Five young adventurers sat around a table at the guildhall in silence. Thea, Nyhm and Silas glared at Raith, who returned their sullen looks with a shit eating grin. His brother rarely drank alcohol and was especially hard hit after last night’s festivities. Tolliver looked around in disgust at the haggard state of his new teammates.

  “How the threaded fuck are you so perky?” Silas finally asked. “You were matching us round for round. Is it a [Skill]?”

  “Can I get you guys some runny eggs?” Raith smiled as Thea looked like she was about to retch at the thought. “Maybe some yogurt?”

  Nyhm narrowed his eyes.

  “It’s not a [Skill]. He stopped by the apothecary.”

  “Aww, you ruined all my fun.” Raith produced three small potions from his belt pouch. “Thought these hangover cures may be worth splurging for.”

  Thea made a grab for them, but Raith was faster and snatched them away.

  “We’re going to make you the team pack mule if you don’t cough those up,” Thea threatened, and her companions in suffering nodded. Silas immediately regretted the motion and grabbed his head, letting out a small moan.

  “Fine,” Raith said and handed them out.

  “If this is to be the state of our party each morning, we will hardly accomplish anything,” Tolliver complained.

  “Relax, Tolliver. None of us usually drink like that,” Raith said. “Well, I can’t speak for Silas.”

  Silas looked up from rubbing his temples and waiting for the potion to kick in.

  “I’m never drinking like that again for as long as I live.”

  The [Mage] didn’t seem particularly reassured, but didn’t push the issue.

  “Alright,” Raith said, standing up. “I’m going to get us pitchers of water and cool tea. When I return, we can get down to business.”

  The bartender helped him carry the cups and pitchers to the table, and by the time he settled back into his seat everyone was sipping on their tea and looking remarkably better.

  “First things first. We need a team name.”

  “That hardly seems like a priority,” Tolliver said.

  “It is when our placeholder name is ‘That Squirrely Little Shit Raith’s Team’.”

  “Why on Tela did you pick that?”

  Raith rolled his eyes, then remembered how obnoxious Terra had been and vowed to remove eyerolling from his expressive repertoire.

  “I didn’t. Guildmistress Senora is a bit irritated with me.”

  Tolliver’s eyes grew wide.

  “What? First you lot imbibe far more alcohol than is sensible, and now you’ve already drawn the ire of our Guildmistress. We haven’t even done a single [Quest].”

  “It’s fine. She just needs some time to cool down. I was thinking something like Raith’s Rangers.”

  “None of us are [Rangers] you nit,” Thea said.

  Silas raised a hand tentatively.

  “I am.”

  Thea glared at him and he put his hand down.

  “Sorry.”

  “And we’re not naming the team Raith’s anything. We don’t belong to you.”

  “Hey now, I didn’t mean it like that.”

  “How about the Lore Hunters?” Silas asked.

  “Oh, I quite like that,” Tolliver said.

  “Close, but not quite there,” Raith said, and Thea nodded in agreement.

  Nyhm chimed in for the first time.

  “Myth Seekers?”

  There was silence around the table while everyone rolled it around in their heads. Silas nodded first, and was soon joined by everyone else. Raith smiled.

  “It’s agreed then. We’re the Myth Seekers. Our first mission as a team accomplished with no bloodshed.”

  Raith raised his tea and they all clinked glasses.

  “Next up, what’s everyone’s build? We need to know more or less what you all can do to create effective strategies. I’ll start. I’m a [Scholar], [Rogue], [Warrior] hybrid. Decent close to mid range combat skills and stealth. In the process of learning locks and traps. Also, have a [Decipher Script] skill to read any language, and a [Skill] to reference books I have read. Thea, you’re next.”

  She took a moment to consider how she wanted to summarize.

  “[Shield Adept], [Seedvine Druid], and [Sylvan Aegis]. I have excellent defensive [Skills], a couple good offensive ones like [Shield Throw] and [Shield Bash], and a good relationship with plants. My druid magic is mostly focused around defense and hampering foes, like vine walls or entanglement.”

