Berosius |
Berosius likes the feel of sea spray on his face and spends as much time as possible at the bow., though he is careful to hold tight to the sheets anytime he is near the rigging. A wind plays through his hair and coat even when the ship is in a dead calm.
The little halfling is serene, untouched by dear or worry. When he is not enjoying the sea spray, he does his best to meet all of the crew. healing their hurts and learning their songs and stories.
Girion, Son of Aroden |
Girion spends the sea voyage talking to the crew, recording any stories or songs they share in his journal. He also approaches each of the other Pathfinders, trying to get to know them. He seems fairly awkward socially, as if he has not spent much time off his mother's apron strings.
During a quiet moment alone with each of the Pathfinders, he offers the following: "If things get tough, I can help you. I seem to have a way with healing... something far beyond the first aid we took as Initiates. I've been pledged to Iomedae since birth, but it doesn't come from her... I don't really know where it comes from. Mother has told em the story about not investigating the teeth of gift horses, though."
GM Engleaktig |
Thanks to the friendliness and efforts of Berosius and Girion the crew take kindly to the party--as a whole.
Shira Acidaxe, the ship's cook (a one-eyed dwarf with a tattered eye patch, silvered teeth, a nasty scar on her cheek, and missing half of her left ear) takes a liking to Girion in particular. "Ye remind me of me boi!"
GM Engleaktig |
The party arrives early in the morning on the 4th of Neth, just as the winter winds are begin to blow. Shira, because of her fondness for the Taldan, prepares a hearty breakfast for you all--and also packs everyone an extra snack for the journey.
Girion's Knowledge(History): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
The oracle recognizes that the timing of their arrival is not coincidence. This is the day, in the year 4535, when Ekat Kassen set out from town to defend it for the last time. Tradition dictates that the party should enter the town square at noon.
You have 5 hours to do whatever you wish in town until then. We can fast forward to that point, or you can interact with the locals. A lik to a map of Kassen is at the top of the page.
Girion, Son of Aroden |
Shira, hey? Do I need to check my food? ;)
"Thank you, Shira, for your kindness. I hope to see you again someday... perhaps on a future voyage."
Turning to the party, Girion relays what he knows about the Quest of the Everflame. "Usually they send youths from the town, lads and lasses just come of age, to the crypt. It is unusual for outsiders to be given the job... we'd best adhere to their customs and arrive at the town square at noon."
Girion will stick with the group, although he would like to check out a few of the local sites, especially any libraries or places of lore that could shed light on the whole Everflame ritual or on the town's founder. He would also like to visit the market and see what local wares are for sale.
Lumnessa Raziel |
Lumness disappears as soon as the party arrives in town rejoining them every now and then, each time with some new trinket, food, and/or friend.
GM Engleaktig |
Shira, hey? Do I need to check my food? ;)
LOL! Naw, we'll say this is well before Season 2. :-D
____________________________________________________________The ship drops the party off at the docks (between buildings 3 and 12).
1d13 ⇒ 5
Overwhelmed by the adventure away from Absalom, Girion finds himself just outside a building labelled Town Watch Headquarters. There are a couple of guards on patrol who espy him at the same time that he notices them.
1d20 ⇒ 19
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1d12 ⇒ 9
Lumnessa finds herself at the local blacksmith's place Braggar’s Shop. The dwarven smithy is easily seen and heard clanging at a slow, methodical pace. She can see that the wares around his shop are of unexpectedly high quality. (Masterwork.)
1d20 ⇒ 9
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It's still a bit early, though (7:00 AM). Some of the town isn't quite out and about yet. Each party member can see folks dashing about (not secretively, just in a hurry) getting ready for the big day.
Arak Taral |
Arak heads toward the town square, surveying the buildings that face the square assuming one or more is an inn of some type. He'd like to find a place to enjoy a hot tea and observe the goings on and preparations. Listening for information about this year's participants, or observing the local customs.
Diplomacy (gather info): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (16) - 1 = 15
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23
Girion, Son of Aroden |
"Friends, let us not wander too far - remember, we must arrive before noon at the square, so that we can all enter together!" Girion calls out as the group scatters. After Absalom and that ship, it is good to have some space to breathe... and solid ground under my feet!
