Forum Thread

Athena arrived. She would have preferred to do it as inconspiciously as possible, but her hope was obviously quenched. So, amid much fanfare and whispering of the occasional passerbys, the esteemed daughter of noble parents took a deep breath, checked her posture and ridiculous outfit one last time, and knocked on the door of the Guild Hall.

---

Mesiak slipped through the crowd, making sure to keep in the shadows. Putting her hand up to her forehead to block the sun from her eyes, she scanned the letter she had received to make sure she was still going in the right direction.
Having grown up in a small town, being in such a bustling and diverse city was a bit disorienting. Glancing up a clock, she realized it was nearly the time where she would have to be at the tower. Cursing softly under her breath, she hastened the rest of the way to the tower.
Dodging people and trying to remain inconspicuous, she finally arrived at the door. Straightening her back and making sure her appearance was in order, she mustered up the courage to knock on the door.
Wondering about the people she was about to meet, she fixed her hair yet again, delicately styled to cover her pointed ears.
However, right as she was about to knock, an obviously regal woman appeared, going to knock on the door.
Mesiak instinctively shrunk into the shadows, quietly observant. Deciding it would be best to be done with it, she stood behind the woman, ready to enter the guild hall.

---

"Bah, whatever. Guess it's not that big 'a deal."

He examined the room. While he was talking, he had been carefully observing each member of this ragtag group of adventurers. A goblin. A priestess. A bookkeeper(That was him.). A pirate captain...? Who was next, a noble?

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𝔸𝕜𝕖𝕣𝕦 𝕀𝕨𝕒𝕞𝕠𝕥𝕠

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Akeru had been traveling for a bit, but finally, she had arrived at the bustling Market District. She was in a rush, as she was late.

Oh dear, oh dear. I'm definitely going to be late... She thought as she ran through the narrow streets of the district and carefully weaved around the people that were shopping there. Of course, there was the 'occasional' bump-into... But Akeru was in a rush, so she hastily apologized, help them pick up their stuff, and got out of there in record time.

She stood outside of the Market District for a couple seconds, catching her breath. She wasn't accustomed to such difficult weave-long-distance running (omg I totally can't relate). She muttered a couple vulgar swears and stood back up straight, ready to tackle the walk to the Tower of Arcana.

You can see how that went, and as I am on a bit of a time crunch, I will not describe this... wonderful walk. :D

Akeru stood outside of the majestic Tower of Arcana, which stood tall and imposing. She shuddered a little, and walked up to the front door. There, she saw that someone else was there, and for a moment, she was happy that she wasn't late.

She went right up and hesitantly knocked on the door lightly.

the time crunch got to me so now this is rushed and I have to go to school soon so yeah I apologize for this mess

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Alistair Sibiter

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The young man enters the Tower and is amazed at sheer amount of work and effort of the place, cause it looked Magical.
He then snaps back to reality "Don't confuse yourself with this place this quickly Alistair! You have to get to that meeting!" A voice in his head yelled out. He then quickly rushed through everyone and everything as he rushed towards the front door of the meeting room. He entered, huffing and puffing.

---

Thankfully, since Ayran lived in the capital, it didn't take long before he arrived at the guild. He glanced around, it seems that there were already many people here before he was. It was clear that everyone was extremely cautious of one another.

Afterall, they were invited here without warning, without any idea about these peoples purpose and motives. Ayran swept his gaze at the room and reception, before inconspicuously entering the room.

But to him, the motives, and purposes these people have, has no correlation to him, who only wants to spend the rest of his days in peace.

As it was quite obvious, everyone sitting in the room, was a master in their field. While he, Ayran, an ex-tomb hunter who has decided to leave everything behind and walk the path of an apothecary just a couple years ago, was just a newbie!

His face was full of black lines, his hands sat on his lap stiffened. What should he do, clearly, he doesn't fit with this group of people!

---

(I'M LATE LATE LATEEEEEE)

"Ladies and gentlemen, it is the pleasure of yours truly to announce the arrival of tonights star of the show, give it up for: PROMETHIUS!"

