Storyboards: Wylset

Wylset's beginning | Apprenticeship | The council meeting | Contribution

Wylset's beginning

A cool evening made the fire in the hearth that much more enticing. Wylset stood in the doorway of the inn, allowing his eyes to grow accustomed to the scattered firelight.
"Come in, come in, young sir," said the innkeeper. "Please close the door behind you and enjoy our fare."
Wylset did as he was asked, finding a friendly twinkle in the innkeep's eye. Besides, the smells of the kitchen spoke well to his growling belly. The innkeeper quickly dusted off the previous owner's crumbs from a table, and pulled out a stout wooden chair. Wylset gratefully sat down, removing his cloak and setting it on the back of the chair.
"May I offer you a mug of ale, sir?" questioned the innkeep. Wylset mumbled his answer, to which the innkeep scurried back behind the bar. A quick pull of the handle, and an expert touch left a precise amount of foam at the top of a full mug.
Placing the mug in front of his only customer, the innkeep stood back and waited. Wylset took a short sip, which lengthened into a long, deep pull as the taste of the nutty brew filled his senses. The innkeeper's smile broadened at the sight of another happy customer.
"We have mutton stew ready, and the bread was made this afternoon," inquired the innkeep. Wylset pulled at his purse, and began to count some coins.
"No need of that, fine sir, one can tell that you're a man of quality." Red-faced, Wylset let his pouch drop to his side.
The innkeep disappeared behind the bar, and returned a few moments later with a platter that contained a steaming bowl and a few large chunks of bread. Humming as he worked, the innkeep placed the platter in front of Wylset. The aroma of a hearty meal hit the weary traveller's nose, and it was all he could do not to grab the bread with both hands and scoop up the stew as fast as he could.
Beaming, the innkeep shuffled back behind the bar. "Normally the inn would be full tonight, but there is a festival of sorts. My family is there, but I am glad to be here for those who come to my door for a supper and a bed."
Wylset looked at the innkeep, and noted the man's paunch. Smiling inwardly, he imagined that the innkeep enjoyed being around his kitchen even more so.
"I know most of the people in our town, but I've never met you before," said the innkeeper. "Are you from the area?"
Wylset swallowed his bread, took a draught of his ale, and replied "I'm from a small village west of here, but this is the first time I've been to Sendar. My master has sent me here to learn more of my trade."
The innkeeper's eyebrows raised a bit. "What trade might that be, if I may ask? Surely not thievery, not one as well mannered as yourself?"
Chuckling, Wylset shook his head. "No, good innkeep," to which he decided that a small demonstration would be appropriate. Focusing his will, he spoke a single word - "Rose". A red, long stemmed rose appeared in his hand.
The innkeep looked at the newly formed flower, and chuckled. "A sorcerer, and rightly so." He placed his towel upon the bar. "There's a few of you in this town, and most belong to the magician's guild a few streets over."
Wylset was surprised at the innkeeper's reaction. Most people in his village were afraid of any display of his 'talent'. Figuring that the innkeeper must have seen many strange sights in a town as large as Sendar, he put the rose upon the middle of the of the table.
The innkeeper hurried over to remove the platter, and pointed to the mug "Did you enjoy that ale enough to have another?" Wylset considered for a moment, and nodded his assent. The innkeeper once again applied his professional touch, and placed the mug back in front of his customer. Wylset nodded his thanks, and drank once again.
"Will you be needing a room for the night?" asked the innkeeper.
Wylset was grateful for the offer, and told the innkeeper "Yes, thank you. I'll be needing it for a few days at least, until I get settled".
The innkeep brought Wylset a key, and told him "First door on your right, up those stairs."
Wylset thanked the man, and asked, "This guild, do you know much about it?"
The innkeeper poured himself a full mug, and sat across from Wylset. "I know a few things, one of which is that you can only enter if you belong. If you do not belong, I shudder to think of what may happen to you if you enter. I've heard stories of what a powerful sorcerer can do, and I would not ever like to find out what it feels like to be turned into a frog." Wylset smiled, and thanked the innkeeper. He imagined what it would be like to someday be able to turn someone into a frog.
Remembering what his master had told him, he fell into a moment of silence. His master had been kind, finding a young boy with some 'talent'.
Understanding the dangers involved with an untrained mind, the master had slowly brought Wylset along. Teaching him to control his emotions, to concentrate fully, and to focus his mind on the gathering of his will. Wylset had learned well, his young mind acting like a sponge to absorb everything his master had to offer.
Soon enough, the young sorcerer had achieved a few simple 'tricks' - filling a jug full of water, providing light in the palm of his hand, and other minor incantations.
Eventually his master had seen that his pupil would soon outgrow his teachings. Regrettably, he informed Wylset that the time to leave his master's tutelage and find learning in the larger towns. They'd discussed a few places, and the master had decided that Sendar would be the proper place to send his young charge. Wylset had said his goodbyes to his master, his teacher, his "father", and set out full of hope and a little trepidation.

