Almost 200 years ago, when the land that was to become Nirmathas was still a vassal of the empire of Cheliax, the northern reaches of the Fangwood were a wild and untamed place. The crusades that laid low the Whispering Tyrant to the north were a distant memory, and those who remained were intent upon keeping the orcs of Belkzen and the remaining undead from Ustalav in check. As a result, the great forest was full of danger, from marauding orcs to deadly predators, making it unsafe for merchants hoping to trade with the growing community of Skelt in the foothills of the Mindspin Mountains to the west.
Ekat Kassen was a crusader and fortune seeker who came to serve Lastwall in the year 4515 AR. While he fought with distinction, he soon realized that he wanted more from life and left the Lastwall military to find his fortune elsewhere. His travels took him all over the region around Lake Encarthan, and he decided to settle down in 4522 after a very profitable adventure. Using a sizable portion of his fortune, he set out to tame a small area of the Fangwood on the banks of the Tourondel River, making it a natural stopover for those traveling up and down the river to Skelt.
For the next 10 years, the town, which was then known as Kassen’s Hold, grew and prospered. All that changed when Asar Vergas came to Kassen’s Hold with a host of mercenaries under his command. Asar was an old companion of Ekat, and the two had traveled together for some time before splitting up just after Ekat’s last adventure. Over the years, Asar became sure that Ekat had cheated him after that adventure. Promising great wealth to his mercenaries, Asar raided the town relentlessly for 2 months.
Finally, the townsfolk managed to locate Asar’s camp in an ancient crypt deep in the forest, and Ekat himself went out to deal with his old companion. The battle was terribly bloody, with only a few townsfolk coming back to tell the tale. In the end, Asar was slain and his mercenaries scattered, but Ekat suffered a mortal wound. He died 2 days later, on the 11th day of Neth, 4535.
In honor of their beloved founder, the townsfolk buried Kassen in the ancient crypt, interring his bones in a place of honor, above the simple sarcophagi used to inter Asar, his mercenaries, and the townsfolk that lost their lives in the bitter struggle. They placed an eternal flame above Kassen’s final resting place, so that all who visited might find warmth in the wilderness.
Over the years, the Crypt of the Everflame has become an important part of the history of the town, now simply called Kassen. The townsfolk view the crypt as a memorial to those difficult first years of the town’s history. 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 (it has now been 4 years since the mayor last decided to send a group of young heroes to the crypt). Many see this as a passage into adulthood, a taste of adventure before settling down to work and marriage. 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 fight the mercenaries. When the adventurers return a few days later, the town holds a great celebration in their honor. This also marks the final harvest celebration before the long winter. Children are known to tell wild tales to one another about what happens during the quest. Some even claim that there have been a number of deaths over the years. Adults however always deny such concerns but will also sometimes suggest that some townsfolk may be setting up simple traps, puzzles and illusionary monsters for the adventurers to overcome.
We are now the 4th of Neth, just as the winter winds are beginning to blow. 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. A few weeks ago, Mayor Uptal has come to ask each one of you if you want to participate in the quest for the eternal flame and for one reason or another, you decided to accept. You have 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 are supposed to meet at noon with the other participants at the town square, for the start of the quest.
"Strike it harder, ye loon! It don't need to look like a bonnie lass!" Shouted Braggar. He had a way of leaning over your should and bellowing into your ear, if you were short enough.
"But I spent all morn smoothin' the steel!" Brimlii shouted back. It didn't matter to Braggar, hard work means nothing if the weapon can't split a shield, or the breastplate block an arrow. They spent the rest of the morning arguing over a single hammer head to fit a masterwork mace that was due later in the week. A few hours passed, the sun finally crept high enough to shine past the treeline of Fangwood Forest and Brimlii lay down his hammer to wash off before the ceremony. Donning his armor and hefting his shield and morningstar, he turned back to face the forge for a final goodbye. "I'll not be long lassie, ye'll soon feel the strike of me hammer again." He looked at his weapon, realizing how crude it was compared to Braggar's work. "Well I guess it's time to-" "Time to put yer daft weapon to the test," Braggar interrupted, finishing his thought. "A paid weeks off if it's not shattered when ye get back, if ye get back." Braggar gave the young smith a hard smack on the back, and shoved him off towards the square. That was his way of saying goodbye.
