Managarmr
Volunteer Soldier Trainee
Posts: 22
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Post by Managarmr on May 18, 2023 14:28:03 GMT -7
"So, no help from you either?"
Wayland had asked a question, but his words came out sounding much more like a statement. He had already come to the conclusion in his own mind, partially aided by the golden-armored man's advice. There was a reason that he hadn't said "Just talk to the red-headed man in that building if you want answers.", he specifically told them to join a guild if they wanted answers.
Ignoring whatever conversations--or, more likely, one-sided questioning--was going on, Wayland walked up to the table and snagged both a necklace and a bag for himself before reiterating their escort's advice to rest of the group. "Your choice is your own to make, but I suggest joining a guild." He paused, jingling the bag of coins in his hand, "And currency no doubt has its uses here."
Without another word, he made his way outside. The sun had only descended a little bit since he had exited the tower, meaning this had taken no longer than an hour at most. He held his newly acquired Red Moon necklace up to the light, watching it idly twist in the breeze. As he began to slip it over his head he paused abruptly, just now feeling that there was already something else hanging from his neck. Slowly he brought his hand to the chain, tugging it out from under his shirt until a silvery pendant was revealed. His eyes widened at the sight, his mind trying and failing to grasp the importance of it. A strange feeling soon crept into his mind, and quickly he tucked the object back into his shirt. That would be a mystery for another time. Right now, he had to find one of these guilds to join.
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Elf
Volunteer Soldier Trainee
Posts: 40
Character Name: Yasmin
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Post by Elf on May 18, 2023 14:40:25 GMT -7
The anxiety is really starting to get to Yasmin at this point, being demanded to make such a binding deal with no knowledge of what they're signing up for, or even what the pittance of currency they get in exchange is worth.
And then the anger flares up, and she impulsively puts down her own name and takes the bag of coins and necklace in exchange before storming out of the building, not even bothering to talk to yet another person who refuses to offer anything.
She does catch Wayland's other necklace as she comes outside, but she doesn't comment on spotting something clearly private. Instead, she just asks; "Got anywhere in mind to start looking, or do we just wander until we trip over it?"
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Managarmr
Volunteer Soldier Trainee
Posts: 22
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Post by Managarmr on May 18, 2023 15:33:46 GMT -7
Wayland hmm'd to himself for a moment, thinking about where exactly they should go next. Yasmin did have a point, without anywhere in mind to start their search they would just be wandering around aimlessly. "What if we try to find our escort from before? He seemed to know about these guilds, and he's the only person who's been somewhat helpful so far. I believe he went off that way, towards the center of the city."
Before setting off, however, Wayland walked up to the next person to leave the building and pointed at a tavern-ish looking establishment down the road. "Tell the others to search for information. If they still don't know where to go or what to do by sundown, meet me there." Even though he hoped that these people could look after themselves, and ultimately should be able to look after themselves if they were being conscripted into a volunteer army, he still didn't want to abandon them if they needed help.
Once he was finished with that, he turned on heel and headed in the direction that their escort had headed. It shouldn't be hard to spot a man wearing shiny golden armor, right?
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Elf
Volunteer Soldier Trainee
Posts: 40
Character Name: Yasmin
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Post by Elf on May 18, 2023 16:18:08 GMT -7
The idea clearly irritates the young woman when it's first suggested, the guy came across as very callous and condescending so the last thing she wants to do is go looking for him, but Yasmin can't dispute the logic of the plan, so she sighs. "That's probably our best option, yeah. Even if we miss him, we find wherever he was headed, which is probably somewhere important."
Her expression does soften a little as she watches Wayland making sure the others who showed up alongside them aren't left lost, though. A little more quietly when it's just the two of them, she adds; "And... thanks. For guiding all of them this far too... I'm... not good with people, or being the center of attention like that. But I am glad there was someone there to help all of them. Now, let's go find this golden jerk and these guilds he mentioned, wring some answers out of... whichever one we find first."
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Post by liqueur on May 18, 2023 17:01:29 GMT -7
At length, after following the crowd's flow in the direction where Jeforan had gone, they happened across....Well, what looked to be bluntly, like a ragged collection of small poor buildings huddled together in an otherwise prosperous district of the city. However, a keen-eyed observer might note that while sparse in decoration beyond a certain symbol decorating the doorways, the buildings did not appear to be in disrepair or messy in any way, clean-swept doorsteps and walls clear of ivy, with the faint rhythmic noise of metal clashing against leather and wood rising from behind the buildings. Inside the largest building was Jeforan, leaning against a doorway while snapping out instruction through the doorway into what appeared to be an inner field, filled with training warriors.
