[Task One: Following the Footsteps.]

Rook, is it? Rook to E4. Looking to find your way into the Arcanists it seems? The absolute best squad around? The cream of the crop? The elite of the elite?! Well, you will have to prove yourself! These Arms don't dye themselves! Complete theses trials three and you shall at long last join our fellow Guardsmen in this most prestigious squad. _{Please, we need the help.}

Task One: Following the Footsteps.
There have been many great Arcanists in our time. Arc, Veldrin, Haap, Bersi, and Valentine to name a few. All great Guardsmen, and all great Arcanists. They all had their own style and field of study. I want you to delve deep into the different fields of study that an Arcanist may choose, and hold a training for your fellow guardsmen highlighting the pros and cons of each of these fields of study.

~Hold a Training highlighting different Arcanist templates and how they're used, how to defend against them, and their tactics.
~Gather as many different Arcanist studies as you muster to show off. Hope Tyrell (Music), Ilyana (Spellweaving), Myself (Pure), Kas Valentine (Nox), any other Arcanist (or hopeful) you can muster. (Not all or any are needed for the training, but would be helpful for demonstration)
~Post a full report below.


Task Two: Delving the Deep.

The Arcanist Squad has too few trophies on their hands. I want a big, fat Dragon claw on our wall. Lead a group of Guardsmen to the den of an Ancient Wyrm and slay it. Bring back it's claw as proof. Not only will you lead the Arcanist Squad to glory, you will add to your own fame in the Huntmaster Citation.

~Lead a hunt to slay an Anceint Wyrm.
~Bring back at least 20,000 coins.
~Post a full report below.

Task Three: Feeding the Masses.

War, war, war. People get single minded when war is happening. The safety, and well being of the masses falls to the wayside.  I would like you to conduct a humanitarian effort to aid the ailing people, both foreign and domestic. People need food, drink, and merriment. We can provide. Contact your local citizens to aid you in bringing forth wonder.

~Conduct a free tavern night, with food, drink and entertainment.
~Make use of the citizens in Cove to aid your effort. Contact Axiana, Khaelieth, Carolin, the Kazami(s), ect.
~Post a full report below.

*Signed*
Elizabeth "Pickles" Martin
Arcanist Corporal.

[When:]

When:
Sunday the 2nd, September. 9pm GMT. (4pm EST)

Where:
Gather at the Barracks, directly after the Parade.

Bring:
Come supplied for every occasion. I suggest Orange petals, Healing and Cure potions, enhanced bandages, and apples. Bring nothing but the essentials and easily replaced items.



We will be tackling the infamous dungeon of Doom. The name of the place is quite fitting. I want to put or teamwork, fighting ability and polish armor to the test. We will be working through Doom, cleansing the place with iron and fire, whilst collecting enough daemon bones in an attempt summon a Bone Daemon, collect it's prized skull, use that as passage to the further level of the dire dungeon of Doom.
(If that proves too easy, we may skip the one Daemon and go directly to the Gauntlet.)

*Signed*
Elizabeth "Pickles" Martin
Arcanist Corporal

[Task One: Bolster the Ranks.]

Pickles sat at her desk, piles of scrolls, trinkets, reagents and dusty tomes tower nearly over her head. She licked her lips and dipped a quill into a slowly drying ink well, pulling a wrinkled piece of parchment in front of her, to a relatively clear spot in the desk. Months without any promising Arcanist hopefuls, and then, poof, all of the sudden, several viable candidates were pilling into the ranks. Hope Tyrell. Her newest Apprentice. She seemed promising. With work she would become quite the addition to the Squad.

My New Apprentice! Hope! I do hope you are in good health. I do apologize for my sloth in setting you some tasks to get done. But if we work hard together, we should be able to get you fast tracked toward your Arcanist Arms. Don't let me down!

Task One: Bolster the Ranks.
With War looming upon us, it is almost certain that our numbers will falter with casualties. To combat this gruesome realty, we need to redouble our recruitment efforts.  While it is not the most glorious of tasks, it is of dire need. We can't let let this war be lost to dwindling numbers, and fall into loss by attrition. Vesperians are known for their stubbornness.