Brimlii was beaming with excitement on the way to the square, half running the short distance. He couldn't wait to see the other adventurers. "I bet that burly half-orc'll be there. I wonder why they call 'em half-orcs and not half-humans...? And maybe Merkava too! Torag's forge! Nye a foe could stop us! And maybe -" He arrived at the square and found it empty. "I must be first. Got t'be first. No way I'm the only one." Unsure of what to do, he placed himself in the center of the square, straightened his back, and waited patiently, bracing himself with his morning star, waiting for something to happen. Unable to take it finally shouts,"Hello! Brimlii Titansteel reporting fur the ceremony! I haven't missed it have I?"
Firyin woke as the sun rose, eyes snapping open. He lets the sound of the forest fill his ears as the wind rocks him, taking in the sensations before dropping out of his hammock onto a branch and heading down the tree. He goes through his normal routines; grinding some plants and acorns, checking the traps, and refilling his water. He gets about halfway through when he thinks about how ridiculous it is that he's storing food for a week he won't even be present in, and spends the rest of the morning hunting for something fresh to eat.
As Firyin walks into town he waves to those he passes, still nibbling on the leg of a rabbit. He keeps his eyes down from the blinding midday sun and decides to spend some of his coin to get a little of the local wine before he leaves; he decides he probably won't have another chance this week anyways. He finally makes his way to the town square where he only sees one other of his future group, and recognizes him as that loud dwarf. Although he detests the volume of his work, the man himself seems honorable enough. He makes his way over and says in a soft voice "Morning Brimlii, getting a bit chillier out isn't it?"
"Ay, that it is. The river fog makes it hard t'forge all these fine details." He holds up his morningstar, revealing the shape of a fist beneath numerous spikes. "Imagine th' surprise ay bein' bashed by a spiked fist on a stick! HAH! I can't wait to show Merkava!"
If I do this 'trek' to some cave will they accept me? I suppose it has been long enough where I am no longer the new lad in town. Funny how the adventure sounds like a vacation and the celebration sounds like the real test. Will they question me if I don't accept any ale? I must keep my wits about me and I've never been good at bending the truth. What would happen if I did have some ale? Would it dull the beast's call or inhibit my will that keeps it at bay?
Griswald sat on his floor in a cross legged position wondering about the quest in front of him. He had just completed his morning meditations.
I still wonder what my old friends told the village, did they call me a hero or a monster? Probably a monster... a beast. At least I'm getting better at controlling it. This morning I was able to enlarge my tusks, if I master control I hope that some day I can assimilate and be truly one of the community. Erastil guide me...
He dressed himself and ate his breakfast, the remains of the deer he caught earlier in the week. I've been cooking my meat a bit more rare lately, is the taste of blood growing on me?
Griswald slung his axe over his shoulder, not that he was planning on using it, what would he need his tree splitting axe for? The elders told him to get some armor as well, Renet gave him a good deal. If I blew them off they might start to question me, best to listen to their 'wisdom' so I don't stand out.
Griswald heads to the town square keeping his head down for the most part. He lifts his head for the moment and inhales.
That smells like scorched leather it must be the smith. Dwarves appreciate hardwork I'll do part on this trip so he accepts me... hopefully. There was another scent, I can't quite pin it down, probably another waiting to leave.
"Hail friends" Griswald says kind of uneasy as he looks for the right words "Fine morning, suppose we can convince them to hurry this up? I've never been fond of all this hooha over some festival or ceremony or whatever..."
He keeps his eyes down for the most part and glances up occasionally to see what the others are doing.
Firyin flinches at the loud voice "I could always pick your voice out in a crowd Brimlii, I think I may come to enjoy having that strong voice in the crypt"
As the newcomer approaches Firyin turns to face him I can't recall him, he must keep to himse...ahh Griswald he gives a genuine smile "Hail Griswald. Yes I feel the same way, although I suppose we should wait for the others of our group to arrive. It'll be good to have somebody along who also relies on their instincts to guide them"
"Why did you make me agree to this?" Nivel questioned his father for the umpteenth time. "What does it truly accomplish? Not like there will be any real adventure involved."
"There, there... concentrate on what your doing. Your dipping that shoulder again," said Narvel. "While it is true that the life of a sniper can be a lonely one you must learn to work as part of a team as well. You know all the others, they are your friends, aren't they? You grew up with them. How bad could it be?"
