He was sitting alone at one of the smaller tables in the tavern, having come here for a job. The job; there was only one on the board this morning, it has been scarce for a while…. But it wasn't only that, the reward had been gigantic, though it called for a group of at least five people. 

He was a tall man wearing old leather armor faded and battered. It was of an odd design and it had a red gem fixed to it but it was faded and looked old, he had several long knives in his belt. his face was rough as well. a beard in need of trimming and a scar going from the center of his forehead to the left ear

Going alone was foolish in any case, but after the loss of Bonari, it had been hard to look for new people to team up with. The memory of having his old friend with six black arrows sticking out of his chest and in his arms made it even harder.

Though if he wanted this job he needed to find someone. Not friends, that was a mistake he was only going to make once. He had someone in mind but for now they hadn't shown up.

Scanning the room again only one person stood out, though she came with a huge disadvantage…

At first glance she looked perfect, an old armor and she had several scars, the way she handled her weapon, an equally old mace showed that she was used to its weight and for now didn't even think of it, her hair was cut in a short that would not get in the way in combat, she showed promise. But then next to her satt a young man with shining new armor with glowing runes, he kept adjusting his two handed morningstar. He was just a little taller than her, his hair was long set in a ponytail at the back.

For a moment he pondered if it was possible she would leave the kid for a new partner, but it seemed unlikely…

After once again looking over the crowd of people he decided it was time to walk over before some other idiots moved in to talk to the two at the bar.

Taking his mug off the table and standing up. It didn't take long for someone to take over his table, but it did not concern him. If all worked out he would be sitting with his new allies soon.

He walked over to the pair by the bar.

But before he had time to open his mouth she turned to him, "So you finally decided?"

He gave a grin to cover his surprise and said "yea well the kid gave me cause to delay." She answered without hesitation, "He is coming with us, I made a promise to his mother."

At that the kid gave an outburst, "I don't see why this man is better than any other! He looks more like a thief than a true adventurer." With a sigh she turned to him and said, to be an effective adventurers group you need all sorts, "but look at them" the kid pointed at an heavily armored group all wearing the same kind of armors with the same kind of weapons, "they are the legendary heroes of garbin. I recognise their sigil!" The man moved over to see and answered; "firstly, don't point, it's rude…. A nod is enough, and you will attract less attention. Secondly, last time I saw them the two youngest weren't part of the group. The time before that, the guy on the left wasn't part of it and the first time I ran into them a few years ago none of them were!" The boy with a surprised look answered "And you could change that?" 

At that, the other two laughed, the woman answered first, "No, no one can, it's the attitude that's the problem."  "Any good group has a few different  members with different skills." The man finished, then he said: "My name is Nysa." The woman responded with: "Nice to meet you, I’m Pylia and this is Talos." 

Talos then said, "But what skills do you bring?"

The other two sighed again, then Nysa said "well I'm fast, i can sneak and i have a hell of a pair of eyes"

Talos said, still not grasping the concept,  "sneak?, She pointed you out first of all in this room."

At that Nysa smiled. 

Nysa: But did you? You see, i wanted her to notice me, you on the other hand…

Talos: what?

Pylia: He wanted me to see him because he needs partners for the job, you are too inexperienced for him.

Talos:  Oh…. But why?

Nysa: Look kid, you seem nice but i need a certain level of…. Well experience in my partners, your friend here brings enough for the both of you, so be happy and have another glass on me.

At that Nysa put a couple of coins on the bar and nodded to the bartender.

The bartender looked confused and Pylia said "he's drinking water."

At that Nysa sort of just put his head on the bar just for a second.

And when he looked up Pylia had a new drink in her hand and the coins were gone.

At that Nysa shined up a little, "at least someone likes the generosity" he thought.

After a short moment of silence Pylia asked "So now we are three, any suggestions for a fourth and fifth?" 

Nysa: Well, there's one guy I was hoping would show up, but so far nothing...

Pylia: a friend? 

Nysa: nah, don't have any of those… an old rival, but last we met we were forced to work together and it worked out well.

Talos: You don't have any friends? 

Nysa: Why am I not surprised you would focus on that? That's just how the world is sometimes, don't worry about it.

Pylia: what kind of man is he? 

Nysa: Well, he is a she. And she is an illusionist.

Talos: What a parlor trick magician, Pylia that can never be useful in an adventuring party!

Pylia: Talos, all sorts of skills are necessary in an adventuring party, an Illusionist can have great abilities and uses in the party.

They sat there for a bit discussing the options in the room, talking about each of the people in turn, some like the two rangers, seemed like an option. But before they had time to make up their minds someone else had moved in and were now sitting talking to them. A couple came over to talk to them, but none was to their liking. 

Either they seemed too green or they were people they didn’t like or they had other things that made them unsuitable. 

One man they talked to for a long time, and a partnership was almost formed until Nysa noticed that he was wearing a pendent of Markeb the god of torture and jailors. 

and so they sat there the three of them. Talos then said “Well I think it's time for me to hit the hay, good luck to the two of you.” 

as he was walking over to the stairs. Pylia said: He's very green but I think he can become something.

Nysa didn't have time to respond. because behind him in the center of the room a large poof was heard and the room filled just for a moment with pink smoke. applause was head from somewhere, though Pylia noted that she couldn't see anyone clapping. 

in the middle of the smoke plom stood a woman, very beautiful in a dress clearly made specifically for her and she looked supremely pleased with herself. on her side hanged a rapier that looked new but the luster seemed to have gone just slightly from it, she was tall with long very yellow hair that curled just a bit. 

