|
paz AKA Matt Lewis
United Kingdom
Great Sutton
Cheshire
All hail Lord Fudge!
[PFRPG PBF Games] GMing: Crypt of the Everflame, 2x We Be Goblins! · Playing: Vestige's Margreve 'Hollow', Bearpaw's Pathfinder Society
-
It is the 4th of Neth, just as the winter winds are beginning to blow. This is an important date in the calendar of the small town of Kassen, deep in the forests of Nirmathas, as it marks the anniversary of the most important event in the town's history, when its founder Ekat Kassen defeated the mercenary band that terrorised the town, albeit at the cost of his own life. The town commemorates its founder by lighting a lantern from the eternal flame that burns at Ekat Kassen's crypt, and keeping the lantern's flame burning at the town throughout the harsh winter.
Every few years, the task of retrieving the flame is given to some of the younger townsfolk, as a coming of age ritual; this year, you are the lucky few chosen for this important pilgrimage. Each of you has been visited in the past few days by Mayor Uptal, who has instructed you to travel light, carrying only what you absolutely need—weapons, armor, spellbooks, etc.—as rations and other generic equipment will be provided, and to meet at the town square before noon on this important day.
The town square is in the centre of Kassen, and is ringed by some of its most important buildings, including the Seven Silvers inn, the Greathall, the temple of Erastil, and the headquarters of the town watch.
Each of you has had the chance to say farewell to your family or mentor, and arrives at the square shortly before noon. You find it empty except for each other.
This would be a good opportunity to introduce your characters. Some of you may already know (or know of) each other, but if you don't, that's fine too - there'll be plenty of chance to get to know one another.
-
John Morgan
Australia
North Parramatta
NSW
-
Apologies in advance for the length of this introductin but once I 'discovered' my new character I perhaps got a little carried away
The elf cleric Greenclaw, as he is known, is not a native of the town of Kassel. Less than two cycles past he was found stumbling in the nearby forest, seriously wounded and on the verge of death. He was immediately taken in and cared for by the priests of the town's temple.
For sometime after his arrival he was unable or unwilling to speak. After regaining his health and his voice he was questioned by the town elders as to the events leading upto his discovery, but any mention of his past seemed to unsettle him deeply, a great sadness coming over him.
Shortly after his recovery a hunting party came across what appeared to be a small, apparently deserted elven village deep into the forest in the direction that Greenclaw had been found. There were distinct signs of battle and destruction, but no bodies were to be seen, although the remains of what looked to be a funeral pyre constructed near the dwellings was located.
Asked what had become of his family, Greenclaw with obvious pain and loss in his voice said only 'They are gone! They are all gone!" Nothing more of the subject has he yet shared and has not even to this day spoken his given name, only saying "I am a Greenclaw", apparently his family name, and the name he has since been known by in the town.
In the time that has passed since his arrival in Kassel, Greenclaw has devoted his service to Erastil. Displaying a profound and heartfelt connection to nature and a deep and genuine compassion for all forms of life, he has seemingly found a new purpose, devoting himself to worship, healing and solitary hunting as well as providing quiet service through good deeds where needed by the community.
Choosing not to take solace with the elven members of the town, he lives in solitude in a small dwelling behind the church. He has accepted the Mayor's call to join the select band of the town's youth asked to take on the pilgrimage to Ekat Kassen't crypt not out of any sense of obligation but because he feels it is the right thing to do. He does not appear to those townfolk watching the group assembled as overtly excited or eager as most in the group seem to be. He instead looks more at peace than he usually appears. It is as if he knows he will be needed on this quest, given the opportunity to use his growing skills in the healing arts and his not inconsiderable talents with the blade and bow, and most importantly the chance to be of service to this small band of his new peers.
He knows his fellow elves in the party, Duvenel and Gil-doriath, by sight and name of course and exchanges pleasantries in their native Elvish when their paths have crossed. He has little in common apart from a shared heritage with the 'city' elves as he sees those elves who belong to the town, however, and therefore spends little of his spare time with them.