-Place at least Ten Recruitment Banners
-Prioritize areas were fresh, young faces may congregate. Luna, New Haven, Local Training or Hunting grounds. Be creative!
-Post a short report below.

Task Two: Secure the Border.
Again, with the tiresome duties, I know, I know. Not everything can be glory and valor. Though, you may find some if the Vesperians become to daring. For this task you must secure an area on our border with Vesper. We must be ever vigilant with our stance against the Red Menace. Not once inch of Covian soil may be permitted to be lost to those heathens.



-Secure an area of our Border with a Sentry. Along the Road, in the Shire, near the Ruins, Along the coast, or against the mountainside. You may do multiple locations, if you have the numbers to split between locations.
-At least Two other Guardsmen must attend.
-Post a Report below.

Task Three: Wandering Wind.
There is an old Magical stronghold, hidden deep within the mountains, that goes by the name of Wind. It has long been a passage for all young mages to seek this place out and discover it's secrets. As the entrance is warded to stop the entrance to anyone without Arcane knowledge, it remains every vigilant and protected from those would would see to do us harm. Though parts of it have fallen to dark magics and decay. Seek out this once great city, cleanse it of foul magics, and study it's secrets.



-Mount an Expedition to Wind. As only those gifted with magic may enter, it will be limited to you and other Arcanists.
-While you may do this alone, I suggest you take at least One other Arcanist or Arcanist hopeful with you. The caverns are home to creatures most foul.
-Post your report below.

*Signed*
Elizabeth "Pickles" Martin
Arcanist Corporal.

[One Guardsman Duty awarded.]

Very good work, Recruit. As Promised, you may count that toward a Guardsman Duty, for all that 'dirty work'.

One Guardsman Duty awarded.

*Signed*
Elizabeth "Pickles" Martin
Arcanist Corporal.

It was finally time. The right day, the right time, the right phases of the moons. Everything was lining up. All of the resources were gathered, and not even a single speck of Blackrock was needed. It'll all be done with Power crystals, Arcane Gems, and a 'discount' moonstone. It was nearly the same thing. Some Tokunese knockoff version. But it was suitable. Better be, for the price I paid. We just needed the numbers. We needed  as many gifted hands as we could get to open this rift. Abi and I set forth explaining exactly what was happening, and how it was going to happen to Mercy. Abi was even kind enough to give a few visual explanations using some spare coins and recall runes. Mercy, bless her, was all in from the beginning.

Tom, on the other hand, took some badgering. He offered up his concerns, worried about getting lost in space time, or opening a rift to allow all sorts of foul beasts through. Some kind of unforeseen forces tearing us from limb to limb. Heresy. Blah, blah, blah. Honestly, I stopped listening after a while. He can surely be a wet blanket at times. But, I suppose every hardy group needs one. His concerns were put to rest with calling him a Ninny. Even Tom will stand up straight when being accused of being a Ninny.

With our gathered band of three willing Arcanists and one peer-pressured Arcanist we made out way to the ritual circle. There, way assembled the gems and power crystals in precisely the right order around the circle. Everything had to be perfect. Not a single hair out of place. We only had enough power to attempt this twice. Our first attempt, as it were, didn't go as planned. Our first configuration was with me in the center, opening the rift, with the other three surrounding. The gate did open. But it began to draw us in, the opposite of what we wanted. We wanted to draw her to us, not us to her.

Luckily we all broke the spell in a moment's notice. The crystals fizzled and popped and dimmed slightly. The angry void crackling and closing rapidly. We took a moment, rearranged our configurations, adjusted our spell slightly to reverse the drawing energies. This time all four of us would be outside the ring, focusing on the center, opening the rift to the other shard. Crystals creaking and groaned, energies sparking between them, the gems soaking them in and focusing them into the center of the circle. That angry, red gate opened it's maw again, a rush of wild energies and wind blowing toward us. But we held, and we held.

Crackling light, hair standing on end. Power crystals dimming to a dull purple. -Creak, Crash, Shatter!- One by one gems would explode into dust as suddenly a single, mud brown boot stepped through the waning, red void. The shrinking passage quickly drawing to a single pin hole behind the looming figure of light blue haired Witch. It was Ilyana. Just as expected. Nothing amiss. She was confused and bewildered. But that was quietened by the unified shout of 'Happy Birthday!' Just a surprise birthday party for our beloved friend. Nothing more, nothing less. She doesn't seem to know the difference. Though she still furrows her brow and seems confused by little things. That'll be ironed out. In time.

