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.