Trailing behind as he usually does, Ivo took in the sights of the city. He had come to realize that while he and his friends had ventured into town and been around the busy parts of town, he never paid much attention to it all. Ivo had always been like that, distant and lost in thought. He was exceptionally talented at getting himself lost. The sounds of people walking and talking, selling their wares, the town criers announcing news stories, and political news, horses trotting and beasts clambering about. The calls of chickens and other sorts of birds. Town guards marching in rows two by two, led by guard captains. Children playing in the streets, running around shrieking in delight. All of it was hypnotic to Ivo as he continued following close behind Arrya. Orsen led the group to a large stone building on the north end of town, the hustle and bustle becoming more distant as they traveled. The building itself commanded respect, and as such, was fairly cleaner than other businesses and abodes. Standing tall, and firm, a plaque to the right of the recessed stairway read “ Mayor’s Manor” in large lettering, and beneath it read “Home of Fort Ymin Mayor, Lord Yalrik Leafturner”.
Large stone pillars stretching impossibly high, intricate carved designs, bronze accents worn over the many years since its erection. A true manor in every sense. Guards patrolled the side street to ensure complete safety for the Mayor. The group led by Orsen approached the heavy wooden double doors, and Orsen pulled the small twig shaped lever to the right of the door. A muffled ring could be heard inside and shortly after a man dressed in guard armor answered the door.
“Ah, Orsen I was wondering when you would show up, the Mayor is in his office.” The man peered his chiseled face over Orsen’s shoulder. As he did, everyone could see his face. He had scars that adorned his dark skin. Small patches of faded blond hair could be seen sticking out from under his battleworn helmet. The group passed by the man, making eye contact and giving him a short nod. He stood taller than all except Tezzeret, who had to bow slightly to fit through the doors. The interior of the manor was beautiful. Glossy black and white marble floors, bronze and silver accents, door knobs polished to shine, beautiful tapestries telling different stories of owlbears defeated and armies vanquished. Paintings of regal men and women of different races, posing aristocratically. A few bronze busts of women, as well as carved marble statues. Wooden shelves holding trinkets and baubles from a bygone era. Stuffed bears filled every corner of the room, some large and brown,while others were small and gray or black. A grand staircase made from Great Oak wood, wide and in the center of the hall, was heavily decorated with intricate carvings of angels, and dragons. On the wall above the stairs, where they split to the left and right sat many plaques, filled with beast heads or horns. Under each plaque was a bronze name plate, only a few inches across, that contained the name of the beast, and under it stamped the name of the hunter and the date on which the beast was killed. A lone wooden plaque and matching name plate sat in the middle of the line of plaques at the very center of the stairs and wall. The walls themselves were painted white and the trim was silver, all around the room.
The group was mesmerized by the intricate details of the hall, as Orsen proceeded upstairs and through the door on the left side second floor. Ivo noticed the empty plaque and after treading up to the landing, approached the wall, looking up at the plaque. After a moment Ivo heard a voice.
“It’s for a displacer beast.” Ivo nonchalantly looked to his left towards the source of the voice and was startled by the man standing directly next to him. The man appeared to be in his fifties with short combed graying hair, and goatee. He had yellow-brown skin and wore a monocle. As he eyed the plaque, Ivo could see wrinkles form around his eyes. Ivo thought he looked tired. His job as mayor had been much more stressful and worrying than his years as an adventurer, he liked to say. His suit was mainly white with red and black trim. His pocket square, neatly folded, was red with black stars, and his shoes, a glossy crimson. He looked at Ivo, who still wore a startled look and smiled.
“I always hope I can slay one. Oh, what a day that will be.” He half chuckled at the thought and stuck out his hand. “Yalrik Leafturner, pleased to make your acquaintance.” Ivo stuck out his hand, and Yalrik gripped it much tighter than Ivo would’ve liked. “Ivo Reavyn, my lord, it is a pleasure to meet you.” Ivo stated, trying desperately to not lose his hand or his arm. “Ah, a Reavyn you say, tell me, is your family the same as the Reavyns from Hyalfstan? They are rumored to have been quite the intrepid adventurers as well as very good looking. I see at least one part is true.” The mayor eyed Ivo up and down. Ivo was taken aback by the last part and took a moment to respond. “ Yes, the one and the same. I am glad you have heard of them. They take pride in the name and have been established as important people back home.” Ivo answered, although maybe a little sadder than he intended.”Excellent, truly excellent, and I assume these fine folks are your party mates?” Yalrik replied, turning to face the rest of the party, at which point everyone stepped to the base of the stairs.
“Hello, I am Arryana Arabelthemla. It is a pleasure to meet you my lord.” Arrya introduced herself first, giving a small curtsy as she did. Cole and Tezzeret stepped forward together, quickly playing Ro Sham Bo to which Cole won. “My lord, I am Cole Halsendr, of House Halsendr, and I bid you good morrow.” Cole said with an overly exaggerated bow, practically announcing it to the entire hall. Tezzeret looked amused and said ”Greetings meh lord, I am Tezzeret,a demon under King Falmur, and the Muncher of bones. It is nice to meet you.” Tezz stated calmly, giving a deeper bow than Cole did, to which Cole punched his arm as he stood. Tezz rubbed his arm a bit as a reaction, more than because it had hurt.