[*Signed*]

You're well on your way! Keep at it, Mori!

*Signed*
Elizabeth 'Pickles' Martin
Officer Cadet

Pickles sat at the desk in the Arcanist tower, staring down at the briefs for the day. Her nose wrinkling as a bell laden tendril of purple fabric hung down and bounced against her nose. -Gling, Ting!- Her brow creased a moment, in concentration as she shuffled some papers around. Discipline, or lack there of. Uniform, Standards. It was coming up again and again. Her superiors breathing down her neck about the slipping discipline amongst the ranks. She bobbed her head lightly, those bells rattling their happy song. -Pling, Ting!- A frown creased  across her lips. She certainly wasn't setting the best example.

She slowly removed her trademark hat and settled it neatly upon the desk. Everything had it's time, and it's place. They weren't the band of ragtag Mercenaries anymore like when she joined. Even then, it was hard pressed to get people to look past her hat. She really did like to push the boundaries back then. Why was she clinging to such a thing even now? Years later? It really didn't make much sense. She wasn't much of the bouncy, giggly, joyfilled girl she was those years ago. She gave the jester hat a final pat, before pulling on a dusty cap.

[Operation Yoink]

Pickles sat at the desk in the Arcanist tower, her frown darkening as she stared down at the old Arcanist roster. Something was tearing at her chest. A name at the top of the like Ilyana - Deceased. She had never lost a friend before this, not so permanently. It hung heavily in the air, like a dense fog. The dread, the sorrow, the regret. The sudden realization, poor Abigail. She didn't know. She was so soft, so young, and so naive to the entire situation. She still believed Ilyana retired to the Colonies. It's true what they say. No one ever really retires. She would have to be told. It was for her own good. We had to tell her, like ripping off an old bandage.

It was a little ugly, but it had to happen. Abi needed to know the truth. But seeing her cry like that was even harder. How much she missed her and how she wailed in grief, it opened up old scars. In her grief she wailed and fought, screaming about ways to bring her back. There was no way it could happen, everything was already thought of and tried? Right? Suddenly like a lightning flash the was some remembrance of a book. "The Shattering" it simply talked about the those silly old legends, those stories for the children. Mondain and the Gem of Immortality. Shattered into countless pieces all containing perfect copies of Britannia. Everything would be the same, of course with some small differences.

But, it couldn't be true, could it? Exact copies of the same world floating around, unseeable, unreachable? All just a little different. Maybe one where the plague never happened? Maybe one where a little small change the outcome of a single battle changed the landscape of an entire war? The timing of a single spell changing the fate or future of an entire realm? One wear Ilyana was alive and well? It was all so mind boggling and confusing. Why couldn't it be possible. There is Trammel and Felucca, right? Mirrors of each other, the same, but with some minor differences. We could touch those?

Why not these other Britannia's? These other 'Shards' of the broken Immortality gem, as it were? If they exist. If we can find one. If we were willing to risk it. What's the worse that can happen? Entire world ending consequences where every last being is killed? What would happen to the 'shard' that we.. borrow that Ilyana from? Doomed to a dark, solemn future where the plague never ended and the dead walked the world, slowly but surely whittling away at every last living being on the planet until nothing was left but Guardian spawn and walking, biting, chewing death? Don't be ridiculous. 

It would take so much energy, so much power.. and so many fool hearty Arcanists to even begin. Terort Skitas. A good place to start. More research is needed. Operation fuck consequences, we miss Ily. Operation Yoink is underway.

[When:]

When:Thursday, June 28th, 8PM.
Where:Rally at Cove Barracks.
Equipment:Full battle gear, plenty of bandages, and your wits. I also recommend bringing along Orange Petals, Cure Potions, and Acid Poppers.

We will be heading in the lair of this foul spider beast. I've been having poor dreams of late plagued by Spiders and Drow. We'll see an end to it with the slaying of this foul, monstrous creation. Maybe even anger some spider loving Drow in the process.

*Signed*
Elizabeth "Pickles" Martin
Officer Cadet.

