Humanity often finds itself kneeling before the might of its own mistakes. A tragic fact that cannot be helped. Humanity's propensity for violence, envy, and lust make it ripe for failure. But what has always been most admirable about it, is the way in which it recovers. Never one to take a hit sitting down, Humanity has proven itself when standing against its mightiest of foes, for there must be an end to every conflict, a victor in every war.
But what then is made of the losers? Surely they hold their own location on the woven fabric of time and history. Even the dead stir in their graves for a chance at something as little as a mention. However, not all those who suffer a crippling defeat end their tales with rolling heads. Some struggle till the bitter end, gripping death between fragments of shattered teeth as to not let a single finger slide from the hilt of their blade. Such a tale is set here, within the doomed walls of a city that set the precedent for the concept of promise. But sadly, history is not written by the losers and the legacy of Tairsah would be buried beneath a mountain of rubble, ruin, and death.
The tragedy of the city of promise begins just like that of those told before it; on a normal day. Birds perched themselves atop Tarisah's formidable walls before taking to the bright blue skies. They were the lucky ones. So free, so ignorant. Wisps of clouds streaked the brilliant atmosphere, making just enough room for the sun to shine directly upon our fair city. No, the clouds wouldn't dare intrude upon the sun's view. Not today. In the streets below citizens busily marched from destination to destination, each playing their own role. They were the traders, the barkeeps, the noblemen and women, the hustlers, the thieves. All the roles that no city could truly be without.
The title for most populated area belonged to the market district. Family run businesses and vendors set up shop here in hopes of putting bread upon their own tables. Directly surrounding the humble market was the lower to middle class housing district, the area that most of Tairsah's denizens call home. In the very center of this district housed the worst that Tairsah had to offer. Murderers, thieves, and assassins all collectively scrounge around in this underdeveloped slum.
In the outermost limits, plains of farms and ranches kept workers busy toiling in fields of crops and animal husbandry. The innermost ring housed Tairsah's upper class and government buildings. In the very center was an acropolis constructed in the honor of Tairsah's founder. However, that man would not be found there on this particular day. Ever since it had appeared, he spent the majority of his time watching from the city wall.
About a month had passed since the black plums of smoke covered the horizon to the west and north. Vithkoth had sent scouts to discover what the cause of the looming danger was, but of the three men whom he had tasked with such a discovery never saw Tairsah's great walls again. Trade had almost completely ceased from the major cities in that direction. He feared for the worst. He feared for a lot of things these days. Most of all he feared for the shortness of his time. He couldn't wait any longer for his scouts to perform a miracle. The black horizon grew closer with each passing day. Soon whatever wickedness such a storm carried would be looming over his citizens. He couldn't allow that to happen. not when they've come so far.
Vithkoth sent word to his guardsmen to plaster a certain flyer all around the city. He didn't like having to resort to this, but wasting more trained men was out of the question. Upon this flyer was written a certain message;
"Citizens of Tairsah,
Tairsah's governing officials are in search of individuals who possess certain sets of skills. All of those interested must report to the Tairsah Capital Building located in the center of the city to inquire about positions. A large sum of gold will be handed over in exchange for rendered services".
But what then is made of the losers? Surely they hold their own location on the woven fabric of time and history. Even the dead stir in their graves for a chance at something as little as a mention. However, not all those who suffer a crippling defeat end their tales with rolling heads. Some struggle till the bitter end, gripping death between fragments of shattered teeth as to not let a single finger slide from the hilt of their blade. Such a tale is set here, within the doomed walls of a city that set the precedent for the concept of promise. But sadly, history is not written by the losers and the legacy of Tairsah would be buried beneath a mountain of rubble, ruin, and death.
The tragedy of the city of promise begins just like that of those told before it; on a normal day. Birds perched themselves atop Tarisah's formidable walls before taking to the bright blue skies. They were the lucky ones. So free, so ignorant. Wisps of clouds streaked the brilliant atmosphere, making just enough room for the sun to shine directly upon our fair city. No, the clouds wouldn't dare intrude upon the sun's view. Not today. In the streets below citizens busily marched from destination to destination, each playing their own role. They were the traders, the barkeeps, the noblemen and women, the hustlers, the thieves. All the roles that no city could truly be without.
The title for most populated area belonged to the market district. Family run businesses and vendors set up shop here in hopes of putting bread upon their own tables. Directly surrounding the humble market was the lower to middle class housing district, the area that most of Tairsah's denizens call home. In the very center of this district housed the worst that Tairsah had to offer. Murderers, thieves, and assassins all collectively scrounge around in this underdeveloped slum.
In the outermost limits, plains of farms and ranches kept workers busy toiling in fields of crops and animal husbandry. The innermost ring housed Tairsah's upper class and government buildings. In the very center was an acropolis constructed in the honor of Tairsah's founder. However, that man would not be found there on this particular day. Ever since it had appeared, he spent the majority of his time watching from the city wall.
About a month had passed since the black plums of smoke covered the horizon to the west and north. Vithkoth had sent scouts to discover what the cause of the looming danger was, but of the three men whom he had tasked with such a discovery never saw Tairsah's great walls again. Trade had almost completely ceased from the major cities in that direction. He feared for the worst. He feared for a lot of things these days. Most of all he feared for the shortness of his time. He couldn't wait any longer for his scouts to perform a miracle. The black horizon grew closer with each passing day. Soon whatever wickedness such a storm carried would be looming over his citizens. He couldn't allow that to happen. not when they've come so far.
Vithkoth sent word to his guardsmen to plaster a certain flyer all around the city. He didn't like having to resort to this, but wasting more trained men was out of the question. Upon this flyer was written a certain message;
"Citizens of Tairsah,
Tairsah's governing officials are in search of individuals who possess certain sets of skills. All of those interested must report to the Tairsah Capital Building located in the center of the city to inquire about positions. A large sum of gold will be handed over in exchange for rendered services".