  “How do you have a relationship with plants?” Silas asked.

  “They’re smarter than ye know and have a lot to say if you know how to listen. Good [Skill] for a scout to have, if that’s your focus.”

  “I’ll learn anything you’re willing to teach, although I don’t think that’s a [Skill] that can be stitched to my classes. I’m an [Ranger], [Archer], [Armor Augmenter]. Very good with a bow, decent tracker, and some useful defensive [Skills] including [Danger Sense]. Fair at stealth, but definitely need to work on it.”

  “I would be interested in learning how to track,” Raith said. He now had a book on the subject from the guild library, but it was the sort of thing that needed real world practice, especially if you weren’t augmenting with [Skills].

  “Really?”

  Thea’s surprise was evident, and Raith shrugged feeling a little embarrassed.

  “[Ranger] was the first class I ever wanted to be. Never mind, it was silly to ask.”

  “I’d love to teach you about tracking,” Silas said with a warm smile. “It’s something I really enjoy and it would be a pleasure to have someone to discuss it with.”

  “Sorry, Raith. I wasn’t trying to give you a hard time, just surprised.”

  “Thanks guys.” Still a bit flustered, Raith was anxious to move on. “Nyhm, tell us what you’ve got.”

  The elfling crossed his arms over his chest, uncomfortable at the attention as all eyes turned his way.

  “[Martial Artist] and [Tattooed Warrior]. I fight.”

  “What is your third class?” Silas asked, then immediately reconsidered. “Sorry, I don’t mean to pry if it’s a secret.”

  Raith thought about fielding this for his brother, but if they were going to be a team he had to open up a little. Nyhm sat very still for an uncomfortably long time before replying.

  If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  “No secret. It was [Gladiator]. I cut the thread after my third braid. Never again will I fight for an audience.”

  “Surely you realize that now you must begin anew with a class.” Tolliver didn’t seem to notice the pointed looks he was getting from Raith and Thea. “Starting over with unbraided-strength [Skills] and the inability to upgrade anything from your previous class could present a serious challenge to power development. Did no one teach you…ouch!”

  Tolliver jumped, rubbing at his shin where Thea had kicked him. Those hooves were sharp, and Raith would have a bit of sympathy for the [Mage] if he hadn’t been acting like such an oblivious ass..

  “Why don’t you tell us about your build, Tolliver,” Raith said.

  “You didn’t have to kick me.” The mage rubbed his shin and frowned at Thea. “As I told you yesterday, I am a [Sonorous Adept]. My other classes are [Metamagical Scholar] and...”

  “A what scholar?” Raith asked. That sounded interesting.

  “Metamagical. I study the composition of runephrases and their application in a scholarly capacity. It is complicated to summarize, but some of the [Skills] enhance my magical acumen. My third class is a [Rogue] variant which enables me to transform into a bat.”

  “A bat?” Thea and Silas asked at the same time.

  “What kind of [Rogue] class lets you change into a bat?”

  “It is a pattern held exclusively by my family. The [Skill] can be used for other animals, but I have chosen the bat. I am only telling you now because you all will inevitably observe me use it and it is easier to dispense with the mystery ahead of time.”

  That made more sense. A transformation [Skill] at the first braid was extremely rare, but noble families could afford to pay for such unique and powerful weaves.

  “Can you summon a horde of bats to attack our enemies?”

  “Is it a huge bat with razor teeth and claws?”

  Tolliver grimaced and pointed his nose in the air.

  “Indeed not. It is simply a bat. Observe.”

  He took a deep breath and held it, face turning red with the effort, but nothing happened.

  “You need a little push or something?” Thea asked.

  Tolliver let out his breath and glared, looking embarrassed.

  “I have only just stitched this [Skill] after braiding up, and have not had a chance to practice. It is somewhat nerve-wracking to change one’s shape. Think of it like throwing yourself into a backflip, worried you may land on your head.”

  The example resonated with Raith, who nodded and tried to look understanding while the noble refocused his efforts.

  This time, he got it right.

