ACT I • SCENA 2
STARTING FROM ZERO
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It's midmorning of the next day as you and Annessa leave the Mayika governor's office, situated squarely in the middle of the Royal District.
[Guildmaster]the Guildmaster [https://i.imgur.com/iOtVQ2G.jpeg] Annessa
Annessa [https://i.imgur.com/PyIhOwq.jpeg]
Her uniform is sharp enough—or perhaps unusual enough—that she draws the gazes of several bystanders, not excluding the local nobility.
[GUILDMASTER]: Thank you for helping me get that done, and for leading the way here.
ANNESSA: It was for the best; I also needed to request that they forward us any complaints that are within our expertise to deal with. It's also a good excuse to introduce you to the district. You probably won't be coming here often, but you should know your way around.
First, she walks you around the Highpeal Square, pointing out the offices of officials and and a few mansions belonging to prominent citizens. She doesn't need to point out the Mayika Chamber, local office of the House of the Nine Virtues, its front adorned with symbols related to the Virtues and their aspects. The square is probably named after its tall bell tower, towering over everything in the city—excepting the royal palace just to the north… Or rather, the Palace of Governance. Annessa explains that the royal family actually lives in a small manse attached to the western side, and the palace itself hosts suites of administrative offices for national and international matters, while local issues are seen to in the offices in Highpeal Square.
The palace is comparatively modest, but still the city's dominating feature and visible from nearly every street and alleyway. You pass by its gate as you wander from the square into the well-kept roads of the Royal District's residential areas. The noble's mansions are quite grand; in some cases, extraordinarily gaudy. Golden embellishments and silver statues, gemstones set in the doors and windows, unnecessary arches with intricate carvings… all there simply to flaunt the family's wealth—in a time when so many people are still struggling due to the repeated losses of the Crusades. But it's a pleasant and interesting walk nonetheless, despite the occasional stares of passing nobles and servants running errands. Annessa identifies the residences of probably every noble family in the city, though you're sure you'll never remember them.
By mutual agreement, you don't stretch the tour more than necessary, and soon you're both on your way back to the guild.
Passing back through Highpeal Square, there's now a small group of minstrels in front of the small fountain at its center, performing a spirited but light-hearted piece—predictably, about the Infernal Six.
As much as you might feel jaded about their over-popularity, you remember that they were—and probably still are—an inspiration for you as well. For a moment you reminisce about the time you saw them in person, though far away and across a crowd…
> It was six years ago in the city of Arkastor, capital of the Arkavian Empire. You're perched on the roof of a house so you can see over the masses of people—more than you've ever seen in one place. The Infernal Vanguard, more popularly known as the Infernal Six, have arrived in the city and the dukes insist that they make a public appearance. They are standing on the small dais that surrounds the fountain in the middle of the Imperial Square. From salleted head to sabatoned heel, they wear the kind of fantastical gear that every adventurer dreams about. Eagerly, you watch and listen as they are introduced by an imperial herald…
>
> IMPERIAL HERALD: …to our grand capital! An inspiration for adventurers everywhere, and a bright hope for we citizens of the Empire! With the blessings of the Emperor and the five dukes, I now present to you: the Infernal Vanguard!
>
> Brimrose, the Blazing Maiden!
> The ever-burning knight who rides the flames themselves into battle!
>
> Grimlock, the Arcane Ravager!
> The grim-faced battlemage of unimaginable prowess! Lord of Fire, Ice, and Thunder!
>
> Heartshade, the Blood Reaper!
> The scarlet maiden who walks a carpet of ever-flowing red!
>
> Emberly, the Flame Princess!
> The hell conjurer, whose walls of fire consume entire cities!
>
> Tristan, the... uh... it's Tristan!
> The audience goes wild. Tristan gives the herald a thumbs-up. The audience goes wilder.
>
> And the Divine Herald herself... The white lady, the Saintess of Death!
> She who named the Ninth Virtue! Her healing prowess is as feared as it is beloved! Tremble, ye wicked! Fear not, O faithful!
…You come back to the present as you and Annessa leave the Royal District, heading east to the Gate Road.
You're halfway back to the guild by the time you ask the question that you need to ask the most.
[GUILDMASTER]: So… how bad is it?
Annessa's expression doesn't change, and she addresses the issue matter-of-factly.
ANNESSA: We have no adventurers at this time. We've trained a few over the years, but without being able to put together a full party, we would eventually refer them to the northern guilds. As far as I know, we're the only guild in the heartlands still operational—if only technically.
[GUILDMASTER]: Speaking of, how were you able to last this long?
