Its the 4th of Neth, and a cold morning to boot. The day is quiet, as befitting such an important day in the life of the town of Kessan. The cold winds blow signaling the coming winter. Today is the day that your trail to adulthood comes to pass, the day you must journey to the Tomb of Kessan himself and retrieve the Everflame.
Your mentor has explained what is expected of you on this journey, each of you in turn being briefed privately.
You are pulled aside, not by Holgast but rather one of the senior apprentices. Apparently Holgast himself is asleep and is in no condition to speak with you prior to your journey. The apprentice, a girl by the name of Helena, explains that unlike the last few years, where the adults go to the tomb, you are going to join several of the towns other youths this time to go and retrieve the towns Everflame. This is done on occasion as a rite of passage into adulthood, and this year the town elders felt you and your companions would fit the bill nicely. Helena tells you to only take what is absolutely necessary as your traveling gear will be provided for you when you get to the meeting place, which is the town square. Helena also tells you that you need to be there before Noon, as that is when the ritual ceremony to send off the brave adventurers.
The other children of the Vardigan household make fun of your upcoming adventure a bit, telling you how its pointless and is nothing more then a waste of time. Moltus however seems to be proud however, of the fact that you have been chosen. He takes you into quiet room of the manor and explains that he knew you were destined for great things the day you appeared on his doorstep, and that this is but the start of your path to greatness. He gets a little of track at this point, talking about how you will defeat something he is calling "the Swingleflaps!" but otherwise is fairly lucid for a change. He also tells you that you are to only take the basics you need, weapons and the like, as the town provides the rest of things you will need. He hugs you, briefly, before sending you off to the town square, whispering in your ear that you need to arrive before Noon as that is when the ceremony will take place.
While working in the forge with Bragger Ironhame, he springs on you that he knows about your dealings with Jimes, and that he doesn't quite approve but understands that you must make your own way. He then explains that he had put your name forward for the annual ritual of the Everflame, explaining that you need to learn to put your skills to a more...legal use. He also explains that he has not told your family about your dealings yet, but that they are aware of your upcoming trial. Gruffly, he tells you to take this ritual seriously, because while you should be in no real danger there will be traps and things in the tomb and to keep a good eye out. Taking your hand in a firm grip, he informs you to be at the town square before noon so you can be ready when the ritual begins, and to only bring your weapons, arms, and tools.
While tending some sick animals for a local family, Father Prasst approaches you and explains that you have been chosen to join the annual Everflame ritual. He himself put your name forward he explains, as he believe its time for you to test your skills out in the "real world" as he puts it. As he watches you finish your work he believes your time with him is mostly finished and that to learn more you must experience more. He advises you to take only what you need today and to be at the town square before noon so you can be ready when the ceremony starts. Above all, take care of your fellows he adds, as you will be their rock, their protection during the trials to come.
You are working on your swordsmanship when you are approached by Sir Drammot. He smiles as he watches you finish your practice, and nods approvingly. He tells you that you are doing quite well, which is why he put your name forward for the Everflame Rite. He proceeds to explain the rite to you, that you will be going with a few of the other young adults to a nearby tomb to retrieve a portion of the Everflame. He says that its time for you to put your skills into practice, and that you must be ever vigilant of the dangers in the wilds. He also explains that you only need to take your arms and armor with you as the rest of your gear will be provided as part of the ceremony. He bows, a bit stiffly, and tells you that it has been a pleasure helping you realize your potential and he is proud of you as a student. He then points towards the town square and tells you to be there before noon, which is only a few hours away!
As you each reach the town square, you realize that the town is eerily silent and appears deserted. Its as if the whole world is holding its breath, the only sound being that of the wind. The cold air bites at your faces, hinting at the winter to come. You have arrived early as your mentor asked you to, and as you stand there you see what must be your fellow participants coming up to the square themselves.
Hagin beams at the sight of his friends. "Good to see everyone." Then he frowns as he thinks for a bit. "Don't some older folks usually go this? Why are they sending us?"
