Sunday, December 8, 2013

The Adventure Begins

After the defeat of Asar Vergas and the death of Ekat Kassen, the surviving townsfolk drew closer together in mourning -- and in pride at what they had come together to accomplish. Old feuds were forgotten for a time, and the traditional Nirmathi independence of spirit bent to an appreciation of what the community as a whole could do. As the generation that had fought alongside the paladin aged, however, they were unhappy to see their children and grandchildren falling back into old habits, holding grudges that drew lines of division in the town, now simply called Kassen, and disregarding the hard lessons of community that their forebears had paid for in blood. The town elders came together to devise a way to convince the youngsters of the benefits of working together, and so the quest for the Everflame was born.

Once in each generation, generally every five to seven years, the young adults of the town participate in a coming-of-age ritual that recreates the quest of Ekat Kassen and his followers into the wilderness. On the late autumn day that marks the anniversary of the day Kassen set out on his last march, the chosen young townsfolk gather in the square and are solemnly sent off with a lantern from the Greathall, to light it at the eternal flame in the crypt of the fallen paladin and bring it back to town to be preserved through the cold winter, a symbol of the town's history and resilience. What happens while the fledgling adventurers are away is a secret closely guarded from the younger residents, but when they return a few days later, the town holds a great celebration in their honor, using the fruits of the year's final harvest. Those who return with the lantern are hailed as the heroes of Kassen and are henceforth viewed as fully-grown citizens, marking the end of any apprenticeships. The Everflame celebration, therefore, is often the background for engagements and weddings, as well as land and business transactions as the heroes prepare to enter adult life.

Although most of the inhabitants of Kassen have gone through the quest for the Everflame, all seem to have taken an oath not to tell anyone uninitiated what exactly is involved in the ritual. Most adults only smile secretively when asked by a child. If approached during the Everflame celebration, returning heroes are equally unforthcoming; some will rumple the children's hair and tell them not to worry about it, while those more fond of the limelight will spin wild tales about wrestling trolls or defeating squadrons of orcs from Belkzen. Every child in Kassen seems to know of a vague and distant relation some generations ago who died during the quest, but as their own time approaches, the adolescents grow more dismissive of the dangers, rolling their eyes and declaring it's only some lame trick of their parents that couldn't possibly be all that interesting. After that, most young people are too busy in apprenticeships and jobs and courtships to give much thought to the ritual ... until the morning a folded paper is slipped under their door, summoning them on the morning of the 4th of Neth to the town square and the quest for the Everflame!

As the morning breaks, each of you travel to the town square, finding only the others who have been selected to the quest. Feel free to introduce yourself, even if you may know who the others are.

35 comments:

  1. "Hidey-ho, neighbours! I am Maxarodenfroe III Jagrafess, but you can all call me Max... Or 'The mighty Jagrafess', I'm okay with both." Max gesticulated wildly with his hands, as if to demonstrate his diminutive greatness, and ended the display with a grand finale filled with electrical energy shooting between his hands. Flashing a smile, he turned to the others to await their own introductions.

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    1. Glancing up momentarily from her perusal of the cobblestones under her feet, Rabb answers with a shy, "Hello, Max."

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    2. Max flashed a smile at Rabb in the moment her eyes looked up from the ground. "A veritable pleasure to make your acquaintance!" He said.

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  2. On the morning of the Everflame Festival Rabb rose early as was her custom, dressed quickly in the frosty room and padded over to the fireplace. Stirring the embers she added a few sticks of firewood and moved the kettle over the flames. Only then did she look around the room and notice the piece of parchment lying on the mat by the door. With growing apprehension she picked up the folded paper and broke the seal. Fear swept over her as she read its contents. Thinking quickly she stode towards the fireplace only to watch her mother's eyes open just as Rabb was about to throw the summons into the flames. The opportunity lost, Rabb burst into tears and confessed the horrible truth to her mother.

    To Rabb's great frustration both her parents were overjoyed at the great honor bestowed their only child. The only thing left to do was gather her things and with almost overwhelming dread trudge to the town square. Eyes downcast and still fighting back tears Rabb hardly noticed the others gathering around her.

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  3. The solumn 250 lb bulk that was Ragnor sat back from the group. His family of dwarves had always been outsiders in this town, not even having a proper blacksmith shop but rather a smithy wagon that the other children would mock. Ragnor was in no mood to speak to the assembling group and couldn't understand why his family has even been included in this towns silly ritual. Wanting to get back to his training that his great grandfather had started him with to be a Warpriest he instead stepped back from the group set his chain flail to work through some quick swings. Thinking to really show the group he waited until the heavy ball was almost completely done a spin and he flicked his wrist, forcing the chain taunt and driving the ball forward. A smile broke across his face for a split second as he thought how impressed the others would be... Until of course the chain caught in his beard and through him with the ball into the empty streets and a mud puddle. Entirely embarrassed he turned back to little Max and says "can the great Jagramess get me out of this mess."

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    1. Glancing up at Ragnor just in time to see him land in the mud puddle, Rabb's lips twitch in a quick smile before returning to her study of the ground beneath her feet.

