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Redbadge's Crypt of the Everflame (IC)
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<blockquote data-quote="Redbadge" data-source="post: 5970116" data-attributes="member: 61463"><p><em>4 Neth 4709 (7:38:18)</em></p><p> <em>Town of Kass<span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">en, Nir</span>mathas</em></p><p></p><p>The morning sun is just over the horizon, and like you, Kassen is already largely awake. Bits of life are percolating throughout the town as shops open, men head out to work on the river, in the woods, or in the field, and women open up the house to let in the light of dawn. Although the chilly air has a bit of a bite to it, most people are in a very warm mood. Much of the activity is centered on the forthcoming ceremony, and like any hardworking, isolated community, any deviation from the routine or mundane is welcome indeed.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Gamble]As you step out the front door of the Seven Silvers Inn, you are immediately greeted by <a href="http://www.enworld.org/forum/group.php?do=viewpic&id=38&groupid=269" target="_blank">Cygar Anravis</a>, who appears to be headed in. "<span style="color: Sienna"><span style="color: DarkOrange">Morning,</span><span style="color: White">" he grunts as he brushes past you into the inn. Marshon Waters, the local general store owner, appears much friendlier, as he waves while opening his store across from you, on the north side of the street. Turning east, and walking across the wide town square, you spot a couple more townmembers up and about, including the blacksmith's son, the brawny, but oh-so-solemn Joseph Gault, who you note will be one of your compatriots for the next few days. He glances at you before heading over to the Town Watch Headquarters, where he greets the slow-witted Golfond Kir. Making your way quickly through the streets of Kassen, you soon arrive at the tall, but crooked tower at the edge of town, the home of <a href="http://www.enworld.org/forum/group.php?do=viewpic&id=39&groupid=269" target="_blank">Holgast the Sage</a>. The tower, made of brick and timber, leans slightly to the south.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: Sienna"><span style="color: White"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: Sienna"><span style="color: White">Your mentor Jocyn, half-elf bard, appears to just be getting ready to leave, since he and Holgast stand in the doorway of the tower's entrance, finishing up a chat.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: Sienna"><span style="color: White"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: Sienna"><span style="color: White">"<span style="color: Yellow">Hmmm, yes, very true, Jocyn, I will have to keep that in mind,<span style="color: White">" the sage is saying as he nods at his guest. Holgast has the large yellow and orange door of his tower propped open with one hand, kind of leaning on it, while his other hand grips a long, smoking pipe. With his back towards your approach, Jocyn doesn't really see you, but Holgast does spot you, and takes his pipe out of his mouth long enough to point Jocyn's attention towards you with the tip. "<span style="color: Yellow">Speak of the devil.<span style="color: White">"</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: Sienna"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Yellow"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Yellow"><span style="color: White"></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: Sienna"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Yellow"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Yellow"><span style="color: White">Jocyn smiles weakly, shaking his head. "<span style="color: DarkOrchid">Hush now, Holgast.<span style="color: White">" Turning towards his gnome student (and good friend), Jocyn quickly greets you, "<span style="color: DarkOrchid">Good morning, Gamble. And how is your head treating you this morning?<span style="color: White">" As your friend and mentor listens to your response, grimaces at your questionable decisions, and grins at your apparent good fortune, Holgast moves to slip inside.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: Sienna"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Yellow"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Yellow"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: Sienna"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Yellow"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Yellow"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White">"<span style="color: Yellow">Thank-you for stopping by, Jocyn. I'll let you talk with your pupil. I would invite you both in, but, well, you know...<span style="color: White">"</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: Sienna"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Yellow"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Yellow"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Yellow"><span style="color: White"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: Sienna"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Yellow"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Yellow"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Yellow"><span style="color: White">Jocyn moves to usher the eccentric wizard back into his eccentric home, "<span style="color: DarkOrchid">Go, go, go, we honestly have no more need of <u>you</u> at the moment.<span style="color: White">" Jocyn shakes his head again, before turning back to you grinning, "<span style="color: DarkOrchid">Well, I guess I should talk with you now...