The Wild Lands <CURRENT/ACTIVE>

[Greyson]

"Guess I was right", Aydin thought, "mages are 'Show Off's by nature".

He was quite surprised to see the young mage making an engreaved copy of his own weapon. He drew his Morph-spear and switched it to spear-mode and inspected both blades.
"They do look similar enough, that's true. Yours is much flashier though, with the engraving and all. I can't accept it as a gift though, I have quite the emotional attachment to my own blade. Sorry. You should sell it, Morph-weaponry is hard to come by these days so you should make quite some coin with this piece."

"If you are heading back to Stalwart, do you need someone to carry the girl? She does not look like she's going to make the trip on her own anytime soon?" he yelled to the Leaguemaster. ""And since I'm headed in the same direction I give her a ride home."

[Froggychum]

The Leaguemaster accepted the offer to carry the girl, saying she should get some actual rest before waking up... The Leaguemaster closes the shield and guides the group to swiftly head back to Stalwart, as they have only 1 hunter for protection..

Upon arrival home, everyone is sent back home, and the Leaguemaster asks Aydin to stay a moment, after ushering everyone home, and getting Martin to bring Cylia back, he walks up to Aydin, "Thank you very much for your service, feel free to call me Larque" he says with a wink at his name, he pauses, and looks Aydin straight in the eyes, "I hope to see you on next week's trip," he says in a funny way, "don't worry, I'll bring some more actual hunters next time!" he says, shaking Aydin's hand, and heading off to his scholar's study for the night

[Greyson]

"The Vanguard will consider your offer!", Aydin yelled after Larque. "Was that guy just hitting on me?" he wondered. "What other reason would he have had to wink at me?" He shivered. "Better report back to Grym. He'll be probably be curious about what happened out there..."

The southern gate wasn't to far away, so Aydin didn't have to run, but could walk at a casual speed. He looked up in the sky, checking for the position of the sun to figure out how long it had been since he left after the High Magi. "About noon already? Time sure seems to fly when out in the wild. Sometimes I wonder why that is."

After 10 minutes, Aydin had arrived at the Vanguards Guild Hall, gave a quick wave to Denning, who was seemingly busy explaining their current operations to the cityfolk, and walked right in. He headed to the Knight Commanders Office, but he seemed to be out for the moment. "Guess I'll just write a report and leave it his mail box. Better tell him to contact the High Magi with an offer of escorting them on their following trips out and about."

And so he did. After dropping the report in Gryms mail box, Aydin headed down to the Hub, sat down at a table, and ordered a meat platter, with vegetables on the side and a large herbal tea with honey. "I really wonder what these High Magi guys are up to. I don't really buy that 'just so they see real mana' story. But maybe I'm just imagining things. And what was up with that Bahled kid?" So many questions went to his head that he had no answers to. All he could do for now was enjoying his meal and waiting for his Commander to decide what to do next.

[Froggychum]

Baled arrived home, head buzzing with thoughts, he had enjoyed himself immensely out there... "but this IS a learning experience," he thought, even though he was only 15, he was quite the young scholar, finishing his thought with "so I must learn!".

Baled quickly set himself to pulling out tomes from his book wall, and practicing non-destructive quickie spells, like a task mage would. and as well as some telportation, though that wearied him out quickly.. He had cleared it up with his mother, who said he could do this until his bedtime at 9:30 pm, as long as he came down for dinner at 7:00

[Greyson]

It was only a few moments after Aydins food arrived, that he heard someone appoaching him, mostly because the Hub tends to be rather empty around noon. Even though the Vanguards Hub was always a cheap place for Hunters of all Guilds to get something decent to eat, most Hunters went out to eat at home or in the finer taverns and inns. As the steps came closer Aydin wanted to turn around, but before he had a chance he heard a familiar voice.

"Well, well, well. If it isn't Aydin. Long time no see, have you been hiding from me?". It was the soft and gentle voice of [border]Farah[/border], a long time friend of Aydin and fellow Hunter. But no Vanguard. Farah was a Stormshifter, Monster Hunters who fight side by side with Thundermages. "W-what? I-i, no I'd never hide from you. Of course not, why should I?", Aydin stuttered while turning around to face her. Farah was 5'5, had shoulder-long dark blonde hair, and deep green eyes. She was wearing her huter gear consiting of a metal chestplate, an armguard covering her entire left arm completed by a metal pauldorn. She wore her favourite brown leather gloves, beige cloth pants and metal boots that went up to her knee with small heels.

"How cute, you're flustered!" she said, giving Aydin a gentle smile and laughed. "But I really mean it. It's been weeks since I last saw you, I was starting to think you were a goner, you know! By the way, is that seat taken?". She did not wait for a response from Aydin and sat down on the chair next to him.
"I'm not. And you know how it is. I've been busy." Aydin said turning back around on his chair. "How about I make up for it by paying for your lunch?" he said, giving her an apologetic look.
"I think that's a start. And the least you could do." Farah replied, locking eyes with Aydin and laughing again.
"Heard you've had a job tracking and protecting that 'Larque' fellow. Hope it went well. Be careful around him, okay? I don't trust that guy." she said with a stern expression on her face "Not because he' a mage. I've worked with a lot of mages now and I don't have trust issues concerning mages anymore. It's just that this guy... I feel weird when I look at him, I don't know.."
"Concern noted." Aydin replied with a assuring smile "I'll be on guard around him. How about we eat first and then we could head to the nearby park. Catch up a little, exchange stories of the hunt. Socializing, you know?".
"You got yourself a deal. Thank the heavens, I really had no plans for the day and was scared I'd bore myself to death." Farah said laughing. "But don't forget! Your treat!"

