Realm Quest - A Fantasy Text Adventure

[Sifright]

>I want to be the very best, like no one ever was. To master the Art of water bending and achieve new heights of skill previously thought unimaginable with the ability.

[stagnantAntler]

>I guess I just want to be a more powerful wielder, sir. But I'm not sure my abilities are best suited to the army. I think I could do well if I tried hard, but I'm not sure I *LIKE* the military. If anything, I'd be a spy."

The elite is more privileged in some matters, right? That would certainly be preferable to life as a soldier, though it would require tough training, ofcourse.

>I want to be the very best, like no one ever was. To master the Art of water bending and achieve new heights of skill previously thought unimaginable with the ability.

Darde is getting some very mixed up ideas in his head, he uses a few seconds to sort his thoughts, then replies "I hope to be a very powerful wielder sir, I want to surpass even the best water wielders out there if I have to join the military to do that, then so be it, but I'd probably rather stick to more peaceful measures like that of a scout or spy than that of a soldier. If possible I'd like to join the elite guard one day."

"Your aspirations are in the clouds, I like that" Horn says, his mouth still frozen in that awkward smile of his, his eyes seem to tell a different story, though Darde can't quite wrap his head around the expression "Being the best in a place with so many wielders is not gonna be easy however, I think you might be underestimating just how strong wielders we have here. To be the strongest wielder, you'd not only have to surpass the elite guard, but also the chosen 12, I assume you've heard of them?" you shake your head, no "well, they're pretty much the strongest wielders out there, working directly under the godking himself. Of course Whistleweeper is said to have untold powers, people don't call him a god for nothing. I'm sure you'll go far if you keep that attitude of yours."

"Now!" Horn turns his head to face the rest of the group, "who are your other companions Calp?" "Ah, yes" Calp gestures towards Aldt and Iehna "two other recruits I picked up. The girl is somewhat of a natural talent for her age, I think the big one would prove a formidabel soldier with a little training.

Iehna hides behind Aldt as Horn adresses her "ah, don't be shy girl. I'm a peaceful man. Let me see your face" Aldt nudges Iehna forward "there we are" Horn exclaims "lovely, I think you'll do well here. Tell me girl, what would you like most in the world?" Iehna hesitates "I- I guess I'd just like to go back home" "Ah, yes a simply wish but a difficult one." Horn seems amused "you'll have your chance to visit your parents again if you get strong, in the meantime this place can be your home. Trust me, these big walls become more comfortable as time goes by, like a big warm blanket"

Iehna doesn't seem convinced, but Horn moves on "and the boy, Aldt?" Aldt nods "ah yes, a strong one. I bet you were a stable boy, or a masons apprentice? Oh, I know, a blacksmiths boy!" Aldt nods "Ah yes, we have blacksmiths in the city you know? maybe you could be of use there, but then you would have to stay inside the walls, wouldn't you rather wield a sword than forge one?" Aldt tries to look as sincere as possible "I'm not sure sir, I'll do what I can for my birthland. if soldiers are what you need, then that's what I'll be" "Excellent boy!" Horn almost shouts "We can use an arm like yours, you seem to have a bright head as well."

"oh, and the last one" Horn looks at Herken "judging by your attire, you're from southquarter aren't you? you're a long way from home. We are you with this group?" "I came here to watch over the boy" Herken says, his expression is rocksolid opposed to the odd flickering expression on Horns face "Hm, the boy is a popular one too, don't worry soldier, we'll take good care of you in this establishment. In fact, I'll personally take care of getting you three settled, come with me!" Horn turns abruptly and starts walking down the stairs. The group follows.

As the group nears the door out of the directors quarters Calp suddenly remembers the little lie at the door "oh, sir. the kids told the guard a little lie about an attack from Forland in order to get the guard to let us in. It might not have been the best thing to do" "hm, yes I'll talk to him" Horn replies "since it's you old pal, try not to make a habit of it, most people in this city are not as forgiving as I am. And that applies especially for you three" he means the three novices "You don't want to make enemies in this city, life here is tough enough as it is and there's a lot dangerous people out there that might hold a grudge." Darde sinks, remembering his qualm with the novice Kelt, "I'm gonna have to watch out for that kid." Darde thinks as the group makes its way into the courtyard.

While you walk, Darde considers whether he should talk to anyone in the group. Horn might slightly creep him out, but he's probabl got alot of useful information if asked the right way.

