The sun rises into a clear sky on a morning that seems like any other day. But today is no ordinary day. Days ago, Mayor Uptal visited you personally to invite you on an honored ritual. Now, the day that felt like it would never come is here. Today, you quest for the Everflame!
Mayor Uptal told each member of the group to meet in the town square before the midday bells. The ceremony is to begin shortly thereafter. The day is clear and a chill hangs in the air.
Aeric arrives, clad in scale mail, wielding a large quiver with heavy looking Javelins, a Bardiche, a club and a health potion on his belt, dressed in comfortable winter clothing.
Any actual adventuring gear though? Kind of missing a rope, rations, waterskins and a trusty 10 feet pole hmmm.
He looks at the assembled younglings, giving Seffie a smile.
Ilmara put me up with this, I like the idea though
Today is the day. Now or never. They think they can just send me away, like I'm nothing, some stranger here. After all my family did for them all! I'm taking my place today, I'm going to get that Flame and just let any of them try to stop me.
Somonti is in her little loft room in the Seven Silvers, she has few possessions, and even fewer that she cares about. She wears a knife, strapped to her shin, and some old ill-fitting armour, discarded as worn out by a passing caravan guard two months past. She opens the small window and, with practiced ease, slides down the shallow roof and drops onto the tarp covered hay-store bellow. She pauses to retrieve her last preparation from behind a water butt; a second knife blade crudely but securely lashed to the end of a broom handle. Her spear. It is early morning, early enough that the night's mist still hangs on the ground and, though the town is not quiet even at this time, no-one spots Somonti as she slips into the forest. She leaves little of herself behind, save a hand written note to Asina on the pillow of her bed.
"Goodbye," it is little more than a whisper.
A tiny stark white fox, it's fur is cleaner than a wild animals and his eyes a deep gold. He roams through the forest, oddly it's feet seem to be just barely touching the ground as though it's being pulled upward toward the sky. Mizuchi stops as he see's Somonti, few wander towards his forest, preferring the coziness of their walls and town.
I...have an appointment to keep...but perhaps a little watching wouldnt hurt?
The young shapeshifted man stops to watch, maybe in part to make sure the young lady didnt get into trouble.
Somonti can't help but spot the stark white fox in the dingy forest.
"Good morning Mr Fox, how do you keep yourself so clean out here? You've been here at least as long as I have. Maybe you should be going on this quest too..."
She instinctively wants to offer the fox something to eat but the thought just reminds her of her own empty stomach and the fact she hadn't even thought to bring any food.
"Who am I kidding, you don't need food from me. You live out here! Maybe I'm just pretending I can do this. Well, too late to go back now."
She thinks of the note she left behind.
Jobu looks around at the other adventurers, all of them looking terribly unfamiliar to his unworldly experiences. He leans on his spear, a woven reed hat protecting his face from the bright sun. His gear looks mostly second-hand, and although he's been convinced to bathe, most folks still find it difficult to stand too close to him - aside from a small following of the local cats.
"Morning, all. 'm Jobu. 's my first time outta the village, 'n I gotta say, the big city 'ere 's really something else. Lookin' forward to workin' with y'all."
Seffie was going to be late. This was exceedingly obvious to her, although perhaps less so to Father Prasst who kindly chose to check in on her that morning. When he arrived bright and early that morning, he found her almost ready to bound out the door in the same dirt stained outfit she wore while grave-tending the previous day, having barely slept a wink due to excitement. After a brief disagreement, Seffie reluctantly agreed to change into a special set of armour she had borrowed specially, gulp down some breakfast, perform a quick prayer to Pharasma, and set out at a dead run. This, of course, made her one of the first arrivals, a position she took with aplomb and dignity, by bouncing around the square and grinning at everyone who showed up.
As Aeric arrives, she reciprocates his smile and bursts into speech "Ah! Aeric! Isn't this so-" she pauses and takes in Aeric's armoured and armed state with wide eyes. "Wait, wait, wait. Are you coming with us?" Without waiting for an answer, she continues "Sooooooo, who talked you into it?" She raises her eyebrows accusatorially.
