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Kassen village is a small town set on the banks of the Tourondel River in the country of Nirmathas.
The town is quiet and peaceful, having domesticated this small area of Fangwood generations ago and no the most common threat is occasional orc scouting parties from Belkzen or drunken skirmishes among the local woodcutters.
Currently there is a hushed sense of excitement among the town-folk, the lighting ceremony is set to take place in a day and this one promises to be special as rather then the mayor and his council taking the flame to the crypt of Kassen, it is being left to several of the town's younger members as a coming of age ceremony, a honor that is only done twice a decade.
For now, these young heroes to be are being feasted in the Seven Silvers in, the primary stopover in town for most travelers. Trelvar and his daughter Asina are serving as host and hostess, while the taprooms waiter Jimes moves from table to table ensuring that all the citizenry are well fed and that his pockets are nicely lined.
Most other townsfolk are here tonight as well, whether for the purpose of socializing or simply for the free drinks and finding themselves a corner and a pint. The inn is packed full to overflowing with patrons.
Well here is Naria (Just waiting to hear from Bandan to see if he minds trying to link our back stories together or not)
Beilin takes in the scene of the busy taproom over the feast day table filled with plates of steaming food and flagons of frosty ale. Tilting his own flagon deeply he revels in the moment.
Wiping the ale from his smooth chin he begins to recount the tale of the village of Kassen and it's founding fathers to any who will listen. He adds a great deal of embellishment to the conflicts facing the founding hero Ekat Kassen while attaching his legacy to the traditions of independence and resilience that embody the village of Kassan and all of Nirmathas. Beilin's tale includes a more bawdy version of the conflict between Ekat and the villainous Asar Vergas suggesting that the root of their conflict lie in a tragedy of lost love centered upon a raven-haired beautiful woman and not a deal gone sour as is traditionally told. He ends his long-winded tale with a prediction of great things to come for those that carry the Everflame tomorrow.
Sitting across from guard captain Wisslo, Velios takes small sips from his tankard hoping no one notices he is barely drinking. The large oak table is surrounded by the militia recruits, all in their own conversations. Velios looks around the room and finally notices Beilin had arrived. Withdrawing from the table Wisslo gives Velios a questioning look. Velios looks at Wisslo with a slight grin on his face and strums the air in front of him as if playing his lute. Wisslo laughs and smiles while shaking his head cheerfully. Hearing Beilin's story of Kassen starting, Velios takes a seat next to him and picks up his mother's lute and plays softly to accentuate the story.
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Asina, younger daughter of the tavern owner calls out towards the stage, giving a wide grin "Sing us a song!"
Jocyn the crippled half-elf, hobbles up closer to Beilin, clapping the man on his shoulder. "Indeed, regal us young man, you have quite the voice. I suspect that I can pluck a few strings to give you a bit of accompanyment."
With the promise at least of music, even if Beilin hasn't yet agreed to sing for the crowd yet, Asina practically bounces on the balls of her feet, looking around for someone to dance with.
With the promise at least of music, even if Beilin hasn't yet agreed to sing for the crowd yet, Asina practically bounces on the balls of her feet, looking around for someone to dance with.
Standing and setting his lute on the chair Velios approaches Asina and bows "Would you care to dance?" extending his hand out for her.
Stirred by the energy in the room and happy to be at the center of attention Beilin nods to the half-elf Velios who has offered to dance with the child. Winking towards Asina, whom Beilin has often felt an older brother too he selects a song he knows she especially likes.
"The wind in the trees" a local song and celebration of changing seasons seems a perfect fit for this time of year. Backed by Jocyn the duo plays to the clapping of the gathered crowd. At the completion of the song and with a little flourish Beilin pulls a fiddle out of thin air to the amazement of the crowd (summon instrument cantrip), magicked fiddle in hand he plays the rousing opening bars to the song "3 stomps" a fast paced whimsical song about a town enchanted by the presence of Shelyn (goddess of love). Midway through the song as the summon instrument expires he will cast it again transforming the fiddle into a whistle continuing without losing a breath."
