It is November 1st, The 4th approaches and so does the harvest, but also a special Kassen ceremony.
The Everflame ceremony and this year it won’t be the mayor and his council going, but a group made of Kassen’s citizens. There is a buzz among the people of who’ll be selected.
While doing morning prayers you hear and knock on the door and answer it, you see a gentleman from the mayor’s office delivering a summons to meet with the Mayor in the Great hall in Room 31 and to arrive before 9:00 in the morning.
Since it is a summons you have to go.
After doing the morning exercises and starting to have breakfast, you see a gentleman from the mayor’s office being lead in by a maid. He delivers a summons to meet with the Mayor in the Great hall in Room 31 and to arrive before 9:00 in the morning.
Since it is a summons you have to go, you have no idea why the Mayor would summon you as your considered too old for the ceremony as it is more for the young spring chickens in town, so it has to be something else.
You had a nice night performing and earned some sweet coin from it. But that woman showed up again and nearly out did you in earning applause from the crowd. You wonder who the heck she is, though you know that she is an amateur. Still that didn’t stop you from having a little drink for the night.
You get up get washed up and just finish breakfast when a knock happens at the door. Answering it you find a gentleman from the mayor’s office and he summons to meet with the Mayor in the Great hall in Room 31 and to arrive before 9:00 in the morning.
Since it is a summons you have to go.
While getting up you knock on the door and answer it, you see a gentleman from the mayor’s office delivering a summons to meet with the Mayor in the Great hall in Room 31 and to arrive before 9:00 in the morning. His attitude is not great towards you, but he’s still being respectful in a way.
Since it is a summons you have to go, you just wonder what the mayor is thinking
You wake up and get up and out of the hay you sleep on and in within your room in the stables od the Seven Silvers. For most, the stables would be very uncomfortable to stay in at present, but you have no issue with the cold nights.
You get to doing your morning exercises before heading into the seven silver to make breakfast, but just was your about to enter a gentleman from the mayor’s office delivers a summons to meet with the Mayor in the Great hall in Room 31 and to arrive before 9:00 in the morning.
Which is surprising as your both horribly poor and horribly cursed, so why would the mayor want to see you. Your hoping that you’ve not gained a new curse or that one you have is at the moment is not about to give you trouble.
------
When you arrive Room 31 in the great hall is a nice sized room with a round table in the middle and 7 chairs are in the room.
A 5 ft 7 in elf walks into the room. His distrust of others can be clearly seen in the way he observes everyone else in the room. He has shoulder length black hair that has been tied back into a loose ponytail. The only skin you can see is of his face, as the rest of his body is covered completely. The dominating piece of clothing is the deep black floor length cloak that covers nearly everything else. Well fit leather clothes and a lanky build can occasionally be seen underneath as he moves.
He sits at the seat nearest the door and proceeds to fuss with his clothes for several moments. Nearly everyone in the village knows of him. His name is Azoth Mondschein and he has a reputation of being a loner.
Noya enters timidly and cautiously with her 6 foot tall figure in her rags as she is known to
be very poor, and rents a place in the Seven Silver's Stables.
Which are not the best place to get sleep in at the moment and definitely as winter comes.
She appears to be timid and cautous as she enters the the room and closes the door behind her.
The first thing that is easily noticed is her fiendish horns, and she has her rumoured halo out from her celestial heritage.
Sporting Blonde hair and blue eyes, but also a curvy figure women would kill for,
if they only knew the suffering and trouble it caused her.
She looks like she does hard labour to earn her keep given how strong her body looks as she walks.
After she takes her seat at the table you can see that her nails look sharp like claws which fits her known tiefling heritage adding to her known fiendish traits.
Silvio, a human male standing at 5'10", confidently surveys his surroundings. Silvio's face is a harmonious blend of sharp angles and curvaceous cheekbones, complemented by dark hair cascading in loose waves that frame his deep blue eyes and lend an air of enigmatic charm. His purple cloak flows behind him like a regal cape, folding gracefully to showcase his dashing attire. With a flick of his wrist, he nonchalantly adjusts his cloak, exuding an air of poise and sophistication. Despite his assured appearance, a hint of unease lingers, wondering why the mayor would call for him when he's confident he kept his mischief in check this time around.
Silvio reluctantly settles into a chair, his posture reflecting a tacit acceptance of the situation.
As the door opens, a woman wearing a clerical garb can be seen.
She have rather a short stature of only 4'4", combined with her childish face which make some would say she look like a child. However, with her voluptious figure that not even the garb can hide, it really made people wonder if she is adopted, or have mixed blood.
