Selected players to dot their attendance on this thread by confirming characters are RPG (and not Core).
I will start soon and I expect regular posts (at least twice daily) as I want the game to progress at a fast pace.
Stragglers will be botted. A lot. If you don't like this please give your spot to someone else. If real life takes me away for a few days I will notify you all. If real life takes you away for a few days please notify the GAMEPLAY thread with ooc tags and I will bot you.
My GMing style is that I'd rather roll with it than debate it. If it's reasonable I accept it. If it smells like cheese I say no. I expect mature players that don't take my rulings on a personal level. Also, when in doubt, full defense it, or delay. Thank you!
The adventure assumes that you are from the town of Kassen or from nearby Nirmathas or that you are visiting relatives in preparation for the annual fall festival.
Every autumn, a few of the townsfolk make a pilgrimage to the crypt to light a lantern from the flame and bring it back to town, where it is preserved all winter, a symbol of the town’s resilience. Most years, the town mayor and a group of dignitaries perform this quest. Every few years, however, a handful of younger townsfolk are given the honor of lighting the lantern. Many see this as a passage into adulthood, a taste of adventure before settling down to work and marriage.
This year you've all been given this honor, as you are all from the area or have relatives here that wish to see your induction into the Pathfinder Society properly celebrated. Thus, you've all been here for weeks or even months, and you all know each other by now. You also know the town of Kassen very well by now and you are all aware of the following locations in town (please refer to the "Town Map" link, above)
Kassen is a small town ruled by Mayor Uptal, a fair, but
mildly grim man. While most of the “townsfolk” actually
live in small homes or camps in the woods and fields
surrounding Kassen proper, the town is quite tightknit.
As with most of the folk in Nirmathas, they stand
up for one another and refuse to be pushed around. The
following lists some of the most interesting buildings
and people residing in or around Kassen.
Kassen
Hamlet conventional (mayor); AL CG
Base Value 500 gp
Demographics
Population 750
Type isolated (human 93%, halfling 3%, half-orc 2%, elf 1%,
half-elf 1%)
Authority Figures
Jonark Uptal (NG male human aristocrat 3), elected mayor of Kassen;
Colbin Vetnar (LN male human expert 3/rogue 2), woodcutter guildmaster;
Gregor Wisslo (LG male human fighter 4), fighter mentor and captain of the guard;
Holgast (N male human wizard 6), town sage;
Rantal Prasst (NG male human cleric of Erastil 2), priest.
Places in Kassen
The following are some of the more important
buildings in Kassen. If the PCs grew up in this town,
they should have a home, located somewhere near the
town’s edge.
1. Seven Silvers: Most visitors to Kassen end up at this
comfortable two-story inn and tavern. Run by Trelvar
Silvers, this inn features modest prices (4 sp/night),
decent food (3 sp/day), and a lively taproom. Trelvar is
assisted by his daughter, Asina, and the overly friendly
Jimes “Short Change” Iggins, who is known for giving
himself generous tips.
2. Greathall: Typically used for meetings, weddings,
and other celebrations, the Greathall is a tall, three-story
wooden structure near the center of town. Inside is one
grand space with a number of smaller rooms on each
floor.
3. Woodcutter’s Guildhall: Kassen’s primary export is
lumber taken from the surrounding Fangwood. While
many of these logs are taken right down the Tourondel
River to Lake Encarthan, the woodcutters require that
all logs bear the stamp of the guildhall, which of course
requires a small fee. As a result, the woodcutter’s guild is
one of the more powerful groups in town, under the firm
hand of the ever-opportunistic Colbin Vetnar.
4. Temple of Erastil: The only stone building in town
is home to Kassen’s only temple. While the church is
officially dedicated to Erastil, there are a number of faiths
practiced here, including Gozreh, Gorum, Shelyn, and
Torag. Father Prasst is the only priest, but most in town
refer to him as the “High Priest.”
