You're all from a relatively small town named Kassen. The town is named for its founder, the great adventurer Ekat Kassen. The first few years of the town's history were peaceful and the people flourished. However it soon came under attacks by a man named Asar Vergas and his hired thugs. After discovering where the gropu had camped out, Ekat lead many of the villagers into a confrontation with the raiders. Very few made it out alive and Ekat himself suffered a fatal blow in the bloody battle. In honor of their beloved founder, the remaining townsfolk buried Ekat in an ancient crypt along with the bodies of the fallen townsfolk, mercenaries, and Asar. They placed an eternal flame above Ekat's final resting place, so that all who visited might find warmth in the wilderness.
Since then every year a few of the townsfolk make a pilgrimage to the crypt to light a lantern from the flame and bring it back to town, where it is preserved all winter, a symbol of the town's resilence. Most years the town mayer and a group of dignitaries perform this quest. However, every few years a handful of younger townsfolk are given the honor of lighting the lantern to mark their passage into adulthood. This year, it's your turn to complete the quest.
of Kassen. This middle-aged woman only wears clothing made from natural materials (such as bark, leaves, and grass) and is always accompanied by a host of small woodland creatures. She talks to herself and her retinue constantly, having full conversations despite the fact that no one seems to answer her. Over the years, Olmira has had a number of apprentices who have gone on to become successful druids. Those who learn from her are sent on all manner of esoteric missions, such as listening to the wind for a week, planting new seeds throughout town, and mimicking local animals.
Is it too early for an ale? I should pop in at the Silvers soon.
Mother said Wisslo wants to speak to us today. I’ll keep to our training schedule until she calls me.
The view from the top of the building was stunning. It is nice here but I should get going soon enough.
Finnrick strolls into the Tavern with what appears to be a lager than average black cat weaving between his long slender legs.
"Good afternoon Asina. I'll take a Glass of rhubarb Mead thank you kindly" Finnrick says In a sing song voice.
The large cat let out a low purr.
"I know, I know" Finnrick laughed, looking at the cat. "and a glass of milk for Millsy" He said turning back to Asina.
Runvald Steeltoe, better known as "Bottle-Kisser" sits, at the bar in The Seven Silvers, as he does most days. He's well into his day's work of downing as much ale as he can manage and is starting to show the signs. His head bobs back and forth as he mumbles, to no one in particular, about any number of randomly topics. He sets his freshly emptied mug on the bar, his twelfth of the young evening, and waves his hands at Asina, mumbling for another point.
He stops muttering for a moment when a half-elf and his large cat enter the Tavern. Upon seeing the cat, Bottle-Kisser nearly falls off his stool, catching himself in an odd fear of drunken gracefulness. "I've seen a critter like that before! I don't trust 'em! He stole my trout. You," pointing at the cat, "you owe me a trout!" Runvald stumbles towards the cat, nearly falling on his face with every step, but narrowly correcting himself at the last moment.
"No Jimes, you have to give it back."
"Are ya sure, luv? I doubt he even missed it."
Asina rolls her eyes. "Yes, Jimes. Give it back."
The two stop next to your buildling. A moment later, almost as if by magic, the halfling, Jimes "Short Change" Iggins is sitting next to you, a wide grin on his face. " 'ello there. Nice place ya got up here." He continues to smile at you for a few moments before continuing. "So...listen here. There's this thing goin' on, ya? Something with the mayor and some people in the town square. But I'm supposed ta come along and fetch ya for it. So why don't you pop on down an' take a stroll with me, ya?" Without waiting for an actual response, he nimbly climbs back down the building. Once down, he stands with Asina, both looking up at you as they wait for you to join them.
The reason for this soon becomes clear as Olmira Treeson skips in to the tavern. "Yayyyy! You found him Reginald!" She smiles at Finnrick, bending to scratch Millsy behind the ears. A few other animals can be seen poking their heads around the door to the building, clearly more hesitant to approach the large predator. They scatter briefly as another woman, Ilimara Oniri enters as well.