Although he shares a love and respect of nature with the young Gnome Rahl Zorander, he steers well clear of him if they should happen to be wandering in the same part of the forest. It is quite apparent that he is unsettled somewhat by the gnome, regarding him with uncertainty as if he is a mysterious, possibly dangerous curiousity. Greenclaw, however, has among his talents developed an ability to speak with all nature of animals and has occasionally been seen 'sharing a word' with Rahl's badger companion Gratch when he has encountered him without his diminitive master.
Perhaps surprisingly it is the human Ranger, Tyr Ironcutter who has come the closest of all the town's residents to learning the horrors and shadows that haunt the young elf. Tyr was among those that discovered him those many months ago and it is clear Greenclaw has a deep respect and admiration for the Ranger. They can sometimes be seen when time allows practicing swordplay or taking target practice together. Even Tyr, however, has not yet been able to encourage Greenclaw to speak of what happened to his village or his family.
Of the dwarf Thyrax Stalwartshield Greenclaw knows little, as their paths have rarely crossed but it is clear he holds no fear or animosity towards the burly youth.
With regards to his appearance Greenclaw wears simple leather armour covered by a simple but handsome dark green cloak fastened at the neck with a wooden clasp in the shape of the holy symbol of Erastil. Greenclaw is never seen without this clasp attached to some part of his garments.
He has a large scar tracing from his ear down the left side of his face. This is from a wound he was found with in the forest and despite becoming skilled in the healing arts himself, he has never once attempted to heal this himself or allowed any others to attempt to do so. Beneath this and behind the veil of sadness and pain that still to this day seems to cloud his appearance, to those who have been healed by him or have worked closely at his side can be seen his natural elvish beauty. His piercingly vibrant emerald green eyes reveal a soul that despite it's scars and pain is full of compassion and love.
As he walks into the town circle he respectfully greets his fellow elves in the Elvish tongue, nods politefully to Thyrax, steps carefully past the young Gnome, and extends a hand in friendship to the Ranger Tyr as he takes his place beside him in the group.
-
午餐先生
United States
San Mateo
California
-
I hate this place.
Wait. No that's not quite it.
I feel out of place. It's why I like the forest better...
My parents didn't want me to come, but it's the way of the village. They had hoped I would be passed over, as I had been able to grow a beard quite early in my youth, and they had thought it would be forgotten I was just barely more than 17 winters old.
But no. I knew I wouldn't.
Saying good-bye to my parents was hard enough. My mother constantly worries, smothering me. She taught a little of what they call the "small magic" which was mostly taking care of animals and learning their behaviors and patterns. My father wants me to smith, like him, but I more and more enjoy my solitude, wandering in the woods as I can. I find town life boring and the politics of it all a chore. They do worry who will care for them as they age, since I am their only son and adopted.
I try not to dwell on it and look to the sky, watching a hawk circle high above.
So here I am, waiting.
I look up to see the one who calls himself Greenclaw approaching. He seems at odds with the world, like me. There is a natural affinity there, which is comforting since I am unfamiliar with all of the companions on this journey and feel so...
Out of place.
-
John Brown
United States
Illinois
-
The early morning shoppers stop to notice the gnarled dark haired dwarf wearing old dusty armor with a nasty battle ax strapped to his back.
"What do the elders mean i need more experience", mumbels the stought young dwarf as he briskly walks trough the street.
My own father trained me, and then at the testing he sided with the captain. Need more training bah what do they know he thought.
"well they will more and likely put me with some really green horns. This is just not acceptable i should be standing shoulder to shoulder with my kin not protecting weak boned races.
Well as long i get trough this with my beard intact!
-
daryl gilroy
United States
Colorado Springs
Colorado
-
Gil-doriath has answered the pilgrimage as much for his father as his community. A well repected soldier and scout his father taught him the basics of swordplay and archery but Gil-doriath interest was always in books. Spending almost all of his time studying books and scrolls Gil-doriath has amassed knowledge in many subjects.
