Ekat Kassen was a crusader and fortune seeker who came to serve Lastwall in the Year 515 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, makeing 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 Heth, 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. You and your fellow townsfolk view the crypt as a memorial to those difficult first years of the town's history. Every autumn, a few of the townsfolk are chosen to 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. Getting chosen for this is a great honor and this year you have been chosen to go. You have seen this ritual every year of your life and now it is finally your turn.
The Town Of Kassen
Kassen is a small town ruled by Mayor Uptal, a fair, but midly grim man. While most of the "townsfolk" actually live in small homes or camps in the woods and fields surrounding Kassen proper, the town is quite tightknit. As with most of the folk in Nirmathas, they stand up for one another and refuse to be pushed around. The following lists some of the most interesting buildings and people residing in or around Kassen.
Seven Silvers: Most visitors to Kassen end up at this comfortable two-story inn and tavern. Run by Trelvar Silvers, this inn features modest prices, decent food, and a lively taproom. Trelvar is assisted by his daughter, Asina, and the overly friendly Jimes "Short Change" Iggins, who is known for giving himself generous tips.
Greathall: Typically used for meetings, weddings, and other celebrations, the greathall is a tall, three-story wooden structure near the center of town. Inside is one grand space with a number of smaller rooms on each floor.
Woodcutter's Guildhall: Kassen's primary export is lumber taken from the surrounding Fangwood. While many of these logs are taken right down the Tourondel River to Lake Encarthan, the woodcutters require that all logs bear the stamp of the guildhall, which of course requires a small fee. As a result, the woodcutter's guild is one of the more powerful groups in town, under the firm hand of the ever-opportunistic Colbin Vetnar.
Temple of Erastil: The only stone building in town is home to Kassen's only temple. While the church is officially dedicated to Erastil, there are a number of faiths practiced here, including Gozeh, Gorum, Shelyn, and Torag. Father Prasst is the only priest, but most in town refer to him as the "High Priest."
Town Watch Headquarters: Guard Captain Wisslo spends most of his time in this building or patrolling the streets of Kassen. While the guardsmen are mostly relaxed in their duties, they become and effective force if there is trouble in town.
Renet's Steel: While Renet's shop services much of the town's needs when it comes to metal works, his quality is nowhere near that of Braggar's. Most metal items can be found here for the standard prices, but there are no masterwork items to be found at Renet's Steel.
Arnama's Home: This is the home of Arnama Lastrid, one of the few rangers who lives in Kassen. Mayor Uptal, who trusts the ranger's instincts implicitly, frequently calls Arnama to the town council to report and advise.
Sir Dramott's Home: This is the home of Sir Dramott, a knight from Lastwall who keeps watch on the town.
Braggar's Shop: This is the workshop and home of Braggar Ironhame, a dwarven blacksmith. Braggar's works exceed those of Renet's Steel, but he works much slower and charges a higher price. Braggar can forge nearly any masterwork metal tool, weapon, or armor.
Vargidan Estate: This is the home of the eccentric Vargidan family, and has a bit of a spooky reputation in town.
Holgast's Tower: Holgast's slightly crooked tower stands at the edge of town.
Mayor Uptal's Home: This modest building along the water is the home of Mayor Uptal, who can frequently be found in the Greathall holding meetings or on his small boat in the river, fishing.
Ilimara's Home: This is the home of Ilimara Oniri, the mysterious woman from Qadira.