ANNESSA: We were a fairly successful guild with decent savings, and Savron gave his personal assets to the guild before he left for the Crusade. Many of the other staff and even adventurers included the guild in their wills as well.
[GUILDMASTER]: That's a lot of loyalty…
She nods, and sad smile shows briefly on her face before it fades into pensive solemnity.
ANNESSA: We're not wholly without income. Varant, Messen, and Tami still take care of a lot of low-level quests. The others… can't really, or won't, for reasons of their own. We did well enough for a while, but the last couple years have been… difficult.
[GUILDMASTER]:
> —<1> I'm sorry… I'll do what I can, for whatever that's worth.
>
> ANNESSA: If it means anything, I believe you. In a way, the future is more uncertain than ever—but that could be seen as an improvement.
>
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> —<2> I could tell… It's not right to have to live on such meager means. For anyone in this city, really.
>
> Annessa looks thoughtful, but does not respond.
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —<3> How difficult is difficult? Varant said the same thing…
>
> ANNESSA: We… can't eat as much as we should. Tami's occasional hunts help, but…
>
> She trails off, and you don't press the subject.
>
> ----------------------------------------
[GUILDMASTER]: So recruitment is top priority, then. But starting from zero is rough… Especially with little money to offer. We can't even afford sign-on bonuses, can we?
She shakes her head gently.
ANNESSA: It's a lot to ask, but I don't suppose you have any innovative ideas?
[GUILDMASTER]:
> —<1> I can't think of anything novel at the moment, to be honest…
>
> ANNESSA: Hm… Well, I think we should get together with the others later and attempt to scrounge up some ideas.
>
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> —<2> Taverns are always a good place to start… But you knew that.
>
> She nods.
>
> ANNESSA: We'll definitely start there. But we'll need more than that, of course. I'll ask the staff to get together in the next couple days, we'll start with the basics and hope for some good ideas.
>
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> —<3> We should at least ask the House for a Cleric or sanctioned healer.
>
> ANNESSA: We should have thought of that, to be honest. I doubt they'll have anyone to spare, at least soon, but that's a must. But after that… Let's get the guild staff together. We'll have to try our best to come up with something more, and soon.
>
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[GUILDMASTER]: It's a good plan. If we can call it that.
ANNESSA: We might as well.
For the first time, you sense a hint of amusement from her.
ANNESSA: Well, to start with, I'll probably spend the rest of the day writing recruitment posters…
[GUILDMASTER]: Is that something I could help with?
She gives you a cautious stare. She squints her eyes even, as if wanting you to know just how deep her doubts run.
ANNESSA: …I don't trust your handwriting.
[GUILDMASTER]:
> —<1> But my handwriting is exquisite! Prettier than a merodon's flower-cap and more majestic than a pirouetting baravyrn!
>
> ANNESSA: …That sounds just as legible as a gribbet's slime trail.
>
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> —<2> The words of a faithless villain!!
>
> ANNESSA: I have plenty of faith. In my own strengths.
>
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> —<3> …Well. That's reasonable.
>
> ANNESSA: Of course it is.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: Uh-huh.
>
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> —<4> You haven't even seen my handwriting…
>
> ANNESSA: I don't have to. Do you need to see me try to fight a kalrok to be able to guess that I can't fight monsters?
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: Uhhh…
>
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ANNESSA: Don't worry, I'll get it done. If you don't mind, we could continue our tour of the city tomorrow while we post them.
[GUILDMASTER]:
> —<1> I'm looking forward to it.
>
> Annessa nods.
>
> ANNESSA: Tomorrow then, probably before noon.
>
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> —<2> I'm honestly still tired from my traveling, but work is work and I won't miss this opportunity.
>
> ANNESSA: Very good. I'll find you tomorrow before noon.
>
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> —<3> Think we could stop at a tavern or even a food stall while we're out adventuring in the urban wilderness?
>
> ANNESSA: Please, Mayika is quite tame! …The part we'll be visiting, at least. As far as food… well. We can afford something.
>
> She seems quite content with your proposal.
>
> ----------------------------------------
You walk in silence for a while longer, eventually stopping in front of the guild's front gate, across from that eye-catching two-story house. Then you hear a cheerful voice greeting you from behind, and turn around to find a cyan-haired woman leading a lotch-driven wagon loaded with crates.
Cheerful trader
Cheerful trader [https://i.imgur.com/bgTd4Jk.jpeg]
CHEERFUL TRADER: Hello! Do either of you belong to this guild?
You and Annessa both nod but say nothing, uncertain of what to make of this unexpected encounter. Thinking back to the sounds of rumbling cartwheels and the grunting of a lotch, you realize that this person has been following you ever since you stepped onto the Gate Road.
