Rumors are spreading like wildfire among the youth of Kassen that Mayor Jonark Uptal is going to charge a group of young would-be heroes to the tomb of Ekat Kassen, the founder of Kassen’s Hold. This ceremony is a milestone for the youth signifying them becoming an adult in the village of Kassen. A ceremony that is held each year on the anniversary of Ekat Kassen and his men setting off to defend Kassen from a mercenary threat. This year marks the 174th anniversary.
The would-be heroes set off to the crypt with the Eternal Lantern in hopes of bringing back a piece of the Everflame that resides above Kassen’s final resting place. If the Eternal Lanter is returned with a piece of the Everflame, it is held safe in the village of Kassen, where it is preserved all winter, a symbol of the town’s resilience of those first hard years of the town’s history.
You find yourself lying in bed, up earlier than normal. You cannot believe it. It has been four years since Mayor Uptal has send youth to Kassen’s tomb, and he has asked you. YOU! This is something that you have looked forward to for as long as you can remember. Older siblings and other villagers have spoken of the daunting task of what is found on the way to Kassen’s tomb, let alone what is found within.
Rolling over in your bed you remember a flash back of two days ago. Mayor Uptal knocking at your door, formally inviting you to take part in this village ceremony. Along with his request for you to arrive at midday today, he also told you to only bring the bare essentials, to travel light. The rest will be provided for you. When you arrive the town square.
The sun rises and beams through the window catching your eye. It’s time to get up.
The cold air of late-autumn greets Esgean as she wakes to the darkness of pre-dawn. She slept fitfully, her dreams returning again and again to the excitement of this day and the great journey ahead.
Normally her father is already awake when she opens her eyes, having stoked the fire and prepared bread, cheese, and jam for breakfast. But today Esgean is too excited to stay in bed, and rouses to begin the morning chores herself, as she faintly remembers her mother doing years ago. The memory is a reminder to always look for the joy in life. She casts her eyes back to her bed where Rejke remains asleep. A cat is never not a cat.
She is noisy around the hearth and her father rises to help, gripping her shoulder with care and love. He is a man of few words, but his deeds speak volumes.
While she eats, she tests herself in a small way, casting a simple spell: Goodberry.
Satisfied with this minor bit of magic, she slips Rejke a hunk of cheese and spends the next hour meditating on a few of the spells she has learned from Olmira.
By first light she has gathered her gear, affixing a recently mended skirt over her breeches to fend away the bite of approaching winter. She does not yet wrap her feet, though the season is near. The hide shirt is heavy and hopefully unnecessary, as is the staff and sling. The rest of her gear is the sort of things she would normally take with her on her excursions into the forest. She took a deep breath to calm her animated soul; how different was this journey from any other?
She would soon find out. With a hug from her father and brother she is on her way with Rejke by her side.
Felix awakes with a start. Is today the day? It is!
He sits upright and brushes his long hair away from his face. Today is the day that he's going to face the evils of Kassen's tomb! He gets out of bed and immediately goes to the bucket of water he filled the night before to wash his face. He bathed yesterday, but he is not about to raise his face to Iomedae's light without a freshly scrubbed brow.
He cleans his face, brushes his long hair, and puts on clean undergarments that he specifically washed yesterday in preparation for today. He puts on the layers of clothing and armor he needs to weather any evil attack (and to show his townsmen that he's prepared to weather any evil attack), puts the cord holding his deity's holy symbol around his neck, and finally draws the longsword given to him by Sir Dramott.
Kneeling down on one knee, grasping the longsword in front of him point down, he prays. He asks The Inheritor for her blessing and her benediction, and then makes a note to ask Sir Dramott if "blessing" and "benediction" are the same thing. He asks his deity that he and his companions have a successful sojourn to the Everflame and back so that the rest of Kassen has a symbol of hope they can turn to.
When he's done, he sheathes his longsword and collects his other weapons. Sifting through his gear, he leaves most of it behind, only bringing his compass, flint and steel, signal horn, torch, waterskin, and whetstone.
He opens the door to his bedroom. He usually shares the room with one of his brothers, but his parents were so excited for his journey into adulthood today (something about 'moving out') that they had him sleep by himself so that he's sure to be well-rested.
It occurs to him that he's never made breakfast for his parents and three siblings while wearing full armor before, but By Golly today is the day for new adventures!
Jhessa wakes before sun up, as she has every day for the last year, ready for the dawn prayers. Not every acolyte at the temple has the same patron so worship tends to be done on more of an individual basis. Wrapping a cloak around herself in the chill autumn air she makes her way outside to the temple garden to watch the sun rise. Today it is struggling to break through the cloud cover and there is a frost on the ground and the plants, but when it does come out Jhessa can tell it will be a bright one. I’m never going to get bored of this, she thinks, offering her gratitude to Shelyn, goddess of love, beauty and the arts. Never the same one twice and always a thing of wonder.
