Ignatius stood there with his arms folded quietly listening to everyone bicker. He felt his brow twitch as his jaw clenched. "Would you all shut the hell up!?" The young Imperial's voice roared with the sound of a Legion commander. Although not sickly or weak looking, he was by no stretch of the imagination a mountain of muscle. Even though he didn't know for fact, Ignatius was younger than anyone else in the room. The words seemed to have struck a cord with anyone and the room went dead silent. Ignatius would have to take advantage of this moment before the meeting got further derailed.

"Ahem." He began, this time a softer but still firm tone. "As you all know you've been offered an opportunity to get some advancement and monetary resources for yourselves or your department here at the Academy by using your ability for the good of the Guild. So far I have three things that need to be done and we will need to split up to deal with this." For a moment he was worried about the notion of splitting up the group. He would have to eye the leaders in the group fast.

"First we need to deal with some beast or other attacking travelers, villagers and merchants north of Bruma just within Skyrim. We don't really know what it is. It could be a bear, a werewolf, a naked Nord. Whatever it is, it's wrecking hell on the supply line of the Legion garrisoned there. With the loss of most of Hammerfell, all of Valenwood and of course Summerset Isle, every despot and warlord has looked to make a name for themselves. This is why within the same vicinity a group of Nords have taken one of our garrisoned forts. The garrison, composed mostly of the locals simply turned it over. We're going to have some of you go up there and ask to return the fort and disperse. Lastly, the University seems to be unsafe for certain precious artifacts. Blue Fox, the notorious thief, has already made away with the Necromancer's Amulet and she seems to be targeting my old teacher's blade. We'll be taking it to Cloud Ruler Temple and laying a trap."

Ignatius leaned back half sitting on the table behind him, his arms still folded and his red eyes searching over each of the members there. His words seemed to have given some something to think about and consider.

Valyon, while at first was amused, had been disgusted by the manner of disrespect the people in the audience had shown. He was as curious as any about the assignment, but the people around him were brash and unkind in their curiosity. Impatience was a clear fault at the party that was assembled, a party that Llathras Valyon was sure could not have been solely from the Guild. The Mages Guild were courtly and courdial in their proceedings, and no member of the guild would ever act in such a disgracing way toward the guild, especially not to the person who they were to be reporting to. This was insane. The Mages Guild had so many able members, why did they have to reach out to get these people. Even if they were qualified for a more versatile job, were there no mercenaries that had any form of respect?

But alas, after much bickering, Valyon had zoned out, and stopped listening. He focused on the young man in the front, Alexander Ignatius. He watched as Ignatius grew as frustrated as he, and finally bellowed out a shout to gather the attention of the group. As simple as that, the room was silent.

"As you all know you've been offered an opportunity to get some advancement and monetary resources for yourselves or your department here at the Academy by using your ability for the good of the Guild. So far I have three things that need to be done and we will need to split up to deal with this."

This was good. It was obvious that the group of people that were assembled could get no work done together. Hell, they couldn't even follow the first step of the assignment: To arrive and wait patiently. This was obviously more than just a field assignment, and Llathras Valyon would never trust his life to certain members of this group, especially considering he had never done an assignment outside of Vivec City or the Arcane University.

"First we need to deal with some beast or other attacking travelers, villagers and merchants north of Bruma just within Skyrim. We don't really know what it is. It could be a bear, a werewolf, a naked Nord. Whatever it is, it's wrecking hell on the supply line of the Legion garrisoned there. With the loss of most of Hammerfell, all of Valenwood and of course Summerset Isle, every despot and warlord has looked to make a name for themselves. This is why within the same vicinity a group of Nords have taken one of our garrisoned forts. The garrison, composed mostly of the locals simply turned it over. We're going to have some of you go up there and ask to return the fort and disperse. Lastly, the University seems to be unsafe for certain precious artifacts. Blue Fox, the notorious thief, has already made away with the Necromancer's Amulet and she seems to be targeting my old teacher's blade. We'll be taking it to Cloud Ruler Temple and laying a trap."

The room sat silent, as did Valyon. He was waiting for more, any kind of instruction or something of the sort, but Ignatius sat as silent as those around him. A short moment passed, and Llathras himself stood up, a look of ambition stretched clear across his face.

"This is clearly not what many of us expected. I thought we had unearthed a ruin of sorts, and simply had to study it. This is good. Personally, I've longed to roam Tamriel outside of a lecture and see what else this land has in store for us. I have heard of Cloud Ruler Temple, and longed to see it for many years. I also am well-versed in tactics of deceit, being a wizard in the Mages Guild... and considering the land I call home is also not far from the council seat of Great House Telvanni. There are certain things I've acquired without venturing to learn them, and such things could be helpful to your mission if you would lend me your teacher's blade for me to expose the theif."

Valyon remained standing, staring at Ignatius as he stared back. Llathras, who had taught classes of people that were not much younger than Alexander Ignatius himself, had learned to talk to people of his age. He spoke with a demanding force but his voice was calm. He spoke to get his way, but his presence was smooth. He was not only out to succeed in the assignment, but also to prove to himself that the hundred years of life he has was not wasted by studies, and that the jewel that draqed his neck was but his only true failure... one that he could correct.

