Crypt of the Everflame (Inactive)

Game Master Nathan Hartshorn

Allister nods his head in feigned understanding as he listens to the religious debate around him, but says nothing. His worship of Sarenrae is shallow at best and was imposed upon him by his mother and father - he worships because he was told he should. In truth, Allister never truly understood the gods. The ideals they personify, the metaphors used to explain them and the absolute power they wield are concepts far beyond him.

The Dawnguard, on the other hand, is simple enough for Allister. Protect the good and defeat the evil. Unfortunately, that practice is far more difficult in reality than it sounds, and Allister often struggles to differentiate between the two because he is hopelessly optimistic and quick to assume the best of people.

So while his new friends fervently discuss their gods, Allister just smiles, absorbing nothing.

Vivian holsters her sword back onto her back with her shield. She listens to the theology debates, 'Words prove nothing, I'll convert all of them with my strength once the crypt gets dark.

Vivian studies each of the members while they preach their ideals, more interested in how they are acting than what they're saying. Once Qina starts to look around Vivian begins to notice the crowd as well. 'Perfect, this crowd will strengthen us in lore.

In an echoing contralto voice Vivian turns to the gathering townsfolk with a smile, "Brothers and Sisters of Kessen! Today marks a beginning where our strongest and smartest will prove themselves against the trials of our founder and emerge newly forged as heros! March with us now to the Crypt! March with us to Destiny!"

She looks to the Temple one last time before she turns to leave the square, not showing any of her emotions on her face, 'I'll be back soon father, and it'll fix everything.' Vivian then starts to walk towards the location of the ceremony with her head held high.

Rally Crowd: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (8) + 0 = 8
lol, woes of the uncharismatic aspiring leader

...but I don't get better at working the forge by sitting in a corner and exercising... I get better at working the forge, by making things for other people.

You don't do good thing for other people by making yourself better. You make yourself better by doing good things for other people.

Gad'larr continues, patience a clear aspect of his discussion with Brezik.

"Both of which are self improvements are they not? If you get better at the forge then you are improving yourself, both strength
and skill, and therefore any forge-product you make in the future are even better than it could normally be. I've seen smiths
that could barely shoe a horse, but they still did it for a living. Additionally, doing good things for people is fine in itself, but if you
exercise 'in the corner' on a daily basis, couldn't you help a poor farmer in the field plowing for much longer than you could if you had not?"

Taking both of Brezik's shoulders in his hands, Gad'larr continues with a little excitement in his voice.

"You my friend honor Irori's tenets without meaning too just by wanting to be a better smith and a better dwarf, and I assure
you Torag will not have a problem with that. Followers of Irori are just more focused on improving ourselves in ALL aspects:
Spiritual, mental, and the physical. Does that help?"

Agreeing with Vivian's assessment and fearing the crowds looks in his direction might be shaded by the past, Gad waves towards the
woman's good natured attempt to rouse the populous and move on.

"I fear we must discuss this later if you have more questions old friend."

"What better place to ponder the pious life than a crypt"

Belathorian states, with no sense of irony or sarcasm, he is being literal.

He stays towards the back of the group as they finally approach the crowd in the square.

And so it begins...

Brezik looks at the crowd a little frustrated with himself... he had planned on going to the forge and had never made it...

I guess today I just forged new friendships instead of steel.

Come on you Lay Abouts we can't let Vivian do this alone... How silly would that be letting a girl go all by herself.

Brezik laughs heartily at what he feels is a particularly clever joke... and tosses his hammer over his shoulder following Vivian.

diplomacy: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (20) - 2 = 18 lol even a blind monkey finds a banana once in a while.

Allister laughs wildly at Brezik's joke.

He is not intimidated by the forming crowd, in fact he's emboldened by the townspeople.

Friends, fame, purpose. I could get used to this.

As you make your way towards the town square 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. 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 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 Hero's? 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?"

"I, Allister Sunscale, accept your quest!" Allister puffs his large chest and grins confidently. He notices the crowd's demeanor, but does not understand.

Has someone died?

