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[IC] Final Fantasy Crystallum en Absentia

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Zeroth
Chapter 1: The Hunters Guild


On the 21st Sun of Ondine, 7th different travelers all meet under what is thought to be inauspicious circumstances. All have come to the Alexandrian Hunter's Guild seeking membership, each for their own reasons. But what will follow will shape the history of the world.
Hidden 5 yrs ago Post by DruSM157
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Holy City of Alexandria
21st Sun of Ondine
Background Music
The city of Alexandria shone in the sunlight, the marble-white stones that made up the city walls and castle glistened as the hustle and bustle of the industry continued at a calm pace. This was the first day of many that the smallfolk were starting to move in a less stressed and worrying pace. The borders between Alexandria and their former neighbor, Garlandia, were under extreme lockdown since the Labrenthian Empire took the lands in a very brief and conflict. It seemed now more than ever the maps of the world were changing, and the Empire to the north was growing hungrier every day.

Still, there were complaints of no vacancies in the local inns and rest houses, and unrest among the countryside surrounding the castle-city. Armed patrols were sent out but with the fear of war always on the horizon, there was no time for anyone to simply send out a patrol to make sure the local pumpkin patch was now infected with goblins or funguar. Whispers rose of strange folk living deeper in the miasma, and the migration of large fiends further away from civilization.

But Alexandria was safe. The city had held out against foreign enemies for over a thousand years, and the Grand Cathedral, built in honor of the primal one Alexander, still stood proud and brave against its enemies. Whatever came, the people would always persist. And besides, if there were problems in a nearby farm or village, there was always one group that the smallfolk could always depend on: The Hunter's Guild.

The Guild was as old as any of the countries standing today, and they had always worked for the people; given that there was enough gil to pay for their services. Still, with the borders closed and strange business in the wilderness, there was always need for new recruits. The pay was good even if the dangers of the job were egregious. It was well known that the average survival rate for a member of the guild tended to last around six months. Those that were still around after several years, the veterans were well regarded and respected for their skill and survivability. But veterans were in short supply in Alexandria. And trouble was brewing.



Holy City of Alexandria
Alexandria Research Quarters, Lab of Cid ‘dan Falreath. Three Days Ago

"Yes, the resonance is perfect! Now, rotate the materials ninety degrees, and increase the beam by forty percent! Boy! I need you to lower the last piece of aldite into the canister!" This was it. Ten years of research, across three different countries and countless laboratories. But this was it! Cid 'dan Falreath took a swig from a glass container, wiping any spittle away with his knuckles. How long had he dreamed of being able to create a man-made crystal? One that harnessed all four elemental powers of aldite? One with nearly limitless potential and energy! The man shook in anticipation as the different colored minerals began to glow brightly. "Boy! Hurry it up! The resonance of the energies won't last much longer!"

A young man in his early 20s was above Cid on the catwalk. Being so close to the elemental energies was always a dangerous task, which is way any great scientist had countless apprentices to throw at dangerous problems like that. The unlucky and foolish tended to get maimed or worse, but the truly exceptional would one day become the next generation of researchers. After all, his own political foolishness had cost him his own hand back in his home of Labrenthia. But now he'd be able to laugh at those damn technocratic bastards when it was he of a fallen house that found a way to bring the power of the crystals back. No damned fool religious prophecies, no experimentation on living subjects, and no worshiping long-dead fiends. No, it was through hard work and research and-

The young man was carefully lowering the last piece of aldite into the resonance chamber. The long tongs that held the mineral seemed to work, as he carefully placed the bright green stone inside the chamber. The lights inside began to glow impossibly bright. Pure chunks of fire, wind, water and earth aldite were all being forcibly crystalized into one another. The true power of Gaia herself in physical form; something that had not existed since the times of legend.

"Good job boy! Now, be prepared to pull the crystal from the chamber once it has stabilized!" This was it.

The lights flashed. Red. Blue. Green. Brown. The room shook. Several other assistants quailed in fear, stepping back from the observation booth. But Cid, he knew that this was his moment.

"Uh, sir?" The boy's voice came from overhead. "The chamber is cracking, I think, and we should probably abor-"

"Nonsense! The experiment must continue! None of you have any idea how long it took to gather such pure samples of-" A beam of energy erupted from the chamber, breaking the glass of the observation chamber. Pieces of research equipment shattered, sending glass and all sorts of chemicals flying into the air. Many assistants and researchers screeched in fear, running from the hall, or banging at the locked door. Until the experiment ended, the doors would remain bolted shut. "No! We HAVE to continue this until the crystal appears! Do NOT SHUT THIS DOWN!" Cid's eyes were wide, not with fear for his life or anyone else's, but with the fear that by shutting down the experiment he would lose everything. Not again. Never again.

But the young man, still clinging to the catwalk, was filled with another kind of fear. The fear of a huge explosion of magical energy destroying half of the city. He'd only just become a research assistant in Alexandria, and the thought of everyone he worked with dying, and also the thought of losing his job, spurred him to action. He pulled from his workman's pants a large metal multi-tool, an invention of his own design. He could see four different connections supplying the chamber with aldite energy. The obvious solution was simple: turn off these pipes and the reaction would cease. Easy! He leaped from the catwalk onto the first connector piece, connecting the wrench to the connector, and pulling it close.One finished. The chamber began to shake again, but this time, less rapidly. That was a good sign.

It was obvious what the young man was doing. Which of course, infuriated the old scientist. "STOP! Stop it you damned fool! You're ruining my experiment!"

His words fell on deaf ears, quite literally. The groaning of machinery and the loud hum of magical energy deafened any sound that the young man could hear from Cid. And so he continued shutting off the valves. Numbers 2. Then numbers 3. The entire chamber began to shake violently. He was nearly at valve 4 when suddenly the metal chamber erupted and a huge cascade of magical energy slammed through the laboratory. People were knocked on their backs, Cid was buried under several tables, and the young man thankfully landed safely onto some heavy rubber pipes. Well, safely enough.

The room was dead silent for several minutes as every person inside questioned if they were dead or if they were alive. Cid broke the silence, his metal arm scraping against stone and metal to pull himself up. His face was flushed and deep crimson, a mask of rage that his experiment was a complete failure. And there was only one person to blame.

"What was your name again, boy?" The man growled, standing over the young engineer.

"Edgar, sir. Edgar Arronwy"


Holy City of Alexandria
Alexandria Hunters Guild Headquarters, Main Lobby. 21st Sun of Ondine


Three days. It had been three days since Edgar was thrown out of the research academy, still in his work gear. Three days watching his tiny amount of gil fade away as the inn bills came. Three days with no way out of the city. The week before had been stressful for many citizens, especially Edgar. On the 15th Sun of Ondine the borders were closed. Border disputes between Alexandria, Fabul, Bellas, and Labrenthia meant that there was to be no common trade or passage between the cities. It wasn't too horrible when Edgar had work. But after blowing up much of the lead researcher's lab (saving them, mind you!) it meant that his name bore a black mark and no one would hire him, even to dig ditches or carry boxes.