Drej stopped before the Tairsah Capital building, admiring how ornate it was. Buildings were a rare sight in the desert, but one of this stature was unheard of. As he walked through the head gates, the guards eyed him suspiciously. Making his way to the meeting chamber he eyed an expensive vase, seeing no one, he swiped it and put it in his satchel. The main chamber was gaudily decorated with golden tapestries, intricately carved chairs, and a humongous long table. A heavy odor of perfume wafted around the room and made his nostrils flair. Leaning against a wall Drej admired the many paintings while he waited. If nothing else, at least this place was good for something.
Gotfrid walked through the dark alleys of the slums. He knew every trick that could be done in these alleys...they were like the back of his hand. And they usually weren't this quiet. The slums, as treacherous as they usually were seemed very...silent today. Maybe some people were planning a big robbery of some sort. Anyhow, it wasn't part of his business. He just wanted to get some food. Maybe buy an apple, or something.
A little bit before The Market District, he pulled up the hood on his black cloak. He did not want people to know that he was there in the Market District. With that information, people could spend that time looking for his hideout, and potentially get robbed of his scarce belongings. He only had spare clothes there. He kept his equipment on him at all times, and anything he could eat, he usually ate immediately. Looking around the Market District, nothing had really changed from the last time he had been there. He shuffled through the pockets under his cloak, and reached for his money pouch. He opened it up and took a quick glance inside, and saw that were only a few coins. Barely enough an apple. Where he usually bought stuff was coming up soon, but something else caught his attention. There was a poster on a the wall that was requesting...talented people? What kind of request is that? He would have ignored the poster and moved on, but the words "large sum of money" kept his eyes glued. His wallet had been aching after buying new equipment, and he would have to find another job soon anyway. Why not take this one?
His course changed very fast. From food to a job. He started making his move towards the Capital building. With the sun shining brightly, the merry people of the town moving around, and the birds chirping, today felt like the perfect day for a job. He arrived rather quickly at the Tairsah Capital building, and waltzed in. They were the ones looking for people with "certain skills." Thinking more deeply about the job, he thought about the possible difficulty of the request. There'd be no way that so much money would be given for a simple job that anybody could do. He looked for a sort of receptionist desk, or anyone to talk to, rather, and spent the time roaming the beautiful hallways of the Capital Building.
A little bit before The Market District, he pulled up the hood on his black cloak. He did not want people to know that he was there in the Market District. With that information, people could spend that time looking for his hideout, and potentially get robbed of his scarce belongings. He only had spare clothes there. He kept his equipment on him at all times, and anything he could eat, he usually ate immediately. Looking around the Market District, nothing had really changed from the last time he had been there. He shuffled through the pockets under his cloak, and reached for his money pouch. He opened it up and took a quick glance inside, and saw that were only a few coins. Barely enough an apple. Where he usually bought stuff was coming up soon, but something else caught his attention. There was a poster on a the wall that was requesting...talented people? What kind of request is that? He would have ignored the poster and moved on, but the words "large sum of money" kept his eyes glued. His wallet had been aching after buying new equipment, and he would have to find another job soon anyway. Why not take this one?
His course changed very fast. From food to a job. He started making his move towards the Capital building. With the sun shining brightly, the merry people of the town moving around, and the birds chirping, today felt like the perfect day for a job. He arrived rather quickly at the Tairsah Capital building, and waltzed in. They were the ones looking for people with "certain skills." Thinking more deeply about the job, he thought about the possible difficulty of the request. There'd be no way that so much money would be given for a simple job that anybody could do. He looked for a sort of receptionist desk, or anyone to talk to, rather, and spent the time roaming the beautiful hallways of the Capital Building.
Creaking breaks a door open from the market district as people calmly passed back and forth not keeping mind to one another as the day was so lethargically trotting forward in blissful ignorance, a large wooden sign dangles a few feet above everyone's scalps that had the words, "Inn" engraved in the wood and showing all that the place is for those who need a place to rest, but not for those who like to sleep on the streets. The place seemed large enough to house at least four people a night for, possibly, a well rounded cost. But the whole idea of spending money was not someting this person cared for.
An individual moved out walked out from the building and forced the door shut to keep the others around from making notice of said individual. The person was standing at a decent 5'8" and was clad in shining silver armour, though the light of the metal covering the body was shown very little by a large dark blue cloak. The cloak was a cloth similar to something thin-that of cotton perhaps, the cloak reached just short of the metal boots that were worn on the figure and reached over to the hood that covered the head. The only thing that was seen from the people around them was the jaw line and lips, which were thin and well defined, along with light red lips that were placed delicately on the figure. The left boot moved out first and started the march of the one known as Vycentez.
The day started slowly to everyone, especially to Vycentez who had nothing to do for the whole day. It was quite a bore around the city, seeing all of these people were common and quite folk that provoked nothing at all. Vycentez marched on and moved around everyone near, pacing on to look for food around the area, at least food that would suit such a hunger. Bright blue eyes looked left and right around the district to find something to satisfy the appetite that was slowly building. Looking back and forth at all that surrounded. After a moment of viewing and disappointment, Vycentez stop four feet short of one of the walls of another building, a large poster staring down the hooded figure as they did the same. The blue orbs scanned the sign with careful detail and saw everything important, " Tairsah's governing officials.. Search for individuals... Sets of skills... Tairsah Capital Building... Large sum of gold..."