"It's not about who isn't capable as a mage. That's not what I'm pointing out here. Wouldn't you think most of us know a bit of magic? I've seen some of these faces around the university and I know a few of them. I'm not saying they aren't capable with magic or knowledge, I'm saying many people here are capable with some kind of weapon, and with the larger percentage of people in the university who do not wear armor or fight with a sword..."

At that point Tucharon went silent at hearing the reply. Why did I have to go and make myself look like a fool? The Redguard continued to elaborate, but Tucharon was not paying any attention. He had just antagonized someone for making an innocent statement because he himself had taken it the wrong way. That was no way for any man or mer to behave; this was unacceptable. After the initial wave of guilt and shame swept over him, he wanted to apologize. Anything to make this outburst right, with the Redguard and with the rest of the group.

Not wanting to say something from impulse again, he contemplated how to make things right. As he was about to muster up the words to apologize to the Redguard and to the rest of the group, Alexander Ignatius spoke.

"Would you all shut the hell up!?"

Tucharon shirked back and cringed slightly, having been unprepared for the Imperial's frustrated, but perhaps justified tone. He turned his attention Alexander and listened carefully.

"As you all know you've been offered an opportunity to get some advancement and monetary resources for yourselves or your department here at the Academy by using your ability for the good of the Guild. So far I have three things that need to be done and we will need to split up to deal with this."

Yes, this could mean a sponsored research expedition to Vilverin. Or perhaps a chance to study Finger of the Mountain. But three tasks? Simultaneously? What could they be? The 's shameful outburst was no longer on Tucharon's mind, his interest was piqued. The Imperial continued.

"First we need to deal with some beast or other attacking travelers, villagers and merchants north of Bruma just within Skyrim. We don't really know what it is. It could be a bear, a werewolf, a naked Nord. Whatever it is, it's wrecking hell on the supply line of the Legion garrisoned there. With the loss of most of Hammerfell, all of Valenwood and of course Summerset Isle, every despot and warlord has looked to make a name for themselves. This is why within the same vicinity a group of Nords have taken one of our garrisoned forts. The garrison, composed mostly of the locals simply turned it over. We're going to have some of you go up there and ask to return the fort and disperse. Lastly, the University seems to be unsafe for certain precious artifacts. Blue Fox, the notorious thief, has already made away with the Necromancer's Amulet and she seems to be targeting my old teacher's blade. We'll be taking it to Cloud Ruler Temple and laying a trap."

The first two sound more like jobs for the Fighters Guild. But the third assignment, guarding an enchanted blade, that is something that I could do. The Altmer had his mind made up; with his skills at detecting and identifying enchantments, the third was the one for him. He was unsure what this mentioned blade was, but was eager to examine it. Not to mention he would get to see Cloud Ruler Temple, an actual Akaviri structure. It also sounded less dangerous, but he knew that if this Blue Fox was able to steal the Necromancer's Amulet, she could probably kill just as stealthily. Still, thieves are less known for killing than monsters or rebel Nords.

Tucharon slowly raised his hand, as if this was a lecture. He then spoke.

"Pardon me, sir, but how are these assignments to be divided? Do we have any choice in the matter?"

Fir-Hess flinched at Ignatius as he spoke up...or rather yelled over the crowd like the bunch of children they were, predictably everyone went silent and he spoke up again.

"As you all know you've been offered an opportunity to get some advancement and monetary resources for yourselves or your department here at the Academy by using your ability for the good of the Guild. So far I have three things that need to be done and we will need to split up to deal with this."

Money? well that's always nice, maybe he could get a vacant shack back home.

"First we need to deal with some beast or other attacking travelers, villagers and merchants north of Bruma just within Skyrim. We don't really know what it is. It could be a bear, a werewolf, a naked Nord. Whatever it is, it's wrecking hell on the supply line of the Legion garrisoned there."

'Hess pouted to himself as he heard that, the northern regions of cyrodill didn't seem to...welcoming to one of his blood, that and killing a bear seemed like a massive waste of resources for the mage's guild.

"With the loss of most of Hammerfell, all of Valenwood and of course Summerset Isle, every despot and warlord has looked to make a name for themselves. This is why within the same vicinity a group of Nords have taken one of our garrisoned forts. The garrison, composed mostly of the locals simply turned it over. We're going to have some of you go up there and ask to return the fort and disperse."

Well that explains all the armored redguards....

"Lastly, the University seems to be unsafe for certain precious artifacts. Blue Fox, the notorious thief, has already made away with the Necromancer's Amulet and she seems to be targeting my old teacher's blade. We'll be taking it to Cloud Ruler Temple and laying a trap."

For a cunning thief...the blue fox didn't seem that bright to the Argonian, that amulet was deadly in the wrong hands and he's taking it out of the vaults under the guild's nose, WHY? Is he trying to get himself killed? but it seemed better suited for guild personnel, he just hoped if he helped in this he didn't have to help kill him if this trap went wrong, never having taken a human life before...it scared him to think he may have to do that.

"Mr. Ignatiuss? i have a question...thesse tasks seem rather mundane for us, are you...sure there's not an old city ruin that needs studying?"

"Would you all shut the hell up!?" Alexander had finally grown tired of the group's whining. 'Good,' Edgar thought, 'It's about time.'