But there was one organization that was not beholden to any government, even if most of the jobs carried a great risk of mauling, being devoured, loss of limb or life or dehydration. The Hunter's Guild meant free travel between the cities, access to jobs across the land and the ability to make money from slaying fiends. Though statistically, most hunters ended up being the ones that were slain. Still, at this rate Edgar's choices were: beg on the streets and die cold and destitute, or risk life and limb to at least have a chance at life.

A chance was better than none.

The guild's entry hall was extremely rustic, an extreme contrast to the white marble of the castle and walls of the holy city. The floors were adorned with various hides and pelts, and the heads of various fiends were mounted on the walls as trophies. There was a large, double-door leading to an interior room, reserved for members of the guild to rest or eat. The lobby was simply to post jobs, accept work or register with the guild. Edgar got to the paperwork, filling out his name, history, hometown, and other basic information. It was all quite simple. Several logs included where to send your belongings if you died and if you required a religious rite for your remains. A standard Hunter's Contract.

After submitting the form, the lobby girl pointed Edgar to a waiting room. Apparently he was not the only one today signing up for the guild. There had to be a trial to make sure they could handle the work, of course.

Of course.


Holy City of Alexandria
Alexandria Hunters Guild Headquarters, Meeting Room. 21st Sun of Ondine


Balder Gresscott eyed up the various people in the room. It was a motley looking group. He looked through the paperwork, sighing. Various countries, various occupations, all of them arriving on the same day. The usual trials were small deals, taking two or three recruits out into the field and slaying a wargs nest. Those that didn't piss their pants and run crying earned a seal.

But here were seven souls, and everyone seemed to have some skill in various fields. A fighter. A monk. A mage. You rarely saw guild parties set out with such varied classes as these. Anyone of them could most likely find honest work elsewhere, but these times were difficult. And with the borders closed, that meant that none of them could easily leave Alexandria.

There was some understanding there. But what worried him more about the strange crew was the job for the day. This wasn't two or three wargs threatening a farmer's livestock. He thumbed through the pages and sighed.

A miniboro nest. Miniboros were the nickname of smaller Malboros. Smaller and weaker than the much deadlier beast, it was common knowledge that dealing with such creatures was still no easy task. A single malboro was a difficult task for a veteran party. If a single one of these creatures were to be left alive to grow, the damage it would do to the surrounding area would be extensive. But miniboros were deadly and crafty, much dangerous than a group of wargs.

Could he trust them with a task like this?
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Hidden 5 yrs ago → 5 yrs ago Post by mickilennial
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mickilennial The Elder Fae

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Holy City of Alexandria | Alexandria Hunters Guild Headquarters

Who else could he trust?

Dentrisica Banecroft had never thought she would be in Alexandria. Back in her native Labrethia she was comfortable, dedicated, and well-regarded. A descendant of the heroic dragon-riders, Dentrisica had known from the very beginning that she was important and that her ancestors were important. Serving at the emperor’s feet was an honor and the Banecroft’s were only one step beneath them. In the blonde-haired dragoon’s mind there was no one better for the job, even though she absolutely completely didn’t want to be where she currently stood. She had left her home, the Labrethian Empire, with nothing. If not for a few close friends she would have been stuck in a bad way. But that wasn’t to say Alexandria was better.

She had little gil on hand and no contacts outside of a particular individual whom was just as out of luck as she was. It was a weird place to be. As a child, Alexandria had been painted as the enemy. Pretentious, elf-loving, hate-spewing Alexandrians had always been a persistent thorn in the side of the empire; an empire that only wanted to bring their class of living and enlightenment of society to the world. All Dentrisica knew about Alexandria was that they were in the wrong in every war, conflict, duel, and dispute against the Empire in history. After all, it was Alexandria that criticized their research into aldite. Yet, in the end, here she was in borderline rags being forced to work in Alexandria, begging the Hunter’s Guild to take her in.

She still wondered if she made the right choice.

As far as everyone knew her, it was as Mitra, not Dentrisica. There was a reason for not disclosing her true name, but she imagined the truth would come out eventually, and she was happy to wait until that eventuality happened. These people, especially these Alexandrians, didn’t need to know who she really was. She wasn’t sure she had made peace with why she left her childhood home in the first place yet.

She crossed her arms in the meeting room, annoyed but trying her best to seem presentable. She was smiling, though for those who could read her eyes they would tell an entirely different story.

She didn’t speak. She wasn’t sure what to make of things. Somebody else spoke first.
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Hidden 5 yrs ago → 5 yrs ago Post by Lugubrious
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Artemisia


“Don't tell me. I betcha lost track of time?”

With a chuckle, Artemisia winked. “Bingo.” A broad smile spread across the face of the man sitting at her table, growing almost as wide as his bushy black mustache. He seemed thoroughly engaged with her story, and as ever the girl's way of telling stories tended to get everyone into it. “Before you know it, the whistles sound from the tradeyards signaling lunch break for the miners, and I just about leap out of my seat. I sprint out of there, hurling the record toward the front desk as I go by and nearly clobbering the poor woman working there...you should have seen her face!” She put on a scared expression, arms held up in terror.

That earned her a laugh from her audience, including a few weary hunters the next table over. “But I sprint out of there, and hightail it down the street, dodging left and right past burly shoulders and the pickaxe hazards atop them!” Artemisia jerked in her seat side to side, miming the act of evading workers. Her companion glanced downward, which did not escape the mage's notice, but she could hardly blame him. She was, after all putting on a show. “I just about trip over this wagon, but by the grace of Garuda I stay on my feet. In my head I'm thinking, my train's leaving in like, five minutes. I have to do this smart. So what do I do?” This time her question was rhetorical, and she cut off the hunters thinking they'd been given another chance to respond. “I grab a shortcut, of course. With the miners getting off work, the nearest Commission lot is wide open, so I say goodbye to crowded streets and hello to the fast lane. I get through in a jiffy, but there's just one problem...” Clamping her hands on her pink-blonde hair, Artemisia adopted an face of anguish. “The Coffer.”

Her audience's collective silence and unknowing stare broke her flow, and she looked around as though they were doofuses. “Uh, Golem's Coffer? The number-one attraction in Hardside, its life's blood? Well, it's this gigantic pit in the ground. All day every day miners from the Excavation Commission descend into its depths, with drills, pickaxes, and heavy equipment, using ropes and cranes and ladders, to bring up all the riches of the earth. It's a gigantic operation, super impressive. But just then it stood between me and the train station, hundreds of meters of open air above a bottomless pit. Impossible, right?” Crossing her arms beneath her chest, Artemisia smirked. “Well, not for me!”

She waved her hand, spinning up an air current that lifted her empty tea mug into the air. All eyes lay on the magical display as she held it aloft. “The wind, you see, is at my back. I swooshed across the whole Coffer...”

“You can fly with wind magic?!” the mustached hunter exclaimed, incredulous.