Currently have available:

110 Archery
110 Spirit Speak
110 Ninjitsu
2x110 Bushido
105 Stealth

0.6 Lumberjacking
0.7 Bushido
0.9 Forensics
0.6 Forensics

Parry Mastery lvl 1
Mace Fighting Mastery lvl 2

Elizabeth "Pickles" Martin, branded Arcanist.

[Gaining Recruits]

Tereleith. Quite the rambunctious one. Quite like her daughter in that way, is seems. She seems skilled enough, but reigning her in to become a proper Aracanist may be a task in itself. I do hope she doesn't turn out as heathenistic, rebellious and deserter-ish as her daughter.

Gaining Recruits

If you're going to be moving up, it only seems suitable that you try and find replacement Recruits to boss around. With the majority of or forces being veterans of several wars, it is also good to lift a little burden off of their shoulders. We need fresh meatshileds recruits to fill our ranks. Who else would protect the Arcanists during War?

-Lead a Recruitment drive.
-Place at least ten (10) recruitment banners.
-Report with full sketches below.

*Signed*
Elizabeth "Pickles" Martin,
Officer Cadet.

[highly recommend]

The Arcanist's relationship with the church has ever been a precarious one. With these many new Arcanist faces around Cove it will not be long before the Church takes notice and begins to become more suspicious. Although we have naught but the safety and protection of Cove, it's citizens, and it's borders in mind it is not beyond the church to find try and find some nefarious, non existent link between us and the current Gargoyle threat.

It is best to be proactive about these things. If you are not yet sanctioned by the church, it is a requirement of all squaded Arcanists. One weak link and the entire squad may be implicated by association. It is also highly recommend that all non-squaded Arcanists, and Arcanist hopefuls submit themselves to Holy scrutiny as well. We are Covian, we are as devout Avatari as any other. It is our Holy Duty to see that we are servants of the Church and their righteous path.

If you have not done so, seek out Sir Hugo, or any other member of the clergy so that they will be able to surmise your unwavering following of The Avatar's teachings. While the church may require a test of your faith, by having you complete some task, pilgrimage, or service to the church. And in all likelihood you will be walking away with a new brand. All is better than burning at the stake, or bringing the entire Squad down with you. _{Best of luck, chaps.}

*Signed*
Elizabeth 'Pickles' Martin
Regular Arcanist.

[Cleansing with Fire:]

Mori, Mori, Mori. Quite the chap, dedicated, motivated and involved. Though, he is a 'bit' of an odd one. What kind of Arcanist doesn't believe in magic? I suppose having different view points on how things work in this odd art is a Arcanist tradition. Avatar knows that Abi and I get into odds about the very same topic. What's one more oddity in an entire squad packed to the gills with them?

Cleansing with Fire:
The world is plagued by all types of foul spell tossing beasts. Undead, Orcs, Juka, Goblins.. all have their type of Arcanists. But none are more heretical , and sinister than those Human Mages gone bad. Twisted by the words of the Guardian, the desire of power, immortality, and greed. Mondain, Minax, twisted, vile humans who push the boundaries too far on their path of knowledge.

To learn where the line truly lies, I would like you to lead a hunt to the Dark Wisp Dungeon in Ilshenar, just outside the Honesty Moongate. You must cleanse at least to the second level of the dungeon, clearing out and burning the twisted, vile mages inside. Go as deep into the dungeon as you can muster. If you dare, make your way through the Magically bound maze onto the bottom level to face the mighty Balron that lies in it's depths.

-Lead a hunt to the Wisp Dungeon in Ilshenar. Clear at least the second level. Getting all the way to the level 5 Balron earns brownie points.
-At least Four other Guardsmen must attend.
-Post a full report with Sketches below.

Back at it!
We're all getting a little rusty, trying to shake out the dust from our old spellbooks. I was able to win a free for all the other day, because the other Guardsmen seemed to forget about me, and foolishly let me stand. Not that I'm complaining. I like winning. But that simply means Tactics have become lax, and fear of the Arcanists' abilities have dwindled.

Hold a training around battle tactics, and the tactics of the Arcanists. I don't want you giving away too many of our little secrets, but the troops have to be able to defend themselves against the onslaught of Arcanist furry. 'Least them forget our might again!

