Mayor Uptal is soon aware that you are coming back.
Ah Mera salutes you as martially as she can, when you come closer to the village entrance
The villagers come to meet you, some relieved that you are back, some sad and frightened when they see you alone, without their friends or loved ones.
Questions dart, everyone trying to talk at the same time
What happened? Where is... How?
Mayor Uptal asks for silence
People of Kassen. Lets give our young heroes some time to rest, they have earned it. We will talk at the banquet, later. Unless you want to speak now, young ones??
WE'RE HEROES!
C'mon, shout it! Scream it! Let them know it!
Tane takes a deep breath with a smug grins says, "We're H-, We're home."
Selene sighs, solemn in her delivery of the news, "And we are not alone, Roldara and Dimera are with us. The flame of right of passage is also with us. Even in the wake of unfortunate tragedy, let the memory of Kassen's people live on through all time with the traditions of its community, and their spirit in our hearts."
Malya would look at Selene and nods. Looking around at the others she would then look at the townsfolk looking for their loved ones that were missing. Mayla quickly realized everything was going blurry as she felt sorrow for their loss.
Holding herself together the best she could she would grab her handkerchief if she could find it and wipe her eyes. She wasn't in a state to talk at the moment.
With all the people around and attention, Essa struggled to stay calm. She wanted to flee back in to the woods. How could they understand what they had been through? The others would explain it better, she knew she would fumble over the words, and they would not be fancy ones at that. All she mumbled was "It all went wrong.." as she shuffled to the back and out of the way, distracting Roguk with a little packet of food.
Sensing your sadness, Mayor Uptal gives orders so the people of Kassen gives you a break.
Get to the Temple, or in another place where you feel safe. We can meet in two hours, at the Greathall. You will tell your stories.... I'm sorry for..whatever happened.
The mayor seems genuinely sad.
People look at you, as Enev takes Roldar and Dimira to Erastil's temple.
Where do you go? What will you do?
Essa looked up from Roguk at the mayor's words. To the temple She didn't like the cold temple much, they had just left a place of stone and mortar. She wanted to bask in the sun, but the mayor must know best. She shuffled her feet along towards the temple, kicking little dirt clods up. This was party of the test and the journey, the closing. The stories didn't seem like this. Everyone was always happy at the end, even if a bunch of people died, everyone seemed to forget it at the end, and there was celebration. Why wasn't reality like that?
Tane didn't understand. The stories didn't end like this, everyone was always happy.
I mean I'M happy, but no one else is happy. Why isn't anyone else happy???
Tane walked along the wall behind the Greathall, taking some time to himself.
We should be thrown up on shoulders and congratulated for completing our quest, saving Roldare and his sister, ridding the crypt of evil, actually getting to MEET Kassen for Gods sake!
"I mean Kassen!" he speaks out loud excitedly. He palms his piece of the armor that is in pocket as he recalls the memories.
"Essa, Selene, I am going to head to my place if you want to come along. I don't know about you two but a warm bath sounds really nice." She offered looking at him.
Looking over at Tane she wanted to feel happiness. After all, they had done good but the thought of the other townsfolk that had died there. Sadness and a rage filled her that she tried desperately to push down. Because of someone else's greed townsfolk had died.
Taking a deep breath she would put on a soft smile and looks at the two girls. "I think a bath will perk us all up. I don't know about you but I need the heat."
Looking to Roldare and his sister making sure they were being taken care of before heading to her place.
"That sounds nice." Essa echoed hollowly. Her thoughts were a bit lost now, since she wasn't sure what was supposed to happen next. It seemed like the mayor would do some ceremony. She figured a bath would be reasonable. Her hide shirt stank to the heavens and even a dip in the river on the walk bath, had not rid herself completely of the dust, dirt, blood and gore. "Roguk doesn't like baths." she suddenly chuckled. She smiled at the shaggy ape who probably smelled worse than she did.
"I won't force Roguk to bathe, I have a spell for that actually. He doesn't have to touch water to be clean. I just prefer a bath."
She would walk with Essa, and Selene if she came and asks her father's permission for the girls to stay the night with them and to have hot bath's.
"I feel bad for raining on Tane's joy and wanting to shout he is a hero. Really, in a way we are. I guess, the stress was just getting to me. I....it has been a rough week for me emotionally."
"Yes, I guess he can have the glory. Maybe he will be the mayor some day." Essa followed Malya to her home, Roguk in tow.
Selene takes up Malya on her offer for shelter so that she can find temporary relief until it is time to meet at the Great Hall of Kassen. She uses the brief time to clear her head and reflect on what had happened. Selene is all soft smiles with far off eyes during this time.