As the studious young elf stands in the town square he reflects on the pride his father had in him 'finally doing something'. The others begin to gather and as he greets Greenclaw politely he adjusts the unfamiliar weight of his gear. Slowly he relizes he is anticipating the change and excitement of the pilgrimage.
-
Cathy Griffin
United States
Seattle
Washington
-
Duvenel was raised by her uncle since the murder of her parents by a band of orcs more than 10 spans ago. It was her uncle who taught her to play the harp and lute, and she has recently begun to earn some coin performing in the local taverns. She is honored to have been chosen for the pilgrimage to retrieve the flame and can barely contain her excitement to be off! The words to a new song begin to form in her mind...
"The 4th of Neth, the youth have gathered
To claim the flame that honors his life
Ekat Kassen, the heroic founder
Saved their town from bandits, vile."
-
paz AKA Matt Lewis
United Kingdom
Great Sutton
Cheshire
All hail Lord Fudge!
[PFRPG PBF Games] GMing: Crypt of the Everflame, 2x We Be Goblins! · Playing: Vestige's Margreve 'Hollow', Bearpaw's Pathfinder Society
-
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?”
-
Daniel J
United States
Santa Monica
California
-
Rahl's hands trembled as the Mayor issued forth the ceremonial challenge. He wasn't sure if it was nerves or the effect of that additional mug of ale he had last night. Thankfully, Gratch had woken him before he could oversleep this morning; Rahl could always count on the loyal badger to wake him with a friendly bout of wrestling.
Rahl's mother had made sure he had a cup of that foul-tasting tea before he left, and it had seemed to clear the effects of the previous night's coming-of-age festivities with his father and uncles. So it looks like those trembles were nerves after all.
In a moment of seriousness last night, his father had warned him that despite Rahl's seemingly boundless confidence, he would be confronted with nerves and even outright fear over the course of the journey, but that fear is only dangerous when it controls you. "Think carefully. Act decisively." It was one of his father's famous refrains, and it had saved Rahl's hide more than once.
Rahl steeled himself against his nerves, took confidence in his abilities, and gave Gratch a scratch behind his ears. It was time. "Mayor Uptal. I, Rahl Zorander, will go forth to Kassen's Tomb and retrieve the flame. Our community will be safe for another winter."
-
John Morgan
Australia
North Parramatta
NSW
-
Most would not have noticed, perhaps not even himself, but Greenclaw flinches almost imperceptibly partway through the Mayor's speech. His expression of serene sadness returns almost instantly, however.
After a sideways glance at the curious little gnome who speaks up first, Greenclaw then replies to the Mayor:
"I am no hero, Mayor, but as it please Erastil I will gladly serve on this quest."
-
午餐先生
United States
San Mateo
California
-
"I will go."
-
John Brown
United States
Illinois
-
planting his feet and squaring his shoulders he place his ax and nod's his acceptance of the quest ahead.
-
Cathy Griffin
United States
Seattle
Washington
-
Duvenel steps forward, strums her lute and begins to sing:
"This 4th of Neth, the youth have gathered
To claim the flame that honors his life.
Ekat Kassen, the heroic founder
Saved our town from bandits, vile."
"The bells they chime,
The townsfolk watch
in somber dress and eyes downcast.
As dwarf and elves and gnome and human
Pledge to serve and protect their homes."
"I, Duvenel, a bard untested
Embrace this quest to retrieve the flame
And sing the deeds of youth courageous
in towns and villages throughout the land."
-
daryl gilroy
United States
Colorado Springs
Colorado
-
Realizing after Duvenel finishes her song that he is the only one who has not replied Gil-doriath quickly states "I too will undertake this quest"
-
paz AKA Matt Lewis
United Kingdom
Great Sutton
Cheshire
All hail Lord Fudge!
[PFRPG PBF Games] GMing: Crypt of the Everflame, 2x We Be Goblins! · Playing: Vestige's Margreve 'Hollow', Bearpaw's Pathfinder Society
-
Once the six of you have identified yourselves, Mayor Uptal nods as if satisfied, and takes a few moments to hand each of you a well-filled backpack from the cart. The proceedings are carried out in near silence.