"Ahem." The young Imperial continued, apparently composing himself after his outburst. "As you all know you've been offered an opportunity to get some advancement and monetary resources for yourselves or your department here at the Academy by using your ability for the good of the Guild. So far I have three things that need to be done and we will need to split up to deal with this."

'At least there's a chance I won't have to deal with a few of these guys,' Edgar smiled to himself, his eyes wandering from face to face, finding few that he recieved a good first impression from.

Edgar catalogued each mission in his head as Alexander explained them, summing up the main points for later use: 'Attacks in Skyrim, breaking supply train; Nord group commandeering fort; and trapping a thief in the famous Cloud Ruler Temple.' Each mission sounded easier than the last, and the battlemage found himself a bit torn over which he would rather do. The second seemed like a run of the mill head-cracking expedition, but the other two would require a bit more planning.

One of his guildmates, the overly polite Dunmer, gave his long winded request for the third mission, laying the trap in Cloud Ruler. Though seeing the Temple would be interesting, as would meeting the remaining Blades stationed there, Edgar did not plan on choosing his mission based on tourism. Such a job fit the more scholarly mages better, and though they might need some muscle if the thief turned violent, the battlemage figured the Blades would be able to handle it. Which left Edgar with the first two.

Another elf, this one a golden skinned Altmer, spoke up, raising his hand as though he were a school child. "Pardon me, sir, but how are these assignments to be divided? Do we have any choice in the matter?"

Edgar looked towards Ignatius, curious of the answer. He had been counting on having some voice in the matter, this wasn't legion work after all, but if it came down to it he wouldn't question the Imperial, youth or not. All he really cared for was getting a mission with one of the other warriors, someone he could trust to have his back when it came to it. Not to say that mages weren't trustworthy, but spells could fail. A sword couldn't.

Finally, a third mage spoke up, this one curiously enough an Argonian. "Mr. Ignatiuss? I have a question...these tasks seem rather mundane for us, are you...sure there's not an old city ruin that needs studying?"

Edgar chuckled softly in his spot against the wall. He knew scholars were averse to fighting, he had worked with several in Chorrol, but to simply refuse a paid mission upon invitation?

Edgar stood up once more, refusing to raise his hand or introduce himself like these folk. He looked over the group once more, then directed his gaze to the Imperial at the front of the room. "I for one am thankful for the gracious offer. While I would prefer the second mission, investigating the fort, I submit to the guild's will, and would be happy to leave for the snow-country today." Edgar thought his sentiment was both respectful and gracious. The thought never passed his mind that his enthusiasm might be taken as brown-nosing, and would have regarded such a suggestion as nothing more than preposterous.

"I assume you'll be grouping us by talents or abilities then? These tasks all seem very different, and require equally different skills to be done efficiently. Unless, of course, you would trust us simply to volunteer." His bit done, Edgar returned to his cordial smile, leaning against his wall to show the others he had finished.

Having spoken his piece, Ashag waited for the results. Which took a bit of time to manifest themselves as Ignatius's haughty manners and lack of speech prompted others to add their two cents. Up to the point where the imperial exploded and yelled for silence before presenting the tasks required. Yup, it seems the kicking worked to get his mind back on track. Though I'd be boastful if I took the whole credit.

As th first reactions to teh offer started rolling, Ashag kept an ear on them. Most were rather sensible, though the argonian was more typical of thecommon flaw of mages to ignore what wasn't directl related to their own specialties and interests. what did you expect lizard ? The Corvinis are troubleshooters, not scholars. Unless we have to deal with some dusted-off magical threa, investigation is the closest we'll come to study.... He kept the thoughts to himself though some showed on his face


He frowned into a stubborn concenntration as he focused his mind to pick his choice. Matching wits and traps to snatch a thief was quickly ruled out. I'm not good at that sort of things. The two others were more along his line, with the added appeal that both involved the Legion's interests. Even if he was no longer in the ranks, Ashag still felt some loyalty to them. But which one ? Having pondered the question he finally voiced his choice. A choice made easier by the proximity of both problems, whether they were related or not.

"Count me in for the beast ? or whatever it is. Even if I haven't had much practice of late, I'm used to living in the field. If there's no more information on that bugger, I've dealt with enough wounds and corpses to get a decent idea of what it's like and what it can do by looking at what it left behind. And of course patch up whoever needs patching up, be they on the team, some injured witness or just to get some goodwill from the locals." Ashag cracked his knuckles "And if it drops in the pot, I can watch for my own neck while the specialists deal with the main course."

Staron immediatley stood up.

"Blue Fox? What is that some kind of sad excuse for an outlaw? I mean come on. You've gotta be joking!" Staron then started to laugh out loud. "I've seen worser scum running around in the sewers of Sentinel in hammerfell. Did way more killing too by the way!" Staron said again laughing even harder. "But in all seriouness i'll take mystery in Bruma. I don't mind whacking off some murder for you. Just tell me who to burn and i'm good."

"First we need to deal with some beast or other attacking travelers, villagers and merchants north of Bruma just within Skyrim. We don't really know what it is. It could be a bear, a werewolf, a naked Nord. Whatever it is, it's wrecking hell on the supply line of the Legion garrisoned there. With the loss of most of Hammerfell, all of Valenwood and of course Summerset Isle, every despot and warlord has looked to make a name for themselves. This is why within the same vicinity a group of Nords have taken one of our garrisoned forts. The garrison, composed mostly of the locals simply turned it over. We're going to have some of you go up there and ask to return the fort and disperse. Lastly, the University seems to be unsafe for certain precious artifacts. Blue Fox, the notorious thief, has already made away with the Necromancer's Amulet and she seems to be targeting my old teacher's blade. We'll be taking it to Cloud Ruler Temple and laying a trap."