5. Town Watch Headquarters: Guard Captain Wisslo
spends most of his time in this building or patrolling
the streets of Kassen. While the guardsmen are mostly
relaxed in their duties, they become an effective force if
there is trouble in town.
6. Renet’s Steel: While Renet’s shop services much of
the town’s needs when it comes to metalworks, his quality
is nowhere near that of Braggar’s. Most metal items can
be found here for the standard prices, but there are no
masterwork items to be found at Renet’s Steel.
7. Arnama’s Home: This is the home of Arnama
Lastrid, one of the few rangers who lives in Kassen.
Mayor Uptal, who trusts the ranger’s instincts
implicitly, frequently calls Arnama to the town council
to report and advise.
8. Sir Dramott’s Home: This is the home of Sir Dramott,
a knight from Lastwall who keeps watch on the town.
9. Braggar’s Shop: This is the workshop and home
of Braggar Ironhame, a dwarven blacksmith. Braggar’s
works exceed those of Renet’s Steel, but he works much
slower and charges a higher price. Braggar can forge
nearly any masterwork metal tool, weapon, or armor.
10. Vargidan Estate: This is the home of the eccentric
Vargidan family, and has a bit of a spooky reputation
in town.
11. Holgast’s Tower: Holgast’s slightly crooked tower
stands at the edge of town.
12. Mayor Uptal’s Home: This modest building along
the water is the home of Mayor Uptal, who can frequently
be found in the Greathall holding meetings or on his
small boat in the river, fishing.
13. Ilimara’s Home: This is the home of Ilimara Oniri,
the mysterious woman from Qadira.
Cygar Anravis (CN male human rogue 4/fighter 2): The
folk of Kassen are naturally wary of outsiders, and Cygar
does nothing to allay their fears. He dresses in dark colors
and keeps to himself, having rented a room in the Seven
Silvers for the past 4 months. He can sometimes be seen
wandering around town, watching the townsfolk, but
otherwise he keeps mostly to his room and the taproom
at the Silvers. In reality, Cygar is a Pathfinder, one of a vast
group of international treasure hunters and adventurers.
He is here in town because the Pathfinder Society is
looking to set up a post in northern Nirmathas that they
can use to organize expeditions into Belkzen. Cygar
is keeping a lookout for anyone in town who he might
get to join his cause, but they need to prove themselves
competent first. You suspect that Cygar's lobbying is
what granted you all the honor to perform the Everflame
ceremony, perhaps a first step in his plan to endear the
population to the Society.
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Spark arrived in Kassen to seek out Ilimara... A friend of the family from her homeland of Qadira. Spark knew nothing about her really except that her mother told her 'if you're ever near Kassen, look in on Ilimara and see how she's doing... say 'hello' from me, dear.' Since she was just a day's travel from Kassen and had no other pressing matters, she decided to take the side trip and say 'hi' to this woman she had no memory of actually personally meeting, but had heard about often as a child. She paid her respects on arriving in town, but the woman was an enigma and quite the mysterious figure... Lots of suspicions among the locals as to her presence and purpose in the little hamlet, and Ilimara wasn't inclined to allay any of them herself. Their first meeting was fairly formal and tense, and Spark made no more attempts to see her again, though she daily hopes Ilimara might send her an invite for another visit.
That her arrival was but a few weeks before the autumn festival was an auspicious coincidence, and she stayed to see the ceremonies and festivities. When she learned she'd been selected to participate, she was surprised but pleased. She shared the news with the new friends she'd made in town and was happy some of them were picked for the honor as well...
It is the 4th of Neth, and the winter winds are beginning to blow. The day has come for your pilgrimage to the crypt, and you've all been informed that you are expected to travel light, carrying only what you absolutely need—weapons, armor, spellbooks, etc.—as rations and other generic equipment will be provided.