As Girion notices the guards, he smiles and waves. "Greetings, officers! A fine day for my first visit to your lovely town. I was hoping to find a place where a traveler can rest and refresh; can you recommend an inn?" Girion walks over to them as he speaks, to avoid having to yell.
GM: Go ahead and make any rolls you need on my behalf - I assume I will take 10 on Perception all the time, and make appropriate Knowledge rolls when needed.
Harrow Tatterhood |
Harrow, without anything specific to do, is like a big, dangerous kid who requires adult supervision or a wild animal. He seems to test limits in town, such as pulling out the bottom apple in a pile of apples to see if they will topple, or picking up and examining every item on the shelf of a shop, dropping several items. His hideous appearance does not help, since some of the townspeople seem alarmed at the sight of him even without his erratic behavior.
"How much longer we wait?!" Harrow asks. "We get there in day or night?!"
Always confuse noon with moon...
GM Engleaktig |
@Tan'ia: Are you looking for anything in particular?
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@Arak: Next to the town sqaure is the Seven Silvers, a comfortable-looking, two-story inn and tavern. Its sign features modest prices (4 sp/night) and decent food (3 sp/day). Despite the early hour, it also enjoys a lively taproom. Behind the bar is is middle-aged man assisted by a young woman Asina, and a very friendly waiter. 1d20 ⇒ 16 The barman seems depressed until he notices that you walk in. "Greetings, stranger! Are you one of our substitute heroes this year?"
In the corner of the taproom, you see a man with a scar along the left side of his face. 1d20 ⇒ 10 You notice that he wears a wayfinder.
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@Harrow: An old man smoking his pipe and holding a book under his arm gestures when you upset the apples. They (the apples) immediately right themselves back into a neat pile. The old man smiles at you, gives you a brief bow, and continues to wander about--reading his book and smoking his pipe. 1d20 ⇒ 12
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@Girion: The two soldiers are an older man and a young man about your age. The older man returns your hail with a non-nonsense voice, "Hm. Pathfinder by the look of you. Green, too. You're here too early, son." He pauses for his moment, though his gravelly voice still resonates in Girion's ears. "The ceremony doesn't start till noon." He squints his eyes at you, "I hope you intend to keep to the spirit of the quest?"
Seeing the older soldier's antagonistic demeanor, the younger soldier becomes slightly more rigid, and eases his hand towards the hilt of his weapon. 1d20 ⇒ 18 Girion notices him whisper something to the older soldier, as though seeking confirmation. The older man shakes his head, and the younger soldier relaxes slightly.
The older soldier continues, "Since you're here, and you've the look of a soldier about you, why don't you join us for our morning drill!" It's not so much an invitation or a request as an order.
Tan'ia |
Not looking for anything particular. Just wandering around, are there any local churches, maybe? I want to see what all the different buildings in the town are. You said we've got like 4 hours to kill, right? It appears to be a small-ish village. I should have time to get a quick look at least at all the signs on the buildings, or determine if they are houses.
GM Engleaktig |
There is a local church. Next to the town square is the Temple of Erastil. You notice something very heartening right away--this temple seems to be very tolerant of other forms of worship. There are small shrines to other gods set up in some of the temple's alcoves, including Gozreh, Gorum, Shelyn, and Angradd--among others.
Girion, Son of Aroden |
Girion responds to the older man respectfully. "Of course, sir... it is an honor to represent the Society in this year's Quest. I would also be pleased to join you for morning exercise... the voyage left little room for proper workouts. Provided it will not interfere with my attendance at the Town Square before noon, of course? Not all of my companions are familiar with the traditions, and I must oversee their preparations."
Sense motive to see if the older guard is trying to delay my arrival at the event, or if he is just trying to show me up by being able to "beat" me in the physical fitness department? I'm fine with the latter, but won't allow the former if I can avoid it.
GM Engleaktig |
@Girion: Girion's Sense Motive check: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Girion sense that neither of his fears is the case. The older soldier is dedicated and sincere. He cares about Kassen and takes the responsibilities entrusted to him very, very seriously. He's also a bit of a hard-ass.
