Crypt of the Everflame (Inactive)

Game Master Nathan Hartshorn

"If it's all the same, I just want to turn in and sleep for a week" Qina said while staring at her feet, her shoulders slumped. She nodded and moved off to find a bed.

As she slept, she tossed and turned. Her sheets dampened with sweat despite the chill that seemed to creep into the room. Had she been awake she would have seen her own breath in the air.

She was sitting back on the bridge in Kassen, her feet danging over the sides and hanging above the river. She had a small pile of pebbles next to her. As she reached for one, the voice returned. She knew it without turning to see who was there.

"You know what you must do my child."

"I will not. He is my friend."

"It does not matter. It still must be done."

"I WILL NOT!" she shouted as she turned and hurled the pebbles through the air. Finally, as she slept, she smiled.

Vivian eats well before she departs for the temple, sticking to the hot food. She leaves with a half full flagon of ale still on the table, saying "I'll see you all tomorrow morning. Have a good night."

I didn't hit submit...You'll have some time on the trip back to commune with Gorum and time in Kassen before heading back to the Crypt.
Anyone else doing something for the day in Tamran?

Beautiful, thanks! Let me know if I'm confusing NPCs too, Reginar is the owner of the tavern-inn correct?

Vivian leaves the temple late but is relieved to find the tavern inn door is left unlocked for her. As she enters she sees Reginar asleep in a chair before a dying fire. Viv thinks to lock the door behind her, but then realizes that she doesn't know who else went out in her absence and leaves it as she found it. She writes a "V" on a scrap of paper and places it on the small table next to Reginar, then retires upstairs.

The next day she heads down to breakfast and is excited to learn what the others were up to last evening. She sticks to pickled fish and crackers, trying to get herself in the mood for water travel.

The moment you realize you used [b rather than [ooc... aw shucks

Reginar is a Pathfinder that was trying to figure out how to pull the cult out of his city. He just really likes the Forest Bounty.

The next morning the Black Mist is ready to make its trip back up the coast of Lake Encarthan then back up Tourondel River to Kassen. As promised, Reginar is there with you, sword belted to his hip and quietly talking with Dusan. Captain Walran and Mabon are doing final checks on the ship, preparing it for the relatively quick journey. It is very soon that you are once more under way, the day growing brighter and better as you slip out of Tamran's port once more. You've got six days on the boat, anyone doing anything special?

Vivian watches Tamran fade into the distance before heading to the bow. For the rest of the trip she faces forward when awake, watching the slow progress towards her home. She meditates on the past weeks, the cult, the island, her role beside her companions, but most of all on her connection to Gorum and her father.

The distractions from the fate of he father had been too easy for Vivian to slip into. She welcomed the veil across her past willingly. To forget had felt like bliss, in her grieving she was in denial. Coming home brought all the pain back and slowly to the surface.

Norgorber. Norgorber. Norgorber.

The closer she got to home, the more powerful her need for vengeance became. How did Papa fall into this.. Norgorber is not openly worshiped in Kassen.. How did Papa fall into this.. Guide me Gorum, guide me to my battle..

Using the time towards the changes if allowed

Gad helps with the ship again. Trying to sweat out his misgiving and worries.

Profession(Sailor): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

Brezik stood on the deck of the Black Mist watching the water slowly slip by. In his hand he held a trade ingot of Lead marked with a golden flame. He had spent the previous day in the markets selling and trading the gear the party had found. Finally he had purchased some Lead and had it smelted into an ingot. However at the very center of the ingot sat the key to the city of Golden death. Quietly he slid the ingot into his backpack and pulled out a nice ripe plum. He took a bite out of the fruit and turned to his friends the juice from the fruit running down his beard...

Homeward bound eh?

That's a pretty comprehensive list! Better than the one I had complied.
=)

Although I think the wand and most of the wondrous items have been given out/appropriated already.

I already took the Horn of Fog earlier for example.

I think it's safe to sell the +1 Elven Curve Blade. None of us are elves and I doubt anyone wants to spend the feat(s) to use it properly.

Didn't we give Brezik the +2 Mitral Chain shirt?
I can't remember now...

"Looks that way" Qina said as she fished around in her pack.

"Now where is it? I know I put it in here. You didn't go through my stuff did you Bre...oh, nope. Here it is" she said as she pulled out a flat square box. She turned her back to the others to hide it from view as she opened the top. She glanced back over her shoulder to make sure no one was peaking as she waved her hand over the top of whatever was inside as she chanted a few magic words.