Marcus leaned forward in his seat, his head balanced on a palm. He thought briefly about which mission to volunteer for. Certainly not the first. Though he was capable in destruction, his specialization was illusion for combat and he carried no weapons. He knew from experience that fighting beasts with his preferred methods was something to be avoided. Many of his spells required a higher level of intelligence than most animals to possess, other they wouldn't understand what was going on around them and would most likely panic, reacting in a manner that made the illusion pointless.

The second mission seemed extremely boring to him. Killing bandits or whoever had taken over the Legion Fort seemed too ordinary for him to waste his time on. Though his techniques would most likely work well there, he wasn't really a killer at heart and especially disliked the sight of blood. Something about it disgusted him, thus his non-confrontational method of fighting. So, he could take that mission, but it wouldn't be ideal.

The third mission was by far the most appealing. It suited his skills perfectly, as his blend of illusion and alteration spells were designed to trap and incapacitate his enemies.

He listened to some of his fellows spoke up with their opinions on the missions. After one of the Redguards spoke, which caused Marcus to grimace in distaste due to his blas? attitude towards killing, he gave his own input. "The mission with the beasts is beneath me, and my skills would not work well in such a case. I am capable of doing either the second or third effectively, though I would prefer the third mission, as my abilities are more in sync with that scenario," immediately switching from his sarcastic attitude that everyone knew and hated to his all-business demeanor that he put on in serious situations.

He had trained that aspect of his personality since childhood, as he had been raised into the nobility and had been expected to become a politician. It didn't come out often, much to the relief of his fellows. Talking to him when he spoke and acted like that made most people he knew distinctly uncomfortable.

Lethon sat back and listened to Ignatius speak about the problems he was called here for. None sounded too spectacular for the mages guild just the usual kill that protect this jobs. As he thought them over others were already laying their claim to assignments some going with protecting the sword others hunting down the beast. Although catching thieves and outlaws had been his lively hood the temptation of facing the nords of skyrim was to great. He had heard stories of their prowess as warriors and thought this the perfect chance to meet these men of the north. Either way the cool weather might be refreshing after sitting in the hot humid room.

Without standing Lethon spoke aloud, "Before I choose I would like to know how the pay is with these missions. In other words which fills my pockets the most?" he said not forgetting why he even showed up. "I'll be damned if I choose one without even knowing what I'm risking my life for like some of the others here." looking around at the others he stood up as he spoke bringing the mace back onto his shoulder again.

His eyes returned to Ignatius after he finished and without moving stood above the others waiting for the response.

OOC: Short post. Tired, busy, etc.

Jerrod, Meeting Hall

He listened to the men, mer, and beast alike as they converged on what Alexander had said. Jerrod was a bit surprised by the tone of "shut the hell up", but none the less each and every one of the bickerers deserved it. Jerrod knew one thing though; this man was nothing to tamper with, and he certainly wasn't one of those feminine scholars. Jerrod noticed the man was an Imperial, and by his tone and outlook he figured it was a possibility for the man to have been in the legion. The fact was quickly taken off his mind when the man continued on with his serious tone. He gave them a briefing of the tasks at hand. Before Jerrod could even think enough to say something, the others were already eying the quests at which they wanted to partake in. Jerrod took a good look at every person in the room.

None of them were like he. None of these beings had a bow slung over their back or appeared to be great in any art of stealth. While many were Mages and many held a sword, he was unique. He didn't think he was more skilled than the others in a sense, but because he was unique he figured he would be more valuable to the group in the grand scheme of things.

If he's smart, he'll send those with swords and armor to do the fort work...and perhaps some of them could even partake in this supply line problem. The trap set? It's what I'm made for. I know how to trap and the arts of stealth. I can think like that thief. While he may not have the same character as me, he likely has some or more than enough of the same skills. From the looks of it, I'm the only one who can even venture to shoot a bow in this whole mass. All of these men bear either hand or sword. My physical abilities are fit for the first task, and so are my magical ones. These men in swords and armor? They can't set a trap, much less catch a quick thief in their mass of iron and steel...

Jerrod peered over at the Altmer who had sassed at him earlier.

"...and Dwemer. I'm very damn sure that thief has a few tricks up his sleeve and knows quite a bit. He probably knows how to defect magical abilities. After all, he stole the amulet right out of the university. This is the damn Imperial City and sure as hell he wouldn't get himself into a mess here. While this is the most populated area in Tamriel, Cloud Ruler Temple is a different story. It is surrounded by mountains and snow; cold air lurks in its shadows. We'll see how these Cyrodilics are feeling in their heavy monstrous steel in the cold Jerrals. In an unpopulated area, if the thief knows he can get away, then he won't hesitate to kill anyone here. If he has some kind of item or unusual skill that takes away the magical ability of a person then he will have an easy victory over the others. The mages will be helpless, and the bearers of arms will not be able to catch him. They won't be fast enough. The armor will slow them down, and if this thief is to have any ability in the arts of marksman, or even magic himself, he will have his day. Who is to say he cannot set himself up to be unaffected by a detection spell? I know everything physical and magical there is to know about dealing with thieves. The only thing that could make me any better is if I was one myself...

