{OOC Message:The thread is broken into several sections taking place across various sectors {Recruitment centers,markets and Arena} on the planet....The posting order for the thread will be determined by the order of which the first group of posts are made....With exceptions for new people wanting to join in.}

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It was an bright and crisp summer day on Farnin,the wind blowing gently eastwards across the vast metropolis of the Grand Duchy.The endless movement of the Imperial citizens within the city created the illusion of an ocean of sentient beings to the passing ships flying across it's skies.

The citizenry would feel safe under the authoritarian yet benevolent watch of the Duchy regulars who would march in number across the streets of the city,the human population outnumbered most of the other recognized races living on Farnin,despite it's allegiance to the Serpentum Emperor it remained an human world managed by it's human Duke.Most of the Varanus citizens seen where either officers of the military forces or entrepreneurs from the Imperial Trade Guilds.

In orbit of the planet stood the 12th Imperial Fleet consisting of 10 Drak-Class Destroyers and 15 Pherix V-5 Corvettes.Alongside the Varanus fleet was the Duchy Defense Fleet consisting of 12 ships of human design.

The Fleet would monitor the travel between the sea of ships coming and going from Farnin,it was regulatory for the fleet to provide coordinates for the visitors and to escort them to ensure their safe arrival.It was one of the few maritime duties the Serpentum Armada carried out across Imperial Worlds.

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One of the biggest attractions to the planet was the large market district spanning several city blocks,this labyrinth of markets,shops,bazaars and stalls would seem overwhelming for the traders hoping to profit in trading with the exotic and unique goods the Varanus brought with them from their galaxy.One of the biggest boons in trading with the Imperials was that they had no care for the laws and regulations made norm across the galaxy,if you looked long enough you could find anything in Farnin.Anything from stolen tech to slaves could be found in the darker corners of the Imperial markets.

Few had the gall to cause trouble on Farnin given the large military presence alongside the ever-watchful eye of the Enforcers Caste {The Imperial Police} and while there was agents of the Vigil Magika it was hard to keep track of the influx of mages coming into the marketplace,several Zikah agents would walk among the population using their senses to detect magic users if their magics where used to influence the one-minded merchants and their flocks.



Accepting all forms of trade and currency the Imperial merchants aim to provide the best service as regulated by the Imperial Trade Guild's Quality control office,with hundreds of guidance drones providing detailed maps and directions for newcomers. {Quote from "Farnin:Farnin Guide for the honoured visitor"}

One should be careful while traversing the almost endless marketplaces for not all places in Farnin is protected by the guards and every manner of criminal and scum thrives in trade with the black market elements on Farnin.

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Among the sea of skyscrapers stood the business center of the city lies the various planetary recruitment centers for the groups currently seeking outsider recruits.

One spherical building ranged from 200 meters in size....This building contained emissaries and recruiters of the groups recruiting and all those who sought citizenship through service or just wished to serve an greater cause where directed to this one building.

Inside where representatives of the following groups:

• An scarred red-scaled Varanus officer of the Serpentum Legion.
  
• An blue-scaled female Varanus bearing the uniform of an Ensign in the Serpentum Armada
  
• An mysterious and lone figure of robed green-scaled Varanus from the Order of Ivteus
  
• And an young Caucasian human of the reformed Association of Collection and exploration.
  

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Another large attraction was Farnin's arena which offered bloody battles and duels for the entertainment of the citizens and visitors of the planet.

Those seeking glory and coin can spill blood in the commercial fights featuring exotic beasts and hardened gladiators and criminals fighting for freedom.



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@SillyRabbit

[Thread is up you can seek recruitment IC here by visiting the spherical hall mentioned above in the City business center.]

Grumpy manuvered into the docking bay avoiding a small swarm of larger craft bringing who knew what for trade.  Dan'l Voxic grinned these types of places were havens for gun runners and all manner of others who lived in the shadows.  It was a perfect place for a dwarf like him to ply his trade.  Although it wasn't trade that was on his mind today.  Rumors had come to him of a specialized group of individuals who were creating something.  Not a weapon or even a tool the thing being created was an organization and from what he had heard Dan'l was intrigued.

He exited Grumpy and eyed the people swarming by, and through, the bay with suspicion.  They would be watched of course.  It wasn't good policy for a ship to be broken into or stolen right from a loading bay.  Still it was hard to trust anyone when it was your first time with your boots on the ground.  Dan'l shrugged as he began walking towards the business district.  He was just going to have to trust his instincts on this one and hope like hell they were right.