You've been told to meet at the town square at noon, and thus you have a few hours to discuss and interact with each other and/or other NPCs in town. [Feel free to introduce your characters - as per the above you've all known each other for quite some time now, so this is more for the benefit of the players than for your characters at this point]
Spark arrived in Kassen to seek out Ilimara...
You know this about Ilimara:
Ilimara Oniri (LN female human monk 2):
While most of the people in Kassen were born
and raised within 10 miles of town, Ilimara was born in
Qadira in a town with a name most of the humble folk of
Kassen could not even pronounce. Not surprisingly, this
beautiful and exotic woman keeps to herself. She has lived
on the outskirts of town for almost 8 years now, claiming
that she is trying to find peace in her heart. Ilimara has
had a number of acolytes over the years, each hoping to
learn the secrets of Irori that Ilimara claims to practice,
but so far, all have abandoned her tutelage for a simpler
road. Anyone who learns from her, however, quickly
uncovers that there is a darkness hiding in Ilimara, and
only those with an iron will can bear to be around it.
If you indicated some interest towards the faith of Irori or towards martial arts, she offered to train you for a few weeks, which includes lodging at her place.
You've also noticed Cygar nod at you quite a few times since your arrival, when you were about in town, and you noticed he smiled at you creepily after you received the news that you had been picked for the crypt pilgrimage...
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If he has another name, he doesn't remember it. Is he Aroden? Is he possessed by a vestige? Is he the reincarnation merely of a high priest that communed with the Last Azlanti? No sense annoying the locals. He doesn't openly claim to be the reincarnation of a god. Though he does use the name Aroden.
The stranger came to town a few weeks ago. He spends much of his time at the Seven Silvers. He tips well and is polite to everyone.
"Yes, Aroden, in honor of the Last Azlanti. Just a man trying to follow his example."
On occasion he tells stories of the God of Humanity. Some are well known to the audience, but some are unfamiliar and strangely personal, like Aroden's lament for Arazni. As he concludes this tale, he adds:
"There is life, and there is death. Some things that pass away return again, and some do not. Whatever comes, we must hold true to Aroden's teachings. Humans have been given great blessings, and it is our duty to prove ourselves worthy."
Then he buys a round of drinks for the house.
Cayden, my son. Don't say I never listened to you.
He visits Father Prasst now and then to discuss theology and to ask what the priest knows of vestiges; he helps out by sweeping the temple or doing other chores. If Sir Dramott is a follower of Iomedae like so many from Lastwall, he will make sure to pay the knight a courteous visit with a small gift (perhaps a holy text) in thanks for his service.
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Spark walks into the Seven Silvers after her walk about town, ready to break her fast with something savory and something sweet...
She's an imposing figure, quite tall for a woman, almost six feet in height, and her deep red skin is in stark contrast with almost everyone else in the inn.. heck, in the whole town. Long pointed ears point to a distant elven relative and her small horns are another indication of her odd parentage. On her back is slung an oversized scimitar, which she wields despite the disadvantages of doing so. While she rarely carries around her traveling gear while in town, and often leaves her armor in her room, she always carries her weapons. Today she is armor-free, just dressed in her street clothes, which are ashen-grey, edged with gold.
She waves hello to her new friends, walks to the bar and orders a cup of morning kaf, sausage and eggs and a sweetroll... then she goes to sit with Aroden and the others who were present. "Morning, slug-a-beds... just getting up?" she asks jovially.
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Alezandaru sits calmly at one of the tables, a respectable townsman with a slightly Varisian look. His leathers are new, and the hilt of a dress-rapier sticks out from below a clean travelling cloak. He smiles winningly and engages people in conversation here and there, asking about a family member, the weather, and about trade.
He sees Spark greeting the room and waves back. "Ah! Hello, I'll be right over."
"The night was good, and I have to admit that the cool air outside is good for the senses. I look forward to the journey, especially with the lot of you."
He has a bow slung over his traveling pack, and a thick quiver of arrows. He smiles and pats the bow. "Hopefully some game on the trail eh?"