Feeling like this is the moment she was made for, Vivian steps forward as a wave of adrenaline washes over her. She calls out with pride, "Vivian Ferris! I will be your champion!"

Unconsciously, Gad'larr crosses his arms in front of himself as he steps forward: To face his homecoming in earnest.

"I, Gad'larr Fireblood have returned to Kessen, to perform this task."

Well, no torches or pitchforks yet. That's something.

Qina hid partially behind Allister's armored legs, only her head poking out around the side. "Hi, I'm Qina, uh, Qina Coldfire. I'm with them, I think. Oh, and this is Crow" she says pointing at the raven tattooed on her back. Qina blushed as a few of the townspeople snickered and ducked back behind the armored human standing in front of her.

Posting now for my action later, dont want to miss the boat.

After a moment of silence, once all the other chosen have announced themselves, Belathorian takes a step forward and beginning quietly then getting louder as he grows in confidence

"I am Belathorian twice born, humble follower of Pharasma. I was not born in your town but you have welcomed me. I understand the solemn responsibility of the quest you set me upon. And accept it. I will see the flame brought home. The weight of history is on our shoulders, we shall not break under the weight. The gods themselves watch over us as we set out on this quest! The necromancer..."

Belathorian just mannages to turn the the last word into a coughing fit then stutters into silence

What necromancer Bel?! What am I talking about?! That dream again, got to leave it behind, dreams are dreams... What's... Who's got into me?...That whole speech just wasn't me...

With an embarased speed Belathorian slips back into the rear of the group. Head hung low.

Brezik has pulled the sweet bread out that Qina gifted to him earlier in the day and is chewing on a piece of it already.
He stops chewing and swallows ...
Yeah... Yeah ... Yeah... We're here to get the stupid flame. Seems like a lotta to do for a little fire.

I really don't like the graveyard... but I need to be brave... for the others.

The mayor looks at Brezik with a flash of anger but chooses to ignore the dwarf. "And who here will carry the lantern?" he says holding up the tarnished silver lantern. Those gathered around all ooohhh and ahhh as he holds it up.

Before anyone has a chance to speak up, Gad'larr will gently shove Vivian front and center from behind as he whispers in her ear.

"You are the best choice Finkle Ferris: Go for it!"

I cannot safely carry the lantern and wield my great sword. I hope one of the others can take the burden.

Qina giggles quietly at Brezik's remarks, and flinches when she notices the look that the mayor gives him. As the mayor asks who will carry the lantern, Qina begins to raise her hand. That is, until Gad pushes Vivian to the forefront. Her hands slowly returns back to her side and she looks up at Vivian to see how she will react. Occasionally she glances back at Belathorian to see how he's holding up. He seemed to be nervous about something. She made a mental note to talk to him about it later. In front of half the town though, was not the right time. Even she knew that. Mama always said personal business should be kept personal, and while Qina didn't really understand what that meant, it was usually the follow up yelling of 'oh Qina, just be quiet' that made sense to her.

Vivian half stumbles forward, at first with the help of Gad and then more confidently under her own will. 'It's really happening!'

"I will!" she beams. "I will carry the light of our town!" Vivian speaks with a dramatic tone.

The torch should be born by one born of Kassen... Vivian seems apt, it will give her the confidence and achievement she needs

Belathorian keeps his silence at the back of the group. He feels like an outsider at this ceremony, he is not born to the Kassenites

Brezik nods quietly. Then scratches his stomach and then breaks off another piece of the sweet bread.

Man this bread is good stuff... I hope I brought enough snacks... oh Vivian's taking that lantern...looks like the lantern could use a good polish...

Looks like the lantern could use a good polish.

Maybe I shouldn't have said that... the Mayor already looks mad at me. I wonder what I did.... I'll never understand Humans.

As the crowd cheers Vivian''s moment in the sun, Gad'larr gently takes Qina's hand before it falls to her side completely, and kneels surreptitiously to whisper over the noise.

"Do not worry little mouse, you will have your moment to shine soon enough. You are more than just a lantern-bearer, are you not?"

At that last statement Gad taps one of the tattoos on Qina' hand as emphasis.