"Guards up. Pivot into second form. Keep that shield high, initiate Varen! An hour left until Mass and theology begins. Make the most of it."
He paused in his commands, glancing behind his shoulder to examine the approaching outworlders. "So, you joined the Red Moon Volunteer Army." He noted without a change in expression, before raising an eyebrow. "If you wish to join the Paladins' Guild, the introductory cost is eight silvers and a week of time. During that time room and board shall be provided. No refunds are allowed under the auspices of She Most Holy, Lumiaris."
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Elf
Volunteer Soldier Trainee
Posts: 40
Character Name: Yasmin
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Post by Elf on May 18, 2023 17:30:59 GMT -7
The normally timid girl matches his gaze, the compounded frustration of what's been an exhausting and confusing evening giving her the ability to just not give a shit about the consequences as she says; "No. You are going to tell us what paladins are, what they do, and what our other options are. I'm done making decisions with no information just because people like you refuse to give it to us."
Even as she demands this, her mind connects the dots between the amount of money they were given and the entry fee for these guilds. It's all fucking circular, of course it is. They're absolutely being scammed and taken advantage of.
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Post by liqueur on May 18, 2023 17:46:06 GMT -7
A flicker of irritation passed through Jeforan's face at Yasmin's interruption, before he sighed and made a hand signal out to those training, turning fully towards them. "Paladins are holy warriors dedicated to Lady Lumiaris, rival and superior of Skullhell, the god of darkness and devilry. Of course, if you ask a Dreadknight their opinion will be differing, as is the case with religious schisms. You will be on the front-lines of any battlefield, shielding your comrades and taking the brunt of any assault, while calling upon the divine forces of Lumiaris to ultimately prevail no matter the odds. It is not an occupation for those weak of mind, body, or soul. I will not tell you what the other guilds do. One, because they would object to my opinions, possibly. Two, because I am not immersed in their affairs."
He glanced back towards Yasmin, looking at her not coldly, but rather..More in a testing manner. He pointed one mailed gauntlet out towards the city gates. "Do you know why we do not give you information, young lady? Because this world is at war, a war in which we are considered to be stale-mated if not losing. A war in which we must repel the enemy, again and again and again. What valuable skills do you offer us, what boons or blessings other than more hungry mouths to feed, more idle hands to thieve from good faithful followers of my Goddess? The worst of you go on to become petty criminals and trouble-makers that sap our resources when we cannot afford internal division. The best of you die and are honored with a gravestone for your efforts in this war."
"Ten silvers would feed a hungry household of the faithful for weeks, as they know how to spend it. Yet their august Majesties open their treasuries time and time again to you, who sigh and slack off at training, who deny our cause and desert at the first opportunity. Due to the decree as well, I am to train you when I cannot even train my own apprentices fully. I oversee the burials of my own disciples." He spoke not in an unkind tone, but simply a stolid delineation of facts, before leaning forward and looking at her questioningly.
"You come to our world. I do not blame you. I do not blame you for taking the silvers or the badge either. I do not blame you for being angry. But my followers go hungry, young lady. My fighters die. Your past generations do not give us too much reason to put faith into you, when faith is so scarce a resource. Tell me, young lady, can you save those men from going onto the battlefield, or help the vagrants of the city? What can you offer us, in exchange for ten silvers and our time?"
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Elf
Volunteer Soldier Trainee
Posts: 40
Character Name: Yasmin
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Post by Elf on May 18, 2023 18:01:46 GMT -7
Confusion breaks through even the anger that'd propelled Yasmin this far "Only two deities? That... isn't right, there should be a lot more than that..."
And as much as she wracks her brain for why, the answer for it refuses to surface in Yasmin's mind, so she focuses back on the here and now.
"Nevermind, this is still... something. Who is this war against? And how did things get so desperate?"
The declaration that she couldn't do something, couldn't even live up to the meager resources given to her thus far, ticks her off in a different way. An old, familiar way. A wry smile begins to form as she continues "And then, perhaps I'll show you the answers to your own questions."
Then her brain catches up with the implications of what she just declared in front of Wayland, the golden jerk, and a whole bunch of strangers, and a bit of her old timid demeanor finally slips back in, though she doesn't break the eye contact or otherwise undermine what she'd just said.