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I'm too lazy to write more out right now, so feel free to ask a few questions if you're wondering about anything, I'll update as soon as I can be bothered to do so

[chimericWilder]

How do the specifics of learning new elements work, exactly? When can you expect to learn your second, third, etc elements? And does it become progressively harder to master each one, and once you've gained controll of a new one, will it be weaker than your other elements and how does that work exactly?

[Jetroid]

I really want to know more about the whole lights-in-the-sky thing.

>Speak to Iehna. Forge a bond of friendship which will not be broken.

[stagnantAntler]

How do the specifics of learning new elements work, exactly? When can you expect to learn your second, third, etc elements? And does it become progressively harder to master each one, and once you've gained controll of a new one, will it be weaker than your other elements and how does that work exactly?

Since Darde doesn't exactly expect to learn new elements, I'm just gonna assume its an a question to me (the author, bluh). I'm going to say this much, you're going to be learning a new element quite soon actually, how it happens is a secret :P (don't get too excited though, it's not that awesome). How hard it is to progress through a specific element depends on the person. Generally the first learned element is the one that becomes the strongest, but that's mostly because most people keep practising it while they're learning new elements. Generally, being able to use 3 elements or more is extremely rare. Oh yeah, and so is not being able to wield at all actually, most people can wield just a little bit, but might not have the potential to use it for anything. You'll learn more about the element through Darde's eyes as we go on so don't worry.

[stagnantAntler]

I really want to know more about the whole lights-in-the-sky thing.

sorry jetroid, didn't see yer comment there. Anyhow, as I tried to explain in the beginning of the adventure, the light source of Realm Quest is not a sun, but a series of (seemingly) randomized light detonations in the sky. The detonations are of different size and intensity, they also fade at different rates. Basically the light sources are supposed to work alot like the sun, but the people don't know anything about this. Keep in mind that Realm Quest takes place in a feudal society where people really don't know what's going on other than what they can see, so this has no real consequence.

Also, think I mentioned this before. None of the characters of Realm Quest have any real concept of time P I use stuff like hours and minutes to describe the time going by to you guys (although I try to do without when I can), but the characters have no idea how much time is going by. The know the concept of age, but can't pinpoint exact ages. While I can tell you that Darde is about 13 right now, in the story he's just an older boy, or a young man.

I hope this answers your question. Update is coming up either later or tomorrow, depending on random circumstances.

[Sifright]

Since Darde doesn't exactly expect to learn new elements, I'm just gonna assume its an a question to me (the author, bluh). I'm going to say this much, you're going to be learning a new element quite soon actually, how it happens is a secret :P (don't get too excited though, it's not that awesome). How hard it is to progress through a specific element depends on the person. Generally the first learned element is the one that becomes the strongest, but that's mostly because most people keep practising it while they're learning new elements. Generally, being able to use 3 elements or more is extremely rare. Oh yeah, and so is not being able to wield at all actually, most people can wield just a little bit, but might not have the potential to use it for anything. You'll learn more about the element through Darde's eyes as we go on so don't worry.

Doh, I was actually going to have the be a question we ask to the dude. "is it possible to learn manipulate elements."

So instead, "Can water manipulation be used to heal people? My family has said water is our 'life blood' before."

[Jetroid]

you're going to be learning a new element quite soon actually,

pleasebefirepleasebeFIREpleasebefirePLEASEbefirepl easebefirepleaseBEfirePLEASEBEFIRE.

[chimericWilder]

I think we may get to pick, honestly.
Fire is boring though. It burns stuff, and then thats pretty much that.
Air or metal would be interesting though.

[stagnantAntler]

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Air or metal would be interesting though.

Air is still not a thing though xP It goes Wood, Earth, Metal, Fire and Water

Before heading out of the building the director goes off to talk to a man behind a desk positioned at the side of the hall. Darde can't hear what they're saying, but the man hands Horn some pieces of paper and writes some things down. Horn returns with that strange smile of his and the pieces of paper, he gives one to each of the new novices "these are your room numbers, I hope you can read."

Darde doesn't read very well, but his mother has taught him a little "532F" Darde reads out loud, "what does that mean?". "each complex of novice apartments around the acedemy has its own letter, F would be around the middle. All the novices quarters can be found on the left side of the complex, dinner halls, wash halls and classrooms for the obligatory history lessons can be found on the right, but you'll find out more about that later." Horn says (authors note: I'm assuming the Kit'Aegans speak and write regular english, I'm not big on the whole language thing, so it won't have a big part in the adventure at all. You might assume that they speak a completely different language from anything real to add realism, but it'll all be translated :P). Aldt helps Iehna out with her note, it says 1123F. Aldts room number is 228C.