Excitedly, she wanders over to Jobu to introduce herself. "Hi Jobu! I'm Seffie. Are you coming too? I think we're gonna have so much fun"
Seffie is a young human, distinguished by her faded grey hair and eyes, both of which have an almost lifeless energy to them. She is dressed in a suit of studded leather armour which, to be frank does not fit her especially well and it is quite clear she is unused to the weight. Her holy symbol, a carved wooden spiral, is tied prominently around her neck.
Mizuchi looks at her, thinking to himself I don't think she realizes... Oh well. She'll find out when everyone else does. he looks at her and then in the direction of the town and keeps floating on the path. He stops and looks back toward Somonti and makes a head nod back ahead of himself as if saying let's go.
Ilmara, you see, I am missing so much of my memories, in some terms I am not much older then you kids. I agree with her though, it could seriously help me a fair bit, and its not as if youd mind having me between you and possible danger, right?
The big man smiles happily.
Somonti is too wrapped up in her own thoughts to notice that when the fox moves off it is headed in the general direction of the village.
The sun is high in the sky now, it must be time.
She creeps to her lookout spot. Behind a bush; close enough to see, not close enough to be seen. She had planned it all. There they were...
Two of them she didn't recognise: a half-orc with a couple of years on her, he was keeping to himself, and a strange looking man in a wide hat that looked home made.
Then there was what was his name... Eric? Alrik? Somonti had seen him in the forest a few times and in and around town, he seemed older than the others. And... of course Seffie was there. This was Seffie's year how had I not realised?!
Somonti broke cover and stomped into the square, not making eye contact with anyone in the crowd or in the square itself but not looking away.
her voice is loud and clear, but on the edge of shrill she swallows hard and composes herself "I have a right to be here." quieter now "for my family and for myself I have a right to go on this quest. I am taking my place." The words she had practiced so often were now voiced, they seemed so much less powerful than she hoped.
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Daawww, troubled teenagers! the peacelanders are unusual, when i was her age I had killed 2 demons, 4 men, 1 women and a minotaur, the minotaur having been a team effort. Aeric thinks to himself as he watches Somontis antics
He pauses, as if uncertain as to how Somonti would react to a head-pat.
Switching to a different mental track, he slowly approaches Somonti.
If you wish for your voice to carry far and express your wroth, then it must come from within you, from your heart and belly, not from your head, focus on your breathing and lean into your speech like you would into a punch. Master your breath, in both battle, and speech, and singing.
He speaks with his quite sonorous normal voice.
what you heard is my head voice, for my full voice well:
Frozen ground
a coldbitten host
charges at the demons through dust clouds
Rehnskiölds men
storm through their flanks
Feared is their name in war
One by one
ran Deskaris swine home
Death awaits them!
Sabbaton:
Ett Slag Färgat Rött
I am much better in signing that deep then in talking that deep, but you get the idea. Dont lose your connection to Mother Earth when you wish to make your voice felt, and your voice can be carried to the highest peaks. Just like punching.
He is clearly looking to give a show and to get everyone hyped on their great adventure, while perhaps providing Somonti with some life advice.
In front of Everyone Mizuchi shapeshifts to his normal form. The stark white fox, shapeshifting into a rather handsome human man with long silver hair, a tail and fox ears.
He's wearing a simple hide shirt, nothing special. his feet remain barely touching the ground almost as if he's floating. the perpetual grin remains on his face, his eyes narrow but relaxed.
His voice, calm Greetings everyone, how do you do? He gives a flourish and bows.
The town square is empty except for the six young (well except for Aeric) adventurers. It’s strange considering the square is surrounded by the tavern, the greathall, the temple, the town watch headquarters, and a blacksmith’s shop. It makes the square quiet and a bit eerie. Somanti’s words and Aeric’s sing echo of the surrounding buildings. As the sun approaches it’s zenith, some dark clouds begin to roll in.
Ready to go on a great adventure. Although I did expect a bit of a crowd hmm.
Aeric speaks, rather non-plussed.
