Joining the Stone Gaurd Mercenary Guild
Late Hour on Brightening 4 of Junctior,
Season Autumn of Era I of the Celestine Mandate (Current Pattern)
Era X Post Fractum in the Age of the Darkening, the Mageocracy of Julos the Mad
Paradigm: Mystique Threatens Rebellious Frigid River
Grunt G'daraka:
Grunt had heard rumors of the Stone Guard. Everything about the Guard appealed to him; the adventuring, the fighting, the helping…especially the pay, training and living quarters. Now that he was looking at the building he began to have some doubts. The place was very dull and was even in need of some sizable repairs.
Grunt did not let that stop him and walked through the large front doors. The inside was not much better than the outside. Still, that did not matter to Grunt. He wants a job. He needs money and training. Where is a better place than here?
Grunt looks around and calls, ”Hello!? Anyone here?”
While waiting for a response, Grunt observed the room closer. It actually did not look that rundown. In fact some places looked newly repaired. Albeit the repair job was not that well done, as if it was mostly painted over instead of repaired. But yet, it had a very nice feel to it. A feeling that said 'home'.
Vyoma:
Vyoma was returning from the Dagger Gaude Tattoo Parlour when he saw the dwarf. It was a hard day working at the parlour for no evident reason even though he worked for not full hours. He also followed the dwarf for no evident reason. He had heard that elves and dwarves do not go well together. But oddly, that prejudice did not seem to effect him. He saw this sort of unclean looking dwarf just as another being, another entity in existence.
As he followed he saw that he was going towards an unexplored area. But Vyoma did know where he was going. That was the reason why he hesitated not even for a moment when he saw the dwarf enter the Stone Gaurd Mercenary Guild Headquarters. He had heard of this guild as a one with no alignment and that which completed the job given to it. It entertained no discrimination among its members based on the race they belonged to. The members were ranked on the basis of only the tasks they did for the guild. He liked the concept. As it had crossed his mind earlier to become a spell caster and a druid he could not point out why he had to join this guild. The closer he came to the guild, his determination to join it grew strong.
Vyoma entered the guild, right after the dwarf walked past hte large front doors. He heard the dwarf call out for someone. He did not know if the dwarf had come here to join or not. But he had now made himself seen in the guild just to join. He really did not know what the Stone Gaurd Guild required from its recurits in terms of skill sets. All he was doing these days was practicing basic tattooing, learning it from Ben the Ratta. Vyoma too called out once, "Anyone here? I need to know about the guild...", he then turned to the dwarf and in a much lower voice, "You seem to be new to Medonia. Did you come here to join the Guild?"
Epicurus D. Vampyler:
Epic had been at the guildhall for quite a few hours now and was growing tired from the writing and paperwork that had to be done. The guild meeting was going to be in two hours and he wanted to make sure that he had all the information that he needed. Filing away the last paper Epic heard some voices come from the hall, walking out his office door Epic gave a slight stretch as he gave the two individuals a nod. It looked as though they were potential recruits, this was good, and the guild was progressing faster than he had thought it would.
”Serale gentlemen, my name is Epicurus Vampyler, Constable of the City of Medonia and Guild Master of the Stone Guard. What is it that I can do for you today?”
There was a meeting for the guild tonight so Epic had to be dressed in his finest, a true leader had to set an example for his men. The only real pair of clothes that Epic owned just happen to be very nice ones, a white tunic that was covered by a large well made hooded cloak that he seemed to always wear no matter what the weather. At his side was a sheathed longsword, the weapon that never left Epic’s side. He was a warrior as well as a leader and knew the importance of being well equipped, especially with the position he held within the city. Being a law man for Medonia by day and a guild master by night had Epic looking very tired this brightening, none-the-less, he made the effort to look like he was enjoying himself.
Making his way over to the newcomers Epic put out his hand in greeting. Just like in the old days it looked as though the Stone Guard was going to be a very diverse group, making the guild that much more powerful. The two had picked a good day to come see him; they would have an immediate chance to get involved with the guild due to tonight’s meeting. Perhaps they would even nail a job on their very first day as member of the Stone Guard.