  One moment the [Mage] was sitting there looking down his nose at the team, and the next a small brown bat was flapping in the air. He darted a quick circle around the room before returning to his chair and turning back into a person.

  “It’s so cute!” Thea squealed.

  Raith didn’t agree, but saw no reason to voice his opinion that bats were gross. He was considering how quickly the little creature seemed to move even in this confined space.

  “That speed and agility were impressive. How fast can you go?”

  A look of surprise crossed the [Mage]’s face at the unexpected compliment.

  “Astute observation. The species I have chosen is the fastest of its kind, able to fly at speeds of one hundred miles per hour. With [Lesser Speed] I can go even faster.”

  “Randy gods, that’s fast.” Thea gave their new teammate a look of appreciation.

  “You can help me scout,” Silas said, looking excited at the prospect.

  “Can you cast spells in that form?” Raith asked.

  “A few, but my casting is severely limited by the inability to properly layer runephrases.”

  Silas leaned forward.

  “What do you mean by ‘layering runephrases’?”

  Raith nodded encouragingly. He had picked up some of this stuff from his mom and sister, but it wouldn’t hurt to have the team understand their [Mage]’s powers better.

  “Spells are aether shaped by runephrases,” Tolliver began, but nodded towards Thea. “Well, perhaps not druidic magic. Or the core of divine power that [Clerics] nourish with devotion and use to power their priestly magic. But even enchantments or tattoos are constructed with runephrases. The more complicated and powerful the spell, the more layers must be used and more aether channeled to achieve the desired effect. When casting spells, these layers are achieved verbally, using somatic gestures or with [Skills]. Have you heard a [Mage] sound as though they are speaking with multiple voices?”

  “It’s fucking creepy,” Thea said, and everyone nodded in agreement.

  “Yes, well that is a [Skill] used to add additional layers in order to cast more complex spells. In my bat form I lack the use of my hands to use for layering. However, I have [Stillspell], a metamagical [Skill] that allows me to partially compensate.”

  “So what spells can you cast?”

  “In bat form, I can cast a line of sight Covert Message spell, Audial Distraction and Silent Sphere. With the use of my hands I can also cast Sonic Blast, which projects a short range, single target concussive force, and Sonic Missile which is a small, longer range sound-based bludgeoning attack.”

  Raith raised his eyebrows at Thea, who returned the look. They had stumbled onto a gem getting this mage on the team.

  “That’s incredibly valuable, Tolliver. You’ve given me a lot to think about. Thank you.”

  “It is refreshing to find a person who understands the value of my skills.”

  “Alright, folks, next order of business: scheduling. I propose we leave south the day after tomorrow.”

  “South to where?” Nyhm asked.

  “Janek’s Tower.”

  Janek was the god of adventurers and had tailored his tower specifically for them. It was a safe and easy first few floors that scaled up nicely along with the rewards. You could definitely still die there if you weren’t careful, especially on the higher floors, but it was a common place for new teams to gain a few levels and some practice in a relatively controlled environment.

  “That’s an excellent plan,” Silas said. “My old team did that before striking out, and it really helped everyone learn how to work together. In a fight, at least. Plus, Janekstown is a fun place to spend a couple of months.”

  “We should take a riverboat to Old Valen and it’s only two day march from there,” Thea offered. “That will save us many weeks of travel by road.”

  “What if we took a guard [Quest] for a merchant caravan south, instead?” Raith asked.

  Thea shook her head.

  “It’s a very safe route, and little weft to be earned. Our time would be better spent leveling in the tower.”

  “Very well, riverboat it is. I will secure us passage. Everyone else, gear up and keep an eye out for any copper ranked [Quests] we might grab for Old Haven. A delivery, secure message, something local once we get there…anything. Sound good?”

  After hammering out a few more details, the team rose to wrap up their personal affairs before leaving. They moved towards the door, stopping as another team made their entrance to the guildhall. Sunlight from poured in from the doorway, backlighting the new arrivals as indiscernible silhouettes until the door swung shut.

  “We should leave and come back after the stench has had some time to air out,” came a familiar, sneering voice. “And look, he’s wearing his skirmisher leathers to adventure. How perfectly awful.”