He was directed to a large sperical building and told to approach it with caution.  When he asked why catiously the human had laughed.  "You come here to buy some exotic fruit, walk in there, and then when you walk out you've enlisted in the Imperical Army and you're being sent lightyears away."  Dan'l had laughed along with the man but he had served in the military and had heard more than his share of stories of shady recruiters.  There was probably considerable truth in what the man said.

As he entered the sphere he was momentarily taken aback by the sheer number of stalls.  How was he going to find  the one he was after? All he had were whispered guesses that the organization had its roots here.

Whispers and rumors were all that he had to go on and had been for some time.  Whispers and rumors had led Kaeda to the all important skull he wore around his neck, had led to an ancient goblin graveyard, and had led to this place.  He looked around at the wide array of species wandering around aimless and groaned.  So much technology around and he couldn't stand any of it.  Creatures stared at it as if their lives depended on what the tech could tell them.  Wasn't life simpler when you actually had to talk to somebody to get your information?

The goblin reached out a hand grabbing hold of human passing by, "Looking for something called Association of Collection and Exploration heard of it?"  The human reached out with a hand and sharply pushed Kaeda away with a sound of disgust and derision.  Both were things Kaeda was used to hearing from humans.  Still one bad encounter in this place wasn't enough to deter him from his end goal.  A lizardesque creature looked out over the masses of people and Kaeda decided to give him a try.  If anybody else faced discrimination the way he did it might be him.

He approached the figure and called up to it.  "Hello sir? Can you tell me where to find the Association of Collecion and Exploration?"  The figure pointed one clawed hand in the direction of a large sphere shaped building before turning his attention back to the crowds.  It was something and something was better than nothing.  With a new place to begin his search Kaeda began manuvering through the sea of species on his way towards the building.

{@SillyRabbit @Kaeda }
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One of the hundreds of data spheres floating about the vast building approached the Dwarf,scanning him and then playing an automated message.

Another data sphere floated towards the Goblin who entered the building and played the same message

"Welcome to the Farnin recruitment halls....Please inquire on the group you seek."

The data sphere projected an hologram menu of the various factions recruiting on the planet,it contained the banners of the recruiting groups with their names under the animated banners.

"Please press on the banner of the group you wish to join and you will be directed to it's Representative."

Hundreds of people gathered around the stalls with the majority heading towards the Army and navy stalls,the stall for the explorers stood on the opposite end of the military stalls next to the embroidered stall of the Ivteus representative,the young man representing the A.C.E was no more then 20 years old forgone any other university or academy of higher learning for an chance at adventure.The young man was well shaven and carried large spectacles as he sat at the stall reading through some sort of book and answering the few people who would join and visit him with an kind smile.

Behind him was an  bearded man who was busy loading books and gear into an large cardboard box that was soon taken away by an Varanus servant,the bearded man would then turn to look towards the crowd.He would smirk...

"Lots of folks joining the armed forces....Can't say I blame em...The Imperium sure knows how to recruit the masses.How many did we fish in?"

The younger boy would turn his eyes still fixed on the book he was reading. "Ahh...We got five people willing to join....Some humans,an Varanus and three of those fish guys....."

"Xaerrians?" 

"Yeah" The boy would nod.

"Hmm...That would be interesting....Never worked with Xaerrians before....I got an hour left on my shift...Do you want me to go get anything?"

"Nah I'm good." The boy would say peeking up from the book before burying himself back into it.

The bearded man would take an seat next to him and look out towards the massive crowd shifting through the stalls being the first to greet any newcomers with an smile and handshake.

"Welcome to the Farnin recruitment halls....Please inquire on the group you seek.  Please press on the banner of the group you wish to join and you will be directed to it's Representative."

Dan'l scanned the offerings before finding what he was looking for.  Association of Collection and Exploration that would have to be the one.  Simple directions were displayed on the screen and with his eidetic memory Dan'l wouldn't need a second look.  He took off on a course past booths full of recruits looking to join various military organizations as well as seas of tourists intent on nothing more that getting in his way. 

The stall in question looked to be lacking for lack of a better word.  It lacked pizazz, it lacked bright guady colors, and poissibly due to those it lacked people standing in front of it.  Dan'l's gaze swept over the stall taking in the young boy and the older gentleman and smirked.  He saw books actual writing on paper books!  While fascinated by all tech books would always hold a soft spot in Dan'l's heart.  There was just something about the feel and the smell....