After a time spent in silent contemplation and thanks, she rises from her floor cushion. Despite the cold and the goosebumps she can feel on her arms, she removes the heavy cloak to reveal what she refers to as her dancing dress, a lightweight red number in a Qadiran style that allows easy movement and for the numerous folds of fabric to fly as she does. She slips off her shoes too and the dew soaks her feet. Choosing to feel it and embrace it rather than ignoring it, Jhessa begins to dance. Losing herself in it, she sways and spins gracefully, not in any formal style but rather her own heartfelt expression.
When she stops Jhessa has worked up a sweat in spite of the chill and is noticeably pink of cheek. She heads back inside and joins the other novices who live at the temple of Erastil for breakfast. There is a buzz in the hall and this morning Jhessa is the centre of attention. Even Father Prasst’s senior assistants struggle to control their excitement as one of their number has been chosen by Mayor Uptal to be part of the ceremony of the Eternal Lantern. The nervous energy is infectious and Jhessa forces down her food more to keep herself occupied than out of any real hunger.
She has been given only light duties this morning as a result of her selection and she performs them quickly before seeing to her ablutions. Once she has finished washing she chatters with Isa, her roommate, as she pulls on her best dress. She knows she looks good in it, the ultramarine accentuates her colouring, and always takes care over her appearance but today Jhessa is determined to look her best. After all, it’s not every day that you get to represent the town. She works a brush through her tangle of blonde hair until she is happy with the arrangement; not overtly styled but the sort of natural look that only really comes with work. Fishing out her hand mirror, she checks her face. Aloud she voices a prayer to the Eternal Rose for the beauty of youth. ”You look amazing,” enthuses Isa, ”of course you were going to be chosen.”
Only when she is feeling suitably radiant does she turn her attention to the bag she packed last night. Unsure of what she might need, she had spent a considerable amount of time choosing potentially useful equipment but the note she received over breakfast had told her to pack light. As a result she removed half of the things from it until she believes she has met the criteria. Picking up the crossbow that she has been told to bring, it feels strange in her hands. Pray that it is for show only, she thinks. Much more important is that I love and devote myself to Shelyn and that she favours me.
Although it is still well over an hour before she is required, Jhessa decides to head out to walk the streets for a bit and see if any of the others who have been chosen are ready yet. ”I’m too nervous to stay still,” she admits to Isa. The younger girl gives her a tight hug. ”Be weird if you weren’t. Sarenrae’s blessing with you, Jhess. I’ve got some studying to do now but I’ll see you at the town square.” ”Thanks Isa, love you.” Alone in the room, Jhessa composes herself, locating her inner calm, and runs her hands down her dress. Then she collects her gear and heads out into Kassen.
Kevan wakes to a wet face wash. At first he defends himself by turning away, "Stop, I'm awake already." Then he wonders what time it is. He cracks an eye to see one of the local strays standing over him with a definite smile. The sun is just barely cresting the horizon and Kevan thinks he needs another two to three hours of sleep to make up for the late night dicing with Jimes. Then it dawns on him, it's the day.
He scrambles to his feet and knocks the dust and hay from his body. He's in the stable as he should be. He smooths down his hair and walks out to see who is about. Slipping into the Seven Silvers he goes to see about breakfast. "Morning," he calls to Asina wiping down the tables yet again. "Breakfast on yet?"
She replies and asks him to go grab some eggs from the coop. He does so bringing them in and depositing them in a bowl in the kitchen. As he saunters out he swipes a couple biscuits. "You know, my sister and I once had to herd a hundred chickens between two towns. It's harder than you'd think." Having wondered into town a young halfling he was taken in a fashion by Trelvar and "supervised" by Iggins. As a boy he wandered off to do his own thing so often but felt it necessary to pay his own way so Trelvar do so. Kevan slept in the stable most nights and helped with the chores when he was around which was hit or miss. There was just so much to see.
Biscuits in hand, he said good morning to all and went out. He doublechecked that he had all of his necessary items; a sword for defense, knife for fine work, mace for smashing things when needed, and some finer tools for delicate work. It looked good. Now it was time to go track down the others and see what they were in for. Surely it would be nothing compared to the time he borrowed the prince's goblet to be used as a party favor.
Herskor stretched his arms out wide, welcoming the Autumn sunlight on his naked skin after the swim.
Soon it would be too cold to keep up his morning routine of bathing in the river after hunting for breakfast, so he was determined to make the best of the perhaps last remaining sunbeams of the year.
The smell of the roasting fish welcomed him as he got dressed - his clothing was all in dark earthen tones, from the well worn boots and pants, to the leather in his armor. All of it was clean, but showed the wear and tear of being frequently out and about in the woods. They matched his disheveled black hair, and sparkling black eyes.
