Illius Pollux, the Chairman of the Reim Historical Society, looked over a letter from one Captain Grimwald. His hand idly stroked his white beard as he read over the contents once more, humming to himself in thought. It appeared that this Captain was somehow connected to Azix Niraj, the founder of the Opportunity Initiative, who had recommended the Historical Society. The Captain was taking a voyage to an uncharted island far off the coast of Reim and was offering a spot in case there were items of cultural or historical significance.
The Chairman leaned back in his seat and drew a swig from a large jug of wine. A scholarly man, he knew the legend of the Shrouded Isle from his endless hours of research into old lore. Rumors say that any who enter never return, unable to leave the dense fog that surrounds the island. The stories about the Shrouded Isle were inconsistent, some said that it was where the famous pirate, Gunner, had buried his treasure, while others said it held the remains of an ancient city.
Illius had always thought the legend to be a myth, however if this Captain Grimwald knew how to find it, he was willing to take a chance. The idea of buried treasure was nice, but if it did hold an ancient city, that was what truly fascinated him. Perhaps, he could find the answer to his life's work, unlocking the secrets of ancient history. Obtaining that knowledge had driven him to scholarly pursuits since his youth.
He set his jug on the table and held his head as it spun, "Tyrus! *hic* Get a team together for a dig! Use the Opportunity Workers if you need any help."
A young scribe looked up from his writings, unphased by the outburst from the Chairman, the old man was often shouting out demands from behind a jug of wine. With a sigh, the scribe stood up to get the preparations started. "Where is the dig, sir?"
"We're *hic* going to Portsmouth!" Illius shouted as he took another swig of his jug, wondering if he should dare make the journey himself.
A Week Later: Portsmouth
Captain Grimwald stood at the entrance of the port with his crew, looking over the applicants. He had sent his men throughout Reim over the last several days, whispering rumors of the legendary island to draw out adventurous souls. The rumors had led those very souls to Portsmouth where he would judge them, only wanting to take the strongest on his voyage.
He groaned when he saw a group of scribes and archaeologists followed by some able-bodied men, recognizing them as the Historical Society. Grimwald questioned why he had listened to Azix's suggestion that he extend an invitation to them. The scribes didn't look like they could fight, let alone survive on the open sea unaided. They were going into a potentially deadly situation and the magician expected him to babysit.
As he thought of several choice words he would like to say to Azix, none of them pleasant, Grimwald gestured to two of his men to lead the archaeological group to the ship. Meanwhile, he watched as a young boy, barely the age of ten approached with a small dagger. Grimwald bent down to look straight in the boy's eyes. "What do he have here, lad? You think you can tackle down a dragon or the fearsome heffalump with that?"
The boy bobbed his head and gave his best scary scowl, "Oi! Thas' right! I stab 'em right dead!"
Grimwald let out a booming laugh and slapped his knee. "Is that right?" He stood up and placed his hands on his hips. "Sorry, kid. I don't want to have to watch your back. Go on home."
The young boy stamped his foot, "No, I want to go! I'll show you what I can do." With a high-pitched shout, the boy charged forward with his dagger raised and stabbed at the pirate captain's leg.
Grimwald quickly moved to the side and kicked the boy's head hard enough to send him flying several meters away. When the boy started to cry, Grimwald turned to the next person waiting to be judged. "I told ya' no, kid. Go home before ya' get ya'self killed. Now, who is next? Show me why I should take you along and not the next person in line."
[OOC:Post as if you were the next person in line and Grimwald will address you each in turn. Magoi used in this round of posting will be refunded. There will be another post in 48 hours.]