As the group moves towards the courtyard, Darde turns to Horn again.

"Can water manipulation be used to heal people? My family has said water is our 'life blood' before."

"Healing? as in treating wounds with water?" Horn thinks a little about this "I don't suppose so, I've never heard of anyone ever doing something like that and I run a huge acedemy mostly focused on intense wielding practice. While I can see how you'd think water and blood might be related I've never heard of a waterwielder able to wield it. There's a rumor of a horsemaster in westquarter who seems to be able to cure his horses of any ailment, they say he's a waterwielder, so perhaps it can be done. Washing wounds with water wielding is an easier thing, most of my novices learn it, it's very useful to prevent infections on the battlefield, but it's nothing like the "healing" you're talking about.

>Speak to Iehna. Forge a bond of friendship which will not be broken.

Darde is not really sure how to go about that, but he decides to have a talk with the girl anyhow.

"Hey Iehna, you nervous?" she nods. Darde gives her a pat on the back "it'll be alright, you'll get to play with alot of other waterwielders, just like we've been doing on the way. That was fun right?" "ye- yesitwas" Iehna still seems concerned, so Darde continues "Aldt and I will be right around the corner if you need us and we'll see each other after sessions right?" Iehna nods again "besides, this place don't seem too bad." It really doesn't, the buildings are all as finely decorated as the entrance, the courtyard has a lot of well kept trees and grass, you're guessing it's mostly there for the wood wielders, but it does look rather peaceful. That is, if it wasn't for the endless sounds of swords clashing and the different noises from wielding.

Iehna seems a little less nervous now, Darde is a little surprised as she asks him to hold her hand, something she normally only asks of Aldt. Darde holds the little hand tightly, both for her sake, but also because he's a little nervous himself. Holding hands with the little girl reminds him of his little sisters back home, one of them Agia is about Iehnas age. It really hits Darde now, he might never see them again. "No!" he decides "I'll get out of here, one way or another."

The group slowly moves through the courtyard, most of the training sessions going on in the first area are hand-to-hand combat, groups of up to 40 people in each session, wooden training swords, querterstaves some are even using real weapons, you're hoping they're blunt at the very least, the training seems pretty intense. Horn stops at one of the sessions and calls out for the instructor "Kento!". A young man wearing the standard instructors outfit pauses his commands to the novices "Keep practising I'll be back in a bit", he turns to Horn "Director" he bows. "I'd like you to assign a guide to this young man here." He grabs Aldts shoulder, Aldt flinches slightly, but lets him do it.

"Right away sir! Illin!" a young woman pauses her sparring to report to the instructor "I'd like you to introduce this young man to the facility, you'll get the rest of the session free to do it." Kento directs his attention to the director "was there anything else sir?" "No," Horn replies with a certain atmosphere of indefference "Go back to your class." the woman gets up beside Aldt, "I'm Illin, shall we begin the tour?" "I'm Aldt" Aldt says "and no, not yet I've got to make sure the little girl here is seen to first."

Illin looks at the director "can I tag along sir?" "Sure, do what you want."

Next up is archery training and unarmed combat. Lines of novices shooting arrows at targets, some of the targets are levitated by wielding instructors, it must be hard to hit a moving target, but it seems some of the novices are doing alright. The unarmed combat don't look like much, but some heavy punches are dealt out and you notice some weird moves out there that seem to work quite well, among them some able to disarm an armed opponent. The novices are in all ages and sizes, some younger than Iehna and even some older than director Horn. Close combat seems to be quite age and size restricted, at least you see very few young boys among the older boys and young men. As the group moves towards the first wielding class, a fire wielding class, the age difference becomes more visible, boys your age wielding beside young and old men alike. It all seems to flow pretty naturally. There's always fire in the air, but it seems to be completely contained within the designated areas, mostly paved with stone, so as to not burn anything. Next up is the metal wielders, it's generally a lot slower than the fire wielding. The simpler classes seem to be all about lifting metal weights of varying size off the ground, you guess it's not the easiest thing in the world, but some of the weights are impressively big.

