The Price of Immortality (Inactive)

Game Master mathpro18

Mayor Uptal smiles at Elias and nods his head. "Of course I can fill you in. The tomb is nothing to worry about. We've been sending youths their for years and no one has ever parished on the quest. There are two floors to the tomb and the Everflame is located in the basement. You all will just need to navagate your way through the maze like upper level and make it down to the second level, retrieve the flame, and come back. The entire journey usually takes about 3-4 days depending on how quickly our questes make it through the laberinth of the upper floor. The everflame its self is a tourch that is put in the hands of a statue of Kassen. Retrieve the torch and return here and there will be a great celebration. We then send someone to return the torch so next year it can be retrieved again. This whole thing is seen as a rite of passage into adulthood for locals though I can see by our lot this year its a little...late." He takes a long pull form a goblet of ale and then sets to eating dinner though is open to any questions.

He is telling the truth

Elias nods along as the mayor speaks.

"Well, that sounds simple enough. A three or four day quest to satisfy a cherished custom can be done without much problem." He smiles warmly. "I'd be happy to be of service."

"Shoa?" Rylka begins with her mouth full. She stops and swallows before continuing. "So, when do we leave? Is there any gear we should pick up in the meantime?"

"There will be a ceremony tomorrow as a send off. It starts at 10 so don't be late. If there is anything you guys think you will need I'd suggest you stock up before that. I was even nice enough to talk the shopkeepers and they have agreed to give you 25% off anything you think you might need."

The evening draws to a close as you all feast with the Mayor and make idol chit chat with him. The next morning comes far to early for some who partook of the ale a little to freely but you all manage to get out of bed. You have about an hour to shop at the shops for any supplies you wish to purchase and then you have to be at the square.

Rylka carefully packs up her outdoor gear wishing she weren't quite so small so she could carry more. She buckles her rapier to her hip and clips her crossbow to her pack. She hefts the pack onto her shoulder, it weighs more than she does, bus she barely notices the weight.

She walks proudly to to town square, on time for once. Looking about for her fellow chosen. Ready to be pounced upon by Lord Truffles at any time.

Settling his mask firmly on his head, Baralas meets the others at the appointed time. He carries a pack with his gear, and is leaning on his staff awaiting the others arrival.

hello all, sorry, been a little busy with work. (work for the electric company and with the impending snow, there is lots to do to keep the power going.

Sugar gathers her things and gives her mom and dad a hug. Her father hands her a towel, My father told me always bring a towel. and I have had that towel ever since I left our home in the River Kingdoms, now, I pass it on to you.

Sugar smiles and gives her father a big hug. looking to her mother, you gonna come to the square like every year with your cookies? Sugar asks.

Her mother smiles and nods as she produces a basket full of bread and cookies and muffins.

Truffles' head perks up at the sight and rushes over to them.

Sugar takes one of the muffins and hands it to Truffles, Chocolate chip, your favorite

Truffles gobbles it up before Sugar even finishes her sentence.

Together the three walk to the square. Rylka was already there when they arrived and the smell of the fresh baked goods wafts through the air over the square.

Truffles sees his friend and charges at Rylka. almost bowling her over.

snort, snort he tries to lick Rylka like an overjoyed puppy, his breath smells of chocolate chip.

Just waiting for Elias to post and then we can continue.

Elias gathers his belongings, and arrives and meets the others with a smile.

"All right. A quick and simple two day trip it is. I am ready to proceed when you all are."

Hefting his pack, he looks to Truffles and grins.

The bells atop the Temple of Erastil toll their midday song, echoing throughout the quiet town. 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. Afer 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. 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?”

After each of you step forward another hush falls over the crowd. The Mayor smiles at each of you before continuing.

"Who shall be entrusted with the honor of carrying the lantern to retrieve the flame?"

Rylka steps forward and takes the lantern and steps back. "No No, not me." She shushes the crowd as she pulls some twine from her pouch.

"Hey chocolate breath, can you carry this for us?" She approaches Truffles and ties a quick harness to attach the lantern to the boar, then turns back to the town with a smile.

The mayor again speaks "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. Goldi's mother makes her way through the crowd and hands over a basket full of cookies and muffins. She then hugs Goldi very tightly and kisses her on the cheek, a tear escaping her eye. She leans in and whispers "You're all grown up...how did this happen.

Goldi smiles Its alright ma, I'll always be your little girl. she says to her ma assuredly, as she takes the basket of goodies.

Glancing at Truffles, don't worry, you can have a couple, but the rest are for us.

Truffles accepts the lantern. he has no idea what it is for, but it seems interesting enough. at first Truffles stays my Rylka. Until there are cookies and muffins....

Off he trots to look at Goldi and Lily (that's Goldi's ma)

After Goldi tells him he will eventually get some goodies, Snort Snort

When it is time to go, Truffles stays as close to the cookies as possible.

Goldi then waves goodbye to everyone. as she heads out rushing to catch up to those taller folks.

she quickly catches up with Rylka and hands her a cookie. you get the first one.

Elias eyes askance of tying the sacred lantern to Truffles, but keeps his own counsel. Instead, he hitches his pack, makes sure his bow is ready, and falls in step with the others, waving with a self conscious smile as they leave the crowd behind.

Behind his mask, Baralas smiles as the halfling lass ties the lantern to her pig. He says a quiet blessing to Nethys to protect them all as he gathers his few belongings and heads off with the others.

Rylka smiles at Goldi, "Thanks! We've got a bit of a hike in front of us. You ever been out this way? My Da usually keeps to the north when he's out logging, so I keep that way too."

Elias takes in deep breaths as they leave the town behind, and something subtle seems to shift about him as they enter the wilderness. It's as if he's finally relaxing and letting down his guard, even as they enter a more dangerous area.

Occasionally he stops to squint into the treeline, or crouch to run his fingers over tracks in the trail. He looks over his shoulder behind him on occasion, and once or twice disappears into the trees altogether before rejoining them a dozen yards on.

"Just staying alive and alert to the woods around us," he says with a gentle smile.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

Rylka smiles at the woodsman. "We're still pretty close to town, not much big wildlife this close to civilization. I wouldn't worry too much yet. But keep those eyes open, ya never know when you'll be wrong."

Goldi looks about is excitement. I'm like you Rylka, never been this way before. Olmira never let me go this way, she always said "Goldi you are far to small and fragile for this part of the wilderness, but don't worry, you will venture there soon enough." she does her best to mimic Olmira as she speaks.

after she gives a little giggle at her rather unflattering impersonation. her giggle suddenly cut short as she scans about for Olmira probably hiding behind some tree or something.

You guys travel until early afternoon uneventfully. This seems like its going to be a cake mission until you guys get to a clearing in the woods. Just as things clear you see 3 orc's standing in the roadway though they don't seem to have noticed you yet.

Battle map is found here

"Orcs, why don't you guys see what they want. I'll be out of sight." Rylka slips into the undergrowth beside the path and sneaks towards the orcs.

Goldi shrugs like "okay sounds cool" and she wanders up toward the orcs.

Hey guys, nice day, you need a guide, or a nature lesson? I know these woods like the back of my hand.

Truffles trots along side of Goldi.

Baralas readies his quarterstaff in preparation for the coming battle.

Still waiting on Elias to post