Nysa put his head on the bar again, making sure to avoid the beer spills. saying immediately to Pylia, that's her. 

Nysa: I was hoping she wasn't in the mood for this.

Pylia: Are you sure she is right for us? 

Nysa: She has a flair for the dramatic, is an endless flirt, and loves to show off. But in a fight i'm not sure there is anyone i'd rather have on my side.

Pylia: We should move in, she is attracting a lot of attention.

Nysa: Nah, she won't choose them. 

Pylia: Can you be sure?

Nysa: yeah…

Pylia: But, there are some good parties here…

Nysa: are they going over there?

Pylia: yea….

Nysa: She won't let anyone choose her, she will choose someone that isn't going over there.

Pylia: That's everyone… 

Nysa: ...Except us!

After having talked to everyone, danced a dance with a few and moved around the room to the ones she hadn't met up front the attention started to dwindle.

now with a red rose behind the left ear holding back the golden locks of her hair she was moving over towards the bar and them.

Pylia had gone back to her drink waiting patiently

Pylia did not get so much as a look, but Nysa on the other hand she walked up to and just sort of gave a hug from behind, “There you are”.

From the bar Pylia heard the answer; Hi.

* So have you found me a good group to work with on this mission?

* i didn't come here to find you anything. 

* You wound me!

* Nope!

At that Nysa rose back up and turned around quickly. the smallest of smiles on his lips gave away that the annoyance on the voice was faked. She turned around and said well maybe i should just leave then. He grabbed her hand.

* But now that you are here we do need two more people and with you that would only be one! And that might be enough. 

* Aaah, so you do need me?

*  Don't go there, you remember last time.

She looked a bit sad, but answered: your right, who's your friend? 

* This is Pylia, one of two new partners I've made, the other went to bed. They come as a packaged deal.

Pleasure is all mine, she reached out a hand, and said: my name is Linnet.

And why don't you like the other one? She said, turning back to Nysa. 

Nysa thought for a moment, in truth he hadn't given it much thought passed green but that wast really the big issue, so he said: nothing wrong if he learns a bit more of the world.

He lacks a perspective beyond his own.

That Pylia added: that comes with age.

Well if you're in, we have two more days to find the last member of our little group. So i'm thinking of going to bed.

Wait! Linnet said, i've heard something interesting. 

Oh? Nysa said standing up. A certain person is coming tonight, someone that would be nice to add to this group!

Nysa and Pylia both looked at her expectantly. Pylia said something first. And this person is?

Linnet, basking in the attention she suddenly got from them said, he knows of her! Nysa responded, okay you're going to have to be more specific. 

* Okay she comes tonight because she can only come at night!

* Nysa looked at her. wait… you don't mean?

* yeees, she said with glee in the voice.

* i don't think, he said and interrupted himself. 

* The kid is not going to like that. I'm not sure you will like that. He said and turned to Pylia.

Pylia looked at them, what? she said and looked disapprovingly at them.

Nysa put his fingers to the small beard he had and pulled at it. 

A vampire. He said then. 

* No, well i mean, i can't see that working out. Me? Maybe i wouldn't like it, but i'd have to meet her to make up my mind. Talos? He would either try to kill her or atleast bind her and throw her to the authorities, most likely the first.

Thats fair, Nysa said. Linnet looked a bit disappointed but didn't argue. Nysa said, well then. I'm going to bed, unless you have more surprises. 

Linnet laughs, none I'm afraid. I'm looking forward to this job, since last time I've been hoping we could work together again. as he left he mumbled, me too.

Once at his room, a rather small one just barely twice the size of the bed and no windows. He went through his normal routine, the sting with a bell around the doorknob and frame. Then a sprinkle of  powder to detect magic and then he pulled the mattress out of the bed and lay down on the floor. Paranoia, some may call it. But is it paranoid of your right? or is it just good planning?

He woke up early. a snap, something haunting him, allas dreams are hard to remember. Something about a heart? a blackness following him? bodies mutilated or maybe tortured? a pair of yellow eyes looking at him inquisitively? no, no…. 

it was gone, and maybe that was for the best. 

He carefully put everything back the way it was before he entered, even if he was using the room for several days, there was no need to clue anyone who was snooping around in on his routine.

After that he headed down. there at the table in the corner sat Linnet, talking to a young girl wearing a vail, the kind you could see brides wear at a wedding.  

She could not be older than twelve.

linnet waved him over. He gestured at the bartender, and so the bartender began preparing a breakfast meal for him.  He sat down next to the two of them. Linnet said, i know what we said last night and I understand I just wanted to talk to her. Nysa said we met before. The girl looked at him. First confused, then her eyes turned red just for a second. After which her face changed into recognition. Oooh she said, yes we have! She stood up and gave him a hug. You really helped me back then! Thank you!

Now it was Linnet's turn to look surprised. She looked at Nysa and was about to ask.

Vampire: Once a really long time ago I met her on the road, she had to make a decision about her life. Feeling left out and alone, no one understanding or being able to empathize with my situation. I had just awoken from being controlled by my old vampire master.

Nysa:  I at the same time being hunted for reasons of my own. I ran into her on the road, it was obvious neither wanted to fight. 

Vampire:  We came from different walks of life and different directions so we sat down in the middle of a forest with only the smallest of fires to warm us.

Nysa: We talked. 

Vampire: Suddenly I didn't feel so alone anymore, and I found a way to make people understand I wasn't just the monster. or well at least some people, the general public still sees me the same way.

Nysa: I wish you could join us. But we made a commitment to a group and I can't walk away.