"Thistle love" then "5 crowns" before taking a break for refreshments.
After Beilin and Jocyn finish, Velios leans over Asina's shoulder and whispers "Can you put something a little less stout in my cup? The men don't need to know." then bows "Thank you for the lovely dance my dear."
Looking at Beilin, Velios nods in acceptance. "Those were beautiful songs and fancy tricks my friend."
At that, Velios picks up his lute and walks back over to the table where Wisslo sits and strikes up conversation with a few of the other men.
A plain, but solidly built young man walks into the inn. His hair is still wet from bathing recently, and his clothes are still a bit damp from being scrubbed clean and put back on as quickly as possible.
Thindar picks up a haunch of meat, quite hungry from his work finding and identifying tracks from the area. Thindar begins to tear into the food, and then stops and more slowly enjoys his repast.
Thindar is a bit hesitant to approach the rest of the young people that will be a part of the ceremony. While he's never had any problem with them, and has seen them around the town over the years, he's always been a bit hesitant to open himself up, as he's been hurt one too many times over the years by being a bit too friendly and open with strangers.
He finds a seat close to the rest of them, in case there is some need to discuss any plans, but otherwise tries to remain unobtrusive.
Noticing Thandar sitting a short distance away Naria rises from her chair and approaches calling over to him "Hey come on ya big lug it's not like any of us bite you know."
Noticing Thandar sitting a short distance away Naria rises from her chair and approaches calling over to him "Hey come on ya big lug it's not like any of us bite you know."
Thindar blushes a little, and attempts a bit of an awkward bow. While Thindar is actually quite nimble and sure footed, whenever he gets in situations where he can over think his actions, he comes across as much less coordinated than he actually is.
"Ah, certainly . . . Miss Naria," Thindar says, and he stalls a bit trying to remember the halfling's name from around town.
Seeing Thindar enter the inn, Velios finishes his conversation with Wisslo and makes his way over to where Naria was sitting. "I'm glad you two made it, you just missed an excellent performance by Beilin and Jocyn though. I'm looking forward to heading out tomorrow, I don't think I'm going to get much sleep." Bringing his now apple juice filled tankard to is mouth and taking a big gulp. "I'm glad to have such skilled friends sharing this journey."
Beilin seeing the gathering of "heroes" gets another full tankard of ale and swaggers over to join them.
Did you see the cake, oh man Trelvar has outdone himself this time, the cake is almost as big as the table in the kitchen and the frosting is soooo delicious I just had to try some.
What you lads, oh and lady up to?
Beilin lands heavily in a chair with the group.
Thindar looks cautiously around as the others gather near.
"Arnama always says when someone is offering, take the food, because outside of town you never know when the next meal is going to cross your path."
Thindar looks for a moment at the others, almost waiting for some kind of rebuke for speaking. He's very clearly testing the waters with his pedestrian conversation.
"Arnama always says when someone is offering, take the food, because outside of town you never know when the next meal is going to cross your path."
Looking at Thindar and giving him a pat on the shoulder. "Good thing we have a skilled hunter like you in our ranks then, huh Thindar."
"I think they are trying to make us sleep in with all this unnecessary food and drink they are offering, but who am I to refuse it. HAHAHA."
"True words Thindar, that speak great wisdom, eat when you can."
Looking sidelong at Veilos
"Is there such a thing as unnecessary drink?"
With that and as if to agree with Veilos's laughter Beilin tips his tankard upright and drains it all, meticulously wiping his chin afterwards.
"Oh my I seem to be empty again, Veilos your cup looks dry shall I fetch you another round as well? What about you Thindar? Naria?"
"I'd be a better hunter if I hadn't broken that damned composite bow that Arnama let me use. I guess I pulled a bit harder than I should have with it. I've still got my hunting spear though."
