Lucilia RiovasAfter giving Khan his medicine and her report Lucilia returned to her office. By the time she got there, she had another pile of work that needed to be handle, though three things stood out. Two of them were missives from Eania and Djarkel, notable because they were in a very elaborate envelope reserved only for vital deliveries. The third thing that she took notice was Rurik, who was sitting in front of her desk while also heavily bandaged.
"By the gods... What happened?" Rurik told Lucilia his tale of what had happened on his way to the college. He told her of the roc attack and the lost of his inventory. Rurik was a close friend and an important business contact for the college, and assisting him would not only be beneficial, but it was also just the humane thing to do for a friend. Giving him her condolences, Lucilia had to take a look at the two missives. Reading over them she was displeased knowing just how much people relied on the college, and yet they still give them issues when they try to call upon their favors. Eania needed the college to investigate some sort of mage rebellion ravaging the country side, though Lucilia felt that the letter was overstating the actual issue. Nonetheless she was aware of something going on between their borders and Lucilia knew she needed this to be investigated. From Djarkel they reported a sharp increase in demonic attacks directed towards their caravans in recent days. Lucilia had wondered what had become of one of her Scarlet Traveler's and worried that they too may have fell victim to Kudd's awakening.
But Lucilia was in a tight spot. Normally matters like these would only need perhaps one master wizard and a few guards to handle, however due to recent activities the college could not spar their best for these sort of missions. Most had their hand full trying to maintain a sense of peace within the college whilst also training their respective students in their magic as fast as they can. Not to mention that Lucilia could not spare any of her guards to go on these missions due to their... Unique contract. She had a few hired mercenaries she could send, but they won't be enough. Lucilia feared that she would have to send a letter back to Eania and Djarkel about their inability to help when she spotted another letter.
This letter contained names of a few of the college's students and people of interests. Those who have proven to be above and beyond what is expected of them at the college, namely during their actions when the demons attacked last winter. They showed advance magical prowess as well as the ability to react to danger in an efficent and reliable matter. Though Lucilia dislikes the thought of sending students on missions, right now she had very little options otherwise. They were no mere students, she knows this much, but she still worried for their safety. But she did what she had to do. Calling a few guards, she had them go out and find certain people to meet her in her office.
The first group that Lucilia called up were for Rurik's issue with the roc. She called for Aramir, Annabeth, Liam, Colette, Auriel for this mission. They were young and Lucilia felt they were also inexperienced, but they were also strong, healthy, and smart. While she doesn't believe that any one of them could defeat the roc alone, she knew that if they can work together the roc should be no trouble. She can only pray that they get along.
"Greetings. As some of you may know, recently one of the college's merchants was attacked by a Roc nested at Leaper’s Plateau. Though Rurik managed to escape alive, his wagon contains vital supplies for the college. I want you all to head east to the Leaper’s Plateau and secure the wagon and it's supplies. If need be, slay the Roc as well, however I must warn you that the Roc is not easily killed like any other beast. It's shear size alone makes it very resistant to anything smaller than it with a grip that could tear apart stone. I would not suggest engaging the roc in battle if it is not necessary, however if you must fight it I have arranged a ballista you may use against the monster. You will take the ballista as well as the wagon it is contained to carry the stolen goods back the the college. If you do not wish to partake, I understand and you do not need to arrive. Otherwise, you have about an hour to prepare yourself. Once you are ready go outside to the college's stable, where you wagon should be waiting for you.
After the first group left Lucilia had the guards go find the second ground. This group contained Grey, Mar, Coco, Athalus, and Leith. She had some difficulties allowing Mar and Athalus go on this mission due to their child, however they were spoken highly of and also quite capable regardless of their parenthood. Still she sent them on what Lucilia felt would be the "Easier" mission, and just to ensure that they had adequate protection, she chose to have Grey accompany them. He was practically the only one guard left from the previous garrison after they had left, mostly because he was not affiliated with the organization she hired. While his official position within the guards has not really been changed, he is the only one she trusts for the purpose of providing a human presence in protecting the college. Uicle does as much as he can with his golems, but the college needs to show everyone that they are being ran by people, not just puppets. Though Grey is only a guard, he gets most of his orders through her, which supersedes any orders aside from the Headmaster of the Archmage.
Once they arrived all together she told them of their mission. "Hello everyone. I have called you all in today for a few specific reason. Firstly, there is a matter in the land of Eania that the college has been asked to handle. It would seem that mages are causing a stir in forest of Symphony. The second reason I called you all here is because I believe that each of you have the skills necessary to handle this matter. You goal in this mission, should you chose to accept it, is to find these mages and put a stop to their chaos. Minimize the damage as best as you can. I would prefer as little death as necessary, and I certainly do not want any of you to die either. IF you are willing to partake in this mission, be ready to meet at the west gate. There will be a carriage there to take you to Eania. If you do not wish to take part you simply do not have to show up. I understand the dangers of this mission and I will not hold it against you should you chose to stay."