"Bloody straps, you're meant to be convenient, not a bother," Art mumbled as he made his way to the town square with both arms behind his back. He barely noticed his friends arriving when his axe dropped, clattering against the ground in a not-so-subtle fashion. He heard Hagin's voice, for the first time in a while, as he picked it up. Bloody Bragger and his bloody lectures, I'm tense enough as it is. Can't let them see my upset, though, deep breaths, Art, c'mon, deep breaths.
With a deep breath he turns around and put on his best smile. It's hard to feel annoyed with his friends there, tension slowly whisking away, deciding to keep the axe in his hand. "Hagin! Gael, Feraya! Kitten!" he waves, "You're a good sight!"
Ember quietly walks to the square, thinking about the responsability she now has to fulfill Moltus' trust. Even more surprising was his oldest son, Mertyn's reaction. Although he had teased her about her mission, as she was leaving he handed her a stout length of ash, shaped as a club. "You should take some sort of weapon," he laughed, but maybe his eyes showed some concern?
As she stepped into the almost empty square, she had a small moment of fright, that maybe this was just another trick that people were playing on her. But the sight of the other calmed her.
"They wouldn't be part of any tricks", she reasured herself.
"Good day to you," she calls out in response to the other's greetings.
Although Art's greeting did rankle a bit... "Not a kitten anymore," she told herself, "I'll be a lion... I hope"
Feraya made his way easy enough. He took note of everyone's silence, not that effected him over much. Dealing with Holgast for years coupled with being an elf ingrained the sense of never losing your head or death would be the best you could hope for. He pushed such thoughts away, it seemed he would be among friends for this event.
Greetings everyone, seems we had a trip in mind and no one asked us. Wonder if it is worth our time.
Feraya gave a jestful smile, but a part of him was relieved dispite himself.
With a grin, Art walks over to Ember, dropping his axe and spreading his arms. "Been too long, Kitten. He doesn't truly wait for approval and gives her a tight hug around her waist. "You're doing all right, yeah?"
As he lets go, he picks up his axe again, containing his irritation while he tries to fix the straps.
Gael walks slowly into the square, looking around at the silent streets and at the well-known buildings made suddenly strange and eerie. She takes a good long look at each of her fellows in the Everflame ritual, trying to see past her childhood memories. Trying to see them as they are now. As possible comrades.
A last long judging look, and she speaks quietly, "So, are you ready for this?"
Ember gasps a bit at Art's roughhousing. "He's stonger than I recall," she thinks.
"Not a (pant) kitten anymore," she replies, catching her breath. "My claws are much sharper now."
As Art picks up his axe, she concentrates and gives a gesture, and Art's axe almost slips from his hands, as her mage hand playfully gives it a tug. "Much sharper."
As Gael enters the square and speaks, Ember's expression breaks into a rare full smile. She almost bounds across the square to Gael, and and grasps one of Gael's hands in hers.
"You're chosen too? This is wonderful, dear friend!" Ember exclaims.
Gael looks down at Ember. The enthusiastic greeting draws a smile and for a moment Ember sees the old Gael peeking out. Then the serious mask is back in place.
"It's good to see you too, Ember. That was a nice trick, " Gael points at Art's unruly axe. "What else have you learned? Tell me about your claws!" Gael is obviously keen to know what Ember can do.
As the axe almost slips out of his hands, Art feels a slight surge of panic as Ember runs past him. He sighs and unbuckles the leather strapping, taking his time to fasten his weapon.
"Ready?" he replies, throwing a glance at the girl.
She's lost all her cheer, it seems like...
"About as ready as I can be on short notice, heh. Got Tremble and Ripple sharpened," he pats the axe in his hand and motions to the blade hanging from his belt, "And I even restrung Elena last night. Got a fresh batch of bolts too." He points to the crossbow strapped on his lower back. "I didn't get a chance to bring a whetstone or three, so I hope you all got your weapons sharpened."
He finishes strapping Tremble to his back, making sure it remains accessible. That should do it.
"Let's hope this outing will be less exciting than the last." Hagin grins as his companions welcome each other. "Hey, Art, Gael, could you two check my weapons and armor to make sure they're ok. I'm not the best at keeping them up."