He sat up and continued to listen, waiting for Alexander to throw in his thoughts.

It's best to stay quiet now. If this man has any intelligence he will put me where I need to be. If he doesn't, then I'll tell him my opinion on this. I should be where the most use can be brought out of me, not where I want to go...

With the end of his words Ignatius awaited the volley of questions that would obviously be raised. He decided to take each one turn by turn in order to clarify. Ignatius had lead others before and one of the most important things to do is to inform those under him what would need to be done and how. Being unsure bred distrust and with distrust morale was fickle and then a formation would easily shatter and route. The first was Valyon, "This is clearly not what many of us expected. I thought we had unearthed a ruin of sorts, and simply had to study it. This is good. Personally, I've longed to roam Tamriel outside of a lecture and see what else this land has in store for us. I have heard of Cloud Ruler Temple, and longed to see it for many years. I also am well-versed in tactics of deceit, being a wizard in the Mages Guild... and considering the land I call home is also not far from the council seat of Great House Telvanni. There are certain things I've acquired without venturing to learn them, and such things could be helpful to your mission if you would lend me your teacher's blade for me to expose the theif."

"This will be possible under the strictest of supervision after we assign teams." Ignatius' eyes peered over to the next comment, this time by Tucharon, "Pardon me, sir, but how are these assignments to be divided? Do we have any choice in the matter?"

"I will need three team leaders who think they can specialize in that specific task." Volunteers would be needed but simply raising one's hand did not ensure the position.

Fir-Hess interjected with his own comment, "Mr. Ignatiuss? i have a question...thesse tasks seem rather mundane for us, are you...sure there's not an old city ruin that needs studying?"

Ignatius decided to reply with a calm and somewhat softer tone, as if being more quiet would cause the others to listen even more closely. "Perhaps some of you being so used to the walls of the Imperial City and the comfort of the Academy have not realized the dire situation in which the Empire's borders are. The frontier is ever shrinking. It's an egg shell and what we are set to do is push outward from the inside where ever others push in on our little egg. The beast we are to hunt is a source of embarrassment for the Elder Council. How can we have loyal subjects when we can not even keep the main roads safe from a simple animal, as terrible as it may be. Has the Legion really deteriorated so poorly, they ask. The lost fort we are to reclaim, hopefully by diplomacy, if not dealt with will snow ball into another major Nordic offensive. Queen Elysana's Bretons barley managed to fend off last years attack and yet even now one third of High Rock sits under various Nordic warlords. Could you imagine what would be of the Empire if Bruma was swept aside? Lastly, even though catching the Blue Fox may seem the most glamorous, in reality it is a propaganda ploy set up by the Elder Council. Catching the thief will show that the Empire is still capable to maintain law and order. I know it may be hard for you, skilled and learned as you may be, not to look down your noses but hopefully my practicality will show you all the importance of what we are set out to do. If any of you wish to leave you are still free to do so, for now."

Edgars's addition brought back the older point, "I assume you'll be grouping us by talents or abilities then? These tasks all seem very different, and require equally different skills to be done efficiently. Unless, of course, you would trust us simply to volunteer."

"I hope not to be disappointed." For once Ignatius let out a momentary smirk. Truth be told Ignatius reveled in comradeship. He'd hope to build one yet.

"Count me in for the beast ? or whatever it is. Even if I haven't had much practice of late, I'm used to living in the field. If there's no more information on that bugger, I've dealt with enough wounds and corpses to get a decent idea of what it's like and what it can do by looking at what it left behind. And of course patch up whoever needs patching up, be they on the team, some injured witness or just to get some goodwill from the locals." Ashag cracked his knuckles "And if it drops in the pot, I can watch for my own neck while the specialists deal with the main course."

"And whatever it is we aren't sure," Ignatius' expression turned a bit grim. "...we've sent an investigator and what was sent back was hardly anything to scoff at." He seemed like he had wanted to say more, but he held back.

"Blue Fox? What is that some kind of sad excuse for an outlaw? I mean come on. You've gotta be joking!" Staron then started to laugh out loud. "I've seen worser scum running around in the sewers of Sentinel in hammerfell. Did way more killing too by the way!" Staron said again laughing even harder. "But in all seriouness i'll take mystery in Bruma. I don't mind whacking off some murder for you. Just tell me who to burn and i'm good."

"Then it should be no problem for you." Ignatius was weary over under estimating enemies. Perhaps Staron would learn that, but hopefully not too harsh of a lesson.

Without standing Lethon spoke aloud, "Before I choose I would like to know how the pay is with these missions. In other words which fills my pockets the most?" he said not forgetting why he even showed up. "I'll be damned if I choose one without even knowing what I'm risking my life for like some of the others here." looking around at the others he stood up as he spoke bringing the mace back onto his shoulder again.

"Pay is provided after missions are completed and evaluated. Until then basic housing and food will be provided." Ignatius knew that that wasn't the answer most liked to hear but no one knew where each mission would lead to...and who would remain alive.

"Now I need three leaders." Ignatius looked around amongst those around him waiting to see who would volunteer.