[Froggychum]

after dinner, Baled went to bed as instructed, having studied hard with the essence he had ''absorbed'' whilst outside the walls of Stalwart, and the little shard he had brought along with him...

As Baled slept, the shard congealed and coalesced into differentiating shapes and sized, fluttering around under his covers, and eventually settling inside his skull...

Baled was overcome by a rush of dreams that he could not fully grasp, glorious adventures, mindboggling studies and spell castings, decisive battles, and much more

they flew by him, faster and faster, and they then stopped, his father was there again, for the second night in a row, he did not speak this time, but showed Baled himself as a young baby , being held by his father. he smiled with a wink, putting Baled down, pulling out a sword and rushing away from Baled's head, which to his dismay, despite struggling could not move to follow his father's path...

He felt the dreams fade away as he began to wake up-- he was half-awake when he got a splitting headache, so abruptly real when he was only half aware, the headache unbeknownst to him was caused by that wild mana he had dragged into the walls with him, and which was slowly burrowing into his brain.

The headache continued for time undiscernible, but could best be described as infinity. Slowly, he receded, or more truly, FELL into the dream state, his dreams were full of nightmares, hellish landscapes, and screaming faces uttering inanities at him. He was horrified and uncapable of following all the terror enveloping him, he shuddered, and yelled...

Baled's mother ran upstairs, blasting open her son's door, she had heard his nightly screams, the like she had never heard come from someone in such a blissful state..
Baled lay in his bed convulsing and injured, yelling with no idea of what time of the night it was, he screamed and clawed at his bed, as his bones popped, cracked and spat, his eyes bulged, his skin even slightly peeled and burnt... his fair was even on edge, some falling to the sides of his small resting cot.

His mother brought him to a hospital, they did what they could, but his screaming lasted well into the days, he was stuck somewhere where nobody could reach him... they tried to find his instructor to help, after all he was definitely one of the best , if not THE best mage in Stalwart... But he had vanished mysteriously, leaving no indicators as to where he had gone...

[TheDudeManJohn]

((((so i got snowed in real bad....and my car broke down in the middle of it.....i was out of town for all of this...and have just now gotten back....lol gotta love life

anyways ive got a lot of reading to do...my character is posted take a look....and ill make my first intro post here shortly as long as i have time at work sorry for the wait guys I DID NOT ABANDON YOU lol))))

[Froggychum]

((lol no worries, excited to have you back soon!))

[TheDudeManJohn]

(((so i have this great idea.....please wait....to post....for me to get this great idea out.....damn did you guys RP right inline with my over all Goal of the RP....lol just wait for my next post....and ill have a major quest for us )))

[TheDudeManJohn]

Jacob, for that is his name for himself, was returning from deep in The Wild Lands....he had been gone for a few days, but no one worried about The Wild One.......he was off gathering different ingredient and hunting small game....or scavenging left overs from much larger predators.....For his Master, Sir Roland, the keeper of the Cities largest Inn and Pub known as "A Wild Night".....sends Jacob out on these missions to return with supplies for his restaurant.....Sir Roland makes some of the tastiest dishes....with meat and vegetables not imaginable inside the walls.....its only been since Jacob's arrival that "A Wild Night's" menu got the upgrade....but since then...hes added more rooms and a larger dinning area......

Sir Roland himself was a fame hunter of old, He knew Baled's Father......Before Baleds father vanished he had been partners with Sir Roland....the two, a Mage and Sword Master combo.....were unbeatable.....but after Baleds father left.....Sir Roland stayed and helped found The Vanguard.....but had no intentions of leading.....and wanted to just open an Inn instead......now years later.....and with Jacobs help.....Sir Rolands "A Wild Night" is the number one place to go for a full cooked full course meal......the beds could be more comfortable.....but thats neither here nor their.....Sir Roland is the only one who Calls Jacob by his given name....Jacob...everyone else knows him as The Wild One.....

On his way back to the walled city.....he hears the sounds of children and a conversation....he stays way out of range of discovery watching with his heightened eye sight and listening with his sensitive ears...figuring it strange for so many younglings to be out with only an old man as an escort......he watched for awhile as they continued.....then.....all of a sudden....out of no where....

a sound is heard in The Wild Ones ears.....he falls to his knees and grips his head.....growling slightly at the pain in his mind....he looks up at the group...and sees the girl begin to change as well....growing violent towards her peers....Jacob begins to breath heavy......unable to move due to the pressure on his brain......after a moment he hears a voice......."Attack......Fight.....Kill." are the only thoughts surging in his mind.....he stops.....gets down on all fours....and begins to practice breathing....and over and over to himself he says, "i am Jacob. I am not monster. I am Jacob. I am not The Wild One. I am Jacob. I am not monster.....[repeat]" he watches as the girl grows more agitated.....and then as if on that command....beasts and creatures and monsters attacked the group......who were then saved by a lone hunter.......