Linnet: We can't walk away.

Oh don't you worry, i'm not alone anyway. A small group has already offered me a spot. 

Nysa smiled. for the first time in a long time he felt just a little hope. 

As Linnet and Nysa stood up to go over to Pylia and Talos coming down the stairs, the vampire gave one more hug to Nysa and whispered in his ear, “I liked your old face better.”

he pulled her away just a little and said, it's not gone.

Then they split apart like old friends. 

As they approached their new friends Nysas dinner finally arrived so they picked a table and sat down. Both Talos and Pylia also ordered food, but Linnet claimed to have already eaten. Then Talos said oh hay, um well… We booked the taverns training ground for after breakfast maybe you could join us? He looked at Nysa, show me that speed you talked about?

* Sure. Nysa said, slightly amused.

* Maybe you can show off your fighting style too? Talos asked Linnet. 

* If you promise to go easy on me. She laughed.

Talos not reading the deceit in her voies promised wholeheartedly to go easy on her. 

Pylia getting the impression of the both of them that they were battle hardened and more used to combat than most didn't say anything but gave Linnet a glare that clearly said, if you hurt him i'll hurt you.

Linnet gave a reassuring nod that nothing was going to happen to him.

Once out on the training yard, Nysa walked around and made sure that none was watching, it was a small space with sand on the ground, a training dummy in one corner and high walls in the middle there was a small stone circle, clearly the battle ground, it had the usual markings for combat that most fighting styles used. 

Who first? Linnet asked Talos. How about you? he said and turned to Nysa. so Nysa walked out into the middle of the stone circle. Talos walked out as well. They bowed to each other. Nysa knew that the hammer would be a problem, a big heavy weapon like that would be hard to block. so before Talos managed to get it into his hand Nysa was up right in his face, and managed to block Talos attempt to draw his weapon with three quick blows he managed to get the large mace flying it landed outside the ring. Pylia put her face in her hand. but Talos wasn't dissuaded; rather he gave a kick that got Nysa to back off long enough for him to draw his backup weapon, a short sword from a scabbard below the cloak.

Nysa started to circle counter clockwise, which from experience was the hardest to counter with only a sword in your right hand. From nowhere Nysa now held two long daggers one in each hand, with them he proceeded to block all of Taloses attacks quickly but he always did it at an angle forcing Taloses blade further and further out with every block. Suddenly Talos stopped. He bowed and said, i know when I'm beaten. If you don't mind, I'd like to try fighting her before I get too tired. Nysa smiled, of course. The knives disappeared just as quickly as they had appeared. The new fighters took their positions, unlike Nysa, Linnet let Talos get his Morningstar out. With effective blocks the rapier looked like it was going to break every time she blocked, but it dissipated the energy and flexed right back up everytime. Then she backed up a little Talos, taking the moment to breathe before a big attack, but then he stopped, Linnet had started tossing the rapier between her hands. after a few tosses, Talos was awestruck, she now had one rapier in each hand. she swapped fighting style, this looked more like a dance each time she struck she swiftly moved her hands together so it was impossible to be sure where the rapier was, and everytime he blocked she parried her hands together much like before, she landed a couple of blows. making sure it was always on the most armored parts so it didn't hurt too much. Talos seemed taken back and moved off to regain his senses, after he returned to the fight he was more alert and used the handle of his weapon more to block with, which gave him more chances to block both swords. Then she smiled, and suddenly each of her arms split, now he didn't have to worry about 2 rapiers but 8 of them, four arms on each side. This was too much for him and soon she started landing blow after blow once again until he yielded to her. 

She looked at him, Illusions are hard to fight aren't they? He looked back and he got a great grin, yes! But they are also great practice! I'd like to thank both of you, you have taught me alot! I will have to practice even harder! At that, Nysa said, though you have some really good skills too, it's clear that Pylia has done most of your training. Yes, but not all. He stated. Nysa lifted an eyebrow. 

Before Pylia picked me up and took over most of my training I was trained by the brethren of the sacred rose. - The knight order? asked Linnet. Yes well, a smaller chapel of theirs. My parents died in a troll raid. Pylia took over, I was there when he was born and I was a close friend of both his parents. I promised that if something happened to them, I would take him in. So when I found out what had happened I went to find him. They started him on the basics and gave him a purpose. I gave him a way to fulfill it. 

Pylia moved over to the ring, I haven't been able to train him in the fighting arts that I can't wield, so in a way it's my fault he isn't better prepared.

Linnet snorted at that, he is definitely better than most. I haven't seen a lot of people that can adapt to the dual rapier technique that quickly most are so confused they lose their wits, even if they normally can fight someone dual wielding and eight blades? There's just a handful that can fight that all together. And him? Linnet pointed at Nysa, back where I first met him they called him the speed demon. Not that either of us are invincible, loss comes with the territory, there are jobs that surprise you, enemies that have abilities you´ve never seen. People that betray you. And every now and then you find someone that's plain and simply just better than you. Talos laughed. Everyone looked at him. I'm good? nah, I’ll rather keep believing I'm mediocre and take every enemy on expecting them to be better, better be prepared for the worst and stay alert than becoming complacent and losing the little edge I  do have.

Nysa, again? Talos then asked.

All morning they practiced, alternating so everyone fought everyone at one point. The match between Linnet and Nysa was the hardest to follow, his speed and her illusions made it just a giant blur of confusion until finally Linnet confessed that she lost. But Pylia defeated Nysa purely by outlasting him. 

After a few hours they headed back inside. The bar was still mostly empty, so Nysa and Pylia decided to go to some common spots for adventuring types.