"It by no means has been easy, this is true." Selene agrees with Malya, "But you need not feel bad for how you feel. We've been through a lot in the past week. We've lost friends; maybe even family. But I don't want to deny Tane either, he is also right. Kassen may have suffered greater tragedy today, were we not the ones to be there in its dark hour. We may have only been able to save two people, but we prevented the loss of potentially twice as many by putting the undead to rest and we may still save more yet if we track down and stop these foreign thieves that played a reckless hand in their pursuits of wealth. We'll see, after our we conclude everything with the Mayor Uptal."
You find your way back to your friends or family, trying to explain what you went through, how you survived.
Either by taking a bath or sharing a few drinks at the tavern, you try to wash the most painful memories.
Sure, you have new scars on your body, but you are still alive, and stronger than before.
Two hours later, you know the time has come for the traditional banquet.
You remember the last time you've seen it, a few years ago, it was a joyful event, full of laughs and boasts.
Today, the mood isn't the same, more solemn and sad.
Mayor Uptal comes and greets each of you.
I've took the liberty of speaking with Enev.He told me everything about what happened into the Crypt, and I spoke to the villagers after that. Some of them are mourning and won't join us, of course. But we must celebrate your heroism.You took every risk to save those who could be saved, and came back to inform us. Erastil must be proud of you. please do know that no one here blames you, on the contrary people are grateful you put an end to this new threat. So don't blame yourselves either.
He looks at you, then
Let's have a drink. We all need at east one. And some food! You must be tired of these dried rations
He winks at you, with a feeble smile
A bath didn't feel so bad after all, soothing some of the aching muscles and wounds from the past days. Essa borrowed some clothes from Malya, since she had none other than her hide shirt and loincloth, both of which were in need of cleaning, or burning.
She tried her best to clean off Roguk, his fur full of dirt and debris from the trail and dungeon, although he seemed fussy lately. Perhaps all the danger had him on edge.
At the temple, Essa kept quiet or talked in a low voice to the others after saying thanks to Erastil for guiding them safely through their trials.
When Father Uptal suggests a drink, Essa doesn't think it sounds like a half bad idea, and happily indulges in some wine.
Mayla happily let's Essa borrow her clothing and cleans Roguk using magic.
At the mention of a drink she smiles. "This once I will indulge. I tend to like keeping a clear mind." Smiles.
"We did try out best and Tane always stayed chipper. I was thankful for that."
Tane finishes his time alone by spending some time reflecting on the moments of their heroic trip, specifically the ones he'd rather forget about. In doing so he begins to realize what all of the others are talking about and perhaps while they are heroes, he does not need to go around telling everyone so.
At the feast, Tane is already drinking before the mayor suggests it. He raises his glass first to the mayor and then to each of his companions in turn.
While he talks, Tane struggles to strike a balance between on what to say. "Thank you Malya. If we are speaking of thanks, I am extremely thankful for the support of my -" wonderful heroes? "- friends. Without their support and guidance along the way, we would never have -" completed our quest! " been there to help those that were in need."
During the banquet, you notice Cygar Anravis coming to you
I'd like to invite all of you at my room in the Seven Silver inn tomorrow. I have things I'd like to discuss with you, in private. You are just the kind of people I was looking for.Now enjoy your meal and get a good night rest.
Mayla would smile at Tane noticing he was taking care with his words and would smile raising her glass. "Well said Master Tane." She drinks lightly and would stand. "I also wish to thank all of you. I know, originally I was not selected to be a part of this quest, but even when we disagreed on things." Butted heads "But you have accepted me as a companion and I hope friend. To be honest you would be some of my first honest friends." Smiles warmly. "I couldn't have made it through this week without all of you."
When the gentleman approaches them she would nod. "I see, we can come by on the morrow." she said knowing she would sleep in just a bit.
The following day..
The banquet gave you bittersweet memories, and maybe a slight headache if you drank too much.
You remember Dimera and another girl- wasn't it the girl Tane spotted near the tavern, only a few days ago? Her name escape him anyway- nearly coming to blows for Takeshi's attention.
You remember Enev talking about Erastil with passion to whoever might be within earshot.
You remember Dibbler trying to sell another of his sausages in a bun, and wonder again how the goblin dogs managed to eat THAT.
Today, there's only Tane, Malya, Selene and Essa into Cygar's room. Enev went back to the Crypt to bring back the dead villager's corpses so then can be buried properly, and Takeshi ... Well, the young bard is probably already with a girl or another, or maybe just hiding so well no girl, father, brother or irrate lover will find him.
Cygar looks at you a few minutes, serves you some drinks if needed, and starts to speak.