Artemisia grinned and released the mug, which hit the table and fell sideways. “Well, not fly so much as boost up and then slowfall, but sure, basically! About halfway across I was getting a little low, so I landed in this cable car full of busted gear being moved across the Coffer for repair. Flew up again, then made it the rest of the way. I went right over the head of this old dude eating a sandwich. Fell right out of his mouth!” When she laughed, her audience laughed with her. “Made it to the train just before the doors shut. Relief at last.” She leaned back in her chair. “'Course, I ended up getting thrown off that train, but that's a story for another time.”

After a brief exchange most of the hunters went about their business. Not an exciting story to people who tangled with death in the wilds, necessarily, but she knew how to tell it, and lots of people were happy for a little wholehearted socialization. She joined the table of the mustached man in the first place because he looked lonely, and like a man with a story to tell. He ended up being a far better listener than talker, but both enjoyed the encounter. In fact, he seemed to enjoy it so much that he didn't want to let her go just yet. “Man, first I say I'm not much of a talker and then you go spinnin' a yarn like that? You tryin' to show me up or somethin'?”

Artemisia shrugged, more in a 'maybe' sort of way than uncaring way. Body language told half the story, after all. Her friend continued. “Well, that was mighty fine. I ain't one to just take hospitality and give nothin' back, so what do you say to lunch? There's this joint on the river with the most amazin' fish, smoked and perfectly seasoned...”

Despite herself Artemisia felt her stomach rumble. Flat broke since lunchtime yesterday, she really did feel hungry. Looking at her would-be companion, she figured she could do a lot worse for a date and a free meal, but swapping tales with a stranger was a far cry from going somewhere with one. Besides, she had other business to attend to. Artemisia groaned, and replied, “I'd love to, you know, but I've got this certification deal any minute now. Apparently these dopes don't know a Black Mage when they see one and need a little demonstration of my windpower.”

The hunter nodded sagaciously. “Makes sense. With fatality rates so high anyway, the Guild don't want anyone who can't put up a real fight.”

Artemisia leaned forward. “Any tips? You oughta know a thing or two about what it takes to become a hunter.”

Another nod. “Yes, ma'am. The secret's composition. Find the toughest sonuva bitch in the group and put 'em between yourself and the monster. If ya get hit, tell the healer to fix ya up. That stuff's their job, after all. The others do their thing so we big hitters can shine!” Artemisia shot a glance at his pike, leaning against the windowsill. He, meanwhile turned around in his seat and looked toward the waiting room. “Heard it'd be a large group today, so ya oughta have a good choice.”

“Thaaanks,” the sorceress said, rising from her seat to head toward the designated room. On the way she gave the fellow a pat on the shoulder. “You're a real gem.”

“Not half as pretty as you,” the man said. “Name's Oliver Soreldart, by the by. And you're...?”

“Why, I'm Artemisia.” She looked back, her smile only slightly strained. “If and when we meet again, I'll by expecting a real story, 'kay?”

Oliver nodded emphatically. The man sure liked doing that. He might have been about to say something else, but Artemisia moved on, mimicking his voice. “See ya 'round!”

A few moments later she arrived in the waiting room, and barely had she come than she plopped down in another chair. Her hair spread out behind her, and she crossed her legs. Composition, huh? That blonde looked like another dragoon, so Arty doubted she could rely on her.
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Hidden 5 yrs ago Post by Mcmolly
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Ianthe

Ianthe listened while the room began to fill, and pursed her lips. She knew it was best that they get started soon—after all, the sooner they did the job, the sooner they got paid—but part of her wouldn’t have mourned another hour or so to sit there with her eyes shut, legs propped up on the junker of a shield she’d brought, trying to eek out a few minutes of true rest. Gods knew she hadn’t gotten any the night before.

The city was a lot of things. It smelled like industry, which was to say it smelled like the shit of an iron horse, but it was also burdensomely crowded and unrelentingly loud at every hour. She’d only just managed to find a room last night, with a hard bed and a window that wouldn’t shut, which let the sounds of city nightlife flood in until sunrise. Argo didn’t have a lot of things, but it did have silence, and she’d taken that for granted hard.

The Guild Hall had a homey quality to it at least. It looked handmade, sturdy. Ianthe recognized the heads of a few of the fiends she’d met at the border, and was pleased that the sights of the unfamiliar ones didn’t daunt her. There was, of course, a difference between bravery and stupidity, and it was a line drawn in the ever-important sand of self-confidence and self-assessment. Did she wish she’d come to this better equipped? Sure. The shield was, as she’d noted, a hunk of junk, a poorly-cut slab of metal with leather straps and shoddily-soldered grips. The sword wasn’t much better, but it was sharp and she kept it well cared-for. It would have been stupid to go into something like this, as she was, alone, and while she’d done her fair share of stupidly bold things as a youth, age and injury had tempered her well. Well enough to be thankful that there’d be a group of them going out.

Cracking an eye, she spotted a few noteworthy fellows. Big spears and frilly clothes were quick to catch the eye, but Ianthe knew the value of a humble appearance. It was easy to discount someone just because they looked like they didn’t belong. Ianthe wasn’t about to make that mistake.
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Hidden 5 yrs ago Post by Raijinslayer
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A v a d d o n


"Is there a reason no one is speaking?" The first to break the enforced silence was a rather massive man who stood before the others, hand held up to support the dainty, and likely somewhat embarrassed, maiden who had been hoisted on his shoulder since he'd entered the guildhall. A good Samaritan deed of his own design to help a fellow recruit get to the Hunter's Guild in time to make it for the trial. However, if said trial was just going to be them standing around in silence for minutes, Avaddon wasn't quite sure he was in the right place. "Not to be rude, Mr. Proctor, but you've been staring at us for the past few minutes and I'm not much for waiting around when there is work to be done."

Turning around with a smile to the other applicants, the large man beat a hand against his chest with a raised voice.

"If we are to take this test together, I will say the first thing we should do is introduce ourselves, no? My name is Avaddon, of the Red Storm tribe. I hope that we all make it through together and prove to make good allies in the test to come." His piece said Avaddon cracked his neck a bit as he turned dot look at the Proctor once more, hoping his little display would be enough to get something out of the man. If not, then Avaddon felt he might need to look elsewhere for assistance in matters of his quest. Perhaps the Hunter's guild he'd heard so much about was full of nothing but hot air. A disappointing fate if true, but not one the large Fabul man had been unprepared for.
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Hidden 5 yrs ago → 5 yrs ago Post by mickilennial
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mickilennial The Elder Fae

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Holy City of Alexandria | Alexandria Hunters Guild Headquarters

“Mitra.” The dragoon uttered, as friendly as she could muster.

Her eyes looked to the one face she recognized, but she decided to not say anything. If he decided to call her by her true name she was going to clock him in the balls with the fastest knee he had ever seen. Admittedly, though her disdain for them at the moment was complicated and Mitra knew she had be as amicable as possible when it came to the group of guild hopefuls around her. How much gil did she even have left? Could she afford to eat for longer than a few weeks? She had to turn her luck around and become a success. Confronting the man who knew her when she was small and bright-eyed would have to come later.