She have very long but rather unkempt black-ish brown hair, and her dulled jade eyes darting around looking at the people in the room.
As she walking into the room, she somehow spaced out, which causing her to trip and nearly fall face-first into the floor, then to rush to the chair nearest to her to hide her embarassment.
And as she sit into the chair, she begin to fix her clothing and started spacing out again.
She is the well-known short-stack of the town, Latte Cladwort.
Noya after having taken in her seat she looked at the loner, Azoth trying to figure out what her and Azoth have in common that the Mayor would summon them.
A bit later Silvio enters she observers him for a bit trying to put the answer together.
I think I know what could be a common factor here.....
I mean sure I had to deal with an other attempted kidnapping a few days ago, but really...
When Latte enters Noya knows who she is
I guess I should throw that idea out the window, as Latte is not a trouble maker, bit of an air head yes, but no troublemaker
so that is not the common thread, otherwise that Ritter would be here.
Silvio's eyes widen in relief as he suddenly recalls helping Asina and Trelvar Silvers gather supplies for decorations in exchange for a bit of quick copper. The memory calms his nerves, realizing the mayor's request is likely related to his artistic contribution rather than any troubling issues. With his anxiety lifted, Silvio takes a deep breath and prepares to face the mayor with confidence and renewed anticipation.
Perhaps there's a chance to deliver another captivating performance alongside Jocyn Elmaran and make this year's Everflame ceremony even more extraordinary!
Silvio's eyes sparkle with creativity as he gazes upon the trio. The storyteller within him instinctively weaves their varied presences into an upcoming ballad's narrative. In his mind's eye, the heroic short cleric wields divine power, the strong and towering female protagonist battles adversity with unwavering resolve, and the enigmatic loner elf brings an aura of secretive enchantment. The melody and lyrics take shape as Silvio eagerly anticipates his next composition, an ode to these distinctive personalities that will resonate deeply with his audience.
Mayor Uptal:
A portly man in fine clothes enters the room and looks over those present. He seems a bit worried and upset about something.
with a disappointed voice "I see 4 out of the 5 here, and seems he's late like usual. It would of been best if he was here before we start so I don't need to repeat myself."
He sighs before continuing with some frustration in his voice
"Well, seems one of you will have to fill him in, and I swear for one of the Ritter rank of nobility if he was picking a fight before coming here.
I'll see to it that he's stuck in a cell for week this time to have him cool off."
He then continues in a more normal though not happy voice
"This is both good news and bad news for Kassen.
Good news for you five is that you'll be doing the Everflame ceremony.
Bad news is Count Allistrand and his daughter will be passing through Kassen,
and to make sure there is no trouble for him or that he causes less trouble, we've chosen you five for the ceremony."
He is a Count in the country, and runs hes territory well, but he also has some bad rumours about him.
He has the mind set like those in Cheliax, which means he has no problem or ethic issue with certain practices.
He is know to be a bit bias against those with non-human blood seeing them more as slaves and property
Some of the rumours are where ever he visits there tends to be a disappearance of women with endowed chests.
His daughter is rumoured to have the same effect with handsome dark-haired men.
Noya gets the feeling she heard that name before
But comes up with nothing
"Who cares about some stupid noble?! I hate them."
That being said, he could see me for what I really am. I cannot allow that. I must try to figure out how to avoid him. Who is he?
Know (Nobility) Untrained
Ah. That's right. He's from the country. If I recall correctly, he's apparently got some major issues. I heard somewhere that he thinks very similarly to the people in Cheliax. What abominable things do they do there again?
Know (Cheliax Practices) Untrained
Cheliax is most known for it's worship of the Asmodeus and using and summoning devils.
They are Very legal minded, but they also see slavery as fine, as they have halfling slaves.
Rodnas the Ferrum:
A 6 foot 2 man enters looking like Arnold Schwarzenegger in his prime enters the room, he is muscular and sports brown hair and green eyes.
As he enters he has a look like he was in a fight on the way here.
and only says "Sorry, something kept me busy."
Mayor Uptal:
seeing Rodnas enter he says to him
"Good your finally here, I take it you know Count Allistrand and his daughter?"
Hearing the mayor's word, Latte was surprised she was chosen for the ceremony.
"But mayor, why we were selected, but not you and the council like every year before?"
Who was the count again...?
Latte tries to remember who the count is from, but it keep slipping from her mind.
Rodnas the Ferrum:
Rodnas quickly says "Yeah I know of them and a number of there bad rumours? Why?"