Even though time was of the essence, he calmly sat down to finish his breakfast as the sun crested the horizon, bow resting in easy reach against the prepared backpack. The longer he sat there though, the larger the nervous tingle of anticipation became, so he stood up suddenly - he was fond of Kassen and its people, even though not all of them had always welcome his half-breed nature. Whether he admitted it or not, this invitation was a changing point for Herskor. A recognition of sorts. And it made him feel something he was not very familiar with - nervousness.
Shaking those thoughts away, dousing the fires and deciding to grab his gear, he started moving toward Kassen before Arnama came along to scold him. He could see her in the distance, at the door to her home, observing him - he knew there wouldn't be many words from his mentor. And she might even tell him pride was nothing when measured up against survival. But he also knew she trusted him to do well, and that was important to the young ranger.
Another thought crossed his mind as he walked along the path - 'Maybe Esgean is already there'
The base of the tower was in shambles, with smoldering debris and charred bodies littering the courtyard. The assault had failed, and Aldmus Greymantle, first-ranked apprentice to Holgast the Great, the half-elven mage who had called down fire and thunder from the heavens with his magnificent magic, stood triumphant against the forces of darkness arrayed against him. Crowds cheered, maidens swooned, and oddly...a rooster pecked at the sole of his foot?
Startled out of his dream, Aldmus blinked himself awake, muttering, "Heeeey.", but Grimble pecked him one more time, for good measure.
"Get up. Not be late." the raven commanded in it's usual imperious tone.
"Gah. Sun's not even up, yet, Grimble..." Aldmus knew his response was weak, and he sighed and sat up before the bird could tap him again. The apprentice...former apprentice, he reminded himself, sat up in his cot, looking around at the small room he'd called home for the last several years.
Usually, he'd have been up and been doing his chores for Holgast already, or at least he'd had been doing so if he wanted any free time to himself, and then he'd be busy memorizing his spells. But today, he'd been granted pemission to sleep in, as the chores would no longer be his to do. Not after today...after the Crypt.
Aldmus turned and splashed water on his face from a nearby basin, and picked up the apple he'd set beside it the night before and took a large bite. He then stretched, grunting, while reaching for the satchel that contained his spellbook, from where it hung near the foot of his bed.
Setting the tome on the bed before him, the young mage slowly leafed through the pages of mystic writing at first, and then settled on a page and quietly recited the arcane words to himself. Silently, of course...never out loud. He'd learned that lesson the hard way when he was still a novice, and he had set a set of drapes on fire while practicing.
Roughly an hour later, with his spells properly sorted and committed to memory, the half-elf sorted his equipment, having been told by the Mayor and Holgast himself, to only bring what was absolutely necessary.
In the end, Aldmus brought most of what he owned, which wasn't much. His staff, a long dagger, his spellbook and component pouch...all essential. A backpack, a waterskin, flint & steel, and two torches. He debated for a long time bringing his crossbow...thinking it might be too bulky for what he was hoping was a mostly ceremonial run...but in the end, Aldmus decided to bring the contraption, and see what the others thought.
The young magic-user thought to say goodbye to Holgast, but was unsurprised to hear the old wizard's snores echoing through the structure, and so Aldmus decided against it. Likely he'd see him before the event. If not? The old man would be there to congratulate him when he returned. Probably.
"You stall. No want to go?" Grimble called from the window sill, cocking it's head in a manner that Aldmus knew to be mocking.
"Bah. What do you know, Old Bird? I'm just taking in the moment...enjoying my last moments of servitude. You wouldn't understand." Aldmus frowns.
"Don't understand? This one STILL serves." Grimble stares for a long moment before giving off the raven equivilent of a laugh before flying out the window.
Aldmus blinks for a moment, stunned by the bird's sharp humor, before sighing and gathering his things and heading out the door. Maybe he'd stop by The Seven Silvers for a more substantial breakfast before the ceremony. He had the time...
Having finished breakfast and doing all of the dishes, Felix decides it's time to leave.
"Good bye, Mom! Love you!
"Bye, Dad! Love you, too!
"So long Humphrey, Rufus, Carson and Hilda! You guys know I also love you, right?"
Felix closes the door behind him, forgetting his pack and all of its contents, only bringing his weapons, armor, and holy symbol. He starts meandering towards the town square.
Esgean – Anxious for the day, Esgean wakes and starts into her chores, breakfast, and produces a good haul of Goodberries.
Felix – With advanced prep, Felix finds his morning going routinely as planned. Prays, says his goodbyes, and sets off for the town square.
Jhessa – Takes in the blessings of Shelyn found in nature that draws her into joyful dance after a time of silence and solitude. After a time of breakfast, calming nerves, and a chat with Isa heads off early to the town square.
Kevan – Waking in the stables, straw possibly in hair, he finds a hot meal in the Seven Silvers. Brief conversations with those at the Silvers, Kevan checks his belongings before heading out.
Herskor – Nothing goes better with a fresh dip in the fall than a fresh catch of fish for breakfast. While eating, nervousness begins to creep up but Herskor sets off before it completely takes over.