<span style="color: White">"</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: Sienna"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Yellow"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Yellow"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Yellow"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: Sienna"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Yellow"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Yellow"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Yellow"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White">Jocyn Elmaran leads you through the streets of Kassen, limping along with no particular destination in mind, as he gives you advice and instructions on your upcoming quest. "<span style="color: DarkOrchid">I have every amount of faith in you and your abilities, Gamble. You've always had a bit of flair, certainly since I've known you, but now I'm proud to say that you are both versatile and talented in the ways I hope all my students can be.<span style="color: White"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: Sienna"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Yellow"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Yellow"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Yellow"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: Sienna"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Yellow"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Yellow"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Yellow"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White">"<span style="color: DarkOrchid">Honestly, I'm sure this quest will prove no challenge to you and the others. What I'd like to see is for you to move on to bigger and better things once this little adventure is over. I've settled down here... well, let's just say that my leg won't allow me to travel like I use to...<span style="color: White">" He motions at his crippled leg, but pauses for a bit as if thinking about some long lost thought before continuing. "<span style="color: DarkOrchid">Anyways, let's just say that a performer, entertainer, and adventurer like yourself doesn't need to be couped up in a little town like this. Besides, there is not a lot that a gnome bard can offer to a lumberjack town, especially since our local inn already has an epic performer to provide its entertainment needs.<span style="color: White">" He smiles widely at this last bit.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: Sienna"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Yellow"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Yellow"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Yellow"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: Sienna"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Yellow"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Yellow"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Yellow"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White">"<span style="color: DarkOrchid">Let's see. Before I let you off, there was a couple more things they wanted me to tell you. Ah yes, travel lightly.<span style="color: White">" He looks at your spindly frame, as if there was any doubt about that. "<span style="color: DarkOrchid">...Just take along your harmonica, arms, and armor. Oh, and your spell component pouch, of course. Not that you could carry much more anyways. Now, you'll want to meet with Mayor Uptal as soon as possible. He said he would be over at the general store for most of the day. Unless there are any questions you have for me?<span style="color: White">" Jocyn looks at you expectantly.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: Sienna"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Yellow"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Yellow"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Yellow"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: Sienna"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Yellow"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Yellow"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Yellow"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><span style="color: White"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><img src="http://www.enworld.org/forum/scpics/1341893269_half-elf_emissary.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" />[/sblock]</p><p>[sblock=Snaggle]You make your way briskly from your home towards the large house that serves as the Vargidan estate, working your way the long way around, through sidestreets and backalleys. Normally, you move quickly and quietly about town, since the townsfolk haven't been particularly neighborly towards the kobold in their midst, even a young, adopted, magically inclined one. However, the kindness and hospitality towards you has really picked up since it was announced that you'd be one of the young adventurers sent to the crypt. This morning in particular it seems the few villagers who do catch sight of you are generally happy to see you, and wave and call out greetings enthusiastically. You're not sure how you were picked for this important ceremony in the first place, but you feel like Don and Mortus probably had a heavy hand in it, hoping to see you more successfully integrated into the town.