CHEERFUL TRADER: Excellent! I'm hoping to sell surplus Imperial arms and armor. From Arkavis, I mean. Who should I talk to?
ANNESSA: I'm afraid the guild is unlikely to have the funds to purchase anything from you. I would go so far as to suggest it would be a waste of time on your part, despite how much we might desire your wares.
The cheerful trader looks concerned for a moment.
CHEERFUL TRADER: …I see. Hmmm. Well, I'll be back tomorrow then.
She immediately turns her cart around and heads back north, without leaving you the opportunity to say anything. You and Annessa look at each other, wondering why she'd think anything would change within a day.
Entering the gate, you're halfway to the guildhouse when a piercing-eyed traveler exits its front door.
Piercing-eyed traveler
Piercing-eyed traveler [https://i.imgur.com/EwNtL41.jpeg]
She and Annessa smile gently at each other as they approach.
ANNESSA: Guildmaster, this is Tami, our advanced archery and master Ranger trainer.
The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
So, not a traveler then. It's not your fault, she would've fooled anybody.
After a few strides more, the three of you meet and exchange greetings.
TAMI: The new Guildmaster?
ANNESSA: Yes. [Guildmaster] and I just finished getting the transfer officialized.
Tami smiles at you, but only ever so slightly. It seems the guild staff are a reserved bunch; or maybe their recent hardships have something to do with it. In Tami's case, her face is ever serene and unreadable, but her tone varies from teacherly to childishly playful (or both) at any given moment.
TAMI: I heard Zoergatha vouched for you.
ANNESSA: It's true. I was surprised too.
[GUILDMASTER]: I'm not exactly sure what that means, to be honest… How do I even take that?
ANNESSA: It means he thinks you're capable, in most every way that's relevant to your role. Which, coming from him…
TAMI: It's fine if you let it swell your ego for a little while—a little confidence could do us all some good right now. But just a little bit, of course.
[GUILDMASTER]:
> —<1> I certainly appreciate the confidence, that's for sure.
>
> TAMI: You know, perhaps I should ask him for a morale booster myself…
>
> She feigns giving it serious consideration, her head tilted and her finger raised to her bottom lip.
>
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> —<2> My ego is already impressively large, thank you. It's truly a massive specimen.
>
> ANNESSA: I can attest to that. [Guildmaster]'s shining self-confidence is like a lit beacon, drawing strange merchants to the guild's very gates.
>
> TAMI: Oooh?
>
> Annessa waves it off as unimportant.
>
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> —<3> Any idea when I'll meet him? I'm curious as to how he even knows that much about me.
>
> ANNESSA: Soon. Of course, you'll need a way to contact him for guild business, he'll arrange that with you at the time. As for how he knows… Well, he's our Blackguard master.
>
> She leaves off with that, as if it explains everything. And it probably does.
>
> ----------------------------------------
Annessa turns to Tami.
ANNESSA: Will you be free tomorrow? We need to do some recruitment strategizing as soon as possible.
TAMI: I'll be here. Just let me know when you have a specific time.
ANNESSA: Of course, thank you. As always, let me know if you need anything. We'll always be here.
TAMI: Thank you… we both appreciate it, and always will. I'll see you tomorrow then, the both of you.
[GUILDMASTER]: Thanks Miss Tami, it was good to meet you.
For just a moment, Tami looks a bit confounded. She walks off, muttering…
TAMI: Why does everyone always have to call me 'miss'…?
After you part, you and Annessa enter the guildhouse. Once inside the deep dim-and-lamplight of the front hall, she stops and turns to you.
ANNESSA: I appreciate your offer to help with the recruiting notices, but please leave it to me. It's my forte after all. However it does remind me that I should be introducing you to the more formal aspects of your role—including the paperwork, and the paperwork for all the paperwork. But you should temper your excitement, as it's more important for me to get these notices done today.
[GUILDMASTER]:
> —<1> Um—yeah. Looking forward to it…
>
> She gives you a knowing smirk.
>
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> —<2> We've still got a lot of daylight ahead of us. I'd actually rather do paperwork than sit around bored.
>
> ANNESSA: I'm sorry, I understand the sentiment… Messen's probably out for the moment, but if you find Varant, why don't you try convincing him to show you more of the city?
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: That's fine advice, thank you.
>
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> —<3> It's fine. In fact I think you should consider scaling up our goals for the area we can cover with the postings. By a lot.
>
> With her closest eye, she pierces you with a look that is both suspicious and amused.
>
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> [ only available if you picked option <1> when she said she doesn't trust your handwriting ]
>
> —<4> Just leave it to me! After all, remember that magnificent handwriting I talked about?