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Post by liqueur on May 18, 2023 18:18:28 GMT -7
Briefly, an amused tilt to Jeforan's lips appeared. "There exist four. Lumiaris, patron of Paladins. Skullhell, patron of Dreadknights. Elhit, patron of Hunters, and her brother, patron of none." When asked how the war began, though, all amusement disappeared from his face, replaced merely by a determined tilt of his head. "You do not need to know how it began. You will learn the history of this world, and what you fight against, when you join a guild."
He eyed her dubiously, before letting out an amused huff and patting her on the head. "Yes young lady, greater miracles have happened before. But actions speak louder than words. Is this all the harrying you wish to do, or is there more to this trial set forth by my Goddess?"
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Elf
Volunteer Soldier Trainee
Posts: 40
Character Name: Yasmin
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Post by Elf on May 18, 2023 19:09:05 GMT -7
Yasmin catches on a wording she finds odd; "What you're fighting? Not who?"
The slight lightening of the encounter's tone by Yasmin's curiosity and Jeforan's amusement vanishes when he tries to reach inside Yasmin's personal space and she takes a step back to avoid that, her voice drops back to the cold and forced evenness it had at the start of the conversation as she replies "I am not a child, don't treat me like one."
Perhaps the gesture wasn't intended to come across as condescending, but after their previous interactions that's seemingly how it's come across for her.
Once it's clear the chance of unwanted contact from someone who's still practically a stranger has passed, though, she does let a small grin slip through, and she counts out two of the silver coins and slips them into pockets in her dress before handing over the pouch she got at the red moons' base, with the other eight that make up the fee. "Is that loud enough?"
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Post by liqueur on May 18, 2023 19:15:40 GMT -7
Although Jeforan cocked an eyebrow at the cold response from Yasmin, he shrugged and retracted his hand. When she held up the silver, however, his brow furrowed and he shifted slightly, glancing back to the other door where initiates practiced.
"Are you....Sure that you do not wish to explore other guilds? In becoming a Paladin, you adopt our faith. In bearing our arms, you bind yourself to a noble death. I will not say that we are the most long-lived occupation, and I won't go easy on you during training, which will be taxing in both mind and spirit. Think this over."
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Elf
Volunteer Soldier Trainee
Posts: 40
Character Name: Yasmin
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Post by Elf on May 18, 2023 19:59:41 GMT -7
"The other guilds you wouldn't even name? Are you starting to see why telling people nothing and just expecting them to figure shit out for themselves might not be the best approach?"
The bite to some of her earlier words isn't quite there this time, though, even as she takes a jab at the contradiction between what the man in gold was saying earlier, and his words now.
"Look, I'm guessing all the other guilds are charging the same price for entry. Which means if I want to take my time making a choice, you've only given me however long two silver will last to do so. A currency I'm not familiar with, too, so I'm not even all that familiar with how much time that is. I also don't have any of the kinds of practical skills I saw people using to make a living in a safer way on the trip into town. No idea what I used to do where I came from but it clearly wasn't something helpful here. Clearly, whatever system is in place here doesn't even have our best interests anywhere on the priority list. So, all in all... I want to make a decision tonight so I'm not caught out with seven and a half silver and no way forward at some point in the future."
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Post by liqueur on May 18, 2023 20:19:01 GMT -7
"Two silver will last you nearly two weeks in terms of living expenses, provide you spend cautiously." Jeforan said with a raised eyebrow, before sighing and accepting the bag of silver. "However, Lumiaris denies nobody who comes willing and wishing to learn. You may begin the week of training whenever you choose, although once you begin you cannot stop halfway through until you are duly ordained. And their Majesties of course don't have your best interests in mind. They have the interest of the nation in mind, and you are interlopers at best, active dangers at worse. Allowing the Red Moon Volunteer Army to operate already drains on the war funds needed. Either way, what is done is done. You are now an initiate, to be sworn into service as a shield of Lumiaris and the people."
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Managarmr
Volunteer Soldier Trainee
Posts: 22
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Post by Managarmr on May 20, 2023 12:11:50 GMT -7
"Huh."
It was a simple noncommittal noise that came out of Wayland in response to the fiery conversation that had just taken place before him. Even though his focus had mostly been on the paladins training in the field, he still caught most of the heated discussion. It would have been rather hard not to, actually. A few of his questions had been answered, as well as several he didn't know he had, but an equal number arose or were brushed aside. In a paradoxical way, he felt as if he was back to square one. And I still don't really know much about the other guilds, which was kinda my original purpose for coming here. Not that I can blame him for not wanting to promote the competition.