</p><p></p><p>Despite your route, it only takes a couple minutes to reach the Vargidan estate. You can understand why it has such a spooky reputation amongst the rest of the town. The large red and black building is heavy, dark, and ornate. Gargoyles stare down from each corner of the roof, and a thick purple cloud billows out of the building's large chimney. The knockers on the double front door are large busts (<em>i.e. head and torso sculptures</em>) of succubi, with each actual knocker ring piercing either side of the heavy bronze breasts of the succubi. A number of unavoidable puns cascade through your mind, in no small part because everyone in town has heard them a million times from the town's bawdiest lumberjacks. Although the mayor has tried to talk Mortus into replacing them, the eccentric sorcerer will hear none of it, claiming they are an important relic from his adventuring days, when he supposedly liberated them from the front door of genii caliph's palace. You reach up, perhaps reluctantly, and give one of the bronze rings several sharp raps against the belly of one of the succubi.</p><p></p><p>After a minute or so, you hear a commotion on the other side of the door. The door opens to reveal Mortus, his long, white hair and beard tucked inside a white nightshirt as if he's just pulled it on, and he is frowning and cursing furiously, "<span style="color: Red">Where are those damn servants? Lazy, good-for-nothing layabouts. Why do I even pay them? The damn children do more work than them.<span style="color: White">" Seeing you does not put a smile on his face</span></span>. "<span style="color: Red">Yeah, what do you want at this godforsaken unreasonable hour?<span style="color: White">" Your explanation does not seem to appease him. "<span style="color: Red">Eh, wot. What day do you say it is now? I think not... What, you're certain?... I said that now did, I?<span style="color: White">" He pauses for a moment, reluctantly, before motioning you inside. "<span style="color: Red">Very well, but make it quick. My starpans are due for the weaving of the perfumes shortly.<span style="color: White">" Even after he's said it, Mortus seems as bewildered by that last bit as you are.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: Red"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Red"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Red"><span style="color: White"></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: Red"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Red"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Red"><span style="color: White">You've been inside the Vargidan home many times before, and it is no less impressive now. The floors are carpeted, the furniture is heavy and old, and nearly every square inch of the walls are covered in art, much of it erotic in nature. As you take a seat on a puffy leather couch, which might well be</span></span></span></span></span></span> made out of authentic dragonhide, Moltus calls for his servants, "<span style="color: Red">Paul, Torban, get your lazy asses outta bed! I need my tea!<span style="color: White">" In the midst of his shouting, he politely turns to you, "<span style="color: Red">Would you like a cup, too? It is a very good, but very rare, Minkai blend.<span style="color: White">" Without awaiting your response, he turns back and shouts through the walls and ceiling, "<span style="color: Red">Make that two cups of tea!<span style="color: White">"</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p></p><p>After finishing his shout, Mortus takes a seat in a large purple and gold easy chair, propping his slippered feat up on a nearby table that appears to be some sort of antique game table. You notice that he is finally smiling, staring at you with a sort of whimsical enthusiasm quite different from his demeanor just a moment ago. While you two sit in silence, you hear several large crashes coming from the direction of the kitchen, but Mortus either does not hear them or does not seem to care. After a good while, you hear the tell-tale sign of a teakettle whistle, and not long after that, a small, dark haired child walks into the room, a tray with tea and saucers floating in mid-air behind her. As she politely holds the swinging kitchen door open for the tray, Moltus glances at her, and his whimsical smile turns into a glare.</p><p></p><p>"<span style="color: Red">Why child,<span style="color: White">" He says through gritted teeth, "<span style="color: Red">Where are Paul and Torban?<span style="color: White">"</span></span></span></span></p><p></p><p>The girl, who you place at no older than six, replies in a sweet, sing-song voice, "<span style="color: Red"><span style="color: Plum">Oh. Jeorge knocked them out again, Papa. They're still sleepy, so I made you tea.</span><span style="color: White">" She motions towards the floating tea tray, but as she does, it tips to the side a little before she quickly corrects and readjusts it through sheer concentration.</span></span></p><p></p><p>Moltus's exasperation quickly turns to devotion and nurturing. He takes the tray from the air and sets it on the game table, saying "<span style="color: Red">Thank-you very much, Maudy. Now why don't you run along and wake the rest of your brothers and sisters. I've found out that today is a big day.<span style="color: White">"</span></span></p><p><span style="color: Red"><span style="color: White"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: Red"><span style="color: White">"<span style="color: Plum">Yes, papa,<span style="color: White">" says Maudy before running off, leaving you and the Vargidan patriarch to enjoy your tea.