Another woman with dark red hair. Granted, much shorter than your own. She is the daughter of a known criminal leader. She's used riches from her parents to buy herself into nobility, and live easily. No one is quite sure why she wants to buy into this journey, but she does, and has assured the king that she has skills to assist the expedition.\n\n[[Back.|Start]]

<<silently>>\n<<set $take_Alia = "no">>\n<<set $take_Diantha = "no">>\n<<set $take_Roadan = "no">>\n<<set $take_Sammael = "no">>\n<<set $take_Mikao = "no">>\n\n<<set $group_DM = "no">>\n<<set $group_AM = "no">>\n<<set $group_AD = "no">>\n<<set $group_AS = "no">>\n<<set $group_MS = "no">>\n<<set $group_MR = "no">>\n<<set $group_RS = "no">>\n<<set $group_DR = "no">>\n<<set $group_DS = "no">>\n<<set $group_AR = "no">>\n<<endsilently>>\nThis large establishment, made of wood and stone, is nothing but a husk of its former self. Just a few nights before, it was full of merriment and noise. It wasn't the most respectable of locales, but it was definitely happier in times past. Now it sits dilapidated, empty. Even the slightest noise seems to echo.\n\nWith the most able men drafted into a war by the king, and the rest evacuating with their families closer to the castle, a few were nominated for a specific mission.\n\nThe old tables and chairs creaked with movement. You lean against the bar, eyeing the men and women before you, a huge decision resting on your shoulders. The King has looked to you, Commander of his Royal Knights, to accomplish this task. You rest a hand, held within a heavy gauntlet atop your red locks, armor moaning with the movement. You only know as much as these people would tell you about them.\n\n[[Alia|Alia Description]], the amateur mage, sat closest to you. [[Diantha|Diantha Description]] sat behind her at a table, clad in armor similar to yours. [[Sammael|Sammael Description]] was the stronger mage here, but sat nowhere near Alia. [[Roadan|Roadan Description]] met your gaze when you looked toward him, giving back a cold glare. Lastly, [[Mikao|Mikao Description]] sat at one of the stools, further down the bar. For such an important task, you're at a loss for words with what you've been offered. But the king knows best.\n\nThere are enough supplies to take two others on the journey that would decide the fate of more than just this war. Who would the first choice be?\n\n[[Alia, the destructive mage.|Second Choice Alia]]\n[[Diantha, the faithful warrior.|Second Choice Diantha]]\n[[Sammael, the troubled healer.|Second Choice Sammael]]\n[[Roadan, the criminal tactician.|Second Choice Roadan]]\n[[Or Mikao, the rich adventurer.|Second Choice Mikao]]

A most unusual thug, but a very good one nonetheless. He wears common clothes, made of gray cloth, but instead of evading capture when he commits a crime, he has been known to let himself be captured, escaping within short notice, not only by himself, but with a few other men and their pilfered goods. His last capture was finally going to be an execution, until an option to go on a life threatening journey came about in return for exchange for his freedom.\n\n[[Back.|Start]]

The outside of the tavern looks to be falling to pieces, as though a battle had raged this close to home. Though, this is the work of bandits and squatters. You arrive on horseback, two other horses in tow. Each is saddled, with a pouch on either side holding various supplies.\n\nYour own horse carries a few replacement weapons, food, and waterskins. With your sword at your side and your shield at your back, go look to the animals behind you, and what they hold. Mostly similar supplies, but a few special provisions for those that will join you.\n\n<<if $take_Alia eq "yes">>One of those pouches has a few of Alia's personal belongings. They will hold memories of home, and should be used to keep her calm should things get out of hand. <<endif>><<if $take_Diantha eq "yes">>Hanging off of a pouch on Diantha's horse, a specially forged sword to assist her in battle, requisitioned by the king. It seems to glow in the sunlight.<<endif>> <<if $take_Roadan eq "yes">>In Roadan's pouches there are a few things he asked for. A small quiver full of darts and a blowpipe, as well as rope, a sickle, and a small forge hammer. You ponder what he could be planning with these items.<<endif>> <<if $take_Sammael eq "yes">>Sammael asked for his horse to carry only his writings and journals other than his necessary supplies.<<endif>> <<if $take_Mikao eq "yes">>Mikao's horse carries a surplus of provisions, food and water. She mentioned that when she arrives, she will have her own weapons and armor. One can only hope.<<endif>>\n\nAt the entrance to the old pub, <<if $group_AR eq "yes">>Alia and Roadan stand. The younger girl, having barely reached her twentieth birthday, still shines with enthusiasm. The older gentleman, close to forty, walks toward you.\n\n"Which is mine?" Roadan asks.