-Lead a Training around battle tactics of the Arcanists, how they're effective, and how to defend against them.
-At least Four other Guardsman must attend.
-At least One of which needs to be able to throw spells. Either a squaded Arcanist or a Arcanist hopeful.
-Post a full report with sketches below.

What are these? Parlor tricks?
I know you have some rather... odd beliefs on magic, it's existence, and how things work. While I do not share theses thoughts, it is always good to share one's knowledge and beliefs. We are a studious Squad, after all. This will be a two in one task. I want you to hold a training/lecture on the techniques, tricks, and use of equipment you use to produce the same, or similar effects of that of a studied Mage. I simply don't understand it, but perhaps it will be an insight on how you are able to conjure such things.

I would also like you to construct a full essay in fine detail, about those topics you cover during your lecture, and attach it to the Tome of Knowledge. Although many of us traditionally taught mages may scoff at the notion, I find the subject incredibly interesting. The addition of your knowledge of slight of hand, illusion, smoke, mirrors, lighting, and scientific equipment would be a useful addition.

-Lead a training/lecture around your use slight of hand, illusion, misdirection, and trickery.
-Attach a detailed essay, summary, and in depth explanation to the Tome of Knowledge.
-Try to get as many Arcanists or Arcanist hopefuls to attend.
-Leave a report of the training with sketches below.

Good Luck Mori! I hope to see you in Agapite arms in no time!


*Signed*
Elizabeth 'Pickles' Martin
Officer C Regular Arcanist

The downtrodden woman slowly crept her way out of the crumbling, rotting tower. Violent waves splashing against the Western shore, sloshing up the banks. Only further reminding her of the violent storm that washed her legacy away. Who knows how many years of toiling away, transcribing every last, old, dusty scroll was lost to the wilds. An entire library, packed to the brim with lore, knowledge, tales, songs, scripture and spells reclaimed by the sea.

She left the scattered mess of tomes and the rotten, sinking remains of the forgotten tower behind. Only tearing out the waterlogged page containing the Arcanist roster. She folded the paper delicately, tucking it between the pages of her spell book, safe. As if those lost names listed above would be the last time she'd hear her colleagues, no, friends' names. For some, it was true. Others, though, there was still a spark of hope in her heart.

The grim and stone faced woman march forward, splashing through the soggy shire woods. Her face was a mask of despair, loneliness, regret, but most of all determination. She wandered for what seemed hours, drifting through the shire, looking for some form of hope. Some form of... forgiveness? -Ting, gling, ring!- Rattled the bells on her Jester cap, firmly clutched in her fist, at her side. She wandered for some time, finally finding herself along the south coast of the Covian shoreline.

Her head tilted up as she spotted a massive boulder. The thing was as big as a house. Her green tinted eyebrows knitted together tightly, an idea suddenly springing to mind. Wasn't there a structure built upon a boulder like this on the coast of the bay in Cove Proper? It lasted for decades, centuries, even. A head tilted to the side as she stepped forward and clapped a hand against the cold stone of the massive boulder. "An Ancient landslide must have littered the area with rocks the size of these..." She clucked her tongue. She patted her hand against the stone a moment, pondering. "No hurricane would wash this out..."

The uniformed woman nibbled against her bottom lip, staring upward. _{"The Pioneers used to ride these babies for miles!"} The inside joke, shared with no one but herself already cracking the stone cold face of the depressed woman. A slight, snorting giggle rumbling out, a hand lifting to tug that Jester hat firmly upon her forest green head. "We can make it work..." she smiled to herself, already getting herself excited for the future to come. A hand patted her spell book, which contained that old roster. "I won't let you down this time, friends."

It was a struggle, coming up with in finances for such a project, but draining what was left of her Officer's stipend, the meager profits of her Privateering actions with the Vesper Trading Company, and the resources left of what was her Privateer ship, sunken in the bay proved enough. Good, treated timbers, old, rusty cannons melted down and sold for scrap metal, all in all, it added up. Not for what she had dreamed for. Grand, marble halls, finely tinkered science tools and sprawling bookcases. No. It was small, it was meager. It was plaster and wood, but it was Covian.