"Finnrick, Reginald has been asked to deliver you safely to the town square." She leans in conspiratorially. "I think they have a super secret mission for you" She giggles and goes to present a carrot to the deer, who seems to still be harassing the poor tavern owner, addressing him. "Of course, why they asked you to deliever their message for them escapes me. Wouldn't it have just been easier to ask me? Wait, what do you mean 'they did'?" She continues to babble to the creature for a few minutes, apparently without any intention of stopping her conversation.
Ilimara takes the opportunity to speak up as well. "Bottle-kisser, that applies to you, too. Come along." Without waiting for a response, she promptly turns around, heading towards the town square. Olmira pauses in her conversation to look between the departing monk and Finnrick and Runvald, clearly uncertain about if she's supposed to follow the other woman or wait for her charges.
their anger and unleashing it when the time is right.
Erazmus is startled by the surprise guest and leaps out of his armchair. "Good day, sir, how ah... unexpected of you to visit. Not that I don't appreciate it, only... well most visitors come through the door." I hope I don't become quite so eccentric at his age. I admire the man's talent but my goodness. "How may I be of service?"
"And what was the message from Mayor Uptal, if I might ask?" Erazmus secured his coin purse to his belt and tied his best, and only, cloak around his shoulders. I hope it's not some errand I have to run for the mayor.
Etam and his sister stop sparring immediately and salute Wisslo.
“I am honoured to serve, sir” Etam gets his backpack and his gear, all readied as soon as he learnt of the coming of Wisslo. He bows to his sister “With your permission, dear sister.” She nods in agreement and looks at Wisslo “Good day to you sir. Mother sends her greetings.”
“Sir, I am ready.” Etam says, standing at attention in his family’s manner, standing upright with the right hand clenched around his spear, feet at a 60-degree angle with the heels together.
Wisslo evaluates Etam's posture and, after a moment, salutes the sister and turns around, heading into the town square. Etam follows.
"Doubt it was Millsy, though she does like trout, if I come across one I'll make sure to share it with you." Finnrick says to the dwarf with a laugh.
"Well it looks like I have work to do today," Finnrick says with a shrug, "Trelvar might I trouble you for a bottle of mead and a bottle of milk to go. It looks like I might have a long day ahead of me."
And with that he turned and strolled out the bar.
I wonder what they need me for? Secret Mission, ha I love Olmira, but she does have the funniest notions.
The halfling has always been kind to Jaed. He even taught him some nice (and morally ambiguous) tricks like how to pick a lock. What would he want to show me this time?
Using his acrobatic skills Jaed was back on the ground in a heartbeat.
"M'lady", Jaed said bowing to Asina. They have been playing this game where he treated her like a highborn lady for a long time.
"So, two questions. What did you borrow this time, Jimes? And what it's going on in the town square?"
A quick look at the clock shows that Holgast cut his message relaying somewhat close, though there's still enough time to get to the town square from your house.
Captain Wisslo's mouth twitches slightly in the barest hint of a smile as he gives a single nod of approval of Etam's preparation. "Very well, come along."
As Finnrick leaves, Olmira bites her lip briefly before calling after him. "Keep Ilia company! I'll make sure Runie doesn't get lost!"
Seeing that Jimes didn't plan on answering your second question, Asina leans in conspiratorily. She seems barely able to contain her excitement. "It's the quest for the Everflame! You and a few others -- I don't know who exactly -- have been tasked with bringing it back this year! I told Short Change, I told him you'd need your dagger back for this 'cause it's supposed to be really dangerous with undead and a dragon and some giants and fey queen and who knows what else! I've even heard several people have died previously."
Asina continues to go on about the various tales she's heard, each one more extravagant than the last. Soon, the three of you have arrived at the town square.
Etam and Captain Wisslo are the first to arrive; the Captain made sure to leave plenty of time to get there and spends his time waiting stiffly at attention. Ilimara is next, accompanied by Finnrick and Millsy. While not as stiff as Wisslo, Ilimara makes no attempt to engage anyone in conversation. Jaed, Jimes, and Asina then arrive on the scene, Asina throwing everyone a very excited wave and Jimes a much more subdued one.