Linnet headed out for some business of her own, while Talos decided to do some meditating. It was something he picked up when he was with the brethren.

Pylia asked: Where do we start? as they walked down the street. It was clear she wasn't used to the streets of Corinthia.

The city, while the central hub of the entire continent it had grown into a labyrinth, the lower sections was a dwarven settlement. Originally made by dwarven refugees, It had grown way beyond just a small settlement. They had made these great circular openings to the underground city but it made the streets a hell to navigate and on top of that a few years ago the city had run out of space so they had turned to the arch mage to help solve the problem which he did by creating several floating islands that now hovered over the city chained to the ground. This was one of the things that made Corinthia so special; the amount of magic and foreign races is dialed to eleven. Most cities in the region had neither. Magicians aren't rare, skilled ones are. Most don't know more than parlor tricks. 

Nysa answered Pylias question by pointing at an old tower floating low up above.

* There, that's an old members only club.

* What kind of club?

* War veterans, soldiers.

* You think we can get someone to join here?

* Maybe, better than waiting at the bar.

* Are you a member then?

* Naah, but I have some friends there.

Once they found the right bridge to the tower they walked up to the guard sitting on a small chair leaned against the tower. Nysa just said: I need to talk to Doria.

The guard; without standing up, waved them in.

Inside it was dark, a fire was going in the fireplace but it was almost out and most of the candles had burned out.

Nysa knew that usually Doria had a lot of cleaning up to do after the evenings this place had, so getting the place lit back up wasn't a priority until the customers started waking up.

From inside the kitchen a loud yell was heard.

* If you need a drink, I'll be right there. Just sit down at the bar.

*  Nah, I know where the restbottle is, you keep cleaning.

A face peaked out of the kitchen.

* Nysa, who's your friend?

* She's a new partner, friend? Not yet…

At that Pylia smiled, she knew it would take time for things like that.

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

* Don't finish the bottle, it's for the too drunk you know. The ones that won't taste the difference.

* Yeah yeah, I know the drill.

Nysa without looking fished a bottle from behind the bar and two glasses. He poured one glass for them each then the bottle went back into its hidihole. 

Pylia sipped carefully on the drink and decided it wasn't for her. Nysa on the other hand seemed to enjoy the drink.

Pylia asked: What kind of drink is that? Nysa responded: Eeh you don't want to know…

Then Nysa said a bit louder:

* Doria, We need another member for a job.

* Okay? and you came here? Well, I might have a few that's gone tired of military life.

* Any good? 

* Two, a scout officer… well you might call him a ranger and a infantry commander, not sure of that one, he has a bit of a drinking problem. 

* The first one it is then! 

Doria came out with a dirty glass and a rag in her hand, she was a dwarf with long red hair tied in two tight braids and several large scars all across the face and throat. 

* So you just here for business then?

* Nah, I wanted to see how you're doing too.

* The bar is doing well as always since my customers pay well.

* How's your husband?

* He's still drunk, I think…

* Not over the leg?

* It's gone Ny, how is he going to get over that?

* I’m sorry Doria, I was hoping he would pull himself together at least.

* Yea well, it's fine. 

* And your little girl?

* She's fine, started working here a few weeks ago. She doesn't like it, but she will come around.

* well, we need to meet our new colleague, where is he?

* Room 12. 

* Okay thanks. 

Nysa stood up and after a few seconds so did Pylia. they walked up the stairs in the back, it was a spiral staircase to the next floor. The entire place was a circular since it was built in an old tower. Above the bar there are 3 floors, two of rooms for rent and at the top floor the owner's apartment. 

Nysa went directly to the third floor. At the left of the circular corridor the number twelve appeared on a door. Nysa knocked and took a step back.

An older man opened the door. He looked a bit rugged but very alert. He had stubble and long gray hair, he’s a fair bit shorter than Nysa but well built. 

Old man: who are you?

Nysa: We are adventurers, looking for a partner!

Old man: I didn't know the old bitch downstairs was a recruiter for one of the guilds. If I did I would have held back in the basement.

Pylia: Basement?

Nysa: Fighting ring.

Old man: I'm not swapping my career now.

Nysa pulled out the listing from the board and handed it over. Then said it's just one job.

Old man: That is one high pay of… Might be able to get an early retirement on that.

Nysa: One job with us and you can find out.

Old man: Come inside.

In the room was one bed, a small dresser and a table with two chairs. 

Pylia sat down on one chair, the old man on the other and Nysa sat on the bed. 

The old man started,

* My name is Rawlin.

* We already have 4 members in our group. So all we need is a fifth, and after the job you may go back to the army, as its states on the notice it will only take three weeks. 

* I can probably take leave for that long. I've been saving up, but before that I need some details. I want to sign up for one of the guilds, at least then I know we are secured. 

Pylia looked at Nysa. 

* Sounds reasonable. 

* I also want to meet everyone before. 

* Nothing strange with that. Anything else?

* How do we split the money?

* Five ways minus expenses… 

* How do we decide expenses?

* Expenses we agree on as a group.

* If I die I want my cut to go to my son. We don't speak but I don't have anyone else… Doria knows how to find him. 

* That sounds reasonable as well, welcome onboard. 

* No, I want a contract signed and sealed. 

Nysa sighed: That’s a whole lot of bother… I insist. Rawlin replied. Nysa noded. 

A contract signed and sealed was something that could only be done in one of the biggest towns, because it was done with magic. If someone broke the contract the location of that person would always be able to be found by the holder of the contract and most of the guilds offered a “kill the traitor” deal. Of course which is done through dead or alive bounties.