Looks at who is in the room with the Mayor and goes
"I see... Yeah...."
Mayor Uptal:
Hearing Latte ask the question the Mayor answers
"He is a Count in the country, and runs hes territory well, but he also has some bad rumours about him.
But he has the mind set like those in Cheliax, which means he has no problem or ethical issues with certain practices, like slavery for Halflings.
But the bigger ones are he is know to be a bit or a lot of bias against those with non-human blood seeing them more as slaves and property
Some of the rumours are where ever he visits there tends to be a disappearance of women with endowed figures.
His daughter is also rumoured to have the same effect but with handsome dark-haired men.
But there is another reason for all of you being picked, and that is trouble follows a lot of you.
even though Latte is the least of troublesome of you five, she is also one with the greatest risk is the count sees her, as he'll likely see her as a endowed Halfling.
For you Rodnas, I recall you once picked a fight with him in public, at at noble party no less. You also humiliated him and I don't want a fight between nobles in Kassen.
For Silvio we have to worry about his daughter taking a liking to you as she tends to kidnap toys that catch her eye and only keeps them until bored with them.
For Azoth if he catches wind of you or any rumour about you, well I would not want to be in your shoes.
Noya is in a similar spot as Latte and given her curses will also spark his interest, but given her beauty, you can guess where he'll take it.
So to stop any trouble in town or him bringing it here, we are having you all do the Everflame ceremony so your out of town while he passes through."
Noya hearing it quickly adds holding herself defensively
"I get the point, he is a piece of sh*t noble of the worse kind.
I'll gladly leave Kassen for the few days to avoid that turd."
Silvio's heart skips a beat as he understands his part in the ceremony. He gulps nervously, feeling the weight of tradition bearing down upon him. With a deep breath, he readies himself to play an active role and accept the responsibility.
This really wasn't what I had in mind for the ceremony.
Rumors and stories about nobles can get embellished over time, but often enough there is a kernel of truth behind most of them. As a matter of fact, I'm one of the best at embellishing a good story. Though, it would be best to rely on Mayor Uptal's judgment in this situation.
I doubt Count Allistrand's daughter would get bored of me. However, to be doomed to play a solo act locked in the chambers of a noble like a caged songbird does not sit well with me. You may count me in with bells on my toes.
Noya then realises the Mayor mentioned curses
"Don't tell me he is also into researching various forms of magic, like curses.....
I mean I know I'm quadruple cursed, but that means I really need to avoid him now...."
Latte feeling the shiver after hearing the mayor's explaination.
"Please count me in too then... I do not like the sound of me being t-treated as... a thing."
Rodnas, looking at the Mayor's eyebrows, he says:
"Alright, guess I'll be a wall of metal, then..."
Ah. I see. As much as I don’t like this, you have my cooperation.
I knew he would be dangerous. I am surprised that Uptal cares though.
Ah. I see. As much as I don’t like this, you have my cooperation.
I knew he would be dangerous. I am surprised that Uptal cares though.
Because her experience of seeing curses is that many travelers that come to the church to dispel curses usually only have one, at most two normal curse.
Latte was suprised when she somehow overheard that Noya may have quadruple curses.
This has made Latte trying to remember what the two curses that the rumors surround Noya is.
"Noya, I think I heard it wrong, but do you really have four curses? Because I have never seen someone with that much curses.
And if it's possible, may I be possibly be known the other two so I could... find a way to help you?"
Noya replies to Latte
"If you can figure out 2 of my curses I'll fill you in for another one of them."
Noya has a curse of Poverty, a curse that makes it so she owns no more then 150 gold pieces worth of stuff, she can't own a home, she is denied fine clothes, she is forced to live a very immaterial life.
Which answers why she sleeps in the stables even though no one would dare do so during the winter months except her, since she is a tiefling, aasimar hybrid.
You figured out one that could be easy missed, it is the provocative curse, in other words a curse of beauty that can easily make men your friends, but also an enemy if not careful with your words and break their hearts, when actively used. The main drawback is another part that makes Noya a bit easier of a target to kidnap.
It seems she keep avoiding using the active power of provocative, as it seems she knows the trouble it causes.
"Um... curse of Poverty, since I've never seen you wear normal clothes?
As for the other... curse of Provocative, since you are often reported as kidnapped... And as the mayor said, you're in the same spot with me about... this."
Noya smiles and answers
"Yes, on both counts and I am surprised you caught on to the Provocative curse, even though I've never used it's one benefit.
One of the other curses I have is wrecker, items I touch tend to end up weakened or broken, so weapons and armour in my hands are useless since they break rather easily, though that is less and issue with Poverty checking how much stuff I have.