"Well, praise Erastil! We've got us a game soldier here. Since you're green we'll start easy. Lets start with 100 push-ups, followed by 100 sit-ups, and 100 jumping jacks. Then we'll march around the town's perimiter double time. After that warm-up, the real training will start."
This last part might excite Girion. He will, very sincerely, give you combat pointers. The younger soldier is clearly jealous of the attention you receive. "Captain Wisslo, sir! We don't have time to train this green horn!" he protests.
"Where the security and safety of Kassen is concerned, Guardsman Kir, we make time! Hope to it, son! Go, go, go!!!"
As the captain leads the calisthenics regimen, Guardsman Kir mutters something under his breath. 1d20 ⇒ 9
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@Tan'ia: You settle in to offer thanks to Angradd. You notice that his shrine seems well tended. Somebody left an offering here recently--an exquisitely crafted greataxe: Angradd's favored weapon.
Arak Taral |
"Greetings to you barman! I am Arak, I am to be a substitute this year indeed." the nagaji watches the scared man's face for a reaction. "I also seek a man named Cygar Anravis. And food please, after the boat ride I've been looking forward to soemthing...fresh!"
Harrow Tatterhood |
Upset the apples didn't fall, Harrow's eyes narrow at the old man's back and he looks for anything else that might tip over.
GM Engleaktig |
@Arak: The waiter approaches you with a bit of a confused look. "Um... How fresh, sir?" he asks wigling his fingers as though indicating food that's still moving.
The bartender seems a little crestfallen. He spares a quick look at the young woman. Then, he nods to the corner where the scarred man sits. "You'll find Master Anravis keeping to his own counsel over there."
A link to a picture of Cygar has been added to the top of the page beneath the link to the map of Kassen.
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@Girion: Guardsman Kir makes every effort to do exactly what you do though it is an effort for him. 1d20 ⇒ 14 Unlike some of the other soldiers that you see watching you, Kir respects the Captain sincerely and wholeheartedly. He would not mind if you were better than he. In fact, his youth, his forthright nature, his innocent intentions, and his blunt honesty remind you of yourself. You understand now that when Kir mutters under his breath, it's to motivate himself. He seems a little... slower in the head... than other men. You feel that this is a man who would always tell you the truth--not a rival.
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@Harrow: The old man tries to keep a straight face, but you can see a smile creeping into the corners of his eyes. 1d20 ⇒ 9 He's enjoying this "game" you've just started. With a flick of his wrist and some words of power that you don't understand, an apple pie appears 10 feet in front of you. In between you and the apple pie a cartoonish version of a gnoll wielding a spear also appears.
GM Engleaktig |
Since nobody else has posted, we'll fast forward to the event, wrapping up loose ends.
Cygar is staying at the inn and hasn't gitten along well with the locals. He wants to set up a post in northern Nirmathas and is keeping a lookout for anyone in town who he might get to join the Pathfinder cause, but they need to prove themselves competent first.
The gnoll is an illusion. Harrow defeats it easily and gets the apple pie as his reward.
Kir befriends Girion.
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The party gathers in the town square a few minutes before noon. It is oddly empty.
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. 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?"
Bending at the waist, he squints his eyes and holds his hand to his brow as though scanning the horizon for these heroes.
Girion, Son of Aroden |
Girion steps forward into the square, standing tall. In a loud voice, he responds,"I, Girion, Son of Aroden, will stand with Kassen in its time of need! Though I am a stranger to this land, the Pathfinder Society has heard of your plight, and sends its aid!" As he steps forward, he draws his sword, and the symbol of Iomedae in its hilt blazes with holy light.
He looks around the crowd for his companions, and nods to Kir as well.
Love the orc/gnoll and the pie!
Lumnessa Raziel |
Lumnessa appears out of nowhere right next to the mayor. Tugging at this sleeve to get his attention she smiles at him and asks, What is the pony's name?
GM Engleaktig |
As one, the crowd gasps with appreciation for Girion's theatrical response. There's a smattering of golf-claps.
The mayor responds "Excellent, my boy, excellent!"
Then, feeling a tug on his sleeve, he continues, "Look! We have another hero step forth."
In an 'aside' voice, he adds, "The horse's name is 'Hannah' my dear."