The young Ignatious went one by one, answering the replies of everyone who had beckoned him with a question. It was quite odd, and Valyon knew everyone could sense it. These missions were not those usual mundane Mages' Guild quests, no. These seemed far more suited for a mercenary band or the Fighters' Guild or hell, even the Imperial Legion. But what did this assorted group of spellcastors and sword wavers have to do with these missions? Valyon could not place a finger to resolve the conflicts of his mind, but at the same time he did not allow his inner suspicion deter him from his duties. These missions were those he had always dreamed of.

To travel to distant lands, the mountains of Skyrim, home of the culturistic Nord and their heroic beliefs in combat and worship. To endanger his own life, a thrill that he had never seen despite constant training with deadly flames and bolts of lighting. Perhaps he was being used for something far grander than what he was being told, but at the same time, that was exactly what Valyon had always wanted. The Blue Fox intrigued him, and he knew nothing about the man. To pit his own ingenuity against that of a skilled theif and assassin would be Valyon's first true test on the field.

"Now I need three leaders." Ignatius looked around amongst those around him waiting to see who would volunteer.

Llathras' thoughts were interrupted. He felt as though he had been talking for too much in a pleasant and polite attitude, courtly in the ways of the Guild, while the majority of the people here were brash and violent in their delivery of thought to word. But he spoke, and again he remained an illustrious servant of the Mages' Guild.

"Master Ignatious, I feel as though I would be doing a disservice to myself and the Guild if I did not volunteer myself to lead a group to Cloud Ruler. Curiosity aside, I feel ready to take this task on, and I already have some minor plans to lay out for the thief. The decision is yours to make, but it would be my honor to serve the guild as such."

((EDIT: wait i should volunteer by now, what i get for posting at 3am))

'Hess brightened up considerably, even showing his best hint of a grin when his question was answered and elaborated. Living in the southern areas of the heart of the empire he heard about the troubles cropping up but...the empire has had these issues before and gotten through them, right?

But a simple hunting mission or catching a thief to improve the morale of it's citizens all over? where the legion failed? This seemed not like only like a Mage's Guild assignment but a way to get one's name out in the air and...well you're instilling a sense of patriotism in the empire's citizens, what was not to like? of course there was the bitter cold like an unhappy fishwife after you spent all night and morning at the tavern but...nothing a trip to the clothier's couldn't fix, just get an extra pair of something to put under or over the robe.

"I will help with whatever animal is attacking ssupply lines....I could get a clanfear to follow scent trails..."

"Now I need three leaders" Ignatius had said.

Staron immediately snapped into action and jumped up. "If you don't mind sir, I have had military experience. I believe I would be fit for at least on of the three leader positions. Which ever one of them is fine with you, is fine with me." Staron finished and sat back down. He was excited at the thought he would finally be getting back into some action. And when he did he would finally get the respect from his superiors that he had deserved when he first joined the guild.

[edited a little bit to clarify which mission Ashag is volunteering for]

Ashag listened to the explanations that were offered. He didn't exactly like what he heard about the beast. It felt almost as if Ignatius held back information on the beast, maybe to get peoples committing to the task before something might scare them away from accepting. I don't like that, it reeks of deceit and manipulation. Or maybe it's just my distaste of the man speaking. We'll see how it turns out.

Then the man asked for leaders. Which struck him as a bit of an oddity. We'll be in penny packets. Three or four, five at most. What's the point of hierarchy with that. Especially with mages, ordering them is usually just like herding cats. But he's right at least on one point. The Empire is broke and can barely held itself together. If we don't wan't a bunch of greedy and shortsighted warlords stepping on our neck, we need what's left of the Empire. So we have to shore it up wherever we can.

He returned his attention to the room as two members of the audience proposed themselves as leaders. The first one was nothing to worry about. His skills being about useless for dealing with thief, Ashag wouldn't end up there and didn't care much about who would lead. But the second one worried him. His eagerness rang false, raising some sort of red flag in Ashag's mind. He gave the man a closer look, noticing some slight tremors in his hands, something on his face. Damn, I'm sure he's gone quite far on skooma road, I've met enough of them in Bravil to know the signs. There's no way I wan to end up under his command. A drunkard I could deal with – fill him up, do you things an tell him he gave the orders when he comes out. But a skooma head... he's going to be all energetic and bossy, filled to the brim with hare-brained schemes he think the best ides since Galerion created the guild... Until he crashes down and will lie, sell anything and betray anyone to get his next dose.

Ashag stood up “I volunteer for leading the Bruma beast-tracking expedition. It's not the sort of things I'm usually doing, but I think I'm levelheaded enough to keep things straight with the sort of small teams we'll be forming.” After a short pause he continued “At least if we take these tasks as seriously as they deserve. Sure they feels like we're carrying the nighty bucket out for the Elder Council, that they're beneath our dignity as Mages. But do you think the robber barons and warlords who will sprout like mushrooms on rotten timber if the Empire falls will give a fig about the Guild beyond what they can loot out of it ? The empire is the guild's shelter against that sort of crap. And when your shelter is about to drop down on your ears, you shore it up first and care about your pride second.”