Nivel lowers his bow and gives a frustrated sigh. "Yeah, but we aren't children anymore. We stopped going on camping trips long ago, once we figured out that there was nothing in the woods to really scare us. We kinda went our seperate ways."
"No, you went your seperate way. Why you did is beyond me. They all seem like good upstanding young men, you should consider yourself lucky to have such lifelong friends,"countered Narvel, speaking from his own experiences.
"Whatever. Doesn't change the fact that this 'tradition' is nothing more than a stupid camping trip for overgrown boys." Nivel fires off another arrow, the missile finding its target within a tree in the distance. "So, are you gonna be in town to see me off on my first great adventure?"
"Of course, wouldn't miss it for the world. Though you won't find me among the crowd. I can't have your mother discover that I've been around. At least..." Narvel's voice trails off, lost in a wave of old regrets. "At least your mother will be there, dressed proudly in black. Yes, she'll be thinking you just might be breaking out of your shell."
Nivel pauses, snorting at the last statement the elf had just made before letting loose the last of the arrows. "Look, its not that hate being around people, I just prefer my own company. That way you don't have to worry about trusting anyone but yourself." Looking up into the mid-morning sky Nivel realizes that if he is going to go through with this silly game he better be on his way. "Guess I'm off. I'd reeeeally hate to be late," said Nivel with his familiar sarcastic tone.
Narvel smirked to himself as his son trudged off back into town. If its adventure he seeks, he'll need companions. This will be good for the whole lot of them as long as Nivel doesn't make an ass of himself.
Much like a child grudgingly doing his chores, Nivel proceeded back into town. Checking that the armor his father 'found' for him was secure and that he had his rapier and shortbow in their proper places, Nivel made the turn toward the square. Hmm, of course Brimlii is already here. Firyin and um, Griswald is it? Him too. Shouldn't there be one more? Merkava, of course. Wait, how am I not the last to arrive?
Shyly the young half-elf approaches the other young men waiting in the square. He gives each a simple wave of acknowledgement but in doing so does not make too much eye contact. Clearly looking a bit uncomfortable standing out in the open area of the square Nivel finally addresses his future companions. "Greetings... fellow adventurers.", says Nivel, making an attempt at a friendly smirk. "So, umm, isn't somebody missing? Where's Merkava?"
When Griswald reveals his presence, Brimlii turns to give him an unintentionally hard punch in the arm. "I knew a burly beast like ye would be joining us. I'm not sure what's waiting in th' crypt, but this should as easy smithing an ingot." Looking around for any indication of others, he spots that half elf who tends to keep to himself. "Nivel, ol' mate, good to see you. I haven't seen Merkava all morning, I'm sure he'll be around soon."
The thing about being a bouncer.. The thing is.. The nights are long. Especially with everyone coming into town to see the party.. I mean to see me off. Ugh, what a night. Everyone laughing at me, slugging me, trying to make me drink, trying to make others laugh at my expense. Luckily Dad whacked me on my head before I left for the tavern last night, "Son, your axe can't help you if your wits are dull. You keep your mouth off the mugs."
Then there were new people in town, brought in by the excitement, and, as always, they want to try the young bouncer.
I yawn, and crack my knuckles, feeling the bruising there.
They lost, as always.
I can see the sun burning bright on the other side of the curtain. The smell of fresh bread and beans burns my stomach. There's a loud bang on the door.
"Get up! You wanted an adventure and it's here, whether you are ready or not. That's the thing with adventures." Dad burst in and whacked me with a broom. He raised it again over me and then dropped it. He grabbed my night shirt and hauled me upright, "Dammit! You've got to be faster Merk. You'll have less warning when someone wants to kill you! You are leaving your childhood now. This isn't a game."
He leans over and hefts my axe. "The other guy, the guy who wants to stop you, or the guy who wants what you have, he's going to have one of these too. And he will put it through your skull.
"You aren't bouncing anymore. You're killing. You aren't throwing people out of doors, you are throwing them off cliffs. You must move first, you must strike first, you must not show mercy and you must not stop."
He stares at the axe for a moment. A trick of the light makes Dad's eyes glint a bit. He lowers the axe.
"I'm proud of you Merk. You're strong of body and well trained. You'd do your namesake proud. Work together with your team, confront problems intelligently, listen."
Dad stood.
"And when you come back with the Flame, get yourself your own damn place to live."