<<set $take_Mikao = "yes">>\nYou point a cold, metal finger in Mikao's direction. The short woman stands, an elegant dress flowing around her body as nods her head.\n\nNow for your second choice...\n\n[[Diantha, the faithful warrior.|The Gathering DM]]\n[[Sammael, the troubled healer.|The Gathering MS]]\n[[Roadan, the criminal tactician.|The Gathering MR]]\n[[Or Alia, the destructive mage.|The Gathering AM]]

<<set $take_Roadan = "yes">>\n"Prisoner, now is the time to earn your amnesty." Roadan doesn't look at all pleased at your choice of words to call him by, but he stands nonetheless, acknowledging your choice.\n\nAs for the second...\n\n[[Diantha, the faithful warrior.|The Gathering DR]]\n[[Sammael, the troubled healer.|The Gathering RS]]\n[[Alia, the destructive mage.|The Gathering AR]]\n[[Or Mikao, the rich adventurer.|The Gathering MR]]

The bright, almost glowing hair of Alia sticks out in the dark. It makes her Ryela taint quite obvious. She never took the time to learn about this blessing, or curse. Because of this, she can not control the sudden outbursts she releases, causing massive destruction to living things. If she's kept calm, then there is less risk of an outburst, so they say. So instead of an outburst, there could be controlled destruction. Useful against foes.\n\n[[Back.|Start]]

<<set $take_Sammael = "yes">>\nYou point a cold, metal finger toward the cloaked magus. "Healer, your skills are required." The man frowns, offering a quick nod. He uses the table, pushing himself to his feet.\n\nNow for the second choice...\n\n[[Diantha, the faithful warrior.|The Gathering DS]]\n[[Alia, the destructive mage.|The Gathering AS]]\n[[Roadan, the criminal tactician.|The Gathering RS]]\n[[Or Mikao, the rich adventurer.|The Gathering MS]]

A Defiled Tomb

A middle-aged mage from the outskirts. He was one of the first infected with the parasitic magic known as Ryela. Now that it's running out, he took personal interest in wanting to join this journey, in order to find a cure before he destroys himself. He was a powerful healer before the wars broke out, and then he disappeared to avoid being drafted.\n\n[[Back.|Start]]

<<set $take_Alia = "yes">>\n<<set $take_Sammael = "yes">>\n<<set $group_AS = "yes">>\n\nThe unstable mage, and an experienced mage. Perhaps Alia could learn from Sammael during the journey? Or, perhaps the parasitic magic within them will spread to you, for better or worse. You instruct them to meet you outside at dawn, while the rest leave to continue their lives.\n\n[[Time for a good rest. The journey begins tomorrow.|Day One Begins]]

<<set $take_Alia = "yes">>\n<<set $take_Roadan = "yes">>\n<<set $group_AR = "yes">>\n\nThe unstable mage, and the cunning thief. Maybe he could smooth talk her into a better temperament. That could turn out to be a very useful trick. You instruct them to meet you outside at dawn, while the rest leave to continue their lives.\n\n[[Time for a good rest. The journey begins tomorrow.|Day One Begins]]

<<set $take_Roadan = "yes">>\n<<set $take_Sammael = "yes">>\n<<set $group_RS = "yes">>\n\nThe cunning thief, and the experienced mage. Knowledge of underhanded techniques and magical abilities to augment this knowledge further. Perhaps they could make your armor creak less. You instruct them to meet you outside at dawn, while the rest leave to continue their lives.\n\n[[Time for a good rest. The journey begins tomorrow.|Day One Begins]]