Maybe some of you found me strange. I had reasons to keep a low profile so far. I am a Pathfinder, member of a not-so-secret society interested in ancient lore and places mostly. My main mission here was to to set up a post in northern Nirmathas that the Pathfinders can use to organize expeditions into Belkzen. And, as usual, to keep my ears and eyes open both for potential recruits and strange events. I'm not saying I'm offering you a place among the Pathfinders, don't know even if you would be interested. But I need discreet people to investigate this tomb robbing thing. Beside, my face is too well known in Tamran. What do you think of it? Could we work together?
Selene turns her head to look at the others, a determined look in her eyes. "Discreet may be of some consequence, as we are aware that we have recently accomplished a task that has earned us a measure of recognition. However, when we were down in the crypt the question crossed our minds on several separate occasions; why did these people come here? I think we might help Cygar. I'd like to find out the answer to that question, and if Cygar can lend any aid, then perhaps we welcome it, him and his organization."
Mayla would look to Selene and nods before turning to Cygar.
"Perhaps you know more about this particular robbery and why it came to be? We have a personal interest in tracking down those that took from that crypt. As Selene said, we have questions we want answered about this and you may be able to provide us some answers."
Malya knew she needed to study and put some of her new spells found in her book.
At the mention of Pathfinder, Tane's eyes widen with barely restrained excitement. "A Pathfinder! Did you guys hear that?! A real PATHFINDER is HERE and he needs OUR help!"
Tane slaps his knee "Ha!
The fighter waves his hand in the air as if the task was a no-brainer. "Of course we'll help. Right guys?"
Essa smiled at Tane's enthusiasm. It was infectious and probably what forged their friendship so long ago, before....their falling apart. But it seems as though that was at least partially mended, or maybe just ignored in all the greater dangers as of late.
"Well to be honest, I don't have anything better to do. I figured I would be doing druidy things" she waves her hands vaguely "once the Council got around to assigning me a forest or swamp to tend to, but they will be away on their Druid Circle meetings for a while, so I guess I am free to do as I please."
[b]"Also, Tane needs someone to watch over him, and that's Roguk's job. Right guys?" She elbows Tane playfully in the ribs, perhaps a little too hard, and ruffles Roguk's shaggy hair as the ape rolls about the floor gnawing alternately on his own foot or the chair leg or batting about a cup that he took from the table.
For what I have heard when I listened to your stories yesterday, the crypt robbers might be linked with Razmir. There are rumors that the cult of this "god", and I use the term loosely, try to set foot in Nirmathas's capital, Tamran. I know a few people there you could report too, if we work together.
Molthune has “captured” Tamran on five separate occasions, but each time it found holding the city too costly and fruitless
also stand in Molthune, Nirmathas, and Ustalav, while the governments of Druma, Kyonin, and Lastwall have outlawed them.His priests carry white mask hiding their faces.
Nope...
"Feel free to fill in the particulars. I'm not familiar with Tamran, cults, or Nirmathas."
Well, Nirmanthas is a country made of woods, mostly. Caught between Lastwall and Molthune, and havin" won its freedom from Molthune, many years ago. People there are, well, mostly woodsmen, of course, and quite proud of their glorious past.Tamran is the only town of consequence, near the mouth of the river Marideth.
As for Razmir... It's a recent god, from just across the lake.Lake Encarthan, that is. Got his own country, called "Razmiran", and fancies himself the "Living God", having passed the Starstone test, like Calyden Caylean, or so tell us the legends. His priests wear white masks hiding their face, just like the one you found in the crypt.
"So you have reason to suspect that that our tomb raiders have gone to Tamran with their ill gotten gains instead of returning to Razmir? I wonder what they are planning since they did not return to, what Id call, their nest? Only one way to find out. How do we get there?"
Tane looks at Essa confused, "Wait. Watch me? I thought-" He stops when her elbow finds his ribs and instead lets out an "Oooomph." as he tries to avoid doubling over after being hit. From a girl. In front of a Pathfinder.
When Selene mentions How do we get there?, Tane smiles and does a mental high-five. We're going!
Outwardly though, he does his best to keep a serious and straight face as the plans are being discussed. He nods occasional at a reasonable point and adds, "I agree." or "Sounds about right to me." when it's appropriate.
"I have also heard the people are fiercely independent. Molthun has “captured” Tamran 5 times but each time the drain on their resources and not worth while. I would guess the amulets are our lead. They are two of them from the crypt they took."
"How far of a journey is this? Will you be able to help us with supplies?"