The rest of the morning passed in a blur of sharpening, polishing, strapping, and cinching. Then I found myself on the road into town, walking into the square where everyone else already waits.
I see their confident stance, and their ready smiles at my arrival. My dad's hard words and his dark mood of late slide off me. I raise my axe high over my head and bring it clashing onto my shield with a resounding boom.
"Hail and well met! Shall we go light a flame?"
Griswald winces as Brimlii uses the word 'beast' to describe him "Ha, well yeah... umm... Do you really think we will need to 'deal with anything?" Griswald says uncomfortably. "Not that I'm afraid or anything I just thought this was a game, ya know? I mean why would the Mayor ask us to willingly go into danger? I dunno... this whole thing confuses me. I just brought my tree splitting axe and some armor to look good for the town folk."
Turning to Firyin "It is Firyiin, right? Aye, instincts tend to keep me out of trouble. Well met." Holding out his hand in greeting.
Griswald pauses for a moment as the scent of two more approach.
A slight smell of alcohol not completely washed off coats one. I hope he isn't a drunk... I hope he doesn't offer me some. I'm torn, is it better to hide in plain sight among the villagers? Or in close proximity to these strangers, even in the wilderness? They might prod and pry about my past...
With a sigh and a shrug he turns to greet the newcomers.
Taking a sinister grin in response to Griswald's comments, "You mean ye haven't heard? There's supposed to be traps an' puzzles an' ghosts an' th' like. Who knows, maybe this year a necromancer will have stumbled in an' taken o'er. That'd be a real adventure!" The thought of bashing some skeletons' bones was thrilling. He gave the square one last glance around trying to spot Merkava. Nothing. Then a resounding bang erupted from behind. Knowing it had to be Merkava, he turned to greet him, "Hail Merkava! I've got a new bit o' steel t'show ye." He holds up his morningstar for Merkava to see. "I'm not showin off am I...? No, any smith would be proud t'show their work." Acting like a child fishing for complements, he continued to showcase his work.
Griswald nods to Nivel after the loud resounding boom "I suppose that would be Merkava..."
He steps forth towards the last member to arrive "Aye, I think we are all here and ready to go. But could we light this flame with a little less banging?
He looks strong, perhaps stronger than me... But not stronger than me hehehe The taunts from the inner beast began I wonder if he knows how to use that thing... he looks like a worthy challenge... I wonder what his heart tastes like?
Appauled and disgusted at his internal monologue, Griswald paused, closed his eyes for a moment and took a deep breath in. This trip is a mistake, it will be difficult to keep it at bay
Griswald holds out his hand to Merkava "I apologize for my shortness, this whole thing is a lot for me. I'm not one for adventure. Can we be off now?"
Firyin watches Griswald rotate his senses among those present He's sharp, perhaps he can help me scout
As another half-elf walks up Firyin tenses I hope he doesn't know much about our kind or he might be able to perceive me
Firyin waves and shakes Merkava's hand, he's a strong fighter who Firyin has had the enjoyment of watching throw drunkards out on occasion
It is now a few minutes before noon, which means that the ceremony that will indicate the start of your quest is supposed to begin soon. You can already see a few people, dressed in black, standing on the edges of the town square but it looks like they are still waiting for something.
Nivel looks the group over. Perhaps my father is right. I really should learn to trust people. I could do a lot worse than this lot to start an adventure with, even if it does end up as a glorified hike.
The young half-elf drops the hood of his cloak and rustles his hair with one of his hands. Brimlii is as good as a dwarf can get if you had to have one as a companion. "Did you make that club special for the occasion, Brim? Looks good, guess all that practice is making perfect." Who knows, mabe one day I could get ol' Brim to make me a sword of my own.
Nivel's attention then turns to the human. "You know, you could never keep quiet, could you? You couldn't sneak up on a corpse with all the noise you make." Ah, Merkava. He's been waiting for this moment for years. Who else but Merk would make a better warrior for our fledgling enterprise?
"Griswald, isn't it? I'm not sure we've ever been properly introduced." Not surprising, seeing that Nivel isn't exactly the outgoing type and wasn't about to go out of his way getting to know the town's newcomers... not by speaking to them anyway. "I'm Nivel." I'm not sure what to make of this fella. A half-orc, my father has told me about how they come to be, I guess I can understand it a little considering who I am. From what I've noticed he seems harmless enough, but we'll keep an eye out, just in case.