"Ah, that's better. Blueberry pie anyone?"

Yep, you can meditate and commune with Gorum during this time.

The first days are peaceful, nothing of interest happening, though with the events of the past few weeks, the peace is welcome. As the Black Mist pulls off of Lake Encarthan and into the mouth of Tourondel River Walran calls out, "Entity off the port bow!"

Turning that direction you can see a small waterspout raising about a half foot above the rail of the ship.

Gad rushes to the rail, trying to get a better look on what is creating the spout...or what it is.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

The spout itself doesn't break Vivian from her meditation, but Gad running to the rail does. She stands with a jolt, What, what is it?!"

Rushing to the side of the boat to see what all the commotion was about, Qina asked "what? What's going on? What do you see?"

Alas, little legs meant little view in this instance.

From the starboard bow comes the sounds of gentle streams over placid rocks. "ເຮັດໃຫ້ທ່ານເບິ່ງ!"

The water spout dies down as another form takes place on the other side of the book, a horse. You recognize Vapore as she whinnies to the sound of rapids.

Gad pumps a fist in the air excitedly.

"ດີຫລາຍ! ຂ້າພະເຈົ້າຮູ້ວ່າທ່ານສາມາດເຮັດໄດ້! ທ່ານໄດ້ຖືກຕ້ອງ,ນ້ໍາເຫຼົ່ານີ້ແມ່ນເຮັດໃຫ້ປະລາດ."

Gad rubs his chin.

Vapore whinnies again, her watery mane flowing in a wind that does not exist. Her speech comes out faster as though she is excited. "ບໍ່ມີຫຍັງແຕ່ວ່ານ້ໍາລຽບກ່ອນ. ຂ້າພະເຈົ້າພຽງແຕ່ສາມາດປະຕິບັດຕາມທ່ານແລະເບິ່ງວ່າມີຫຍັງເກີດຂື້ນ."

Gad smiles, pleased.

Qina slowly walked over to Gad and tugged on his robe.

"Gad, do you think it's possible to...uhm...ride, a water horse?"

Gad holds out a finger to say something, appears to stop suddenly as his brow furrows. He then continues with a shrug.

"Technically Vapore isn't a horse. He...she...it is just taking the SHAPE of a horse, sort of. I think. So...I guess I do not really know Mother Dragon. Would you like me to ask Vapore if you could try it?"

The last was said with a small smile and a twinkle in his eye.

"ຊົມເຊີຍຫມູ່ເພື່ອນ. ພອນຂອງຄື້ນຟອງແລະປະຈຸບັນໄຫຼກັບທ່ານ."

Bel felt the weight of fate and the spiral lifting from his young shoulders Kessen was home and hearth. His bones began to feel young again the closer they traveled. Seeing Vaporetto was another boost.

"What happens when we get back?... Surely we're not done?"

Bel looks around for a second, wondering who had spoken before he realised it was himself. He was growing so content, looking forward to some time to study and meditate on the plight of Mr Ferris. Where was this wanderlust coming from?...

When the water elemental had first shown up Brezik had drawn his axe but as it became clear that this was the same friendly water elemental as before the dwarf made his way to a couple of water barrels and started to loudly snack on some salted fish, having no idea what was really going on but trusting his companions to settle the matter.

"ສະເຫມີດັ່ງນັ້ນຢ່າງສະຫງົບ. ພອນໃຫ້ແກ່ຕົວທ່ານເອງເຊັ່ນດຽວກັນ."

Vapore runs around the Black Mist, seeming thrilled to find you all again.

Vivian relaxes, seeing it is what she assumes is the water elemental from earlier.

To Bel she replies, "That's a good question. There are two things on my mind: track down the Norgorber cult that secretly lies in Kassen and build the Academy."

"Uhm, I don't think so Gad, not this time...but it sure is pretty."

Unlike when Gad became an enlarged fire elemental, Qina was struck with serenity upon seeing this elemental. It's destructive capabilities were masked behind a flowing, soothing river of peace and it glided through the water like a playful dolphin. It almost made Qina giddy. She smiled genuinely for the first time in days and started to feel like her old self again. Before she realized it, she was standing next to Gad with her little hand resting on his hip.

I feel sick of myself. A whole week. Ew. I promise to keep a better pace guys, I hate seeing these games die off from GM ennui.