Grunt G'daraka:
Grunt jumped when he heard a second voice call from right behind him. He slowly turned around to a towering elf standing virtually on his heels. This startled him so that he steped away and began looking for a way to defend himself. The elf’s question allayed some of his fears, but he still was skeptical of this overly friendly looking elf and extremely annoyed.
”Yes, elf!! That is why I am here. Did you come to join as well or did something else SNEAK up on you and bring you here!?” If the elf could sneak up on him here how long had he been following him? THE GUARD?! Grunt got past the gate guard without a visa! “This is great!” Grunt thought. “What do I do? What do I do? Maybe…I have begged for most of my life, I guess I shall keep begging now.” Grunt looked up at the elf.
”My apologies kind elf. You startled me when you spoke. About that visa, I am sorry. I know I am supposed to have one, but when I was young I was abandoned on the streets. I have been begging and roaming from city to city until recently. I had begun to hate that kind of life and wanted to start a new one. I took on the name G'daraka, which means in the Dwarven tongue, “new dwarf.” No dwarf would ever say that to anyone who is not a Dwarf let alone an Elf, but I tell you. Since taking on that name I have learned to speak properly, read and even write. While learning I ran across an article about the Stone Guard. So, here I am to join the Stone Guard, and begin my first job. Please do not arrest me! Please! Please…
By the end Grunt could no longer control himself and tears began slowly trickling through his beard and onto the floor.
On hearing Epicurus’ voice, Grunt straightened himself up and does his best to dry his eyes. Turning he sees a very finely dressed human. Everything about him, from his manner to his clothing speak to him being the leader of the Guard. Grunt glances at the elf, then quickly walks to Epic and firmly grasps his hand. While shaking it he says, ”Serale Constable Vampyler! My name is Grunt G'daraka. I heard about the Stone Guard while in Arakmat. I have come to join.” Completely ignoring the elf, Grunt waits for Epic’s response.
Vyoma:
The dwarf's reaction did make Vyoma rethink of his actions. He did not know that this would result in such a blunder. And over that this dwarf thought that he was a Gaurd who had been following him. He still had to develop a lot on his social skills. The dwarf then straightened himself and to examine the reason he saw that someone of prominence had come to their calls. Before anything he had to put the dwarf out of misery. He lowered his torso a bit and then wispered in his ears, "Do not worry, short one. I am not a dwarf and no one found about your transgression."
Vyoma looked up at Epicurus Vampyler. He was impressed by the way the man dressed. The humans did sometimes show the intricacies of the elves.
What an irony! A human has more social intricacies than an elf.
Vyoma tuned his vocal chords to one of the confident ones. "Serale Con... eh... Guild Master." Epicus Vampyler is a Guild Master at this moment, use the proper title! "Guild Master Vampyler. I am Vyoma. I live in this city that you protect and work at the Dagger Gaude Tattoo parlor, as part time clerk. I am learning some basic tattooing. I do not know how that would help the guild, but I do have inclination of joining the guild. I have heard that the guild has no alignment. But then what kind of jobs the guild does. Who are its clients, if I may ask?
Vyoma took a deep breath before he thought he would continue. Then he refrained from continuing his words. He felt he had already asked a bit more and it would be considered rude to utter a word more.
Grunt G'daraka :
While waiting on Epic to respond the elf leaned over and whispered in his ear. This began Grunt thinking, “Is he trying to be soothing? I bloody well know that he is no Dwarf! He is a bloody Elf! No one found out about my transgression? Am I supposed to believe that?” While his thoughts are desperately dwelling on that he began to hear bits of Vyoma’s introduction.
“What? A tattoo clerk? If that’s true, I…I…oh no!” Grunt is thinking when his confession appeared in his thoughts. “What have I done?” His whole body began to sag before he caught himself and looked back at Epic with as much confidence as he could muster.
Epicurus D. Vampyler:
Epic realized that he may not been heard as he watched the very lively dwarf give his performance. This was probably the first time that Epic had ever seen a dwarf cry, it was a very interesting sight. The way the dwarf acted almost made Epic want to laugh, not because the poor creature was crying but because he seemed so frantic and guilty. The dwarf seemed hysterical about not having a Visa and was apologizing to what he thought was a guard, which Epic knew was defiantly not. If the elf the dwarf was speaking to was part of the Medonian Guard then Epic, being constable, would know who he was. Epic waited quietly for the dwarf to calm down and acknowledge Epic’s presence.
