4th Neth, 4709
One-hundred and seventy four years ago, Ekat Kassen, a traveler and treasure hunter of renown came to settle within the Fangwood forest after having accumulated great wealth while fighting with the Lastwall military. He used his fortune to create a small trading community along the Tourondel River within the forest which eventually became known as Kassen’s Hold. The town became a boon to those traveling up and down the river to Skelt, and because of this it prospered greatly. This changed, however, when the mercenary Asar Vergas and his men arrived. While Asar was an old companion of Ekat, Asar suspected that Ekat cheated him out of some treasure during their last adventure. Asar led his men to plunder and raid Kassen’s Hold relentlessly for 2 months. The townsfolk eventually located Asar’s camp within an ancient crypt deep within the forest, and Ekat himself set out to deal with his former companion personally. It was a bloody battle and few returned. Ekat himself suffered a mortal wound and died 2 days later on 11th Neth 4535. In honor of their founder, the townsfolk buried Kassen in the ancient crypt, interring his bones in a place of honor above the simple sarcophagi used to inter Asar and his mercenaries. Above Kassen’s final resting place, they placed an eternal flame, so that all who visited may find warmth in the wilderness.
Throughout the years, the Crypt of the Everflame has become an important part of the history of the town, now simply called Kassen. Every autumn, a few of the townsfolk make the pilgrimage to the crypt to light a lantern from the flame and bring it back to the town where it’s preserved throughout the winter. Most years, the Mayor and a group of dignitaries perform this quest, however, occasionally, when there are enough to fill the ranks, the Mayor selects a group of youngsters to journey to the Crypt and retrieve the Flame. Many see this as a passage to adulthood; a taste of adventure before settling down and establishing a family.
This year marks the first time in four years that a group of eligible young townsfolk will be venturing out to the Crypt to retrieve the Everflame. You are one of those young heroes. The Mayor has spoken with you and expressed his desire that you join with other young people of the town to retrieve the Everflame and you have agreed. This afternoon in the traditional solemn ceremony, the town will be asked who will venture out to the Crypt to retrieve the Flame in order to keep the town safe for another winter. It is then that you will be asked to step forward and be recognized.
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?”
"Bye, Mama. Hennon will miss you."
"Pardon for excusing. Hennon am coming through to see the boss."
"Hennon am sorry. Hennon am sorry."
"Good morning, Boss. Hennon am here and slept well. We go now?"
The crowd murmurs as they watch the aloof half-orc attempt to squeeze his way through to the front where the Mayor stands. Eventually they part out of the way and gawk at the peculiar scene before them. The half-orc and his elderly mother share a few words before he continues through the crowd. The sound of annoyed cries of "ouch," and "ow!" are heard as the clumsy half-orc cautiously yet gracelessly shimmies through.
Eventually the half-orc steps through past a scowling young man and his wide-eyed companion. The crowd breaks into muttered whispering.
The Mayor speaks up in a loud voice as the burly half-orc steps forward.
"Thank you, Hennon for showing courage this day. Your efforts will not be forgotten!"
Uptal smiles at Hennon in a way much as a proud father would at his son, and then speaks quietly to him.
The Mayor steps over to the cart beside him and lifts a newly sewn backpack from the pile. Affixed to it is a blanket and a tent. He hands it to the young half-orc.
"Oh, and here..." Uptal digs into a rear pocket and pulls out a piece of rolled parchment. "A trail map to the Crypt. It should be of great help. The others will receive one also." He states as he hands you the map.
The Mayor goes to reach up and place his hand on the half-orc's shoulder but he stops himself and smiles, realizing it's futility.
Uptal speaks up again, "Where are Kassen's other heroes? Where are the rest who would join Hennon here in lighting the flame?"
After waiting as patiently as his impatience would allow, the slight figure hidden in the throng sighed with relief when he heard someone finally approaching the mayor. Pharasma's Breath! I was beginning to wonder if I'd have to do this on my own. Well, there's little sense in waiting much longer. Might as well make my appearance now while the appearing's good! hehe!
Few could actually see Abbrathil's approach as he tried to weave his way through the crowd. Despite his efforts, he found himself jostled repeatedly as he tried to approach the mayor. I wonder who else- Hey! Watchit, lady! I'm trying to walk here, not be smothered to death by you and your inestimable girth! If the overly large onlooker heard his squeaky voice, it did not show on her face as she continued to sway side to side, trying to get a good view of the mayor and those who might step forward.
After what seemed like an hour, Abbrathil finally managed to make his way through the forest of legs. As he emerged into the center of the square he stopped suddenly, mouth agape at the figure standing beside Mayor Uptal. Pharasma's Breath! They're growing giants in the village now!