Aldmus – A dream of what is, was or will be? Waking up he studied his spellbook before memorizing those needed. With a goodbye from his mentor, he sets off.
As your morning duties, relaxation, bonding times are over, each of you set off from your home or the temple alone to the town square. Your parents might of given you a We’ll meet you there. As you remember it is tradition for the chosen youth to arrive at the square alone.
The stories of Ekat Kassen leaving to fend off mercenaries fills your head. Even the thought of the mortal wound that took his life just three days later might cause you to shift your meager belongings; Did I bring enough?
The cool breeze flows the Fangwood, through the streets, and whirls in the town square as you each arrive one by one. Silence, unless one of you speaks.
After a few moments, 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 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.”
Pausing to look over the villagers that have gathered here; “Where are the heroes? Where are the brave folk that will venture out to Kassen’s tomb and retrive the Everflame to keep this community safe for another winter?”
Pausing again, he waits for the six of you to step forward. Or maybe not? Is this your year?
Holding out the Eternal Lantern The Mayor Uptal speaks up again; “Who of you will hold the honor of carrying the Eternal Lantern, and bring back a piece of the Everflame?” Once one of you step forward to claim the Eternal Lantern, he continues; “With the Eternal Lanter, and and this map, you will find Kassen’s tomb through the Broken Glade, across the Gray Lake, down the Serpent Gorge, and finally within the Serpent Hills.”
Walking up to each of you, the mayor hands you a backpack.
5 days’ worth of rations, a small tent, a winter blanket, a full waterskin and 50 feet of hempen rope.
5 days’ worth of rations, a small tent, a winter blanket, a full waterskin and a box containing tinder and 3 tindertwigs.
5 days’ worth of rations, a small tent, a winter blanket, a full waterskin and a Potion of Cure Light Wounds.
5 days’ worth of rations, a small tent, a winter blanket, a full waterskin and three torches
5 days’ worth of rations, a small tent, a winter blanket, a full waterskin and a grappling hook.
5 days’ worth of rations, a small tent, a winter blanket, a full waterskin and a bottle of local brandy.
The mayor once again speeks to the townsfolk. [b]“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 as they turn away and return down the streets that arrived on.
The mayor is the only one remaining in the town square, still pointing to the south. Looking towards what might be facing you.
Kevan steps forward to receive the lantern. "Mayor Uptal, on behalf of my fellow heroes and in honor of our ancestors I humbly accept this lantern to seek out, find, and return with a portion of the everflame that the village may continue on strengthened by its warmth through the harsh and forbidding winter. It will be a hard journey but we of stout heart and sound body will face the perils between here and the tomb, we will not shirk our duty, and we will be triumphant. Mark my words, those who follow me will never give up, NEVER surrender." Then he smiles at the crowd, takes the lantern and steps back in line with the others. Nudging Herskor who is on his left he whispers kind of loudly, "Wanted to motivate them and us don't you know."
The dour mood in the town square is a dose of cold water on Esgean's enthusiasm, but then, this is the way. She smiles at Herskor, the one member of this team she would say she knows well, and then greets the others with her eyes in her fashion. These are all faces she has seen around town, but only a few that she has spent any time with before today.
"Some of them may not return..."
Rejke growls softly at the Mayor when these words are spoken.
Esgean shushes her companion quietly. "Not now." The bobcat looks up at her and it's impossible to say if she is squinting or scowling.
She receives her backpack and takes a quick look. It's some of the same things she left behind, plus some things she doesn't think she needs, but it's part of the ceremony of the thing so Esgean nods appreciatively.
When Kevan steps forward and eloquently accepts the lantern she is relieved. It may be a great honor but it looks noisy and clunky to carry. She does not know Kevan at all but is immediately impressed by him.
"Well said!"
When the rest of the townsfolk solemnly depart, the Mayor stands like a signpost. Esgean studies the simple map.
"The Gorge is treacherous but we'll figure it out when we get there. We should be able to make the Broken Glade by the evening. It's a fine day for a hike!"
Nudging Herskor who is on his left he whispers kind of loudly, "Wanted to motivate them and us don't you know."
Herskor was busy going through the contents of his backpack, but paused - "Did you think it worked?" - the half-orc nodded at Kevan.
"Any of you bigger folk willing to carry the lantern? Kevan asks as he considers the size of the thing as compared to himself.
Esgean nudges Herskor. "You should take it. They say its a great honor and who knows, maybe you'll change some hearts."
”Yes,” chimes in Jhessa, ”it is indeed an honour and I would be delighted to follow your lead. Happy with the map, Esgean?” she asks the other girl, before dropping her voice to a whisper. ”If so, let’s go - smile and wave and make a dignified exit and we can figure it out further once we’re underway. They’re expecting heroes,” she subtly gestures with her head towards the assembled crowd, ”so let’s give them heroes.”
