Only minutes after Mayor Uptal departure, a few men from the town brings you your equipment, and then hastily leave to let you put on your stuff.
They kept silent, but most had troubled faces. Nothing seems to happen has expected this year...
Essa nods at the mayor. "I can try."
She strides over to Selen and also waits for their gear to arrive.
Selene thanks the few men for her stuff with a nod before she gets to work donning her gear.
Point us in the right direction from here. We will take care to find those upstarts and bring them back here.
Enev finish donning his armor,
"Ok, I'm ready!"
"May Erastil protect us" says while putting his helmet.
When everyone is ready, Berkhyl comes again and salutes you with reverent pomp.
The people of Kassen awaits you, and need you, in this troubled times.
You go out of the town meeting hall, for the first time since yesterday's evening-except Essa. The small streets are silent, and nearly no one is there. The few people you can see are hurrying to the place, under a small, persistent and cold rain.
You remember the solemnity of the last Quest, the deep bell tolls at noon calling the citizens to the place, the proud faces of the fathers, the concern of the mothers, the stolen glances and silly giggles between girls and boys of your age.
Four years later, nothing is happening like you remember.
You walk to the market place, and the street seems to stretch for miles.
When you finally arrive, only a few minutes later, the crowd is still buzzing. Like one man, every face in the crowd turns and looks at you.
Mayor Uptal's voice rises and call to attention.
We were supposed today to continue the tradition of our town, sending our beloved children to a small quest, which would teach them the unity and trust we value and cherish. Due to some troublesome fellows, our plans must change. We must adapt.Still, it's probably only a bad joke, a prank. These troublesome fellows are nevertheless people we care for, people who have families and friends among us...
Father Prasst dares to cut the mayor's speech
I'm afraid you'll have to speed up things, if we hope for our young ones to catch on the pranksters.
Upstal nods
Unfortunatly, you're right. As you were right about Steve. We live and learn...With the departure of Steve, we felt you may need another expert in the arcane arts to help you. So i'll ask to Malya Vardigan to come quick. Then we'll give you the Lantern you must light at the Crypt, some food and equipment and then we'll wish you good luck, unless you have some last minutes questions...
"No, father, we are ready." Takeshi solemny says, while stepping forward onto the road ahead a few paces.
"We shouldn't lose too much time." he says to nobody in particular.
The rain was dreary and cold against her skin. While part of her was very happy being chosen, there was another part of her that worried over how this was happening. Her feet ran across the muddy road hurrying to the town center where she had been called. Clutching her things to herself desperately trying to keep her spellbook dry.
Getting there she stepped forward towards the group her hood up to help keep her hair dry. Her piercing blue eyes looking at each of them shining with confidence, and a rare to see thing coming from her in the recent months, warmth.
"Hello everyone. I will try my hardest to help see us through this with my gifts."
"Those prankster should be ashamed, they are breaking a tradition and disrepecting the town, we will find them." Enev says with a sad tone, he was expecting to feel all the joy from the ceremony that felt four years ago and after all they went through in the competition,
He looks up to Malya,
"We are counting on you Malya"
"Just as you are counting on us!" Selene adds as she moves to take the ceremonial lantern instead of waiting for it. "Differences aside Malya, we must protect one another as brother and sister to get through this."
Selene walks over to face Malya. "How bad could it be anyway?" she laughs with a grin.
The rain is still falling, a bit slower now. On a cart, a backpack for each of you is ready to be taken.
Mayor Uptal brings you reverently an old lantern
Remember to light it at the eternal flame in the Crypt,down south, and carry it back to ensure a lucky year to Kassen till next winter. We all need all the luck we can get. So who will have the honor to become the Lantern Bearer?
You can almost hear the capitals in the mayor's final words.
Selene races to be the LANTERN BEARER!
Selene almost predicted where and when the lantern would appear and is already within arms reach of the lantern. "I'll be the Lantern Bearer, I've been waiting for this since I moved here. I swear to the gods and stuff I'll not let the hopes of a bright future be snuffed out by the disparities or evils of the world." Selene hold the lantern up and to the side as she gives the crowd a wide grin, almost as if posing with it. Afterwards, she will hold it in a free hand instead of stuffing into a backpack.
Success! The cold crisp rain has Selene's senses sharp as ever.
Success! Hami's game is no secret to Selene's trained senses.
"Being the first to act does not make one fit to be entrusted with a task; as often those who act quickest, have thought the least."
"You should keep that in mind Selene."
Ah'Mera doesn't notice anything in particular going on around her.
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Mayla shifted from foot to foot as the rain came down, soft squishing noises from the mud moving under her feet made her smile softly and she quickly schooled her expression. Her mother and father would admonish her for playing in the mud. In addition, there was the long trek and having mud slow you down was never good.