Lethon was disappointed at the answer given, he would have to hope that it's worth it and the mages guild won't cheat him. after spending half his day here might as well get something out of this. Now everyone seemed to have chosen except himself, but with out knowing the pay it didn't matter to him. After hearing Ignatius's reply to the orc this "beast" intrigued him. What could this thing be to cause some much trouble to the empire couldn't be some mere Nords causing trouble or could it? The fort still interested him, dealing with the Nords had been what caught his attention in the first place. So with those thoughts he spoke again still standing from before.

"You may put me where I am needed, I don't have much to say on choice, whichever group needs my talent the most." and with that he sat back down. Sitting back to listen to what the others had to say on the matter.

Tucharon listened to Alexander's descriptions of the missions. So it's all about keeping the Empire together. And from the look of it, this could be pretty profitable. He was still fixated on taking the third mission. He could probably handle any of them, but enchantments were his specialty and few knew more about traps than he did. While he was a spellsword, it was out of necessity; fighting monsters that infested both Ayleid ruins and the wilderness surrounding most of them. His true specialty was what he had learned from his studies of Ayleid ruins; he knew what Ayleid traps looked like, and how to avoid them. From this, came his understanding of Dark Welkynd Stones; he learned how to alter their enchantments to disarm them. And from this he learned much about manipulating and identifying enchantments. From enchantments came knowledge of the unique magicka signatures that living creatures possess. Originally studied for the purpose of modifying Dark Welkynd Stones to ignore him while attacking his foes, Tucharon learned how not only to both imprint them onto enchantments, as well as matching enchanted items to the ones who had enchanted them, by means of observing the "magical footprint" left on the item's enchantment and comparing it to people's magicka signatures. After a few years he found himself identifying people more by their magicka signatures than by their faces, which he rarely looked at.

Looking back, it was amazing. Tucharon was still an Ayleid researcher, but it was amazing what he had forced himself to learn along the way. Originally, these specializations were developed simply as the means to better study Ayleid enchantments, but as he had delved deeper and deeper, he ended up gaining quite a few unique skills.

After a moment of thinking, Tucharon turned towards Alexander and spoke.

"Pardon me, sir but while I feel I could be of use in any of the missions, I feel that the sword escort mission and trap would make best use of my talents. Thus I would like to volunteer for it."

OOC: Manu, by Bruma expedition you meant the beast hunt, correct? I wouldn't want to step on any green toes here

After responding to another barrage of questions, answering Edgar's own concerns with an offhand smile, Ignatius opened the floor once more, this time asking for mission leaders. Almost immediately the Dunmer mage gave another articulate reply, proposing himself as leader to the Cloud Ruler mission. Edgar nodded at the elf's suggestion, he seemed the trustworthy type, as far as mages go, though he couldn't speak for the Dunmer's other qualities.

However, the battlemage audibly groaned when the large and rowdy Redguard stood. This was the same man who had used the phrase "sitting my ass off" earlier, and laughed at a notorious thief the guild had gathered them to defeat. "If you don't mind sir, I have had military experience," the Redguard said, much more professionally than Edgar would have guessed, "I believe I would be fit for at least on of the three leader positions. Which ever one of them is fine with you is fine with me."

Edgar continued to stare at the Redguard as the orc spoke, volunteering to lead the animal hunt in Bruma. While briefly contemplating the orc's words, Edgar continued to scrutunize the Redguard. At first glance he seemed the average Ra Gada, large and muscular with heavy features, but his strangely eager expression gave him an edge Edgar did not like. The battlemage raised one dark eyebrow, waiting while two more mages volunteered until he found another chance to speak.

Alexander would most likely recognize the problem the Redguard posed as well, but given his precarious position Edgar wondered if he would deny the man. Certainly he had read their guild portfolios, no one would have even been invited to such a mission without an outstanding record. And yet, the battlemage couldn't shake the feeling that the Redguard was trouble, at least as a leader. After all, the other two missions already had volunteers for leadership, and Edgar certainly didn't want to serve under the Redguard.

"Excuse me," he said, standing once more, "But I would like to throw my hat in as a leader, preferably for the fort investigation. I too have plenty of experience within the guild, as well as a member of the prestigious Order of the Lamp." Edgar couldn't help but mention his vocation with some pride, showing the eye-within-lamp tattoo of the Order emblazoned on the back of his hand.

The redguard sat there after volunteering for being a leader. He listened to two other people volunteer for leader positions. One for the Blue fox, the other for the Bruma expedition.

Staron listened and had concluded that at this point the only thing he was gonna get was the Fort investigation. Though to him it didn't really seem to be that bad of a job. And he began to stand up again to confirm his leader position, but was stopped as the Breton Edgar so rudely stood him up.

"Excuse me, but I would like to throw my hat in as a leader, preferably for the fort investigation. I too have plenty of experience within the guild, as well as a member of the prestigious Order of the Lamp." The Breton had said. Staron felt a bit of anger rush to his face as the Breton spoke.

"Excuse me!" The Redguard said jumping out of his seat. "But do you even know the basic planning and battle preparation that goes into being a leader! Have you ever even been trapped in a fort, guarding the boarder of Cyrodil from gods know what. You battlemages hiding behind your magic and armor. You have no idea what its like to be a real solider on the battlefield!" The redguard yelled towards the Breton pointing a mean finger towards him. "I volunteered first and the position is rightfully mine!"

