In the small quiet town of Kassen, you have all been summoned by the society to help the town re-light the flame over the crypt as part of the history of the town.
As you arrive, you find that you are all alone and no one else appears to be in the town square.
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Adeah stands with her hands on her hips, unamused by the lack of anyone looking to be in charge. Her dark hair, streaked with red, moves lazily in the breeze. She is only lightly armored, and a small dagger rests on her belt. A long metal tube with a handle at one end hangs from her shoulder-- to anyone who's never seen a musket before, its function would be a mystery. Her almond-shaped eyes and pointed ears make her appear quite elven-- that is, until she turns around. A pair of large, crimson-colored wings sprout from between her shoulder blades, a testament to her otherworldly heritage. Since they're not strong enough for flight, she keeps them strapped down so they don't get in her way. "Fantastic. 'Hey, come help with this thing, Adeah.' 'We need you, Adeah.' 'Meet us in the town square, Adeah. Except we won't.'" She turns to the others assembled. "I reckon you were summoned here too, right?"
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With a swing of her halbert and a flourish of the banner tied to it, the strong, armored, human female makes herself known to the obviously-not-Elven Warrior.
()"Aye, I was brought here to do something for a crypt. I wasn't pay'n attention." The woman stands a fair height, her armor of carefully crafted banded mail coated with a tunic that seems to shine with the colors of the rainbow, as does her hair!
Reaching into her backpack, she pulls out a wonderfully made fiddle, placing it under her chin and tuning it.
"Name's Ellenar. Ellenar Bannerhand. Pleased to meet yer' acquaintance."
She pulls the bow across the strings and ( ) a merry tune springs forth in an attempt to draw out any locals and liven up the somewhat melancholy mood of the town.
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A red-haired gnome stares happily around the square, tapping his fingers against his pant leg as he nods politely to the two women, Pleased to meet you! I'm Traflet, aspiring Pathfinder and sorcerer extraordinaire. I'm afraid that like Ellenar here, I wasn't quite paying attention to why they asked me here, so I'm in the dark as much as you.
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A tall, thin, Garundi man, with a shaved head that makes his age almost impossible to determine, the faintest ghost of creasing around his eyes suggesting that he is older than he appears, joins the group in the town square.
He is dressed simply, wearing a plain white pleated kilt, overlain with a suit of armor crafted from a series of bronze plates, with an ancient-looking wooden shield tied across his back, and a morningstar at his hip.
"Greetings. I am not sure of the specifics, but I believe that the Society sent us here to help perform a historical re-enactment, re-lighting a ceremonial flame of some kind at a local crypt..."
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"That is correct... the society has sent us as ambassadors for a ceremony... which is a pleasant change."
The gravely even tempoed voice comes from a shorter granite skinned humanoid. As he approaches you can see that what you thought was spike white hair is actually a tight knit crystalline formation.
Dressed in modest robes open at the chest you can see the only break in the flawless black of the skin is what appears to be a blue handprint spread across his chest.
"Greetings fellow Pathfinders, I am Tenzin... devotee of the Master of Masters, and humble explorer. I look forward to sharing this time with you in this honorable ceremony."
With that Tenzin finds a spot in townsquare that holds a bit of shade and folds his legs into the lotus position and sits quietly waiting for the festivities to begin.
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. Behind him, an old pony drags a cart laden with backpacks and supplies.
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." he looks to the group that stand out from the rest of those in the town. "Ah, pathfinders! I am glad you have arrived as requested! Please, save us through this winter. Who of you will carry the lantern to bring the flame back to the town?"
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Seeing the townsfolk so downtrodden, Ellenar's first thought goes to her attire. I feel so out of place...why did I dye my hair to match my tunic!? And the frame around my banner!?!? WHY!!!???
Putting her fiddle away, the music dies down quickly as it is engulfed by the doleful mood of the townsfolk.
After seeing and hearing the Mayor's request of the party, Ellenar feels it only right and just that she assist. Saving the town through winter seems the most noble and right thing to do.