Allister covers his mouth and feigns a cough to cover his grin over Brezik's remark.

"A good polish... Allister repeats under his breath with a giggle. By his barely-contained reaction, it seems entirely possible that he does not understand what Brezik meant.

Vivian takes the lantern from the mayor and steps back into line.
'They're kind of right, for a lantern of lore it is in rough shape,' she thinks, staring at the rickety thing in her hands, a bit let down now that she holds this legendary piece of their culture. 'The tarnish is from years of bearing the light of Kassen though, we shouldn't polish away history.'

The Mayor shoots Brezik another dirty look as he hands off the Lantern to Vivian. "And who sends these brave warriors off to meet their fate and bring back honor and light to Kassen?" he asks. Several towns people including Vivian's fater, Brezik's entire family, Quina's entire family, Kakakt, Toth, Darla, Lightbringer Naabi, Jessa, Hank, and Merelda step forward and put their hands on the shoulders(as best as they can in the case of the families) on the Adventurers. "We do" they say in unison or as best as they can. "My she actually die" Quina's sister chips in followed by a sharp cry of pain as Quina's mother pinches her. The crowd gathered laughs at the antics.

The remark by Qina's sister surprises Allister. He does not see the humor in joking about death, especially before their adventure.He rests his hand on her shoulder and whispers "Not while Allister lives, you won't."

Feeling suddenly suspicious, Allister attempts to Detect Evil (class ability) on the Mayor of Kassen.

Brezik laughs a little longer and a little louder than most...

No Worries... I will not let any thing bad happen to Little Qina... I won't let her be eaten by wolves... or let Brigands kidnap her... or let scary Ghosts scare her to death... Or let anything heavy fall on her... or let her fall into the sacred flame...

Brezik lets out another huge laugh... as if he had told a really funny joke.

Be Brave Brezik... show everyone you're not afraid... even if you really don't want to go anywhere near that scary old crypt...

As Gad takes her hand, she begins to wonder about her fate. She could plainly see why the others had been chosen. Big, tough fighters, the whole lot of them, they were. She was nothing like the others. Well, she was about the same age, but they all towered over her. Some of them had even been granted divine magic by the gods themselves. All she had done was apparently been cursed by a dragon to freeze her sister when she got mad. She failed to see how that was helpful, especially considering they were going to get fire.

Qina squinted her eyes and gave her sister a dirty look. She bit her tongue to avoid saying something back to her in front of the gathered crowd. She thought about asking Crow to fly over her sister and poop on her, but that would probably have just gotten her in trouble. Besides, she didn't want to lose her hide and seek advantage.

She was comforted by Allister's hand on her shoulder, and she quickly forgot about her sister's remark, but when Brezik mentioned wolves she started to pale. With each next ghastly demise, she blanched a little more and by the time Brezik finished she was sweating nervously and barely on her feet.

Brezik smiles and enjoys his private joke and then looks over at Qina...

sense motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Oh lass don't worry about any of that... we won't see any of it... and if we do I'll throw around those little puppy dogs by the scruff od their necks with my strong arms, Smash the heads of those Bandits with my hammer, Stare down those Silly little Ghosts, carry the heavy things on my stout back... and If need be I'll walk through Fire for you... and that's just me wait till Vivian gets her hands on those Bandits... Now that'll be scary...

bluff: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

Brezik takes a savage bite out of the sweet bread that Qina had given him and snaps a wink at her.

Vivian watches the exchanges, feeling like she had missed something as she had been caught up in the intense Lantern Bearing Ceremony, "Wha.."

'Brezik is putting some serious moves on Qina... they'd be cute. Passion is a great source of bravery too. Good then.'

A smile grows on Vivian's face.

"And who sends these brave warriors off to meet their fate and bring back honor and light to Kassen?" he asks. Several towns people ...

Hank and Merelda step forward and put their hands on the shoulders..."We do" they say in unison or as best as they can.

Gad'larr pointedly ignores Merelda, and tries to focus on his adopted father Hank: Plain of face and speech, he was the best father a boy like Gad could have had.