Runvald looks a bit confused, whaaaaa... what do... what do they want me for? he takes a big swig off his ale, looking to the outside as if they wheels are turning, but the machine isn't quite working.
"Whaattttsss goinnnng on? Whyyy do they want me in the..." he looks for his words, "squuaare!? Yeah, square."
He shrugs, grabs a bottle of whiskey off the bar, plops down a gold coin, That'sss for you, Truvler... Travler... Trelvar! I'm taking this, I'm needed on urgent buisssnesss! He spins around, grabbing his staff and heading out the door for the town square.
Jaed was happy to have his dagger back. Damn! I should have noticed my dagger was gone. "I think you can still teach me some new tricks, right Jimes?"
Jaed spied Etam accompanied by Captain Wisslo. I'm sure he was the first to arrive, always ready for duty. He also noticed Finnrick with his black feline. What was her name? Mmmm... Millsy if I recall correctly.
"So the Everflame." Jaed said to Asina. "I really doubt this is going to be such an adventure as you say. Either way, I don't have much of a choice and I'll really enjoy some time away from this boring town."
Erazmus wraps a few things up in a blanket and stuffs it into a backpack, sweeps a few odds and ends off his table into a pouch and informs Holgast that he is ready to head off to the square. Suddenly, his head (as well as the rest of his body) is in the square and it is quite unhappy.
My Gods, I hate translocation. It always scrambles my senses.
"If you don't mind sir, I'd like to go speak to some of the other folk out here and see if they might...uhm, have more information about this meeting, uh if that's alright?"
Runvald stands awkwardly in the center of the town square, leaning on his staff, swaying noticeably, and occasionally taking a pull off the bottle of whiskey he just bought at the Seven Silvers. At this point he can't really tell if its a decent whiskey or not, and doesn't really care. The noonday sun makes him squint, I should get a hat... this sun is awful, I hope they get to the point so I can get back to the Silvers soon.
Holgast nods at Erazmus, pulling a book out of nowhere and seemingly quite content to read and smoke his pipe.
-----
Jimes only chuckles at Jaed's question, giving the man a knowing wink.
Asina shakes her head wildly at Jaed's comment. "No no no, I heard all this from very reliable sources." Her words are spoken with complete conviction. Independent of anything else, she at least seems to believe them. "It is a crypt after all. There's bound to be loads of zombies and skeletons and ghouls and ghosts and...and...all sorts of other monstrosities!" She continues with wide eyes and a slightly hushed tone. "They say that occasionally even Ekat and Asar themselves will rise up to do battle with each other once again, drawing in the souls of any nearby to aid them in their eternal struggle." Straightening up, the slightly fearful expression leaves her face. "But that shouldn't be this year, so I'm sure you'll be able to defeat all monsters, Jaed!"
Jimes merely smiles to himself as Asina relays her tale of certain doom. He instead chooses to walk up to the still stony-faced Ilimara to distra- errr, talk to her. Wisslo's mouth twitches downward slightly in disapproval of Asina's inane chatter and Jime's shenanigans while Olmira seems to be dancing with a hedgehog and a porcupine.
Etam stands stiffly by Wisslo’s side. He respectfully nods at each one of the arrivals “This seems like an odd group, to say the least. And this talk of the crypt, could it be true? How adequate is it for me, hardly a native, to meddle in this local custom?”
He observes Runvald, puzzled as usual with the mix of the respectful training and dedication of monks and the permanent drunken stupor this particular monk seems to be in.
Jaed smiled faintly. "Do not worry, m'lady. We can drown any monsters we find using Runvald's stash." I'm not even sure that he will be able to walk in a straigh line.
This is a weird group indeed. I really hope we won't find many difficulties. "I am more worried about outlaws than ghosts, to be honest." Jaed said raising his eyes to the blue sky.
Erazmus takes his leave of Holgast and approaches the group, "With such fine fellows, I don't think a few outlaws would be any trouble at all." He shades his eyes with his hand as he scans the town square. "Now has anyone seen the mayor?"
"A beautiful day to meet outside don't you think?" Finnrick says looking up at the sun. "I sure do hope the mayor gets here soon though, Millsy and I need to streatch our legs"
Finnrick plops down on the ground to bask in the sun and with a sigh takes a swig of his mead.
