Almost all of Trunau’s seven hundred odd citizens have gathered in the Commons, the large amphitheater in the centre of town. The merriment is already under way with several long wooden tables heavily loaded with food and drink - being genially guarded by four off duty guardsmen.
Jubilation fills the evening air in contrast to Trunau's normally staid atmosphere, for it is the twelfth birthday of the Chief Defender’s youngest daughter, Ruby, and the townsfolk have been preparing all day for the ceremony and festivities to follow. The throng of cheerfully noisome spectators quiets as the weathered town leader, Halgra of the Blackened Blades, takes the stage and begins to speak.
“Thank you all for joining us this night. I take immense pride in my responsibility as Chief Defender, especially when it comes to the honor of the hopeknife ceremony. It is always a great privilege to bequeath Trunauan youths their hopeknives as they come of age.” Halgra stops speaking long enough to open an ornamental case and retrieve a slender, ornately decorated dagger hanging from a silver chain.
“But tonight is a special occasion, for the recipient of this hopeknife is none other than my youngest daughter.” Once again, Halgra pauses, but this time she turns to talk to the child beside her.
“Ruby, by the traditions of our town, you have come of age. This hopeknife represents your responsibilities as an adult and defender of Trunau. You must be willing to use it on yourself, your fellow Trunauans, and your family — even me, should it come to that. It will be a far quicker death than that which the orcs will offer, and providing it is your duty. Do you swear to guard Trunau from all comers, and to use your hopeknife only for its intended purpose?” Ruby — dusky skinned, black haired, and painfully shy — nods her head in response to her mother’s question.
“If the orcs come, and there is no other option, this is where you cut — here, here, and here.” Halgra demonstrates which arteries to sever while Ruby watches. When she is finished, Halgra sheathes the hopeknife and places the necklace around Ruby’s neck before turning back to address the crowd.
“Tonight, Ruby becomes a full member of our community! Let us welcome her, and celebrate her passage into adulthood! Trunau forever!” The crowd echoes Halgra’s last words in unison, signalling the end of the ceremony. Once Halgra finishes her speech, the townsfolk waste no time transitioning to the ceremony’s more light-hearted festivities
Rodrik and Kurst Grath, accompanied by four guards drag a thick rope up onto the stage and Rodrik steps forward pointing an accusing finger at Ruby and bellowing melodramatically, "Not so fast! If you want to prove yourself to be a worthy citizen of Trunau you will need to prove yourself to us the dashingly handsome townsguard in a tug-o-war!"
Up on the stage the guardsmen are mugging for all they are worth making muscleman poses and blowing kisses, with the exception of Kurst who is covering his face with a hand and shaking his head. The crowd boo and hiss them in a good natured fashion, and it is clearly a familiar and much loved tradition.
Rodrik bellows, "You may choose five people to help in your inevitable defeat!" Despite his theatrics, and dark tone Rodrik clearly cannot keep the grin from his face, and the nervous Ruby smiles back at him before turning to search the crowd,
"Errr, I call upon...."