"That's the best any of us can do, Art. Ready to stand with our companions, weapons sharp, for whatever the day may bring. Hagin, the spear looks well. There are a couple of links in that chain shirt that will need looking at. But later, and perhaps Art can help you."
Gael looks about. "I do not think we will be waiting much longer."
Gael looks down at Ember. The enthusiastic greeting draws a smile and for a moment Ember sees the old Gael peeking out. Then the serious mask is back in place.
"It's good to see you too, Ember. That was a nice trick, " Gael points at Art's unruly axe. "What else have you learned? Tell me about your claws!" Gael is obviously keen to know what Ember can do.
"Father says my bloodline contains fire, and I can send bursts of it out to burn." Ember replies. "I've also learned to use the arcane to wrap myself in some protection, and how to sense magical auras." She sounds understandably proud of her accomplishments.
Feraya took note of Ember's words. She was a sorcereress unlike himself but the art was the same regardless of manner.
Well Ember thats great, I prepared a few spells of my own but nothing fancy. Would hope I dont need to use them but we all know how that turned out last time.
As you all make idle chit chat, becoming friends again as it were, the bells atop the Temple of Erastil toll their midday song, echoing throughout the quiet town of Kassen, shattering the silence with their twelve massive rings. 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?”
As you look around you can spot your mentors in the crowd, each pointedly ignoring you. It seems, starting now, that you are on your own. When you finish looking around the crowd, you see that the Mayor is staring at you waiting for your response.
"Heroes?" Art grins and raises his hand, stepping forward. "Right, that'd be us. Very heroic, of course." He throws glances: at the townsfolk with their gloomy faces; at Mayor Uptal and his raspy voice; at Jimes and Braggar, paying him no attention.
Only one of us that could pass for a hero here's Gael, if stories are a reliable measure stick.
"We need a map, though, lest we get lost and eaten by wolves. That wouldn't be a hero's way to go." He peered at the crowd, half-heartedly hoping for some laughter.
The mayor does not even crack a smile, nor do the townsfolk. He simply hands Art one of the backpacks from the cart, and then address the crowd again. "Who will stand with this stout dwarf? Who will help him bring the flame to light our darkest hour back?" He glances meaningfully to the rest of the group.
5 Days Rations
Small Tent
Winter Blanket
Waterskin
1 Piece of a Map
50 Feet of Hempen Rope
1 Grappling Hook
Ember almost steps back to hide behind Gael at the approach of the crowd. At the last second, she recalls that she has been selected, and her father is counting on her to... to be someone.
She takes a small step forward.
"I'm not a kitten anymore... not a kitten... not a scared kitten," she tells herself.
"I will go." She is glad that her voice doesn't waver.
As Ember steps forward, she sees in the crowd behind the mayor Moltus, who gives her a brief smile before returning his face to a somber cast. The Mayor gives the small girl the a pack, and motions for her to join Art to the side.
"Two brave souls have accepted destiny! Who else stands with them?" they Mayor intones.
5 Days Rations
Small Tent
Winter Blanket
Waterskin
1 Piece of a Map
Tinder and 3 Tindertwigs
Gael nods with sombre pride as Ember puts herself forward - she'd had no doubts about Art. She looks briefly left and right, at Hagin and Feraya, then shrugs and steps forward herself. Wordless but ready.
The Mayor nods ever so slightly when Gael steps up. As he hands her the pack he whispers to her...
"Keep an eye out. The tomb should be fairly safe but the wilderness may not be."
The mayor then straightens up, and hands Gael her pack. "Who else will journey with these brave souls?"
5 Days Rations
Small Tent
Winter Blanket
Waterskin
1 Piece of a Map
3 Torches
Feraya simply shrugged and thought it best to move things along, stepping forward.
If it must be done at least I will be in good company.
He picks up the mayors words, figured as much but better to take nothing for granted was his mindset about the whole affair.
Perception
Art throws a glance at Ember as she steps forward, and he feels oddly proud. He tries to avoid the inevitable thoughts of the backpack, and how irritating it will be. As Gael steps forward, Art gauges the weight of his backpack, while eyeing the exchange. When he hears the whisper, he raises his head. Figures he tells Gael but not me, huh.