“The pleasure is mine, my fine friends. As Orsen has informed me, you have been doing a wonderful job of eradicating our Gnoll problem. I am happy to hear that and I thought of you all when an investigation report came across my desk.” The mayor motioned for them all to follow him, as he turned to proceed up the stairs, back towards his office. Continuing up the stairs, to the left and into his office the Mayor gestured towards the chairs that sat across from his desk. Ivo and Arrya sat, while Tezz and Cole stood behind them.
“So, as I mentioned, the report, it is a troubling one. Eye witness accounts have all corroborated that we have had children go missing, essentially disappear, from our city and no one has any clue where they went. There is no evidence that the children were even present to begin with. One moment, Lily Mossbark is watching her daughter play in a puddle. She looked away because she heard a twig snap and when she looked back, her toddler was gone. We couldn’t find any proof that she was taken.” The mayor looked saddened as he recollected the story. “She wasn’t the only one either, Mari Holdabrook, Eli Valcum and Yasha Balden, all children, missing and presumed dead. We need your help. The parents of the children offered to pay any price, as long as you find their kids. Please.” the mayor was begging, almost to the point of kneeling. His face screamed desperation.
Arrya stood, looked to her friends, who all nodded, and spoke to the mayor. “We will help, no matter the job, in times of need, we will be willing to help. Mr Mayor, you can count on us to aid in the search of your city’s missing children.” Arrya spoke with an air of command and confidence. She beamed with pride and determination, as a great general would.”Thank you, the office of the Mayor of Fort Ymin will assist in any way that we possibly can. Anything. Name it.My assistant will take you to get everything sorted at the guild.” The mayor bowed his head, appreciatively. Cole and Tezz faced each other, smiling, knowing what they could get from this. Money.
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“Okay, so,what exactly can we agree on a budget?The maximum amount.” Cole asked the mayor's assistant as she led the group to the nearest guild hall. She had shoulder length blonde hair, which she wore in a ponytail. Her light brown skin glistened in the midday sun. Her beautiful brown eyes seemed like molten pools of chocolate. She wore a knee height coral dress, and black rimmed circular glasses. She carried a small ledger, in which she wrote all notes relating to the mayor and his office. As the party got to the large stone and wood building, she replied.” Let’s just say, the more money we spend to help you, the better it will look on the mayor and the mayoral office.” Cole almost cheered, and gave a huge thumbs up to Tezzeret and the rest. “Right this way, let’s get you guys assigned to the investigation.” The assistant motioned towards the main hall of the guild. A large oak and stone interior, two counters each with a representative behind them, made of hard Great Oak wood and stone. Bulletin boards paralleled the left and right walls, with wanted posters and job flyers pinned to them. A few adventurers perusing the posters. The mayor's assistant led the party to the counter on the right and explained the reason for the visit to the woman behind the counter. She looked quite similar to the assistant, Ivo noted to himself. Blonde hair, brown skin and eyes. Glasses too. But a button up long sleeve shirt and dark blue vest buttoned half way. Her hair was in a bun instead, and was a bit messier it seemed.
“Wait so the mayor’s request was taken?” The lady, who Arrya noticed was named Rosa, based on the small name plate resting on the counter in front of her. “Yes. Yalrik asked me to bring them here personally.” “Oh did he? You sound so important Risa, almost like some super secretary.” Rosa giggled as Risa, whose name was not given to the party originally. At no point did anyone think to ask for it either.”Fuck off.” Risa half whispered, giggling, causing Rosa to do so again.”You know how much this job means to me, don’t undercut it with your stupid jokes.” Risa said through chuckles.”Well I am just glad that the request has been taken, and someone can start officially investigating.” Rosa wiped away a tear and turned to Arrya. “Ma’am, can you please place your hand on the Scry Orb?” She requested, motioning towards a light blue crystal ball, that sat in a small brazier shaped stand. It glinted, Ivo noted to himself that it was Mithril. A metal that had magical properties.
Arrya gently placed her hand on the orb and it lit up, glowing blue. Rosa placed her hand on the side of the orb and her eyes lit up, the same blue color. “ I need your full name, Class Job, include subclass if applicable, and level please.” Rosa said after a moment. “ My name is Arrya Arabelthemla, Rift Mage and i am level 8.” Arrya stated monotonously. “Your Job is pretty unique huh? I have never heard of it, but it popped up so it’s valid.” Risa said, amused. “Next please.” Rosa said, looking at Cole. As Arrya removed her hand and backed away, Cole stepped forward and placed his hand on the Orb. It once again lit up. “ Name, Job, Level?” “Cole Halsendr, Rogue, Subclass Assassin, and Level 6.” “Thank you, Mr. Vampire.” Rosa said, trying to hide a smile.”Not so loud!” Cole half whispered, half shouted. “Sir, everyone in town knows about you, it’s no big deal. You have been granted special permission from the Mayor, and Orsen seems to like you, so don’t worry.” She said, having failed to hide her smile. “Still, how would you have liked it?” Cole said, sticking his tongue out, hidden by his mask. “My turn.” Tezzeret said with a smile. “Name: Tezzeret, Muncher of Bones. Class Job: Barbarian Subclass is Brawler. Level 7.” Tezzeret looked fairly smug and proud as he stepped away.