Goblin city, Lotus casino. 3.a.m 4 days ago

The rain was pouring, clouds darkening the city that was already always shrouded in darkness, especially in the slums. In one of the many casinos that existed within the city, Promethius was in the middle of a poker match against three other players, two goblins and one other elf, with the stakes rising with every bet. They each had four cards on hand, each absolutely confident of theirs, with the last card having been dealt. On the table, one can see the 4, the 6, and the 8 of spades along with the ace of hearts and the ace of spades. One of the goblins leered around at them all, baring their teeth in satisfaction, thinking they would win. "Well then gentlemen, let's show our hands." Murmurs passed around for a second before all players started to show their hand. The first goblins cards are a king and queen of spades, a flush. The second goblin grinned, showing his hand to be a eight of hearts and a eight of plums. Combining it with the eight of spades on the table, they got a full gourd. Next is the elves turn. The poker face they had been wearing slowly melting off and being replaced with something more malicious as they threw down their hand, revealing a 5 and 7 of clubs, a straight flush, with nothing except a four card flush being able to counter it. "Sorrry gentlemen, the winnings are mine." The two goblins looked distraught as they watched the elf sweep up the stack of poker chips into their arms.

"...Wait." The elf paused, eyeing Promethius warily. "The game's over, you're not winning this. Surely you don't have a four-card flush?" Promethius shook his head, eyes squinted in concentration. "No, but i do have one thing up my sleeve, the fact that i know you're a cheater." The room fell into silence. "Surely you're just sour that you lost mate? Have a care and bugger off while you still can." The elf had become threatening, looming over Promethius, who was still lounging in his chair. "Quite the contrary. Y'know, my mother was a Siren, bloody good at their job of dragging sailors to their doom. You know why? It's because of their mana detection skills. Every being has their unique line of mana, a different shape and amount. I happened to have inherited that, and the cards you just threw down seemed to be infused with small amounts of mana evenly spread out. You're clever, but not clever enough." With that, Promethius pulled out a pointer, lightly tapping each of the cards with it, expelling the mana on them. "Illusion magic is such a hassle to deal with, glad i made this." The newly revealed cards are now shown to be a six of hearts and an ace of clubs, another full house, but higher than the previous. The elf sneered at Promethius. "So what? I still win,you yourself said you didn't have a four-card flush, the money's mine arsehole." A beat of silence passed through the air, before Promethius began to laugh. "I forgot to mention the other way i knew you were cheating." Smiling, Promethius flipped the cardsin his hand, revealing he had the true 5 and 7 of clubs, a straight flush. "Should have gone with another set." he swept back the stacks of chips to the goblins. "Keep it gentlemen, but you two owe me a favour if we ever meet again. As for you..." Promethius eyed the stunned Elf. "I'll be taking those, you don't deserve them." Sweeping up the chips, he strode over to the counter, cashing them in and striding out. It was time for them to be off to see the wizard.

---

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𝓢𝓮𝓻𝓪𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓪 𝓜𝓪𝓰𝓲𝓼𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓲𝓪


___
Franz had brought up an eclectic group of adventurers. There were quite a few conflicting viewpoints in the room already, and the addition of a princess, some elves, and a capital businessman, the volatility only increased. I could see that we would have an interesting journey ahead of us.

Gesturing to the four new faces to sit, I turned to face the table. Gripping the edge, I loomed over them. Franz scowled from his post by the door. The troll's powerful illusion magic ensured that no one else would overhear our conversation. I am eternally glad that Franz is loyal to one person, and one person only: me.

"Greetings, mages. You have been summoned here from the far reaches of the kingdom. I appreciate you answering the summons. The Cult of the Black Sun is a dangerous and powerful group, and they are a menace that must be stopped. You are here today because we need your help in confronting this threat. Between the nine of us, the Council classifies the Cult as a major threat. They are willing to give you every resource we have in order to ensure victory."

"And that is why I have summoned you: you are the best of the best. Some of you may have worked with the guild before, some of you have heard of us. Some of you loathe everything we stand for because we are partially backed by the Council. But as long as you are on this mission, you are under my command."

"Your mission will send into the Singing Sands, the harsh and vast desert in our land. But first, you must traverse the terrain to get there. Do not fail; this is the easy part of your mission. You will take the Perishing Path, and then strike into the wilderness. You are to set up an outpost and spy on the Cult. Eventually, you will be expected to infiltrate their ranks to provide intel."

With a gust of my wind elemental, the side door at the edge of the hall. A devastatingly handsome elf entered the guild hall, taking his place at my right hand. His long dark hair was tied back, and a few strands framed his angular face. His dark eyes sized up the mages.

"Jean-Michel." I smiled at the elf. He nodded respectfully, eyes glinting. "Mages, this is Jean-Michel. He is my right hand. I trust him with my life. Everything that he commands you to do is to be treated as if it came out of my mouth. And, if you haven't figured it out, he will be leading your expedition."

I paused, meeting the eyes of everyone in the room.