Wylset's apprenticeship

Wylset eased back in his chair, letting the warmth of the fire cover him like a soft blanket. Watching the firelight cast dancing shadows upon the hearth, he fell into a remembrance of his adventures thus far.
The young sorcerer had left his small village only a short time before, and was quite content with his lot in life thus far. Upon coming to Sendar, Wylset had quickly found a group of people that shared his outlook on life -to help others, to be honest, and to work hard at their skills. The Clan of Adventurers became a home to Wylset, and he was grateful to have joined their ranks.
Wylset fingered his Sense of Adventure, feeling the magical embroidery. Earning that had been a difficult task, made more so by the requirement to successfully complete the tasks provided by Floyd, the Questmaster. Wylset shuddered inwardly, remembering the aches and pains in his wings as he flew towards Boktor again and again, desperately searching for items that Floyd would send him to find. Wylset was determined to figure out which form would be better suited to him - eagle or fox.
His first attempts at creating those images in his mind were tentative at best. Wylset remember the stifled giggles of his clan mates as they watched him shape change into a fox for the first time. Apparently a fox with a naked tail looks more like a rat than a fox. Sister Urmela could barely hide her mirth when Wylset rather dejectedly returned to his own form.
But, with dogged determination, he had struggled on, and he was fairly familiar with each of his favourite forms now. Occasionally he would miss a minor thing like a whisker or a talon too long, but for the most part Wylset was pleased with his success.
Gazing deeper into the fire, Wylset let his memory wander to other things. The first time he helped a fellow clan member with their halting steps around the clan hall. Teaching another to speak with their mind so that all in the clan could hear their thoughts. Rescuing a young thief from the jaws of a beetle in the sewers of Sthiss Tor.
All of these were pleasant memories, made all the more sweet by the grateful smiles he received from those he helped.
Wylset arose from his chair, stretching as he did so. He wondered what tomorrow would bring, and hoped that Floyd didn't want him to return to Boktor. For a few days, at least.

The Council Meeting

Wylset searched his mind and tried to remember what he'd done to be summoned to the Clan Meeting room.
Perhaps it was the hard bargain he struck with Collenia for that Opal Gem he'd acquired. That must be it. Wylset had tried to balance the Clan's rules regarding taking advantage of others, while not allowing others to take advantage of you.
Wylset sighed as he approached the wooden doors that led to the Clan Meeting Room. He noticed his hand was shaking as it knocked on the door.
“Enter,” Wylset said a voice from behind the door.
Wylset took a deep breath to calm his nerves, and pushed open the door. There inside the room were the members of the Council, as well as his assigned mentor, Gurgar. All were seated at a long table, facing him.
Wylset slowly walked forward, pushing back the urge to flee. He'd never been invited to a meeting of such high ranked personages. The young sorcerer was afraid, but was determined to face whatever the council was going to put him to.
Doyen Mortiris was the first of the council to speak.
“Welcome, Wylset,” he said. Doyen noticed the apprehension in the young Adventurer's eyes. “Calm yourself, and answer truthfully.”
Wylset gulped and felt anything but calm. He searched the council's stern faces for any sign of the impending doom he felt.
“Well then, Wylset said Gurgar. What have you learned thus far in your membership to our Clan?”
Wylset looked at his mentor, and tried to formulate the best answer he could. Gurgar's reactions were still a puzzle to the young sorcerer. Gurgar was not a harsh master, but required precision.
Taking a moment, Wylset's mind quickly ran through the Adventurer's code, and he began to speak.
“I have travelled the lands throughout the Western Kingdoms, and have tried to memorize the best paths to every major city. I have worked very hard at learning the way of the Will and the Word. My shape changing is becoming a very useful tool in my endeavours. I have continued my search for those in need. Each time I have found someone who could use help, I have done my best to aid them in any way, shape or form that was in my power.” Wylset paused, his thoughts desperately searching for completeness. He continued, “Recently I acquired an object of great power, which has helped me in my travels. Wylset removed his Embroidered Cloak. This was given to me by Floyd, for completing many of the tasks he assigned me. All of this I have learned.”
Gurgar nodded at his pupil. Wylset searched his mentor's eyes for a sign that his answer was acceptable, but Gurgar's thoughts remained hidden.
Sister Urmela straightened the pages in front of her. “Wylset, there is another matter which has been brought to our attention.”
Wylset braced himself, and waited for her to continue.
“Recently Council Member Collenia discussed with us a transaction that she completed with you. Something regarding an Opal Gem that was lost from King Urgit's crown. Would you care to explain?” Urmela asked.
Wylset took a deep breath and began speaking.
“I had found the gem, and noticed that Collenia was collecting them to return to the King. I had read King Urgit's reward posters, and from that knew there was to be a great reward for returning his missing gems. I negotiated with Collenia to receive part of that reward. We could not come to an agreement, and finished our conversation. Eventually, however, I conceded that it was best to just have the gems returned to the King, and sought out Collenia. I gave her the Opal gem, and told her I wanted nothing for it. Collenia returned them to the King, and did give me part of her reward.”
Wylset had answered truthfully, and hoped for the best.
Urmela nodded, and turned to Collenia. “Did it happen as Wylset has explained?”
Collenia looked at Wylset, and said, “He has stated it correctly as it happened. Originally Wylset was negotiating with the soul of a Drasnian fur trader, but seemed to have a change of heart. I am pleased with his ultimate actions.”
Doyen Mortiris waited for his fellow Council Members to finish. “ Wylset, that will be all for now he said. We will inform you of our decision shortly.”
Wylset bowed, and turned. A myriad of thoughts went through his mind, from being stripped of his rank, to being thrown out of the Adventurers, to being rewarded for his honesty.
Closing the Meeting Room's doors behind him, he straightened his shoulders and walked away, determined to face whatever the Council's decision would be.

