by saberlock » Sun Mar 09, 2003 4:00 pm
Having responded to the company's call for help, and having passed a number of tests, you now find yourself inside the heavily guarded office of Dorian Mirghann.
It is a big room. In the center of the room is Mirghann's desk. Behind him, you can see various screens, showing all kinds of information. There are guards in every corner. Mirghann himself is standing in front of his desk.
Mirghann has a reputation of being a ruthless leader, showing no mercy to those who oppose him. But now that he is standing before you, he seems harmless. He looks young, short, and slightly overweight. He walks around, wildly waving his arms around as he tells you about the greatness of his nation. Past victories and recent discoveries seem to be one huge wave of success, the way he tells it. But when you pay more attention, it is clear he is tired. Tired, and maybe even desperate. Obviously, things aren't all good.
"...but of course, I did not call you here just to tell you this." Mirghann continued, as he sat down behind his desk. "The reason I have told you about all of this, is that you realize just how much I need your help. You might already know this, but some time ago, an island was discovered, very far from the coast. As far as we know, it is the farthest anyone has ever went. This island was full of natural resources. Of course, we immediately started working on a small colony, and within a few years, the colony grew to a small city, where the people working on the island live with their families.
Lately, people have been disappearing, and strange creatures have been seen wandering around. We sent an expedition to the island to investigate this, but they were ambushed, and the only surviving member returned a few days ago. Before you accept this assignment, I feel it is my duty to inform you that it may be very dangerous, and that the reason you are being sent there is that I simply cannot afford to lose many more of my own people. This does mean that your reward, if you return, will be quite large. Of course the total amount will depend on your accomplishments, but if you manage to eliminate the threat, I can tell you that the minimum reward will be 40.000 Tarons*. You will realize this price demonstrates how serious the situation is."
Mirghann stopped talking for a moment, looking at the four mercenaries. Then he continued. "Should you accept this mission, you will be taken to Isle 526 in two days. You will get a chance to speak to the survivor of the previous mission tomorrow. Three people, who are already on the island will join you when you arrive. They will be able to give more detailed information, and they will be your guide on the island. All three of them are experienced explorers and warriors, so it may be in your best interest to listen to what they have to say."
Mirghann stood up, and looked each of the mercenaries in the eyes. "Will you take the job?"
* This would be approximately the amount of money an average person has to work two years for. It's a LOT of money.
the Taron is a currency that is accepted almost everywhere, because of international trade. It is called the Taron, because it has the sign of Taron the Reborn, a hero from the First Conflict.