Her eyes look up at Enev as he speaks nodding quietly until he addressed her.
"I will not let you down." Her tone was one of quiet conviction.
Selene spoke to her next and she smiled at her and nodded. "Indeed, for my magics to even be cast I will need to be protected. It will be interesting traveling with other people. I have always traveled with my family before."
Seeing the Lantern brought out and Selene race to take it she hesitated. Not as the original part of the group she knew she would need to earn their trust to be able to have a chance to carry it. She stiffles a giggle at Selene's pose and turns her eyes for a moment catching something that caught her attention.
Selene walks over to Ah'Mera, "Sorry Tuz, you can carry it back if it means that much to ya, I gladly share my title with my newest family!" She throws her arm around Ah'Mera's shoulders giving her a squeeze, "We are all the Lantern Bearers of Kassen!" she cheers holding the Lantern up high again.
Enev couln't see a thing as his helm dripped water from the rain and he was cleaning it.
"I'm ok whoever is the Lantern Bearer, I'll do my job to protect it and bring it safe. You can take turns to carry it on the road, right?"
Ah'Mera shakes her head,
"You misunderstand me dear Selene. I only mean to grant you an insight. Our Lord Aroden says one should always be ready to act, but so too must they deliberate on their actions."
"I am far more of a protector of the flame with my hands free from its burden."
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Essa stands in the rain mostly ignoring it. All the pomp and ceremony even the abbreviated version is overwhelming. The druids had their rituals but this was different. She thought of Roguk, the words of the Mayor and Father Prasst half heard. When Selene grabs the lantern she only half registered it.
Something else caught her eye...
She snapped back to reality. I need to focus for the team and do well. We Wil catch the others, but it will be hard in the rain.
She grabbed her pack and shucked off her dress and kicked off her shoes. She pulled her hide shirt over her head and donned a belt and loin cloth. Her feet felt better in the mud.
She stepped a few feet forward and looked down the path. She could feel Roguk ahead.
Sausages! Sausages in a bun! Only 2 coppers apiece! And that's cutting my own throat!
It MUST be Dibbler. The man is a legend in is own time, even if you don't know precisely why. Until now, you had no chance to eat one of his famous sausage in a bun. Maybe it's your last chance to try one before getting to the Crypt...
Selena's antics with the Lantern manages to get a few laughs and bring a few smiles on the worried faces on the inhabitants.
Father Prasst says, after a small smile
If everyone in your group is happy with you carrying the lantern,Selene, I will certainly not argue.
He pats once again Enev's head
And of course, as Enev just said, you can always takes turns carrying it.We will all pray here for the success of your quest.May Erastil bless your path!
Mayor Uptal adds
In theses backpacks you have everything you should need for your journey,and enough food for getting to and coming back from the Crypt, unless you are particulary greedy.And then Essa can probably hunt something edible. I just hope this rain will stop soon...Now we bid you farewell, and hope to welcome you soon back to our town, your town.
Takeshi felt like Selene wanted to carry the Lantern quite badly, so stepped back when she sprinted for it...
When Malya appeared, he eyed Mehra's reaction from the corner of is eye. The two hadn't always been on the best of terms, and with Stephan, who they both had had a crush on, things sometimes... escalated...
Enough! Selene announces, We must get Essa and then head for the crypt.
Selene takes a backpack of food and heads off to get Essa and her companion before heading out for the crypt.
"I was hoping to track down the group that went ahead but with the rain their tracks could be gone. Essa, did Roguk saw them on the road?"
Enev is walking a little faster with his short legs trying to keep up with everyone else.
Malya would search her pockets for coin as she motioned to Dibbler. 'Do I have enough to get everyone one. Or at least split them among ourselves. Moving forward she grabbed the backpack and put her spell book in it out of the rain.
"Dibbler, may we please have some for the trip?" She realized she had enough and would hold out the coins to get each of them one.
Once she finished her purchase she would run off after the others not wanting to be left behind.
Dibbler smiles and even wraps his products for you
that's 12 coppers well spend youn"missie!You'll never forget my sausages in a bun!Good bye and good luck!
People around Selene smile uneasily as she buy the buns for herself and her companions, looking at her with some sadness. The young woman sees her comrades already walking toward the forest, eager to pursue the prankster and to fulfill their quest
She would smile at him and moves over to one a little ways away from Dibbler and asks quietly. "Are they any good?" She seems confused by their sadness at watching her by them.
Once she gets the answer she will hurry off.
They have a taste you won't believe...
Malya would look up at them with a sweet smile. "Thank you."
The rain seems more sparse now. As you wait for Malya, you notice, at the beginning of the road out of Kassen, a lithe blonde girl, obviously waiting for you.