Thindar begins to rattle off stories of hunting and tromping through the wilderness, but as soon as he realizes that he is getting on a roll speaking, he stops himself, afraid that he might have spoken too much, or given away too much by admitting the accident with the bow.
"I took a deer down with one throw with my spear," he says, trying to repair any potential damage to his reputation that his comments might have caused to his companions. He is about to say more, but then realizes how defensive his comments sound.
"True words Thindar, that speak great wisdom, eat when you can."
Looking sidelong at Veilos
"Is there such a thing as unnecessary drink?"
With that and as if to agree with Veilos's laughter Beilin tips his tankard upright and drains it all, meticulously wiping his chin afterwards.
"Oh my I seem to be empty again, Veilos your cup looks dry shall I fetch you another round as well? What about you Thindar? Naria?"
"If they've got a good, dark stout, I'll take it." Thindar nearly adds what his mother used to say about drinking a loaf of bread, but thinks better of it.
Looking at Beilin and raising his cup up. "Aye I guess not, but I am good for the moment Beilin, I made Asina aware of my situation a few moments ago."
Turning towards Thindar, "I guess we will have to find you a stronger bow then."
"If they've got a good, dark stout, I'll take it." Thindar nearly adds what his mother used to say about drinking a loaf of bread, but thinks better of it.
Beilin saunters off to retrieve the refills, returning a few moments later with a pair of tankards in each hand and a muffin held in his mouth.
"mugh melf mewt"
Setting the tankards down and removing the muffin from his mouth he resettles into his chair. Scooting a pair of tankards to the shy big man.
"There you are friend"
Just as Velios brings his empty mug down from his face, Asina brings him another tankard of "ale". "Thank you Asina, you have to be the most attentive server in the realm."
Velios looks at each of his compatriots "I probably shouldn't be up much longer, from what I hear of our journey, we may not want to be exhausted tomorrow."
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Never one to join in the festivities, Arnama stands off to the side of the inn, simply overlooking the party. Ever grim, she still gives an approving nod when her student recites one of her lessons.
Jimes, the halfling waiter follows Asina over to the table when the girl drops off a mug for Velios, the girl clearly beaming from the praise. The halfling grins wide, sliding up close to the fighter and putting his arm around Velios' shoulder. "No need to leave so soon, my friends. You haven't even had a true meal yet, have you? The old man is in the back cooking up a storm for all these people and you have choice of what you wish as guests of honor. Anything I can get you?" He waggles his eyebrows at that a bit, his overly thick salesman personality showing throw.
"I guess some of Trelvar's delicious roasted chicken and potatoes couldn't hurt. It's a good thing I didn't have to bring my coin purse, huh Jimes, or else I may be weighed down." Velios nudges Jimes and stares at him with a furled brow.
Thindar takes the offered mug, smiles quickly, and takes a drink. He then looks at the halfling server and asks a simple question.
"Beef?"
For the GM:
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Thindar
"Jimes I would'nt think of missing a feast like this. Besides the party hasn't even begun yet really, we are still waiting on several of the honored guests, I am sure they will be along any moment now. In the mean time how bout serving us up some appetizers?"
"True words Thindar, that speak great wisdom, eat when you can."
"Oh my I seem to be empty again, Veilos your cup looks dry shall I fetch you another round as well? What about you Thindar? Naria?"
"Oh just water for me thanks. After all one of us has to keep a clear head for tomorrow."
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Jimes grins back at Velios and nods his head. "Worry not, my boy, Jimes here is always ready to help lighten your load." With that said he nods towards the others and hurries back towards the kitchen to put in the orders.
Once the halfling has scampered off and you are left to your own, a tall grim looking man approaches the table. With the scar down his cheek and the dark cloak he remains bundled in, he likely would draw suspicious looks even in a town that didn't pride itself on its skepticism of outsiders. Still the man has been around town for a few months now without causing any trouble, and you all have likely picked up his name at one point or another, normally whispered in some rumor or another about how he was seen wandering different parts of town or spying on one villager or another.
