[h1][center]Welcome to the Royal Hunter's Guild[/center][/h1]

The sun was almost at it's highest point in the sky over the city of Rothenburg. The streets were filled with peasants and noblemen going about their daily lives. The marketplace was packed with those buying and selling goods, yelling atop each other, trying to make their voices heard. The cobblestone ground provided a tough surface for people to walk upon as they went about their days. To these commonfolk, it was just an ordinary day.


Inside one of the larger buildings near the guard barracks, heavily armored and armed men and women gathered. Some spoke amongst themselves while others sat quietly, waiting for someone to address the crowd. The building itself was one of the nicer ones, close enough to the richest manors in the kingdom and near the guards, it was often used as a place of gathering for the noblemen. It had tall enough ceilings that the many voices echoed about, making the room feel even larger. Tables had been set up with many seats, more than enough for those who had gathered. At the front of the room was a slightly raised platform which was not yet occupied.

Flaggins of ale were being passed around by servants as the last of the group filed in. This wasn't any ordinary swill, it was a fine ale, brought straight from the cellars underneath the castle itself. This type of generosity was not often seen by the commonfolk. The King and his council clearly took this very seriously.


As the last of the guests took their seats, a group of well armored guards made their way to the front platform. They took their places, swords in sheaths, standing up at attention. A hush began to fall over the crowd as one lone figure made his way to the stand. Brown strands of hair fell about his face, only some of it pulled back into a loose ponytail. His build suggested he was a quick yet strong warrior, strengthened by the longsword sheathed on his belt. He wore some leather armor, though not a full suit. His bracers were freshly cleaned, looking almost new. His clothing was of a higher value than peasants, but was not ornamented like those of the kingdom's nobles.

As he took his spot in the center of the guards, he turned to face the audience. His face matched his warrior appearance, rugged and scarred. His lips were down-turned and his eyes were stern. He stood, silent, for some time before finally opening his mouth to speak. [color=silver]"You all know why you're here,[/color] he began, his voice gruff but loud. [color=silver]"The many threats against our city and our kingdom has risen. The King and his council have decided to take action. Gathered here in this great hall are some of the finest men and women of Belvoir. Your strength and prowess are required this day for the good of our King and our Kingdom."[/color] He paused, letting his words sink in.

[color=silver]"King Gustavo does not take this matter lightly, I assure you. Many have died and many more will follow. He has called upon you all to be apart of the new Hunter's Guild. It is our task to seek and destroy the monsters that threaten our city and it's people. There will be great danger in this task, but also great reward. King Gustavo has set aside a large sum of coin for the brave souls who can help rid us of this mounting evil. If you have the strength, bravery and fortitude to destroy this evil, you will become rich men."[/color]

He lifted his head slightly, arms behind his back and, once again, addressed the crowd. [color=silver]"For those that don't know me, I am Drystan Haalard. I have spent over ten years in the city guard. I will be your Captain, if you choose to stay. If you have any fear in your hearts, I would advise you to leave now. As the Royal Hunters, we will be walking headlong into the mouth of the beast. If you falter, even momentarily, that may mean the death of your brethren or even yourself.[/color]

Drystan paused in his speech as a handlefull of people slowly got to their feet and left the building. He quietly grunted to himself, then reached into his pocket and pulled out a rolled up parchment with the royal seal. [color=silver]"Our first assignment comes from the King himself. Many of you are familiar with the isle just outside the docks in Trieste Sea. Many of you also know that word has spread of a monster recently appearing on that island. King Gustavo has asked that we gather a band of Hunter's together, take a ship out to the island, and slay the creature."[/color]

At this point, he began to pace, taking long strides across the platform all the while still watching the audience. [color=silver]"Now we are not entirely familiar of what kind of creature we are dealing with. It is said to be humanoid in appearance, but much larger. The fishermen who have encountered it and survived report that it is a creature of extreme strength. This monster seems to be more comfortable in water than on land.
 No one who has attempted to slay the beast has returned."[/color] He stopped his pacing and turned to face the crowd once again. [color=silver]"Hunters! If you think you have the skills needed to take down this creature, please come forward. We will be putting a team together based on skills needed for this particular job. If you feel you are at a disadvantage here, do not fret. We have plenty more jobs waiting after this one is finished."[/color]