The final days of the trip are filled with, not necessarily monotony, but a comfortable uniformity and expectancy. Knowing what the next day will bring is a comfort after all of the running and gunning the group has been doing, especially while on that cursed island. The final day comes and sees the Black Mist pulling into Kassen's harbor around noon, Vapore gently walking up to the dock's edge but staying within the Tourondel.

Strangely there isn't a soul in sight. No one to help bring the barge in, no one moving crates and goods around, no one keeping watch on the river. Off in the distance you can hear birds chirping and the wildlife just outside the town going about its own business, so nothing unnatural should be happening. Preparing yourselves you head down the few streets towards the main square, the silence disturbing in this place that you've grown and remember having so much bustle.

Turning the corner and looking straight at the square a large banner strung between two shops catches your eye. When you go down another street you can finally make out what it says, Welcome back heroes!. At this point people come flooding out of houses, shops, and the square itself cheering, chanting, shouting, "WELCOME BACK KEEPERS!"

You are grabbed and rushed into the center of town where a stage has been set up once again, Mayor Uptal smiling and congratulating you, shaking hands, clapping shoulders, and generally happy that you've arrived. "Keepers of the Flame," he says, sounding quite serious, "welcome back home." Another cheer roars through the crowd as the cacophony starts anew. More to come...Paizo keeps crashing on me, making this hard to post.

Accidentally falling into a defense stance, Gad'larr swiftly relaxes at the sight of all the smiles and welcome arms. For some reason he had been expecting fangs and claws...

Vivian reacts in unison with Gad. After all the pits of Naga gold, storm wracked wastes, and dark cultist hallways the woman's nerves are a bit more sensitive to bad omens than before.

"Wha? Oh, SERIOUSLY?! Hah HA!" Her dark assumptions are quickly vanish. Giving the Mayor a big hug, she roughly pants his shoulder with her armored hand. "It's great to be home Mayor Uptal, I had no idea the life Kassen really lead out there." She tries to have a conversation with him amidst the crowd's chanting and singing. "Has everything been alright? No scouts coming down from the Hold? Have the Elders considered my proposal more?" Vivian has a hard time accepting that there is no longer a mission, that she can be a simple girl, no, a simple woman from a small town again.. if she so wished. With the Mayor moving on and the festivities growing around them, Vivian looks into the elated eyes of her country men and women. She can see who she could have been in them, if she hadn't taken the Everflame quest. Her meditation on the ride back takes on more meaning. She didn't know it but she has already been preparing to leave again. She never intended to ever really return home.

'I'm no longer a Kassenite. Just a Nirmathi, a Gorumite, a Ferris. I shouldn't build my school here, no, I'll let Gorum guide me and build it upon Iron where he chooses.'

The mayor nod, "No, we're still too small to be considered a target for the people of Molthune. Now then, a little birdy told me, more literally than I would like too, that you all have succeeded in getting Kassen's and Asar's amulets to put some irritated spirits to rest. The plan, such that it is, is to travel there with the members of the town that can make the journey and return the amulets."

Vivian nods. "That would be quite a spectacle, but are you sure it's, well, right? The path out to the Crypt wasn't too dangerous I suppose. We'd be best to avoid the lake. The town would be weakened and vulnerable. The Cults could easily.. I, I might just be jaded and need some rest. I trust your judgement, Mayor." She finally concedes to her elder's wisdom, though is still on edge with the idea.

The mayor looks confused and concerned, "Cults? I expect it may take a day, but if you think the town will be open we could go with a smaller entourage..."

Looking worried himself, Gad nods.

"Vivan is correct mayor. A smaller entourage is a good suggestion. Put the sheriff on notice too. It turn out...things were not as they seemed. It was not just thieves who broke into Kassen's tomb."

When they had entered the town and everything was quiet Brezik had pulled out his axe and fallen into a crouch prepared for the worst. He had looked back to signal to the others when the surprise was unleashed on the party. Brezik took a step back in surprise then a huge smile spread across his face. He scanned the crowd looking for his parents....

The mayor keeps his concern, "We'll have to discuss this later tonight then. But there are many who would like to see you today, take what respite you can."

It seems the cheering, singing, and general party-like atmosphere cannot keep friends and family from rushing the stage and engulfing their loved ones. The next moments are blurs of memory, each person individually engaged.