“Alright big guy. You’re up next sweetie.” Rosa said, looking at Ivo. Ivo felt nervous. He had never done this before. No one had ever seen Ivo’s status, not even his parents. He was scared. What if everyone found out he was weak, or useless, or… or… “Whoa, that’s so cool.” Risa said. Ivo had placed his hand alongside Risa’s on the orb, but was too lost in worry and thought to really realize it until she said something. “ You’re a Librarian and Scholar Wizard? At level 4 no less.” Risa said with an enthusiastic smile. “What, no fucking way.” Rosa said, placing her hand on Rosa’s. “Holy shit, that's awesome.” She said as he pulled her hand back. “How?” Rosa said, as she and Risa, her sister Ivo had guessed, looked at him, amazed. “ I read a lot of books in my spare time. Being as I never went anywhere, that was pretty often.” Ivo said, removing his hand, looking at the wall to his right, trying to not be embarrassed. “That is so cool. You could easily get a job anywhere with your talent.” Risa stated as she removed her hand from the crystal ball.
“Thanks.” Ivo said sheepishly, as a smile formed on his face.”One last thing, I need to put down a name for the request.” Rosa said, looking at each of the others. Arrya stepped forward, saying “ Why not just my name. We trust each other.” “ Sorry, It wouldn’t let me do just your name. See i already put all of your names down but it wants a party name.Do you guys have one?” Rosa asked, with a tinge of hope in her voice.
Cole stated very proudly” We are Vox Ma.-"" Copyrighted names will not be allowed,think of something else!” Rosa shouted, intent on interrupting. Cole looked sullen under his mask. Arrya turned to Cole.”You know as well as I do that that exact name is totally not ours, and I am sure the people responsible for that name would most definitely have something to say about it.” Cole crossed his arms.”I think that we can do whatever we want, because the people responsible aren't anywhere… near..” Cole trailed off. Rosa, looking quite angry, was staring daggers at him. “ Another name please.” She said through gritted teeth.
“I think we should be called The Hell Hounds.” Tezzeret stated while checking out his own muscles. He is a bit thick, Arrya once said. “Such a cool name makes people scared of us.” “Unfortunately, that name has been taken.” Rosa stated, glad they were at least on a different subject.”Or how about, Hell Raisers?” Tezz looked at Rosa, her eyes glowing blue again as she checked the name. “Sorry.” She replied. “ Hell Storm?” “Taken.””Hell Fiends?””Taken””Hell Biters””Taken” Hell Kissers. Wait, that's dumb.””Taken, and they are right there by the way.” Rosa points to a group of MIsfit adventurers, dressed in leather and steel. “ You got something to say?” One of the Hell Kissers looked at Tezzeret, smirking. “I'LL GUT YOU LIKE A FISH!” Tezz screamed, shaking the ground slightly. The Hell Kissers got scared and fled the hall.
“Manners, sir.” Rosa Reminded him. “Death Stalkers, Death Killers, Deadly Blades?” “Taken Taken Taken.””I'm out of ideas then.” Cole said, frustrated.
“Reavyn’s Feathers.” Ivo piped up, saying it louder than he meant to. The group stared at him for a moment. “ Reavyn’s Feathers, is the name of a group of adventurer heroes from Hyalfstan that stopped the scourge of Monsters from the Caves of Avarice, 467 years ago. They said that only those worthy would be allowed the name and would carry on the legacy.” Ivo pointed out, proud of his knowledge of history.
“That name is… Taken.” Ivo looked distraught as Rosa recited the information. “ Well, we don’t want the name to be glorious until we actually do something to make it glorious. Our actions should speak louder than… our words.” Arrya got a look on her face, the one everyone knew too well. It was a look of pure Enjoyment, usually accompanied by cleaving Gnolls.
Arrya spoke with pride.
“WE ARE THE LOUDEST ACTIONS”
Tezzeret started clapping and cheering along with Cole.” LOUDEST ACTIONS. LOUDEST ACTIONS. LOUDEST ACTIONS.” Ivo smiled ridiculously wide and jumped up and cheered.
“Arrya,true inspiration.” Risa said smiling. “That is such a good name, and a great show of confidence.””Yeah, Arrya, so freakin’ cool.” Ivo said, looking at her. “Alright Everyone, We, The Loudest Actions need to find those kids. Are you with me?” “YEAH.’ everyone, including Rosa, and Risa, shouted. “ ARE. YOU. WITH. ME?” She asked again, loudly. “YEAH!”
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“The Loudest Actions? Kind of a cool name, don’t you think? Markus?” The Yuan-Ti man asked his companion. “ Yeah. I wonder what our parents will think.” The man said to himself, peering at the newly named party with his sharp yellow eyes.