Vycentez hummed gently, a quiet and soft tennor resonating from the throat of the figure standing there, reading the note again. The eyes stop at the Words, "Capital Building" as a small sense of rage building up in the rib cage underneath the metal breastplate potruding from the cloak. The boots immediately moved out from the spot that were plastered to the stone that paved the district almost scarcely, Vycentez making their way over to the centre of the city with no moment to spare, the sound of the metal suit overwhelming the mindless thoughts of vengance and retribution for the events that once occurred many years passed. Something that was once a big event and caused such an uproar to so little was someting that would never leave the mind underneah the hood and made the body underneath the metal one covering it to continue without proper rest to finally make peace across the world.
After passing the guards that made the Capital so important, Vycentez marched on without looking to the men that would probably stop someone without a good reason to be here, but with the signs that were littered all over the city they probably gave less a damn who walked by, as long as they knew that no one was going to destroy the building-if they could. Vycentez gave less and less interest of thinking about the two people holding off no one and entered the building, the resonating sounds of the metal body marching into a lobby like room, seeing no one around. Perhaps Vycentez was the first person to show up and make plans to figure out this problem with the pay. As Vycentez stood silently and patiently, the blue eyes glanced over to see a tall and thin looking man, somewhat reptilian, walking by and holding his satchel close to him as if he is holding some kind of trinket of personal and sentimental value. The eyes looked forward, caring less about the situation and awaited for the orders about the mission.
An individual moved out walked out from the building and forced the door shut to keep the others around from making notice of said individual. The person was standing at a decent 5'8" and was clad in shining silver armour, though the light of the metal covering the body was shown very little by a large dark blue cloak. The cloak was a cloth similar to something thin-that of cotton perhaps, the cloak reached just short of the metal boots that were worn on the figure and reached over to the hood that covered the head. The only thing that was seen from the people around them was the jaw line and lips, which were thin and well defined, along with light red lips that were placed delicately on the figure. The left boot moved out first and started the march of the one known as Vycentez.
The day started slowly to everyone, especially to Vycentez who had nothing to do for the whole day. It was quite a bore around the city, seeing all of these people were common and quite folk that provoked nothing at all. Vycentez marched on and moved around everyone near, pacing on to look for food around the area, at least food that would suit such a hunger. Bright blue eyes looked left and right around the district to find something to satisfy the appetite that was slowly building. Looking back and forth at all that surrounded. After a moment of viewing and disappointment, Vycentez stop four feet short of one of the walls of another building, a large poster staring down the hooded figure as they did the same. The blue orbs scanned the sign with careful detail and saw everything important, " Tairsah's governing officials.. Search for individuals... Sets of skills... Tairsah Capital Building... Large sum of gold..."
Vycentez hummed gently, a quiet and soft tennor resonating from the throat of the figure standing there, reading the note again. The eyes stop at the Words, "Capital Building" as a small sense of rage building up in the rib cage underneath the metal breastplate potruding from the cloak. The boots immediately moved out from the spot that were plastered to the stone that paved the district almost scarcely, Vycentez making their way over to the centre of the city with no moment to spare, the sound of the metal suit overwhelming the mindless thoughts of vengance and retribution for the events that once occurred many years passed. Something that was once a big event and caused such an uproar to so little was someting that would never leave the mind underneah the hood and made the body underneath the metal one covering it to continue without proper rest to finally make peace across the world.
After passing the guards that made the Capital so important, Vycentez marched on without looking to the men that would probably stop someone without a good reason to be here, but with the signs that were littered all over the city they probably gave less a damn who walked by, as long as they knew that no one was going to destroy the building-if they could. Vycentez gave less and less interest of thinking about the two people holding off no one and entered the building, the resonating sounds of the metal body marching into a lobby like room, seeing no one around. Perhaps Vycentez was the first person to show up and make plans to figure out this problem with the pay. As Vycentez stood silently and patiently, the blue eyes glanced over to see a tall and thin looking man, somewhat reptilian, walking by and holding his satchel close to him as if he is holding some kind of trinket of personal and sentimental value. The eyes looked forward, caring less about the situation and awaited for the orders about the mission.
It was never his plan to end up here in the slums. Yet, his particular skills were never that great to begin with. It left him little to no opportunities to pursue his goals. In the end, this had left him amongst the lowest of Tairsah.
Each day the man would ponder his ways to get out of this place. Yet, time and time again his skills would hold him back. Although, to his surprise he never seemed to be in danger in the slums. Even when trouble did come his way, often times he would black out and come to at a later time. By that point and time, the issues would be resolved.
It was in this particular day, like any other, that he had been walking the through the slums. Yet, one thing differed in his day to day scenery. The people of the slums seemed to have their eyes set on a different object than normal. There seemed to be a flyer of sorts scattered throughout the barren walls of the slums.
The man timidly began to approach the flyer as his vision had began to dim. Soon enough, like the times before, he had blacked out. Although, to his surprise, the slums were no where in sight. Instead, he was met by something much more appealing to the eyes. He had heard of the different places in Tairsah. Yet, he was unaware of where this particular place would be located. Either way, this location was much different from what he had grown accustomed to.
There was a looming question of how he had gotten here. There was no answer to be found in the depths of his mind. In the distance, there were two individuals standing in the same vicinity. It was a shot in the dark, but he could only hope these two could shed some light on the situation.
Each day the man would ponder his ways to get out of this place. Yet, time and time again his skills would hold him back. Although, to his surprise he never seemed to be in danger in the slums. Even when trouble did come his way, often times he would black out and come to at a later time. By that point and time, the issues would be resolved.
It was in this particular day, like any other, that he had been walking the through the slums. Yet, one thing differed in his day to day scenery. The people of the slums seemed to have their eyes set on a different object than normal. There seemed to be a flyer of sorts scattered throughout the barren walls of the slums.
The man timidly began to approach the flyer as his vision had began to dim. Soon enough, like the times before, he had blacked out. Although, to his surprise, the slums were no where in sight. Instead, he was met by something much more appealing to the eyes. He had heard of the different places in Tairsah. Yet, he was unaware of where this particular place would be located. Either way, this location was much different from what he had grown accustomed to.
