GM Sior's PFS Crypt of the Everflame Module (Inactive)

Game Master Sior

Please dot at your leisure. No rush.

You arrive at the Grand Lodge and are brought to a comfortable seating area. A young porter tells you that the Venture-Captain will be with you shortly. Until then, there are refreshments on the sideboards, plentiful cushioned seats, and a musician playing softly in the corner for some ambiance.

Dot

dot

Dot. I have the character all built. i will load it up tonight, Just trying to come up with a good name for an elven frost mage

A handsome tiefling joins the lounge geared in what everyone expects from a pathfinder ready for a mission. There's something amiss in the tiefling's posture, however. He seems slumped, reluctant to keep his back up straight. He absent-mindedly unloads his backpack to the side of a couch and plumps down onto the sofa, letting out a heavy sigh.

His appearance could easily fool on first impressions, but his demeanor confirms he is not the social type. Although a red skinned tiefling with handsome features—a nice stubble included—and an exotic tail might please the eye at first, his constant sighing and whimpering tend to drive others away from his company.

He is known as Kuran Abrath.

Not seeing anyone else there yet, Kuran delves deeper into his depression.

"Of course I'm first, I must be waiting at the wrong location, or surely they've left without me..."

His personality is comparable to Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh, Utwig from Star Control 2, or Xan from Baldur's Gate.

"Of course we haven't left you... and at this point 'we'... is you and me!" the smiling halfling says as she gets up from her chair by the musicians and bounds across the room to Kuran.

"HI!" she extends a hand to the theifling. "I'm Blossym. Hope I didn't frighten you. I was kind of slumped down in that big fluffy chair over there. I've been sitting here listening to the musicians all afternoon. They play quite lovely, don't you agree?" She beams a smile at Kuran.

Wearing a worn, floral dress with a blue shaw about her shoulders, Blossym clearly does not come from money. She climbs up on the couch next to Kuran and lays her parisol on her lap. "This is my first mission. Have any idea where they are sending us?"

Ale dot.

This is Tyranius

A elven woman with hair almost pure white enters the room. Instantly the temperature seems to drop quite noticeable as the people in the room begin to see their breath faintly in the air.

She nods her head as she places a fist over her heart.I am Tess Firdorn Her robs are a mixture of light blue and almost white. So much that they seem to merge and be non-distinct.

Kuran gets a little startled from Blossym's appearance, his hand instantly going to his longsword. With a sigh of relief, he relaxes but maintains a glum demeanor. He shakes Blossym's hand although relunctantly.

"Music... I guess it's nice, I don't know, I'm not a critic," Kuran says with a sullen voice. "This is my second mission. They're probably sending us to our deaths, maybe they just want to get rid of me. Send us someplace far."

He sighs, and waves lazily to Tess as a hello. "Kuran Abrath."

"Hiya,Tessa," the bubbly halfling waves.

The musician starts softly singing a tune, which by no means has any affect on the current grouping.

"A tiefling, a halfling, a barbarian dwarf
Met up with an elf who is far from the north.
Who else may join them to take on this quest
To visit a city and partake of their test?
If only they knew the dire trouble in store
They never would be a Pathfinder, no more!"

Just trying to keep you all from getting bored.

"Oh woe is me, even the musician speaks of our demise," Kuran whimpers, burying his face in his hands.

"Hello, my name is Nijena." a blonde woman with a shiny breastplate and big shield says. She sits down and puts the shield next to her. She smiles while she listens to the music.

Oh no, an aasimar. She'll surely belittle me of my cursed heritage, Kuran whimpers to himself. It is as if he sinks into the couch.

"Kuran Abrath," he replies sheepishly, not making eye contact.

Blossym gazes at Nijena for a second with her mouth gaping open. Slowly, she gets up and walks over to the paladin. "Oh... my... you are so lovely! Your shield is so shiny! Like your eyes... they sparkle!"