Next are the water wielding classes. Again Horn calls an instructor and a girl not much older than Iehna is introduced to the group "I'm Iagri, pleased to meet you" she smiles to Iehna. Iehna seems a little nervous at first, but they seem to hit it off. After a little while Iehna asks Aldt "Can I go with Iagri, she says there's lots of funny things around here" Aldt nods "Meet me at your room, I'm sure Iagri can help you find it" he looks her way and she nods "I'll take good care of Iehna for you, we'll see you in a bit." and with that they scoot off. "I can't help but get a little nervous" Aldt says worriedly "Let's go see what this place is about. Illin was it" Illin nods and then they're off too.

It's just Darde and his three seniors now. The group doesn't walk more than a few classes down before Horn calls out again ”Hagel!” a very thin young man wearing the official instructors outfit reports to the director, he's got a voice that sounds like he's constantly about to sneeze, he doesn't seem to have a cold it's just what it sounds like ”Ah, Director, what can I do for you?” ”I have a new recruit, he's most likely going to attend your sessions, I need you to find him a guide among your novices.” ”Of course, immediatly” Hagel replies ”I got just the one. Girri!” A spunky brunette girl maybe a little older than Darde comes running. ”Oh, director, what an honor” ”No time for that girl” Horn says, I need you to take Darde here for a tour around the complex, He'll be in your class most likely.”

”I thought he was new” Girri asks with a confused look ”oh he is,” Horn says with a smile ”just show him around.” Horn turns to Calp again, seemingly forgetting all about Darde and the newly introduced novice girl ”Let's talk old pal” Darde seems to trace a bit of sarcasm in the voice, but he's not sure. Calp and Horn go back towards the main hall. Only Darde, Girri and Herken remain.

”Give us a moment girl” Herken says and she nods ”I guess this is goodbye for now.” Herken seems legitimately sorry about the departure despite the short time he's spent with Darde and so does Darde somehow, he feels a certain kinship with the young soldier, though he can't put a finger on it.
Herken hesitate, he finally says ”We probably won't see each other for very long, I'll try to look in on you if I'm able, but rules on visitors to the acedemy are very strict. They don't want the novices to be too influenced, especially by people from the other quarters. It might seem strange, but the warlords don't exactly like each other. If there's anything I can help you with before I go, just ask, but you have to do it now, I've already stayed here for too long.”

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*whev* another long one. I pulled myself together and finished it over the evening. I'll probably not update again until tomorrow at some point.

[Jetroid]

>Shake his hand and give him the salute.

>Goodbye, Herken.

EDIT: FANART!

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Some asian looking guy. :P

[Sifright]

>thank him, we might not see him for a while its good idea to leave a lasting positive impression if we meet again.

[chimericWilder]

Thank him and wish him good luck where he is headed. That'll probably do.

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Also, you actually spelled exactly correctly for once. Hah! Bet it was intentional, too.

[Sifright]

maybe ask about a method of communicating to him by letter prehaps?

[stagnantAntler]

Thank him and wish him good luck where he is headed. That'll probably do.

>thank him, we might not see him for a while its good idea to leave a lasting positive impression if we meet again.

maybe ask about a method of communicating to him by letter prehaps?

Darde decides that it would be best not to ask more of the soldier instead he puts out his hand for a good strong shake "Thank you for all your help Herken, I'll be alright. If possible, is there a way I can communicate with you by letter?" "I might be able to send you something If I can find someone to deliver it" Herken replies "In case you're able to send one to me, Herken of 92th barracks Southquarter will suffice. Take care Darde," Herken gives Dardes hand an extra strong squeeze and then lets go, turning as he does, "you too" Darde barely remembers to call out as Herken walks off with a brisk pace.

For a moment Darde just stands there looking at Herken walking away, then he's interrupted by a sharp girls voice "Are you gonna stand there all day or should I show you around like I promised" Girri asks impatiently "what's your name by the way"

"Uh, Darde, it's Darde. Of Graylawn, or that is I guess its of Northquarter now." Darde trips over his words "Well, Darde I'm Girri as I'm sure you've heard. Where would you like to go first then? We'll most likely have time to see it all today if we don't dawdle."[LIST]

Girri starts listing the places Darde needs to go on the tour. (You may choose from the following options)

• Dining Halls
• Dardes room (each room has two inhabitants, Dardes room mate may be here)
• Outfitters (Darde will recieve his novice uniform here)
• Class Registration (this is where Darde will decide which courses to take.)
• Classrooms (For the non-battle courses. Like strategy or history class)
• Bathing and washing halls
• Gardens (you've already been through here once, but Girri insist she show it to you anyhow)
• The library

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Sorry for the late update. Also my lil-brother sends you a smile

[Sifright]

>Classrooms (to get a feel for what each class might entail)
>Class registration (We've an idea what each class entails after visiting the class rooms get registration done with so we have more time to prepare.)
>Outfitters (get our stuff)
>Library (There may be important information we need here take mental notes on anything important found)
> what ever is left.