The only good side is that when I get Kidnapped or experience an attempted kidnapping is that all the ways of keeping me bound break. no rope, no chains, no manacles. I can also break mechanical devices with a touch, it is also one of the reason I could not get certain jobs when I was looking for work.
I'm amazed at how those 3 curses make my live horrible and yet help me out of some one of them causes
As for my forth curse, I'd rather not talk about it....."
Mayor Uptal:
Rodnas, looking at the Mayor's eyebrows, he says:
"Alright, guess I'll be a wall of metal, then..."
The Mayor replies to Rodnas
"That is the simplest version of it, yes, I'd like you to be the bulwark to help keep everyone alive."Ah. I see. As much as I don’t like this, you have my cooperation.
I knew he would be dangerous. I am surprised that Uptal cares though.
The Mayor comments on Azoth's words and expression
I agree I don't like the situation myself, but things are the way they are at the moment.
Noya then continues a bit more
"I should clarify, a bit better. Wrecker only makes things I hold or wear, or touch be weakened or broken. Hand me a sword and it'll become weakened and broken, once it leaves my hands, it becomes fine again.
And it seems I've gotten some pity from either the gods and or goddesses as Wrecker does not apply to my clothes or the few simple possessions I do have.
And as for Poverty, I still need to work to feed and home myself, but I also feel the need to be giving even though I have next to nothing.
As I tend to donate any extra coin I have to Kassen's orphanage and even help out there raising those orphaned children."
Azoth happens to overhear part of Noya and Latte’s conversation about Noya’s concerns about the orphaned children.
Those children aren’t able to do anything for anyone right now, but she continues to care for them. She is known for being destitute all the time, but despite all that, she cares enough to do what she can for them. I wonder if they are similar…
”Noya, but do you happen to know someone named Sheesha? You kind of remind me of her.”
It takes a bit, but Noya answers
"I think I do know of her, as there are two Sheeshas in Kassen.
And given she mentioned being friends with someone who likes being alone and is good with woodwork. I think it is her.
As I run into her sometimes at the Orphanage when she drops off some unsold yet still good for another day baked goods and fruits."
Noya then continues a bit more
"I should clarify, a bit better. Wrecker only makes things I hold or wear, or touch be weakened or broken. Hand me a sword and it'll become weakened and broken, once it leaves my hands, it becomes fine again.
And it seems I've gotten some pity from either the gods and or goddesses as Wrecker does not apply to my clothes or the few simple possessions I do have.
"
If the day ever comes, pray that the gods grant you mercy on your wedding day, and perhaps opt for a chainmail bodice and train that might last the ceremony. Perhaps infusing skin with ink would fare better than any metal wedding band too.
Silvio smiles at his own jest.
Not that anything of the such interests me. If it would tickle my fancies, Count Allistrand's daughter undoubtedly would be a mere hastilude to the noble life. To turn my back on Kassen would snuff the flame in my heart and dismiss my muse's guidance.
Noya reply
"The pity only extends to for cloth and some leather for me to wear....
that and chainmail is expensive and my curse of poverty would likely never allow it."
Noya blushes a bit thinking on Silvio using a hint of the M word (Marriage) like a maiden would as she looks to the right some. But has a bit of a sorrowful look as she fidgets with her fingers some.
"As much as I would like to get married and wear a wedding dress,
but first I'd need to find a gentleman that would accept me and my curses, and love me for me and not my provocative appearance."
Latte chimes in right after.
"If we talking about marriages... we have someone who is in the age to do so, but still haven't yet. Really made me curious." As she look at Rodnas. "As for me, before worrying about marrying ... I'm more worried if they have clothing of my size to begin with..."
Latte then look at her current clothing, which was actually made from Father Randal's spare vestment, as normal ones does not fit her whatsoever.
Noya adds to latte's clothing fit comment speaking as she rests her head on her closed left hand.
"I know that issue and pain myself some...
Like when I shop for a new replacement dress for work,
as I can't well work in rags."
As Silvio and Noya converse, gears begin to turn in Silvio's mind. He suddenly realizes the direction their discussion is potentially headed and feels a twinge of unease. Love songs and ballads flow effortlessly from his quill, but discussing his own romantic life makes him uncomfortable. Determined to protect his artistic freedom, Silvio prepares a defensive strategy, donning an expressionless façade to conceal his emotions, preparing a palisade of potential ponderances to divert attention from the subject matter.
The pressure builds until Latte chimes in with the perfect diversion.
