipe away a tear before pulling the door open, "Oh no sweety. You're on your own. And your allowance is cut off. Have fun!" and she'd shove the young elf through the doorway.
"Wait wait wait!"
"Love you, bye!"
The door slams shut.
The door inches open and some talking and rustling could be heard before a young woman gets shoved into the main hall just before slamming shut behind her. An albino raven squawks and rustles in protest on the elf’s shoulder. Alyssa would give an awkward wave and nod to anyone who may have looked her way from all of the commotion.
Image reference for Alyssa:
There’s quite a few people here…
Straightening herself up, Alyssa would approach the counter bringing a hand to her mouth to clear her throat. She'd reach a hand out in greeting, opening her mouth to speak.
"Listen Lyssa, Listen! Squawk! Listen Lyssa." Interrupts the raven.
Mortified, Alyssa's eyes widen as she turns to try shushing her familiar. "Shush Hue. You're embarrassing me."
"Shush yoo! You're embarrassing!" It squawks back.
The elf suddenly turns back around, her hand reaching to try to cover her raven's beak. With pink cheeks, Alyssa looks to the young man behind the counter. "I'm sorry. My name is Alyssa. My m-" Feeling like there are at least another set of eyes on her, she'd 'correct' herself, "An acquaintance of mine… suggested this would be a great place to meet some f- adventurers… and procure some work." She'd clear her throat again and flash a timid smile.
just an unstable unicorn.
Leon, finished with his application, watches as the others all file in after him and put in applications themselves. He stands off to the side, gray eyes looking to take in much. He has a slightly bemused smile at the raven's antics.
Ramious turns to watch the young girl enter. As the scene of her entry unfolds he continues to stare at her, his mouth dropping open in disbelief and shock as the depth of her naivety is revealed one stumbling incident after another. Finally he looks around the room at everyone, his eyes taking in how green and inexperienced those around him are. Mostly to himself he mutters, “Is this a theatre company? Maybe I misread the sign out front...surely these people aren’t going to fight anything..”.
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
(Well maybe other than the githyanki wearing the greatsword, chainmail, and having a warhammer at his hip... Looking very much like a vet soldier...)
"And indeed it is," the young man was overjoyed to see someone less intimidating and to postpone the next big question he was supposed to answer to everyone present. "Welcome, Great Adventurer!" He finished his speech and handed form parchment to Alyssa, charmed, grateful and excited. He even managed to say in a steady enough voice an apology for the necessary waiting - he was going to explain "how it works" just a moment later.
Sam too interrupted his cooing at Cinder and looked at newcomer approvingly. "An elf, genasi, Githyanki and tiefling walked into the guild...". He did not continued but returned to his mug once again waiting for show to unfold - this time it was Will explaining the quest system. On the way to his drink he did not forget to pat the big "devil" on the back - "you'll be surprised how those things can turn out, just watch".
When everyone was properly registered and parchments with descriptions exchanged for a copper badges, Will dived into one of the big bookcases behind him (there were three). The one he chose contained quite a lot of scrolls, middle one - less so, and the last one - thinner and more decorative - very few. Will returned with a handful of scrolls and try to explain the whole idea of quest difficulties and how they here determine which task is suitable for whom, but got lost somewhere in the middle of the third sentence and stopped.
"You are hopeless, boy", sighed Sam whose curiosity about Will's performance was satisfied. "Take a break, I've got it for you." "Now, my dear Great Brave and very new Adventurers! You came for gold, right? Then stop looking at that pitiful scrolls" (he ignored shocking look from Will) "They are for "lone wolfs", he-he. All you get there - 5-10 golds, these are just lockals and their small silly problems. No! The guys like you - you need to aim bigger. But (!) - and it's a big "but" - you will need a group. Sure, you can sit here and wait until an opening in some band," he pointed at the eastern "memorial" wall, "or(!) you can make a band of your own and go big - dungeons, treasures, Princesses - they are all out there, just waiting."
"What do you have for groups, Will?" With a meek "but they don't have a group" the boy hurriedly began to search through the modest pile of more serious quests. "Hurry, boy, they can not be all taken. What about that Patric? From Crabapple Valley? Oh, just give it to me!" He checked the scroll and grinned happily: "What would you say about hunting real Hydra? Good money in it too (if we believe the scroll - and why would not we?). A worthy cause, enough gold and all the glory you can handle?"
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
"As long as it pays." Leon says with a shrug. He adjusts his greatsword as he looks to these others. His gray eyes look them over without any real care for decorum. "It seems these would be interesting to travel with." He finally says.
The bat winged bruiser peers at the man who's love for himself is almost more than he can take. Ramious wondered what it must be like to love yourself like that. He cracked his knuckles. "I ain't ever taken on anything like a Hydra. I just smash skulls together. But...as ol' Snapper used to say, sometimes you got to go big or go home. And honestly, if I don't win big right now, i'll be outta the game shortly enough anyway. If it pays in gold, I'm in."
Ramious walks over and leans next to the GIthyanki, speaking in a not-quiet-enough-not-to-be-heard-by-everyone voice..., "I think it's going to be up to us to keep this lot alive."
Ramious:
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
May be not exactly "himself" but Sam sure loved the sound of his voice (to be fair, the voice was not so bad - halfelven blood (clearly visible too) saw to it): "I would not be so sure of that, boy. You'd be surprised how many times a delicate girl or a boy of more ... agile constitution" (he patted Will on the shoulder) "was saving an oaf companion who truly believed he can do anything." He gave the girls big smile: "What say you, dear ladies? Would you risk to travel with this brave warriors?"
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Ramious raises an eyebrow at Sam, a deep frown on his face, "Did you just call me........boy?" A growl seems to work it's way up from his stomach. "Call me 'boy' again and you'll find yourself tasting the dirt."
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.