Looking at her own rag-tag clothes, Blossym's heart sinks ever so slightly. "Wow... I need to get some new clothes. That's the first thing I'm gonna do after my first mission. I'm going to buy myself a present."

An attendant comes to fetch you and ushers you into a cramped room with various markings all over the floor and ceiling. As the door is closed behind you, an attendant steps forward, mutters some words, and makes a motion of his hand. Green lights and ethereal leaves float and swirl around you. They grow brighter and brighter until they flash a dazzling light before you.

When your eyes adjust, you are standing in the middle of a wooded courtyard. The air feels different: cooler, humid. Another attendant bows before you and asks that you follow.

He leads you to a newer building. Going up a flight of stairs, you are led to a room through a large door.

In this sizeable office, an elf is waiting for you behind a desk. His green and brown garb show that he would likely be much more at home in a forest than in this office. He pours over a few missives, looking back and forth between two in particular. Behind him, a large great horned owl sits uneasily on a perch near an intricate longbow. The elf looks up at you.

“Welcome to the Verduran Forest, Pathfinders. I am Samhain Galanodel, newly appointed Venture Captain. Thank you all for coming. If you do not mind, I will skip straight to the point. The Society has recently begun courting a small town called Kassen, a hamlet in the northern region of the Fangwood. As a show of good faith, we need some newer agents to go through… well, a bit of an initiation.

“Every year, a select few people of the town make a pilgrimage to a nearby memorial where a flame burns perpetually. They take some of the fire and bring it back to town to supply their light and warmth. Occasionally, they send a group of young adolescents to do the task as a sort of rite of passage into adulthood. It is a great sense of trust placed on these hopefuls, the fire which forges their men, you could say.

“We have convinced them to allow our agents, namely you, to complete this pilgrimage in their stead. This will show we are trustworthy and capable allies.

“You will journey to Kassen at morning’s first light tomorrow. That should give you plenty of time to prepare. We have chartered a boat to serve as your transport to and from Kassen. Now, I am sure you have questions, but the details of the ritual are not known by me. I can, however, offer you some other insights if you wish.”

The owl clicks its beak impatiently.

As the door to the room with strange markings is about to close, an arm pokes in, followed by a body with a handsome face and dashing garb. "I'm supposed to be here. You can trust me." He winks at the attendant and motions for them to continue.

--

After the Venture Captain finishes speaking, the dapper fellow raises his eyebrows and then rolls his eyes a little bit. "Bring some fire to a village? That's it? Come on now; what else do you have to tell us."

"Surely there's a catch, the fires consume the souls of those who venture to the memorial. Only a few of those sent return, right, captain? Oh, it can never be so easy as it sounds! Are we expected to waltz in with weapons held high or enter bare without equipment whatsoever?" Kuran whimpers and asks the captain, staying in a semi-crouched position as if intimidated by Darren's flamboyance.

Venture Captain Galanodel sits back in his chair and chuckles. "Not every mission requires swords drawn and teeth bared. The flame you'll be retrieving is a symbol to the people of Kassen, as will be the task itself of retrieving it. From what I know, there's little real danger involved. And if I'm wrong, I am confident you can overcome it."

Tessa straightens her robes. Anything we should know about the region or that we should bring with us?

"Kassen, like here, is a wooded area. It's in the Fangwood, so be aware of any wild animals. They shouldn't attack you without provocation, though."

"What wild animals?" Kuran dares to ask, pondering what sort of magical death lions and hungry tarrasques wander the woods, "are trade routes in danger too?"

Once Kuran has properly inquired information to feed his paranoia, he will begin preparing for the journey, expecting nothing but the worst.

GM, You probably want some kind of shopingp list of things Kuran will buy?

Aye, go ahead and pop it in a spoiler.

"Wolves, bears, squirrels, nothing out of the usual I would expect. As I said, they should leave you alone, so no trade routes are threatened. Hence why we want to work with them and make friends."