I can arrange to get you to Tamran by boat, in a little over one week time. That would be the quickest, and maybe surest, way to travel. I can give you supplies, like rations and usual travelling stuff, but if you have something more specific in mind pleas do ask.
"Maybe a way to get back once we're done there... You know, it we learn what we need and get back the amulets. Or was that already a given? I'm honestly new at this sort of thing."
I'm sure we can arrange a thing with the boat and his crew. You're wise to ask for a safe and quick way to get out once your mission is finished.
The man seems to truly appreciate Selene's remark
How quickly do time pass!
It seems only a few days since you went out the Crypt, but more than a week has gone away!Since the events at the Crypt of the Everflame, life in the town is slowly beginning to return to normal.
The folks are still quite wary of the dark, worried that some overlooked undead fiend might stalk from the crypt. Enev choose to remain in Kassen, and Takeshi.. well, being Takeshi, he's probably caught in another love triangle.
In only a few hours, you will meet Cygar again, this time near the river, and wait for the boat that must carry you up to Tamran.
You prepared yourselves for this new adventure, buying what you thought you might need.
You took time to chat with friends and family before going in the capital of Nirmanthas, a place few of you have heard of, even less visited.
Now, you will be on your own again.
Last time, in the crypt, it didn't worked so bad!
Mayla would buy things to help transcribe spells into her book and supplies for her scrolls.
She would say good bye to her father with a tearful hug and a warm smile.
As they got on the boat she would look around wondering how the half-orc was doing out there on his own. She sat looking at the others carrying a backpack full of supplies.
Essa, will leave a note for the Druid Circle, although it seems likely enough people know what we are up to next, that they wouldn't wonder what happened.
Packing in securely her newly scribed scrolls and extra supplies, she tossed her old comfy hide shirt on, grabbed her pack and set on towards town to meet her friends, with Roguk cheerfully lumbering along.
Cygar joins you, chatting amiably as everyone slowly comes near the river.
I think the boat will be there in an hour or so. I tried to send a message to my fellow pathfinders, asking if they could send someone with you, but I'm not sure they will have found help at such a short notice. You got everything you need?
Selene says "We will just have to make do. Thank you Cygar for providing us the means of looking into this."
Hey, you have the hardest part of the job. My pleasure if I can help you helping me. Where is your big boy, Tane? Wasn't he supposed to be already here?
Selene raises a brow at both the nickname "big boy" but also at the lack of a good answer. "I am sure he will be here in short order."
"It feels strange leaving. I felt like I should have said goodbye to someone, but there isn't really anyone here that I know very well. Maybe it will be good to travel again. I haven't traveled in years since taking a few trips with the Druid Circle."
"Perhaps everyone you would have said goodbye to is coming with you." Selene said with a sly smile.
Malya smiled at what Selene said and nodded. "Good point. I said my goodbyes though it was hard. I am glad atleast I have three less goodbyes to say since you three are coming with me. Tane should be here soon. I don't see why he would let you go on an adventure alone Selene. He has got eyes for you like a love sick puppy." She didn't include Tane in the goodbye statement since he hadn't shown up yet.
"I'm not so sure, Malya. Tane's been that way as long as I've ever known, though his stutter has been less prominent since our venture into the crypt." Selene wonders at Tane's behavior a moment before shaking her head slightly and telegraphing a tease with a wide smile before saying, "Besides I think Essa is the one he finds most agreeable. All those private moments together."
It seems to you a boat is coming, on the river...
It will soon be there. Let's hope Tane will be there too!
Essa was sipping from her waterskin at the time idling listening to Malya and Selene talk about Tane. After Selene's comments, she spits and nearly chokes on her water, "Wha..aah*hack*.at? No! *cough* It's not, hrphlike that at *gah*all. " Sputtering and coughing some more, "No, really, its you he likes Selene. *cough* Tane and I never were like that. We just liked being outside in the forest. Then he killed a stag from the Sacred Glen. We had a falling out, but I think I have learned to forgive him. We were all children. " She stares out over the water, changing the subject, "Look a boat."
Selene laughs at Essa's initial reaction but seems to settle on the idea that maybe Selene was failing to recognize Tane's behavior for something more than ordinary. Selene smiles in the direction of the boat, and then back toward Kassen.
"I think someone may want to check on Tane, just to make sure he didn't have a change of heart or get hurt more likely." Selene says tugging on the relatively New collar of her magic chainmail as she heads back into town, "If I'm not back soon, I'll be on the next boat."
Mayla giggled and would hand Essa a handkerchief to help herself clean up. "Well, that is good but your reaction is funny. Selene, we will wait on you. I promise." She said warmly.
She dove into her pack to make sure she had everything.