Mayla would hurry off and thinking on it would hide away the sausages in her backpack. You never knew when, bad food, would come in handy. She wondered why they hated it so much. Mayla wasn't brave enough to try it if they seemed that turned off to it. She hurried to catch up splashing mud up as she went.
"I'm coming!" She calls out and would reach them within a few minutes.
Malya catches up with you, and you walks to the town's limit. As you close to the girl waiting, you realise she's none other than Hami.
Hey people! Having fun so far?
Even if she tries to keep a smile on her face, you easily notice something troubles her
"What's wrong?" Takeshi asks plainly, as he puts away his flute.
Mayla looks at Hami and the others. It was clear something bothered her.
"Do you know what is going on with Steve and the others?"
"Hey Hami, what are you doing here?" ask after seeing Hami's troubled face.
As usual with Hami, she tries to get the most of the situation... But you feel she only does it half heartedly, for an unknown reason.
Let's say I might have some valuable informations for you about Steve and the others... How much would you pay to hear what I have to say?
"Hami, come on and please tell us. It is clear it is bothering you. Don't worry you will feel better and we can deal with the problem before it gets bigger."
She sighs
You're right. At least I guess so...Well, how to say that? Yesterday night, after the Mayor asked us to leave, and shortly after you left us, Malya, we- your brother Fadj, myself, Nabu and Groyshna, had a few drinks at the Seven Silver tavern. Fadj and Groyshna were really angry.... They expected to be chosen, at least Fadj. Groyshna was just angry at you, Enev. So there was talk, and more drinks than needed. I was bored, but I didn't had to pay for the drinks, so I stayed.A lil" before midnight, Steve entered the tavern, alone. He asked me for the money of the bet, but i said i din't bet anything and so owed him no money. Steve surely had guts to show his face, and Groyshna would have been happy to prove it by getting the guts out of Steve's belly with his bare hands. Steve called you a buch of whiny losers, and was ready to go to the Crypt all by himself. Then he said to Fadj and the others to come with him, just for the prank. As long as he get all the glory, Steve was ready for them to tag along, and Fadj would have been happy to embarass you by helping Steve to get the Lantern.
She plays with her blonde hair and adds
Trouble was, they had no idea where the Crypt was exactly, havin" heard only rumors. So they asked me to snatch the map, just for fun. At first, i swear I didn't want to do it. Then, your brother asked me to do it for money...
Hami blushes
I probably had too much to drink, so I went to the mayor's house, opened a back door, found the backpack you're currently wearing, opened them and took the map to the Crypt. No one of course was harmed, it was just suposed to be a prank! The backpack weren't even guarded. And I only took the map!Steve asked me to steal the Lantern too, but I answered it would be too dangerous, and that he'll have to think for something and show he has some brains to back his mouth! He wasn't too happy with my words, but why should I care?
She bites her lips
I gave the map to Fadj, and he gave me 20 gold pieces.Steve, Fadj, Groyshan and Nabu then started walking- quite slowly and unsteadily for the last three- to the Crypt.It was maybe two in the morning when they left the town... That's nearly all I know.
"Let us hope they are passed out, drunk, somewhere along the road."
Mayla looked at her carefully listening to the story. She was quiet for a long moment.
"We can hope that they indeed passed out and were undisturbed at night. Another option is they are setting up an ambush to get the lantern from us. I am praying they did not get attacked and are okay. I do not agree with what they have done." She looked at Hami.
"I can see why you did it Hami and I don't agree with what you did. But, that being said you have been honest about it and come clean. I respect you for that because it takes courage. Also, I don't drink for those reasons. You lose control of your mind a little when you drink and if you wield magic that can be dangerous. Keep my brother's money. He gave it to you. I don't think he realizes just how unhappy this will make our parents, but I will happily escort him home, when we find him, to let him get his butt chewed out. The fact that Steve disrespected such an honor grates on my nerves." She shifts and looks at Hami carefully.
"I am guessing you do not want to go with us to help resolve this issue? I can't speak for the others but if you wanted to come along with I would happily accept your help."
Already soaked, drops of rain dripping down a stray hair onto her nose and down her cheeks, Essa seems quite content. Smiling, she ponders the situation. After a moment speaking from common sense as one who has spent a lot of time outdoors, "They left in the dark, unorganized, angry, and drunk, perhaps without any gear or preparation. I don't see them cooperating very well, a clash of many egos, perhaps arguing over how to interpret the map, and led only by Groychna's night sight. Even if they had a lantern, and they managed to light it, it won't help that much other than to keep them from stumbling over a rut in the road or a tree root. Plus, the heavy rain and mud will have slowed them even more. They are probably cold, wet, tired, hungry, hung over, miserable and lost."