“I’m pleased to meet your acquaintance, Avaddon. I hope we’ll be fast friends on this venture.” She eyed the girl hoisted over his shoulders, was she a slave? She did hear in her classes at the imperial academy how the tribesmen of the Red Storm Tribe kept slaves. Perhaps she was a concubine of his? Mitra couldn’t help but be curious about that fact. “Who’s your… friend?”
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Hidden 5 yrs ago → 5 yrs ago Post by Hero
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How in the world did she get herself into this situation? The Hunter's Guild was her destination, so coming across an oddity or two was to be expected. That being said, when she had nervously approached a seemingly friendly face, she had hoped for some directions and nothing more. She did not consider the possibility that not only was the man also heading to the Hunter's Guild, but he had insisted on taking her there himself. He was charming, definitely, but as kind as the offer was, she preferred to go alone. And then he continued to insist while saying something about being a gentleman--she honestly couldn't remember, she was too busy getting swept off her feet and carried over like he was her personal chariot.

Not that she didn't appreciate his kindness, but when was he planning on putting her down?!

The woman could have died of embarrassment right then and there, staying quiet as the group gathered. Once the man broke the silence and introduced himself, it seemed to break the tension in the room. Why someone of the Red Storm tribe would come all the way to Alexandria was beyond her, but she supposed everyone had their own reasons; a brief look around let her know that not everyone was a native. Perhaps they shared her goal in crossing the border.

Considering Avaddon had no problem keeping her on his shoulder, she naturally assumed that she was going to stay this way for a while. With a small sigh, she figured she should introduce herself next. "...I'm Luna..." She replied meekly, hanging her head in shame.
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Hidden 5 yrs ago → 5 yrs ago Post by Savo
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Savo Time to go to Hell

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Blaike Fremont
Location:: Alexandria Hunters Guild Headquarters, Meeting Room
Date:: 21st Sun of Ondine
Interactions:: Avaddon(@Raijinslayer), Luna(@Hero), and Mitra(@Inkarnate)

These individuals were particularly interesting, to say the least.

Blaike had arrived early at the guild and had promptly filled out all the forms, such as the his name, history, all that basic stuff. The procedures were proper and had quite a decent amount of information that was required to be filled out. When he was instructed to go into the waiting room, the first thoughts that came to mind was the fact that this guild had better "safety" procedures in a sense than Cid as he took a seat. The Research Facility blowing up was definitely a blessing in disguise since he had been meaning to get around to joining the guild, though it did have some downsides. For one, due to how long the repairs would take, as well as some of his own equipment and inventions being damaged in the process, that put a setback on his own research into the reversal of Aldite Poisoning.

The door creaked open and what followed was another individual, looking up with a cordial, warm smile as they entered, nodding and tipping their fencing hat. Slowly, more individuals began to flow in, like water. They were quite the colorful cast of characters, though when he saw a familiar face, his eyes widened before his own smile broadened, with a small, delighted chuckle as they took their seat. However, that smile faltered for a bit as he slowly began to raise a gloved hand, before placing it on his lap, staring at the floor for a minute before looking back up.

Blaike did ponder for a minute on if Mitra was alright before mutedly gulping and staring at some of the people around him. He knew the Dragoon was a reliable gal, but how everyone came presented told him a little bit about each of them, such as when his eyes traveled down to the dented shield of the armored woman, noting that she probably had some experience in combat. The muscled man with the lady on his shoulders was obviously strong, so that much could be said.

Of course, there was also the examiner, who was, well, standing there, swapping between making worried glances at the group, as well as looking down to the parchment he was reading. Blaikes eyes focused in on the man, trying to discern whether he had an issue with this group of people or if there was something else that was bothering him.

Blaike was totally planning to break the silence (he wasn't) until the brutish man with the lady on his shoulders, who he swore was an Alexandrian priestess based on the garbs, interjected. Of course, he began cutting right to the chase with introductions. While he did seem to be well... behaved, his first thoughts of the Red Storm Tribe was the history he learned about them at the academy, detailing their barbaric nature and penchant for keeping slaves and concubines from their conquests.

Though, he pushed those thoughts, slightly doubting them as he recalled some of his interactions with the lower caste and races in Labrenthian. What followed next was a cavalcade of introductions! Well, maybe not so much, but hey, they they were getting there!

Following Mitra's introduction, Blaike spied an opportunity to introduce himself as well the moment the sheepish lady on Avaddon's shoulders introduced herself as Luna. Closing his eyes, he rubbed his chin as he looked up to see the lady staring at the ground. "Quite the fitting name I would say; a beautiful name for an equally beautiful priestess~," Blaike toothily beamed at the lady and gave her a wink before clearing his throat and rose up from his seat.

"In any case, I would normally save the best for last, but I might as well cut to the chase; time is invaluable after all," he smiled to all the occupants in the room, taking his red fencers hat off and placing it on his chest. "I am Blaike Fremont, one of the many researchers who works alongside Alexandria's Royal Scientist, Cid ‘dan Falreath."

Taking a shallow bow, he looked up to the other individuals with a smirk on his face before rising up and placing his hat back on, his gloved claw tracing at the brim of the hat, "Tis' a pleasure to make your acquaintance Avaddon, Luna," Blaike paused for a second as he glanced over to the familiar lady with a warm, hearty smile, "Mitra... and the rest of you all. I look forward to working with you all in this endeavor."
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Hidden 5 yrs ago Post by Raijinslayer
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Raijinslayer .

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A v a d d o n


Avaddon gave a grin, glad to see people getting more lively now. At Mitra's misunderstanding, however, he shook his head with a chuckle.

"As much as I hope to get to know all of you in the time to come, me and Luna here are strangers. She merely asked for directions to the Hunter's Guild and I, being on my way here already, decided that it would be faster for both of us if I carried her there." Stomping over to Blaike after his introduction, he gave the man a rough pat on the back with his giant mit of a hand, letting out a slow whistle. "A researcher of the Royal scientist, huh? Sounds like we have quite the important fellow in our midst. . . though I must wonder, why leave your work to join the Hunter's Guild? Surely someone skilled enough to receive the funding of the nation's royalty would be better off staying at their side, both financially and socially?"

Avaddon scratched at his chin as he stared down the smaller man, his skin around his neck and shoulders seeming to almost . . . ripple in undulating patterns as the scales that covered him in patches rose and fell. Before long, however, he seemed to come to an answer that suited him as he snapped his fingers, nodding in agreement with a voice only he could hear as he placed a weighty hand on Blaike's shoulder.

"Clearly, you and I are kindred spirits. More adapted to the way of wandering the earth than to stay in one place forever. Danger, Peril, the possibility of death, it only serves to enhance the feeling that comes from being alive, no? The rush of adrenaline and the warmth in your heart knowing that through your efforts, others may not have to suffer in fear of monsters and savages." Tightening his grip in a sign of camaraderie, the giant desert-dweller lifted it up to beat a closed fist against his chest, eyes positively glowing as he seemed lost in thought. "I salute men like you, who leave the comfort of assured luxury for the life along the road less traveled."
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Hidden 5 yrs ago → 5 yrs ago Post by Lugubrious
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Artemisia


Today was the day for becoming a hunter, it seemed. In no time at all the designated waiting room filled with all manner of prospective guild members, each far more memorable than the average Joe or Joan. Nobody seemed too eager to get familiar, which suited Artemisia just fine now that she'd spent her social energy, so she got down to overanalyzing them, trying to pick up story threads.

