More faces were showing up now, drawn in by the crowd that had already formed around him, and honestly, Cain was happy with it. The Tangleweaves expedition was the most dangerous task available, considering how that area of Terrasphere was a big unknown even for veterans of the game, so Mizuki’s presence was undoubtedly reassuring to have. Alonso too, being willing to lend his bestial might to the restoration of an out-of-the-way village was a blessing, considering the physical builds of the others who were willing to lend a hand out to reconstruction. And of course, Brad, though perhaps lacking in the same sort of fame as the Cannibal Wolf and Beast of Astorea, had the balance of abilities and the goodheartedness to fill any role that the party needed, something that’d undoubtedly be important considering the combative nature of the rest of the monster-extermination volunteers.
The three relative newbies, of course, were greater unknowns in that regard. The dark-haired swordswoman was quick to offer her assistance in the field that they lacked the most assistance in though, while the man with the cerulean-studded crown looked like he had no clue what was actually going on…but having another set of hands to stabilize the perimeters of Applesun Village was always helpful. As for the cheery brunette though…Cain’s gaze turned towards Mizuki, shooting her a slightly apologetic smile. They didn’t even have time to catch up and he was going to foist all these kiddos to babysit.
“Well then,” the Flagbearer exclaimed, clapping his hands together to gather the attention upon him once more. “Our numbers have certainly soared beyond what I’d have expected, but it’s wonderful to see that the spirit of volunteerism persists within this new generation of adventurers. Considering the chaos and confusion that may ensue with trying to figure out proper party compositions for each individual task, please forgive me for utilising my privilege as the…quest giver to assign you all directly. Now, without further ado…”
With a flick of his wrist, Cain drew the billowing banner closer, the ember-brightening fabrics twisting to create the first image: four intrepid explorers delving beneath the sun-choking canopy in search of an apple brighter than gold.
“ @Ueno Mizuki of the Heart-Rending Claw, I’ll trust you to lead the expedition to the Tangleweaves, with @Pete Simpson , @Sol , and @Kamala Graham . Prioritize their safety over the acquisition of the Apple; if circumstances appear fatal, we can return with a kitted out party next time.”
A strum of the blazing fibers, a rippling of an unseen harp, and the second image formed, four valiant souls against the forces of nature corrupted, as a light most brilliant exposed the sheer depths of the shadows all around.
“@Bradwynne the God’s Brand, you, alongside the @Mighty Rumblehide , @Ilya , and… @Frey Elzeiros , will be tasked with the matter of clearing out the monstrous vegetation in the area, as well as performing consecrating rituals so that such incursions will not occur after our inevitable departure. As a paladin, I do believe such a task is something you are well-suited for?”
A spin of the banner once more, a bugle cry sounding out through the plaza before the illustrations once again changed, the embers stoked into flame as a wood-fire oven roared with the intensity of two chefs and their ascent to culinary divinity, as another, hat-weird individual carted ingredients back and forth.
“And of course, @Sylpha Astarte , @Hanasakura Okami , if you could be so kind as to handle the work of creating a true masterpiece that’ll cause all of Terrasphere to salivate, then please, leave the menial labour of acquiring ingredients to this humble bard here.”
And a final strike, harmonics resonating with the ground itself before starlit wireframes rose all around the 13 that were gathered, constructing a three-dimensional simulation of buildings and towers, farms and churches.
“Which will all lead, ultimately, to the village you three, @Janet Reilly , @Bluebird , and @Alonso Thorlion , will have built. So long as it doesn’t look like a Gothic Victorian mansion and scare off any potential farmers from settling in, I’m 100% fine with whatever designs you come up with! Just make sure to aim as high as you can.”
The midnight-haired muse snapped his fingers, dispersing the astral projection, and leaned his flagpole against his shoulder. He made a few quick finger gestures against a UI that only he could see, and a few moments later, everyone had been added to a group chat.
“We can use this to keep up to date. If there’s any problems, give a shout…though I can’t imagine there’ll be any, with all the promising up-and-comers who’re here!”
The three relative newbies, of course, were greater unknowns in that regard. The dark-haired swordswoman was quick to offer her assistance in the field that they lacked the most assistance in though, while the man with the cerulean-studded crown looked like he had no clue what was actually going on…but having another set of hands to stabilize the perimeters of Applesun Village was always helpful. As for the cheery brunette though…Cain’s gaze turned towards Mizuki, shooting her a slightly apologetic smile. They didn’t even have time to catch up and he was going to foist all these kiddos to babysit.
“Well then,” the Flagbearer exclaimed, clapping his hands together to gather the attention upon him once more. “Our numbers have certainly soared beyond what I’d have expected, but it’s wonderful to see that the spirit of volunteerism persists within this new generation of adventurers. Considering the chaos and confusion that may ensue with trying to figure out proper party compositions for each individual task, please forgive me for utilising my privilege as the…quest giver to assign you all directly. Now, without further ado…”
With a flick of his wrist, Cain drew the billowing banner closer, the ember-brightening fabrics twisting to create the first image: four intrepid explorers delving beneath the sun-choking canopy in search of an apple brighter than gold.
“ @Ueno Mizuki of the Heart-Rending Claw, I’ll trust you to lead the expedition to the Tangleweaves, with @Pete Simpson , @Sol , and @Kamala Graham . Prioritize their safety over the acquisition of the Apple; if circumstances appear fatal, we can return with a kitted out party next time.”
A strum of the blazing fibers, a rippling of an unseen harp, and the second image formed, four valiant souls against the forces of nature corrupted, as a light most brilliant exposed the sheer depths of the shadows all around.
“@Bradwynne the God’s Brand, you, alongside the @Mighty Rumblehide , @Ilya , and… @Frey Elzeiros , will be tasked with the matter of clearing out the monstrous vegetation in the area, as well as performing consecrating rituals so that such incursions will not occur after our inevitable departure. As a paladin, I do believe such a task is something you are well-suited for?”
A spin of the banner once more, a bugle cry sounding out through the plaza before the illustrations once again changed, the embers stoked into flame as a wood-fire oven roared with the intensity of two chefs and their ascent to culinary divinity, as another, hat-weird individual carted ingredients back and forth.
“And of course, @Sylpha Astarte , @Hanasakura Okami , if you could be so kind as to handle the work of creating a true masterpiece that’ll cause all of Terrasphere to salivate, then please, leave the menial labour of acquiring ingredients to this humble bard here.”
And a final strike, harmonics resonating with the ground itself before starlit wireframes rose all around the 13 that were gathered, constructing a three-dimensional simulation of buildings and towers, farms and churches.
“Which will all lead, ultimately, to the village you three, @Janet Reilly , @Bluebird , and @Alonso Thorlion , will have built. So long as it doesn’t look like a Gothic Victorian mansion and scare off any potential farmers from settling in, I’m 100% fine with whatever designs you come up with! Just make sure to aim as high as you can.”
The midnight-haired muse snapped his fingers, dispersing the astral projection, and leaned his flagpole against his shoulder. He made a few quick finger gestures against a UI that only he could see, and a few moments later, everyone had been added to a group chat.
“We can use this to keep up to date. If there’s any problems, give a shout…though I can’t imagine there’ll be any, with all the promising up-and-comers who’re here!”