We are holding up in the black pipe inn, how about you pack your stuff, get things squared away with your employer and we meet there before heading to make the contract and then over to the guild of choice. said Nysa. Rawlin nodded in agreement.

There are a few different guilds each with their own advantages. But commonly most guilds hold the same system for ranking adventurers. It makes it easier for everyone. Jumping guilds isn't uncommon though it is a little frowned upon if done too often but all guilds have an entry fee that has to be paid every time someone does swap. Guild membership is very casual. The main thing as a guild member is that you gain access to the contract the guilds has and security when staying in guild locals. Guilds take a small fee from every contract that members complete, not only that but most larger guilds gain privileges, towns and cities like giving discounts for traveling fair on high risk roads. Some businesses also give guild members discounts, there are even some establishments that give high level members of the right guilds free passes. Businesses in goblin territory for example. 

Then comes the choices in guild. There are many different guilds, but only three large ones. 

The Silver eagles - A guild for most newcomers, they have a lot of rules and regulations but are liked by most because of their goody two-shoes reputation.

The Corsairs - A guild with less fine reputation because they have very little policies for what kind of missions are allowed to be posted on their boards. But they take good care of their people and have higher standards than most for who gets to join in.

 The burned mask - A guild more infamous than anything else, guild members with all clean records need not apply. Half the guilds contracts come in from an unknown organization. The other half they have no policies for whatsoever. 

The guild members ranking system is a bit more complex; each member gets a small iron ticket, engraved with a I, once a member has completed five missions for that rank he gets a review and if he passes he gets another I on his ticket. Once you reach 3 I:s they are erased and you start over but this time a metal stamp is applied with a special hammer made with the guild icon that advanced you. There are five metal stamps you can have on your iron ticket: Copper, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Adamantite. 

There is also a frame you can get for your ticket, though it only comes with investments in the guild. Same metals apply in the same order and depend on how much you invested when they made the ticket. 

There are also group contracts that one can take if they are signed in as groups, the perks for groups are great and so are the benefits. And all the big guilds offer sealed contract guarantees to groups. 

While walking up to the city headquarters of the Silver eagle there were two things to handle. Firstly both Talos and Rawlin didn't have guild membership so they had to pay the fees and have tickets made. At the same time Nysa and Linnet needed to swap guilds, so far only Pylia was actually a member of the Silver Eagle with her three stamps all being from there, though Nysas two first stamps were from the silver eagle his gold one was from the Corsairs. Linnets first was from the Burned mask, the second from a smaller guild. She had frowned a bit at the prospect of joining the silver eagle, she was close to a stamp and though it would look bad for her reputation. Her ticket also had a silver frame, making it the most extravagant of the groups.

Rawlin got a ticket and they immediately gave him two lines and both a copper and a silver stamp. This was common practice with military men, they had shown their skill and expertise on the battlefield and therefore they didn't need to prove themselves before getting to the harder jobs. Talos on the other hand got a completely blank one with just one line. 

The woman behind the desk helpfully told him, if you ever lose it we have all records in a bakarian vault. It can be accessed from any bigger city, so just come and tell us and we will help you out. Without the ticket you won't be able to pick new jobs. 

The second thing to handle was to become a group;

Nysa then asked: we want to form a group, can you help us with that? 

It didn't take long before they sat in a small room talking to one of the group managers. 

Manager: Okay, is this a long term thing or just a mission specific? 

Pylia: Can we leave it open if we want to continue as a group, we have a long mission ahead…

Manager: Okay, we leave it as pending. Is it a guild sanctioned mission? 

Nysa: It's outside, but it has the baron's seal. 

Manager: Excellent; How will you finance your exertion? You do know the guild is also a bank? We can lend you a nice starting capital, based on your guild ranks of course. 

Pylia: May we have a moment?

Manager: I’ll be right outside.

As the door closed Nysa said, It would be nice. My cash is slowly running out.

Talos: What's the catch? there's a catch right?

Linnet: If you take the loan you’ll have to take a certain number of jobs under the guild per year until it’s paid, you also can't guild jump.

Talos: Guild jump? 

Rawlin: Basically it’s going to tie this group together until we can pay the money off.

Talos: Can’t we go to a regular bank then? The templars have one... 

Nysa: Adventurers are the worst people to lend money to. Many, many adventurers die or disappear before the money needs to be paid. 

Talos: Disappear? 

Rawlin: Not everyone is so upstanding, some adventurers once they have a lot of money simply leave, adventurers have a bit of a bad rep that way.

Talos looked a bit disappointed when he said: Oh, right of course. 

Rawlin: I’m just on leave so i don't really need the extra cash. but if you guys need it, don’t make it a big sum. 

Nysa: I think we can handle it without the loan… For now. Then Nysa called the manager back in. 

Manager: So?

Pylia: No thanks, not at this time.

Manager: There is a sign in bonus, still not interested?

Pylia: Thank you but no.

Manager: Alright then there is just one more thing to handle. The name of your group. 

They all looked at each other for a moment, this was something they had not even thought about. 

Talos: Silver Justicars of Justice!

Everyone: no.

Rawlin: Temporary group number whatever?

Everyone: no.

Nysa: Black cloaks?

Everyone: no. 

Linnet: Linnets Rose?

Everyone: NO!

Pylia: How about we combined them? The five silver roses, and we have that stitched on a black cloak?

Nysa: sounds nice, but where do we get the cloaks? I feel like that's an unnecessary expense… 

Talos: I have some extra coins, I go get the cloaks. It’s my gift to you all.

