[center][h3]Luminous Knights[/h3][/center]

A rather large group of knights has been called in to report to Meridian, as an a rather important assignment awaited them. That's all they knew when they received the letter. Why they were chosen over someone else was not known, but they were expect back in HQ - back where they once were just little whelps going through extremely tough training. Except for the Wonder Child, if the rumors are true.

...

Arriving upon the designated briefing room, the knights started to mingle, as they waited for everyone else to show up. As expected, The Wonder Child along several others of her class were there - completely green. There was no commanding officer there yet, which was a surprise - they're never late. 

A few minutes later a ruckus starts. One of the older, more experienced knights started to get rowdy. [b]"This little whelp is our commanding officer? Seriously?"[/b] he started raising his voice. [b]"Out of all people who have the experience to lead, they give it to the fucking whelp who got through training solely because of her father's money?!"[/b] He gets louder and louder. Alicia doesn't seem to be even concerned about him. [b]"What kind of commander you can be when you will cry the second you stub your toe? Incompetent idiots like you get people killed!"[/b]. The man is now fuming, and the crowd is watching the show. And then - a sort of loud, slapping sound. The man falls downs, stunned. The side of Alicia's hand is where the man's neck was seconds before. 

[i](PER>=6 Your character managed to notice Alicia strike the man.)
(PER<6 Alicia's strike was too fast for your character to notice and they are rather confused/amazed.)[/i]

[color=FF0000][b]"I am a temporary commander. Our commander is currently busy and will arrive to reinforce us tomorrow. Until then, you follow my orders."[/b][/color] explained Alicia, unfazed by the fact that she nearly knocked the man out or by his attitude. [color=FF0000][b]"Now then, let's begin the briefing."[/b][/color] It seemed that all the seats in the room were taken - everyone was here. Having some trouble to move, the man quietly got into his seat. 

As they were explained, an unknown group of magi has been attacking various remote knight outposts. Those outposts, barely into their construction phase are crucial into Altea's expansion plans, as outposts serve as a place to stage patrols from, a place for merchants to rest and stay safe for the night, as well as allowing easier construction around the area. Their job would be to locate and dismantle a bandit camp along an important route, and secure it until supplies arrive to build an outpost. Reinforcements will also arrive to assist them, as an attack is extremely likely. 

[color=FF0000][b]"That is all. We ride out in three hours. Make any preparations you need and gather in the stables."[/b][/color] Simple and clear. As Alicia leaves the room, it leaves the rest twenty or so knights to socialize or do anything else they want.

[hr]

[center][h3]Outsider Mages[/h3][/center]

There is a rumor going in the Undercity and even beyond, that some man is looking for daring adventurers for an extremely risky but a well paying job. Whether it is wanderlust, curiosity or greed that drives them, they are to gather in some remote roadside inn, far away from any roads the Lumies use.

...

There are surprisingly little people gathering here. Aside from other adventurers who came here for the same reason, there is no else but the barkeep. He claims the inn was reserved for today, and that their potential employer will come soon. But aside from that, everything is on the house. Many empty seats - must be only the truly desperate or crazy to come here. It might as well been some kind of trap or a prank. It was just a rumor, after all.

Some times passes, and suddenly, with a sort of high pitched whistling sound, they appeared. 4 people, all of them cloaked, hiding their faces. But there was no mistake - they were all powerful mages. There was some sort of air around, an air of power, and it could definitely be felt. 

[i](INT>=5 Your character remembers that this is known as an aura, and feels a little bit smarter for that.)
(INT<5 Your character is confused by the change in the atmosphere.)[/i]

[color=0000FF][b]"No more waiting. Those who were interested already came."[/b][/color] one of them spoke, seemingly their leader. [color=0000FF][b]"Your task is as simple as it is dangerous."[/b][/color] The man pulls out some sort of key out of his pocket. 
[img]http://orig08.deviantart.net/6340/f/2008/064/e/c/the_mystical_key___dock_icon_by_silentbang.png[/img] 
Suddenly, it started to glow blue, as a ball of energy appeared above the man. Out of that ball of blue energy, a scroll slowly emerged. Unfurling it on the table, it was clear the scroll was a map. A very old map.

[color=0000FF][b]"Weisstraugh. This is your destination."[/b][/color] He points on the map. [color=0000FF][b]"All you need to do is to reach it. The journey will be perilous. No one has went that far inland for nearly three hundred years. And I need people to find it for me."[/b][/color] The man activates the key again, and now dozens of jingling pouches descended down on the table. [color=0000FF][b]"Each of you will get one of those. Consider this an advance payment. Succeed and you will receive three times this amount."[/b][/color] Understandably, this man now had EVERYONE's attention. 

A woman stepped forward from the other three standing in the back. Her attire, as well as the dual daggers sheathed behind her back just screamed "Undercity Assassin". [color=0000FF][b]"I trust you will lead those people to success, Misala. After all, your services are... very expensive."[/b][/color] The man emphasized the "very expensive" part. The woman just nodded, grabbed the map and headed towards the group of people. [b]"Now then. Grab your money and let's make a plan. We've got plenty of time for that and introductions."[/b]