[chimericWilder]

Just go with whatever order she thinks makes sense, just be sure to end with Class registration. Best to make your decisions well-informed.

[stagnantAntler]

Just go with whatever order she thinks makes sense, just be sure to end with Class registration. Best to make your decisions well-informed.

Darde ascs Girri what thinks makes the most sense to start with and she shrugs "It doesn't matter much to me where we start as long as we get going instead of just talking about it, we'll get through all of it eventually."

>Classrooms (to get a feel for what each class might entail)

"Classrooms it is then, let's go" Girri turns with a flash and starts towards the building behind her. "Come on then Darde, keep up." Darde follows, despite his aching legs. The classrooms aren't too far from the waterwielding classes. There's a long hall inside the building with a few doors by the sides. The ceiling is awfully high up and it ends up being a little intimidating. Girri presents the first class as history class and tells Darde to be quiet. The two novices enter the door to find themselves in a large room, rows of chairs and tabels are set up in rows all facing a man in instructors clothes talking loud to reach the entire room. There's got to be at least 100 novices here. The instructor is doing a course on the kingdoms of Aegar before it was united by Garn Whistleweeper. He's pointing to a large map of Aegar cut up into 8 regions with their own names.

Some of the novices seem pretty interested in the subject, while others seem to hardly be keeping their eyes open. A stern woman in a soldiers uniform walks back and forth between the rows, giving the students stern looks and sometimes whacking them with a stick if they're not paying attention to the class. She quickly notices you and moves up to talk to you, she guides you out the door and adresses Girri.

"What's this girl, a new recruit" "yes mam" Girri replies obediently, though with a bit of annoyance on her face. The woman turns to you "I can't have you disturbing the class, but feel free to ask me anything about the classes you'd like, I might not be an instructor, but I've been watching over more classes than the your little friend here has attended I can assure you"

(bit of a cheap stopping point, but I gotta go. Updates will resume later)

[Jetroid]

>What's the proportion of fighting classes to strategy and geography classes?

[stagnantAntler]

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Sorry this took so long, I've been a little uninspired lately

>What's the proportion of fighting classes to strategy and geography classes?

The stern woman ponders this for a little while "well if you don't count the mandatory history and social studies classes about 10 battle classes to every 1 strategy class. Only about 1 out of every 10 novice will ever actually get to use the knowledge though, officer positions are limited and most officers are promoted from the lower ranks of soldiers rather than straight from the acedemies. As for history and social studies, they are mandatory, but they don't take nearly as long as the fighting classes to finish so that would probably be about 1 to 10 as well."

"That's all fine, but we have a tour to get on with" Girri says impatiently "Come on Darde!" as she graps Darde and starts dragging him along, he tries to excuse politely to the woman "thanks for the straight answer have a nice day" the woman nods, then goes back into the classroom to continue her job.

A little ways down the hall Girri shows Darde to another door, announcing it a social studies class. Inside is a large room much like the last one, with an instructor up front explaining Kit'Aegan hierarchy. Another man wearing a soldiers uniform is looking over the students in here. Since there's nothing in here Darde hasn't already seen Girri quickly gestures him to follow her out the door again.

"Last are the strategic classes." She says "they're all upstairs"

Girri starts walking briskly towards the end of the hall while Darde tries to start up polite conversation "so... where are you from originally?" Girris answer is short "from right here in the city, I've always lived here."

"oh," Darde ponders this for a second "so you've never been outside?" he realises "no, only ever been here in the capitol" "Don't you ever feel like getting out? I mean it must be terrible being cooped up in here" Girri swings around and in a rather angry tone spouts "Of course I want to go outside, I want to see the world not spend the rest of my life here!" Darde is a little shocked and it displays on his face "I'm sorry" Girri says "can we talk about something else?"

"Su- sure" Darde says still a little flustered by Girris outburst "so, how long have you been here at the acedemy" Girri thinks for a second "I don't really remember, since I could water wield I guess. I was very little, used to live with my parents, though I don't remember much about the house. My dads a lieutenant in the army, so he had his own house, my mom works in the fields of the inner plains. Both of them still come to visit at times."