Linnet: I'll come with you, make sure we get good looking cloaks!

Rawlin: wait, wait, wait. We still haven't signed the contract with the wizards. 

Talos, right… After, then!

Manager: if you bring the contract here we offer an enforcement deal for free but just for adventuring groups!

Nysa: I’ll bring it over once we have it signed. 

Pylia: I think we are done here. 

At that the Manager had them all sign the group compact, after which he said: Return in an hour or so and you shall have your Silver group ticket. 

As they left Talos asked, why silver? Nysa responded without turning to look at him, Because it's the average of our group. You should be happy, finishing higher contracts will advance you faster. This means you won't have to slog through the rescue kitten levels of contracts.

They headed to the official wizard's sanctum where one could get contracts signed and sealed. As they walked, it had started raining. Which meant they really did not take in the marvelous view this place had, they simply moved fast to get out of the rain. Once inside Linnet cast some kind of spell to get dry and after a long look from Rawlin she cast it on everyone. 

They walked into the large hall with a strange floating thing in the middle, it was surrounded by eight gargoyles of gigantic size holding up the roof. As Talos stared a little too long a man came over and explained; it represents the plains as we know them, the four worlds that make up the plains of man, each of the elemental planes around that. 

Talos: Is there really only one fire plane?

* Yes, the center of the worlds is the fire plane, its heat forges the universe together, then the four plains of man surround it. Then the two water and two earth plains connect to two of the plains of man each, so that every plain of man has on each of its four sides one of the elemental plains of course the air plains are the smallest since there are four of them each on the opposite side of the fire plane attached to the plains of man.

* And those two things circling the inner constellation?

* That my friend is the Wild dimension and the Dark dimension, each always on the opposite side of the center. but always moving towards and away from each other.

* ooh. And those pillars outside that? those above and below the hole thing?

* Above, you see the hell dimensions three of them, and below the heavenly, also three in number. 

* What about the specs of…..

Nysa came over and said NO, we are here for business. We don't have time for ALL the secrets of the universe.  

At that the man was gone. They walked under the sculpture and headed to the front desk. 

It did not take long at all before they were given access to a small stubby man in a room, he was to write their contract and seal it once they all put their signatures on it with a special ink blended with a drop of everyone's blood. 

Wizard: What do you want the contract to say?

Rawlin: We who sign this contract all promise to fulfill the missio-

Wizard: it needs specifics to work. 

Rawlin: We who sign this contract all promise to fulfill the first mission that The five silver roses signed up for. 

Nysa: And we promise to not leave the group or to try to do it on our own.

Linnet: We promise not to steal or take from each other during the mission. 

Pylia: We promise to do our best to keep the group and everyone in it alive. 

Rawlin: Once we get the treasure we promise to split it evenly and if someone dies to do with their share as they have wished. 

Wizard: anything else? 

Nysa: I think that's it. 

The wizard then mixed the ink, and said: one drop of blood each please. 

He handed out a knife, and each of them took the knife and dripped a drop of blood into the vial. Except for Nysa and Linnet, Nysa pulled out his own knife, while Linnet pulled out a long stilleto and used that to make a needle prick on the tip of her finger. 

Then each of them had to sign their full names. 

Talos Bearaith of Palin.

Pylia Waldor of Palin.

Linnet Keagh of the trust.

Captain Rawlin Medurn of the watch.

When Nysa signed he leaned over so no one saw what he wrote, right before the wizard took it away to be sealed. Then they had to go back to the entrance and wait for it to be finished. 

At that time Linnet and Talos headed off to get the cloaks. It seemed to take quite some time, so Pylia headed back as well. 

When the contract finally arrived Rawlin and Nysa took a long look. Rawlin mumbled that's not right. But the wizard assured him, if someone signs falsely in these halls the great gargoyles awake to take vengeance on the disrespectful bastards.

Rawling looked at Nysa for a moment before they headed out. They headed over to the guild and handed the Contract over. 

Rawlin said to Nysa.

* Are you going to say something about that? 

* No, it's my secret and I hope I can trust you to leave it at that for now. 

* Well at least for me it's not going to change anything so why not. 

* Thank you. 

* I dont think it's going to change anything for the others so why not tell them? Lying might change things when they do find out. 

Nysa stopped and placed himself in front of Rawlin. 

* It’s my life. I have had to live it this way for a very long time now, that's just how it is. It's my secret and you better keep your mouth shut.

* Like I said, it doesn't matter to me, I wont out you. But I don't like that you think you can’t trust the others.

As he said it he pushed passed Nysa and headed into the guild. 

Nysa: Everything is in order here is our contract. 

Manager: excellent, and as per usual the contract will remain sealed and unopened until the symbol of betrayal appears on it. 

They all met back up at the Black Pipe. Linnet handed out the cloaks, I gave them an enchant as well. she said: Nothing fancy, they will keep you warm or cool, if it isn't too warm or cold, and they will keep you dry in rain. 

They looked really nice. 

They all swept themselves in their new cloaks. For the first time they really looked like a team. 

Tomorrow it starts Nysa said. Around them in the tavern was a whole crowd of other groups. Each with their own signs and still there were people meeting up and making alliances.

Nysa noted his vampire “friend” in with a group of her own, they had a grimacing face as a logo. 

They drank until late, even Talos tasted some alcoholic beverages after Linnet used her charm to convince him. 

Rawlin headed out first, having to go to the other tavern to sleep. He didn't relish the thought of walking all that way when it was so late. 

Talos gave up next, Pylia right after him. Nysa and Linnet stayed until most of the crowd had died down. They were deep in conversations about the old times and their old rivalry. 