Once he found a moment to excuse himself, he gave a nod to the "golden jerk" as a sign of thanks and then turned to Yasmin. "You seem to have things figured out here. I'm going to see if I can find a few other guilds. Feel free to come along or to start your training now if you wish. It sounds like you have a hard week ahead of you, and running back and forth through the city might be a little tiring."
Wayland waited for her to make a decision before stepping back out onto the city's street. He realized that he really was back to square one, perhaps even square zero now, since there was no longer a lead for him to follow. The paladin mentioned dread knights and hunters, so maybe I could find them next? But where would I start? Hmm, or maybe I just follow someone who looks like they're in a guild. That already worked once, it should work again. His eyes scanned over the crowd of people passing by, but unfortunately nobody was wearing anything as noticeable as gilded armor for him to easily latch onto. Instead, he decided to look for more subtle weapons and armor like what the paladins had been using, but then found that he had the opposite problem of too many options. Surely not all of these people were in a guild. "I guess it'll be a bit harder to find another guild than I thought." he said under his breath, not entirely aware that he had spoken out loud.
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Elf
Volunteer Soldier Trainee
Posts: 40
Character Name: Yasmin
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Post by Elf on May 20, 2023 17:16:34 GMT -7
It's done. Too late for regrets now. Keep moving forward, at least until I'm secure and safe. "I'll be back for that... not tomorrow, the day after. I want to make sure to help everyone who came through with me figure out their own path forward."
Particularly since none of you lot will lift a finger to help them. Also, wouldn't we technically count as Refugees, not Interlopers? It's certainly not their fucking choice to be here. Those thoughts remain unsaid as a basic attempt to be at least a little diplomatic, if she's going to have to put up with this guy going forwards.
Yasmin will listen to the golden jerk if he has anything else to say, then follow Wayland, also defaulting to that initial approach of looking for another adventurer-looking person until he mutters that under her breath. Thinking for a few moments, she suggests an alternative idea;
"Maybe keep an eye out for any training facilities? If these guilds are major organizations they'd need fairly big ones, so they should stand out?"
The advice is offered quietly and hesitantly, like she hasn't quite realised that it's actually a good idea.
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cheesemellow
Volunteer Soldier Trainee
Who says warriors have to be mindless brutes who throw their body at the enemy. I'll break the mold!
Posts: 9
Character Name: Sebastian Cote
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Post by cheesemellow on May 21, 2023 1:02:54 GMT -7
Today was a new day! Sebastian has completed his training and his free nights at the Volunteer housing would be coming to an end. Two silvers would only last him another week if he used his remaining finances responsibly but a frugal life of penny pinching just wasn't the life for him... So by days end, he will have found a team! He was resolved to at least get that much done. Leaving the safety of the city walls can come after. Putting on his freshest pair of rags and covering it all up with the baggy zip-up he arrived in, Sebastian step onto the city streets. With his hands deep in his sweater pockets he trotted along cutting through the sea of people that crowded the busy streets. Now the young man didn't step into the pit without a plan. Having been here for a few months he knew the common routes that newcomers traveled along. General good shops, cheap taverns and the guilds are popular hotspots so he patrolled those specific routes throughout the early morning.
A group there! But too many people, basically a crowd... Another group there! But they had a warrior already... Oh, they look like fun! Wait, three warriors... That group doesn't look lost, they wouldn't need him... Those three look alright, that one girl even has some funny looking hair. Very vibrant. Had they arrived with a recent group? Hmph, he couldn't say...
Either way, none of them felt right. Eventually he would have to settle and introduce himself to a group and hope for the best.
The paladins guild. He had come by earlier but found that no one was around. He figured they would be praying at such an early hour. Now it was later in the day so things are bound to have changed, right? Gliding along the edges of the guilds property, he stopped when he heard some commotion. A woman? Raising her voice. That was a good sign. New arrivals are generally share a similar grumpiness when reaching the city. With high hopes he tippy toed ever so closer to eavesdrop in on the conversation... He had a good reason!... Maybe...
Come on, end this already. Walk away so I can jump in and save the day! One was a man that let his eyes wonder, like he was adrift at sea looking out into the horizon. The other was the voice he heard on his way over. A girl who was wore her heart on her sleeve. At least in this moment in time but she seemed to regain her composure rather quickly. And it looks like their exchange with the man in gold armor was about to come to an end!
Be patient, don't be too hasty. Don't want to come off as desperate. You got this.