The man gives a slight smile as if he understands that its unlikely he is unknown to you, but introduces himself to you anyway. "Greetings, young ones. I am Cygar. I understand that you are to undertake something of a quest tomorrow for the town. I am here to wish you luck on this undertaking."
"O'h well thanks" I think? Naria adds the last part mentally to herself as she looks over the suspicious looking man
"I've heard bad luck is just what you have when the gods are resting, so lets hope they've had a good night's rest for us tomorrow," Thindar says.
After saying this, he stops for a moment to say a quick prayer to Erastil, making sure to let his god know that the comment was only meant in jest.
"Well-met Cygar, would you sit and join us?" I ask while sliding the last remaining tankard towards him.
"If I remember correctly you first arrived in Kassen some months ago, though I don't recall ever hearing where from, if it is not too forward of me may I ask from where do you hail?
Naria, i like the idea of connection our backgrounds.
"Been seeing you around town Cygar, nice to finally meet you, and thank you for the luck." Velios then raises his mug into the air "Cheers!"
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The man nods his head "Of course."
He then gives a small smirk to Thindar "I would imagine that it could depend on which gods you speak. There is benefit while some gods have their eye on us, but I am certain that our lives are much easier while other gods nap."
Cygar takes up the tankard and raises it when Velios toasts, but then simply sets it down again without taking a drink of his own. "I hail from many places, young hero. The trail that follows me stretches back far enough that the first steps are out of sight and hardly matter any longer." He looks almost wistful at that for a moment but then catches himself and returns to his more grim smile. "In any case, I feel I should decline your offer. You heroes should celebrate your impending victory rather then just share stories with an old man."
What a curious old man Beilin thinks to himself.
And celebrate what victory? Everyone knows it's really just a tradition to be fulfilled their is no real excitement or real adventure, certainly nothing like what this mysterious man has had in the past. We just travel the well trod path light a torch and then come back to town, usually this is done by the town elders, what danger could there really be? In an effort to not spoil the mood Beilin does not share these feelings out loud.
Beilin wonders also what is wrong with the ale, why is it so many seem hesitant to drink it.
"Well then Desna favor your path as it rolls out ahead of you Cygar and fill it with new and exciting experiences" adding almost sarcastically "such as we will surely have tomorrow."
"Hopefully it is a little more eventful than carrying a torch. Not saying it isn't a privilege though." Velios says, not trying to sound ungrateful.
Manduzi Enters the Inn quietly, dressed the best he could at such short notice.
He had been busy with his studies when his Mentor Sir Drammot had informed him of his duty to Carry the torch back from the Everflame. It was quite the honor, Sir Drammot assured, one normally reserved to the elders. Perhaps,Manduzi thought this autumn was particularly too cold for the old men's bones and so they needed a few younger bones to carry out the trivial task. He dared not speak these words aloud and he quickly dismissed the rebellious thoughts from his head, deciding instead that it truly was an honor and if nothing else a needed intermission to his studies. And maybe,just maybe, if he was lucky he'd get to use the rapier he wore so proudly on a filthy goblin or passing bandit highwayman.
He is pulled from his thoughts by the mixture of aromas and clanking of tankards. His eyes are drawn to a relatively central table where his fellow young "heroes" had gathered. He had seen all of them around the village, but hadn't had any notable dealings with any of them. His existance in Kassen to this point had consisted of tactical study and swordplay with his mentor. Despite this unfamiliarity, He approached the table confidently and demonstrated a flawless bow and smile before Setting down with equally perfect posture amidst his companions"Good evening friends." The greeting is sincere. "All this pomp and circumstance for us mates?" He says with a slight chuckle before relaxing his posture a bit and looking perceptively about the room.
