Chapter Forty - An Offer

Chapter Forty - An Offer

Mister Rainnewt shifted some papers around on his desk. I think it would behoove me to explain the situation. Most who come here and ask to become members of the Exploration Guild come from places like the Scumways. They have no experience out in the field, have no referrals, and are generally not equipped with a class suitable to work as members of our guild. From what Ive read you are... unfamiliar with our way of doing things?

Pretty much, I said. I like exploring, and I have some skills related to that, but Leonard and Emerics party were my first time meeting members of the guild.

Tarragon nodded. I see. The Exploration Guild holds a strange place in the world. Youll find that we, more than any other guild, have members of a certain... prestige. The adventurous and wild who occasionally have too much time on their hands and who want a river named after them or some such. These members make up a sizable portion of our guild. After these we have those who do genuinely love exploration and architecture and archeology, who want to discover ancient secrets and unearth hidden ruins. Then we have those who are merely in it for the gold and the lower risk. We lose far fewer members than most guilds whose activities are beyond the walls of a city.

He made a dismissive gesture in the air.

But enough of that. The point Im trying to get to is that we dont just let anyone join. When we get new members we usually give them a few rapid training sessions with some more veteran members before sending them off on a few simple, low-risk missions. Right now, Im in a bit of trouble.

I took a moment to digest everything he said, then tilted my head to the side. Trouble? How so?

I have an odd number of applicants. With few exceptions, new applicants are sent out in pairs. Usually a noble and a talented new recruit. I happen to have a new noble member but no talented recruits to go with her.

I... see, I said. Do you get that many noble members?

He nodded, an easy smile still in place. A full third of our membership is made up of people with good blood. Which is why your appearance today is such a boon. Telling a new member that their first exploratory mission will be delayed would be a hassle.

I raised a hand, one finger up in a one moment sort of gesture and Tarragon made a go ahead gesture in response.

The Exploration Guild, as he had explained it was... not what I was expecting. I thought they were scouts and explorers, sent out to find and discover all sorts of new things. Not an old boys club. The more he talked the more I recalled images of rich old gentlemen out in the Savannah with huge rifles next to the bodies of dead lions and elephants.

Not that I had anything against pith helmets, they were pretty cool.

I was still willing to try it out. What can you tell me about my, um, partner?

There was a shrewd look in Mister Rainnewts eyes that faded almost as soon as I noticed it. Shes a young noble lady from the Nesting Kingdom from the north. A scion of the Albatross family who wants to spice up her life a little. A Thunder Mage, if that helps any.

That sounds nice, I said. Okay, I was already interested. But I have questions.

He nodded. Im here to answer them, of course.

Alright. Are there any responsibilities associated with joining the guild? Are there any entry requirements I should be aware of? And do we get to wear cool hats? Oh, and what kind of pay do we get?

He blinked a few times then chuckled. Theres a standard yearly membership fee, five lesser gold or a percentage off any gains until such a time as the fee is paid. Most missions pay one or two sil per day in the field. The missions available for more senior members double that; any discoveries made are handsomely rewarded. Most members who come in at your financial level still manage to make a tidy profit, though those who do the best are usually those who join a peers party. As for your headgear, that is up to you, Im afraid.

I nodded along. The membership fee seemed steep, but they had to pay rent, and it sounded as if I had time to pay it off. Judging by how liberal the party I had met in the Darkwoods had been with their gold I would still be making my money back.

As for responsibilities. There are some, many even, but not for an entrant as you would be. Youre still in your first rank? he asked.

My first rank?

He chuckled. Between levels one and ten. Past the tenth level you enter your second rank, past your twentieth level, if you become one of the few to make it so far, you enter your third rank.

I froze. Tomorrow? I squeaked.

Opportunity waits for no one, he said.

I... can do that, I guess. Um. A voyage to where? I asked.

This was way too soon, and with far too little warning.

The new members are travelling by airship--

Ill be there!

I... see, thats wonderful. Do pack for a rather swampy area.

No problem! I said. Though I will have to leave now if Im to have the time to get all the things I need.

Of course. Here, he said as he opened a drawer and pulled out a small compass rose pin. The stores that offer discounts are all marked, Im certain someone as shrewd as you will figure it out.

Thanks, I said as I took the pin and ran a thumb over it. It was just simple steel with some porcelain embossing over it, the design little more than a deep blue compass rose with a tiny brown bandoleer running across it.

I pinned it right over my heart, then, because my hands were already close, I gave Oranges sleeping head a rub.

Okay then. I said. I guess that means Ill be off. Until tomorrow?

Until tomorrow, Mister Rainnewt agreed.

I left the guildhouse with a skip to my step and a bunch of plans percolating in the back of my mind.

The next day I was going to meet my partner, and we would go on a grand adventure together. Which meant that I would have plenty of opportunities to turn her into the very best friend ever.

No more travelling with people for a few days only to be torn apart, or meeting cool new people only to have to move on.

This time I was determined to make the best of my opportunity!

Also, Id get to ride an airship.

People looked at me as I cheered and skipped down Guild Row.

Congratulations! Through repeated actions your Cute skill has improved and is now eligible for rank up!

Rank D is a free rank!

...

No!