>
> She turns her most sarcastic glower on you, and you know you've succeeded in amusing her.
>
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She then leaves you to your own devices for the rest of the day. You're free to roam the guild property.
[ This marks the start of a player exploration phase. ]
Yesterday's walkabouts with the guild staff are still fresh in your mind, but there are still some cracks and corners that are unfamiliar to you. Behind the guild hall, for instance, a little dirt-paved alley runs between the structure's far side and the property's bounding wall. Small garden plots, filled with a practical array of herbs and vegetables, skirt the side of the crumbling stone wall. Opposite, the door to the guildhouse is framed by a massive barrel of water on one side, connected by pipe to the house's bronzeworks, and a large notice board (empty) on the other. A peculiar place for such a board, and even more curious are the large torches above and on either side of it, which seem to have some symbolic placement.
Other than that, a row of nightstalls has been erected against the side of the guild hall, clustered at each end so as to be accessible from both the dormitory and the training yard.
And should you decide to explore the guildhouse itself, you're reminded of how little you've seen of its third floor. In a way though, there's actually little to see; a whole half of the floor is taken up by the library, and half the rest by the arcane study, where magic training classes would generally be conducted. But one of the doors draws your attention—you can't say why. Approaching it, it appears to be a supply closet. You try the handle to find that the door is locked. And yet…
[GUILDMASTER]:
> —<1> You don't really have business here, and the door is probably locked for a reason.
>
> You take your exploration elsewhere.
>
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> —<2> Put your ear to the door, trying to listen for anything inside.
>
> You spend quite a few seconds listening for anything distinct. You're about to pull away when you start to hear something, like the sound of someone inhaling—
>
> UNFAMILIAR VOICE: You're not one of the staff. Who are you?
>
> The elegant female voice is plainly addressing you, but the words are spoken at normal volume—if half your face weren't pressed against the door you doubt you'd have heard it through its rich, enchanted darkwood.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]:
>
> ----------------------------------------
>
> —<1> I'm sorry, I didn't mean to disturb.
>
> UNFAMILIAR VOICE: But you did mean to pry.
>
> The voice sounds more curious than anything, despite the accusatory words.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: …I suppose I did. I'm the new Guildmaster here and I was taking the opportunity to explore the place.
>
> UNFAMILIAR VOICE: …Interesting. Regardless, this is my room, and I'm busy. We'll talk later, I'm sure.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: Ah… I once again apologize.
>
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>
> ----------------------------------------
>
> —<2> I'm [Guildmaster], and I've inherited ownership of this guild from Savron. So I am one of the staff, in fact.
>
> UNFAMILIAR VOICE: The new Guildmaster? Hm, hm. Well, regardless, please leave. This is my room, in fact, and I'm busy. We can talk later.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: …Oh. My apologies.
>
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>
>
>
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>
> Her room? It's a closet! It's smaller than the rooms in the dorm, for sure! But… it's on the third floor. Next to a library and arcane workshop. A fine spot for an eccentric mage who spends all their time in their studies, you suppose.
>
> With those thoughts in your head, you move on.
>
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As you return to wandering the guildhouse, you notice that its condition is much the same as everything outside. There are no cobwebs and little in the way of dirt and dust, but everything you've seen gives you the distinct impression of being worn; either by exposure to the elements, by long-past activity, or by routine usage over the past decade. The wrought stones and alchemically treated wood have held up well over their years, and the forged iron even better, but it's clear that nothing has been replaced since the guild last had a master.
You continue to explore the guild property as you wish. Eventually you run into Varant in the training yard, setting up a small practice area in a corner.
[ Interacting with Varant will end the exploration phase for the day. ]
Varant is rummaging around in one of the supply sheds.
Varant
image [https://i.imgur.com/xUCQ1Ot.jpeg]
[GUILDMASTER]: You look like you're up to something.
VARANT: Sure am.
He grunts as he moves another training dummy, as heavy as an armored warrior due to the weights at the bottom of the stand, to its spot against the wall.
VARANT: Well. Just got nostalgic is all…
He looks around for a couple seconds.
VARANT: Say… You know where Annessa is?
[GUILDMASTER]: She's in the guildhouse, writing out recruitment posters.
VARANT: Perfect. So, how about it. Want to show me where you're at?
You look around cautiously as if worried that Annessa might appear, remembering the mention of her Savron left in his letter.
[GUILDMASTER]: …Let's do it.