Ellenar steps forward through the crowd to be seen, thought that isn't hard. "I will bring the lantern's flame back to this town!"
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Tenzin rises from his seated position in a fluid motion, akin to a snake uncoiling and walks to stand beside the flashy cavalier.
"I, of course, will join her. We as the representatives of the Pathfinder Society will find it an honor to return this flame to your town and in doing so honor the history of those long lost."
The mayor hands over the lantern to Belina and then hands everyone a set of supplies on the wagon behind him.
He hands you all a backpack containing 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, you have the following items spread out amongst yourselves evenly:
50 feet of hempen rope
a box containing tinder and three tindertwigs
a labeled potion of cure light wounds
three torches
a grappling hook
a small bottle of local brandy
The mayor goes back to address his people:
“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.
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Tenzin will accept the offered goods and will supplement his supplies with the extra stuff. He also will take 1 potion of cure light wounds, and the grappling hook.
"Thank you for these gifts, you show us great honor by entrusting us with this task."
with a slight bow Tenzin will turn and head in the direction that the Mayor pointed.
"Let us be off friends."
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Belina holds the lamp in her left hand as she follows. She is content to bring up the rear and cover the others with her bow.
The small hobbit produces a backpack loaded with some supplies. She looks to the cavalier. "My lady, would you be able to carry my pack on your horse. It is slowing me down, and it appears your mount would not notice the weight. I have been saving for a riding dog, but it will be in my future."
The journey is about 40 miles south and you are expected to make it by foot as you don't have any mounts.
So what's the final party order?
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Belina chuckles and holds her hands over her mouth to hid her embarrassment.
"Aye, I'll be able to move a little more effectively without that pack with my food, sleeping supplies, and a crowbar for opening things. I assumed you would have a horse with your obvious experience and confidence my lady."
The goodwife speaks somewhat quiet and consipiratorially:
"I was just accepted to fight evil. I said some prayers, and Voila! I'm a crusader!! This is so exciting and new!"
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Adeah nods. "Yeah, we've all got our talents. Me, I don't have much time for the gods. Somebody gets in the way of a mission, I just shoot 'em. But Mister Serious over there," she says, pointing to Amenhotep, "looks like he prays a lot too. And I'm guessing Rocky here's good at pounding stuff." She indicates Tenzin.
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Amenhotep raises an eyebrow.
"I would not describe it as 'a lot'; merely 'enough'. Do not concern yourself with the thought that I may try to convert you - even in my homeland, the Old Gods are largely forgotten; the time for proselytising is long past - now, all that matters is making sure that someone (such as myself) remains to remember."
The crypt is a good 40 miles south of Kassen so you make sure to start making your way as soon as possible. As far as you are away, this area of the Fangwood is mostly safe.
The narrow path winds through the raking claws of the trees, now bere! of their leaves, which crunch loudly underfoot. Up ahead, a fallen tree trunk blocks the path. Suddenly a trio of snarling humanoids leaps up from behind the log, all greenish skin and fearsome tusks, bellowing vulgar challenges.
Initiative:
Amenhotep:
Adeah:
Belina:
Ellenar:
Tenzin:
Traflet:
Orcs:
Roll off:
Ellenar:
Tenzin:
Order:
Orcs
Adeah
Traflet
Tenzin
Ellenar
Belina
Amenhotep
The Orcs move in and begin to attack the characters at the front row with their greatswords, however they all miss with their blades and roar is anger.
Adeah:
Traflet:
Tenzin:
Ellenar:
Belina:
Amenhotep:
You notice that as you attack these Orcs, that you go right through them. It's obvious to you now that these creatures are fake. You take no damage from them at all. I am just rolling the attacks and damage as not everyone has realised this yet. Once one of you points this out, they'll gain a +6 to their next will save.
The creatures continue to attack, one of them moving up closer to take a attack and flanking Amenhotep.
Order:
Orc - 7
Orc - 5
Orc - 2
Adeah
Traflet
Tenzin
Ellenar
Belina
Amenhotep