Eodem: A Rifle and Sword Adventure (Complete)

Chapter 8: the Conference

Eodem Chapter 8: The Conference

(About a few months before the Arrival of the UFE)

For the continent of Ysanigrad, the shining beacon of civilization there would be undisputedly the Slaegian Empire whose capital is the large port city of Haringpoint. Its territory outside the city extended to about 27 other regions of various sizes and topographies. Each of the regions ranging from provinces and vassals called Principalities are rich in resources whether it comes in bountiful farm fields, rich underground mines or being famous for the manufacturing of a certain good. Yet it has their downfalls.

To the North, Raiders would descend from their desolated continent and attack the fishing villages and mining towns of the Empire's northernmost nerritories. To the East lay a vast desert where Nomadic Orcs would besiege fortress towns in order to access the fertile grounds beyond. To the West is the Arrogant Elves, despite being split into 2 distinct factions, the Empire fears the worse possible fall out to happen if the Entente and the Pact go back to war one day. And right at the middle of their territory, Bandits roam free and there are rumors of an underground sect of unknown intentions plotting a massive uprising of fantastical proportions.

The Empire's armies could only do so much to deal such threats throughout their lands.

In order to quell such lawlessness, the Empire created the Grey Order or more popularly known by the common folks as the 'Adventurer's Guild'.

The system in place is rather simple:

· People from all walks of life can write up formal a request called 'Quests' and post it to any of the various branch offices of the Adventurer's Guild scattered through out the Empire. They will need to pay a fee depending on the difficulty of the said Quests which will be formally classified into categories by an official who will grade them via a '5-star' system. (1 Star being Easy and 5 Stars being Dangerous)

· The Quest 'givers' are ultimately responsible of the reward when the Quests has been successfully completed. These can range from material goods to services. All of the said rewards should be proportional to the rated difficulty of said quest.

· Quest types can vary from Investigations, Escorts, Clearings, Acquisitions etc.

· Although anyone can take up the requests such as independent mercenaries or adventurous bands, members of the Adventurer's Guild have special privileges that they enjoy such as discounts in shops, access to the Wizard Conclave's Libraries and exclusive Quests.

· Anyone, regardless of race and origin can become a member of the Adventurer's Guild. However, it is known by several members of the Imperial Government that they would use the Guild's 'Human Resources' for clandestine government assignments.

The Grey Order's Headquarters is stationed right inside the Palatial District of Haringpoint where it first opened their offices to the citizenry. The Guild has existed for over a century. Initially most of the members of the Guild were citizens of Slaegia ranging from ex-Legionnaires of the Empire to citizens who can afford or are brave enough to take up a weapon. Then it has progressed to a diverse roster of Mages from the Conclave, Warriors from the Dwarven Mountain Kingdoms, Elves from Alfel Nora, even several Orcs and Northmen and much more. Most of the prolific members of the Guild work inside the HQ of the Guild in the Empire Capital where the most lucrative, nationally pressing and dangerous missions are often written to.

"I am telling you, my visions say Tyr Rian! They will land there, see the people and unleash their might!" exclaimed Grandmaster Owyne of the Conclave of wizards.