<<set $take_Alia = "yes">>\n"You there." You point a cold, metal finger toward Alia.\n\nA smile parts her lips as she stands and salutes. "Thank you ma'am!"\n\nNow for the second...\n\n[[Diantha, the faithful warrior.|The Gathering AD]]\n[[Sammael, the troubled healer.|The Gathering AS]]\n[[Roadan, the criminal tactician.|The Gathering AR]]\n[[Or Mikao, the rich adventurer.|The Gathering AM]]

<<set $take_Alia = "yes">>\n<<set $take_Diantha = "yes">>\n<<set $group_AD = "yes">>\n\nThe unstable mage, and a fellow knight. A dangerous mix of the parasitic Ryela magic, and physical might. You instruct them to meet you outside at dawn, while the rest leave to continue their lives.\n\n[[Time for a good rest. The journey begins tomorrow.|Day One Begins]]

<<set $take_Mikao = "yes">>\n<<set $take_Sammael = "yes">>\n<<set $group_MS = "yes">>\n\nThe rich false noble, and the experienced mage. Perhaps Sammael could find out this woman's true intentions during the journey, and what her special skills are. You instruct them to meet you outside at dawn, while the rest leave to continue their lives.\n\n[[Time for a good rest. The journey begins tomorrow.|Day One Begins]]

<<set $take_Mikao = "yes">>\n<<set $take_Roadan "yes">>\n<<set $group_MR = "yes">>\n\nThe rich false noble, and the cunning thief. Maybe they're both out only for the betterment of themselves, rather than to assist in your goal. In any case, their combined knowledge of criminal activities may just prove useful. You instruct them to meet you outside at dawn, while the rest leave to continue their lives.\n\n[[Time for a good rest. The journey begins tomorrow.|Day One Begins]]

<<set $take_Alia = "yes">>\n<<set $take_Mikao = "yes">>\n<<set $group_AM = "yes">>\nThe unstable mage, and a woman throwing her money around. Not the most trustworthy pair in a fight no doubt, but there must be a reason the king sent them your way. You instruct them to meet you outside at dawn, while the rest leave to continue their lives.\n\n[[Time for a good rest. The journey begins tomorrow.|Day One Begins]]

This woman who nearly dwarfs you, wears armor as thick as yours. Not very colored, looking as silvery as the metal used to create it, it has a red trim, whereas yours is trimmed with blue. Her sharp features are revealed further while her hair dark hair is tied up. She was trained as a knight, as you were, and is an obvious choice for nomination.\n\n[[Back.|Start]]

<<set $take_Diantha = "yes">>\n"I require a fellow knight in battle."\n\nDiantha stands, placing her arm across her chest in a salute. "With pleasure."\n\nAnd now the other...\n\n[[Roadan, the criminal tactician.|The Gathering DR]]\n[[Sammael, the troubled healer.|The Gathering DS]]\n[[Alia, the destructive mage.|The Gathering AD]]\n[[Or Mikao, the rich adventurer.|The Gathering DM]]

<<set $take_Diantha = "yes">>\n<<set $take_Mikao = "yes">>\n<<set $group_DM = "yes">>\nThe noble knight, and rich false noble. The clash of personalities is already very tangible, but perhaps they can keep their differences to themselves. Mikao's skills, whatever they may be, will likely be useful. As will another sword arm. You instruct them to meet you outside at dawn, while the rest leave to continue their lives.\n\n[[Time for a good rest. The journey begins tomorrow.|Day One Begins]]

<<set $take_Diantha = "yes">>\n<<set $take_Roadan = "yes">>\n<<set $group_DR = "yes">>\n\nThe noble knight, and cunning thief. The glares between these two already prove how much they will not be getting along on this journey. However, between the two of them, there is quite a lot of potential. They may very well be the most suitable to this mission. You instruct them to meet you outside at dawn, while the rest leave to continue their lives.\n\n[[Time for a good rest. The journey begins tomorrow.|Day One Begins]]

<<set $take_Diantha = "yes">>\n<<set $take_Sammael = "yes">>\n<<set $group_DS = "yes">>\n\nThe noble knight, and experienced mage. With two sword arms, and a healer by your side, this should be a very simple task indeed. You smile at the choices you've made. You instruct them to meet you outside at dawn, while the rest leave to continue their lives.\n\n[[Time for a good rest. The journey begins tomorrow.|Day One Begins]]

Kineng