Darren smirks at Kuran's paranoia. He chuckles through his nose a little and shakes his head. "Let's get this silly torch bearing over with."

"Kuran, I would not be concerned. There shall be several of us on this trek through the woods... and as the saying goes, there is safety in numbers. Besdies, what could possibly go wrong?"

Kuran heads to the closest blacksmith and orders a masterwork longsword resembling the one Iomedae used when taking the Test of the Starstone. He also wishes to get better defense, as he is sure he will otherwise get a fatal wound from a rat bite or something similar.

True to his pessimism he advises others to prepare for the worst of fates. "Maybe the people of Kassen are combat-hardy folk... and the initiation takes place in an ancient tomb filled with untold horrors..."

"Blossym, everything can go wrong. Unmeasurable danger, untimely death, and hideous diseases lurk behind every corner. And our captain knows nothing of the initiation, which only enstrengthens my doubts about this mission's nature. It most surely is a trap, something devious," Kuran whimpers in his trademark sullen voice.

before level 2 you get full price for everything you sell.

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"[...]Besdies, what could possibly go wrong?"

No sooner do the words leave Blossym's mouth, a wolf can be heard howling in the distance, and a sudden wind ruffles the papers and flickers the candles around you. Somewhere in the distance, thunder peals through the sky.

"That's odd," comments the Venture Captain. "I didn't think any storm clouds had rolled in. Anyway! Once again, your boat leaves at first light tomorrow. Take your rest here in Bellis and prepare yourselves for the journey ahead."

I was waiting all day to get home from work so I could post that.

I will be ready by first light. Hopefully the storm has passed by that time.

A tall, dark-skinned woman has been standing quietly at the back. She wears a loose fitting tunic of deep blue with similarly loose trousers. Her form is lithe and strong, and she might seem pretty if she didn't seem to always be scowling.

"Yes, I will be ready too. Might as well get the job done!"

After leaving the VC's office, Lyn looks at her companions:

"I'm Lynthara. I've recently been in training with Master Farabellos. I'm skilled at fighting with my hands and feet. Weapons and armor simply slow me down, though I am a bit more vulnerable. Is there anyone here who could use a wand if I bought one? Particularly one that can cast the mage's armor?"

Darren gives Lyn a lop-sided grin. "Name's Darren, but some call me 'Daring'" He winks at her "I know which end of this little darling" He pats the hilt of his Rapier "goes where." He spreads his arms wide in an expansive gesture, like a ring-master at a circus. "What say we have a little party! This mission sounds dull; a little booze, cards, and spin-the-Dagger ought to keep our spirits high as we trudge through tomorrow like paltry messengers. I'll see you all in my room shortly!" He quickly strides away to his room, leaving it to the party to figure out which room is his.

FYI, I'm looking forward to the module. All the stuff about being bored is just IC RP

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"Good thing I brought my umbrella!" Blossym says with a big smile as she spins the delicte looking parisol in her hands. She waves to the group, "I think it is best that I skip the party at Darrens and get some rest. Tomorrow is going to be a big day! My first adventure!" She prances down the hallway and with a quick twirl, Blossym heads up the stairs to her room.

"Oh, Blossym's right, better rest. At least then one doesn't acknowledge the horrors lying about. It was nice meeting you all..."

Kuran, glum as always, retreats away from the festivities lest he joins and suffers alcohol poisoning. In his room he murmurs long prayers of salvation to Iomedae, hoping she'd free him of his sins and grant him a shine of her valor.

Lynthara nods at Blossym and Kuran as they retire for the night. She eyes the swordsman warily, but decides a little drink and cards would be a pleasant enough diversion. She joins the "daring" man and any others that enter as well.

You leave at first light the following morning. The boat ride is unremarkable.

When you reach the docks, however, you find the town deserted...

As you disembark, the ship's captain hands you a note. "I was instructed to give this to you upon our arrival."

