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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Fangor the Fierce" data-source="post: 1681705" data-attributes="member: 17100">The DefendersWYSIWYG, Hesseroph, and Temujin: With your continued studies, you begin the day with breakfast, and then it is straight to your first class.  The sparring that ensues comes as a common action in your days since you have been here at the academy.  With your favored weapon, you have become agile enough to be confident that you may show athe trainers a little show of worthiness. As you are in you various areas around the academy grounds, you spy a few newcomers heading from Maximo's study, and out the front doors.  They do not seems familiar to you, even though you are used to the fact that many come here to learn, but few stay due to the rigorous teachings.  You are each in the front training area, where the main doors are and while peerin gat the astrangers, the words of your trainers to get back to your teachings brings you back to your current situation; sparring and making sure that the other student you are facing doesn't take advantage of your interest in this new group. The sparring continues for a few minutes before you hear the front doors being opened wildly by someone looking a bit frantic.  The man runs into the square, and one of the trainers known as Baylen strides over to the man.  You can not hear what is being said, but the man is then escorted to the rear of the academy, probably heading to talk with Maximo, while you are left to continue. After another 15 minutes of intense attacking and defending, your muscles ache from the continued effects of parrying, blocking, striking and other sorts of combat maneuvers.  Then you hear the whistle to halt.  As you turn to look, you see that Maximo is standing at one of the doors that leads to the rear of the academy, speaking with Baylen.  Then Baylen turns his attention to the group of students, nods his head, and Maximo takes his leave.  As you stand there, awaiting the orders from Baylen to continue, he simply walks over to the group, studying it carefully, and then says, "Maximo has requested that you be given the rest of the day to rest.  Tomorrow, you will continue yourongoing studies, but for this day, you can rest.  The city is open for those wanting to go to the market, or visit any of the townsfolk.  But remember:  You represent the academy, and Maximo at that.  Do not disappoint him or the academy.  Expulsion will be your punishment."   The students, overjoyed by this fateful event, are all grinning and smiling by now, and some even run off to do whatever their haearts would like.  As the students make for their various places that they want to go, you spy Baylen point you out and motion you over.  Mule, Jean and Mugen are the only three that he motions over, waiting for most of the students to take their leave before speaking quietly to you. "It seems that you may have a special task at hand.  Maximo has requested that I send some students to his study, to learn of a task that needs to be done.  You three have indeed shown promise, and he would like to speak with you.  Please follow me to his study, as he will be waiting.  And do not speak of this to any of the other students."  With that, he walks away, towards the rear of the academy, waiting for you to follow.  You know that to question the trainers is not wise, and reluctantly follow. Once you head to the rear, you see students running in and out of their rooms, some changing clothes to other less combat oriented gear, while others merely try to take a quick advantage to this and leave with what they were wearing earlier.  They are oblivious to your presence and you make your way to the rear doors quickly.  As you enter, you see the man that had ran into the academy frantically standing there next to Maximo, glancing at you, and then behind you.  He turns to Maximo, "Only three?  Did you not hear what I said earlier?"   With a tquick glance, the tall stature of Maximo looks at the man, and he suddenly quietens himself.  "These are students of the academy.  They have trained here enough to be able to fend for themselves.  You came to me for help, remember?  Do not question my faith, for I believe that Baylen has vouched for these three and they will not prove me wrong." The man looks almost ashed at questioning Maximo, cowering slightly and sayin, "Yes, of course.  I meant no disrespect." Turning to the three before him, he simply looks each of you over.  After a few seconds, which seem like minutes, he begins speaking.  "It seems as though there may be trouble brewing soon.  Mortimus here has informed me that a beast of some sorts has killed off a few sheep in a farm to the southeast.  It seems to have eaten much of what was there, as only the hides and bones are left.  A creature such as this is one that needs to be dealt with swiftly.  I could send a lot more students, but that would alert many of the townsfolk of our presence, and that is something I would not like at this time.  A few students should be enough to find out what is behind this killing and deal with it accordingly.  The farm is to the southeast, west of spring creek.  He says that the beasts tracks head towards the feet of the mountains in the east.  I see that there is not a tracker in your group, so I will take care of that.  The rest of you are to gather what gear you think you will need, and head to the farm.  It's owner, and Mortimus' employer, is named Darius.  He is a kind man, and he has asked for my help.  I can not go about dealing with every problem that I am asked to, but my students are trained well enough to deal with it.  Rest assured, your actions will be rewarded, yet will more than likely go unnoticed beyond these walls.  Do not speak of this to the other students.  Once you are ready, meet Baylen at the front gate.  He will provide you with a tracker and you may make your way to the farm.  Head south, walking by the creek, and after half an hour, head back west.  You should be able to see the farmstead if you look for it.  Darius will be expecting you and it should not take long at all.  The rest of the day, after you let me know the outcome, can be spent in town or wherever you like." "Baylen, go and get Shilo, as he has a job to help with." Maximo says. Baylen nods and heads out, while you are left to gather what provisions you need and meet at the front door.  Once you are all gathered, I will continue.  The kitchen area has packs of rations for free, if you would like to grab 2 at the most.   Left standing there, you glance at the others, and must now gather what you need and meet at the front door.</blockquote>

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