</span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: Red"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Plum"><span style="color: White"></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: Red"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Plum"><span style="color: White">Just as you're starting to sip your (suprisingly well-brewed) tea, another door opens, a heavy wooden one at the opposite side of the room, leading from deeper into the house. A nubile young woman with toussled black hair and smooth, deeply tanned skin, wearing nothing but bedsheets wrapped around her and clutched against her chest, leans through the crack in the door.</span></span></span></span> "<span style="color: PaleGreen">Who is there Molt? You said you'd be right back to bed<span style="color: White">," the woman says shyly, almost innocently. Although her ethnicity is difficult to pinpoint <strong><span style="color: Gray">(DC 10 Knowledge (Geography))</span></strong><span style="color: Gray"><span style="color: White">, you still recognize her </span></span></span></span>as Maria, previously one of the maidservants of the Vargidan estate... and now, the old man's 18-year-old wife, his twelfth.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: White">"<span style="color: Red">No, no,<span style="color: White">" Moltus consoles her, "<span style="color: Red">I forgot what day it was. Go put some clothes on, and make sure the children are all ready. I'll be taking them to the town square later this morning.<span style="color: White">"</span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Red"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Red"><span style="color: White"></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Red"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Red"><span style="color: White">The woman turns back into the house, leaving you alone with Moltus once more. Already though, he seems to be getting worked up again about something, because he resumes his ranting from before, "<span style="color: Red">Screw all their damn superstitious mumbo-jumbo! <em>...damn thirteen hocus-pocus...</em><span style="color: White">" He declares, before mumbling the last bit about the number thirteen. He continues, "<span style="color: Red">You know what I say! I say the thirteenth time is the charm, is what it is.<span style="color: White">" He calms a bit, nodding to himself. You probably wouldn't dream of correcting him at this point, however, lest you get him truly riled up. He stops thoughtfully, and continues to sip from his tea.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Red"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Red"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Red"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Red"><span style="color: White"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Red"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Red"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Red"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Red"><span style="color: White">Just when it seems you might finally get to really talk with your mentor, it appears that he's forgotten all about you. You both sit quietly for who knows how long, you staring at him, and he staring into space, before you finally work up the courage to prompt him.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> At the sound of your voice, he jumps. "<span style="color: Red">Oh, hello, Snaggle,<span style="color: White">" he says truly surprised to see you. "<span style="color: Red">I'm glad you stopped by. There is something I was supposed to tell you... Ah yes, when you head to the town square later today, all they want you to bring is your most vital gear.<span style="color: White">" He quickly spots that you only have your spear and thieves' tools. "<span style="color: Red">Good, good, I see that you are already prepared. Wait, there was something else I was supposed to tell you...<span style="color: White">" His brow furrows, but his eyes have become very tired-looking, and his voice sounds fatigued, where there was none before. "<span style="color: Red">Yes, well, it must not have been very important. Was there anything you wanted to ask me before you leave?<span style="color: White">" He looks towards you with a kind, fatherly face, but you can see in his eyes that the great mind of Moltus Vargidan is very distant.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: Red"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Red"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Red"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Red"><span style="color: White"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: Red"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Red"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Red"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: Red"><span style="color: White"><img src="http://www.enworld.org/forum/scpics/1341893044_old-hermit.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>[/sblock]</p><p>[sblock=Joseph]As you quietly lock up the door at the back of the house, you see a light blink into existence in the rear window of the shop portion of the building. It seems your father is already up as well, and is beginning to prepare for the coming day. You slip around the house into the main courtyard, where you can easily see the Town Watch Headquarters, caddy corner across the town square from you. This morning, it seems the watch has fallen to <a href="http://www.enworld.org/forum/group.php?do=viewpic&id=37&groupid=269" target="_blank">Guardsman Golfond Kir</a>, who stands just in front of the HQ door, with a two-handed axe in his hand and a lit lantern at his feet. Though there is not much likelihood of foul play in Kassen, the building <em>does</em> contain the armory, and villagers like to have access to the town guard whenever needed and as quickly as possible, so a 24-hour watch is appreciated.