The half-orc hesitated when Esgean nudged him - "Me..?" - he questioned. Truly it seemed the idea had not crossed his mind - "Huh... Of course" - Herskor added with a solemn nod, and would accept the lantern from Evan.
To Herskor, "I don't know. Made me feel better." Kevan replies.
"Thank you big guy, greatly appreciated." Kevan says handing over the lantern as they walk away from the town square. "Esgean, Herskor, you guys know how to get us there right? I'm more of a diplomat than a forest person. Of course there was the time when my sister and I had to find our way out of the Belkzen mountains. Treacherous place. But I wouldn't want to fall back on those skills." Kevans says.
When handing over the lantern he pockets something small from Herskor's belt or belt pouch.
Aldmus accepts the offered backpack with a somber look, unexpectedly nervous now that the moment to begin was at hand. He'd been so eager to get going...to get out on his own, that he'd never considered how frightening the actual launch of a quest might be.
Slinging the pack over his shoulders, he focuses his attention on the ceremony as a way of mentally regrouping and listens as the halfling breaks out in a proclamation designed to inspire the group. Aldmus wasn't sure if it worked, but noted several heads in the crowd nodding in approval, and so he gave Kevan a smile and nod of his own. "Indeed. Well done."
"May I see the map?" he asks, stepping over to the others. "I'm not all that familiar with the wilderness beyond Kassen."
Hearing Jhessa's suggestion, Aldmus arches an eyebrow, then shrugs. He pushes his shoulders back, holds out his left arm, and whistles once, clearly. A moment later, Grimble soars out of a nearby tree to land on the half-elf's forearm.
Staff in his other hand, Aldmus strides off along with the rest, "Alright, then. Lets do this..."
Esgean hands Aldmus the map. "Your friend is beautiful," she says of Grimble. Then she looks down to her the cat rubbing against her leg. "Play nice, Rejke."
Heeding Jhessa's advice, she straightens and grips her staff tightly. "I believe I know the way, yes. The first part is easy but there will be obstacles to overcome later on."
When Felix is handed his backpack, he looks through it and grins like he's been handed a bag full of sweets. He looks up at the mayor and says "Thank you!" into the somber silence.
When the lantern is offered, Felix opens his mouth to speak, but chuckles and shrugs when Kevan declares that he'll carry the lantern and assume command of the group. Since the others seem to know how to start the journey, Felix puts his trust in their navigation and doesn't give the map more than a cursory glance.
He looks around at the dispersing crowd, the mayor, and his companions for the day. He's just very happy to be here, and his smile shows it. Seeing that most of the others are talking about which direction to go, Felix chooses to let them work and instead greets someone else.
"Hi, I'm Felix! Beautiful day for a journey!" he says to Jhessa.
As Kevan steps up to accept the lantern for those who are near might of asked themselves Was there a smile starting to appear in the corner of the mayor’s mouth? but the next second his stoic demeanor returns.
Herskor receives the Eternal Lantern from Kevan and finds an easy way to attach it to his backpack or a hook on his belt. Even though Herskor doesn’t have a blood family lineage here in Kassen, he knows that there is part of a family lineage of lantern bearers of Kassen’s past.
Esgean looks at the map. Being someone who is familiar with this region and the woods nearby Esgean realizes that this map is not to scale, but just a map of familiar landmarks. She knows that there is a mostly safe trail that would lead them to the Broken Glade. Also, Esgean knows it is roughly 40 miles to arrive at Kassen’s tomb and you should arrive tomorrow evening. If all goes as planned.
As you travel on this cool late fall day, bright beams of sunlight cuts through the leafless branch canopy above. The natural warmth from sun is welcome on this trek. The narrow path winds through the trees with the crunching of leaves underfoot.
Within these first couple hours of travel, you have seen some small game in the region. Squirrels and rabbits putting a few final touches on their homes for the winter to come, and even a few birds soaring above.
Up ahead, a fallen tree trunk blocks the path. Suddenly four snarling humanoids leaps up from behin the log, all greenish skin and fearsome tusks, bellowing vulgar challenges.
In the passing of the lantern to Herskor, he doesn't notice his dagger being taken from his belt.
You smell something familiar, it takes you a moment with the sight of these creatures. But you finally recognize the sweet aroma of Holgast pipe smoke.
.
Eyes wide (in excitement, maybe), Felix steps to the front, unlimbering his heavy flail as he does so.
"I don't know what you're saying, and you probably don't know what I'm saying, but BACK OFF! We are not afraid to fight you!"
When the lantern is offered, Felix opens his mouth to speak, but chuckles and shrugs when Kevan declares that he'll carry the lantern and assume command of the group.
"You can carry it, if you wish" - Herskor was about to stow the item, but instead turned questioningly to Felix.
Eyes wide (in excitement, maybe), Felix steps to the front, unlimbering his heavy flail as he does so.