There was a looming question of how he had gotten here. There was no answer to be found in the depths of his mind. In the distance, there were two individuals standing in the same vicinity. It was a shot in the dark, but he could only hope these two could shed some light on the situation.
Deep in the slums of Tairsah a chorus of hearty chuckles fill the stale air as a scar faced man rips the flyer from the tavern notice board "Do they honestly expect 'us' to help? They would sooner ditch our kind in jail and throw away the key than accept us amongst their ranks!"
The man bellows out laughter, the rest of the bar dwellers hollering and chuckling right along... all but one. A young female Gnoll sits silently at the bar watching everything unfold before her. The bartender leans against the counter his brow raised in curiosity "Why ain't yeh laughing lass? Not a fangirl of the guards are yah?'
I shake my head and look to the bartender "Of course not... I just think we are all part of this together in s..."
The bartender butts in and bellows out throughout the tavern "You hear that lads?! Little missy here be thinkin' us and the guards are one big feckin' family~ Says we in it together" The tavern crowd of murderers, thugs, and assassins burst into laughter, clinking their mugs together and taking swigs of their gritty ale. "Why don't yeh just marry tha guards then!"
I stare at the ground and remain silent for a moment, my long ears splaying back against my head. I snarl somewhat at him, my long pearl white teeth visible "Just pour me another drink Damien.."
The bartender chuckles and pours me a mug of ale seemingly content with the trouble he had caused me and returning back to wiping glasses, a smug grin on his face. I grasp the mug in my paw and tip my head back, downing the whole thing with ease. Placing a silver coin on the counter I stand up, being quite a bit taller than most in the tavern.
I head for the exit, my eyes trained on the scrunched up note. I duck down, picking it up and take my leave. Unscrunching the flyer I begin to read it "Hmmf... Guess it couldn't hurt to go check things out"
I flip my hood over my head and begin the trek to the Capital Building.
The man bellows out laughter, the rest of the bar dwellers hollering and chuckling right along... all but one. A young female Gnoll sits silently at the bar watching everything unfold before her. The bartender leans against the counter his brow raised in curiosity "Why ain't yeh laughing lass? Not a fangirl of the guards are yah?'
I shake my head and look to the bartender "Of course not... I just think we are all part of this together in s..."
The bartender butts in and bellows out throughout the tavern "You hear that lads?! Little missy here be thinkin' us and the guards are one big feckin' family~ Says we in it together" The tavern crowd of murderers, thugs, and assassins burst into laughter, clinking their mugs together and taking swigs of their gritty ale. "Why don't yeh just marry tha guards then!"
I stare at the ground and remain silent for a moment, my long ears splaying back against my head. I snarl somewhat at him, my long pearl white teeth visible "Just pour me another drink Damien.."
The bartender chuckles and pours me a mug of ale seemingly content with the trouble he had caused me and returning back to wiping glasses, a smug grin on his face. I grasp the mug in my paw and tip my head back, downing the whole thing with ease. Placing a silver coin on the counter I stand up, being quite a bit taller than most in the tavern.
I head for the exit, my eyes trained on the scrunched up note. I duck down, picking it up and take my leave. Unscrunching the flyer I begin to read it "Hmmf... Guess it couldn't hurt to go check things out"
I flip my hood over my head and begin the trek to the Capital Building.
Near the center of the housing district Gilfer awakes and is immediately blinded by the suns rays. After escaping the piercing rays of light he wraps his right arm up in bandages, dons his left in armor, and heads out of his home and headed towards the marketing district. As he arrives at his destination he notices a piece of paper on the ground, being blown down the street. he picked it up as he continued towards a fruit stand.
"Citizens of Tairsah,
Tairsah's governing officials are in search of individuals who possess certain sets of skills. All of those interested must report to the Tairsah Capital Building located in the center of the city to inquire about positions. A large sum of gold will be handed over in exchange for rendered services".
"A large sum of gold would certainly be nice. And i am an incredibly skilled individual" Gilfer thought to himself as he felt the meager bag of coins bump against his hip."Just not an incredibly rich one." he continued as as he approached a nearby fruit stand. Gilfer tossed a gold coin to the man behind the stand, snatched an apple for himself and went onwards to his new destination, the capital building.
As he walked through the doors Gilfer let out a loud sneeze and a small burst of light flashed through the room "Uhh, sorry about that." he said in a voice loud enough to fill the room. He had noticed that the others who also had gathered here were keeping to themselves. Gilfer saw one man among the group seeming rather confused, he approached this man and said "So you here for this gathering of skillful individuals as well?" Gilfer took a bite of his apple as he waited for a response.
"Citizens of Tairsah,
Tairsah's governing officials are in search of individuals who possess certain sets of skills. All of those interested must report to the Tairsah Capital Building located in the center of the city to inquire about positions. A large sum of gold will be handed over in exchange for rendered services".
"A large sum of gold would certainly be nice. And i am an incredibly skilled individual" Gilfer thought to himself as he felt the meager bag of coins bump against his hip."Just not an incredibly rich one." he continued as as he approached a nearby fruit stand. Gilfer tossed a gold coin to the man behind the stand, snatched an apple for himself and went onwards to his new destination, the capital building.
As he walked through the doors Gilfer let out a loud sneeze and a small burst of light flashed through the room "Uhh, sorry about that." he said in a voice loud enough to fill the room. He had noticed that the others who also had gathered here were keeping to themselves. Gilfer saw one man among the group seeming rather confused, he approached this man and said "So you here for this gathering of skillful individuals as well?" Gilfer took a bite of his apple as he waited for a response.