Thinking about books wasn't going to get him any closer to his goal of figuring out just what this association was really about though.  With a pep in his step the dwarf pushed his way through yet another throng of people so he could address the youngster.

"What's this you got here?"

Kaeda glanced at the metal object with disdain whatever it was he couldn't be bothered with it.  Some crazy technological device that he wouldn't, and couldn't, be able to understand.  It was much easier to find somebody to talk to.  He had after all got directions to the propper building.  He began snaking through wave after wave of peoples and species on his way towards his destination.

The buidling was enormous and packed full of all manner of species once again.  To his untrained eye it was a bit overwhelming but there was a small sense of order to the madness.  Groups of soldiers converersed with occasional people at their booths.  Common sense dictated what he was after wouldn't be ran by, or with, soldiers.  It would be slightly more secretive than that.  He kept walking keeping an eye on the various banners, peoples, and soldiers. 

He had just about given up hope when he noticed a dwarf approaching a stall.  "What's this you got here?"

That was the question alright.  He crept closer just in range to hear what the answer would be.  It wouldn't do to appear to be eavesdropping.

{@SillyRabbit @Kaeda}

The young man would lift his eyes from the book at first confused at not seeing anyone at the stall then he lifted himself from the relaxed position from his chair spotting the dwarf that was outside his view at the time.The young man apologized with an smile putting his book down on the table welcoming the newcomer to the stall.

"Hello...Are you looking to join?" He would nervously ask before the older man would take over the conversation.

"You daft boy.....Why else would they come looking around our stall....Please excuse Collins here he might be one of the brightest young folk on Farnin but he ain't so great with people....Now whe..Ah yes...Welcome to the Association of Collection and Exploration's stall..." He would glance around to the more embroidered stalls before continuing. "It might not be the fanciest stall here but it does it's job....Wait one minute...." He recognized the dwarf's species and laughed with excitement. "Hey boy....You know what this good gentleman is....He is an dwarf...fine craftsmen of legend rather uncommon if not rare around these parts.I'm sorry if I'd intrude but meeting an dwarf is an much more pleasant change from the hundreds of humans such as myself."

The older gentleman calmed down and coughed into his fist. "Right down to business,our association is an independent third party organization recently formed and funded by an old Varanus nobleman.....Our job is simple...Research and explore new worlds,cultures,artifacts and to collect artifacts,pieces of knowledge and catalog the lore of the universe for the benefit of the entire galactic community....The Imperium has no control over us we or our agents.Our goal is to provide an intergalactic union of scientests,explorers,inventors and hell even mages to work together in decoding the secrets of our galaxy without the interference of the politics and schemes of the various factions.....We don't really have strict regulations and an chain of command like the Imperials here...Our sponsor like to keep the workspace as free to our members as possible...We are an fledgling group and we are hoping that the people we recruit will bring their skills and expertise to the table...So you interested?"

The older man was unaware of the goblin listening to his conversation with the dwarf.

Dan'l grinned as the older man pushed the younger man aside it was something that needed to happen more and more often.  Too often young pups got it in their heads out with the old and on with the new.  Age and wisdom were far more important than youthfull enthusiasm in most cases.  The gentleman began to speak and Dan'l felt a pat of him want to wither away the man knew him as a dwarf, that was wonderful.  His spirits were soon lifted though as he continued talking about how rare it was to see a dwarf.  Relief washed over Dan'l who fought to pay attention to what the man prattled on about.  It did seem like something he would be interested in there was only one slight problem....work.  Work as an arms manufacture and distributor wasn't something some places were willing to abide.  This institution being about knowledge and exploration much more than bullets and bombs Dan'l had his doubts.

"So you interested?"

"Intrigued and interested both.  Before I invest myself in your endeavor I have to come clean though.  I am propetier of an organization...er establishment that I hope to grow into a full scall company.  Its interests may part ways with those of this Association's on occasion.  Oh hell.  I own a weapons and munitions company, is that going to pose any kind of a problem?"

"Our job is simple...Research and explore new worlds,cultures,artifacts and to collect artifacts,pieces of knowledge and catalog the lore of the universe for the benefit of the entire galactic community."
 
This is just the place for both you and I.
 
Kaeda couldn't agree more with the skull around his neck but at times he wanted it to just shut the hell up so he could listen.  Times like now.
 
"Our goal is to provide an intergalactic union of scientests,explorers,inventors and hell even mages to work together in decoding the secrets of our galaxy."
 
Most of the words were unknown to the goblin but explorers, inventors, and mages working together could be fascinating, scary, or both.  He was beyond interested in what this group had to offer.  Still he waited to see what the dwarf would have to say.
 
