Crypt of the Everflame

Game Master TheGodd*mnGM

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.

The town known as Kassen was founded by a man named Ekat Kassen many years ago. A former adventurer who had found great wealth and settled a small but growing town known as Kassen's Hold. But after ten years the town was met with a man by the name of Asar Vergas along with his host of mercenaries. Asar was an old companion of Ekat, and the two had traveled together for some time before splitting up just after Ekat's last adventuer. Over the years, Asar became sure that Ekat had cheated him after that adventure. For two months Asar relentlessly raided the town. Finally, the townsfolk managed to locate Asar's camp in an ancient crypt deep within the forest, and Ekat himself went out to deal with his old friend.

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 crype, interring his remains in a place of honor, above the simple sarcophagi used to inter Asar and his mercenaries, and the townsfolk that perished 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 year, 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 past. Every autumn, a few of the townsfolk make a milgrimage 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's 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. Those who come to the town during the autumn are witness to the solemn appearing ceremony.

In recent years the mayor did not take part in the quest he has selected all applicants who offer their hand. Even those not of Kassen are welcome to try, but are told this is a quest of great importance to the town and bids without merit will not be considered. Today is the day they select their brave party who will risk the woods, beasts, and crypt to retrieve a lantern full of light that will keep the town warm through the bitter winter to come.
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The town is filled with the soft sound of music, that sounds something vaguely like a funeral dirge as people in darkened clothing leave their homes and head toward the town's large center square. The women wear soft downturned eyes and the men wear their best black or dark clothing.

Mayor Uptal is a large man, standing around 5'10 but has a large round belly that wiggles as he comes up the steps to the stage in the middle of town. He too wore dark clothing, as if a great sad day was upon the town. The kids whisper stories among the gathering crowd, telling stories of people never coming back, of horrible deaths on the journey. Their parents seem to pay them no mind as they whisper back and forth.

The party is among the growing crowd, either local born or visitors from the nearing towns and cities or perhaps just passing through.

Mayor Uptal speaks loudly, perhaps his voice aided by magic to reach the full crowd. He holds up the tarnished silver lantern as he speaks “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?”

A young man of medium height steps forward, a starknife at his side and speaks to the mayor, "I will and retreive the flame and protect this community! Who is going with me?" he shouts at the crowd and looks around. His eyes stopping on each of you.

hello all, I have been really busy the past couple of days I will try and get Goldi's alias together tomorrow I am really sorry

A human male shoves and growls his way forward. He wears blue weatherworn hide armor, and has a greataxe strapped to his back. Locals may recognize him. He occasionally ventures into the city to trade for supplies and make an occasional purchase. While they find him a bit odd for choosing to live in the wilderness versus the comfortable convenience and safety of the city, he is always friendly when he visits and fair in his trading.

"Finally! With this rite of passage I prove to you all that Kassan is part of where I call home and with honor I accept the great tradition Mayor Uptal has seen fit to bestow on me."

Akvius takes a stand next to Daniel and quickly looks him over from head to toe. After developing a quick impression the man he anxiously looks around to see who else will be joining them.

It was getting late, and Goldi still was having trouble getting Truffles all cleaned up for the Mayor's speech.

Come on truffles, I promise not get any soap in your eye this time. she pleads with him.

SNORT is his reply but upon seeing the big basin of water, Truffles leaps into the water splashing all about, getting Goldi completely drenched.

Goldi and truffles have fun playing until they are interrupted by a rather loud Ahem from behind.

turning around, to see her father standing there, don't you have someplace to be? he says in a fatherly voice.

Oh yeah, right, come on Truffles we're gonna be late.

Truffles leaps from the bath and the two dry off. and off they go to the town square.

making their way to the front of the crowd, Goldi weaves among the taller towns folk. Followed by Truffles pushing his way through, sniffing all about looking for something good to eat.

TRUFFLES! Goldi yells chasing after him. so sorry, he usually isn't like this.

there is commotion all over the place as Goldi chases down truffles to get back to the Mayor's speech.

Having missed some of it, and seeing two already there, Goldi pauses, a little unsure if this is the right thing. As Truffles is soon starting to wander again.

Goldi finally catches the wayward boar, Truffles, you will get fed soon enough, now come on.

the two mayhem makers finally get to the Town square. She finds herself in the center of the group that has volunteered. starring at a not so surprised audience. Ahhhh, hello? she says a little embarrassed, waving to everyone.

one thing to note, Goldi is still in wet clothing, but not too bad.

Truffles stands next to her with a piece of bread hanging from his mouth like a cigar.

I would just like it known I am waiting for every person who accepted to make an entrance post, or at least the ones who reaffirmed interest.

Akvius can you PM me with which of the chosen players you are, so I can get my notes straight?

Just posting to let you know I've been checking for new posts everyday. I'm assuming you are still going forward with this and as stated, waiting for players to post?"

That is my intent yes.

is this game gonna happen? If we are still waiting for someone, I suggest drop them and either replace or just move on

i'm guessing, still waiting.

Ok I am gonna start considering this dead, might as well consider adding Goldi to the list of available characters.....again.

I thought the Recruitment died, since the last post on recruitment was not registered right on a refresh. And since GM was waiting on others, a PM would of been a nice reminder and a fail safe to the missing post, or refresh miss timing.

Ingrid walks forward in her usual graceful way
"Oh this will be fun.." she says with a smile.

hello?

Are you still there?

ok I have a high chance of getting Goldi in another Crypt game. this seems to be going nowhere so I am out...

sorry guys