(Perception roll)
The mayor nods as Feraya steps forward. Holgast is nowhere to be seen in the crowd as Feraya looks around. With a stoic expression the Mayor gives the fourth pack to Feraya and then waves him over.
"There is but one final place! Who will stand among these heroes? Who will help bolster and protect them?" Uptal looks directly at Hagin, waiting for his response.
5 Days Rations
Small Tent
Winter Blanket
Waterskin
1 Piece of a Map
1 Potion of Cure Light Wounds (Caster Level 2), Labeled
Perception
Hagin hesitates before stepping forward. He knows that this should be a simple task, but something in his gut tells him that his destiny lies before him. "May Erastil guide our steps." He says as he finally steps forward to receive the Mayor's gift.
Once Hagin steps up, the Mayor nods and holds out the last of the packs. "The final hero has stepped forward! He waves Hagin off to stand with the rest of his new comrades, and then turns to the group to continue speaking.
5 Days Rations
Small Tent
Winter Blanket
Waterskin
1 Piece of a Map
Small Bottle of Brandy
"One of you brave folks will need to carry the Sacred Lantern, where you will place a piece of the Everflame. Who will carry this burden?" He holds up the tarnished silver lantern and waits to see who will do this duty.
Feraya takes a step back then points toward Hagin and Gael with a smirk.
Ember watches the rest out of the corner of her eyes.
"Who would take it, Gael, Hagin, and Art are burdened by their weapons and the need to use them..." she thinks.
Feraya stepping back catches her off guard. "Why would he step back?"
And then it occurs to her that she too is part of the group, and wouldn't have much of an excuse to use a weapon. Her hands would be open and free... should she...? "...not a kitten..." echoes inside her head.
"I will carry it," she finally says, suprised at the firmness in her voice.
"I will carry it," Ember says, her voice surprisingly steely. From within the crowd a WHOOP! is heard, before being hushed, and Ember is quick to notice that it came from Moltus before one of his other children covered his mouth. The corners of the mayors lips start to turn up to a smile at the spunky child in front of him before he gets himself under control.
"Ember, child of Moltus. You bear the torch of our salvation into the darkness. Please, bring back the warmth of our hero Kessen so that the town may survive the coming winter!" He hands Ember the silver lanter with a reverence of a holy man handling an ancient relic. The lantern itself is amazingly light and has a small ring at the top where it can be fastned to something.
The mayor then steps back, and address the crowd. "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. You have the means within you, work together and you can achieve your goals." 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, and then disperse into the town.
Kitten...
I am damned proud of you.
Though I'm bothered by the mention of tombs, and 'sacrifice'. And the townspeople all looked like we were all marching off to our death.
It's as if we're...expected to die. I don't like it.
"Well, then!" He gestures for them all to come closer. "We should examine the backpacks and see what we got. Anybody got a clue how long this trip will take?"
He opens his backpack and mutters under his breath, throwing a glance at the two people remaining from the crowd, but he pays them no mind. "Five days of rations, a tent, a blanket, rope and grappling hook...fairly standard stuff."
(Perception roll)
You notice that there appears to be 2 people hanging around near one of the buildings that comes up against the square.
You notice that there appears to be 2 people hanging around near one of the buildings that comes up against the square. You recognize them as Moltus and one of his older children, a daughter named Natilie.
Feraya looks into his own pack.
I got the same but a healing potion and no hook. I would also guess that sense we were given 5 days of food if we dont get held up for whatever reason it should be 2 days to the tomb, one day to get the flame, and 2 days back. But thats just how I see it.
He spots two people as he goes.
By the way anyone else notice those two hanging around that building back there and who they are?
Perception
Ember holds the lantern in her right hand by the ring. She has a rare smile on her face, feeling that she has indeed pleased her father with her actions.
She is so caught up in her emotions that she misses what Art says entirely.
Perception Check
She spots her father and Natilie lingering at one of the buildings.
She wonders why they are still there, and catches Feraya's question.
"That's father and one of my sisters," she replies.
So thats who they were.
They seem a bit out of place to me, anyways anyone else get a part of a map along with their stuff. If so we may need to connect them if we want to get to the tomb without getting lost.