Abbrathil quickly brushed his wild hair, the color of fresh red tulips, back with both hands and smoothed the front of his dark blue robes. After a few quick breaths, he strode into the center of the square with as much confidence as he could muster. It took him probably four times as many strides as Hennon to reach the mayor, but once he finally arrived he bowed before the mayor. I too am ready, milord.
Abbrathil took his place beside Hennon, which evoked a sweeping wave of chuckles from the crowd. Abbrathil glanced up nervously to the half-orc, his large eyes growing even wider as he tried to calculate Hennon's height in his head. He is! He's a giant. Pharasma save me, they're sending me into the crypt with an adolescent hill giant.
... uhhh.... Hi? Herman, was it? I think they're sending the tallest person and the shortest person from the village on this errand. I'm Abbrathil, a pleasure to meet you!
As the Mayor stands scanning the crowd with his eyes, a gnome wrapped in a dark blue cloak appears suddenly at the front of the crowd. The Mayor's head tilts downward and the crowd struggles to see who has appeared at the front.
"Here we have another one of our heroes! Young Master Navari, apprentice wizard of our very own Holgast, and here by Holgast's own recommendation! Thank you for your courage this day, Master Navari!"
The Mayor spins around to the cart behind him and lifts a small-sized backpack up and hands it to the gnome. It also has a tent and blanket fashioned to it.
“It is a trail map of the local environs which will lead you straight to the Crypt. Holgast highly regards you, young master. We look forward to your return.”
He shares a few words with the gnome and then stands back up to address the crowd once again.
“Two of our heroes have emerged; where are the others? It is nigh time for these brave adventurers to head to the Crypt of the Everflame and return that bright beacon of hope once again to Kassen.”
Hennon grins lopsidedly at the small gnome and stoops to address him, but stops as the Mayor introduces him and waits for him to finish. After the Mayor has turned back to the crowd he offers the gnome his giant right hand.
"Herman am not here today. Maybe him show up later. Hennon am here, though, and am liking to say hello to..." he screws up his mouth for a moment, then says "Abbramari."
Abbramari? Did you- ah. I see. No, no.
Abbrathil scratches his head briefly as his large eyes glance up to Hennon. His response is voiced without pause for breath.
You seem to have taken the initial syllable of my forename and combined with the antipodal syllable of my surname and thereby created a nonsensical phonetic amalgam that is neither of my names and yet both of them at the same time. Abbrathil. Nevari. A-bra-thil. Ne-var-i. Abbrathil Nevari. Yes?
His eyebrows arch inquisitively as he looks toward to the towering figure beside him.
Hennon stares at the gnome and blinks repeatedly, dumbfounded, then begins to nod understandingly.
"Antimonal symbols. Yes. Hennon am for liking them, too." He smiles. "Hennon am for liking you, too, Amma --- Abbra --- ... Nev --- ... Small friend."
He pats Abbrathil as lightly as he can on the head and then scans the crowd for more adventurers.
"Are you for thinking more are coming?"
Abbrathil squirms uncomfortably beneath Hennon's massive palm, and despite his flailing arms he is unable to prevent being petted. Flustered, he quickly smooths his hair back with both hands then brushes a bit of imagined dust from his left sleeve.
I am all for thinking, Hennon. As for the appearance of other adventurers to aid us in our ceremonial endeavor, I suppose that will hinge upon the capriciousness of the gods.
Pharasma take me if no one else comes forward! Ayiyiyi!
The crowd grows slightly bored and begin shifting around and chattering among themselves. A chill wind suddenly blows carrying a few hats with it when the Mayor speaks up again, a tinge of worry can be heard within the tone of his voice.
"The winter winds howl at our doorsteps! Are there not others who are capable of assuring Kassen's safety for another winter?"
Raven looks up to Hennon and smirks. "It'll be good to have one of your size with us. I hear there are fowl things living within the Crypt... undead, perhaps. Unnatural creations. Fun to hunt, though."
The man then looks down at Abbrathil. "You're a strange fellow. Whats your story?"
Suddenly the crowd's attention turns to the north as a man emerges from a darkened alley. The man carries a deer on his back, it's legs held around his neck by his hands. Seeing the crowd's attention has been drawn to him, he smiles widely as he maneuvers around the outside of the crowd and walks up next to the Mayor.
"Sorry for being late! I caught a glimpse of this spotted doe on my way here and just had to have her."
He looks to the half-orc and gnome standing nearby.
"Lads, we'll be having venison this night. I won't allow a somber excursion to a Crypt dampen my spirits."
The Mayor rolls his eyes as he steps over to place a hand on the man's shoulder.
"Friends, this here is Raven Grimbriar, famed local hunter and protector of Nirmathas, and cousin to our very own Arnama Lastrid!"