Jacob didnt know what to make of this....but knew he must hurry to tell Sir Roland....for he will know what to do....the pain began to subside....and he could sense the beasts of the wilds had grown restless....but were now slowly subduing.... Jacob hurried back to town....storing his goods properly when he returned to the inn...and promptly went up the stairs to report to Sir Roland...
Roland, "Ah Jacob my trusted companion...find anything useful?....perhaps some more of the meat from last week? it was a major hit!...."
Jacob looked at Roland with a sheer determined, focused and serious look, to anyone else the look in The Wild Ones eyes would have struck sheer terror...."I found the usual Sir......Something happened while i was out.....i heard a voice...as did, i assume, the rest of the animals of the wilds....i was trying to be driven to madness, to attack and kill the humans out in the wilds......i do not understand why you people send your children out into the wilds like that.....i didnt succumb to it....but other weaker willed creatures did.....and attacked....I..."
Jacob hits the floor on his knees again...as that same force pushes into his brain.....Jacob isnt caught quite as much by surprise so it doesnt handicap him quite like before......
"What is it!!" Roland says as he runs to his new friends side......
Jacob looks up at Roland and says...."She's Calling me........to....join her......she's calling me.....calling all of us.....the creatures of the wilds to her......"
"Where!?" Roland asks......
Jacob just points in a direction......"There."
Roland sits in silence for awhile....."breath easy my friend.....try and fight it......this is grave news that you have just told me.....but by The Gods you are here to warn us where none others could have Jacob....and for that i thank you." he goes back to his desk and looks down....almost just lost in thought....."I must go to The Guild Masters.....and tell them of this.....we will need a team of their strongest to investigate this.....Jacob you will most likely need to lead them....for you know where its pulling you.......this may take a few days.....stay strong.....and keep your mind in your possession my friend.....there are a lot of people still waiting for you to go "wild".....dont let that happen inside the city walls you hear me?"
Jacob nods...is dismissed and spends the next few days trying to ease his mind and resist the pulling sensation......and waits for word from Sir Roland.
((so days are passing while your guild masters talk and what not....just cover a few days.....i think Baled is currently in a hospital during that time.))

[Greyson]

While Aydin and Farah we're out and about, strolling through the local Memorial Garden, a park dedicated to those who lost their lives protecting Stalwart, they finally had time to catch up, like friends do when they haven't seen eachother in a while. "So, Farah, is your brother still upset that you became a hunter while he has to work in the mines?", Aydin asked. "Urgh, yeah. He's like a child sometimes. Even kicked me out of the house a while ago because of it. Said he couldn't stand seeing me, because all he saw was his own failures. So yeah, he's upset, and I am more or less homeless. At least we Hunters get rooms at our guild halls, otherwise I would be in a bad Situation right now. Farah replied, letting her head hang for a few seconds, then looked Aydin straight in the eyes with a curious Expression crossing it. "Speaking of Guilds. When I left my Guild Hall earlier, my Guild Master seemed in a hurry and rushed off. I thought it was kind of strange. Did you notice anything strange around your Hall?"

Aydin stopped for a second to think. Now that Farah mentioned it, it was very unusual for Victor Grym to be somewhere else than the Guild Hall around noon. Not to mention that there were even less veterans than normal, especially Gryms Honor Guard. "Yeah... now that you mention it, a few things felt off. I wonder why. But we shouldn't worry for now I think. If something bad was to happen we would know by now, don't you think?" "Fair point actually. So, what now? Would you mind if we went to your place? I really want to thank your mother for one of her remedies she gave me a few weeks ago." Farah asked, looking at Aydin with big puppy eyes. She knew he wouldn't say no anyways but sometimes she liked to make a scene.

They went to Aydins home, spend some time with his mother, had a few drinks together, and given the fact that Farah was pretty much homeless at the time, Aydin prepared the guest room for her so she wouldn't have to sleep at her Guild. "That wouldn't have been necessary, Aydin, but I'm still grateful that you let me stay over. Good night, see you tomorrow." Farah said when she went to bed. Aydin did the same.

But when he looked out of his rooms window, he saw a blue flag waving on top of the Town Hall. "The Guildmasters are Meeting... Something must be wrong after all... I wonder what it is..." he thought and stayed up a little while longer before heading to bed.

[Froggychum]

While Baled was in the hospital, and ever-more vengeful people searched for his guildmaster, he was nowhere to be found

but he was gone for a very good reason...


*Larque POV*

'This cannot happen...' Larque thought, "if this is what I think... we might as well be doomed...". Larque was currently invisible, he had hidden himself as so nobody could find him and distract him from this task. When Larque had reentered Stalwart, he had been prepared for depression to hit again, not an emotional one, but a magical one... He was prepared for the mana to fade away and be replaced by the dull mana he had lived with for so many years... this however had not been the case... when he reentered the city he had not made a transition, the mana was still strong and he still felt great... this is a fault of man, they only get suspicious when they feel badly, when they fell well they assume all things are in their place. And Larque had made that foolish mistake way under his wisdom...

it was not until he began his nightly study that he noticed the mana.. normally when he was to study he wood read the books, but this was after he had lost the necessary mana in Stalwart (due to it being recycled) to do this the easier way. well, today the mana was abundant in the walls... he had absorbed the information rather than read it... he was shocked, he had not experienced this in years.. but this was not the only part of the the shock, it was also the realisation that mana had leaked through the walls..

larque knew for a fact that most people only feared the beasts outside, but the true thing to fear was the mana... because it was volatile. the beasts were made of and attracted to mana, this leak would only grow. he must close it.

he was there now, near the gates, invisible. there was a few guards nearby, but they would not have noticed a mana leak if it shot them in the face... He had to close this.. but it was worse than he thouht. the mana was flooding in at incredible speed... He would need something of more energy to close it.

he would need to sacriice himself.. He had prepared a spell in this case. larque had never had any children, that was not his priority in stalwart.. he needed to raise new mages..

the only student who could take his place was Baled, he and only he possessed the universal wonder to do so.. But he had a greater destiny alas.. this was likely the end of the High magi

He had set up a spell, long ago.. his spirit would remauin and guide Baled...

this was it. Goodbye

Larque passed his essence into the leak, sealing it, but ascending beyong the mortal realm, trapped in between whatever lay afetr. he was a spirit now, and went to find Baled, and watch him with helpful words

[TheDudeManJohn]

Jacob sat in....well meditation....for lack of a better way to say it....for the next two days....he felt the presence....this force deep in the wilderness....it made him sick with lust and hunger....but he focused on it all the same.....focused on withstanding it....ignoring it....and being able to think and function with its ever lasting presence....he knew from the sounds of the town...that what ever this was.....had no effect on the normal towns folk......the more Jacob thought on it....he grew certain that it had something to do with the fact he came after The Growth... and the species inside the walls must have come from before.....he knew that whatever this was.....only spoke to his kind.....the creatures of the wilds...