For a moment Allister is uncharacteristically saddened when all the other chosen adventurers spot their family and friends in the crowd. He hangs his head in a moment of self-pity. Nobody came for me.

Allister closes his eyes and an image of the crowd appears in his mind. And then he realizes there was a face he recognized. Allister's eyes snap open and he looks into the crowd and spots his Dawnguard sponsor Lightbringer Naabi. Excitement and honor fills him immediately and he laughs audibly and waves like a child. "Lightbringer Naabi!"

It has been nearly two years since he last saw Naabi, and seeing her again nearly brings tears to his eyes. Without the Lightbringer's sponsorship Allister could not be a member of the Dawnguard, his life's honor. Then Allister remembers his training and hears Naabi's voice in his head. You represent the Dawnguard. Act like it.

Allister straightens his back and stands proud, as a Dawnguard should. He cannot hide his smile which is so wide it hurts.

I must honor Lightbringer Naabi and return the Everflame to make her proud. But I want to stay. I miss her.

As the two sable clad followers of Pharasma reveal their presence a gasp slips between Belathorian's lips

"Sirs! Toth... Karakt. I had no idea... when did you..."

Remembering himself at last Belathorian drops into a deep bow.

"Sirs. Blessings of the lady"

...and steps back into the group of adventurers

If Praast was not happy with my progress I wish he had just told me, or at least warned me that he had summoned Toth, I must truly have failed if even Karakt feels the need to intervene. I will need to speak with them, to know how I have failed. perhaps I can redeem myself by returning with the flame... perhaps I cannot."

"With your blessings upon them I send them forth on their Journey. Say your quick goodbyes and be on your way young adventurers." he says loudly. As people start filing out of the town square your are left there with those who support you. The mayor lets you know that you can help your self to any of the supplies on the cart as they might aid you in your journey and that if you aren't back in three days he will have to send a search party.

On the cart you find enough trail rations for 5 days for each of you, a small tent for each of you, a full waterskin for each of you, and 5 pieces of a Trail Map that leads from Kassen to the Crypt of the Everflame. You also find 50 feet of hempen rope, a box containing tinder and three tinder twigs, a labled potion of cure light wounds, three torches, a grappling hook, and a small bottle of local brandy.

Feel free to converse with your friends/familys/important people for as long as you want.

Once the lantern ceremony has concluded Allister rushes over to his sponsor. "Lightbringer Naabi, you came! I- I promise to bring you honor." He kneels before her to show respect.

"Rise, Allister. Remember your self, and remember your duty." Naabi is all business, she always is. It is her self-restraint that Allister respects most, though he cannot identify it himself.

"It is so good to see you, Lightbringer! I think about your teachings every day. I will make you proud, I promise. But," he hesitates, then lowers his voice, "I'm afraid. Of the darkness. I don't know if I can-"

Allister notices the slightest glimmer in her eyes, and a smile being restrained on her lips. He reminds her of a child sometimes, innocent but determined to do right by others. "You must be the light in the darkness, Allister. The Dawnguard are beacons of hope. When the others witness your strength your light will shine into them, too. Now go, ready yourself. Remember, members of the Dawnguard are always vigilant."

"I will be. Thank you, Lightbringer." He bows and leaves her. Allister thinks as he picks through the supplies, taking handful of rations (5), a small tent, a waterskin, and one of the three tinder twigs. He leaves the map for someone who can read it, and lingers over the brandy. He can imagine the taste on his tongue and the warmth coursing through his body.

What is vigilant? So many big words. She is so smart. And how can I shine like a light unless I am on fire? It doesn't matter. If that's what I must do, then I will do it.

Vivian turns to her father after the ceremony. "Did the rituals in the temple go alright?"

"Yes, just fine," he says weakly and is cutoff by a cough. "Vivian, please be safe and come home quickly." He manages before another cough rises in his throat. She can tell that he is hesitating with something, but thinks that his tiredness is probably just overtaking him.

"Please get plenty of rest, let Anthony take care of things while I'm gone. I have it all setup in advance." Part of her fears that he won't last without her there but she pushes it down. 'Gorum will bring him my strength, he will reward us for my deeds.' She repeats to herself, holding onto hope with her faith.