Finally after the barkeep called out “last round” they both went up to their rooms. 

Nysa as always, went through the same ritual before he could sleep. The bell by the door, the magic powder and the mattress on the floor. 

Morning came around and they all met up at the bar Rawlin arriving last. He looked at Linnet, this cloak is amazing. It was drizzling while I walked back and i didnt feel a drop on me! I would have assumed I would freeze like crazy in weather like that but nope! I bet you could sleep outside in this cloak and it would be as warm as a bed! but not as comfortable of course! He said with a large smile.

Next to the bar a letter had appeared. On it was a street number and time for them to be there. It was just after lunch and it had the seal of the mission in question. 

Nysa and Rawlin noted down the address and looked at one another. Nysa said it, that address isn't real. 

Pylia: What? what do you mean?

Rawlin: The street in question doesn't have that number. 

Nysa pulled out an old map of the city. Look here it is, he pointed at the street. 

Pylia, Talos and Linnet leaned in close. Nysa said:  The street has a one through twelve here see. But then there is a gap, 13 though 36 doesn't exist. 

Talos: Why?

Nysa: It burned down.

Rawlin: The funny thing is, only a day after the fire construction crews arrived to start building the Arena of entertainment there. 

Talos: that big fighting thing? 

Rawlin: Yeah. One would think that it would take months of planning to build a project like that.

Pylia: Maybe they started the planning before the fire?

Talos: How does that help us?

Nysa: Some say the old houses and buildings that used to be where the arena now stands are still there…

Talos: How's that possible? 

Nysa: Have you noticed that the arena sits on a hill? Some people believe they just build over the rubble and ruins. 

Pylia: So how would one get in there then? 

Nysa: From the underground, the old dwarf tunnels. …I think. 

Rawlin: The same tunnels they lose people in at least once or twice a week?

Nysa: Do you have a better idea? 

Rawlin: Through the arena? Maybe we can bribe someone to let us see the basement?

Nysa: I don't know, it could be trouble...

Rawlin: And the tunnels aren't?

Pylia: The tunnels may be dangerous but going through the arena could bring legal consequences.

Talos: Then I vote for the tunnels.

Linnet: It might be nice to test our metal as a group anyway.

Nysa had completely lost focus at this point, he was staring out the window and suddenly stood up and walked out.

Linnet and Rawlin followed.

Nysa was staring at something. Linnet followed his gaze, and once she saw what he was looking at she just stood there too.

Rawlin said: why are you staring at that girl? 

Talos and Pylia also came out.

* That girl, in the vail. 

* Yea? Rawlin replied to Nysas comment. 

* She should burn. Linnet said.

Rawlin, not understanding answered: that's a bit harsh.

Pylia getting where the conversation was heading said to Talos let's go back inside we need to pack our things. After they left Nysa said: She is a vampire. Rawlin gasped. Do we need to do something? 

Nysa: Nah, she's fine. I’ve met her before, she won't harm anyone. 

Rawlin: A good vampire?

Nysa: yeah well it wasn't really her choice. 

Rawlin: Okay. I’m just supposed to be fine with this?

Nysa: Sorta yea.

They went back inside, Rawlin sat down at the table he had brought all his stuff already. So Nysa and Linnet went up to their respective room and started packing. 

Nysa didnt have alot of things, the few things he had, he pulled out from various hiding spots he had found or made in the room. Right before leaving he removed the mattress and lifted up one of the planks that was supposed to hold it up. it had a round hole in it, inside he pulled out a very old note crumpled and ruined by water or tears. He stuffed it in a hidden compartment in his backpack before he walked out. Then he came back in and put the mattress back. When he came down everyone was already there. Talos had a big backpack that looked like it had everything one could need. Pylias backpack was small and rugged most likely it just had everything you had to have but not much more. Linnets was something in between, it was the most beautiful of all the backpacks with silver embroideries. Rawlins was the same size as Talos, but it looked more rugged as well, the Military trained with everything you would need for a long campaign so that's how most soldiers packed. Nysas backpack was the smallest of all in the group, having very few things made it easier to leave quickly and without notice or that was the idea at least. Since the few things he held onto were of emance value to him he always had to find good hiding spots for them, this made packing take a lot longer. Though coming back for something later was usually not a problem.

They headed out. We need to go down to the dwarven city and from there find a way to the section we are looking to enter and there find a way back up. Rawlin pointed “the nearest dwarf opening is over here.” Nysa answered: let's get a bit closer before we go down, I don’t have an up to date map of the dwarven tunnels.

Rawlin noded. 

They walked for about ten minutes, they came so close that they stood in the shadow of the arena. At the entrance they saw two other groups, one talking to the guards and the other waiting in line. 

Nysa noted the angry look in the guards face and guessed that it would be hard to get in that way. But fortunately for them there was a way down to the dwarven city close by. The dwarves have made it so that they have easy access to the arena. It was a long passage with lots of offshoots in each direction. Most were closed off by big doors but others were just open gaps completely dark with no indication of any life. This area was far from the main dwarf settlement. The dwarfs even if they kept the light on in the main tunnel didn’t have many uses for these other passages. They were old mine access points or used once every two or three months. some lead to old dwarf secrets, those were the ones with massive locks. 

 Finally Rawlin stopped. He had been counting steps, if we take this passage, it should lead us directly towards the arena 4 722 steps in and we are at the main entrance. 

Talos took from inside his backpack a torch and lit it against one of the ones on the wall. holding it above his head he walked first into the tunnel counting loudly so everyone would hear.