Essa hefts a huge cylindrical object from among her gear, and unrolls a layer of old burlap from it. As the burlap unfurls, flames burst forth licking around her hands. Unharmed she pulls the flaming log from its covering. The 'log' is actually a huge club, enchanted to emit harmless magical flame. She swings it about experimentally with both hands, and you see her toned muscles ripple as she stamps about the mud grunting cheerfully. Flicking back her hair, she says, "Lets find these bullies and make this right."
She sniffs the air and inspects the ground.
vs DC 4
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Not to be the rebel by any means, but I'll hope they didnt pass out in the woods at night from too much drink. The forest is most danergous at night and sleeping fools make for good prey for the monsterous things that linger there. Even if they didn't pass out, navigating any terrain in complete darkness is nearly impossible for most. Any glory to be had will be overshadowed by the tragedy that has befallen them.
Selene turns to Hami and gives her a long stare, That 20 gold is ill gotten gains, you stole something that wasn't yours and have profitted from the maliciousness. If you don't want your soul to rot in the hells then you best come clean to Father Prasst and donate the money to the church. It's the only good thing to do. Your courage to come clean to us was good practice, but you must atone for your actions to the good people of Everflame, only they can choose to forgive you. Or give me the gold and I will make sure it gets to him and I'll tell Father for you. I will put in a good word on your behalf, Hami.
Regardless of Hami's actions, there is no time to spare, Selene will follow Essa's lead through the woods tracking down the others. Selene will keep an eye out for danger while Essa does her thing.
"As Selene said, you should go to Father Prasst and tell what happened, he'll understand why you did it and forgive you." says with a angry tone,
"Groyshna sure doesn't know when to give it a rest and that damn Steve and his tongue. Let's hope they are not hurt..."
She looked at the others. Here they were admonishing Hami's first step at being good by talking down to her. Straightening she looked at them.
"Why are you angry at her? She was drunk and saw how to get some coin and avoid being beat up by those thugs. And she had the courage to tell us without demanding money. She is trying to do the right thing and right her wrong her way." She looked at Enev for his angry tone before turning a smile to Hami.
"Hami, I personally thank you for helping us and giving us fair warning. It is good to know that we may have to look for them and bring them back or have a possible ambush waiting for us. Again, My offer still stands but I can understand if you do not want to."
Looking to Essa. "Steve can use magic, which means he can provide light and protection. Do not underestimate what they are able to do. If he was able to keep them on track then they could have made it. Does someone have a map so we can find the crypt and the possible route they went?"
"I'm not really angry at her, I'm angry about what happened, the people in town were worried because of a prank...well now we know why they weren't choosed." Enev says with a more calm voice,
"Sorry Hami, didn't mean to sound angry at you like that" now looking at Hami.
Selene cracks a sideways smile, "Let's not forget too hastily Malya, Hami didn't demand money, but she certainly did try and get us to buy her honesty. Some people need occasionally to be reminded that being good is its own reward and money only grants temporary reprieve from the guilt of harming the innocent."
Well, to be honest, these twenty gold weight heavier in my purse than on my soul.And I need all the money i can get to leave this town.
She winks and smiles at Selene
Besides, if everyone was just as good as you are,Selene, who would you pray for? We have to keep your god busy...I'll try to have a chat with Father Prasst, anyway. And while you're still here, I'll give you some free information-but don't you dare telling everyone in Kassen I freely gave you something, some people here have a rep" to care for, mind ya! You'll find the Crypt deep South. First get to the Broken Glade, then to the Gray Lake. Continue to the Serpent Gorge, and the Crypt is on the other side of the Gorge. I guess Essa knows the land and the spots. It should be a two days trek, or so I heard, but Enev legs are quite short, so you may take longer. I guess the other guys won't walk much faster than him, anyway. Just keep safe.
The blonde girl waves you goodbye
Takeshi follows the interesting moral dilemma, but has no will to put energy into it.
After Hami leaves, he simply states: "...And we're off!" while starting to walk, taking his flute out to play some.
To Hami, "Just knock off stealing from those that care about you, especially when there are plenty of jerk faces out there with plenty of wordly possessions that would be better off without them."
Selene will make note of the directions Hami gave out and make note to notice them as she follows Essa's directions and the tracks the others left behind.
Essa, you're forgetting a few things. First the ground (forest) will be considered Soft ground (DC10), lowered by 1 for the 3+ members of the group tracked, but raised by 3 for the three last hours of rain, for a total DC of 10-1+3=12. With your Tracking roll of 17, you'll be able to follow the tracks at normal speed. As for the weather forecast, there will be more rain to come in the next two days
"Perhaps we should purchase a pony or a mule for Enev to travel a little faster."