It made Jacob shiver to think about it......he once was just as savage as the rest of them....hunting killing feeding and constantly in fear of becoming prey himself.....something made him different......something grew not quite the same as the rest During The Growth......and he knew that if he was able to obtain rational thought......their must be others out there, somewhere, like himself, perhaps......even stronger.....and as Jacob had that thought.

images of a dark female figure....outstretching her shapeless hand.....her body void of light.....Jacob was unable to see it, but he knew her to be smiling.........it made him squirm.....as another wave of lust and hunger washed over him and again he heard....."come to me...."

Jacob shook his head and snapped out of the trance like state he had slipped in.....he grunted and scratched at his brow.....wiping saliva from his mouth...."damn im hungry..." he says as he stands and begins to go down to grab food from the inn but, before he was able to get out the door he bumps into Sir Roland who was coming back in a hurry....

Roland motions for Jacob to sit....and then he begins, "its been two days....we have talked....all the guilds are gathering one or two of their best....forming a group of warriors magi and heros alike....to represent Stalwart Landing on this quest......now granted.....none of them can seem to agree on what exactly it may be....tests/studies or the like no ones got a rreeaall guess......but two things they all agreed on for certain were.....one, it cant be good.....and two, something must be done about it....and that is where you and I come in....i plan to have us lead this expedition......now u know as well as i do Jacob, all our planning and all our leadership.....lasts all the way about up to the gate.....once we out there its any mans game......i want to ask you this before we go..."....Roland takes a second to pour and sip the drink he was working on the whole time he talked......."are you sure we even SHOULD go Jacob?.....you have had two days to do your own studying....what say you? is it inevitable doom.....or do we atleast have to take a shot?" Roland is sitting at his desk now....with one hard look focused dead on Jacob......it makes Jacob gulp, and he takes a second on his answer....

"I dont honestly know Sir.....but i do know i WANT to go see it........and i know most everything out in that jungle does as well.....it should most certainly make us curious...."
Roland is now looking out his window....still just not high enough to see over the wall...."alright.....then we will gather tomorrow night.....and leave the following morning......the other guilds know what is asked....and know that you and i will be among the team and that you are the guide....rest easy and know i only go for two reasons....to protect you, my investment, and to hopefully run into my old friend....i know his son will most likely be among the ones to go.....and i know that this is big....and if its big....that boys father finds away to be involved....i tell yah...."

Sir Roland and Jacob talk for a bit longer....before Jacob makes his way down to the dinning area where he then begins to take his time eating.....

((((and this is when we hammer out the other guilds if any.....and if we want any other NPCs....only main chars get sheets but if you feel they need for a small one PM me it....as you can see my second is now Sir Roland....live or die ......also i like you, Froggy, dealing with the magic side of it.....ill prolly just keep leaving the mana stuff too you....and if you want anything more intricate with the way the politics or infrastructure work, ....just feel free to create it guys )))

[Froggychum]

Baleds nightmares had continued...

At first they were horrifying, evil things surrounding him. But over time he noticed that these things also contained beautiful things which contained evil things, a spiral of creation one could say. Eventually, he got bored, he had become able to look directly in the faces of the abominations, in only a matter of months in this state (hardly a few hours in real time) he had grown, he had studied, traversed the dream state, and studied mana and what he saw. It was a wonderful learning experience. It had been nearly a couple years now.. And boy had he grown, not just mentally, but physically too. He was very calm as well, emotional maturity.

Baled had always been short for his age, but now, he was reaching around 6' 2´ and had grown a strong, slender body, similar to what his fathers had been like in his dreams and mothers stories.

Baled was by far not his father, his father had been. well, a legend. But baled, he was a marvel for sure. He had traversed the lands of the dream state, and walked to the edges of the void surrounding it

But now, it was time to awaken. At first Baled felt uncomfortable, as something was different in the world around him, it seemed.. lightened. Maybe he had just had a headache... But then, he saw Larque, the first person he had seen in years.

´Larq---- Leaguemaster!´ he said, suprising himself when he called him by his first name, ´why are you here?´ he asked, and was going to ask how before Larque spoke, ´no , dammit´, he thought, ´leaguemaster!´, ¨It is okay Baled, you may call me Larque now. You see, you have been dreaming. It is a long story, but I am here to bring you back to reality, there is something you must di¨

baled was appalled, but accepted the leaguemasters helpful offer and listened to his quest. He was then surrounded by blaring light as the world around him shook and thundered, everything was scarier than it had ever been, it faded away to nothing and he was left in a void. He forced his mind to move, and stretch. He must awaken.




---



Baled awoke in bed, his body had not had it well in this time, he was exhausted and not very clean. He bolted up, but regretted it, his back nearly broke, or at leats, it felt that way. His mother looked at him, ¨Baled! Oh, baled my son!¨ she said with elation, ¨what happened to you?¨ she asked ravenously as a terrified parent would.