Light footsteps echo through the confines of the large marble and stone atrium. The origin of these sounds could be found descending from a set of large stone stairs. It was a man; a man who possessed a face memorized by nearly every soul in the city. Vithkoth was rather tall for a human, with leathery tanned skin and a bald head. He also appeared abnormally thin, almost malnourished. Much like the rest of the nobleman and politicians, he sported lavish and official looking robes. These garbs hung loosely from his impoverished weight. But what was perhaps most noteworthy about his physical appearance was his eyes. They were not that of a normal human's, being completely black aside from two deep purple dots that ran diagonally to the left. No one understood what could cause such a distinguishing characteristic, but doctors and magic users alike would risk a great deal just to study them, to know their secrets.
Reaching the bottom of the steps, he scanned the lobby. Immediately, he was able to pick out the ones who come to answer his ad. They stuck out among the busy looking glad-hands that normally populated the capital building, in both appearance and demeanor. Vithkoth found that he could learn a lot about someone just by looking at them.
"Excuse me a moment", he said loudly, deep voice bouncing off and along the cold walls. The once busy looking congressmen stopped everything they were doing, all looking up at their leader. He scanned the room once more, looking at all the figures who stood out, before speaking again. "Will those by the names of Drej, Gotfrid, Vycentez, Ix, Rhiannon, and Gilfer please follow me", Vithkoth said before turning himself around and moving back to where he had came from.
Reaching the bottom of the steps, he scanned the lobby. Immediately, he was able to pick out the ones who come to answer his ad. They stuck out among the busy looking glad-hands that normally populated the capital building, in both appearance and demeanor. Vithkoth found that he could learn a lot about someone just by looking at them.
"Excuse me a moment", he said loudly, deep voice bouncing off and along the cold walls. The once busy looking congressmen stopped everything they were doing, all looking up at their leader. He scanned the room once more, looking at all the figures who stood out, before speaking again. "Will those by the names of Drej, Gotfrid, Vycentez, Ix, Rhiannon, and Gilfer please follow me", Vithkoth said before turning himself around and moving back to where he had came from.
Gotfrid heard the loud voice of a man calling his name. Luckily, he had not wandered off too far, but honestly, he had not expected to have been called so quickly after his arrival. He started sprinting his way to the origin of the voice, coming across a large group of people. Most of the people there, if not all of them, had their attention focused on a single tall man that seemed to have an air of authority around him. He had seemed to be the one that called out his name, so he started walking after the man.
I sit in the main lobby glancing around at the high class and generally well-off citizens of Tairsah, giving the occasional snarl at those who stared for too long. Despite my attempts to conceal my form with a loose cloak I stood out like a priest in a brothel.
"Excuse me a moment", a strong voice fills the lobby. All eyes turn to the bald headed man dressed in noble attire. "Will those by the names of Drej, Gotfrid, Vycentez, Ix, Rhiannon, and Gilfer please follow me" He turns and heads back up the stairs.
My brow furrows. How... Did he know my name? I grunt and stand to my feet, towering over all in the lobby, my long tail sweeping behind me. I guess I will soon find out...
I have no need to push through the lobby, most in a rush to get out of the way of the 7' gnoll. I head upstairs after the man.
"Excuse me a moment", a strong voice fills the lobby. All eyes turn to the bald headed man dressed in noble attire. "Will those by the names of Drej, Gotfrid, Vycentez, Ix, Rhiannon, and Gilfer please follow me" He turns and heads back up the stairs.
My brow furrows. How... Did he know my name? I grunt and stand to my feet, towering over all in the lobby, my long tail sweeping behind me. I guess I will soon find out...
I have no need to push through the lobby, most in a rush to get out of the way of the 7' gnoll. I head upstairs after the man.
Standing in the back of the stone atrium, Alethor observed while remaining unnoticed. Having read the flyer he'd seen on walls and posts all around the city, he was intrigued by the request for individuals with certain sets of skills. Gold was always welcome as well. Gold meant food and food had not been easy to come by as of late.
"Citizens of Tairsah,
Tairsah's governing officials are in search of individuals who possess certain sets of skills. All of those interested must report to the Tairsah Capital Building located in the center of the city to inquire about positions. A large sum of gold will be handed over in exchange for rendered services."
He'd answered his fair share of quests on mission boards before but those were posted by simple farmers seeking justice for thieves or merchants requesting armed guard; never once had he heard of the governing officials in Tairsah being the ones to make a request. He was scanning the large chamber when a voice caught his attention.
"Excuse me a moment", a man Alethor identified as Vithkoth said loudly, "Will those by the names of Drej, Gotfrid, Vycentez, Ix, Rhiannon, and Gilfer please follow me."
Alethor had expected as much as he'd been trying to remain out of sight, but he couldn't say he wasn't disappointed that his name had not been included. The flyer mentioned inquiring about positions; he intended to follow the ones who had been called forth and do just that.
"Citizens of Tairsah,
Tairsah's governing officials are in search of individuals who possess certain sets of skills. All of those interested must report to the Tairsah Capital Building located in the center of the city to inquire about positions. A large sum of gold will be handed over in exchange for rendered services."
He'd answered his fair share of quests on mission boards before but those were posted by simple farmers seeking justice for thieves or merchants requesting armed guard; never once had he heard of the governing officials in Tairsah being the ones to make a request. He was scanning the large chamber when a voice caught his attention.
"Excuse me a moment", a man Alethor identified as Vithkoth said loudly, "Will those by the names of Drej, Gotfrid, Vycentez, Ix, Rhiannon, and Gilfer please follow me."
Alethor had expected as much as he'd been trying to remain out of sight, but he couldn't say he wasn't disappointed that his name had not been included. The flyer mentioned inquiring about positions; he intended to follow the ones who had been called forth and do just that.
Erestor walked through the ornate entrance of the Capital Building, glancing around at the faces he did not recognize as he strode to the center of the chamber. He'd seen the flyers around the city and could only assume it was why a few of the strangers were here. After all, it was what had brought him here. He glanced down at the piece of parchment in his hands.