Blessed be this compact cleric.
Mayor Uptal:
Latte chimes in right after.
"If we talking about marriages... we have someone who is in the age to do so, but still haven't yet. Really made me curious." As she look at Rodnas. "As for me, before worrying about marrying ... I'm more worried if they have clothing of my size to begin with..."Latte then look at her current clothing, which was actually made from Father Randal's spare vestment, as normal ones does not fit her whatsoever.
The mayor adds
"There are quiet a few people who would like to see Rodnas settle down, mostly his parents hoping for a grandchild.This way there will be an heir in their household, since Rodnas is the only child as far as we know."
Some time after Noya spoke of Sheesha, Azoth sits up straight and exclaims excitedly,
"You're the one she always talks about meeting at the Orphanage! The lady who is extraordinarily strong but also the kindest woman Sheesha has ever met!"
Azoth immediately shoots up out of his chair startling everyone present and bows much deeper than is necessary.
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You may not remember her well, but you always say such kind things to her. Every time she sees you, her mood improves significantly. You help her forget the troubles brought about by her family. Thank you."
After his outburst, Azoth suddenly blushes, realizes how embarrassed he is, and sits down awkwardly.
Noya replies back with a teasing smiling
"Oh, I've heard you've helped in comforting her as well at times."
Noya now puts on a more melancholy look
"As for me being strong, I had to become strong after I finally became an orphan myself,
and within a few months of that all my curses started becoming active all at once,
which is the worse thing for a 10 year old girl to go through and experience without any help.
I was lucky Father Rantal Prasst helped me out some after mother disappeared,
giving me some time to walk on my own two feet and helped me and explained my curses to me.
To survive I needed physical strength to stop or escape kidnapping attempts,
to do the labour needed to do work and make the needed money to pay for food and shelter.
But I also needed some spiritual and mental strength to make sure the weight of my curses would not have me fall into despair.
It is odd, one curse helped me get physically stronger which is harder for us women to do,
while another one helped build a spiritual and mental strength.
Even though both are a royal pain to live with."
Azoth beams uncontrollably at Noya's first words, but suddenly becomes much more somber when she continues.
After she finishes talking, with his head hanging low, Azoth nearly inaudibly replies, "Oh. I'm sorry I brought it up. I know something of curses myself."
It becomes immediately apparent that Azoth is no longer paying attention to the outside world. His thoughts immediately turn inwards as he starts struggling with his own inner demons.
Noya then thinks on Azoth's words and actions
So, I guess the rumour is true, in that he is a cursed as well,
though luckily for him, it likely is only one curse.
Noya then replies
"Curses can be a difficult subject for some people to talk about.."
Mayor Uptal:
The mayor adds
"There are quiet a few people who would like to see Rodnas settle down, mostly his parents hoping for a grandchild.
This way there will be an heir in their household, since Rodnas is the only child as far as we know."
Rodnas replies:
"Well, I have been thinking about marriage very recently, since I am getting old."
Mayor Uptal:
He goes wide eyed, hearing Rodnas' words
"Holy Crap, has hell started to freeze over.........
or am I asleep and this is just a dream or nightmare......."
The interaction between Rodnas and Mayor Uptal breaks Azoth out of his reverie. He shakes his head as if to clear it and sits up straighter after vaguely recalling Noya's last comment. He turns to her and says,
”I’m sorry. My deamons torment me sometimes. I don’t like to talk of my curse. It makes me ugly. I am an abomination.”
He pauses for a long moment as if to make a difficult decision.
”My curse gave me tattoo-like, crimson markings that I bear all over my body. They glow brighter when they are visible to others. They are horrendously ugly and no one can bear the sight of them. It is for that reason that I wear such concealing clothing."
I hope they do not ask to see them. I cannot bear to think of their derision of my repulsiveness. No one should have to see such a hideous creature.
Azoth's face turns to utter fear and he begins to frequently glance at the door.
"The man with a liking of massive weaponry wishes to have marriage? That is truly a shocking moment, indeed."
Sensing that Azoth is hiding something that may not want to be said, Latte then walk next to him
"What's the matter? Is there something making you uncomfortable?" As she holding her hand up, trying to put on Azoth's shoulder.
As Latte touches Azoth's body suit, it slides a little and Latte sees some of the cursed Marking.
Latte, Will Save please.
Latte just makes the save and doesn't really feel anything.....
As Latte touches Azoth's shoulder, he notices that part of the markings are visible and freaks out. He quickly pulls his suit back into place and starts glaring around at everyone in the room. Extreme concern is etched deeply into his face.