Now that she got a good look at Spear Blondie, Artemisia wondered why she seemed so uncomfortable. She sported a real mercenary look, all that leather and those scarves giving her a potent frontier flavor, a visage that would've been right at home in the saloon of some dusty Bellas village. Like a soldier put somewhere she didn't belong, she carried herself in a way trying to be both casual and cool at the same time, as if she couldn't really relax. Could she have recently parted ways with some mercenary band following a job gone wrong? Maybe a fallout with a fellow fighter, or the cohort's leader? A betrayal, perhaps. A lost love? A pretty face like that paired with a rough getup seemed just the sort for a tragic end to some battlefield romance. Or...maybe she just didn't know what to expect from this test, and didn't like strangers. Honestly, Artemisia could relate.

The lady in metal looked far more at ease. Composed, relaxed, no fish out of water there. Thinking back to what Oliver said, Artemisia realized that this woman ought to be able to fulfill the role of protector. She cut a gallant figure in that armor, to be sure, and her weaponry bore unmistakably quality. This must, Artemisia conjectured, be a lady knight. No doubt a veteran of long service to a lord, or the captain of a guard. With unerring loyalty and strength she must have inspired all who looked upon her. Her look and bearing suggested abject seriousness, probably not a lot of fun at parties, maybe even a steadfast practitioner of chivalry. Such an attitude no doubt broke many a heart. Maybe hers was a story of mellowing out, of learning to love life and enjoy time with others. Well, if she defended Artemisia valiantly and helped her play her starring role, she figured they could get along.

More obviously less self-assured was the young man with goggles. On the shorter side, standing just a little lower than Artemisia herself if she had to guess, he did not cut an imposing or even battle-ready figure. Wondering if the guy knew what he was getting himself into and why, she couldn't help but picture the studious son of a well-to-do merchant or noble, perhaps. Hardworking and obliging, he pursued scholarly interests to win the approval of his father...and to escape the shadow of his more talented older brother, yeah! But even as he cultivated clerical skills and honed his mind, the young man yearned for something more. There was more to life than meeting others' expectations and trying to show up loved ones. So on the eve of his graduation, he slipped away, giddy with excitement, to enlist in the Hunter's Guild for a life of whirlwind adventure and heart-pounding danger! Perfect! Artemisia felt like she could write out the whole book in one afternoon.

And whoo boy, that was one big dude, not leaving a lot to her imagination. Still, to Artemisia's credit she set it working anyway. What could his deal be, other than being extremely well built and exotically dressed? And who was that rather similarly underdressed woman on his shoulder, with long ears and an intriguing physique? The black mage couldn't exactly boast a sweeping knowledge of...well, anyone north of the Underoad. Hell, even her knowledge of Bellas itself wrung out pretty thin. 'Insular' described her upbringing pretty well, though she still got a lot more exposure to the outside than most of the other kids. Still, a lack of knowledge never stopped her making stuff up before. This burly fellow surely hailed...

...Oh. He was the super extroverted type. That pretty much killed Artemisia's thunder; anyone who couldn't appreciate a nice silence tended to get on her nerves. I talk when I feel like it, she thought without actually responding, since she didn't feel like it. Still, he wore a nice smile -among other things- so she couldn't get that put out. He went ahead and tried to get everyone talking by introducing himself and proclaiming best wishes for everyone, and to Artemisia's chagrin it seemed to work. First Mitra, then Luna. For some reason Luna's very appearance suddenly struck a nerve with the black mage. She looked too perfect. Too exquisite, too sweet and pure. Like someone out of a fairy tail. And what was with that getup? Artemisia knew she wasn't one to harp on about practicality when it came to dress, but this girl looked one stiff wind away from a serious wardrobe malfunction. And Garuda forbid it rained.

After the other ladies introduced themselves and Artemisia consciously abstained, content to relax on her chair in a corner well out of the limelight, Luna took the brunt of one of the other applicant's attention. The philanderer -or Blaike, as he came to be known- wasted no time in buttering her up, without so much as acknowledging her or the lady knight's existence. He did seem to know Mitra, which fit the narrative. Artemisia rolled her eyes, leaning on her chair's back with her jaw resting on her propped-up hand. Well, not my fault I was raised on a mountain and not in a beauty parlor. Better off without such attention anyway.

For all his angling, however, Blaike, received the attention of someone he didn't likely intend. Avaddon started talking and just didn't stop, first explaining that he'd literally just picked Luna up before coming here and then doing some analysis himself. Hey, that's my thing! Well, I didn't get to him anyway, so whatever. He seemed pretty enthusiastic about his deductions concerning Blaike's character, but something about his speech made Artemisia wonder if he going a really roundabout way to slight him. Artemisia caught herself staring at what she now felt pretty sure were real scales on Avaddon's body. Ooh...an alter? She regarded him with new interest, but remained quiet, and resumed entertaining herself with the possibilities.
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Hidden 5 yrs ago Post by mickilennial
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mickilennial The Elder Fae

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Holy City of Alexandria | Alexandria Hunters Guild Headquarters

“Riiight.” Mitra cleared her throat, looking over to those who had not introduced themselves. “I guess we should get to business, huh? We were introducing ourselves, right?”

While she presented herself as civilly and friendly as possible, Mitra couldn’t help but try to divert the conversation.

Despite being a noble of the Labrethian Empire she hated bombast and showboating. The Red Mage whom she was shocked was even breathing let alone had been elevated to some important role in Alexandria made the blonde-haired dragoon conflicted to say the least. The long, flowery speech of the tribal person almost annoyed her internally just as much as Blaike's grandstanding and boasting. Her father had always taught her that those who have a speech ready were always the types who basked in their own prestige, towering above all others like they were more important than the people they were sworn to protect. It was a noble explanation, but even when she was young she didn’t care too much about her father’s explanation because she had her own: people who liked to talk were the type to be privy to smelling their own farts.

Her eyes caught that of a younger man's, it appeared he wanted to speak next. She just hoped he didn't have the same self-importance stench as the tribal savage and the noble who should have been dead.
Hidden 5 yrs ago → 5 yrs ago Post by DruSM157
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Holy City of Alexandria
Alexandria Hunters Guild Headquarters, Meeting Room. 21st Sun of Ondine
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The proctor had been busy filling out reports when the monk from Fabul spoke up. His reply was short and curt. “I’m simply filling out the rest of these reports unless you’d rather we simply leave your dead body for the carrion creatures if you fall in battle.” He went back to finishing his report, while the young engineer looked bright-eyed at everyone in the room. The Free Cities had their share of diversity, but when you grew up in a small village near Feltunder the most you ever saw were miners and researchers on their way to deliver orders.