As if on cue, the bells atop the Temple of Erastil toll their midday song, echoing throughout the quiet town of Kassen. As the peals begin to fade, the first of the townsfolk make their way into the square, dressed in black, as if attending a funeral. They slowly fill the square, moving quietly across the cold, hard ground, their eyes downcast and mournful. After a few moments, a murmur passes through the crowd as it slowly parts to let Mayor Uptal through. He leads the way with a tarnished silver lantern. Behind him, an old pony drags a cart laden with backpacks and supplies.
Once he reaches the center of the crowd, Mayor Uptal stops and calls out to the assembled townsfolk. "Once again the winter winds blow through the Fangwood, marking the end of another harvest. There are wolves in the woods, howling at our walls, and serpents in our shadows, waiting to strike. Just as it was one hundred and seventy-four years ago, when Kassen himself left these walls to protect us, so it is today. 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?" The mayor pauses, waiting for a response.
The solemnity of the situation is lessened somewhat by the sound of some scuffling and swearing as Braggar Ironhame drags Artair into the town square. Pushing the younger dwarf forward, Braggar calls out. " 'e do, yer honor." He looks expectantly at the gathered group.
Slightly miffed at this less than ceremonious entrance, the mayor dryly adds, "Ah, yes. Good for you to join us Braggar and Artair. Any other young heroes?"
A shiver runs down his spine as Erazmus steps forward, "I will help bring back the flame."
I don't want to hear that talk about family honor and traditions again. And I ran out of good excuses this time.
"I'll go too", Jaed said without showing much enthusiasm.
I wonder what they want me for this time...
Whatever it is, I did not do it!
He begrudgingly follows to the town square...
Adequate or not, this might be a good way of repaying this town’s hospitality.
Etam steps forward and firmly grips his spear, “In the name of the Rethgifners, my spear is yours.”
Mayor Uptal nods at Erazmus, handing him the silver lantern. "Will you accept the honor of carrying this lantern to the Serpent Hills, where lies the Crypt of the Everflame?" At the same time, one of the villagers dressed in somber black offers the wizard a backpack of supplies to help him on his journey.
As each of the other would-be heroes steps forwards, they too are handed a backpack.
- A small tent
- A winter blanket
- Full waterskin
- A piece of paper
- A box containing tinder and three tindertwigs
- A small tent
- A winter blanket
- Full waterskin
- A piece of paper
- A grappling hook
- A small tent
- A winter blanket
- Full waterskin
- A piece of paper
- A vial of some reddish liquid labeled "Potion of Cure Light Wounds"
- A small tent
- A winter blanket
- Full waterskin
- A piece of paper
- 50 feet of hempen rope
- A small tent
- A winter blanket
- Full waterskin
- A piece of paper
- A small bottle of local brandy
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.
The small lantern in his hand feels as though it weighs a ton. Erazmus sorts through his new backpack and withdraws the paper. He looks it over and asks the others, "Does anyone else have a bit of a map?"
Runvald looks around at the other 'heroes' wondering how and why he was selected. Well, I suppose this could mean some reward money... Reward money can mean ale... Better yet, a grateful town may buy me drinks for a job well done...
"Allllright, I'mmm not other otherrrwisssse engaged. I'llll been back... be back shortly. Gotta get my stuffff. He scurries off, weaving back ad forth as he leaves the town square. He comes staggering back a few minutes later, carrying all of his 'stuff'. A small ale cask is strapped to his back and several bottles hand from his staff that's slung over his shoulder. He doesn't appear to have grabbed anything other than booze, but looks very content in his acquisition. "OK, let'sss hit the rrrroad. Who'sss got the othhherrr partt of thissss... Mmmm... Map? Annnnd, I needa hat.
"I also have a piece of a map", Jaed said reaching for his newly obtained backpack. "Here, take a look."
"Well if anybody is missing anything, now would be a good time to get it. I'll just be waiting here until we are all ready to go."
Etam receives the backpack with slight bow. After helping his new companions in assembling the map with his scrap of paper, he asks Wisslo “Sir, what sort of challenges are we to expect on this journey? Brigands, bandits, foul magic?”