Sadly, BAled had no answer ¨ I dont know¨ he asnwered honestly. ´But i know i need to do something. I met larque, he told me i needed to wake up. And I must go outside the walls again´
Baled was surprised by his voice, he looked down, he had grown a few years, he was still 15, but he looked nearly 20... he had fully grown up.

Baled tried to stand despite his mothers'pleas, he stood, and fell down, but before his unstable and shook knees hit the ground, and likely broke. His palms shout out a blast of forceful air, and rocketed him steadily back upright. he could stand now, he took a step, steadying himself. His mother cried and hug her son.

After a few moments, he headed out. He went to the town hall where the guilds were meeting with their two best. He found the intermediate league of the high magi, arguing with the event organizer.

¨we have as much right to go outside as any one!´ Martin yelled, ´first of all, you are children, and second of all, your guildmaster is dead, we cannot allow you to leave without him´... Cylia remaned surprisingly quiet.

martin turned his head, ready to concede, then saw Baled. He laughed and was shcoked, ´Baled! You are okay! The doctors said you be in a coma for years!´ he yelled, rushing
to Baled, before stopping at the putrid smell,, ´dude , take a shower´ he laughed ,choking. ´i will. and i was´ he answered oddly. ´what..? do you mean?´ Martin asked, ¨I was in a coma for 5 years, you just didnt see it¨ he said with a wink, jesus, all these mages liekd winking at eachother.

He walked up to the event organzier. ´I would like to join my guidl outside the walls´ he said strngly, ¨um.. we don let kids out and we dont let you out without your guildmaster¨ he said unsure of himself

Baled looked at the man, smirking ´ i am not a child anymore. Also, i have the guildmaster right here´ he said opening his palms and chanting the spirit into action, hois eyes rolled back causing a scene.´Hello ,everyone. Um, itś me , Larque. Iḿ afraid iḿ not much use to you all right now, but I know Baled will be, Baled, if he accepts is gifted my position of Leaguemaster of the Intermediate High Magi, Primary High Magi, and Master High Magihe said , invoking an ancient oath´

He said a farewell and shifted away, BAled fell, tired. ´I will accept the position. Now, me and my two students woudl like to ventuer outside the walls please. but first. I need a shower.´

with that Baled walked off, many in the room who saw it were quite shocked, wondering if that was Baled, he hadcertainly grown in more ways then one.

[TheDudeManJohn]

The Wild One sat off to the side of the center platform in the town hall....hunched over the side seemingly just on the floor.....even mildly scratching at himself while Roland stood in the center at the podium.....Roland had black skin, short tight curly black hair and a short jet black beard...he was built very stout and stood about 5' 11" his presence was very dominating in the room....even though he stood in nothing more than his every day shirt and pants.....Sir Roland just seemed to have an aura about him that was sensed by all and seen by the magi.....it was almost like he glowed a slight blue.....(((OOC: its a defensive aura permanent spell cast on him by Baleds father many years ago still just as strong)))

Roland continues shuffling some paper work and taps on the voice projector (the mic) surprised it still works....he hears it come out the only still working sound box (speaker) and is quickly reminded of the last time he stood here appointing the heads of The Vanguard...they had two boxes then that worked.....he takes his time still waiting for the others to show.....and smiles as he sees Baled.....something is different about him.....Roland was certain the boy sadly still needed training....even doubted the boy would survive this mission.....but....something seemed different about him.....now Roland isnt a "sensey" kinda guy....but he couldnt deny he Sensed.....there was something great about Baled now....something had happened while he had slept.........as for the Boys league master......it would seem he sacrificed himself to restrengthen the magic in the walls.....it all just seems to timely....the calling to the creatures.....the young mages begin attacked and now a weakness in the walls so dire it required the sacrifice of one of the cities most powerful wizards........Roland sighs as these thoughts go through his head...."the situation is dire...." he mumbles a lil to close to the voice projector...

[Froggychum]

Baled returned 6 minutes later after a quick shower in the same building, it had been brief, but the damn best shower he had ever had. Baled had not only grown 5 years physically, but his stance reflected it too. Despite Baled's outward confidence he was always internally shy... but not anymore, he stood with the calm grace of his father, Jaral was probably the humblest wizard the town had ever and will ever know. But Baled only knew this from stories.

He had been allowed to lead his two friends, and all seemed good, until this, "Baled.." Cylia said sheepishly, "Yes, Cylia?" he responded, acknowleding his time to her, "I don't think I can go through with this..." she said shyly, "I just, don't want what happened last time to happen again... it felt beyond wrong for me" she said, nearing tears, "hey, calm down," Baled said putting his hand on her shoulder and releasing some 'magical calming drugs' into her system, more or less just making her feel calmer and less upset, she noticed this and thanked Baled, giving him a hug. Cylia had always been taller than Baled, who was quite short (((ooc: i know i've retconned this 3 or 4 times but I have decided that prior to his growth spurt, Baled was merely 5' 2'', he is now 6' 2''))) but now she was a head shorter than him, or more. "If you don't want to go you don't have to, but we'll have to find another mage to take your spot." he said kindly but also with a hint of disappointment in his voice, among all the magi that had ventured outside the walls, only baled and his two friends had done much with the wild mana, Baled had teleported, and inadvertantly caused himself a lot of excess pain, but also growth. Martin had made a morph weapon first time. And , cylia, well, she had almost turned the entirity of the wild lands against them. the other's would be death bait, he decided, he couldn't bring anyone else along... "I've decided, that if you aren't coming, I can;t have someone take your spot" BAled said abruptly, "I was out there and nobody was capable of using it first try, I don't expect them to, but right now, we need people who are quick learners, even if we don't know what we are doing" he said