"We are an fledgling group and we are hoping that the people we recruit will bring their skills and expertise to the table...So you interested?"
 
"Intrigued and interested both.  Before I invest myself in your endeavor I have to come clean though.  I am propetier of an organization...er establishment that I hope to grow into a full scall company.  Its interests may part ways with those of this Association's on occasion.  Oh hell.  I own a weapons and munitions company, is that going to pose any kind of a problem?"
 
Dwarves and their toys.  They are never far apart.
 
Kaeda hadn't encountered a dwarf before wasn't even sure what the skull was talking about.  He wasn't quite sure that he cared either.  What he cared about was the answer to the question the dwarf had posed.  It wasn't like Kaeda had a business but still the answer would show just how much control this association wanted over the lives of its members.  He waited patiently for the answer.

{@Sillyrabbit @Kaeda}
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The older gentleman adjusted his voice to the Dwarf's question... "Like I said before,we are not as strict as the Imperials....We have an very open Association and members can come and go as they please and even start expeditions if they have the approval of the Curator Council...Our "board" so to speak in business terms. But seeing as you are already an businessman yourself I could speak to my bosses to perhaps make an deal with you to supply arms and gear to our explorers.We won't buy in bulk like the Imperial Army or other militarized groups but if there is anything the A.C.E currently needs it is hands and gear."


The younger man closed his book and placed it on the table,the book was titled "Ancient myths and legends of the universe" and was written by an well known author from Mars.The younger man excused himself and walked towards the food stalls an few meters away.


The older man then grinned. "There is however the matter of your arms company's ethnic values...To put it more simply if you openly sell your wares to known criminals it would look bad for our reputation to associate ourselves with yours I hope you understand the weight of this issue.Our goals remain to decode the galaxies mysteries and to protect endangered cultures and species from disappearing forever from the galactic stage."

Kaeda ignored the young man as he walked away more intrigued by what was going on between the older man and the dwarf.  The answers seemed to pacify the dwarf and that was enough for the goblin.  He had heard enough.  He walked up to the counter cursing his short stature as he was unable to see over it.  He nudged the dwarf with an elbow slightly, "You mind telling me what those papers say? The ones to enlist? It sounds good to me but.... Bad things tend to happen to my kind.  Just want to ensure I'm not going to be in a mine for the rest of my life."

{@SillyRabbit @Kaeda}

{Be advised that you will not be recruited into the Imperium Faction hall anymore but to the A.C.E now finally an company of it's own}

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The older gentleman smiled to the Dwarf's interest and obliged his question for paperwork regarding enlistment,while there where several ways administration was handled in the Imperium the A.C.E used the much more uncommon method of keeping physical copies on paper {it suited their archives better they say} they did indeed keep information stored between digital databanks,data spheres,books,scrolls and tomes.Which made the A.C.E's way of information storage seem disorganized at first.


The older man scratched his beard after he placed an white scroll on the table. It detailed an standard working contract that explored what the A.C.E would expect of it's explorers/scientists/enc...To their rights as an sentient species.The scroll contained empty fields that would be used to write personal information.Just as the man began to explain the form an goblin appeared the tip of his head visible from where the man stood.


The goblin asked the Dwarf what the papers said and mentioned bad things happened to their kind hoping he wasn't signing himself up for an mine.The older gentleman chuckled and reassured the goblin. "Don't worry friend...most of our membership can choose which projects they want to take part in,our mining work is usually sourced by the Imperial Trade Guilds in return for an cut of materials or credits otherwise we use our own mining drones...We are men and women of discovery...We cannot waste time with tedious unnecessary labor like mining.


The older gentleman face-palmed and coughed in his fist. "In my excitement I forgot to introduce myself..Hello my name is Gabriel Hoss, I'm one of the lore-keepers in the A.C.E,my job is to study books and texts detailing knowledge of other cultures. If you have any questions please let me know.

Dan'l grinned in delight at the sight of an actual paper contract.  While he did love technology in all of its vast forms there was just something about the sight, smell, and feel of actual paper in your hands.  A few words about what the scroll was and then Dan'l found himself nudged by a being even shorter than himself.  The small green skinned creature butted in at just the right time, just in time to have his answer it seemed.
 