  A round of laughter from the newcomers accompanied that last statement.

  Realization of the owner of that voice sent an unexpected anger burning through Raith’s veins, driving out all thought. Unclasping his weapon, he activated [Exigent Offense]. The dart shot out right towards Deven’s chest, but was batted neatly out of the air by a spear wielder who flashed between them and put the tip of his weapon against Raith’s neck.

  It all happened so quickly. The only other person to react was Silas, bow with nocked arrow in hand and pointed directly at the spear wielder. Deven’s eyes were with shock.

  “ENOUGH.”

  Senora’s [Compelling Voice] bore down on everyone like a physical weight, forcing weapons to lower towards the floor.

  “Next person to draw a weapon is getting fined. After that, I start revoking memberships.”

  Those with weapons out put them up, and the teams took a step back from each other.

  “Sorry, Senora. It’s my fault.” Raith said. “This harpy’s ass lied to my girlfriend.”

  “I told no lies,” Deven said indignantly. “And it’s me you should be apologizing to. I knew you were a cheater, but had no idea you were a complete psychopath.”

  Thea stepped up next to Raith, glowering.

  “You’re the psycho, you useless, hob-kissing, effete pile of shit.”

  “How dare you speak to your betters that way?” The spearman’s face was a mask of anger.

  “Tolly?” Deven interjected. “What are you doing with these low born scum?”

  All eyes turned to Tolliver, who blushed fiercely and looked down.

  “This is my team, Deven.” His voice was almost a whisper.

  “From a family of your station? Preposterous. I won’t stand for it. You may join my team and accompany us to Janek’s Tower. My father has hired Paragon Kimmeron,” he gestured towards the spearman, “to accompany us and see we reach the second braid before returning safely.”

  Tolliver shifted from foot to foot and refused to meet anyone’s gaze. Raith found himself holding his breath, expecting a defection practically the moment his team was formed.

  “I’m rather committed to this course, thank you.”

  Deven sputtered, at a loss for words before Senora spoke again. “Then it’s settled. Now Raith and his crew were just leaving, weren’t they?”

  The look she leveled at them made it clear this was not a question.

  Thea made sure to throw a shoulder into Deven as they passed, whispering out the side of her mouth.

  “We’ll see you at the tower, asshole.”

  “You can be certain of that,” Deven said calmly, while the glares of his team followed them out into the sunlight.

  As soon as the door swung shut, Thea whirled on Raith and whacked him on the shoulder.

  “What the hell was that, you nit?”

  “Ouch, that stings.” Raith rubbed at his shoulder and tried to look pathetic, but Thea’s stare was unrelenting. “Ok, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I was still so mad about Camillia and wasn’t thinking.”

  “That stunt could have gotten us all kicked out of the Guild. Worse, landed you back in prison.”

  “Come on, he was wearing a magical breastplate. It wouldn’t have even scratched him.”

  “The point is, you’re supposed to be the leader of this team. People are depending on you, and the decisions you make affect us now, too.” She placed a hand on each shoulder and looked him directly in the eyes. “You. Have. To. Stop. And. Think.”

  Her words hit him like a slap in the face. He looked around at the other Myth Seekers. Nyhm gave a small nod and shrugged. Raith knew his brother would always have his back. The least he could do was not put him in unnecessary risk.

  Tolliver returned his gaze, expression guarded and imperious. In spite of their differences, Raith didn’t want to let down a man who had just taken their side against a fellow noble.

  This team leader stuff was going to take some getting used to. It wasn’t the same as being assistant captain on a fourth tier skirmishers team. Not even close. He looked towards their new [Archer]. The easygoing man about whom he knew the least. Silas’s brow was furrowed in a look of profound concern.

  “Back in prison?”

  Shit.

  “It’s a long story. Suffice it to say, all charges were dropped. I’m sorry guys, it’s just been a really crazy couple of weeks. I will try to do better. We’ll have plenty of downtime on the boat to put our heads together, strategize, and get to know each other more.”

  In the meantime, Raith had gear to pack and goodbyes to make.