This supposed to be private conversation had caught him more attention from his league than he had liked. A few kids were upset and more bandwagoned, "What makes you think you can tell us we can't go, there is an empty spot, let one of us in!" one kid said, Baled objected with the same point he had used before, but another kid interjected, "How do we know you aren;t just using illusions right now? A mage could easily fake the leaguemasters voice and a larger appearance, its primary stuff!" a kid shouted, BAled told him this was not the case, but people kept getting riled up. Eventually one of them demanded to join. and then another, they started getting in a fight, and some other's joined. the spells were beginning to fling around the room. baled was sure somebody would stop it, but even the people in this room wouldn't be able to take them all down before someone got hurt. Baled didn't want to do this, but he needed to, the chaos was growing, and any moment now someone was gonna suffer, he felt it, any second now-

Baled cast the spell without thinking, he froze all the mages in their tracks, directed them to stand down, and sit down and shut up. They did so mindlessly, he released his spell, and they sat there blinking. Baled was very tired now. He got on his knees, and stood again, taller than before, "this is the reason I am not bringing you all. You are not ready. It is not fault of yours, you need to be taught. And I will be returning to teach you, damn well believe it. But I must go.. It-it's my destiny" he said, stuttering at the end.

Everybody knew it to be true, people had always known Baled was the kid with a destiny.. it was time for him to fulfill it.

[Greyson]

When Aydin received a letter from Victor Grym, he knew that things must be pretty bad at the meeting, or rather the reason for the meeting must be a big mess.
Usually the Knight Commander only asked for someone to feed his dog because the meeting might take another day or two, but this time he asked for two Vanguards to get their gear, say farewell to their loved ones, and put on the Vanguards ceremonial armor.
The Vanguards ceremonial armor was a silver armor with a long, blue waistcloth with the Vanguards coat of arms embroided on it.

The two Hunters Grym called for were Denning and Aydin. Both had been with the Vanguard for some time now, but neither of them would be considered a veteran yet, but they were among the most experienced Hunters that weren't scheduled for training the new recruits.
"Do you think it's going to be very dangerous?", Denning asked just before putting on the silver helmet that goes with the armor, completly hiding his mid-long curly black hair.
"I wouldn't know,but we're Vanguards. Wouldn't be fun if it wasn't a challenge, right?" Aydin replied and bumped fists with Denning. "We'll Show the other Guilds what it means to be a true Hunter, understood?" "Will do, now let's hurry. Better not keep them waiting!", Dennings exclaimed and jogged of towards the Town Hall, Aydin put on his helmet and followed him.

-

The Town Hall Plazza was crowded as ever when people saw that a meeting was held. The people didn't care if they had to camp out here as long as they were among the first to know what the Hunters Council had decided. When the crowed saw the two Vanguards they quickly opened up a path so the both of them could get to the Hall quicker. When they passed the people they could hear praises, shouts of encouragement, compliments, and gasps. To these People Hunters were heroes after all. "That's what I love about being a Hunter. We give them hope, you know. Nothin' stronger than hope." Denning said, probably broadly grinning like he always does, Aydin thought.
When they reached the portal of the Town Hall they were greeted my the Mayor and led in. "Two Vanguards, huh. You're pretty much the last ones. The other Guilds are already in the meeting hall. Your Knight Commander is waiting for you in front of the room. Hurry now, Sir Roland is about to begin! he said, rushing Denning and Aydin towards the meeting hall.

"Took you long enough, lads. Thank the heavens that we are often supposed to come in last, simply because Roland established the Vanguard. You remember the drill, right? I want blue flames around your ceremonial longswords the second the tip hits the ground, got that Aydin? As always, we have to show them we mean buisness, otherwise we'll lose any chance of establishing a line of command on the expeditions to come. Grym said. "Understood, Knight Commander. We are ready when you are." "Let's get the show started then" "We won't disappoint you, Knight Commander."

Grym faced the door, Aydin on his left side, Denning on his right, and took a deep breath. Then he heard Sir Rolands words echo through the halls. "The situation is dire..."
Grym pushed open the doors with force, making sure that everyone hears them enter, and took five steps into the meeting hall, Aydin and Denning two steps behind him. When Grym stopped and crosed his arms facing Sir Roland, they drew their longswords in unison, fell down on one knee and slammed the tips onto the tiled floor and the second they touched the ground, Aydin made them light up in magical blue fire. Quite the scene.

"Well aren't you lucky to have the Vanguard around to lead you to success, don't you think, Roland!"

[Froggychum]

Baled smirked to himself when the Vanguards entered, 'good, at least i'm not the only one making a huge show right now' he thought, "they definitely choreographed that, and my hand was forced, yeah, I'd say they're the only ones making a scene right now"

Baled stood up , his chest raised with confidence, but not arrogance or pride. He would used to have sat down, but in his time he had learned to be more sure of his abilities, even if the ones he had practiced in his dreams weren't the same out here. He thought of waving to Aydin, but pushed the thought away, better to not embarass him in front of his guildmaster. He decided to walk over to where the other guildmasters stood, technically he was now three things:
-the destined son of one of the world's greatest heroes (definitely stalwart's finest)
-a guildmaster
-the leaguemaster of the intermediate league of high magi, the most prestigious school for mages since long before the growth

all-in-all stalwart was lucky to have him, and he was sure he would be helpful outside the walls.
He watched with anticipation to see the talk between Sir Ronald, (who he only ever knew as his father's partner, not as a tavern keeper, because he was never old enough to drink.. well, until now. 'Hm' Baled thought, "maybe I'll get a drink if i come back successful," he thought "or depressed" he added with a bit of despair in his mind) and Victor Grym, the guildmaster of the Vanguard. Baled dully remembered them being related in some way or another...