[ This is the player's opportunity to choose a class and select skills and such, and make some other combat preparations. ]
Varant gestures to the middle of the training yard, and you square off against each other once you're content with your chosen loadout. Varant has no weapon, but he's put on an extra vest over his lightly armored coat; you get the feeling that with the practice weapon you're provided with, you can't meaningfully harm him. The look in your eyes doesn't go unnoticed.
VARANT: I'm simply here to see how well you can swing and how well you can hit. Can tell a lot by the feel alone, and I like seeing your technique from this angle as well. At least sometimes.
[ Varant gives you a very basic combat tutorial, making sure you know the basics of combat, the user interface, and any unique gimmicks the game might have. ]
You're panting a bit after finishing his evaluation, but he seems mostly unaffected by the exertion.
VARANT: Hm! You're just C-rank at best, but you've got potential all right—you've got the mind for it, the will to improve. You've already learned how to learn. So, get over here and let's do some freeform training to get you comfortable.
He walks you over to the training area he set up before.
[ This is an optional opportunity for free, quick combat phases. You can switch class, switch skill loadouts, mess with whatever kind of character building the game might have. When you choose to finish you get a scripted level-up, sending you to 11. ]
Varant turns to stare across the training yard, a strange look emerging on his face—solemn, doubtful, but also… maybe wistful?
VARANT: …It's good to be doing work again. Even if it's not for real. It's… good to know there was a reason for me to keep my skills sharp all this time.
[GUILDMASTER]:
> —<1> You know… despite all the good reasons why I shouldn't expect us to successfully revive this place… I can't help but find myself looking forward to the future.
>
> VARANT: To be honest… I just can't let myself. I've been too long with no reason to hope. But… It's good that you do. Really is.
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —<2> That's… good. But—to be honest? I'm scared. Our chances of success are not encouraging.
>
> VARANT: Nothin' new. Welcome to our party. But I'll say this much… Just the fact that your position is filled means we can move forward again. Or at least try to. Bureaucracy's a right ᚠᚢᚲᛣin' sowbuggin' ragstuffin' ass-hoofer, you know?
>
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> —<3> I'm glad. Personally I'm keeping my expectations low, but… well, like Miss Tami said, we could all use some confidence right now.
>
> VARANT: You too? Hahaha. The woman's cursed to be called 'Miss Tami' for the rest of her life.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: Is it a big deal? It just feels right…
>
> VARANT: Nehhh. The only problem is you'll have to put up with her constant muttering about it, heh.
>
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[GUILDMASTER]: Well, forward's the only way to go. And I feel like today was a real start, partially thanks to you.
VARANT: It's my job. And I'm good at it. And I like it. Just keep coming back, okay? B-Rank's in your future, might as well make it sooner rather than later.
[GUILDMASTER]: Absolutely.
Messen walks into the training yard, a quest notice in his hand.
Messen
image [https://i.imgur.com/iD2AFcg.jpeg]
He walks past you and shows the notice to Varant. You step towards Varant yourself, hoping to make it clear that guild business is also your business.
Varant takes the cue and hands you the notice when he's done with it.
VARANT: I've got an idea… Messen, you know that Annessa is holed up in the guild office writing recruitment posters? And probably will be all day?
It's an extermination request from a warehouse owner on the south side of the city. Aberrats got into their provisions storage, at least two of them. They need a guarantee that there will be none left.
MESSEN: …You want to take the Guildmaster with us?
VARANT: I gauged 'em at C-rank.
[GUILDMASTER]: ….Aberrats? Classic. In a city though?
VARANT: You seen those walls down south?
[GUILDMASTER]: No…
MESSEN: Nor have I. Nothing worthy of being called a wall, at least.
VARANT: Heh. Messen speaks truth. This warehouse here is on the very edge of the city. What I'm more surprised about is that there're aberrats in the Rise at all. The Talus Rise I mean, the stretch of land between the city and the World Wall.
MESSEN: Shrubland is plenty for cunning creatures such as those. I'm not surprised, but I admit I've not seen any southside before either.
[GUILDMASTER]: Hm. I didn't realize you guys took on quests at all. Makes sense, though.
VARANT: Really it's just us two and Tami who still do it. And the two of us are… well past our prime, in some sense or another. But any income is better than none.
[GUILDMASTER]: Yeah… Well, I'm willing to go if you're willing to take me.
MESSEN: You should do most of the fighting, but we will be vigilant. Nothing will be able to meaningfully wound you.
You shouldn't be surprised by how willing he is to help train you—this is his job, after all. But it does make you look at him in a better light.
[GUILDMASTER]: I'll do my best.
VARANT: Let's find you a real weapon, and we'll head out. Messen, supplies?
MESSEN: Yes. I'll meet you at the gate.