"Citizens of Tairsah,
Tairsah's governing officials are in search of individuals who possess certain sets of skills. All of those interested must report to the Tairsah Capital Building located in the center of the city to inquire about positions. A large sum of gold will be handed over in exchange for rendered services."
Erestor was always looking for a new adventure and a chance to hone his skills. As this particular request came from the governing officials of Tairsah themselves, it had to be concerning something both difficult and important. A perfect opportunity, the mage thought to himself as he tucked the flyer into his robes. He couldn't deny that part of the reason he'd came was for the reward, but who doesn't love gold? While he was busy arguing with himself over whether or not he'd come for the right reasons, a booming voice cut through his thoughts and quieted the others in the chamber.
"Excuse me a moment", a man at the bottom of a stone stair said loudly, "Will those by the names of Drej, Gotfrid, Vycentez, Ix, Rhiannon, and Gilfer please follow me." As the man turned and began up the steps, a few figures started toward him. Erestor noticed seven were moving to follow the man, yet only six names had been called. I might as well see if there's any room for one more, it looks like someone else is doing the same. Worst case scenario, they say no and I go take the mission with that goblin instead. Deciding it was indeed for the right reasons, he headed for the stairs.
"Citizens of Tairsah,
Tairsah's governing officials are in search of individuals who possess certain sets of skills. All of those interested must report to the Tairsah Capital Building located in the center of the city to inquire about positions. A large sum of gold will be handed over in exchange for rendered services."
Erestor was always looking for a new adventure and a chance to hone his skills. As this particular request came from the governing officials of Tairsah themselves, it had to be concerning something both difficult and important. A perfect opportunity, the mage thought to himself as he tucked the flyer into his robes. He couldn't deny that part of the reason he'd came was for the reward, but who doesn't love gold? While he was busy arguing with himself over whether or not he'd come for the right reasons, a booming voice cut through his thoughts and quieted the others in the chamber.
"Excuse me a moment", a man at the bottom of a stone stair said loudly, "Will those by the names of Drej, Gotfrid, Vycentez, Ix, Rhiannon, and Gilfer please follow me." As the man turned and began up the steps, a few figures started toward him. Erestor noticed seven were moving to follow the man, yet only six names had been called. I might as well see if there's any room for one more, it looks like someone else is doing the same. Worst case scenario, they say no and I go take the mission with that goblin instead. Deciding it was indeed for the right reasons, he headed for the stairs.
Ix had been walking towards the group of people when behind him he heard a voice. The person spoke about skillful individuals and some kind of gathering. Each of these things seemed to fly right over Ix's head as he was thinking about the situation at hand. A loud chomp had been heard behind him that made Ix cringe.
He would soon turn around to a person much taller than him. It felt as if he had to be at least one or two feet taller. Ix's eyes traveled slowly to meet with Gilfer's eyes. "Um, excuse me, but... what do you mean about gathering of skillful individuals?" Ix had taken a few steps back from the man to ensure his neck wasn't at a ninety degree angle.
It hadn't taken long after Ix had spoke to the man in front of him, but someone had called out a bunch of names. Out of these names called, Ix happened to be a part of this group. It confused him how someone would randomly know his name without him ever speaking to them before. Ix had looked at the man who was the bottom of the stairs. To Ix, this man almost looked somewhat ill and it confused him slightly.
Despite the questions in Ix's mind, he decided to go after the man. He thought that somehow, this man would be able to answer his questions of why he was here. Well, at least he hoped that he could explain what the larger man had been speaking about.
He would soon turn around to a person much taller than him. It felt as if he had to be at least one or two feet taller. Ix's eyes traveled slowly to meet with Gilfer's eyes. "Um, excuse me, but... what do you mean about gathering of skillful individuals?" Ix had taken a few steps back from the man to ensure his neck wasn't at a ninety degree angle.
It hadn't taken long after Ix had spoke to the man in front of him, but someone had called out a bunch of names. Out of these names called, Ix happened to be a part of this group. It confused him how someone would randomly know his name without him ever speaking to them before. Ix had looked at the man who was the bottom of the stairs. To Ix, this man almost looked somewhat ill and it confused him slightly.
Despite the questions in Ix's mind, he decided to go after the man. He thought that somehow, this man would be able to answer his questions of why he was here. Well, at least he hoped that he could explain what the larger man had been speaking about.
The body waited in the atrium with silent and patient intention to get what was needed: the summoner of the event. Bright blue eyes scanned the room and looked to the newer people walking in to make notice of the event, the soft red colour of the lips under the hood curved into a smile. The eyes halted at the sight of someone abnormally tall walking into thenroom and maing a rucus as he did so. It was not a surprise that someone like so would be so loud, large build, muscular and suave, powerful and demanding, it was obvious that the person had skills. As he spoke to the semi uncosious and ignorant man in front of him it was clear that this man was more jocular than his disposition and form, which made the lips stretch a bit more and show laugh lines on the thinned jaw. The men talked for a second more before another man spoke, but not from any angle the eyes were able to reach.
At the sound of the booming voice, the metal body immedately shifted into gear and made it's move. The body turned and the legs parted, making the suit bend into a squat while the right arm moved out to the shoulder of the suit. Under the cloak was a leather shoulder strap, something that seemed odd for someone like a burly soldier-esque body to be wearing-and a hilt. The hilt had a small bulb on the end of it with a small cork on the end of it, showing that the bulb was a container for something, The right hand of the suit took no time to grab the hilt and pull out a dagger. The dagger was about ten inches long and was curved to look like a large fang, the metal of the blade was a shinning silver that glistened with equal power as the suit. The fang-blade was On the end of the body position while the other hand was clode to the breastplate, palm exposed and fingers flexed. The whole suit reacted as if it were ready to strike whatever was coming its way, not giving a second to spare on trying to defend the standing ground. But in the act of doing so, the man spoke on and didn't notice anything before turning around to leave and have the others follow behind him-Vycentez included. The suit stood there in dead silence as the rest of the people nearby were possibly startled and confused, but moved on as if it never happened.