In the Stone Guard’s past it had been host to many dwarven members, all who seemed to make Epic laugh no matter how serious a situation was. Dwarves made a great addition to the Stone Guard for they were never afraid to take even the most seemingly impossible jobs, and they would do so with a grin on their face. This dwarf on the other hand may prove to be quite different, not in the way of making Epic laugh cause he had already proven his worth there, but in the way he seemed so sensitive. Epic had known many dwarves who would have looked upon it with great disgust and dishonor, Epic was very curious to learn more about this one. Epic approached the dwarf and put his hand out in greeting, even though he knew that he should take the dwarf down to the Guard Headquarters for entering the city without a Visa. Epic was not on duty now, besides, this dwarf seemed as though he had been through a lot and the last thing he needed was trouble so Epic dismissed the thought.
”It’s a pleasure to meet you Mr. G’daraka, welcome to the Stone Guard Mercenary Guild. I do hope that I can persuade you to join our fine establishment, though from the travel you have taken to get here I do not think that should be to hard.” Epic gave a respectable bow to the dwarf after shaking hands and turned his attention over to the elf.
It pleased Epic to see Grunt and the elf treating each other with respect, it was known that most dwarves and elves did not get along very well. The Stone Guard was a place where races could leave their differences behind them, a place where personal opinions where more than welcome as long as they were not an attack on any ones ancestry. The situation was made a lot easier to handle if the members simply did not have such racial grudges; they were after all going to have to learn to work with one another either way. Epic put his hand out to the elf in greeting wondering if this one had any opinions about part breeds, Epic being a quarter elf himself.
”It is a pleasure to meet you as well Vyoma, you have some very important questions I see. It is always a good trait to know what you are getting into before you join.” Epic gave the elf the same respectful bow that he gave the dwarf before he answered the questions. “To name all of the Stone Guard’s clients would be next to impossible seeing as it could be just about anyone. In the past we have been hired by commoners, cities and even provinces to complete a variety of jobs. Just because we are a mercenary guild does not mean that we have to run off and fight all the time, unless of course that is what you wish to do. The members of the guild are free to take whatever jobs they wish, no one would ever be forced to take a job that they do not want to participate in. Jobs will be based on a first come first serve basis, I will post the jobs on the bulletin board you see over there.” Epic pointed over to the far wall where various papers where posted. “There you will also find information on our rules and regulations, I suggest checking there regularly if you decide to join us. I do hope that somewhat answered your questions Vyoma.”
Motioning for the two to follow him Epic led them into his office located in the back corner of the guildhall. The inside of the office was not maroon as the rest of the hall but a dark brown, it still had the same warm and welcoming feel to it though that the main hall did. In the middle of the small office was a desk that had a quill, ink and a few papers on it. Epic made his way to the other side of the desk and sat down, he then motioned for the two to sit at the two chairs that were in front. Epic fished through the papers on the desk and found what he was looking for sliding a parchment in front of the potential recruits. Running his fingers through his hair in thought Epic spoke to the two.
”If you don’t have any other question then please fill this out, it is just the standard recruitment sign up for my records. If you do have more questions however, please go ahead, if not then please fill the paper out the best you can putting “recruit” under your rank. This is only a temporary title, once you prove yourself to the guild by completing a job then you will gain the standard rank of Stone Guard. ”
Grunt G'daraka:
Now that Grunt had a little time to calm himself down and bring himself back from the brink of utter despair he was able to listen to what Epic was saying. Listening and thinking he confidently followed Epic and the elf into the office.
The office continued to generate that warm feeling Grunt felt in the main hall. Grunt felt at home here, a feeling he last felt before he was abandoned many, many brightenings ago. Also everything Epic said made the decision definite. Grunt knew that this was the right choice. Here in the Stone Guard he will do well. There was no doubt about it; he will join the Guard.
Grunt carefully filled out his paper and handed it to Epic. ”How soon until we get our first job? Oh, and where will we be staying?” Grunt looks over at the Vyoma. Hoping for some time to talk with him later he thought, ‘I still need to clear up a few things with that elf. Especially that situation that occurred back in the main hall.’
