The midday sun streams through the high, arched windows of the Ryken Adventurer's Guild, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. The main hall is a cavern of noise and activity. Grizzled veterans share stories over ale at heavy oak tables, while aspiring adventurers cluster around the massive request boards that line the far wall.
Your group, fresh faced and clutching newly issued F-Rank guild medallions, has just accepted your first official job from the F-Rank board. It is a simple, classic starter quest:
ESCORT NEEDED, F-RANK
Client: Master Valerius, Alchemist (Merchant's Guild Affiliated)
Task: Escort one (1) handcart of non volatile alchemical reagents from the Ryken South Gate to the village of Silverstream.
Duration: Approx. 1 day travel.
Payment: 400 Rykes (to be split) upon successful delivery.
Notes: Low risk travel path. Supervision by an assigned senior guild member is required for this consignment.
After getting the notice stamped at the main desk, the guild receptionist, a harried looking woman with ink stained fingers, pointed you toward a small, semi private alcove near the back of the hall. "Your supervisor is waiting for you there," she had said, already turning to the next person in line.
As you approach the alcove, a figure stands with his back to you, dramatically staring out a window. He is clad in resplendent armor of blue and gold, polished to a mirror sheen. A flamboyant red scarf is draped artfully around his neck. Even from a distance, a faint, powerful hum of mana emanates from his equipment, a scent as distinct as ozone after a lightning strike.
He turns as you draw near, and the grand image is immediately undercut by reality. He has prominent buck teeth set in an awkward, self satisfied grin, and a nose that seems just a bit too large for his face. He puffs out his chest, but his tone is one of magnanimous welcome.
Justin-sama
“Ah, there you are! The next generation of Ryke's protectors! Wonderful, wonderful!” his voice booms with overblown confidence.
“I am Justin sama. It is my distinct pleasure, and of course, my duty as a senior member, to oversee your very first mission. A momentous occasion!”He gives your group a sweeping, appraising look. Instead of a sneer, he offers a wide, buck toothed smile.
“Yes, I see the fire of ambition in your eyes! It reminds me of a much younger, though naturally more gifted, version of myself.” He winks, a gesture that does not quite land.
“Now, the task is simple, a perfect whetstone upon which to sharpen your new skills. We are to escort a cart to Silverstream. I will, of course, be observing your performance. Consider me your guide! Any questions? Feel free to ask! The first step to wisdom is admitting you know nothing compared to an expert like myself. No questions? Splendid! Let us embark!”With a grand, welcoming gesture toward the door, Justin sama begins striding toward the guild hall's main exit, his red scarf fluttering behind him. He glances back over his shoulder, clearly expecting you to follow in his magnificent wake.
The floor is yours. What do you do?