"oh, you lucky then" Darde replies a little sadly "My whole family lives in a village outside the walls, if I ever want to see them again I'll have to become a soldier "I don't think that will be a problem" Girri says a little distantly "what?" Darde asks "I said I don't think that'll be a problem, I've practised since I was a little girl with waterwielding with others helping me, the instructors telling me how to go about things. And you, you've only ever had yourself to train with and yet you're at the same level. You have a talent Darde a rare one at that." before Darde can respond Girri stops "Ah, we're here"

She opens a door and the two novices enter a room much smaller than that of the history and social studies classes. The room contains about 20 novices gathered around a table there are maps hanging along the walls and several tables just like the one in the middle all around the room. The instructor looks up as the two novices enter, he's a friendly looking older man "ah, Girri. And who's this a new recruit?"

"Yes" Girri answers simply "His name is Darde, he just got here today "Excellent" the instructor says "Welcome to the strategy course "Feel free to enlist if you feel like you have what it takes to become a tactician. There aren't many jobs out there, but if you have what it takes, you might just make it anyhow. Come and take a look"

The instructor gestures Darde to come over and look at the table the students are gathered around. The table contains a model of a rocky area, the model pieces can seemingly be moved around to form different landscape, around them are small, slightly crude wooden soldiers painted in different colors. It's all very neat. "Right now we're reenacting a tactical scenario, I've set the blue soldiers here up to represent an enemy force, my students are trying to set up a battle plan that will turn out to have the least casualties on our side. I try to set the students up with different scenarios each time, to make them able to think creatively in these situations. Of course one thing is theory and a whole nother thing is actual warfare, I can't show them that I'm afraid, but I'm trying to prepare them as well as I can."

You're impressed, the novices seem pretty interested in the course as well, there's a lively debate going on among them as to which would be the better plan of attack. "Can't we just burrow through that hill? they won't expect an attack from below" one novice says "we don't have enough earthwielders for that we don't know how many they have either"

the instructor gestures Darde to move away from the table again "I have to get back to my class again, but maybe you have some questions before you continue the tour?"

[chimericWilder]

> Listen to the students

[Sifright]

> point out you think they are wasting time attempting to find an exotic avenue of attack when they should focus on the basics like misdirection instead if they have those earth weilders tunnel under them grab there attention make them think an attack is coming from beneath they will lose focus on those coming from other areas.

[stagnantAntler]

> point out you think they are wasting time attempting to find an exotic avenue of attack when they should focus on the basics like misdirection instead if they have those earth weilders tunnel under them grab there attention make them think an attack is coming from beneath they will lose focus on those coming from other areas.

Darde isn't really sure what the scenario is at the table, neither does he really know what would be the basics seeing as he's never had any courses in battle tactics before, but he points the misdirection idea out anyhow. "it could work" one of the novices agrees "but we'd have to assume they have no earthwielders in that group or they'll instantly know its just a distraction." Darde asks how and the novice replies with a sigh "forgot you're new, you see earth wielders are in touch with the earth enough that they can feel the footsteps of others nearby, say we put our three earthwielders in that tunnel as a distraction, the enemy earthwielders would know that there are only three soldiers in the tunnel and assume its a distraction. From our position on the other side of the hill we can only assume that they won't know our position and numbers, but as soon as we got closer they would. Earth wielders are very hard to sneak around."

> Listen to the students

Darde simply says "oh" then backs away a little, he clearly doesn't know enough about wielding and tactics to really make a difference here, perhaps a little knowledge on this subject would be good even if he doesn't have the talent to become an officer. Darde decides to stick around a little and listen to the novices talking. "actually they probably do have earthwielders don't they, I mean they almost got our scout killed, there's no way they would have known without earthwielders" one of the novices points out "well its a grassy area, they might have a few wood wielders or something." another novice says "I wouldn't bet on it, is there any way we could know for sure?" a third novice asks.

Darde finds the debate pretty interesting, but Girri interrupts him "Come on, we gotta continue the tour. If this is so interesting to you, you can always register for a few classes or something." Darde sighs, Girri is not the most patient person he's come by, he thanks the instructor for his time and the two walk out the door.

"which way next?" Girri asks

• Dining Halls (you might hear some interesting gossip here)
• Dardes room (each room has two inhabitants, Dardes room mate may be here)
• Outfitters (Darde will recieve his novice uniform here)
• Class Registration (this is where Darde will decide which courses to take.)
• Bathing and washing halls
• Gardens (you've already been through here once, but Girri insist she show it to you anyhow)
• The library

[Sifright]

The Library

[chimericWilder]

The Library

As good as anywhere else.