"I don't know what you're saying, and you probably don't know what I'm saying, but BACK OFF! We are not afraid to fight you!"
"They are throwing insulting at us - could be no more than a provocation" - Herskor commented, nocking an arrow on his bow - "But be prepared"
"We are not looking for a fight, but will defend ourselves!"
Rejke hisses in response to the orc's challenge. Esgean holds him from engaging them for the moment.
"They ambush and challenge us. At best they mean to rob us. We have only one choice here - we must fight!"
Extending her arms, Esgean gestures at the undergrowth surrounding the orcs, then utters the spell entangle, causing a mass of roots and vines to burst from the earth and claw at their foes.
Cast Entangle, Reflex save DC14
When the lantern is offered, Felix opens his mouth to speak, but chuckles and shrugs when Kevan declares that he'll carry the lantern and assume command of the group."You can carry it, if you wish" - Herskor was about to stow the item, but instead turned questioningly to Felix.
With a surprised "Thanks!" Felix reverently clipped the lantern to his backpack before they head out.
"Ooo, roguish beasts already. I hope you things can understand real speech. We would drop a fireball on your mangy heads but our spell casters have decided to take it easy on you for the moment. Surrender and we won't fry you to cinders." Kevan says in a rather cheery way.
Esgean hands Aldmus the map. "Your friend is beautiful," she says of Grimble. Then she looks down to her the cat rubbing against her leg. "Play nice, Rejke."
Aldmus looks a bit surprised at Esgean's comment, but then rolls his eyes and chuckles, "Don't tell him that. He's already arrogant enough without you feeding his ego. Trust me."
----
The half-elven mage makes a face, frowning at the four creatures, and dropping his hand to his component pouch to prepare a spell, but then...he pauses, cocking his head slightly and raising an eyebrow.
What is that smell...? Wait. I know that odor.
"Everyone wait! There's more to this than some roadside banditry!" Aldmus calls out, but not before Esgean launches her spell, and Aldmus frowns.
Waiting to see what happens with the druid's foliage, the wizard refrains from attacking as well, but instead speaks to Grimble on his arm before launching him into the air, "Old bird! Go. Find Holgast! I think he's lurking nearby."
He looks around at the dispersing crowd, the mayor, and his companions for the day. He's just very happy to be here, and his smile shows it. Seeing that most of the others are talking about which direction to go, Felix chooses to let them work and instead greets someone else.
"Hi, I'm Felix! Beautiful day for a journey!" he says to Jhessa.
"Hi Felix," Jhessa smiles back, looking past the young man's curtain hair to his face. "I recognise you from your regular sparring with the old knight. I'm no judge of swordplay but you look alright to me. I'm glad you're here. I'm Jhessa, Shelyn's acolyte at the temple."
* * * * *
At the sudden appearance of the orcs, Jhessa gasps and instinctively wants to draw back. Somehow, despite the evidence of her own eyes to the contrary, she hadn't quite felt that this was a real possibility. The ritual and performance element she was comfortable with and she almost took it for granted that that was how it would continue. Quickly shaking off this train of thought she sees Felix and Herskor draw their weapons in readiness. Stepping lightly to the half-orc, she quickly asks "May I offer you Shelyn's blessing? It grants luck to your weapon to strike true." So saying, she touches a hand now glowing with a soft pink radiance to his arm, before withdrawing a safer distance away.
Felix steps up with the ball end of his heavy flail thunking against the ground in no mood to mince words.
Herskor readies an arrow to fly in the direction of the orcs.
Esgean mutters a druidic phrasing unfamiliar to the orcs. We the roots and vines burst from the ground it entangles 3 of the 4. The fourth one is free.
Kevan threat of Fireball seems to fall on deaf ears. Though they are outnumbered, it looks as if Rage fills their eyes.
Aldmus thinks something is not right and sends Grimble to examine the surroundings.
Jhessa blesses Herskor’s weapon.
The three orcs that are entangled fight to break free, but none are successful. The fourth one rushes forward, but in the difficult terrain of this path it is not able to make it to you. You believe that it would be able to reach you next round. As he rushes forward Herskor’s bow string snaps as it lets an arrow fly, striking true in the orcs shoulder.
Seeing his bluff had no effect, Kevan pulls out his sling and sends a stone flying at one of the entangled beasts. "Take that you sons of a pig and goat."
Before he moves, Esgean reaches out to clasp Felix' shoulder, quietly uttering a spell to give a bit of divine guidance to their paladin warrior.
Cast Guidance on Felix (+1 competence bonus on a single attack roll, saving throw, or skill check)
She draws her sling in anticipation. Rejke growls but Esgean keeps her at bay once more. "Not yet!"
Felix has never encountered a full-blooded orc before now, but Sir Dramott's stories of the orcs from the Hold of Belkzen portray them as bloodthirsty and ruthless. This orc running towards the party seems as close to bloodthirsty and ruthless as he's ever seen an orc be, so his response is simple. He runs up to meet it, his flail singing at his side.