The Mayor leans over and whispers into the man's ear.
The man smiles again as he listens to the Mayor, and then waves to those assembled in the square.
Raven looks up to Hennon and smirks. "It'll be good to have one of your size with us. I hear there are foul things living within the Crypt... undead, perhaps. Unnatural creations. Fun to hunt, though."
The man then looks down at Abbrathil. "You're a strange fellow. Whats your story?"
Abbrathil glances up at the rugged looking human and puts his fists on his hips while tapping his right foot, his face flushed.
Now look here, stranger. I, for one, am not nearly as strange as a heretofore unnamed individual whose introductory address claims that avian creatures of an implicitly sinister nature dwell within the crypt to which we are intending to travel! Despite your unorthodox proemial practices, you demonstrate a much stronger grasp of basic enunciation skills and I am thereby once more able to hope that someone other than myself will be capable of pronouncing my name.
After a long breath, Abbrathil takes a deep bow. When he rises, he introduces himself.
I am Abbramari Ne--- His eyes go wide as saucers as he quickly clamps both hands over his mouth in panic, his cheeks flushed with embarassment.
*sigh* Just call me "Abbra." I fear it will be easier this way. His shoulders slump as he mutters under his breath.
"Abbra? Ah, I see. You're a wizard aren't you? Abbracadabra! Pleasure to meet you." Raven smirks and then turns his attention to the Mayor who hands him a backpack and a rolled up parchment.
"Ha! I have no need of this, Mayor. I know these lands like the back of my hand. In fact, I could lead them to the Crypt blindfolded."
The Mayor replies, "Very well! I'm sure your tracking skills will be of great use to the party." Uptal attempts to disguise another eye-roll.
Once again the Mayor faces the crowd and addresses them, "There is one more adventurer who has yet to show themselves! Where is our last hero? Where is the final adventurer who would join this party and return the Everflame to Kassen?"
Perception:
ooooh... shuddup, Birdhead Crankybush. Abbracadabra indeed!
Perception Check:
Hennon swivels to face the newcomer. "Hennon love venison! Hennon am pleased to meet you, Raven." A slight string of drool spills over his lower lip and clings to his tunic and he slowly peels his eyes from the deer carcass and turns to Abbrathil. "Hennon like the name Abbra. Short and nice. Hennon will call you that."
The crowd is suddenly silenced by a strange sound coming from behind them. A gruff, purring growl precedes the appearance of a young woman beginning to make her way forward. Confused onlookers stare in wonder as she passes when a strange creature reveals itself and begins to follow her. The creature appears to be something out of legend. It's body is shaped like a large, furry blonde dog, however it's head is much like a dragon with the same thick fur running through it's elongated neck and thinning out around it's face. It opens it's gaping mouth and exhales it's breath visibly in the cold air and then turns it's head eying the crowd as it follows it's apparent master.
The woman, dressed in a dark red robe bordered with gold trim walks with a thick quarterstaff. As she approaches, her beast follows close behind and when she stops, the creature sits on it's hindquarters. Strange runes in various shapes and sizes cover it's fur, appearing slightly darker than it's fur as if they were burned into it.
The Mayor speaks up as the young woman approaches.
"At last, we have our final arrival. May I introduce the lovely Miss Elmaran! Miss Sarenae Elmaran, sister of Jocyn of the Seven Silvers."
The young woman faces the crowd and bows, however from your vantage point it doesn't appear that the crowd has lifted their eyes from her strange beast.
"Miss Elmaran is an arcanist who has tapped into the power of summoning strange creatures from beyond, including her own pet he..."
"Eidolon." The woman interrupts him. He's an Eidolon, and his name is Ifrit."
"Right! Eidolon...Ifrit!" The Mayor continues.
"Well, I believe it is time that we see off our intrepid adventurers so they can make some progress tonight before setting camp."
He hands the two newcomers a backpack and scroll.
"Let us set our adventurer's off, shall we? When they return, we will celebrate the return of the Everflame once again to Kassen. It has been quite some time since brave folk such as these have honored our town."
The Mayor nods to the four of you.
"Please, friends, lead the way to the southern gates. We will follow and see you off."
Raven smiles and turns to the three of you. "I will lead the way, friends! I have been in the area surrounding the Crypt and know where it lies."
Sarenae nods at Raven as he passes and begins heading down the street.
Ifrit hops up on all fours and steps over to Hennon and begins sniffing him. Sarenae smiles and you notice a glowing rune on her forehead which matches the prominent one on Ifrit's fur.
"Oh, don't worry about him. Ifrit is harmless; unless of course I direct him to attack. He will be of great assistance on our journey."
She then turns and begins following Raven.
Admins, can you delete this thread?