He did some mental gymnastics as he listened intently, mage's minds are great at multitasking.. he thought about all his relationships, he thought of his mother's friends, who she sometimes met for tea, his father's partner, Sir Roland, his schoolmates, Aydin the hunter, Victor Grym who he knew because of his popularity, but had never personally met, or really wanted to. oh, and that poor humanoid creature, Baled had always felt bad for the poor fellow when he saw him, lot's of people looked down on him, and he oft seemed sad, poor guy, Baled wondered if he had a name, and if he didn't like being called the wild one, Baled would certainly ask if he werer to talk to him, maybe try and cheer him up.. though probably wouldn't use any magic, Baled wasn't sure if that would mix with his mana well.. or at all..

Baled also noted Sir Rolands blue aura shield, he remembered his mother's story about it.

Baled had basically categorized everyone in town pretty quickly, people in Stalwart know eachother, not to mention Baled probably had a higher IQ than most, and also loved speed problems. Baled was also reenergized after the spell he cast, as it had slowly worn off, and the students continued their shenanigans, but causing no trouble this time around. Baled would be going with Martin alone, well, the call did say 1 or 2 of your finest, and he was bringing one. Though he couldn't help feeling underrepresented and as if he had failed Larque IV

[TheDudeManJohn]

Sir Roland watched the display of The Vanguard with a smile.....he felt no need to intervene in any of it.....this would be the last night the ones in here would have inside the walls.....any excess energy or worries.....now was the time to sort it.....he looked over the room....

2 from the High Magi, Baled and Martin
2 from the Vangaurd , Aydin and Denning (need some quick details on what the extras look like and a general idea of what powers they working with)
he looked at the other 6 guilds....

The Stalwart Sentinels, in charge of Wall maintenance and defense.....he had spoke to their Captain....no one was to be sparred....for The Captain feared the walls saftey with so many veterans leaving to most likely never return.

The Alchemist guild only had one to send.....Roland sneered as he thought of what The Headmaster said there......'now you stay out of trouble and their way....if there is danger! run!!...collect as many specimens as you can and take advantage of their security....if you must return early...do so' The middle aged gnarly old Alchemist's name was Schmidt....he was bring unusually to many supplies and a big bag with what looked like cooking pans and cutlery hanging all around it...as well of lots of vials. his hair is also graying...

The Beast Masters Guild....was sending two as well....the guildmaster and his son.....Roland figured them to be useful....for their atonement to the creatures of the wild....some mild shape shifting and taking on bestial aspects....The Guild Masters pet Wolf was coming also.......Jacob had no care for them.....they asked to many stupid questions....and when he first entered stalwart....all they wanted to to was study him.....if it hadn't have been for Roland....we can assume Jacob may have just become a test subject for The Beast Masters Guild.....Their names are Master Hans and his son Zimmer.....they both are covered in to much hair...short and stocky...dark tan skin and brown hair.

The Way of The Hawk.....at least that's what they call themselves.....their guild specializes in Ranged combat...most use Bow and Arrow.....but there is talk of a special weapon in their possession that fires metal arrows at such a high speed it makes them almost un see able....their brightest student was standing next to their leader......and on her back was this weapon.....and on her shoulder strapped a bag....(its an automatic Rifle with a small scope it looks well maintained but prolly not fired in ages)....she also had her bow and quiver....she is called "Ace"......her name is Sophia....shes Hispanic with long black hair age around 22...shes slender and for lack of a better way to say it dresses like a ranger elf....she has a red cloth head band tied around her head....it seems special....like a heirloom or remembrance......

The other two guilds were mixtures of warriors and magi.....mixing the both but not considered the best at either....the best go to The Vanguard and The High Magi......none in those guilds stepped up to join in the quest.....scared or doubtful or convincing themselves of something more important.....either way....it is only The Vanguard, The High Magi, The Alchemist Guild, The Beast Masters, and The Way of the Hawk, that are offering support....and full grasp the dire need of this expedition....
10 warriors, The Wild One and Sir Roland, Baled and Martin, Aydin and Denning, Hans and Zimmer, Sophia, and Schmidt....
this was the best Stalwart had to offer.....Sir Roland was fearful.....but he had hope....most importantly he knew the need was to great.....he waited a little longer to let everyone settle.....there were quite a few people in the hall....all the guilds had members here....even if they were not going.....this decision was a big one....and all wanted a say in it.



Roland leaned in on the mic, those paying attention knew he was about to speak and immediately got quiet, Jacob yawned as he stood up next to Roland relatively near by.....it was starting to get late......
Roland tapped the mic, cleared his throat and began,
"There is much that must be said and discussed....but first i wish to say this.....The Vanguard" he nodded in Aydin's direction with a look of pride, "The High Magi....The Beast Masters and The Way of the Hawk," each getting a similar nod "all offered their aid and support......ah yes and The Alchemist Guild.." he turned and looked directly at Schmidt his look stern, "now i know what your instructions have been......but know this....once we are out in The Wild Lands....if you chose to be of no help and nothing more than a burden out there....all this safety and protection from us you seem to expect.....will NOT be there if you turn out to just be a hindrance." at this cries from The Alchemist Guild especially The Headmaster rise up as well as some laughter and sneers from the others in the hall....Roland Raises his hand, "Silence!!...." his voice Boomed...."ive heard your cries and your reasons....i care not to hear them again.....but know im only allowing Schmidt to go because he has a strong chance TO BE useful......the choice will be his once we are out there...." Schmidt feels all the stares on him now and just weasels his way into a chair and sinks a bit.