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"Not overly early. I had to close up the house before heading here, and I like to walk about, an old habit of mine."
He looks around for the others, and checks the light that comes through the inn windows. He squints slightly and greets Aroden.
"And you sir? What are your expectations of the little ritual?"
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The tall goateed man wears robes that seem very old fashioned. He wears what looks to be a finely made longsword at his waist.
He glances at the Ifrit, and says "Hello there. Have you enjoyed your stay in this town? Have the humans been hospitable? I know Nirmathas is not the most cosmopolitan of places, but they are good people."
To Alezandru, he says "I am intrigued. I consider myself a scholar of human history, religion, and customs. I do find the symbolism of this ritual most appealing, bringing a sacred light to keep through the winter. Beyond that, I hope my magic is adequate to the task at hand."
To the gnome, he says "Greetings, Son of the First World. It is always an exciting experience to explore alongside your kin."
He seems a bit more formal speaking to the non-humans.
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A rumpled dwarf joins the party. Bram thinks back on his journey to Kassen. The Society has asked him to travel to some strange places. This place seemed so ordinary. What a relief! Good, honest folk who knew a good beer and a pretty simple assignment, really. He greets the others.
To Spark he grunts: "Yer damn right I just woke up. I can't be havin' with early risin'."
He clears his throat then starts again: "Beg pardon, miss. I just ain't the same till I've downed a mug of coffee and a coupla sausages."
To the humans: "Well met, sirs. Figures the society would send a couple a posh gents along as well."
After hearing Findelfarb's greeting, he claps the gnome on the back heartily:
"Now there's a man after me own heart! But maybe we could work in a bit of ale beforehand too?"
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A lean man of Taldan descent enters the tavern. He carries himself with a light but determined stride. At his side is tge wickedly curved blade Taldan swordsmen and women favour. He looks st the gathered agents and nods in salute to them.
Good day, friends. I am Konner Therinor, of Cassomir. I see we have a broad range of talents here....good. Now...let's get to know each other over a mug and somethibg to chew on... he days as he signals the bartender. He orders a mug if strong coffee and a hearty stew and bread. Late night last night...I'll spare you the details.. he says with a wink and a grin
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Brother Antonidas is a man in his mid-thirties with more than a little Ulfen in him, and far too grim and weathered for his age. He wears the earthy greens and browns of the Nirmathi rangers, and carries little more than his long bow, sword, and travellers swag. He is rarely seen without his weapons and studded leather armour.
For the most part he has spent his time either meeting with Rantal Prasst, or disappearing into the forest on some unknown errand. Though initially coming across as quite gruff, Antonidas seems to have (ever so slightly) softened to you as the days have passed.
As he enters he nods slightly in your direction, and takes a seat at our table that lets him best see the door. He slowly munches on an apple.
Father Rantal Prasst (NG male human cleric 2 of Erastil): The small town of Kassen has only one temple and it is devoted primarily to Erastil, but Father Prasst allows those who worship other friendly gods to pray at the temple as well. While Father Prasst does not offer services in the names of these deities, there are small shrines to other gods set up in some of the alcoves, including Gozreh, Gorum, Shelyn, and Torag. Father Prasst is a kind and understanding man, but he is hard when it comes to the defense of the community. He is quite young, only 24, and many in the community do not put too much faith in his council, except in spiritual matters. He was trained as a soldier in Tamran, but he left after his first battle to become a priest, and refuses to say why.
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"Well met Konner. I am Alezandaru, sometimes guide working for the society. I live in town, and am told that I may be accompanying you part way through the rituals today."
He pauses, looking around at the assembled adventurers. "We will see how far in I go, as I don't have quite the stomach for adventure that you lot seem capable of. At the very least I might carry a torch in dark places. Otherwise I'll be getting back to my business in short order."