The dagger moved back into its shoulder strap and the sound of a tennor being retuned was reverberated from the suit while the body moved on, following the group without saying a word. The taller one in front with the cloak and odd appendage peeking out from the back of it was moving at the same pace, making the tail gently brush the metal. Vycentez cared not about this action, for it was possibly something the gods gave as retribution for acting so animalistic. The broght blue eyes looked back as the hood bend to fix the view, everyone who was called-and more-was making a herd with them to make it quick and over with, making it seem like all were eager with the money. Vycentez was not eager for gold, but was famished from not eating in several days.
At the sound of the booming voice, the metal body immedately shifted into gear and made it's move. The body turned and the legs parted, making the suit bend into a squat while the right arm moved out to the shoulder of the suit. Under the cloak was a leather shoulder strap, something that seemed odd for someone like a burly soldier-esque body to be wearing-and a hilt. The hilt had a small bulb on the end of it with a small cork on the end of it, showing that the bulb was a container for something, The right hand of the suit took no time to grab the hilt and pull out a dagger. The dagger was about ten inches long and was curved to look like a large fang, the metal of the blade was a shinning silver that glistened with equal power as the suit. The fang-blade was On the end of the body position while the other hand was clode to the breastplate, palm exposed and fingers flexed. The whole suit reacted as if it were ready to strike whatever was coming its way, not giving a second to spare on trying to defend the standing ground. But in the act of doing so, the man spoke on and didn't notice anything before turning around to leave and have the others follow behind him-Vycentez included. The suit stood there in dead silence as the rest of the people nearby were possibly startled and confused, but moved on as if it never happened.
The dagger moved back into its shoulder strap and the sound of a tennor being retuned was reverberated from the suit while the body moved on, following the group without saying a word. The taller one in front with the cloak and odd appendage peeking out from the back of it was moving at the same pace, making the tail gently brush the metal. Vycentez cared not about this action, for it was possibly something the gods gave as retribution for acting so animalistic. The broght blue eyes looked back as the hood bend to fix the view, everyone who was called-and more-was making a herd with them to make it quick and over with, making it seem like all were eager with the money. Vycentez was not eager for gold, but was famished from not eating in several days.
Gilfer saw the man back up because of the distance in height. He then began to respond to Ix with "Sorry, I didn't mean to sneak up on you. but about what i was talking about earlier, The Government is calling out important people with a promise of a large sum of gold, you haven't heard? The posters are literally everywh..."
He stopped talking as he heard that Vithkoth call his name. "That's odd" he thought to himself since he has never met the man personally before. Gilfer then decided to follow the man with the rest of the ragtag group of individuals in the room.
He stopped talking as he heard that Vithkoth call his name. "That's odd" he thought to himself since he has never met the man personally before. Gilfer then decided to follow the man with the rest of the ragtag group of individuals in the room.
Vithkoth led the group up the tall stairs and down a hall to the left. On the march up, he couldn't help but notice a strong presence following close behind. Taking a quick peek over his shoulder, he looked straight at Alethor as they trekked forward. Vithkoth was taken slightly aback by what the man housed within his body. Vithkoth's first instinct was to look into the man's eyes. However, a wave of relief soon washed over his worried mind, as Alethor didn't seem to possess the gift. At least, not the one Vithkoth himself had. He turned his attention next to Erestor. He noted the raw power within the young mage; the potential within him was great. However, such hot iron would still need much tempering. Vithkoth was suddenly taken by a wave of grief over his actions. Sending all these promising individuals to some unknown and potentially perilous fate felt like a true crime to him. "What a waste...", his thoughts repeated over and over in his mind.
At the end of the long hallway, the group was brought in front of a large set of ornate doors with a mural of different animals carved intricately into its broad surface. Vithkoth placed his gentle hands on the large doors and gave a slight push, sending the heavy gates slowly swinging open. What hid behind these doors was a grand conference room of sorts, with a large round table of a dark wood in the very center. Plenty of chairs, seemingly made of the same type of wood as the table, ran all along the circular formation of the giant piece of furniture. The floor shared a similar makeup to that of the rest of the capital building, while the walls of this room were painted a pearly white as opposed to just leaving the stone and marble bare. Illuminating this room was a large chandelier augmented with blue-green crystals that seemed to give off a naturally bright glow. Finally, on the end of the room opposite to the doors, large red curtains made of a luxurious material where draped down the wall.
Vithkoth continued into the room and found himself a seat in a chair clearly made for someone of importance, as it was much more elegant in comparison to the others. Carefully lowering his body into the seat, he spoke once again. "Please, if you would all take a seat", he asked, waiting for them to do so. Once everyone had taken their positions, he gave a hand signal to a guard standing by the door. In response to this gesture, the guard gave a slight nod and proceeded to close the doors behind them. "Well then,", Vithkoth started after the doors had separated them from the busy congressmen of the outside. "I'm glad to see such qualified individuals answering my little advertisement. Before we continue to the issue at hand, does anyone have any questions they'd like to ask?", he said, looking around the room.
At the end of the long hallway, the group was brought in front of a large set of ornate doors with a mural of different animals carved intricately into its broad surface. Vithkoth placed his gentle hands on the large doors and gave a slight push, sending the heavy gates slowly swinging open. What hid behind these doors was a grand conference room of sorts, with a large round table of a dark wood in the very center. Plenty of chairs, seemingly made of the same type of wood as the table, ran all along the circular formation of the giant piece of furniture. The floor shared a similar makeup to that of the rest of the capital building, while the walls of this room were painted a pearly white as opposed to just leaving the stone and marble bare. Illuminating this room was a large chandelier augmented with blue-green crystals that seemed to give off a naturally bright glow. Finally, on the end of the room opposite to the doors, large red curtains made of a luxurious material where draped down the wall.