"Tonight you will stay here. You have access to all guild facilities in the guild complex and the Tower of Arcana - within reason. Should I find that you impose upon the Council, there will be... consequences. Prepare yourselves. Gather supplies, train, get to know each other, and sleep. You will strike out at sunhigh tomorrow."

I glance at Jean-Michel. A simple motion conveyed that he had nothing else to add. Turning back to the guild members, I bang my hand on the table. "There may be two or three more mages joining you throughout the night. They have the misfortune of being late. Any questions for the group? And if you think of anything else, Franz can escort you to my office later."

---

"yeah. the reward. What's in it for us?"

Artemis leaned back in his chair, with a. sigh. His cynical scowl had only deepened with the mission overview.

"There better be a damn good reward in it for me. My losses are gonna be huge if I'm away for more than a month."

---

Enide Spyros

Now Playing: Romantic Children (Music Box ver.)

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"Dolls, tidy me up."

Enide's dolls began smoothening out her clothes and tidying up her hair. Soon after they were done, Enide stepped in front of the Tower. Her half-smile turned into a disgusted frown as she made eye contact with the guardian.

"Here is your...letter," She said monotonously as she handed her spotless, perfectly smooth letter to them. Her dolls rested in the air, beside her arms.

---

Ayran bit his lips and twirled his thumbs nerviously. There were many questions in his head that he didn't dare to voice outloud. Like the level of dangers they may face. What were their rewards, and most importantly, why him?

They say they chose the best of the best in their own respective fields, but surely, there are people out there better than him, a scamming apothecary right?

His eyes darts across the room in zig-zags, his back was soaked in sweat. Surely they made a mistake.

Or..

Was he a sacrificial lamb?

Ayran was once again reminded that these people cannot be trusted. They backed the councils, and their projects. Thankfully he didn't let his greed get the best of him. If he actually joined the mission with these people, he may not ever come back, alive.

And Ayran very much so, treasured his life.

Seeming made up his resolve, Ayran loosened his fists, and took a deep breath. Ignoring the voices of others, he dramatically kneeled down and kowtowed.

"I beg you, please don't let me go! QAQ" Ayran cried out, unaware of how dramatic he was being, and how much of a scene he caused.

---

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𝓢𝓮𝓻𝓪𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓪 𝓜𝓪𝓰𝓲𝓼𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓲𝓪


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"Good catch, Mr. Wright." I smiled grimly. "Your reward will be a choice. The first choice, which I suspect you in particular will choose, is 2000 golden drachmas (think $20mil on earth) and the remainder of your lifetime free from guild conscription. The second option is a potential position within the upper ranks of the guild. Offers will be made based upon your skills... but given the line-up we have here, I'm sure we can find a place for everyone."

A knock came from the door. Franz opened it, revealing Elise, a dwarven guard. She held a letter in her hands, and was accompanied by another figure. With a grunt, Franz ushered the stranger in. I summoned the letter with my wind elemental.

"Miss Enide Spyros... you are late." I tore the letter in half, and thrust it back into her hands disdainfully. "I detest repeating myself. Either meet with me in my office this evening, or find out the information you missed from one of your travelling companions."

And then the shopkeeper freaked out.

I could feel fury radiating off of Jean-Michel. Social niceties were almost a religion to the elf. Miss Spyros's lateness combined with Mr. Ayran's outburst was enough to infuriate him. I discreetly shook my head, telling him not to engage. He frowned briefly, but then aquieses.

"Mr. Ayran, you are required by conscription to complete this mission. Any further outburst will not end well for you. Now if there's nothing else, you are all free for the night. I will be in my office. Franz or Elise can escort anyone there with questions. Remember, sunhigh tomorrow. Do not be late."

---

Artemis took a sharp breath in.

"2000 golden drachmas... The tower's pretty generous, huh...? That could deal with my living expenses for the next 50 years..."

Despite his hatred of the tower, he seemed to be considering it objectively.

"What's the risk factor, Miss Magisteria?"

---

"Ladies and gentlemen, it is the pleasure of yours truly to announce the arrival of tonights star of the show, give it up for: PROMETHIUS!"