Brezik's mother scoops him up in her still strong arms, "My boy! Continuing to do our name proud!" All of his siblings gang rush him, Caiden and Flint showing off their first horseshoes and spades made in the forge, Shalla and Fiona tugging on his arms and asking for stories while Bardock stands back and lets the rest of the family take most of the attention. But the smile is clear beneath his beard while he waits for his turn to congratulate the dwarf.

Gad'larr is pulled away from the mayor and dragged into his adoptive parents' embrace. Jessa is in tears, smiling through the wetness on her face and squeezing Gad as hard as she can. Hank also has some tears in his eyes but he is trying to prevent Jessa from crushing the life out of their son. "Gad, you've really come into your own. Your parents are proud, and your birth parents would be proud as well. It's time to tell you about them, but later." His smile is warm as he claps Gad's shoulder.

Vivian is pulled into Anthony's grip to be hugged and held. He tries to ruffle her hair, but the helmet she wears stops any sort of brotherly affection. He holds her back and looks over her, the new scars and wounds, the improved armor and weaponry, "Vivian, you've grown up so much since I last saw you. Come with me really quickly, I want to show you something." He draws her toward the central hall where an immense iron board has been erected. Kassen - hometown of the Keepers of the Flame. Following are your names then a supplementary entry labelled Emissaries of the Flame listing all of the fallen from the Crypt, as well as her father.

Qina is scooped up in her parent's embrace, and even Pressi gives her a relieved squeeze before turning away and pouting. Anafa just smiles, remembering words from the last time Qina made it back after a dangerous journey, "Not so exaggerated I imagine. Your gifts have kept yourself and your friends safe once again and we're so proud of you. I expect to hear all about it, either from you, or the chatty little friend you keep on your shoulder." She leans in close and whispers under her breath, "Even Prissy was very excited to hear you'd be coming back. She really does love you, just has trouble showing it."

Belathorian is greeted by Praast, who greets him both with the Horned Bow of Erastil and Pharasma's Spiral. "Good to see you boy. It looks like you've been to hell and back and that you kept yourself and your companions alive through it all. Looks like you've gotten close with them as well. You may be happy to know that a guest will be coming to visit soon, he just couldn't leave until this morning."

Allister is greeted by...Delarra. She is holding a small boy in her arms, no more than a year or so old. Her face fluctuates, several times, between joy and sadness, and it is difficult to tell what the tears are from. She holds the baby close to Allister and hugs the man, "Oh Al...I'm so happy that you're back in Kassen. My husband..." she stutters, stops, tries to recompose herself, "There was an accident. The mayor took your suggestion seriously and started building stairs on that hill. He was-he was one of the men working on it, and...and...something slipped. He fell. He didn't make it. He was a good man, and I miss him. But, now, now we can be a family...If you'll have me..."

Whew! Haven't written that much since the notes from June '16. All the way back on page 16.

I'm suitably impressed!

Gad looks at his parents with questioning eyes, but only hugs him mother as hard as he can without harming her. He then whispers to her.

"I am very much okay mother. The journey was long...and I have learned more about myself in the process, just as I had hoped to do."

Bravo GM, bravo!

Praast is happy but not shocked to see the man before him. The nervous boy that left town only a matter of weeks ago is gone, replaced by the man that grips the old priests hand and bows deeply, offering the spiral gesture that is the blessing of his faith. Belathorian meets the man's eyes, another first.

"It is good to see you sir. I have tried to perform my duties as expected. You mentioned a guest, do you need me to perform some duty of preparation. I am sorry if I have been remiss."

The reference may be a little subtle for Bels limited social grace

Unlike the others, Qina walked along in a daze. Since Kassen had come into sight, she started to day dream. She started to smile when she first saw the sign welcoming them home. By the time the townsfolk came out of hiding, she was practically beaming. It warmed her heart to see her friends with their loved ones again, but her eyes started to water when she saw her own ma. She was even happy to see Pressi.

Qina returned her ma's hug and smiled at Pressi. She was so relieved to be home that for the first time in a long time, she didn't even hear the voice that normally echoed in the back of her mind. She turned and whispered over her shoulder. "We did it Crow. We made it."

Praast just grins, "I'm sure the two of you will have many duties together. Come, let us enjoy the festivities."

Onward to tonight?

Vivian returns the embrace with Anthony. 'It has been so long..' As she holds him she breathes in the comforting and familiar smell of forge. Although her armored shoulder is too big, Vivian can still feel the spot she had always snuggled into on his side. Nothing had appeared to have changed, yet it was all different as if looking through a lens. Vivian no longer found herself attached to Anthony as she had been. Her crushing was gone, leaving the fond old memories and a man who felt like a brother to her.