Vithkoth continued into the room and found himself a seat in a chair clearly made for someone of importance, as it was much more elegant in comparison to the others. Carefully lowering his body into the seat, he spoke once again. "Please, if you would all take a seat", he asked, waiting for them to do so. Once everyone had taken their positions, he gave a hand signal to a guard standing by the door. In response to this gesture, the guard gave a slight nod and proceeded to close the doors behind them. "Well then,", Vithkoth started after the doors had separated them from the busy congressmen of the outside. "I'm glad to see such qualified individuals answering my little advertisement. Before we continue to the issue at hand, does anyone have any questions they'd like to ask?", he said, looking around the room.
Rhiannon trudges into the room, her soft pink yet striking eyes flickering around and observing everything. She takes a seat as instructed, finding the chair a bit uncomfortable with her tail. She reaches up and flips down her hood, two large pointy ears springing into the air covered in multiple gold and bone piercings. Her matte blonde hair is cut short, but with a long fringe covering half her face. Her muzzle sticks out in front of her face, her cheeks fluffed out bit from the hood. As Vithkoth asks if there are any questions Rhiannon remains silent, glancing around to the others.
Having seated himself in one of the wooden chairs around the long table, Erestor listened intently as Vithkoth spoke. When he was done, the mage cleared his throat and replied, "I do. I am here in response to your advertisement as you said, but you called six names here and mine was not among them. Is that because you only have need of six individuals, or is there some sort of position I can fill?" When he was done he glanced around the room at the others briefly before looking to Vithkoth for his reply.
Alethor followed the group into the chamber and took a seat in one of the wooden chairs surrounding the round table. He listened patiently to Vithkoth and then Erestor, taking more time to look at each of the strangers sitting around the table. He recognized none of the faces but noted the diversity among the group. As Erestor finished speaking, Alethor realized he was in a similar situation and thought it best to speak up now.
"My name was also not among the ones you called but I am here to answer your advertisement. Do you have need of an eighth? I would be happy to join you on whatever it is we're here for," he said. Hoping his interruption wasn't rude, Alethor shifted his gaze to the pearly white walls as he nervously waited for an answer.
"My name was also not among the ones you called but I am here to answer your advertisement. Do you have need of an eighth? I would be happy to join you on whatever it is we're here for," he said. Hoping his interruption wasn't rude, Alethor shifted his gaze to the pearly white walls as he nervously waited for an answer.
Following fairly far behind the group Ix had managed to be the last to enter the room. He kept himself away from the several people who had been called by this man. Ix had taken a moment to count each person, it had seemed that two extra individuals had arrived. Despite the man asking for everyone to take a seat, Ix had kept himself away from the group still. Only in mere moments did Ix hear the door shut behind him.
He turned his head back to the door and once more back at Vithkoth. It was shortly after this action that Vithkoth spoke out and asked if anyone had questions. Ix had taken a step forward and was about to speak, yet a man in a robe beat him to it. Ix quickly pulled himself back and went silent as he waited for the man to finish speaking. It almost happened again as Ix wanted to speak but a second man managed to beat him to it.
After the second man had stopped talking, Ix had stepped forward. However, despite stepping forward he was still far from the group. He had spoke out once, but his voice was quiet and didn't carry far. He took a moment to realize that he wasn't heard and despite his earlier actions, he approached the group.
Ix walked close enough to the group that his voice would be heard. Yet, he still kept himself somewhat separated as he had no idea what was going on. "Umm, excuse me," Ix's voice managed to carry outwards this time. "But, do you have any idea why I'm here?" It was easy enough to tell that Ix was puzzled and entirely uncomfortable with the situation.
Just as fast as he had blurted out these words, Ix had once again moved himself away from the crowd. It was clear to everyone that he didn't trust a single one of the people in the room. It also seemed as if this particular individual was quite timid or anti-social. The exact trait was impossible to determine under natural means, but it would be possible to piece together.
As Ix was distancing himself, it almost seemed as if he was on the verge of passing out. Each step he took seemed to drag across the floor and he could barely keep his eyes open. It almost seemed as if he was struggling and propped himself up against the wall.
He turned his head back to the door and once more back at Vithkoth. It was shortly after this action that Vithkoth spoke out and asked if anyone had questions. Ix had taken a step forward and was about to speak, yet a man in a robe beat him to it. Ix quickly pulled himself back and went silent as he waited for the man to finish speaking. It almost happened again as Ix wanted to speak but a second man managed to beat him to it.
After the second man had stopped talking, Ix had stepped forward. However, despite stepping forward he was still far from the group. He had spoke out once, but his voice was quiet and didn't carry far. He took a moment to realize that he wasn't heard and despite his earlier actions, he approached the group.
Ix walked close enough to the group that his voice would be heard. Yet, he still kept himself somewhat separated as he had no idea what was going on. "Umm, excuse me," Ix's voice managed to carry outwards this time. "But, do you have any idea why I'm here?" It was easy enough to tell that Ix was puzzled and entirely uncomfortable with the situation.
Just as fast as he had blurted out these words, Ix had once again moved himself away from the crowd. It was clear to everyone that he didn't trust a single one of the people in the room. It also seemed as if this particular individual was quite timid or anti-social. The exact trait was impossible to determine under natural means, but it would be possible to piece together.
As Ix was distancing himself, it almost seemed as if he was on the verge of passing out. Each step he took seemed to drag across the floor and he could barely keep his eyes open. It almost seemed as if he was struggling and propped himself up against the wall.
Moderators: Kormazon