Don't worry friend...most of our membership can choose which projects they want to take part in,our mining work is usually sourced by the Imperial Trade Guilds in return for an cut of materials or credits otherwise we use our own mining drones...We are men and women of discovery...We cannot waste time with tedious unnecessary labor like mining"
 
Dan'l tried to study both the man's face and the goblin's looking for any subtle clues that what he was hearing wasn't on the up and up.  There was nothing.  The man continued by giving his name and occupation and asking if there were questions, of course there were.
 
"Projects? I'm going out on a limb here but projects would be similar to archeological digs? Perhaps with a bit more danger than a typical dig?"
 
Didn't really matter what the answer was Dan'l had decided this was something he could get behind, and was going to.  Without waiting he began scanning the document in front of him quickly reading and precessing the information.  The process went quickly and smoothly as expected.
 
"It's standard stuff here.  Nothing that will send either one of us to a life of servitude in a god forsaken planet let alone pit.  If you're interested I can show you where to sign."

Kaeda looked at both figures and fought back a laugh both "men" were almost giddy for some weird reason.  He assumed for the human it was because he had layed eyes on a dwarf something that was uncommon.  For the dwarf it seemed like he, like Kaeda, had found an organization that they would like to join and for what seemed like the right reasons. 

You might want to keep the fact that you talk to me a secret.  No telling what their view on necromancy is.  Let alone you'll look crazy talking to a skull.  Sign us up and don't say a word about me.

"Thank you.  I'd appreciate it.  I've never had a reason to learn to read or write.  Does making some kind of figure on the paper count as 'signing'?"

"Gabriel, I'm called Kaeda.  It's a pleasure to meet you.  After I've signed up do you have any of these so called projects for the dwarf or myself?"

@Sillyrabbit @Kaeda

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Gabriel smiled. "Yes our operations extend to many forms of exploration including to worlds unexplored by others,some lead to digs for artifacts and relics sometimes in areas that are quite dangerous with local lifeforms.....and rival competitors.Don't worry we have our own security staff and quite an handful of our members are capable of defending themselves."

He took an breather. "We currently have an dig within the former Demonic crusade sector,we hope to uncover artifacts of the pre-crusade civilization that once existed there....Unfortunately we lost several of our researchers in demonic raids leading to an high need for new recruits,currently we have secured the dig site but the loss of Professor Maxwell's original team has set our work back....You don't have to go to the site the moment you join but it is our current operation until we have finished renovations on our headquarters."

Gabriel stood waiting for the two to finish their contracts or for further questions.

"Thank you.  I'd appreciate it.  I've never had a reason to learn to read or write.  Does making some kind of figure on the paper count as 'signing'?"

"Yes, it does.  The old phrase used to be 'make your mark' you can put anything you like that will represent your name."

"Gabriel, I'm called Kaeda.  It's a pleasure to meet you.  After I've signed up do you have any of these so called projects for the dwarf or myself."

That was both good to know and interesting.  Dan'l waited patiently for an answer and was rewarded with one soon enough.

"We currently have an dig within the former Demonic crusade sector,we hope to uncover artifacts of the pre-crusade civilization that once existed there....Unfortunately we lost several of our researchers in demonic raids leading to an high need for new recruits,currently we have secured the dig site but the loss of Professor Maxwell's original team has set our work back....You don't have to go to the site the moment you join but it is our current operation until we have finished renovations on our headquarters."

Dan'l finished signing with a flourish before addressing both man and goblin, "I'd like to get moving on this fairly quickly then.  Kaeda if you are up for the challenge I have a freighter at my disposal.  We can leave within the hour I'm sure.  A small matter of getting the details and setting my business afairs in order but nothing too troublesome."

Kaeda scrawled something in each of the required fields and then listened to the old man.  Going to the Demonic Crusade Sector didn't sound like a vacation spot but it did sound intriguing.  It would be somewhere where he could learn something new he was sure.

You lean something new wherever you go.  At least you do when I'm here with you.

The skull was correct of course but there was a difference between seeing something and having it told to you.  The skull told him all manner of things day in and day out.  Seeing was one of the reasons for joining the association.

"Whenever you're ready I'm ready.  Don't have anything, don't need anything."

@Sillyrabbit @Kaeda

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Gabriel smiled,checked the paper work then shook both the dwarf and goblin's hands. "Very well all seems to be in order...Whenever you are around seek our offices in Farnin otherwise see you two on the dig site on Azmodan then."

He then sat back down and smiled as the younger man returned with delicious looking meat-pies.

{END}

{Requesting entire thread to be deleted}

Yes deleted....Former rpers in this thread are afk/left and the existance of this thread contradicts my new lore.

Archived upon request.