Lastly, at around noon, Lucilia called up the last group. Though she would not admit it, the last group was made up of the leftovers from the first two. They were Alaira, Darius, Ssarak, and Meirin. Alaria distinguished herself defending the infirmary when it was breached by a powerful demon, however reports also shows that she has suffered serious injuries due to it. While recent reports show her health improving, Lucilia still fears that Alaira is not in the best shape for this mission, but even so she was one of the only few people who have the skills to complete it. Darius was a guardsman of one of the visiting guest from Yarosmere, however due to extenuating circumstance he has chosen to stay at the college as a student. He too took part in the defense of the college and his experience as a guardsman makes him perfect for this job. Ssarak was also highly commemorated for his efforts in defending the dinning hall during the demonic invasion, rallying the students and guards together to hold off the demon tide until the college could issue it's counterattack. And lastly, Meirin had been with Ssarak during the demon attack and has proven her mettle quite well. As a native of Djarkel Lucilia had also figured that she could be useful in guiding the group along should they get lost or need to find alternative routes.
When they arrived Lucilia ushered them into their seats and gave them the mission briefing. "Welcome everyone. I know you may have some questions for why I called you in today, but if you may please hold them until the end, I will explain. It has come to the college's attention that many caravans that run between the college and the Djarkel city of Hysteria have mysteriously vanished. There is no evidence along the roads of any struggle or attacks, however recently two merchants have somehow survived and speak of demons abducting them. Admittedly our intel on the matter is minimal, but what we do know is that the attacks occur along a set path. We wish to put a stop to the attacks as soon as possible. To that end, you four will be escorting a caravan to the city of Hysteria. Not only do I want you to ensure their safe travel, but I want you to gather as much information on these attacks as you can. Where exactly they occur, what sort of demons attack, and generally anything else you think may be important. This is a dangerous mission and I do not blame you if you chose to not take it. If you understand the dangers and would still partake, you have about an hour to ready yourself. This trip will take at the least a week but perhaps even longer, so plan accordingly. When you are ready meet in the courtyard, the caravan driver would find you shortly."
After giving each of the groups a paper summary of their mission Lucilia remained composed until they left. Than she slouched in her chair and reached for a Marrow Draught,. Recent days have made her feel lethargic, and she also felt that she was slowly losing contact with others day by day. She disliked the idea of sending them away like this, but she had to do it. The college, for all it's might, needs people like Rurik and must have good connections with Eania and Djarkel. The college may be the only one willing to fight against Kudd, but they aren't ready to face him right now. They need to build up their relations with the other nations and get them prepared. There was no stopping Kudd now, but they can still fight back. They can't prevent the war, but they can still win it.
Annabeth GulchSometime later Annabeth was called into Lucilia's office. She, along with a few others Annabeth recognized, were given a mission on behalf of the college. Annabeth was rather uncertain why she had been called, but if she had to guess, it was because Annabeth had done something to prove herself to the college staff. Perhaps Satori had put a good word in for her? Fighting a roc though... Not really something Annabeth has prepared herself for. Still she wasn't fighting the beast alone, and she trusted that the others were skilled enough to make up for her own weaknesses. Returning to her room Annabeth geared up, putting on her leather armor and taking her weapons.S he did not think that she would need her buckler against a beast like the roc, so instead she took her axe, her longsword, and her bow. It had been sometime since she had used it but once she had her hand on it she was easily able to go though the motions. There was still time before the group had to leave, but Annabeth chose to head to the stables early just to see what their wagon would look like.
Tyrael Marchosias Tyrael had been busy the entire morning, moving from one job to the next. If he wasn't making equipment for the new guards he was furnishing the ramparts on the college, or trying to get a handle on the golems Uicle loaned him. Unlike the armored entity Tyrael lacked the mental bond that uicle had with them, making Tyrael rely on word commands to get them to do anything. He had to resist the urge to threaten and yell at them like he would with his demons, and it didn't help that he was groing a bit more frustrated as the time went by. Worse still was when one guardsman sent by Lucilia told him that he had to prepare carriages and wagons for some missions, missions that he was never told about. Not that he had time to partake in them, but he did not like to be left out of the loop like this. More so since Lucilia needed a ballista ready for one of the wagons. While they had ballistas, they were mounted on the college walls; it's not like he has one tucked away in storage for this moment. So he ordered some golems to fetch him a balista while he got the wagons and carriages ready.
Not knowing what they were being used for, the carriage was chosen for long-travels and for hard roads, but was not very comfortable for it's riders. It would have been better suited for cargo, but Tyrael assumes that they would be assaulted on the way to their desitnation, and the carriage he chose would ensure that they are well protected. The wagon he chose also fit a similar description. Since he had to mount the ballista onto it he guessed correctly that they were going to deal with some big monster that has migrated into the area. He would have liked to hunt the beast himself, but his work at the college prevents him from indulging in such activities. Both were being drawn by oxen instead of horses. Slow, but both would be on the move for the entire trip, preventing the need to have to stop and letting the animals rest. Once he got the rides set up Tyrael was called for another task, leaving the vehicles near the stable to await their party.
