"[b]The Imperial City of Avalad[/b], the trading capital of the Western Men. It is one of the most wealthy cities in the world. You'll see things here that are hardly ever seen in other lands. A port that never sleeps, whole groups of buildings almost growing off the side of the wall, and a entire fourth of the city is for celebrations. Don't worry for your protection, not only do we have the 2nd highest walls in all the lands, but we also have the greatest mercenary guild in all the lands,[i]the Black Band[/i], right here on the city walls." The words of some merchant trying to sell BS to some foolish noble starts to ring underneath the guildhall for the Black Band. A few of the members inside the hall look out the windows and down at the merchant. Their eyes glazed in boredom with a longing for action in their hearts. A Lieutenant comes to the windows to see what the merchant is trying to sell. The merchant's words start to pick up again, the Lieutenant laughs then yells," My lord if you wish protection, you should cover yourself in BlackIron." He leans out the window and points his thumb at the building. A few of the other men begin to jeer insults at the merchant as the noble comes up the flight of stairs up to the building. It would be the first job in about a month for some of them, though no matter what their captain always payed them.

Captain Dothren Roketh had been riding back from a meeting with his higher ups at Hoondon. The black band on the outside of his armor shined in the afternoon. Word is going around that some of the nations are getting tired of peace. This was good and bad news to the Captain. On the plus side they could finally start getting real money in, but that also meant that he had lost a bet against another captain. Two nights ago he had saved a lone traveler, and now he rides to catch up with the rest of his fellow western captains. Upon reaching them, the group split into two groups. one heading to Runba's Deep, and the other heading back to Avalad.

When Dothren finally got to his guildhall, along with the guest captains, he gave out orders to have fliers put throughout the city. that night their was a small feast in 'honor' of the other captains. The fallowing morning they left for their own guildhalls, and Dothren through a real party that went throughout the entire city. The royal family ended up showing themselves. It was a wild party that lasted three days. It would of lasted longer, but a riot almost started when someone tried to kill the king. Dothren and his guild put it all to an end, and then went back to the guildhall to began getting ready for the new recruits.

They began clearing a spot at the top of the wall that had been given to them. luckily it was right above the guildhall. Dothren gave out orders to his Lieutenants, and other veteran members. Soon the guildhall was alive again, as this celeibration had sent a ripple that sent a shock-wave of jobs down on them.  It was almost like magic as groups of hopefuls marched to each guildhall. Hopes of gold and glory filled their hearts with every step closer. that is except for a choice few, who seem to be trying to have more personal goals in mind. They all came to join the guild, and that's all that mattered to Dothren at the moment.

[b] And thus the story of the western branch begins, but how will fate let it end... [/b]