In a big voice, he continues the show of "looking" for heroes, "Is no one else brave enough to go on this quest?"
Harrow Tatterhood |
Ha! I read the gnoll post last night and didn't have time to post. But what I was PLANNING to post was to wrestle the gnoll for the pie! Ha!
Harrow looks around at the townsfolk and the mayor.
Who going to be brave heroes?
The quick-witted half-orc continues looking with a confused look on his face until Girion steps forward.
Oh, WE heroes...okay, I go, to.
"Harrow Tatterhood, at service!" he says as he steps forward next to Girion and flexes his giant biceps.
intimidate: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
Harrow removes one last piece of the pie from his bag and starts to eat it.
Wonder if pie is illusion, to. Taste good, tho, if really illusion.
He shrugs and continues eating.
Arak Taral |
Arak steps forward, "I am Second Arak Taral. I join my new friends, and am ready to prove myself before Irori. Shall we retrieve the fire in that lantern?"
GM Engleaktig |
Looks around at the villagers, Aren't any of you going?
1d20 ⇒ 18
As one the villagers in attendance gasp and feign horror at the idea of going on such a "dangerous" quest. "*GASP!* On, no. We couldn't possibly do it. Only the bravest and hardiest could can make this quest for the sake of the village!" They all say this in unison as though this was a rote response in an annual ritual.
1d20 ⇒ 3
They're clearly pleased that Tan'ia asked the question. They think that she's encouraging "audience participation" among the villagers.
:-)
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I've added links to the top of this page to 1) a picture of Mayor Uptal and 2) a picture of this scene as it plays out in Kassen's town square.
"My friends," the Mayor addresses the townsfolk in the most dramatic, most somber voice he can muster, "These six souls will brave the wilds of the forest!"
The townsfolk gasp--again as one. Some clutch at their hearts. Others hold their children tight. Yet others dab cloths or tissues at their eyes to wipe away feigned tears.
"They will brave the Broken Glade!" Mayor Uptal says with a tremor in his voice.
The townsfolk respond, "No, not the Broken Glade!"
"They will brave the Gray Lake!" Mayor Uptal says spreading his arms wide and shaking his head.
The townsfolk all bow their heads. Many remove their hats as though commemorating the party's passing already. "It was sure nice to know them."
"They will cross the Serpent Gorge!" Mayor Uptal chokes a little on the last words.
As one, the townsfolk all let out a low hiss. "Sssssss!"
"They will brave the Crypt of the Everflame!" Mayor Uptal's voice positively booms and becomes upbeat as he says this. This point in time is depicted in the picture linked at the top of the page.
The townsfolk all cheer with such boisterous joy that you'd think the local baseball team had just won the World Series with a grand slam!!! The cheering, hooting, and hollering continues for a couple of minutes. After the crowd calms down a bit, Mayor Uptal turns to face the party, "Who is to have the honor of carrying the lantern?"
Arak Taral |
Arak holds his hands open to the Mayor. "I will carry it your honor," he booms playing up to the crowd.
Slightly more quietly to the mayor, "May we speak with any of the past heroes before we embark upon our quest?"
GM Engleaktig |
Since Arak spoke with Cygar earlier in the day, he would have gotten the lowdown on the quest:
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. (They worship Erastil here.)
The quest starts out as a solemn ceremony in town, where the townsfolk gather to wish the adventurers luck. (Just as it was when Kassen himself left to defend the town.) This is what's happening now.
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As soon as Arak announces himself as the lantern bearer, a hush instantly comes upon the square. A moment passes. Then another. And yet another.
The Mayor slowly, purposefully, reverently steps forward. Bowing to Arak he hands over the lantern. "Use this to bring the fire back to Kassen."
And the crowd cheers even more boisterously that before!
"YAAAAAAAAY!!!!!!"
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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 paper that looks like a piece of a map that leads from Kassen to the Crypt of the Everflame. Trail Map link added to top of this page.
In addition, the following items are spread out among your backpacks: 50 feet of hemp 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. I leave it to you all to distributed these goods as evenly as possible. Use the discussion thread, if you like.
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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.
Lumnessa Raziel |
Can we keep Hannah? Lumnessa asks as the other introduce themselves.