"I wonder if they wish to speak with me?"
Ember glances in their direction again, and then makes up her mind. She squares her shoulders under the weight of the backback.
"I'll be right back," she says, starting to walk towards Moltus and Natilie.
As Ember reaches Moltus and Natilie, the older sorcerer grins and waddles forward, a bit unsteady on his feet. He begins to speak "My dear Ember! You are doing quite well, yes quite well...I knew you would do great things! Maybe bring honor to our family name yes? Defeat the evil Swingleflaps! I know it!" He continues to prattle on about destiny and Swingleflaps while Natilie just smiles and shrugs.
You remember he being one of the few in the household was genuinely affectionate towards you. [b]"Father wanted to see you off personally, and to tell you that you should be fine." Natilie pauses briefly, and continues. "I think he had something else to tell you but you know how he gets."
"Thank you," Ember replies. "I will bring honor to our family name, I swear."
She warmly hugs Natilie, and gives her father a small bow of respect (small, because the weight on her back is throwing off her balance a little).
"I will watch out for the ... swingleflaps, Father. You may count on me."
She then returns to the rest of the group, pausing partway to again turn and wave at Moltus and Natilie.
Gael nods almost imperceptable thanks to the mayor, takes her pack, and steps back. She watches Feraya and Hagin volunteer, then crouches down besides Art to examine her pack and compare.
"Hmm. Also similar. I have some torches, and yes also part of a map. Shall we see if they fit?"
Gael does not look round at the departing crowd.
Feraya brings over his own map piece, handing it over to Gael while looking over it himself.
"Here is mine, lets hope we have all of it and its not some kind of puzzle. I have no desire to wonder the wilderness aimlessly. Speaking of which I happen to have some knowledge about geography so that may be of use to us."
"Feel free to play with the puzzle." Art hands Gael his piece of the map with a smile. "Judging the weight of the rations, the tents, the blankets...
Problem is, we're not the strongest lot. I don't want to burden Feraya or Kitten with extra encumbrance. Hagin's decent in the fray but me and Gael should keep them out of harm's way.
He glances at Gael. She's definitely the strongest one of us, but she's also clad in heavier armour...
Problem is those tents. And we can't throw them away...
He widens his eyes, dawning on the realisation. Throw it away...
Pulling out the waterskin, he hooks it to his belt. He then adjusts the backpack to accomodate for Elena and Tremble, and throws it on his back. He walks up to Ember.
"Kitten, if we end up in any danger, I need you to watch my backpack."
"Watch your backpack?" Ember asks, a bit confused. "You mean to follow you where you go?"
He smiles and pats the side of his backpack. "This thing's too heavy for me. If I want to give my all in a fight, I have to throw it off. If I do, I want you to keep an eye on it. That alright, Kitten?"
He glances at the other three, and then throws a look at the sky. Hope the weather stays this calm throughout the trip...
Gael continues gathering pieces of the map, crouched over on the grey stone cobbles, and tries to piece them together. She takes any help or suggestions offered.
Hagin also opens his pack to take inventory of it's contents. It's pretty much the same as the rest and his gives his piece of the map over to Gael.
After putting the map together it becomes clear exactly where the crypt is, and that there are several stops along the way that you can do if you so choose.
Feraya looks over Gael's shoulder at the completed map trying to figure it out.
Intelligence DC 15
Ember looks closely at the map pieces, trying to help figure out how they fit together.
"Shouldn't those blue lines connect?"
Feeling ignored, Art sighs and walks over to the small crowd that's gathered, to look at the map.
"Right on, Kitten, those lines go together to form the river. And if you see the cleft on the top of this piece, and the bottom of that one...", he points to the pieces that would logically connect, "That's the Broken Glade. You can all read. I hope so, at least," he added playfully. "Now, that piece," he points at the fourth map fragment, "would align perfectly with the red dots. It's a rather good map of the south side of Kessen, actually. And since we're heading south, the last piece should fit on the bottom. Or the townsfolk finally got a sense of humour. I'm hoping the latter."
He looks up at them with a smile. "At least the way's laid out for us. Would almost be fun to get lost with this."
Only almost, though.