Dominic goes into a nasty coughing fit, enough that Anthony has to take him away before Vivian can say much to the blacksmith. She thinks she sees admiration in his eyes though, and let's that fuel her drive as well.

At the cart she takes her tent, rations, waterskin, and maps. Picking through the rest she takes a tindertwig, then asks the group once they're down with their goodbyes, "Who wants the rope, hook, and torches?"

At Brezik's reassurances, Qina's nerve steady and she focuses on her family. She embraces her mother with an arm around her waist and a kiss on the cheek. She looked at her father and said "I'll make you proud papa, you'll see." Her father stared back into her eyes and replied "you already have, Qina. You already have." She embraced him with both arms and hugged him as tight as she could. She seemed to hold on for hours, but even she knew she had to let go. A tear rolled down her cheek and a smile spread across her face. She looked at her sister who stuck out her tongue and Qina returned the effort. "You know Pressi. I do hope to see you again." Pressi simply rolled her eyes and kicked a rock on the ground. Qina nodded one last time to her family before heading over to the cart. Qina grabbed a few trail rations, a tent, and a waterskin and shoved them into her pack as best she could. She looked at the others and nodded. "I guess I'm ready when you are."

Gad embraces his father quickly. No words need be said. He would return again.

Turning to the cart he nods in passing at Merelda, a familiar mischievous smile is present on her lips.

"You seem to be pretty good at this leaving and coming back thing. Keep it up?"

Gad'lar was taken back by the simple words, bowed dramatically, and smiled back.

"Challenge accepted."

Ga'larr grabs his share of the common items from the cart, and holds up the potion of healing showing he would take the item unless someone objected.

"We probably should not leave this behind, and I can carry it as well as any other...if agreed?"

Allister nods in approval to Gad'larr's question.

"I already have a rope, hook, and light source, but I can carry these if nobody else does."

Brezik turns to his family and say Now you all better be okay without me... Ive never left town before. Now Fionna if Flint tries to pick on you while I'm gone you kick him in the shin like I taught you. If any of the kids around town give you a hard time while I'm gone make sure too let them know I'm coming back.

After some more time spent with his family, and Brezicks mother spitting on a handkerchief and cleaning his face off Brezik looks relieved to finally be escaping the controlled chaos that is his family. As he walks away from them he looks over at Anthony Jaspar Be sure my Da remembers to go home at night. You know how he can get when he's really focused on a project. with a nod of respect to the other blacksmith Brezik approaches the cart and his travelling companions.

Well folks lets see what you rapscallions have left for me to carry.

Brezik takes his share of the supplies as well as the brandy, grappling hook, and rope.

Seems silly for me to carry a bunch of Torches when I can see in the dark.

He then unpacks all his gear... and repacks it. He puts on his back pack does a few jumping jacks, then takes it off and repeats the exercise. It is obvious that he has packed the gear he thinks is less important in his backpack so that if he drops it he is not encumbered.

some items of note that you will see him carrying are:
a 10 pound Anvil, a complete set of masterwork blacksmith tools, a Warhammer, a heavy pick, 5 light hammers, thieves tools, 2.5 pounds of twine, a handful of chalk, his mess kit, the newly acquired small tent, a bedroll, 2 water skins, the small brandy, Qina's cooking kit, as well as 10 pounds of assorted and various snack foods (both sweet and salty).

after a process that has most likely taken the better part of ten minutes Brezik addresses the party.

So what are we waiting for?

"I can summon light when needed, but torches can be used for other things. Being able to carry fire may come in handy. We should bring them just in case. Maybe Gad'larr can carry them. He doesn't seem to use weapons or carry much."

"Not a problem Mouse. While I prefer to travel light (and can see in the dark myself), on this point
I agree with your wisdom that it would be unwise to leave behind anything that might be useful for our mission.
Unless of course it is too heavy to bring along."

Smiling, Gad'lar looks pointedly over at Brezik, then puts the torches away in his own now much larger pack. Hefting it to his shoulders,
Gad'larr stares at all the other members of this quest pointedly for a few seconds each.