"Oh, and thanks!" he calls back to Easgean with a glance and a smile.
”Good shot, Herskor,” calls Jhessa as his arrow flies true. ”Let’s see if we can do that again.” She chants a simple blessing to the Eternal Rose and a tiny magical bird zooms off from her hands to land on the ranger’s shoulder, marking him as under divine guidance.
"May I offer you Shelyn's blessing? It grants luck to your weapon to strike true." So saying, she touches a hand now glowing with a soft pink radiance to his arm, before withdrawing a safer distance away.
Herskor muscles tensed as Jhessa touches his arm, but he took a steadying breath - "Thank you Jhessa" - he nodded his thanks before releasing the shot, which was not as efficient as he would have liked...
”Good shot, Herskor,” calls Jhessa as his arrow flies true. ”Let’s see if we can do that again.” She chants a simple blessing to the Eternal Rose and a tiny magical bird zooms off from her hands to land on the ranger’s shoulder, marking him as under divine guidance.
"It wasn't that good..." - the half-orc mumbled to himself - "But I can try to do better" - he added, his eyes going wide with amazement as the magical creature gently lands on his shoulder.
"Felix! Herskor! Well done!" says, his attention momentarily divided before focusing again on the orcs themselves.
Still suspicious of his mentor, and possible shenanigans, but wary of ignoring the ongoing threat should he be wrong in his hunch, Aldmus frowns and calls out to Grimble to stay out of the range of the orcs.
That done, the young magic-user lifts his right hand up with his index and pinky fingers separated from the other two and calls out in a voice that is filled with intent and purpose, "Acidum Spiculum!"
At that moment, a bolt of glowing, violet acid, infused with arcane power, launches itself from Aldmus' hand, directly at one of the entangled orcs.
--Kevan whirls his sling loaded with a stone and lets it fly. Screaming through the air and strikes one of the orcs in the distance.
--Esgean gives Felix a bit of Guidance.
--Felix rushes forward the best he can without twisting an ankle on this difficult terrain, but lands a powerful blow against the closest orc.
--Jhessa calls down the power of Shelyn and gives Herskor the Blessing of the Faithful.
--Herskor lets another arrow fly, a more powerful strike with Shelyn’s Blessing.
--Aldmus fires a bolt of Acid that swings wide of the orc he was aiming at.
As your stone flies and hits the orc, you also notice a plumb of leaves shoot up behind the creature. You see the back half of your stone sticking into the ground behind it.
The orc before Felix has taken attacks that would have fell anyone from Kassen. Felix remembers from the stories Sir Dramott share with him about the Ferocity of the Orcs from the Hold of Belkzen. If only Sir Dramott could see Felix now, standing toe to toe against an Orc.
If that thought entered Felix’s head, it might be gone as it swings down is massive great axe. With a two handed over reaching arc, the axe crashes into the paladins shoulder.
In the distance the three other orcs fight against the entanglement trying to burst free. One breaks free and takes a single move towards the party, not able to fully make it there. The other two are still stuck within the Entanglement that has put a rage within them.
Definitely bruised and possibly bleeding underneath his armor, Felix winces in pain as he uses his injured shoulder to take another swing at the orc in front of him. Hopefully, they can fell this one before the next one gets close.
A sense of panic frustrates Esgean's resolve when she sees the big orc take the hit from the paladin and then deliver one of its own. She loads her sling and fires at the fresh orc while shouting instructions to Rejke.
"Flank that one on Felix, attack!"
Rejke moves to flank the orc which is in melee with Felix and uses her bite attack.
Rejke sinks her jaws deep into the flesh of the orc!
Seeing the orc continue fighting after such a powerful blow from Felix causes Jhessa to inhale sharply. How can it just shrug that off? she wonders. As another of the tuskers heads for them, having broken free of Esgean’s spell, she decides to change tactic. She raises her crossbow and with slightly trembling arms pulls the trigger.
"Interesting. Did anyone else notice my stone went through his head?" Kevan asks as he looks for a longish stick to poke at the entangled orcs with. He of course dodges if the attacking one closes on him.
"Felix!" Aldmus watches in horror as the young paladin gets hit, and he realizes that even united, they were struggling to defeat just two of their opponents. When the other two broke free...which would likely be very soon from the looks of it...they'd be facing four opponents, three of whom weren't even hurt yet.
This is nothing like the training sessions in Holgast's laboratory.
Ignorning his previous suspicions, the former apprentice moves on instinct, avoiding the nearby melee to circle around to within fifteen feet of the ensared orcs, where he was reasonably sure that his magic wouldn't envelop his companions.
"You can keep firing at the trapped ones, but stay clear for a moment..." Aldmus calls out, and then holds both hands out before him, his fingers outstretched with both thumbs touching. His voice drops an octave and he recites the arcane words of another memorized spell., “Manus Ardenti”!