</p><p></p><p>There are a couple of ot<span style="font-size: 10px">her town-</span>members moving about the square this morning, particularly <a href="http://www.enworld.org/forum/group.php?do=viewpic&id=38&groupid=269" target="_blank">Cygar Anravis</a>, who you've had your eye on for some time. As he stalks across the square <em>towards</em> the Seven Silvers, you can't help but wonder, if he is only just now heading for the warmth and comfort of the inn, what was he doing about town at this hour? Both you and Guardsman Kir watch Cygar head up to the door of the inn, before he brusquely brushes past the small blue creature that is exiting the building at the same time. You recognize the creature as Gamble, a bright blue gnome with brighter blue hair, and who, for better-or-worse, will be accompanying you when you leave town later today. He sees you staring, but soon heads off on his own unknown errands.</p><p></p><p>You stroll across the courtyard towards Golfond, who has spotted you as well, and he greets you first. "<span style="color: RoyalBlue">Good mornin', and well met, friend Joseph<span style="color: White">," he</span></span> says in his slow, but purposeful speech. After you return his greeting, you quickly fall into idle chit chat and small conversation, which, though mostly simple due to Golfond's limitations, is perhaps not entirely unwelcome. Before long, however, the conversation turns towards your mentor, captain of the guards Gregor Wisslo.</p><p></p><p>"<span style="color: RoyalBlue">Cap'n Wisslo is inside and should be out 'fore too much longer. He's expectin' you,<span style="color: White">" Golfond is saying, when the door to the watch building opens up, and Captain Wisslo steps out.</span></span> He's only wearing simple boiled leather, and the only weapon he has is the dagger sheathed on his belt.</p><p></p><p>"<span style="color: DimGray">Greetings, men.<span style="color: White">" Wisslo says in a deep voice, his warm breath turning to fog in the chilly morning air. Nodding at your replies, he soon turns to Golfond.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: DimGray"><span style="color: White"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: DimGray"><span style="color: White">"<span style="color: DimGray">Guardsman Kir.</span></span></span><span style="color: White">"</span></p><p><span style="color: White"></span></p><p><span style="color: White">"<span style="color: RoyalBlue">Yes, sir?<span style="color: White">"</span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: White"><span style="color: RoyalBlue"><span style="color: White"></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: White"><span style="color: RoyalBlue"><span style="color: White">"<span style="color: DimGray">You're officially relieved of watch for the night. I'm taking watch now.<span style="color: White">"</span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: White"><span style="color: RoyalBlue"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DimGray"><span style="color: White"></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: White"><span style="color: RoyalBlue"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DimGray"><span style="color: White">"<span style="color: RoyalBlue">Yessir, Captain Wisslo.<span style="color: White">" Without further question and without looking back, Golfond takes his axe and lantern, and strides off, probably heading to his mother. The morning still leaves plenty of light for you and Captain Wisslo to talk by.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: White"><span style="color: RoyalBlue"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DimGray"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: RoyalBlue"><span style="color: White"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: White"><span style="color: RoyalBlue"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DimGray"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: RoyalBlue"><span style="color: White">Wisslo asks you a few courtesy questions before digging into the heart of the matter. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span>"<span style="color: DimGray">You're a good soldier, Gault, and honest to a fault. And I don't mean a good town guard or a good militia member, either. I mean a true soldier, a fighter, strong, hard-working, smart, and skilled. It's hard to ask for much more.<span style="color: White">" He turns to look where Golfond, just barely visible amongst the streets and buildings in the distance, has accidentally stumbled and dropped his axe. However, the captain seems to ignore it, just looking off in the distance in general and nodding to himself. "<span style="color: DimGray">...Yes, a damn fine soldier.</span></span></span><span style="color: White">"</span></p><p><span style="color: White"></span></p><p><span style="color: White">"<span style="color: DimGray">Anyways, the mayor asked me to talk with you. I'm not going to talk about any of that other bull; I know you'll do your town proud easy enough. What I want to say is more important.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DimGray"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DimGray"><span style="color: White">"<span style="color: DimGray">Now I know that your father wants you to continue working with him in his shop, but I'm here to tell you that Kassen needs more of you than that... Well, let's just say that I ain't getting any younger. And I am damn sure not going to let that <a href="http://www.enworld.org/forum/group.php?do=viewpic&id=40&groupid=269" target="_blank">foreign bastard</a> take over here. What I'm trying to say, son, is that I want to groom you for command of the watch.