"Pathfinders,

Go to the town square to begin your task."

You meet no one as you move to the square. All of the windows and doors are shut and shuttered.

When you enter the square, the bells atop the Temple of Erastil toll 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.

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?”

"Oh, I knew this was a trap!" Kuran complains the instant they get to the docks. His constant whimpering and whining continues all the way to the town square, where he becomes anxious as the cultist-like townsfolk gather around them. Even more so he gets nervous as the mayor starts an apocalyptic speech.

"Wh-what, what will happen to the town if the fire isn't brought here?" he dares to ask, building enough courage to even speak out loud.

Darren flashes a lopsided grin at the mayor, glances at his companions, and shrugs. "I'll d--I mean, we'll do it."

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"Darren, how can you keep your spirits up in this miserable world? It's unsettling," Kuran says to Darren within the group so it doesn't carry out to the Mayor.

Darren grins at the dour Tiefling. "The world is not so miserable when you have food and drink and beautiful women to admire."

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Lyn grimaces at the last comment, but ignores it for the moment.

She gives Kuran a friendly look, saying:

"No need to be troubled Kuran. I can handle a few beasties."

She shoots a look at Darren at that comment.

To the mayor:

"You needn't worry, sir. We can handle the job."

"But then you're just neglecting the dangers that lurk to get you... foods rid with diseases, water with poisonous toxins, and deceitful women ready to stab you with a dagger," Kuran whines, pointing at the crowds around them, "these people said we are to be heroes, who'd bring the light back to their town. Say what you will, but our captain was wrong! This is not a simple trip to a torch. Maybe, maybe these people send us to our deaths as a sacrifice to some forbidden deity..."

Tessa raises her hand without any forethought. Yes, we will easily retrieve the flame.

Mayor Uptal presents Darren with the lantern. He then hands each of you a backpack that contains 5 days’ worth of rations, a small tent, a winter blanket, a full waterskin, and a piece of the Trail Map that leads from Kassen to the Crypt of the Everflame. In addition, the following items are spread out among your backpacks;
- Tessa - 50 feet of hempen rope
- Darren - a box containing tinder and three tindertwigs
- Blossym - a labeled potion of cure light wounds
- Nijena - three torches
- Kuran - a small bottle of local brandy ("For courage," he says. "Seems you'll need it more than the others.")
- Lynthara - a grappling hook

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.

Meanwhile, children break the solemn tone of the event, emphatically telling tales to one another about what happens during the quest. Some even claim that there have been a number of deaths over the years.

Some adults remain close by, as if they want to say something, but are holding back.

Or if you prefer to sneak about and listen in on some hushed conversations...

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

Tessa slowly walks past the group of hushed adults. Why is everyone so solemn like death just showed up for their cat?

[dice=Perception]1d20+2

Tessa slowly walks past the group of hushed adults. Why is everyone so solemn like death just showed up for their cat?

Got a stealth check to go with that to see if you overhear something?

Darren grins at the bystanders.

"Hey there! Is there something else you'd like to tell us?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18 just need one aid, folks!

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Kuran seems actually offended by the bottle of brandy, eyeing the Mayor suspiciously but remains silent.

Once after the speech Kuran turns to his comrades. "'Some of them may return, sacrifice will not be forgotten.' I hate to be right, although I often am," he says with previously unheard confidence, "but they believe we return, oddly, for they wouldn't give out expensive rations to those who would be sent to their dooms."

Kuran joins in Darren's effort to extract the tales from the reticent men. "We face a grim fate, whatever prayers you wish to tell us do them now."

Aid Darren's Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

----

Before heading off south towards Kassen's tomb, he kneels down to chant a curiously quiet prayer in Infernal.

"Vadiesta, norue pattsue ista baera
hodis tierpi 'eanji
sapefro ussu fentou kuina bearu
dor heis shîttsuen kuroue."