“Wow. There’s a lot of recruits!” Edgar was shocked to see so many different people introducing themselves, some with more gusto than others. “My name’s Edgar and I’m a freelance engineer!” There was something familiar about the man in red, and when Edgar’s brain returned to the fact that he mentioned Dr. Cid of all people, his stomach sank quickly, and he tried to find a way to hide in the room. The big guy from the desert, he’d made a good hiding space, but he was so loud and friendly he worried the man would simply throw him on his shoulders so everyone could get a good look at him.

He closed his eyes and decided his best option was to roll with the punches here, and if anyone asked, he’d just explain that he’d been let go. No reason to get anyone worked up over Aldite related explosions. Besides, he wasn’t dealing in any gear that was too experimental; everything he had on his person was tried and true tested by himself. And there were only small explosions. “I’ve got a few gadgets that might be helpful, and I’m more than willing to pull my weight alongside everyone else!” He hoped that enthusiasm would get him through this, and hopefully gain him a paycheck and an actual filling meal. He was quickly interrupted by the proctor.

“Alright, listen up recruits. My name is Balder Grescott and I am this chapter’s proctor and advisor. Today’s exercise will be a little different than our normal tests, due to an unforeseen rise in miasma in the eastern Ferris Wood. Your target is small: an immature species of Malboro that most people dub a miniboro. They’re not too dangerous on their own, but we’re dealing with an entire nest. As a group they can devour a man whole in seconds, and if there’s an entire nest of them, there may be a larger Malboro nearby.” He handed each of the seven a document explaining the risks of the mission, as well as a place to sign their names. “The guild ranks the danger of a mission with stars. A single star is a fairly safe mission, while a five-star mission is incredibly dangerous even for the most veteran hunters.” He walked around the room, eyeing up everyone in the room. Some looked hardened already; they’d be useful. But the young and innocent ones, they were the kind that got devoured. How many would survive this mission?

"The ranking of this mission has been given a preliminary two-star rating; and if a mother malboro appears, the rating will increase to three stars. Your pay will increase if that happens as well, but let me stress this: if things become too dangerous there is nothing wrong with retreating.”

Edgar was busy going over the paperwork and feeling a slight tinge of worry with so many disclaimers about the various ways a hunter could die. But he’d had to deal with this problem already; there were no other options at hand. So no, he couldn’t run away. He quickly signed his name on the form, and as Balder finished talking, he handed it back to the proctor. “I’m ready!” he said, touching the grip of Francesca tucked in his engineer’s toolbelt. “Let’s go prune these weeds!”

Prune these weeds?! What kind of line was that!? Did he think he was some cool hero now? He winced slightly after making his statement, and made his way near the doorframe, begging to start the mission already before he died of embarrassment.

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Hidden 5 yrs ago → 5 yrs ago Post by Hero
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Hero Sincerest of Knights

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The comment (compliment? It was a compliment, wasn't it?) was decidedly unexpected. Luna blinked slowly at the young man, watching his grin and wink, and she found herself at a loss. Should she smile back? Wink back? Was it a joke? Was she overthinking it? At the very least she definitely knew the answer to the last question: it was a resounding 'yes'. Honestly, she had no idea how to properly react, the best thing to do was to smile politely and say nothing.

So she did the opposite, feeling her face flush red as she stared down at her knees. "Ah...um...thank you..." She could hardly get the sentence out, her thanks awkward and a little uncomfortable.

That said, Luna did look up as he properly introduced himself, her hand flying to her chest. No, there was no need to panic, it must be a coincidence. There were many men under Cid 'dan Falreath, so it wasn't surprising to run into anyone that had worked with him. At the very least, the young man wasn't from any divisions she knew of. She was fine. Everything was fine.

The excitable boy's introduction did warm her heart a little; it was nice to see passion of any kind. So there was Blaike, Edgar, Avaddon, Mitra and...oh, it looked like the other two women had yet to introduce themselves. She did notice the rose haired woman staring at her for a moment, an Luna's gaze immediately returned downward. Great Alexander, save her from the embarrassment...!

At the mention of the mission, Luna did frown to herself. Ferris Wood--that wasn't too far from the city, was it? At Edgar's suggestion, she nodded quickly. "The sooner it is taken care of, the better," She added.
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Hidden 5 yrs ago Post by Mcmolly
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Ianthe

Names, those were nice. She’d missed the opportunity to offer hers, but she was happy enough to learn the others. Mitra, Avaddon, Blaike, and some Alexandrians too, by their names, Edgar and Luna. The other woman hadn’t introduced herself though, so at least she didn’t feel singled out.

She was apprehensive to hear that Blaike worked with Cid’dan Falreath. She had no idea who Cid’dan Falreath was until that moment, but the words “Royal Scientist” sat uncomfortably with her. What was a man who worked in the lap of luxury doing here, trudging amongst the common folk?

It didn’t seem like she was about to get any answers. Avaddon, loud as he was, had moved forward with the comraderies, and while at first she’d found his boisterous nature somewhat endearing, what he said settled as unpleasantly with her as Blaike’s profession. It wasn’t as though he’d said anything wrong, but it stirred within her a familiar distaste for the lifestyle he lauded. The adventurer’s life.

“Wandering,” he called it. It was an appropriate word. An aimless journey, fueled by hope and the lust for excitement, something which had sparked the imaginations of plenty of Argo’s youths. There was nothing wrong with adventuring, of course, it was as skillful and respectable a life as any, but so often she’d heard—as she was hearing now—how easy it was to conflate adventuring with heroism. Ianthe was confident that the warmth Avaddon spoke of was real, but she was not convinced that it came from the joy of helping others. Rather, she’d always believed it was the glory that warmed them, the challenge of a worthy foe and the thrill of conquering it, the fame and recognition, and of course, the coin.

She respected the Hunters Guild, but the Hunters Guild had never come to Argo. There was no profit in it, no glory.

Of course, she was one to talk. She’d never stepped foot outside of her hometown before coming here, never thought about the problems facing the world beyond her own borders. Even now, it would have been a bold-faced lie to say she was more concerned with Ferris Wood than being paid for defending it.

No, Ianthe had decided long ago that heroes weren’t real. Ideas could be heroic, intentions could be heroic, but in this world, people could only be close—the Hunters Guild, fantastical and genuine as it might have been, was the perfect example.

Proctor Grescott handed out the risk sheets, and she wondered for a moment if any of them were actually going to back down. Who would possibly come this far just to turn tail now? The boy, Edgar, who was quite unassuming compared to the Alexandrian scientist and the man from Fabul, was the first to turn in his sheet. Brave, that one. She hoped he held onto that.

Finally rising from her seat, bones a bit stiff and nowhere near as rested as she liked, Ianthe scribbled her name in a barely-legible scrawl of someone who had never made a serious commitment to literacy, and handed it back to Grescott. Then she collected her things and made her way to the door alongside Edgar.
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Hidden 5 yrs ago → 5 yrs ago Post by Savo
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Savo Time to go to Hell

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Blaike Fremont
Location:: Alexandria Hunters Guild Headquarters, Meeting Room
Date:: 21st Sun of Ondine
Interactions:: Artemisia, Avaddon, Balder, Edgar, Ianthe, Luna, and Mitra

He merely smiled at the lady's response; heh, not surprised she was beguiled by this handsome man, in fact, it would be a travesty if she wasn't! Of course, Blaike was too busy preening himself as a result of the reaction, nodding with his eyes shut to not even notice the large brute stomping over to him. The Red Mage could only feel a bit surprised when he opened his eyes up, only to be met with a slab of muscle to his side and a rough slap to his back which knocked most of the air from his lungs.