Following him toward the Central Hall, a smile grows on the woman's face. With a finger she flicks the iron board and produces a satisfying thuumm. "You did well, it's beautiful. Thank you." She takes in the sight for some time and notices the looks that some of the young children are giving the six of the Keepers. 'They look a us like how I looked at Kassen's statue..' The feeling sits oddly with her and she isn't sure how to accept her new role as an adult.

Before they turn back towards the celebrations, Vivian turns to Anthony, "Anthony, did you see father speak with anyone, odd in those years after Mother died and I joined the Militia? Someone from out of town, or a suspicious local maybe. Likely dressed in black and brown, might be wealthy, might be common, but with a sinister and manipulative look to them?"

I'm cool with moving into the night after this answer.

Anthony scratches his head and pauses to consider the years that Vivian was gone. "Hmm... Nobody in particular pops to mind..." He starts recounting some of the events in town and stops on one in particular. "This man wasn't odd per se, I think his job has more of an effect on his demeanor than most people. Wait, let me start at the beginning," he breathes and goes into a story several years old.

"This town isn't visited by much in the way of entertainment, so any that does pass through the area is greatly anticipated and appreciated, as you well know. One day, out of the blue, we hear the sounds of cutting and working going on a few miles out of town. A few townsfolk, including your father, go out to investigate and discover a travelling circus is being set up. The proprietor, one Seifer Monroe, approached us explaining that his Umbral Carnival was travelling around Lake Encarthan and had decided to stop nearby.

When he came back I thought he had seen a ghost, he was pale, sweaty and shaky. But he looked happier than he had in some time. Said he had a feeling you were going to be alright. It was shortly after that he started getting sicker and weaker. Then you came back, and you know the rest." He shrugs, "I haven't given it much thought before, but do you think the carnival had something to do with it?"

Vivian's mouth goes dry and her breath shortens as Anthony recalls what he can. When he in finished she replies with a hollow voice, "Can't be sure, but maybe. That was, what, 1? Maybe even 2 years ago now? Did you happen to catch which way they were circling Lake Encarthan? Like if they had previously been in Tamran or were excited to get there soon?" The few noteworthy pieces of information rolled over endlessly in her mind. 'Seifer Monroe. The Umbral Carnival. Seifer Monroe. The Umbral Carnival...'

When Anthony has responded, she will begin to step away from the sign and walk back with Anthony to the celebrations. Seifer, he was human? Would you happen to recall anything of his company? Like how many they numbered, their races, scars, or exotic items in their possession?"

Once they arrive at the location of the night's festivities, she stops and asks one last question of Anthony, "Those other men who went out to first speak with the carnival, can you point them out to me tonight?"

I'm back guys, thanks for the well wishes.

Anthony responds to each of the questions after a few moments of thought. "Year and a half, heading south to Tamran, human though he was very pale or gray at times, company was in the 40s or 50s, all of them were exotic in one way or another, various races."

The night converges on the town quickly, though it is difficult to tell from the town square where the light from the torches, lanterns, and large bonfire keep everything bright. Mayor Uptal gives a small speech, establishing your accomplishments as he has come to know them through Cygar, and he through Reginar. He finishes and opens the feast provided by Trelvar and his young daughter Asina. There are simple games of chance and festival distractions all around as you are treated as the guests of honor.

Anthony points out several of the men that had gone with Vivian's father that night: Moltus Vargidan, Colbin Vetnar, and Guard Captain Gregor Wisslo.

Mayor Uptal pulls you all aside as the rest of the town is distracted and asks, "So, what would you like for the journey tomorrow? Small entourage? Only yourselves?"

"I think all should be welcome. There is their town too, their history as much as it is ours. Plus did you see the smile on Brezik's ma's face? We gotta bring our families...maybe not Pressi though."

Gad thinks for a minute and nods.

"My natural caution is too easily overridden by such a heartwarming speech Mother Dragon."

Apologies for the delay!

Vivian runs a hand through her black hair and lets out a sigh. Her head is swirling with questions and memories, making it hard to fully give the present her focus.

"Any can come who wished, I just don't want to leave the town empty or unguarded."

The Mayor cracks an enormous smile, "Excellent! We'll keep the town guarded and have our journey tomorrow to return the stolen items!"