Of you I only know Seffie well, as an Oracle of Pharasma. Do you have unusual abilities as well? I am a Bloodrager, admiddetly tainted by the Abyss and can marshall its fury against foes. Dont freak out when I grow claws, those trained in my warlodge are actually unusually competent in maintaining control of their bloodrage. I can as a matter of fact sing, speak in foreign languages and do math while bloodraging, while others are just like
He pauses for effect.
He finishes.
If it comes to battle, stay behind me, and let enemies try to pass my bardiche. If I start running away, you also run.
"Ilmara is very smart." She smiles happily. "It'll be good for you! And you can carry my bag for me. I'm just a small child
Seffie watches Somonti's big entrance curiously. Any flicker of recognition on Somonti's behalf is completely missed by Seffie, who takes a moment to try and place Somonti. That girl who... lives in the... tavern, maybe? Or is it the blacksmith? She's preparing to introduce herself when Somonti begins her big speech. Woah. What happened to her? She seems so... hurt. She applauds Aeric's singing, hoping that his speech would help her calm down. That was amazing! He really is fearless.. Either way, she resolves to talk to Somonti one on one later.
"Ahh! Your fur is gorgeous!" she excitedly exclaims to Mizuchi. "I'm Seffie. What's your name?"
She giggles at Aeric's rage impression. "Hi! I'm Seffie and I work magic with the blessing of The Lady of Graves. Normally, I tend to the dead. But with luck that won't come up?" She chuckles a little at her own joke. "But I have healing and defensive charms, and a couple other magic tricks ready."
When there's a pause, Seffie drifts over to Somonti with a small smile, which was intended to convey friendship but made slightly unnerving by her lifeless eyes. "I don't think anything of you!" She pauses just long enough to realize what she just said and how it could be interpreted "Ah! I, uh, I mean not anything bad. I don't think anything bad of you. Um" Sheepishly and definitely aware of how she's messing this up, she tries one more time, hesitation evident in her voice "I'm glad you're coming?"
Aeric offers his friendly advice and launches into song "Er, yeah, thanks. I guess. I'll try that next time." She folds under his unexpected kindness and looks to the floor.
Everything is not going to plan.
Startled at the sound of a new voice, Somonti's guard is back up. The new boy is strangely familiar, something about his poise. And that tail. Despite missing the shapechanging itself, realisation suddenly dawn's and, wide-eyed, a gasp is all that Somonti can manage. He must have heard it all, everything I could only say in the forest, he knows all my secrets and I don't even know his name. Please don't... don't say anything. Her eyes are silently pleading.
Everything is not going to plan.
She doesn't even hear Seffie approach her. "Nothing bad, eh? Of course. You don't think bad thoughts Seffie, you're the miracle child that came back from the dead, a blessing on us all. I'm sure I'm very lucky to be on the quest with someone so... Ngh. she trails off, not knowing what to say anymore.
Everything is not going to plan.
Lets try for some more parental advice yes?
Do you know how I killed my first demon? It was a pretty funny tale because I was kind of your age so, buckle up its a pretty funny story actually. You see, thieflings are kind of frequent in Sarkoris, but are generally shunned. I look fully human, but knew that my Bloodrage was Abyssal, so who am I to judge. There was well, my teenage sweet heart Yara-Quick-Tail, pretty mischevious, always up to shenanigians and a real blast to be around. Well, we both were around 16, and she wanted to try some hard booze.
He gives a wide grin
Now, she was way more sneaky then me, but kind of gave me some pouty lips and badgered me into stealing the booze, so...
So yeah, I sneak into our booze holding fort, silent as midnight, and what do I see? A Drunk dretch. I like, yoink a barrel opening drill, thankfully it was made of cold Iron, from a nearby wall and strike the dretch! It tries to bite my face of but misses, on account of being too drunk, so I strike it again and actually kill it!
Aeric recounts part of his life story.
So, the tribe decided to not ask question as to why I was in the booze holding fort, I kind of just claimed that I smelled something weird. Then I got totally sloshed during the impromptu victory party.