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    2. Max took a step back before taking a few steps to get up to speed and then diving headlong into the puddle of mud and sliding to a halt next to the dirty dwarf.

      "I can't let you have all the fun," Max called out loud enough for all to hear. "After all," he went on, "this IS the Amazing Adventure of Mysterious Max the Mighty Jagrafess and his troupe of fellows and squires!" Max paused a moment before dropping his voice to a solemn whisper that only Ragnor would hear.

      "Max, the mighty Jagrafess can fix anything!" He boasted in his best whisper. "Stick with me spruce-tree and we'll get along famously!" Max lingered for a moment before winking a sly wink through his mud-musk.

      Clambering back to his feet, Max returned to the others, talking significantly louder than when he's jumped in the puddle. "Now THAT, friends, was the most fun I've had since second breakfast. It was quite refreshing," he said and paused as the rage giant with bladed decorations looked for something to attack. "It was also quite relaxing, perhaps you should try it, Mister Mountain-With-Boots."

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  4. The first notion of Xeno is the rhythmic pounding. It echos down the alleys and streets and grows louder as Xeno draws closer. He rounds the bend and you can see a moment of surprise in his face as he realizes that there is no crowd gathered to witness his moment of glory. He recovers quickly, however, and continues to step slowly into the square, beating a heavy wooden shield with his chakram. He is covered in charms and baubles and feathers and his face is painted with white stripes. He stops in the center of the square and bellows "I am Xeno! I have arrived to take part in this most solemn ceremony for the honor of Kassen!"

    If there was any thought in his mind that this is anything less than the most important duty he's ever been assigned, you can't see it on his face. He looks ready to start fighting something right now.

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    1. Following closely behind in Xeno's massive shadow, Lien accompanies the bellowing man with an eyeroll. As his compatriot completes his booming introduction, he steps out and bows his head in greetings to all.

      "My taken name is Lien Vark. Although I am far beyond the typical age for such an event, I am proud to have been summoned and to be accepted as a full member of this community. May our combined efforts see us swiftly to the conclusion... be they with our minds or our might."

      A lithe smile spreads across his face as he taps the shiny scimitar hanging from his belt.

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    2. ((Forgot to fully describe Lien, addendum:))

      Lien wears a long, midnight blue cloak with a hood draped casually down his backside. His blonde hair spikes around his left pointed ear, but drapes over his snipped right ear (a mark of his past slavery). The leather straps that line the length of his body are littered with buckles, keeping his cloth garments held tight against his frame.

      The handle of a warhammer can be seen protruding from his cloak near his left shoulder, while a scimitar hangs proudly on his left hip. At his right there is a leather-bound tomb strapped tightly to his leg.

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    3. Xeno's lip curls into a snarl and he shakes, jingling all the chakram slung on his belt, the spears and tridents in the quiver at his back and the greatclub strung over his shoulder.

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    4. "Very, very pleased to meet you, Mister Lien," Max said extending his hand out wards and upwards and shaking vigorously. "Every adventure needs a wise older fella with what to give advice and such! You shall make the most excellent addition to my adventure!"

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    5. "And you, Mister Mountain," Max said with more than a healthy respect for the sheer number of blades perched upon the big beast's body, "I was going to specifically ask for a bodyguard, but I can see that someone was thinking ahead. Fret not," Max went on, miming a handshake rather than get too close to the brute, "we shall have some things for those blades to find presently, I expect."

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  5. Eyes widening at the sight of Xeno, Rabb watches his entrance with growing alarm until she recognizes under all the paint and feathers the young man she's seen begging at the booths in the market. This is the boy from the temple.

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  6. Seeing Max probably isn't suited to the task of hauling the mighty bulk of Ragnors stout frame, he climbs free of the muck. Shaking like a dog and flinging bits of mud free at the gathered companions the dirty dwarf sets about gathering up the chain of his mighty flail. Looping its length into a clip on his belt he then sets about wiping mud off his clan tabard resting atop his chain mail armor. As the mud begins to be knocked away a glimpse of a dwarf wielding a set of feet shackles as a weapon is seen beneath.

    "Ugh, I'm Ragnor, Ragnor Freebeard." Looking downcast and dejected, he extends a filthy mud covered hand out towards whoever will take it.

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    1. Taking back his proffered limb he wipes it absentmindedly on his tabard and turns to the rest of the group. There is no one here he hasn't seen in passing and a few he knows a bit better. "Well... Ummm... I guessin iffen we must, we should probably hit the road and get this done afore the midday begins doncha all think?"

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  7. The bells atop the Temple of Erastil toll their midday song, echoing throughout the quiet town of Kassen. 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?”

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    1. Xeno crosses his arms across his chest and bows deeply to the mayor.

      "I, Xeno, will stand against the foes of Kassen!"

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  8. Stepping forward, the dried mud cracks as his limbs bend and pieces fleck off, and Ragnor proclaims, "I'm no hero but I will so as I am asked in Rhykar's name." Pulling forth his chain flail he murmurs a short prayer and a light like a torch's flame comes over the spinning steel ball, casting a glow over the assembled company.