The cold breeze of the autumn night gusts into the Seven Silvers as the door opens, followed by calls of "Shut the door!" as Drosk Ironhame enters. The young dwarven priest sheepishly closes the door, then gazes around the crowded taproom for the other young guests-of-honor. Seeing several of them gathered at a table, he makes his way through the crowd, stopping Jimes long enough to place an order for food and drink, and then surreptitiously checking his pouches and pockets after Jimes hurries to the kitchen.
"Well met, my friends!" Drosk greets the gathered assemblage. "Sorry I'm late, but Father Prasst kept me busy with some last minute preparations for the festival. And yes, it is an honor and privilege to bring the Everflame to Kassen," the young priest adds, having heard the tail end of Beilin's and Velios' comments as he approached the table. "It is an important event that helps to strengthen the people's sense of community to see us all through the long months of winter. But listen to me," he says, blushing with a self-deprecating grin, "I'm getting all preachy again."
"Torag's hammer, but I'm thirsty!" he adds, looking to see where Jimes is with the food and drink.
"Hopefully it is a little more eventful than carrying a torch. Not saying it isn't a privilege though." Velios says, not trying to sound ungrateful.
"Well we wont exactly know what it is until we are doing it now will we?" Lifting the tankard to her lips. Forgetting for a moment that it is Ale and not water her face goes an amusing Bleh way and for a second she looks ready to spit it out but somehow manages to swallow it down "Ulgh how can you guy's drink that stuff."
A dwarf with a large black beard, clad in a curious red furred robe walks through the door and scan the room. Most of the people he has only seen once or twice before, but he do spot a familiar face. The halfling who also trained under Ilimara is standing amongst a group of people. Seeing her allmost choke on the ale makes Bandar burst out in a loud laugh and walk over to her. "Might be ya should keep to ya water ther', wee one. It's so kind of ya to come her' an' wish me luck fer tomorrow." He turns to the other of the group "Bandar is the name. So any of ya goin' on this trip?"
Looking up at Manduzi as he pulls out a chair to sit, Velios replies to his greeting. "Finally taking a break from your sword training I see. You have to be a master by now, Aye." Velios laughs.
Looking about the room "Where is Jimes? He always seems to be gone when needed and here when not."
"Look who decided to show up. Dwarves, last to arrive and last to leave drunk." Velios quips as Drosk and Bandar come through the door only moments apart.
"Father Prasst can be a slave driver sometimes, but I bet the festival comes together nicely because of him." Velios adds after Drosk's comment.
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Cygar smirks a bit at the comments, something in his eyes hinting an understanding of the desire for adventure as he steps back from the table. "Perhaps your goddess still will have some gifts in store for you. After all, I suspect that one who worships the song of spheres will have many miles beneath his feet before his travels are through. Again, good luck to you all."
Jimes seems to materialize at that moment, bearing several trays heaped with various foods. He mutters quietly as he spreads them out before everyone, the food steaming and letting off the succulent smell of meat and spiced vegetables. He keeps up his mutters, though there is a grin in his eyes. "Yeah, yeah, I'm here I'm here. I have ears, you know? I can only get the chow so fast, especially when we have to feed the big ones, huh?" As he says the last he jerks his thumb towards Thindar.
As Jimes grumbles at the group, Asina returns with a tray full of mugs, setting a special one before Velios with a wink before passing out the rest.
Noticing Jimes' mutters, Velios grabs his arm after he is done putting down the food. "I am only pulling your leg brother. You are an excellent server." Velios lightly pats him on the shoulder after letting go.
"Thank you Asina. Your pace better quicken, you have to keep up with the Dwarves now." Giving a nod towards Drosk and Bandar.
"Thank you Asina. Your pace better quicken, you have to keep up with the Dwarves now." Giving a nod towards Drosk and Bandar.
As if on cue Bandar swallows his first mug of ale on immediately motions for a refill.
As if on cue Bandar swallows his first mug of ale on immediately motions for a refill.
"Thank you Asina. Your pace better quicken, you have to keep up with the Dwarves now." Giving a nod towards Drosk and Bandar.
"Thank you Bandar for not letting me be proven wrong."