"Are we 'Ready?' Willing? Able? Then let us begin my friends!"

Turning Gad'larr moves in the direction indicated on the map in his hand, and begins their journey with a solid but easy pace even the slowest of the
group could manage.

OOC: Setting the 'group speed' to 20 unless somebody objects? With the group's racial and armor penalties our average speed is 20 anyway
I believe. I will lead for now with my new map guiding us, and occasionally range ahead with my faster gait to keep an eye out for
surprises and dangers on the path ahead. @GM: Just let us know if we need to make any checks, Survival or Perception (or whatever) as we go.

A hunger rises in the pit of Allister's stomach. For adventure, maybe, or did he forget to eat this morning? Thinking about foot makes his belly growl.

"Onward, to the Everflame!" The crowd, the quest, new friendships and peril have Allister excited. His armor clatters as he walks along with the others.

As they walk together Allister tries to think of a joke but none come to mind. He laughs to himself anyway.

Sorry for the silence, my home wifi's fethed

as the crowd leaves the square Belathorian moves quickly over to the Pharasmins, he is bowing before he even reaches them and his gaze lingers on the floor as he speaks

"Sirs, I have failed you without even knowing how. Please, tell me"

A heavy hand gentle touches the boys shoulder and with a deep laugh Karakt speaks

"Stand Bel, there is no failure here but my failure to find you sooner. We are here to see you off is all."

As Belathorian looks up the big Half-orc pulls him into a bear like embrace. The pious, tight voice of Toth reaches the boys smothered ears

"We are here to see you off Belathorian, all is well. If you are true to your destiny there can be no failure."

Again my mind makes lies of the truth, Pharasma guide me...

The embrace finally breaks and Karakt holds Belathorian at arms length for a moment, one hand on each shoulder.

"Trust in yourself Bel, you know destiny's path, you always have. Toth must return to see to the temple, but I have business this side of the boarder I will try to see you on your return. You'd best go now, your friends are waiting."

The two adults return Belathorian's bow and he turns to join the group, but not without looking back over his shoulder.

Grabbing the rest of the supplies he catches up with the group as they are discussing moving off.

"I suggest we start by piecing together that map, but lets get out of town first"

'We're underway!!' Vivian is beaming while they march towards the crypt.

Any thoughts on formation? Six person party standard is 2x2x2, Qina definitely in the middle. Viv would want to put Brezik next to Qina too ;) If people are cool with that, then front and rear guard is what's left. Vivian's personality would want to be up front and Gad has the map soooo:

Belathorian...Qina.....Gad..>
Allister.........Brezik.....Viv..>

I guess Vivian would be the one to set the formation, and I would not disagree.

Allister whistles a tune he heard a street performer playing earlier. He is terribly out of tune and anything but subtle as his half-plate clatters while they walk.

Now downwind of Brezik, Allister notices the Dwarf's odor for the first time and tries not to breathe through his nose. "How far to the crypt?"

Bela......Vivi
.....Qina.............................................Gad===>
Brez......Alli

Sounds Like Gad will be out scouting most of the time being as he is the only person in the party with a 30 foot movement rate instead of 20.
Brezik wants to be behind Allister because Allister is like the only person who laughs at Breziks jokes(even funnier since Allister doesn't get most of them). so a 2x1x2? maybe?

I like it.

Just my two cents...
We're headed to a crypt to light a torch, doing some camping on the way. We none of us know each other that well, I think at least initially we would be more of a rabble, pairing off for conversations, getting distracted etc. Only a couple of us have any adventuring/military experience so I can't see us sticking to a marching order. Plus our map is still in pieces...

That's a good point, Bel. Vivian may try to institute this order, but there are some characters that may not follow it strictly. Allister would probably have a hard time remembering, and Brezik might get distracted :)

I like Brezik's suggestion. We should just consider it a "lose" party order I think for now.
It is mainly something to give the GM so he has an idea if we need to have a sudden combat or
interaction with an "outside the group" force.

None of us are that worried on this journey right? it has been carried out safely for a few decades
without much hitch before correct? So really none of us is expecting much trouble, other than our
character's personal demons right?
=)