Vyoma:
Vyoma realized that the Guild Master was having fun and amusement out of the actions of the dwarf. How could anyone belittle anyone else just because he was a dwarf? Was all that he had heard of the Stone Gaurd wrong? Did they not belive that all races were the same? It was not that he was deriving pleasure out of the actions of the dwarf, G'daraka, but out of the situations and actions of the person. It would not have mattered if G'daraka was a elf or a dwarf.
Then he came to realize that G'daraka was offended no matter what he did. The seeds of prejudice were sown deep within their hearts and only the unbiased could feel the warmth of true friendship. Vyoma could not figure out what he could do. He could feel the thickness in the air as he accompanied the other two into Epic's office.
The facts the Guild Master told them about the Stone Guard Mercenary Guild made his decision of joining the guild strong. It was as hard now as the amber that would harden from the sap out of a tree over ages. Vyoma took the quill and dipped it in the ink. He filled the parchment with confident strokes and as he did he listened to the queries of the dwarf.
Where would the dwarf stay?
It was not a problem for him as he had already acquired a deed for a 3-room house in the Frailegroove district. He still wondered if the Guild had quarters for its members. He really doubted that. He let the dwarf complete the queries, lest he gets more offended, and then he added, "Does the guild not have any quarters?" , he then turned to the dwarf, "I do not know how to put this so that you do not feel offended. I know you are a dwarf and I am an elf. I cannot help that neither can you. Nor can we help as to what our forefathers did. But I tell you, just as one entity of this dimension would tell another, if it is a roof over your head that you are worried about, I do not think it could be a problem. I do have a three roomed shack here in the city. I do not say it with even with a hint of ego, for it was not earned by my sweat and blood, it just came as a deed down from a relative I do not even know."
Vyoma just took a deep breath in and remained calm. He did what he could from his side. If the dwarf wanted to keep bickering over what the cosmos had thrown at him he could. He just faced his new Guild Master, for now he thought after signing up the parchment he was the member.
Epicurus D. Vampyler:
It was an interesting idea that Grunt had brought up about the guild have quarters for its members, it was actually not a bad idea at all. The only problem was that he could not afford that right now; a good portion of Epic’s crowns had gone into investing in this building and the one next to it for training purposes. Perhaps he could find some assistance from his friend Stephan, he seemed to be rolling in the crowns at the moment, and he is a part of the guild anyway. With the pox abound hundreds upon hundreds of houses have been abandoned and even more has simply lost its residence to the plague. Perhaps when all settles down Epic will buy a large portion of the residential district and offer it at low prices for the poor.
Epic took the papers and looked over them, pleased enough at what he saw. He figured that in a few eras he would pull them back out again and show the two just how far they had come since then. He was pleased to hear Vyoma speak so kindly to Grunt; he had a feeling that they just might make a good team.
”Good enough for me gentlemen, welcome to the Stone Guard. I will be having a meeting tonight with all of the members that currently reside in Medonia, I do hope that you can make it. As for guild quarters Mr. G’daraka, we do not currently provide any but it seems as though Vyoma here is more than welcome to help. I for one will certainly not see any members of my guild sleeping on the streets; my home is open to anyone who needs a place to stay as well.”
Standing he walked over to the door propped it open and walked out into the guildhall, taking it the beautiful job done by its members.
”Of course gentleman you are always welcome here in the Stone Guard Headquarters, I have plans to perhaps include a fireplace. So tell me Grunt, what is it you are currently doing to improve yourself? Vyoma here is taking tattoo lessons, it may not be a combat skills or something that helps him in the Guild, but he is improving himself non-the-less. Oh, which reminds me, I will also be offering free training in the art of longsword and other closely related weapons such as rapier or shortsword. If you are interested please let me know.”
Vyoma:
Vyoma followed him out to the hall and then went to the job posting. He did not join the guild for no purpose. He saw that there were two jobs posted. One, regarding the protection of a wagon, and the other, regarding the patrolling during the festival.
He let the two jobs sink into his brain and walked to where the meeting would be held.
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