Well it looks like this is the "super secret mission" Olmira was talking about. I guess she wasn't exaggerating too much this time.
Finnrick steps forward and receives his bag with a smile.
"Millsy and I would be delighted to come along. Erazmus, can I trust you to hold on to this I'm going to run to the temple to see if I can get a potion or two for this little adventure."
Finnrick riffles through his new bag and pulls out the piece of paper and hands it to Erazmus.
After a short period Finnrick comes skipping back
"We're ready
Finnrick says as he ruffles the fur atop Millsy's head and is met with a playful nip.
Captain Wisslo strokes his chin, considering the question. "We have been known to have the occasional bandit on the roads. We are a convenient stopping place for travelers on their way between several large cities, including Tamram. While there are all manner of wild creatures in the forest, as Finnrick and Olmira would know since they keep bringing them in to town," He doesn't bother to hide the disapproval in his voice at this comment. "They will most likely leave travelers alone unless hungry. The crypt itself will undoubtedly have traps and puzzles to make it hard to get to the flame."
"An' undead!" Jimes chimes in. At Wisslo's deadpan look, he continues. "It'sa crypt, so there's gotta be lots of undead ready to devour your souls!" He delivers the warning in a surprisingly upbeat manner.
"Yes. Indeed." Wisslo gives the halfing a glare that clearly says 'Go away'.
Jimes, showing a remarkable amount of common sense for him, actually heeds the look. But then, as if to even the odds, he heads off to harass Braggar instead, calling back over his shoulder, " 'member: ya gotta crush skellie bones with clubs or other blunt objects!"
"I am sure you will be fine, Etam. Your training should have prepared you quite well. Just remember to remain vigilant."
Jaed reorganizes his possessions trying to pack all the necessary things into a not too heavy or uncomfortable backpack.
"Could you please take care of these things until I am back, m'lady?" Jaed says to Asina while he gives her one of the backpacks. "And don't let Jimes get too close", he adds winking an eye.
Jaed turns to the others - "I'm ready whenever you are."
Erazmus secures the lantern inside his pack and slides his arms through the straps. Well, that's all of us. Oh no, almost all of us. "Artair, is there anything you need before we start heading south?
Ignoring Wisslo’s snide comments, Etam takes his leave from the guard captain “Thank you for the information, sir. Hopefully we will see you in a few days.”
He approaches his new companions: “If I may be excused for another minute, I will follow master Finnrick’s lead and get extra provisions from the temple.”
He returns shortly afterwards: “I am ready.”
Having prepared as much as you can, you all leave the town of Kassen behind. You've been traveling around 2 hours now. The narrow path winds through the raking claws of the trees, now bereft of their leaves, which crunch loudly underfoot. Up ahead in a particularly shady area of the forest, a fallen tree trunk blocks the path. Suddenly a trio of snarling humanoids leaps up from behind the log, all greenish skin and fearsome tusks, bellowing vulgar challenges. Each one is wearing crude armor made of animal skiins and wielding a greateaxe.
"Ooooohooohoh!" Erazmus unleashes an unfortunately high-pitched squeal as the things jump over the log. He unleashes a bolt of unseeable force at the creature standing by itself.
As he begins to calm down, his eyes focus on the things blocking the road.
"Oh, ah... I think I know this!"
"Well, it looks like this is where our peaceful hike ends and the party begins", Jaed says as he draws his crossbow and aims at the creature on his left.
Jaed holds his breath, closes his left eye and shoots his light crossbow:
After the bolt leaves the crossbow he takes a closer look at their new friends.
I have no idea what those things are.
The first enemy staggers and lets out a loud grunt as he's hit by Erazmus' blast of invisible force. The other one snarles as he's hit in the chest with Jaed's crossbow bolt.
This should be fun!
Charges from the back and readies his axe to attack any enemy that comes into range.
Finnrick looks at Millsy and pets her saying something inaudible under her breath. Then looks up, you know what to do Millsy.
With that Millsy charges in at the enemy on the right standing slightly more by themselves and attempts to bite them.