"as for the rest of you.....why offer no one?.....for the sake of the wall not even some ale or other goods to help us on the journey?....you expect are failure is so certain!??" his voice still Booming. "have you forgot who i am alone!" he points at Baled. "and who that boys father was!?" he stops purposely waiting for responses....a lot get loud at once all shouting things like....my brother died 3 months ago out there no way!!...fools its just certain death!!!.....the wall has always kept us safe let it continue to do so!!!....one of the Guild Leaders from one of the minor mercenary guilds raises his hands in a quiet down motion and speaks, "you hear them....all their reasons are valid.....but this is my biggest worry." now The Guild Leaders eyes rest solely on The Wild One with a look almost of sinister hate, "how are we to not know The Wild One is just leading us into a trap set by him and the rest of his.......pack....or what have you." the tone in his voice very condescending and sarcastically mean.....quite a few other men in the hall join in after with "yeahs! hear hears!! about time someone said it!!!"

Jacob just stretched back extending his already towering form, Roland began to start defending Jacob but before he could really get going The Wild One leans in on the mic and just says looking at The Guild Leader, "ill remind you again now one has said you have to come......" and he just sits back down looking over the crowd...Roland not happy at all with that comment....mostly cuz it was out of character for Jacob to have any retort at all....

Roland speaks up fast before it got out of hand, "just calm everyone....we all took a few days to study what was going on in the wild lands....specifically in the magical sense......and we all agreed that this problem needed to be fixed....as for a 'trap'.....he has been here for 3 years....Under My Care!!....at this point....to distrust Jacob, for that is the name he has given himself," a few laugh at this a monster with a name. "you best remember it...because i get the feeling hes about to save us all.....but to distrust him, is to say you distrust myself...." he met every gaze looking up at him with the sternest hardest most fearsome look thats ever been on Rolands face since he stepped down as a hunter. "Remember his name....infact...remember all our names.....Roland, Jacob, Baled, Martin, Aydin, Denning, Hans...his son Zimmer, Sophia, and even Schmidt......because those are the names of The Heros who are about to save all of Astaria if my fears are correct." Roland pauses for a moment enjoying the moment of silence his last comment braught on the hall,......"Jacob is our guide the 9 of us are to keep him safe at least till he gets us to or destination objective.....we are to fight are way there gather intel....if we can do something about it then....we will.....if it requires us to come back and prepare.....well at least we would then know what we are preparing for....we dont have a lot to go on at start...but we will take what knowledge we have of The Wild Lands already and hopefully with that and our skills alone....we will survive this and return triumphant!!" a few cheers are made but definitely not the whole body of people...Sir Roland collects himself and says, "if any more questions or anything else needs to be discussed just meet with me over at the table ill be here for a few hours working on things and preparing for the morning.....get a good night sleep and express your love to the ones you care for....for at the rise of the sun we depart."

Roland goes and sits at the table on the front right corner.....Jacob goes and leans on the wall behind him slightly....the look on his face is unnerving.....but he doesnt seem to be looking at anyone or anything in particular.....

the call is heard again in The Wild Ones head....it doesn't bother him near as much as it did the first time.....he closes his eyes and takes a deep breath......"join me brethren.....our time has come....." he lets out a slight growl as he hears this with his eyes closed.......he then gets the feeling......he might could make it to her in under a week....

((((NPCs are controlled by all of us anything you want to add about them feel free all are expendable for the most part.....just hans and zimmer cant die i got something special planned for them.....otherwise control them however))))

[Greyson]

When Sir Roland finished his speech, Grym stood up, leaned forward on his desk, and looked down. "I don't like sending you both out there on a wild goose chase, you know." he said, adressing both Aydin and Denning, who were Holding their helmets near their waists. "But what choice do I have? Heavens, this task is a suicide mission with 8 Hunters involved already. I don't want to imagine how it would fare without our involvement." He turned around to face them. "I ordered you here because I trust that you are exactly what Roland needs. The Vanguard will spare no coin for your special equipment. Make Stalwart Landing proud of it's Vanguard once more. Fight bravely and with passion. I... I'll be with Roland with you Need anything else from me." He broke eye contact and walked towards Roland. After a few steps he stopped. "You nailed our entrance by the way. Couldn't have gone better.", he said and was once more on his way.

-

"He sounded worried..." Denning said, "You sure we're coming back from that one?" Denning was 6'1, with a muscular build and dark skin, and Aydin had never seen him worried before. "We'll manage.", Aydin replied. "As long as you as you bring your lance and shield, there's little to nothing that can stop us out there." Denning smiled again. "Got that right. Let's get out of the ceremonial gear and get our own. I think we are supposed to rest here for the night. Don't know about the others though. Guess it cann't hurt to get to know them right? I'll start with the Beastmasters. Ilike their pet." And with that Denning was gone. He jogged over to Hans and asked if he could pet his Wolf.

"He'll never learn I guess." Aydin said decided to change back into his own equipment before having a talk with that Alchimist Guildmember.

---
Meanwhile
---

"Damn you, Roland. Spill the beans. What is it we are truely after? Do you even know? Tell me I'm not sending my Hunters on a suicide mission out there, just because of your gut telling you to go out there. Not again." Grym was leaning on Sir Rolands desk and demanded answers, knowing he most likely won't get any.