"Hey!" Sebastian sprang up out of nowhere, hopping straight into their path. "Why waste your time walking around blind when I can just show you around! And don't worry, unlike your previous guide into the city, I can actually help you. And how would I know this? Because, like you, I arrived here not too long ago!"
He didn't put much thought into what he was going to open up with but he introduced himself anyway. With all the hand motions and body language it would probably be tough for either of them to immediately process anything he just said.
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Managarmr
Volunteer Soldier Trainee
Posts: 22
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Post by Managarmr on May 21, 2023 14:18:17 GMT -7
A slow nod was Wayland's initial answer to Yasmin's suggestion, though he still kept his eyes sifting through the crowd just in case someone particularly guild-y happened to pass by. "Yeah, good idea. Maybe looking for the facilities would be easier than--"
A man jumping in front of the two--mannerisms ablur with hand motions and quick talking--stole Wayland's attention and brought an abrupt end to his words. After a relatively fast and seemingly rehearsed introduction, he found himself at a loss for how to respond to the intense greeting.
"Huh."
The same reserved noise as before was his only answer at first, no emotions evident in the simple sound nor on his face. It wasn't a noise of confusion, but rather of ruminating. He didn't know why, but he had the strangest feeling that this guy was trying to sell him something. "Hm, a guide would be helpful, but I'm not quite ready to part with my silvers yet."
Believing that the notion of not getting paid would be enough to turn the man away, Wayland went back to looking over the crowd, now also scanning the buildings further down the street for any signs of a guild hall.
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Elf
Volunteer Soldier Trainee
Posts: 40
Character Name: Yasmin
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Post by Elf on May 21, 2023 15:23:44 GMT -7
A stranger suddenly jumping the pair brings out more of Yasmin's shyer side, and she falls quiet as she watches the interaction between the two of them, sticking on the other side of Wayland as they begin to move past him.
The mention of being a fellow new arrival does stir a little of her curiosity, but overall the stranger was just too energetic and odd for the introvert to keep up with, so she doesn't pause to enquire further.
Instead, a few moments later, she asks Wayland "What sort of guild would you be looking for?"
They didn't know the names, sure, but maybe the general idea would help?
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cheesemellow
Volunteer Soldier Trainee
Who says warriors have to be mindless brutes who throw their body at the enemy. I'll break the mold!
Posts: 9
Character Name: Sebastian Cote
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Post by cheesemellow on May 22, 2023 4:23:31 GMT -7
"Heh..."
Heh...
What's going on? The guy isn't even looking through him, he is looking over Sebastian. Like he was some sort of obstacle in the way whiiiich was fair... And girl was hiding away like a mouse. Whatever Sebastian was doing came to a halt, his hands are left suspended in the air and the words coming out of his mouth gradually becoming murmurs until he is completely silent. Lost for words...
Are... Are they really just going to ignore me and walk away? And so he watched as the pair walked on by like he didn't exist...
"Wha— n—no! Stop! I! If you would just—!" He tried to call out to them but it was no use...
Argh! What's going on! Did I not come off strong enough? Is that it? Or maybe it was too much... I thought I got straight to the point. I can't let them go! I have to make another attempt at appealing to them. Just take a deep breath and try again. Be cool. Play nice. You got this. So he inhaled... Then exhaled and sprinted to catch up to them once more.
"N— No, you have the... Wrong... Idea!" Sebastian did his best to try to get into his field of vision by making short hops. Wherever the blue haired guy looked, Sebastian was there! Or at least the top of his head was there. "H— hey, Yoo-hoo, right here." Occasionally he would take a glance at the girl but that's about it. "I'm not trying to take your silver! I can show you where the rest of the guilds are! Warriors, thieves, hunters. I can even take you to those depressing guys... Thee, uh, dread knights! All of them!"
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Elf
Volunteer Soldier Trainee
Posts: 40
Character Name: Yasmin
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Post by Elf on May 22, 2023 16:24:01 GMT -7
Yasmin does giggle quietly at the diss directed towards the dread knights, and becomes at least a little less wary. His pushiness being directed mostly towards Wayland also helped.
"Is that the full list of the other guilds? I-I'd like to get proper information on all of them to bring back to everyone else who showed up with us."
She considers explaining Wayland's continued lack of a guild, too, but he can speak for himself.
"Also, have you chosen one of them yourself?"
It was a little odd seeing someone who'd arrived before them, he'd partially blended in to this world, but in other ways he still stands out.
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