Finally Nivel gives his half-elven counterpart a little nod. "How's the hunting been in the wood, Firyin?" Nivel has crossed paths with the ranger quite a number of times while out practicing with his own bow. He certainly has grown to respect the skill Firyin exhibits while out on the hunt. If anyone would understand how it feels to be me, its him. At least I have parents. I wonder what his story is. He's always shown people respect, that I've noticed.
Taking a deep breath, Nivel straightens up and makes an effort to move in closer to the group. Having a few close friends can't hurt, can it? I see no reason why I shouldn't trust these guys. Taking the party in as a whole, Nivel actually seems to smile a little. Its just a couple of days, how bad can it get?
I twirl my axe and stick it upright into the ground. "Brimli! A fine piece of steel. I can't wait to see it smash while I slash!"
I squint at the big newcomer. I've heard of Griswald, but never seen him in the tavern. Folks have even tried to egg me on into a prize fight with him. They're right! He's big! Probably a very worthy opponent. But, I never fought for fun, I fought because I had to. It will be nice to have him alongside me.
And would you look at that axe! Very impressive, but, I love my shield.
"No offense taken my friend! It's just a glorious day and the start of a glorious adventure! And, perhaps the sound of my shield at your back may bring you peace of mind in the days to come. Call me Merk."
I make the rounds with the others in that easy banter I perfected at the tavern.
Your conversation is suddenly interrupted by the bells atop the Temple of Erastil tolling 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?”
The mayor then invites you to come forth to accept your mission. He asks: "Who among you will have the honor of carrying the lantern, used to bring the everflame back to Kassen?"
Why are they all wearing black? This is pretty ominous... Is there more to this rite of passage than I thought? Merk seems real excited... Like he is anticipating bloodshed. Am I ready for this? I'm just a simple tree chopper, what do I really know about quests and fighting? Doesn't Erastil preach we should protect the community not run off like some young scoundrels?
While part of Griswald is scared there is another part of him, deeper, that is ecstatic. To see, smell and taste blood... Maybe I will be freed...
Griswald takes a step back as the mayor awaits someone to come forth and accept the lantern.
You'd think we were marching off to our death. Let's add some rain, make the mood even lighter
Firyin stands back with Griswald
Nivel quickly becomes uncomfortable, he doesn't like all these eyes on him and the others. He gives a quick nudge to the human's shoulder. "Whatcha waiting for? Go get it!"
Coward, what are you scared of? These villagers are cattle... I am a beast. Take the lantern and we off with it
Griswald looks at the two half elves standing back as well. They seems as uncomfortable as I am. Maybe I have more in common than I first thought...
Brimlii looks around the crowd in search of the a short, yet broad, hooded figure. Spotting a couple, He notes the long, braided bearded protuding from the hood of one. "I knew he'd come!" He then turns to the half-breeds as they step back. Then looks at Merkava "If you don't want it, I'll take it..." trying his best to whisper.
I needed no nudging. I hardly even noticed the others take steps back, nor the push on my shoulder.
Being a bouncer was always a lot about the show. I raise my axe high, again, and bring it down, again, on my shield, delivering a boom into silence of the square and the crowd.
"I will take the lantern. I will light it from the Everflame. I will bring it back and keep us safe for another winter."
I hang my axe, take a step forward, and hold out my hand.
Merk is confident and self-assured. I may have mistaken him for a brash young attention seeker, but it seems that maybe I was wrong. Maybe this quest is his time to prove to himself and the town that he is a valiant man. I hope it rubs off on me... and the others actually as well. Firyin, Nivel and I could all benefit from Merk. If on this trip all we accomplished was the beginning of a friendship then this trip might not be a complete waste of time.
Griswald emerges from his slumped posture and stands tall and proud. He slaps his hand on Merk's back with a toothy smile.
"Hear hear, lets get on with this quest, shall we?"
Nivel scans the crowd discreetly, as if he expected his father to be there. A silly notion as Narvel would not allow himself to be seen by his son's eyes. Nivel thinks he sees his mother but there is no way to be sure from his current vantage point. I'm sure they are both here, why wouldn't they be? I just hope my mother doesn't make a fool of herself while I'm gone.
After Merk makes his statement, Nivel brings himself to pay attention to the proceedings. "Let's get this show on the road already." he whispers so that only his new companions can hear him.