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Alezandaru shrugs and smiles. He almost looks amused that Antonidas is chiding him. Surely he knows that most of the townsfolk, himself included, are not fond of rituals out of the ordinary or taking risks that could end up in combat.
"Point taken Sir, and as I said we shall see what happens."
Visibly, Alezandaru slumps a bit at the admonishment. He looks like someone wishing to be more capable than he is, but with the hint of softness that comes with a sedentary life. He looks like perhaps a few years ago, in his youth, he might have been out brandishing this old sword of his fathers and living dangerously. His clothes look a little too new to have really seen use in the outdoors, and he might be just another weekend warrior that returns to his little shop on Monday morning to feed the cats.
"Looks like ye're all up and ready for your meeting at noon. Good," says Cygar, coming down the stairs. {see the link for NPCs, above}
He perches himself atop a bar stool facing you all, his large facial scar plainly visible, and puts his back to the bar, lounging with his elbows propped to this left and right. "Asina, would you be a dear girl and tell Trelvar to whip me up an egg white omelette, when he has time?"
Cygar reaches for a bottle of ale from behind the bar, in plain view of Asina, who nods. Removing the wax and cork with a pocketknife in one smooth, practiced motion, he slowly pours the ale into a clean glass, observing the cascading motion of the settling potable with seeming satisfaction. After a long sip, he eyes each of you with a smile.
"Now, the mayor's going to make a good show of this, so you'll want to shine your buckles and polish your boots before noon. However keep in mind that ye'll be leavin' right after his speech, so make sure ye're ready for a trip in the woods with some underground exploration. Most stores should be opened by now. Make the Society proud, agents. We're hoping for a good show here, and news of pulling this off flawlessly might help us in a major way."
He pauses, taking in the ale some more, then his semi-mocking smile resumes, "Some of you seem more suited for the theater than spelunking in some dank cave-crypt... not that it's all bad I guess... these townsfolk could be fond of entertainers and silver-tongued bravos... they sure seem to have a problem with efficient, no-nonsense, business-minded types at times..." finishes Cygar, seemingly referring to himself at the end.
It is the 4th of Neth, just as the winter winds are beginning to blow.
In your discussions with various shop owners, you learn that this is the day, in the year 4535, when Ekat Kassen and his men set out from town to find Asar’s camp and deal with the mercenary.
The bells atop the Temple of Erastil toll their midday song,
echoing throughout the quiet town of Kassen. As the peals
begin to fade, the first of the townsfolk make their way into the
square, dressed in black, as if attending a funeral. They slowly
fill the square, moving quietly across the cold, hard ground,
their eyes downcast and mournful. After a few moments,
a murmur passes through the crowd as it slowly parts to let
Mayor Uptal through. {See NPCs, above}
He leads the way with a tarnished silver lantern. Behind him, an old pony drags a cart laden with backpacks and supplies.
Once he reaches the center of the crowd, Mayor Uptal stops
and calls out to the assembled townsfolk. “Once again the
winter winds blow through the Fangwood, marking the end
of another harvest. There are wolves in the woods, howling at
our walls, and serpents in our shadows, waiting to strike. Just
as it was one hundred and seventy-four years ago, when Kassen
himself left these walls to protect us, so it is today. Where are
the heroes? Where are the brave folk that will venture out to
Kassen’s tomb and retrieve the flame to keep this community
safe for another winter?”
At this point, the mayor pauses to let you all come
forth to accept your mission, adding "and who is to have
the honor of carrying the lantern?
The mayor and the townsfolk wait, all looking at your party...
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The Greenblade steps forward. His long cloak whips about his legs in the frigid air. A mask is drawn up, and hat is level above steady eyes.
"I am here to undertake this task as well. Some of you may already know me, and my pledge to push back evil and to protect the wilds. This is truly an honor.
I will carry the lantern should you judge me worthy.
He extends a gauntleted hand, buckler attached. His other hand rests casually on a gray-black sword hilt with a single green eye of glass in the pommel.