When I woke up on the next day, I fell down 20 feet because I apparently fell asleep on top of a totem pole, dedicated to Calistria and Gorum, for some reason, the reason later became evident because Yara-Quick-Tail was also on top of that totem pole, but didnt fall down on account of well, her tail is quite strong and flexible yesyes. I did break some bones, but the sight of her, dangling on her tail, from one of Calistrias Tits was funny enough to make me laugh anyway.
"Umm, well, I... Seffie trails off and looks away, just as lost for words as Somonti. She frowns, hurt and confused by the rebuffing. "I'm sorry" she whispers, and walks away head down. Oh no oh no, I messed everything up. Maybe I should just go home.
Thankfully, Aeric steps in before Seffie can properly consider that decision. She turns to face him as he talks, although she keeps her eyes low, scared of making eye contact. She chuckles a little to the story, although it's very clear her heart isn't in it. But, the longer it goes on, the more she brightens up, and she has a small smile by the end of it.
She glances up "Hey, it's getting pretty late. Where is everyone? Oh no, are we in the wrong place?"
Seffie didn't react as Somonti had expected. She always seemed so confident and self assured. Am I just what I hate so much in other people. Am I judging her by the way people treat her?
"This is the place, it always is. Its tradition. But there's normally people here to see the party off. Maybe because I turned up..."
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Hmm, the timing is getting a bit odd now, and as much as I would like to brighten your spirits with
He pauses
as he huddles the group together, and, utterly dead pan, whispers:
How to have fun in the worldwound, Demon-Cocaine and you.
you youngsters a bit too young for that particular piece of information. And before you ask "Aeric Aeric, is Demon Cocaine called Demon Cocaine because it affects Demons, or because it is made from Demons?", the answer is "Yes".
His delivery is totally deadpan and to the point.
Laugh with others young one, and then laugh about yourself, I think thats your way to progress He thinks, looking at Somonti.
Aeric puts his roughly ham sized hand on Sumaks shoulder, beaming with approval.
Off to yoink some booze reserves before we go off adventuring? You have potential lad.
As he follows along.
"Ayuh. Never can tell what the weather'll bring...or unnatural disasters." He frowns a little bit. "We're here to help with problems, might be some problems running around right now we can lend a hand with."
Having rambled on enough, he follows the group.
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Before the group is able to leave 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. Behind him, an old pony drags a cart laden with backpacks and supplies. Even the sky has darkened as if mourning.
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?
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Mizuchi floats forward gracefully, his signature grin upon his face and a tail swaying back and forth, i shall volunteer, who better than myself? Though i do not know the way he tells a little white lie out loud or maybe its a joke? Its hard to tell, Mizuchi keeps his confident tone, not faltering when saying he doesn't know the way. Suffice to say, the young kitsune is a... confusing entity.
This town has gracefully accepted a stranger into its midst, and treated him with naught but hospitality. Aeric intones with his deep voice. Ceremoniously placing his right fist on his heart, as in saluting.
You shall have my Axe, and in normal situations also my other axes, but I left them in a bunch of demons and then they poofed back to the Abyss with them, effing jerks, cold iron throwing axes are expensive!
He is putting up quite a show for the townsfolk and the other "heroes".
"I'm no hero, not to most of you. But I'm going with the questers to the tomb. This is my community and I have the right to this."
Where before she had repeated practiced words, these are more heart felt and more powerful for it. Aeric notices that she is also carefully controling her breathing this time.
Somonti tries hard not to catch the eye of anyone in the crowd.
"Ayuh. 'm here. Glad y'all showed up for the, uh. Party?"
Jobu gives a genial nudge to Somonti, and speaks quietly to her. "Really does take a village. 'Hero' 's just a word. Don't need a word to do the right thing."
Magnificent! the mayor responds with bittersweetness. (He’s been doing this for years, so he’s perfected sounding joyful while still being mournful.) We have supplies here for each of you. He motions towards the supply cart, and two men begin unloading supplies.
Now, who will have the honor of carrying the lantern for the Everflame? he asks expectantly.
Each backpack contains 5 days’ worth of rations, a small tent, a winter blanket, a piece of a map to the crypt, and a full waterskin. Additionally, each of you will find extra supplies.