The mayor then speaks again: "Which of the heroes of Kassen will be the one to accept the honour of carrying the lantern?" he says, as he looks each of you in the eye.
-
John Morgan
Australia
North Parramatta
NSW
-
A chasmic silence envelopes the town square as the assembled young 'heroes' seem lost for words. The moment seems to last for a day. The sound of a squirrel chewing on a nut deep in the forest can be heard and the scratchings of a mouse in the temple roof practically echo through the town.
A man at the back of the crowd coughs, causing a sea of black cloaked heads to whip around to see the source of the noise before turning back to the chosen youth who seem suddenly intent on looking at the tips of their boots or digging that pesky bit of grit from under their nails.
Rahl's badger Gratch finally breaks the silence with a series of guttural grunts, causing Greenclaw to crack a rare smile.
'I think he just said "He will do it if one of us lily-livered, two legged noobs doesn't speak up soon!"'
'Perhaps you should elect for us Mayor Uptal as we seem a little overwhelmed by the occassion!'
-
Cathy Griffin
United States
Seattle
Washington
-
Duvenel looks up (her nails are now clean) and says, "Yes, please Mr. Mayor, sir, assign the task. As an untested youth, I have no idea what it means to carry the lantern. Does he who carries the lantern lead the quest?".
-
午餐先生
United States
San Mateo
California
-
"I feel it is not my place to say who should carry this thing, whether myself or one of my companions. I agree, choose for us, or let the badger take it."
-
Cathy Griffin
United States
Seattle
Washington
-
Duvenel, excitement and relief in her voice cries, "Oh, yes! Do let the badger do it! I shall write a song of his bravery, as well as how cute he looks carrying that lantern in his little paws!
-
paz AKA Matt Lewis
United Kingdom
Great Sutton
Cheshire
All hail Lord Fudge!
[PFRPG PBF Games] GMing: Crypt of the Everflame, 2x We Be Goblins! · Playing: Vestige's Margreve 'Hollow', Bearpaw's Pathfinder Society
-
"Very well. Gil-doriath, you shall be the one to carry the lantern. Use this to bring the fire back to Kassen." With these words, Mayor Uptal hands the ceremonial lantern to the wizard.
The mayor steps back, and 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.
-
午餐先生
United States
San Mateo
California
-
Tyr waits for Gil-doriath to lead us on, and for Duvenel to lead us in song...
-
John Morgan
Australia
North Parramatta
NSW
-
Before the group heads out, Greenclaw takes it upon himself to distribute the backpacks and rations, sharing them evenly amongst the assembled young heroes.
"Here you are my fellow travellers! May Old Deadeye guide us true on this quest!"
"Tyr, with your excellent knowledge of the woods would you lead us on the march to our destination?"
"I believe the Mayor wisely chose Gil-Doriath to hold the sacred lantern as being a Wizard he is least likely to be called on to engage in melee with any foes we should encounter. Even more reason now to keep him out of harm's way."
Do we need to decide on a full marching order at this stage?
-
paz AKA Matt Lewis
United Kingdom
Great Sutton
Cheshire
All hail Lord Fudge!
[PFRPG PBF Games] GMing: Crypt of the Everflame, 2x We Be Goblins! · Playing: Vestige's Margreve 'Hollow', Bearpaw's Pathfinder Society
-
greenclaw wrote: Do we need to decide on a full marching order at this stage?
As the path leaves the town, there is plenty of room to walk several abreast to talk.
As you leave Kassen behind, it occurs to you that none of you have ever been to the crypt before, or know the precise way to go...
-
午餐先生
United States
San Mateo
California
-
I look in my pack to see if there is a map or some sort of diagram to get us to the Crypt.
-
daryl gilroy
United States
Colorado Springs
Colorado
-
I also look into my backpack.
-
午餐先生
United States
San Mateo
California
-
I really hope there's some lembas bread.
-
|
|
|