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Contribution

‘Well?’ asked the young stable boy, ‘aren't you going to tell me what it's like to be an Adventurer?’
Wylset leaned back in his chair, mulling over his answer. He'd recently made a habit of visiting the inn in Camaar, taking his chances once in a while with the dice game in back. More often than not, his pouch was lighter after each game rather than heavier, but there was always a chance
The stable boy had become Wylset's evening meal companion. A bright young lad, fascinated by Wylset's willingness to tell him stories now and then. Wylset knew the young lad had a good heart, and seldom interrupted when the sorcerer began telling his tales.
‘Adventurers tonight, is it boy?’ asked Wylset. The boy nodded impatiently, wanting the story to begin.
‘I was not much older than you when I came to this town. A little taller, perhaps, but still very much wet behind my ears.’ Wylset raised his mug and drank slowly, knowing that the youngster was hanging on every word. ‘I must have looked rather alone, as I met a man named Gurgar, who invited me to join the Adventurers. I guess he saw something in me that would be beneficial to those in the clan.
‘I worked very hard from the start. Learning what the Code of the Adventurers was, and living my life to that code.’ Wylset paused, enjoying the breathless anticipation of the young stable boy. He continued, ‘Never taking advantage of another, was the first rule. I believed in that prior to becoming and Adventurer, and took wholeheartedly to that idea.’
‘Improve yourself was rule number two. Whatever skills or trade you take up, you must constantly progress. Many times I've struggled with that notion, as each challenge became tougher and tougher. You may feel that way sometimes, but, like it or not, if you keep trying you will succeed.’
The young lad looked at Wylset's scars, and wondered how he'd gotten them. How many battles the sorcerer had fought in to gain such lasting physical memories.
‘Rule number three is the one that I pride myself in,’ said Wylset. Helping others in need. Many times I have answered another's call to aid them. Providing guidance to young clan recruits. Rescuing them from themselves, mostly.’ Wylset chuckled. ‘It wasn't that long ago that I needed rescuing from time to time, but I've since learned that sometimes it's best to go around problems, rather than straight through them.’
Wylset leaned forward and put his elbows on the table, resting his chin on his hands. ‘Much I have learned from the Adventurers, but much have I returned in kind. Have you heard of Floyd in Sendar?’
The young lad perked up, as it was his turn to speak. ‘The taskmaster? Everyone who needs a job knows him!’
‘Good,’ said Wylset, ‘Many of our members seek him out from time to time. Floyd will send them into all sorts of tasks. Dispatching letters to various recipients. Seeking out lost trinkets. Purchasing rare items. Getting rid of various bothersome beasts. Many of those tasks I have performed myself, and members of my clan know this. I have answered the call time and time again to aid in their quests.’
Wylset thought for a moment. ‘Perhaps that is my greatest boon to the Adventurer Clan. Providing guidance for any and all that request it.’
The young stable boy cleared his throat, and tried to phrase his question properly. He'd been thinking about it since he first met the Sorceror. ‘If I were to join the Adventurers, would I be able to help those who need it?’
Wylset smiled at the young lad. ‘Of course, but first you must learn to stay out of trouble yourself,’ Wylset said, as the Stable master came into the dining area in search of his delinquent charge.

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