Mayor Uptal has been waiting silently, his eyes firmly fixed on the would-be heroes. When Merkava steps forward to receive the lantern, a modest smile appears on his face. ”Bring back the flame with this lantern. Good luck!”, he says, as he hands it over to Merkava.
He then gives each character a backpack explaining that it contains everything they need for the journey ahead.
A quick look inside reveals several days’ worth of rations, a small tent, a winter blanket, a full waterskin, a piece of a map as well as some other items distributed among the backpacks (rope, tinder and twigs, filled bottles, torches and a grappling hook).
After handing out the supplies 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.
Griswald takes his back with a nod to the Mayor and sling it over his shoulder and starts heading south. Once the group exits the town line he unslings the backpack to take a look at everything. Sniffs the rations.
Hopefully this is dried meat or I'll have to try to catch something on the way...
He takes out the map to get a better idea of where they are going.
He looks up and realizes he isn't alone for once.
"Firyin you look like an outdoorsman, want to take a look at your map? I think this might be our best course, but let me know what you think Griswald notes the path on his map that he thinks is best.
Trail rations, yummy. I wonder what other junk they've provived for our survival. Nivel will look into his backback and takes a mental inventory of what is inside.
Brimlii heaves the backpack overhead, letting it smack down on his back. Turning to depart with the rest of his companions, he shouts behind him. "Oh an' Braggar, they said me steel looked quite nice. HAH, I bet you've ne'er heard that one before!" When he reaches the outer edge of town, he stops with Griswald to inspect his pack. He picks up the bottles, "I wonder what's in here?" He then picks up the piece of map - "Now what am I to do with a piece o'map?" He tosses it to Griswald, who seems to be plotting some direction. "See what you can do with it."
Survival
As Firyin looks at the map he frowns "I'm afraid I'm unfamiliar with that area. As far as I can tell, yes that looks like a good route"
The townsfolk remain at the town square and soon you find yourself alone, travelling the road south going out of town and through the forest.
The crypt is located roughly 40 miles south of Kassen, which means that you will normally arrive at the end of the following day. This area of the Fangwood is supposed to be mostly safe.
Investigating the backpacks reveals five days worth of rations, a small tent, a winter blanket, a full waterskin and a piece of a map in each one of them. Putting together the pieces makes it clear that they are all part of the same map, showing a road from Kassen towards the crypt.
Each backpack also has something that is not in the other packs.
Griswald looks around as they begin marching
this armor really slows me down, I wish I had armor like Merk, he seems more battle savvy than me when it comes to armor. I suppose we'll be slowed down by Brim anyway.
He takes a large inhale of breath. Sniffs for any smells that seem out of the ordinary. With the map in hand Griswald step ahead and begins to lead the way.
at least I'm out of the village... I always feel better in the woods
"Firyin, want to watch our back or be up front with me?"
Firyin flinches as another twig snaps "Well since you all seem determined to break every branch in the forest, I'm going to scout ahead and see if there's any chance I can find our enemies before they hear the storm approaching"
Stealth
Perception
"Aha! A healing potion, that'll come in handy. But more importanly, th' delicious bottle o'Brandy! I'll save this when I have to saw off one o' yer legs. Brimlii lets out a howling laugh. No real sign of whether he was joking or not with that last comment could be seen. When Griswald walks to the front of the line, Brimlii shuffles forward, trying to get between everyone . "I think this'll be a good position, able to reach all o'ye equally."
Dreaming about the fame and wonderful reputation he'll have on his return, Brimlii wasn't focused on what Firyin was saying. He turns back to address the half-elf to find he's not there. "Where'd the gray one go?" he asks.
Griswald drops his head in embarrassment.
"...sorry. I will lead the rest the best I can, you look out for trouble. Merk want to be behind me so you can smash any unfortunate soul that stumbles into us?" Griswald says with a smirk.
"Navel want to watch our rear?
Griswald eyes Brim and the brandy.
And I was worried about Merk offering me alcohol, it looks like I'll have to be prepared if Brim tries to give me some
You don't want me coming out here... No one will be able to hear them scream... mocked his inner beast
As the dwarf blatantly continues to announce their location Firyin grimaces Really? Then a voice from the trees is heard in a harsh whisper "I can understand a lack of stealth, but you make a dying rabbit seem quiet"