After a time that felt like an eternity he was finally on 4 720 then 21 and they were there. 

 Talos looked around no passage on either side of the pathway. Just an endless passage forwards. Now what? Rawlin asked. Shhh, Nysa said. Listening carefully. 

Tap tap. then silence. Tap tap again. Nysa was walking along the wall tapping with the pommel of a knife. After about 20 or 30 times the noise changed. He tapped on the same spot again. Then he turned to the others first happy then his face turned grim. Everyone turned around. 

There behind them stood a large hulking creature clearly man shaped. but its hands had long hideous claws.

They threw their backpacks quickly to the floor. Talos being the closest to the creature tried to pull out his backup sword since he was still holding the torch in the other hand. But the creature was too fast, its claws about to strike him when a flying knife hit its shoulder. It growled but the delay allowed Talos to pull the sword, two quick strikes from the monster. But now it was Talos turn to be fast, he blocked and blocked again. Making sure to keep the torch high at all times. A long arrow with a red feather landed in the creature's stomach Rawlin had pulled his bow. With a rawr the creature smashed with full force against Talos smashing him to the ground, but when Talos landed suddenly there were 5 Taloses lying all over the ground while the creature tried to figure out what happened Pylia moved in behind and made a low blow towards one of the creatures legs. It jumped grabbing onto the roof. But as it did another arrow struck its left hand. It came back down trying to land on Talos but its feet went straight though. It was an illusion. 

Because Talos was standing next to Pylia with his two handed morningstar. Pylia and Talos took turns smashing with all their might at the creature. They started pushing it back step by step. it had no time to strike, it was just parrying at this point. Then another arrow landed this one in the chest, it screamed and both Talos and Pylia smashed it hard again.  But the creature refused to die. Suddenly from nowhere Nysa came and cut its achilles tendons. it fell forwards onto its knees and Talos with a big swing hit it right in the face, for a second everyone stared. It looked like it was going to stop the morningstar but Talos was strong, and the face bent to the side, it didn't move. then the head started to move back up. Nysa plunged a dagger into the neck and it screamed, it was a howling sound that cut into the heart of anyone hearing it. Nysa tried to push the dagger forwards but he wasn't strong enough so Talos jumped forwards and pulled with all his might, the dagger came loose and took a big chunk of its neck with it. The throat was cut. A rustling sound was heard from it before it collapsed backwards into a pool of its own blood. Linnet stood a bits away from the others with the torch she had saved when Talos fell.

After a few seconds of breathing Nysa said, As I was about to say before that thing interrupted, if we all push I think we can get through the wall here, it sounds hollow. Then he knocked again and continued; and the rocks don't look too stable.

Talos said as he moved over to help; What was that? Pylia answered: No idea, probably something that’s grown up down here… 

When they pushed just as Nysa had suspected the wall fell over revealing a spiral staircase. Talos took his torch back and took the lead once again. But only after walking a little bit up the stair it was obvious they didn't need the torch anymore they came up at what seemed to be an unused part of a small street completely built in, huge pillars of rock where seemingly placed at random some in the middle of the street other though houses. The houses all had burn marks and were clearly ruins rebuilt by hands unused to the craft. They walked along the street. Here are the houses missing from the street above. not only one street but five. Clearly someone had taken great effort in saving them after the fire.Then Linnet noted and pointed out to the others, it was the emblem of the burning mask guild. It was the address that the note had been pointing at. They knocked at the door. Nysa stood up front this time. A small hatch with a pair of yellow eyes looked out, Meber? it asked. No. Nysa answered. Here for the job? The voice then asked. Nysa said “Yes” this time. 

The hatch closed and the door opened. 

They walked in, the half-orc standing behind the door led them into a large room with chairs arranged in a large circle. A man sat at the door and asked: Who are you?

Pylia said: We are the five silver roses. Then she turned and showed the insignia on the cloak. He responded “never heard of you.” Talos said “You will!” Nysa on the other hand, said “we just formed this group.” 

the man looked between the three of them then to Linnet and Rawlin then he shrugged “okay” and wrote down the name. Before looking up from his paper he asked, Are you registered with a guild? Pylia showed the silver group ticket and he glanced at it, then she could see he wrote silver class next to their name. 

They walked over and took seats, there were already two groups in here. The legendary heroes of Garbin were already deep in a discussion about something and a group that Nysa recognized as the Twinsshade, they had a bad reputation… He thought he would keep it to himself for now. 

There was no mingling here everyone kept to their own groups three more groups arrived before the time was up, and one just as the man at the door was going to close up. Nysa noted that the Vampire was in the last group to arrive. 

An old man walked in, He looked like if he killed anyone in this room it wouldn't bother him in the least, and he had a long crooked saber in his belt just barely showing under his long coat. Thank you all for coming, he started. Then he looked around “seven groups?” he said and looked at the other man coming over from the door. Yes, the man answered. “Okay for the mission at hand”, the old man continued. “I will only trust one of you with the details of the actual mission so” as he said it he walked over and pulled out a map. “To determine which group I'm going to trust. You will have to take care of a small thing first. Some of my colleagues studied a dangerous book out in a cave. The cave was attacked by goblins, I assume you’ve all dealt with their kind before, an unusually large tribe. I need the research material back. Whatever remains. Whoever brings me the material will be rewarded with the final mission!” He pointed at the map “this is the location of the cave.” Pylia quickly pulled out her own map and noted it down. The man looked around looking a bit confused. “Well? Of with you! Get back here as soon as you can!” 

Everyone in the room stood up immediately and took off.