She seems content to pet the pony as the ceremony goes on, though she does have a little giggle fit when everyone hisses.
Lumnessa Raziel |
Sorry the gnome whispers and then tries to look as grim and serious as possible. Maybe even going a little to far as the mayor gives her a weird looks as he hands out the gear. Looking through the bag she finds the box containing tinder and three tindertwigs tucked into her blanket.
Following the rest of the party she marches solemnly out of town. Once out of eye sight she starts skipping down the road humming to herself.
Berosius |
Sheesh! I Step away from the computer for a day and you people go and have an adventure!
Dressed in sensible traveling clothes, Berosius tucks away the last of his first lunch into his pack and falls in with the other Pathfinders as they head south. He likes the idea of a formalized adventure, with a public send-off, appealing as it does both to his neat and organized nature as well as his deep desire to see new places and things.
"Good-bye!" he calls with a cheery wave. "I'm sure we shall see you all by supper-time!"
Harrow Tatterhood |
Harrow takes one last chance to flex in front of the crowd, pointing to one different children in the front row after a particularly good Atlas pose.
intimidate: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
From the stables, several frightened men bring a mottled, wild mare that is kicking and biting them. They release, or rather lose control of the horse as they near the group. The horse kicks Harrow as he tries to gather the reigns, the half-orc punches the horse in the face, and then they both seem to settle down a bit.
Harrow finally leaps onto its back, and the mare gives one final buck and a glare back at the half orc, which he returns.
"This finest horse in land," Harrow says as he pats its neck, perhaps too hard.
"Harrow ready!"
Berosius |
Happy to discuss the finer points of gustation, Berosius beams up at the tall priestess. "Oh, no! That would be excessive. We do have two dinners, though. Supper is the final formal meal of the day, eaten with family or friends if possible, and often consisting of several courses, or at least a good cheese plate before and a dessert after."
"Then, of course, there's a snack before bedtime. I like a plate of fruit with just a bit of ham, or goose, if it's the right season. It makes the fruit go down very pleasantly, especially with a nice sherry."
Harrow Tatterhood |
"Hey you to! Stop talking 'bout food if we not eating!" Harrow yells at Berosius and Tan'ia. He seems to have forgotten the pie he ate not ten minutes ago.
intimidate: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Also, at the start of every adventure Harrow is in, I feel compelled to state that while I know the difference between "to," "too," and "two," Harrow does not.
Berosius |
But... Harrow isn't typing out his words. You are! Does he sound differently when he pronounces two, too and to?
The little halfling jumps, startled and frightened, quieting immediately. But after a moment he digs into his pocket and produces a lump of sugar. He had intended to feed it to Harrow's horse, but figures that perhaps the rider could use it more.
Holding it aloft he quietly says "Are you hungry, Harrow? You can have this sugar lump if you like."
GM Engleaktig |
Just because 1) it's fun / harmless and 2) we seem to have a food theme going on...
Several of the eligible young men and women in the village rush forward in a final farewell, and give each of you a pie--One cherry (Arak), one strawberry (Berosius), one apple (Girion), one rhubarb (Harrow), one blueberry (Lumnessa), and one gooseberry (Tan'ia). The stable boy rushes forth, too, and gives Harrow's horse an apple and a very large sugar cube.
Harrow Tatterhood |
Because it's what Harrow is thinking and saying! And, I just think it's hilarious. :)
Harrow takes the sugar and wolfs it down. "I sorry...get angry when hungry. Thanks," he says sheepishly.
"Also, should never get angry at fellow half-lings. Will try not to get hungry again."
Harrow gratefully accepts the pie and immediately starts to eat it in the saddle.
Really liking pie...
Lumnessa Raziel |
Yum, pie! I do love a good 'farewell pie'. Lumnessa says as she starts to eat the pie that is as big as here head.
Harrow Tatterhood |
Harrow holds out his hand expectantly for more pie from Tan'ia.
I finish if little tiny woman can't..."
Harrow Tatterhood |
Harrow is eligible, too, though he has an on-again, off-again relationship with another half-ling.
Harrow licks the pie from his fingers.
Forgot to mention, thanks for all the extra pics and such...nice details!