Solarion city, Guild hall, ? (A/P).m today

Zooming their way across the cloudy expanse of the blue sky on a sentient magic carpet they had made, Promethius scowled as they repeatedly checked their pocketwatch. "I'm late, i'm late! For a very important date! No time to say 'Hello, goodbye." I'M LATE LATE LATE!" Clearly their adhd was kicking in. Worrying about how late they were, They tugged at the corners of the carpet, urging it to go faster. The carpet, being sentient, got irritated. It did indeed go faster, shooting across the sky 5 times its previous speed. In the process, Promethius lost all control over it, only bring able to watch with widened eyes as the carpet and him went hurtling towards the location the meeting was taking place. "Ah crap." were the last words they uttered as they broke through the stained glass window, crash landing onto the meeting table with a loud crack while fractured pieces of rainbow glass lay shattered on the floor. (I think he broke a rib-) The carpet dusted itself off iffily, letting out a sulky wave of glass dust in Promethius's direction before flying off. Promethius leapt up, beaming at everyone.
"FABULOUSLY LATE AS USUAL! What did I miss? I'll pay for the window too, don't worry.!"

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❄️ 𝔈𝔯𝔦𝔰 𝔈𝔳𝔢𝔯𝔩𝔞𝔰𝔱 ❄️

After hearing all this, Eris was thinking to herself. The Cult of the Black Sun was notorious. Though some of the words the Guild leader spoke made her pause. 'Best of the best'? At what exactly? Her title of High Priestess simply meant she was great at praying and preaching. Sure she had a strong knowledge of tarot reading and a strange affinity for the cold, but she wasn't anywhere near the title 'Best of the best'...

Eris almost yelped in surprise when another person burst in. 'Fabulously late'? What was so fabulous with being late?? Even with the Sisters of Starlight, keeping on time was highly encouraged. The Sisters... Eris shoved the thoughts away. She was here for a reason. She would do all she could...

Enide Spyros

Now Playing: Romantic Children (Music Box ver.)

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Enide turned towards Artemis, the blue-haired man conveniently beside her. "Well, you heard her. Care to brief me on what Miss B**ch there said? I could give you something for it, if you like," She sighed.

Her dolls disposed of the torn letter in silence.

---

"Danger, necromancy, cult, risk, information gathering, all that stuff. Whatever. I wasn't particularly listening, I'm more focused on the reward."

he yawned, leaning back in his chair.

"2000 golden drachmas..."

---

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𝓟𝓪𝓲𝔂𝓸𝓸𝓷 𝓙𝓲


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Artemis really was kind of thick. "The reason they're offering so much is because the quest will end in certain death. The Council clearly doesn't think we'll come back. Besides, the Perishing Path is near suicide to begin with. Deviating from that death trap is almost certain suicide."

She leaned back in her chair, gazing at her new companions curiously. Until all hell broke loose. Again.

Paiyoon had heard of Prometheus. The idiot had a reputation throughout Shadowvale. He came from one of the most powerful families in the casino business. The rumors about him were... greatly exaggerated. She wasn't quite sure what to believe.

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𝓢𝓮𝓻𝓪𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓪 𝓜𝓪𝓰𝓲𝓼𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓲𝓪


___
"Ah, Prometheus. The gambler of Shadowvale. I estimate repairs will cost... oh, 300 drachmas? Yes, that's a rather 'fabulous' number. The Council will undoubtedly fine you. Be prepared."

Jean-Michel turned and strode out of the room. While an outsider would assume him to be aloof, I knew the truth. It was probably for the best, considering what Miss Enide had just called me. I ignored her. The word "b*tch" was a backhanded compliment to a hard*ss. I could take that and much more. Franz and Elise opened the main doors, preparing for my dismissal of the heroes.

"For the second time, this time for Mr. Prometheus's behalf: I will not repeat my earlier speech. Obtain the information on your own time... I'm sure you can be creative."

I turn and follow Jean-Michel out of the room's side door. I would need to speak with the elf at length before his departure tomorrow. But first, I would let him cool off. That elf, what with his emotions and... situations... had single-handedly caused me to age faster than I would have liked. But there was no one else I trusted more to lead this mission.

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"Ladies and gentlemen, it is the pleasure of yours truly to announce the arrival of tonights star of the show, give it up for: PROMETHIUS!"

Solarion city, Guild hall, ? (A/P).m today

Promethius snorted. "2000 Gold drachamas? Cheap change, I'll do it for free. Someone else can have my share. Always in the mood for another adventure, my old man once said that one could never be truly complete without having experienced everything in the world! Also, i'll have the 300 drachamas transferred immediately."

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Enide Spyros

Now Playing: Romantic Children (Music Box ver.)

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"Well, I suppose that was pointless." Enide thought about carving a piece off Serafina's desk to give to Artemis, but eventually decided against it. "Here's your...payment," She said as one of her dolls handed Artemis a small piece of amber.

"The Council really wants us dead, don't they..." She muttered. "This will be so fun."

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