"Well! I see that you've all gathered here for our humble request. You all know my name's Irene. Why don't we all go through some introductions first? You'll be working with each other, after all." Irene had arrived and stood on a stool at the head of the table.
The hooded figure spoke, pulling off his hood. "I'll go first," he said in a tired yet somehow energetic voice. "Might as well get it over with and all that!"
This might be a good time to try a skill, Aralynn thought. She imagined herself activating one. Observant. A small green window appeared in front of her.
[Observant Lv. 4 has been activated!]
[Player summary: Full character profile is unavailable.]
First name: Amon
Surname: Unknown
Race: Devilkin
Class: Thief, Lv. 3
That's all I get? Aralynn wondered. This skill isn't omniscient, then. Looking at the devilkin, his skin was a deep abyssal purple and invoked a tired and dulled feeling, as if his prime days were over. His horns were slightly crooked, and grew straight out of his forehead. His face was rather rough and hewn around the edges, as if he were burnt out (quite literally, as it were) but not bad looking. He seemed nearing a middling age, though Aralynn suspected he still had many more years of fight in him. He spoke with a bubbly attitude, as if putting aside his fatigue.
"The name's Amon. I'll be our group's specialist."
Aralynn noticed how he very specifically avoided using the word Thief. Even though he seemed similar enough with others that she'd seen in the army (who weren't necessarily thieves but rather assassins, info-gatherers, and such) she figured that it probably wouldn't be good to say that when their job was to hunt down a bandit group. Beneath his cloak Aralynn could make out straps of leather armour and comfortable-fitting dark clothes, and she suspected that underneath the cloak's cover there might be a dagger or shortsword hiding. A longbow and quiver hung on his back.
Irene nodded. "Next?"
The elf spoke up next. Her skin was a beautiful tanned ivory and contrasted brightly with her silvery blond hair. She held a lute, strung by a carry strap over her shoulder. Her clothes were hidden beneath a traveler's cloak, but Aralynn could make out flashier traveler's gear- clothes that seemed like they would take a lot of wear and tear yet be appropriate for a performance. They framed her fragile form perfectly.
"Perona," she said in a melodious voice. "I'll be our group's… social and enhancement expert, as it were. I'll be able to support you all with enchantments should the need arise."
Aralynn once more brought up the Observant window.
[Player summary: Full character profile is unavailable.]
First name: Perona
Surname: Unknown.
Race: Half-elf.
Class: Minstrel, Lv. 3
Then came the dwarf. His plates clanked against each other as he shifted in his seat. Semblances of a battle-robe of sorts draped over his plates, and Aralynn could make out what appeared to be symbols.
"Hadarai," He offered gruffly. "Guardian of Allegiance. I shall take the hits so you don't have to." He laughed good naturedly. He had a neck-length braided beard and visibly carried a longsword on his back. Aralynn could just make out a heavy shield as well, also strapped to his back. He had a kind face, like an old uncle you'd go fishing with.
[Player summary: Full character profile is unavailable.]
First name: Hadarai
Surname: Unknown.
Race: Dwarf
Class: Guardian, Lv. 3
Frogfolk were somewhat humanoid bipedal frogs with the ability to speak, and the frogfolk by the table spoke up. He was dressed in practical garbs, a hooded jacket covering much of his green skin, and strips of leather were weaved together to form protective pieces which ran over his jacket. A bow was carried unstrung over the shoulder and a quiver with arrows hung on his back. A shortsword was belted to his waist.
"My name's Grango! You can leave attacking at range to me, and I'll be sure to take them down!"
[Player summary: Full character profile is unavailable.]
First name: Grango
Surname: Unknown.
Race: Frogfolk
Class: Hunter, Lv. 3
Then, everyone turned to Aralynn. "What's your name then, my dear?" Irene inquired. Aralynn hadn't prepared to speak since she was skimming her newfound coworker's profiles and trying to remember names and details.
Aralynn stuttered. "O-oh! My name's Aralynn. Pleased to meet you all." They don't need to know I deserted. I should probably leave the last name out as well, she thought. "I'll handle heavy fighting, if it becomes necessary. I'll be able to provide a lookout and travel fast with these as well." She ruffled her wings.
Irene eyed her up and down. "Forgive me for saying so, Miss Aralynn, but are you sure you're up to this?" Aralynn could figure out what Irene was thinking rather easily without using any skills- Aralynn looked thin, and she knew that.
Oh, boy. You don't know I have a gun strapped to my leg right now… if you did, you wouldn't doubt me at all. "Yes, Miss Irene. I'm sure. I have… insurance." Aralynn smiled. A revolver.
"Very well." Irene still seemed worried. "The bandits seem to be raiding buildings at around sundown, so in a while now. Guilds in the cities have taken to hiring private guards, and so have the other inns. I'd wait till it gets darker out, but please don't take too long. I wish you the best of luck. Dead or alive, I don't care. We just want them gone, gone, gone. Do be careful, though- apparently they've taken a hostage. Either way, if you manage to kill those bastards, then leave their bodies for the town's guard. If not, then, leave them trussed up like turkeys at the guardstower. You all have rope, yes?"
Amon nodded.
"Your kind words are appreciated, Miss Irene." Hadarai spoke up. "The best plan to me is to move to a table close to the door, and wait until sundown, when they'd most likely to be active, like Ms. Irene said. That way, if there's any sign of bandits, we'll be able to move immediately. Any objections?" He glanced around the table. There were none. "It's settled, then. Let's move to that table." He pointed towards an empty table close to the door.
They all stood, moved to the new table, and waited. Aralynn sat with her back to the rowdy tavern, facing the door. Perona spoke up. "Well. Looks like we have a wait ahead of us." She yawned and stretched. "Where are you all from?"
The impromptu group made light conversation as the sun slipped lower and lower in the sky. It was going to be a while, Aralynn decided.