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    1. "Never fear, never fear, gentle townsfolk of Kassen!" Max began quickly clambering atop the wagon, so that all could have equal opportunity to gave upon his glory. "I am such a hero as you seek, and as you can see I have with me my very own troupe perfectly suited to create the exact amount of a barrier required to shield me from the harsh bite of the winter wind, as well as both howling wolves and winter-shadow-serpents!"

      Max paused long enough to allow the assembled crowd to take in the full meaning of his heroic speech!

      "Come, comrades," Max shouted as he waved his hands, "It is time that I lead you all to my destiny!"

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    2. Rabb raises her hand and watches the mayor until she has his attention, "I will go and help bring back the flame, sir."

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    3. Lien quirks an eyebrow at Max as he finishes his verbose announcement before stepping forward.

      "Hmm. Quite."

      Nodding politely to Rabb before turning to the Mayor, he continues, "Lien Vark of Minata is present, eager to become Lien Vark of Kassan!" He brushes the hair behind his clipped ear, a symbol of his stand against his previous life.

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  9. The mayor checks his list, muttering the names as he checks them off his list. "Ragnor, Max, Rabb, Lien and Xeno..yes yes, good." He holds his hands up for everyone to be quiet, even though the crowd is very still.

    He hands the lantern to Rabb and says, "This will hold the flame, guard this with your life." He turns to the wagon and then pulls out backpacks and supplies, handing each of you a backpack and then dividing the supplies up amongst each of you, as you see fit. Each backpack contains 5 days of trail rations, a small tent, a winter blanket, 2 full waterskins and a piece of the map that outlines the trail to the Crypt. Each backpack is of really good workmanship.

    The mayor once again speaks to the townsfolk. “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.”

    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. The crowd, who has been somber and silent all this time, begins chatting with one another as the group begins to head to the south.

    ((each of you now own a masterwork backpack and the supplies listed. In addition, the following are group items, 50 feet of rope, a box containing tinder and 3 tindertwigs, 3 torches, a grappling hook. a potion labeled Cure light wounds, and a small bottle of local brandy.

    You are now free to do what you want. All of you town kids have heard the stories about this trip, that there have been deaths etc. The townspeople's actions have perhaps reinforced the fears of at least one of you. (My assumption is that Rabb is very much afraid of this quest and has perhaps overheard rumors of every evil imagined..some in her own mind.--the rest of you may believe those rumors or not, but the sheer gravity of the solemn ceremony you just witnessed has perhaps shaken even the most "brave".) What do you do? Expect a new post when we move out of the village and onto the trail))

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    1. (Who knows how to drive a cart?)

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    2. My families smithy is kept on the back of a cart and I have moved it once or twice, I can steer us down the path... For that bottle of brandy....

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    3. Xeno shrugs. "A warrior doesn't defile his body with drink."

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    4. Addressing the mayor and the townspeople, Rabb musters up her courage and replies, " Thank you for your confidence in us. We will not let you down. I give you my pledge that I will bring the Everflame back to you or die in the attempt.

      To the party:
      "We must divide this load between us and begin our journey.
      Ragnor, you look like a sturdy fellow, why don't you carry the rope and grappling hook?
      Xeno, you are the one who should carry the brandy. You will obviously save it for medicinal purposes. Our swarthy friend here might not be able to do that.
      Ragnor, Lein and Xeno, the torches should go to you three, I think and Max can carry the tindertwig and tinder.
      I will guard the lantern.
      Now, who will lead the way?"

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    5. "I shall gladly carry the most important tindertwig and tinder," Max proclaimed, joyfully.

      "Onward fellows," he said, scooping up his equipment and running to catch up with the moving monstrosity. "So, Mister Mountain," Max said as he caught up with Xeno, "as my bodyguard, do you want to walk in front of me, or behind me?"

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    6. At the notion that Rabb would seperate Ragnor from a drink he grumbles mightily something about rocks falling and curses on her defendants before following behind Max and Xeno. Listening to Max go on Ragnor can't help but interject... "Little fellow, you sure do a lot of talking, think you might just talk your way into finding me a bottle of something tasty? I'd be appreciative enough to tell all the young lasses we meet about Max and his Mighty Jagerfess...."

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    7. Xeno rumbles, "I don't care where you walk, just don't walk in my way."

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  10. Xeno starts walking out of the village.

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    1. Following Xeno out of the village Ragnor can't help but take the opportunity to pull in a fair haired maiden for a kiss. "Might be that's my last, doncha go forgetting olde Ragnor, cuz iffen I be coming back, there be more wherein that came from!" Skipping off before her brothers or father can say much Ragnor makes for the edge of town and Max's shadow.

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  11. As the others move toward the gates to the city, Rabb steps over to the mayor and says, "Sir, I have only 3 cure light wounds scrolls. These young men are obviously ready to do battle. I am not a healer. What shall we do if someone is injured in this quest?"

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    1. The mayor stops and thinks for a moment. "Ah yes, I heard that Father Prasst has a used one for about 300 gold."

      ((22 Charges on the wand))

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