A cone of searing flame shoots from Aldmus' fingertips, engulfing the two orcs caught up in the vines.
"Interesting. Did anyone else notice my stone went through his head?" Kevan asks as he looks for a longish stick to poke at the entangled orcs with. He of course dodges if the attacking one closes on him.
"How so?" - Herskor inquired, firing another shot.
--Felix’s attack swings wide, possibly due to the axe that dug into him through his armor.
--Esgean launches a stone at the orc who is making his way to the group, but it goes wide.
--Rejke moves forward and flanks with Felix, laying a critical hit that causes the closest orc to collapse.
--Jhessa launchs a crossbow bolt that lands in the midsection of the orc that is making its way to the group.
--Kevan brings up an interesting sight.
--Aldmus’ burning hands sets the thorns and brambles ablaze around the two entangled orcs
--Herskor continues to show his skill with his bow as he critically hits the second orc.
As the first orc falls lifeless on the ground. The second one moves up to finish an attack on Felix, that lands. The final two are able to break free of their bonds and both attack out at Kevan. But just as their attacks are about to land, all of your minds see what is, or isn’t, really there. The orcs dissipate into dust and are no longer there.
Unfortunately, it does leave behind leaves and underbrush that is set ablaze from Aldmus’ Burning Hands spell.
With the orc attacking out at Felix, he reaches where the axe would have hit and discovers the first wound was only in his mind.
As the remaining orcs dissipate, Esgean is left momentarily confused, then she understands there is powerful magic at play. Sensing the danger is not yet passed, she commands Rejke to scout the area for the nefarious spellcaster.
"Hunt down the deceiver!"
Meanwhile, Esgean casts create water to extinguish the very real flames engulfing her bramble.
Cast Create Water continuously until all the flames are out unless she is interrupted.
His jaw drops and Aldmus blinks, his adrenaline still pumping...but after a moment, the young mage just shakes his head.
"We can relax, I think. The deciever is Holgast." he says, impressed as Esgean so effectively deals with the flaming foliage.
"Damn, I knew I smelled his pipe smoke." Aldmus makes a face and adds, "Obviously this was a test...one of his illusions. Probably part of the whole..." a pause of frustration "...ceremony of the Crypt."
The half-elf glances over at the others, settling on Felix, "Your wound...you're alright?"
As the orcs seem to just vanish and fade from sight, Jhessa blinks repeatedly. Based on Kevan and Aldmus’ words, it seems like they were simply the result of a spell. The smell of scorched vegetation focuses her attention. Seeing that Esgean is conjuring water and appears to have the situation in hand she steps towards Felix, wanting to check out where the orc slashed him. She is prepared to offer a healing prayer but is somewhat confused by the whole situation. ”Forgive me for what may be a stupid question but the orcs were… not real? Does that mean that such wounds are similarly illusory? Or more if you believe in it enough it has the power to kill you?”
Slow on the uptake, Felix spins around hoping to find where the attackers went, his confusion evident until Aldmus explained that the orcs were magic orcs cast by the eccentric mage Holgast.
The half-elf glances over at the others, settling on Felix, "Your wound...you're alright?"
Felix moves his arm, testing his shoulder's range of motion. He's surprised to find that the pain he felt only seconds ago is now just a memory.
"Yes? I think I am? Incredible. It felt so real! And it really hurt!"
Blinking several times, Herskor keeps his bow taut - "I don't like games" - he growled, looking around and expecting further threats to come at them.
”Forgive me for what may be a stupid question but the orcs were… not real? Does that mean that such wounds are similarly illusory? Or more if you believe in it enough it has the power to kill you?”
"I understand nothing of such magics, but your reasoning is sound to me Jhessa"
Esgean’s quick thinking with Create Water quickly extinguishes all of the flames as Rejke looks around for the deceiver. The rest of the group discusses that this was all an illusion from Holgast. At this time you hear Rejke calling for Esgean’s, and the groups, attention.
Those who make their way over find a spot that looks as if someone was standing watch in the distance. The leaves have been cleared to the ground as if not to make any crunching sounds and there is a familiar sight of what was in Holgast’s pipe before he must of fled from this spot. Aldmus recognizes this anywhere.
You also find two more things. A small cloth sack, and sitting atop it is something wrapped in a scarf. Unwinding the scarf reveals a small steel mirror, and within the small cloth sack are 3 pitons and a small hand hammer. Potentially more resources for what is to come.
Esgean gives Rejke a thorough scratch behind the ears. "Good work, girl." The cat flops onto the ground and rolls onto its back, not so much begging as demanding a belly rub, which is promptly and happily attended to. Rejke purrs loudly - she has no sense of shame.
"These will come in handy for the gorge. Seems likely we'll be tested often, with each of our mentors taking a turn. I wonder what challenge we'll face next."