IC: Before Edgar's smile even faded from his face, before Alexander even had time to respond to his offer, the Redguard exploded at him. "Excuse me!" he shouted, jumping from his seat, broad face alight with fury. "But do you even know the basic planning and battle preparation that goes into being a leader? Have you ever even been trapped in a fort, guarding the border of Cyrodil from gods know what? You battlemages hiding behind your magic and armor, you have no idea what it's like to be a real solider on the battlefield! I volunteered first and the position is rightfully mine!"

Edgar had expected a response from the man, that was why he had spoken up in the first place, but such anger didn't seem necessary to the battlemage. Sure, he had intentionally tried to take the position from the man, he felt himself far more qualified than the Redguard, but a response like that wasn't going to improve his chances of getting the job.

The Breton dropped his hand, warm smile turning into an insulted frown as he stared the furious Redguard down. "I'm sorry, sir," he said, an edge of scorn creeping into his voice, "I was simply expressing my interest. I didn't mean to take the position from you; after all, you had hardly specified which mission you wished to lead. Didn't you say earlier you wanted to join the beast hunt anyway? Surely we can settle this without shouting." Edgar hoped to diffuse whatever response the man was sure to have, the last thing he wanted was to be seen bickering with such a man.

'There's something not right about him,' the Breton thought once more, wondering at his sudden, quick tempered reaction.

"Surely we can settle this without shouting." Edgar had said trying to calm down Staron. But peaceful words had been long overdue in his mind.

"Sure of course we can settle this without shouting." Staron had said calmly. "We can settle this with a fight." He began to chuckle as his hands began to conjure up a fire spell. "That will show who's more fit for the position won't it!"

OOC: Short. I'm in a hurry, plus I have a pinched nerve in my back and it's really bothering the crap out of me.

Jerrod, Meeting Hall

Jerrod sat back, listening to the drug addict and the Bretic knight bicker at each other. The addict was really taking things way to far, as he cracked his knuckles and offered the knight a fight. He wanted to keep quiet, but Jerrod decided it was best to dive in now and preferably stop any hostility, along with making something clear to both of them.

"There's not going to be any fighting. We're a team. If we don't stay together, we are going to die. Quit bickering at each other over the position. Alexander will decide who he wants the place, and we'll leave it at that."

Jerrod gave the Redguard a cold stare.

And I swear. You better be quiet. You haven't gained any respect. The Breton can actually hold self control...

"And don't treat this like a battlefield. The fort is close quartered for the most part, hallways. What you've done on some battlefield, either of you, or what organizations you are a part of, isn't going to help one bit when Nords come to put you in two or more pieces. Now, strategy would be a good tool in such a situation, but your combat skill isn't going to help you at all. It doesn't matter how many Nords you kill in a hallway. For them to be able to hold a fort from the Empire, their numbers must be great. Surely one axe will get to you..."

"Then it won't matter how many you killed, because you'll be dead."

Fir-Hess got up off his seat and backed up as the Redguard and Breton got pissy...well more than pissy, more along the lines of: Someone's gonna need a cleric, watching the exchange.

"Excuse me! But do you even know the basic planning and battle preparation that goes into being a leader! Have you ever even been trapped in a fort, guarding the boarder of Cyrodil from gods know what. You battlemages hiding behind your magic and armor. You have no idea what its like to be a real solider on the battlefield!" The redguard yelled towards the Breton pointing a mean finger towards him. "I volunteered first and the position is rightfully mine!"

"I'm sorry, sir, I was simply expressing my interest. I didn't mean to take the position from you; after all, you had hardly specified which mission you wished to lead. Didn't you say earlier you wanted to join the beast hunt anyway? Surely we can settle this without shouting."


"Sure of course we can settle this without shouting....We can settle this with a fight, That will show who's more fit for the position won't it!"

Once 'Hess saw the flames in Staron's hands he shouted trying his best to at least distract them from killing each other for five seconds

"Gentlemen! we're better than thiss! why are we so quick to fight!?"

Yeah...that wasn't gonna work...

As the two were fighting Lethon could do nothing but smile at this rediculous display. All over a position to lead 3 people and finally he couldn't just hold a smile anymore he laughed.

"HA HA ha!" he boomed through the room. "why is this even an argument? I don't think anyone would trust you with leadership. Your a disgrace look at yourself." he said to the redguard.

This was something that had been building up inside him since he had first seen the redguard entered. Now with him trying be in a role of command Lethon's life could rely on this poor excuse of a man and that wasn't comforting especially with the little idea he had already on how dangerous these missions could actually be. The breton would have to do, atleast he could keep it cool and not fly off on a tangent.

Tucharon covered his face with his palm as his statement to Alexander was drowned out by an argument. Apparently, the skooma addict seemed pretty edgy. At least he's drawing attention away from my own outburst. But this is getting out of hand, we look like a bunch of fools. In the worst case, the job offers could be retracted and extended to the Fighters Guild. It appears that the scorching heat was still making tempers run high.

He dared not enter the conversation though. He didn't want to look any more of a fool than he had already made of himself. Furthermore, it seemed that both Alexander those taking part in this argument were pretty heated and would likely not appreciate another person joining the bickering.

Perhaps the Empire would be better served by approaching the Fighters Guild. At least they'd be sure they're hiring professionals. Tucharon didn't want to lose the opportunity to take the job, but he'd rather lose the job than get killed from a lack of teamwork.