Of course, he had to keep his appearance up, quickly holding a fist up to his mouth to mask his coughing, to make it look more like he was clearing his throat. Supplementing that was a deep breath, which was followed by a sigh and sharp smirk as Blaike peered behind him, looking no more smug for wear. "That's a fair question my fine, fibrous fellow, but in short it is because there are places you can only get with a Guild Mark, as I believe it is paramount to my own personal research into aldite and its properties. Furthermore, while I am a researcher, there are some things in this world you can't discover and learn about while being cooped up in a lab, though I don't think doing just field research will cut it anymore." The mage merely stared up at the tribesman behind him with a waning grin on his face, praying that he would be satisfied with his answer and go away now.

Sadly, for whatever reason he didn't, and worse, continued to monologue aimlessly. Blaike wanted to just shift away and sit elsewhere, but Avaddon decided it it would be a better idea to tightly clutch his shoulder while continuing this one-sided dialogue. The Red Mage's head began to creak as he looked over, wincing as he tried to break out of his grip, attempting to yank his arm away to no avail.

Of course, while he was attempting to break free, he did catch a glimpse at the mans scales, though he was more concerned about this man releasing him from his clutches than the fact that he was a Fire Alter. Of course, he only really managed to force himself out of the tribesman's grasp once his whole bit was over, but by then, Blaike was just massaging his shoulder, kneading a bit as he looked over at the bigger man, "Mhmm, riiiight," he stated his half-hearted response with a weak smile and a shallow nod.

Thankfully, Mitra, as reliable as ever, redirected the conversation elsewhere, allowing him to gulp down a breath of fresh air; what a relief. Eyeing the newcomer, Blaike felt a sense of déjà vu when they introduced themselves before recalling that this boy was Cid's apprentice! Right, what was he doing here out of all places, and why was he calling himself a freelance engineer of all things? Blaike frowned a bit, squinting at the young man as he evaluated him for a bit before that line of thought was disrupted by the Proctor.

What followed was an explanation of the mission, Balder going into detail about what they would be doing while distributing documents that listed all the risks about this task, as well as a short explanation about the monsters. Considering that these monsters were essentially just mutated foliage, this would be no issue to just ignite them all, but then he thought back to the Mother Malboro. He lingered on these thoughts as he studied the rest of the group, trying to discern what everyone was capable of, as well as what the most efficient strategy would be.

From what he knew, they had a Dragoon, a Priestess with a bow, a Tribesman with no weapon aside from his own fists, a rather experience-looking Lady Knight in rusty armor, an Engineer with possible gadgets and gizmos, a relative unknown, but mysterious and attractive woman with pink hair, and himself, a Red Mage. As skilled as he obviously was with his magic, he wouldn't mind if the pink haired lady did know some magic, preferably some fire just in case any of them escaped his flames, which would totally not happen at all.

Regardless, the cogs started to turn in his head as e got a better idea of the group, formulating a concise plan as he signed off the document, writing his name with flourish before holding it out to the proctor. While he was going to say something else, he had to hold his breath to avoid giggling at the line. "Erm, well said Edgar."

Seriously? He could so come up with something better! I'll reduce them to ashes, we'll cut em' down to size, lets wack these weeds... OK, maybe not the last one. Before leaving the room with the other three, he looked behind at the others who were still filling their documents out. "While I understand the risks of this all, we should all work to eliminate not only just the nest of minibro's, but the mother malboro, if there is one. Theoretically, even if we destroy the nest, it'll all be for naught if there is one since she'll spawn more minibro's and rebuild the nest, causing more issues down the line." Tipping his hat, he closed his eyes and faced back towards the door.

"After all, you don't just kill a weed by removing its leaves... you have to tear out its roots as well." Damn, now that was how you did a badass line before joining the other three by the door frame, smiling widely while keeping his oh so obviously cool air around him. Regardless, while they were doing thing form filling, Blaike would be there, ruminating and scheming.
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Hidden 5 yrs ago → 5 yrs ago Post by mickilennial
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mickilennial The Elder Fae

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Holy City of Alexandria | Alexandria Hunters Guild Headquarters

“Maybe we can just send you into the nest first since you know so much about it!” Mitra smiled back at the red mage in a rather polite tone, “Apparently, you've already got a plan. I’m impressed!”

The blonde-haired dragoon sighed after signing off on the contract before moving behind Edgar and Blaike, deceptively keeping her faux-bubbly tone and expressions intact as she thought about Blaike's claims and the mission's modus operandi. Miniboros. Researcher. Guild Ranks. Stars. Mitra wasn’t sure what to think about what the proctor or the red mage suggested about a Malboro. Years ago in her training as a dragoon she had heard stories from her instructors about the creature. Things were admittedly fuzzy, but she was a good enough student to remember the vagueness of such a creature’s baseline flaws and habits. If they were to run into a malboro proper it surely meant certain death.

If the guild suspected there might be a malboro they surely understood that they were preying on people who had no other choice. She supposed the Hunter’s Guild wasn’t as noble as the people in Alexandria thought they were. Despite her concerns of a malboro, she knew she had to win even if it was a no-win scenario.

“Whatever is in store for us, I'll be sure to have everyone's back!”

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Hidden 5 yrs ago → 5 yrs ago Post by Raijinslayer
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A v a d d o n


Avaddon nodded at Blaike's words, finding the reason behind his adventuring suitable if not as noble as he'd have liked. As Balder spoke up about the actual content of their mission, the giant man scratched at his chin in consideration. Malboro, even if they were only small ones, were not a creature to be underestimated. The variant he'd encountered in the desert had a breath that could blind those who did not take proper precautions, so if these miniboro were anything like that then he did not want to be near them if he could help it.

"Weeds indeed. . ." He muttered as he knelt to the ground, finally letting Luna dismount. Once that was done, he signed the needed forms, still uncharacteristically silent as he considered what would be the best way to handle this. If he was back in the desert and facing such an issue, he'd liked to use some sort of bait in order to draw them out and then. . . oh, and they just so happened to have two engineers with them.

By the time he had formed the plan, Blaike had already walked towards the exit so he simply placed a hand on Edgar's shoulder, turning the boy around as he knelt down to their level. While he'd been boisterous and extremely animated before now, his tone now was much calmer and controlled.

"Tell me, Edgar, how versed are you in the creation of explosives? Particularly small ones. . . "
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Hidden 5 yrs ago Post by Lugubrious
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Artemisia


Much sooner than she would have liked, Artemisia found herself diverted from her ongoing attempts to make up interesting backstories for these people, and by that spear-wielding Mitra girl nonetheless. She looked pointedly at the black mage while suggesting the general conversation get back to introductions. Nice try, Midriff. You don't have the room with you, so I'm not taking the hint. If she didn't want to put up with the self-aggrandization of Avaddon and Blaike, she could either space out like Artemisia or learn to love it.