Mayor Uptal hands the ancient silver lantern to Alezandaru and says to all of you, "Bring the fire back to our town, noble warriors!"
He then hands each of you a backpack that contains 5 days' worth of rations, a small tent, a winter blanket, a full waterskin, and a piece of the Trail Map {See the Trails link, above - put together, these 7 pieces form this map}
The Trail Map leads from Kassen to the Crypt of the Everflame.
In addition the following items are spread out among the PCs backpacks, distributed as evenly as possible: 50 feet of hempen rope, a box containing tinder and three tindertwigs, a labeled potion of cure light wounds, three torches, a grappling hook, and a small bottle of local brandy.
The mayor once again speaks to the townsfolk. “I present to you the brave heroes who will follow in Kassen’s footsteps to retrieve the Everflame! Some of them may not return, but I say to you that their sacrifice shall not be forgotten. Go, brave heroes, and do not return until you have the eternal fire.” With that, the mayor points to the south, the direction of Kassen’s tomb. The townsfolk begin waving goodbye with cold, solemn looks on most of their faces.
Heroes' gear before town square meeting: (not including armor and weapons)
Spark:
clothing
belt pouch
flint and steel/tinderbox
mess kit
rope 50'
trail rations 5 days
waterskin
wand clw
potion barkskin
potion clw x2
alchemist fire x3
acid flask x2
tanglefoot bag x2
Alezandaru:
Backpack (8lbs)
Backpack, Common (2gp|2lbs)
2xRations, Trail/Day (2gp|2lbs)
Thieves Tools (30 gp)
Lantern, Hooded (7gp|2lbs)
2xOil, Lamp (2sp|2lbs)
Flint and Steel (1gp)
Bram:
Backpack 2 lbs.
Bedroll 5 lbs.
Waterskin 4 lbs.
Rope, silk 5 lbs.
Trail rations (5) 5 lbs.
Alchemists' Fire (2) 2 lbs.
Brother Antonidas:
backpack, bedroll, belt pouch, flint and steel, hemp rope (50 ft.), mess kit[UE], pot, torch (10), trail rations (5), waterskin, 24 gp
Findlefarb:
Entertainer's Outfit (0gp, 1lb)
Pickpocket's Outfit (5gp, 0.75lb) (+2 for hiding small objects)
Pocketed Scarf (8gp, 0.125lb) (+4 Sleight of Hand for hiding small objects)
Recorder (5gp, 0.75lb) (Musical Instrument, common)
Spell Component Pouch (5gp, 0.5lb)
Juggler's Kit (15gp, 2.5lb) (+1 Perform(Comedy))
Belt Pouch (1gp, 0.125lb)
Soap (1cp, 0.5lb)
Wrist Sheath (1gp, 0.25lb) (+2 Sleight of Hand to hide objects, move action to retrieve)
Chicken (1gp, 6lb)
Wayfinder
Wand of Cure Light Wounds (43 charges) (stored in wrist sheath)
Konner:
2x vial acid
2x vial holy water
vial alchemist's fire
potion of CLW
Wand of CLW
backpack
waterskin
sunrod
bandolier
Aroden:
Spell component pouch, spellbook, pathfinder's kit, traveler’s outfit, Wand of Cure Light Wounds (45), Wand of Mage Armor (50), Holy Water (2), MW Craft (Sculpture) Tools, Scroll of False Life, Potion of Reduce Person, Scroll of Shield, Scroll of Protection from Evil
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He also takes one of the traveling packs, and prepares for the journey. He sees Antonidas taking his final two bites. "Was that the same apple you were eating this morning?" He says and grins. "I can never make them last so long."
The Greenblade notices Spark acquiescing to his taking the lantern and says "I am sure each of us will have a turn carrying the lantern. We should discuss such things a little once we are on the trail. I, for example, am an archer and a swordsman and would like to have both hands free in case there is a fight. What are your thoughts?"