Aeric - 50 ft of hempen rope
Seffie - A grappling hook
Somanti - A labeled potion of cure light wounds
Jobu - A box containing tinder and three tindertwigs
Sumak - A small bottle of local brandy
Mizuchi - Three torches
"I shall go! I am brave and strong!" Seffie declares boldly! A quick glance to Aeric is the only indication she feels nervous.
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Seffie feels the slighest hint of a telekinetic headpat, as Aeric grins at her.
Before seeing that somebody else got the booze and frowning a bit.
Is Ilmara kinky or why do I get a rope?
Overcome your mental restraints he hears a femine voice whispering in his mind.
Message cantrip Ilmara? He thinks, grinning, Olga used that a fair bit.
He gets no answer, as message doesnt allow for that.
Jobu's face lights up as he sees the tindertwigs - to him, it's as good as magic!
Somonti is surprised and confused to find backpack intended for her
Who knew my plan, who knew enough to make these preparations? Not Holgast surely? I've said nothing to him about this. Did I let something slip to Asina... did she read my note already?
For the first time her eyes meet those of the crowd, searching for answers.
Mizuchi looks around to his fellows, any volunteers? I can if we wish, those who need their hands for combat may wish to abstain
Seffie smiles at Aeric's affection, before leaning in to grab her supplies. She digs through her backpack, excitedly pulling out and examining each item. She tries to give the waterskin an experimental sip only to spill a little due to unfamiliarity with the design. Finally, she pulls out a grappling hook.Just a grappling hook? No rope? There must be some use for this I don't know. She turns to Aeric and manages to get her mouth open "Hey-", before she sees his rope and clues into what's going on.
She glances briefly at Somonti, They packed her a bag! That means they don't hate her, right? Why does she still look angry?, but chooses not to say anything.
"I would be honoured to carry the lantern, but I would be happy to stand aside if one of you would prefer." She smiles sweetly, and then gasps. "Oh! Or we could take turns!"
Very well, he says as Sumak takes the silver lantern.
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.
Assuming the heroes follow the mayor’s direction, they head south out of town and on the road towards the Crypt of the Everflame!
And so the journey begins!
Oi friends, lets do a puzzle! We each got a piece of map, and several of you younglings supposedly have a brain so...
I think these 3 parts He looks at Seffies, Somontis and his own, belong together like this! No, I dont know this because of geography, I know this because here, look, only these 3 pieces have some of Ilmaras Tomatoesoup on them!
"Here, let me."
"I've felt like I know these woods ever since... well, you know. This shape is north of here so... and this rise is over there... "
if it is a map to read, i can as well. Lady Pulura teaches us all how to navigate
Jobu wordlessly hands over his map piece to those who seem to know it better than he does.
Seffie shivers slightly on the walk out of town, affected by the seriousness of the village. She'd been expecting slightly more of a celebration. But her companions seem unaffected, so she steels her resolve and tries to act tough.
She offers her map piece up gladly, and stands slightly awkwardly off to the side, not being great with puzzles. "Maybe it's the other way up?"
The heroes piece together the map, lining up jagged edges and the hand-drawn lines. The map shows the path between Kassen and The Crypt of the Everflame along with three landmarks in between: The Broken Glade, The Grey Lake, and Serpent Gorge. Though it’s hard to judge the scale of the map, the party also knows enough about the area to know that the trip will take about 2 days.
Aeric speaks up:
So, marching order, If we actually do stealthy stuff, it means we all move at half speed, which means it would be 4 days, which means our food would run out. As such, me the big beatstick should probably be in the front, I would definitly appreciate someone with good senses up there with me.
He has his Bardiche drawn
The Bardiche is in reasonable condition, made of cold iron, and has multiple presumably humorous messages carved into the wood.
One reads "If in doubt, Stab Stab Stab", another one reads "Pay me money and your commercial message could be here", a third one reads "Määähgpie-Goatface sucks flacid cock".
Somonti walks with the others, between Aeric and Sumak. She is not used to anything as formal as a 'marching order' so is happy to form more of a 'cluster' in the middle.