Luckily for Mitra -and everyone, really- the center of attention shifted away from the one-upping between Blaike and Avaddon as Edgar gave his name, profession, and shortly thereafter a declaration of earnestness. The spotlight then fixated solely on the proctor, one Balder Grescott, who took control of the situation in order to brief the group of would-be hunters on exactly what their assignment entailed. From the sound of it, they would be wiping out a cluster of ravenous juvenile plant-monsters called Miniboros, which sounded like a real problem in a swarm, with the added bonus of a potential mommy or daddy 'boro nearby. The man sauntered about the room, scanning each of them with his eyes as if he could figure them out by their looks alone. Artemisia smiled sweetly at Balder when he looked her way, though the smile didn't reach her eyes. If nothing else she appreciated him condoning a hasty retreat if things got out of hand, which had been a card already stashed up her sleeve anyway. She took her form and began to write.

Everyone mulled over the new information, but it was Edgar who spoke up first. He'd already done well enough to establish himself as the eager, probably naive young go-getter, but what came out of his mouth next provoked a giggle despite Artemisia's best attempts to mask it. “Pffff...!” Well, maybe not her best, to be honest. But how could she keep herself together after that? The line was so adorably goofy. The black mage hoped Edgar lived to come up with a better one for next time. Artemisia penned her signature at the bottom of her form: The Skybound Sorceress, as Witty as She is Pretty: Artemisia. By the time she handed it back, Blaike had managed to pump out a few sentences' worth of attempting to convince the others that slaying the senior Malboro would be the altruistic thing to do. Artemisia agreed; that did not mean that she would do it. Heroic ideas about doing what's right got people killed, or as a totally random and non-specific example, turned into hideous fiends while trying to spare loved ones the same fate. Blaike seemed pretty damn pleased with himself about his wordplay, but as a follow-up to the spontaneous charm of Edgar's attempt it just came off as trying too hard.

As the group got up in preparation for departure, a few strings of conversation endured. Mitra pledged her support for everyone, which earned her an appreciative look from Artemisia. Her impressions of the unexpectedly chipper dragoon might be off, she realized. I'll hold you to that! After another moment or two the black mage rose from her seat and followed the other hunters out the door, happy to lag behind at the group's rear.

She thought about the mission ahead. Was she worried? Not really. Should she be? Maybe. Six souls would be standing between her and the monsters they needed to slaughter, but in the woods just about anything could happen. Yet she felt pretty confident that her story would not end today, not in such an inglorious fashion. A book of many pages did not end in chapter one.
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Hidden 5 yrs ago Post by DruSM157
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Holy City of Alexandria
Alexandria Hunters Guild Headquarters, Meeting Room. 21st Sun of Ondine
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"Explosives!?" Edgar's face blanched. "WH-what do you mean? My inventions don't always explode!" Edgar seemed nervous until Avvadon explained that no; he meant more in the realm of devices with the PURPOSE to explode. "Oh-" Edgar gave a large sigh of relief. "I don't have any specific aldite stones on hand, and the ones that would make a strong reaction would cost..." he frowned, thinking to his roughly 50 gil in his wallet, "a lot more than I have on hand at the moment."

"Since this mission is being run by the Guild, you are supplied some basic equipment," Balder interjected, tossing the two large leather packs; before tossing packs to Blaike, Luna, Mithra, Ianthe, and Artemisia. "You won't be charged for the items inside, so use them as you see fit." Balder walked to the front counter of the guild, before turning back. "This mission does have a time limit on it. Check your supplies and be ready at the front door." He walked behind the counter, gathering his own pack.

As everyone checked their packs, they would see a handful of useful items. Several glass vials filled with liquid indicated they all had a few potions, antidotes, and ethers in their packs, as well as small aldite stones. Not extremely powerful, but enough to assist in augmenting gear that could take a stone. Edgar was busy digging through his tool belt and looking at the stones. "I could...probably create something out of this, Avvadon," he muttered to the giant monk. "I can work while we march, so hopefully I'll have something useful before we arrive at the forest."

Balder approached the readying group now wearing a dark leather breastplate over his jacket and balancing a steel sword on his side. He nodded to the group. "We need to take the west gate out of the city and march a few miles into the forest. There's a map of the area inside everyone's packs as well. Make sure you familiarize yourself with the area; we can't waste resources searching for lost hunters when we're stretched thin as we are here." It shouldn't have been too much of a surprise that the Alexandrian guild seemed to be lacking manpower. It seemed that apart from a few hunters, they did not have the numbers that a centuries-old guild would appear to have.

Travel was uneventful. As they left Alexandria, they found the fine stone roads quickly turn into heavily traveled dirt paths, and the massive Ferris Wood loomed in the distance. A few rodents would appear on the roads, but none were aggressive. The path was peaceful, but there seemed to be a looming feeling of dread growing as the party continued to move closer to the forest. Unbeknownst to the group, they were being watched.

Ferris Wood
Winding Paths, 21st Sun of Ondine
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As they entered the forest, the heavy canopy of trees darkened the area ahead. Edgar could feel the hairs on his arms rise up as he looked down the dark, winding wooded paths of the forest. Something felt unnatural here. Even Balder appeared worried, looking around the area with a grimace. "The map shows that there should only be a single path leading further into the woods here. But there are two. I suggest we stay on our guard from the moment on. Something feels very wrong here."

Edgar nodded, and clasped the small metallic object in his hand, gingerly placing it back into his pack. He'd been able to create two small fire grenades with the materials he could salvage, but the explosive blast would be nothing special. It might work against a single miniboro, but against a Malboro it would be akin to throwing a pebble at a dragon.

Balder drew his steel blade and motioned to Ianthe and Avvadon to join him near the front. "The path in the map..." he muttered, pointing the blade towards the left path, "best matches this path. Let's go recruits."
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Ferris Wood | Winding Paths

“Whatever you think is best. I got your back.” Mitra pipped cheerfully as she kept her eyes peeled, looking in the shadows of the forest.

If there were miniboros lurking in the brush, Mitra needed to be on her best guard. As one of the frontline fighters alongside the “armored” knight-girl, it was her task to protect the casters and technicians of the group. For the time being she stuck to the side of the flank that Edgar was on, keeping her ears open as she gripped her staff in a defensive position.

While on route to the forest she had tightened the pack the proctor had given her, sliding two of the minor aldite gems into her weapon’s available slots. It had been some time since she tinkered with aldite in her spear, but she knew the best combination for the time being would be fire and lightning. They weren’t particularly powerful stones, but for a group of miniboros maybe they were enough? She figured the elemental chemistry would be enough to make the right strike into the creatures make an explosive reaction. That was how fire and lightning worked together. She had seen the result happen before when she was hunting an infestation of dire rats in the imperial capital's sewers when she was younger.

“You see anything, big guy?” She commented in reference to the larger Fabul man, despite her feeling admittedly nervous around him. She didn't want to be his next concubine, after all. “I got nothing on my flank... so far.”

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