</span></span></span>" Wisslo looks at you carefully, trying to judge your initial reaction, before continuing, "<span style="color: DimGray">Now, don't think about this too much right now. Just... be keeping it in mind. We'll talk more about that after you return from your, uh, little holiday in the woods.<span style="color: White">"</span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: White"></span></p><p><span style="color: White">The captain sighs, and briefly smiles at you, as if he's glad to have gotten that off of his chest. "<span style="color: DimGray">There are a few other things they wanted me to mention <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">to you. You're to supply only your weapons and armor,</span><span style="color: White"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">" he raises an eyebrow as he eyes your pack full of gear. "</span><span style="color: DimGray"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Anything </span>else you need -- rope, torches, rations, and so on -- will be provided before you leave. Also, when you get a chance, head on over there to the store, where I believe Mayor Uptal will be meeting with you this morning.<span style="color: White">"</span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DimGray"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DimGray"><span style="color: White"></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DimGray"><span style="color: White"><span style="color: DimGray"><span style="color: White">Wisslo takes one last moment to look you over carefully. "<span style="color: DimGray">Well, son. What do you have to say for yourself?<span style="color: White">"</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><img src="http://www.enworld.org/forum/scpics/1341892564_old%20fighter.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" />[/sblock]</p><p>[sblock=Lissa]<span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">Not two seconds after you leave your small cottage, you leap into the saddle, and Nyra shoots off towards Kassen, sprinting at full speed. Her lithe but powerful body easily avoids the obstacles she must dodge, and rips through the small bushes and such that she doesn’t. Unfortunately, the wind is just beginning to whip across your face when you spot your mentor, Olmira Treesong, gathering autumn flowers quite a distance from the town walls. You circle back around so you can talk to her from atop of Nyra.</span></span> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">Although you greet the druid as you ride up, she just ignores you, instead choosing to walk up to your lion and offer chunks of meat she pulls out of one pocket. Nyra greatly appreciates the gift. Only after Olmira has scratched the head, ears, and chin of the white lion, and hugged its soft neck, chortling as she does so, does she choose to acknowledge your presence.</span></span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“<span style="color: Lime">Hello, little mouse. And how are you today?</span>” Oblivious to your response, she pauses as if she has just thought of something amusing. “<span style="color: Lime">You know, I find something unusual about you two. The lion follows the mouse, instead of simply chasing and eating it.</span>” She laughs out loud, apparently thinking she’s just come up with a very funny joke. “<span style="color: Lime">Someone should write a fable about it.</span>”</span></span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">Olmira stops talking for a moment as she spots a fox hidden under a nearby bush. She pulls more food out of a different pocket, and crouches down to the gesture towards the fox. It doesn’t take much coaxing for the fox to dart over and start eating out of the other druid’s hands, despite the presence of your lion. You still have to struggle to control Nyra, however, as the appearance of more food has excited her, and you can’t tell if this means the handful of treats… or the fox.</span></span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">After the fox finishes eating and dashes back into the trees, Olimira turns to you and asks, “<span style="color: Lime">Will you walk with me for a little while, little mouse?</span>” She turns away from the town and walks back into the forest, giving you little choice but to follow her or abandon her.</span></span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">As you and Nyra move to catch up, you can hear that she has already resumed talking. “<span style="color: Lime">I was just talking with the wind the other day, and do you know what he told me? He said you are ready. I have nothing left to teach you…</span>” Suddenly she sounds very sad. “<span style="color: Lime">You have learned a lot, and now you are friends with the flowers, and with the animals of the forest, and with the trees, the rocks, the stream, the very wind itself.</span>” Her melancholy quickly gives way to joy and enthusiasm as she looks back to you. “<span style="color: Lime">And they are all friends with you.</span>”</span></span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">You continue walking through the woods for several more minutes, with Olmira occasionally stopping to greet and converse with the flowers, or with some small woodland creature. As she rambles on, it is not always easy for you to tell if she is talking with you… or the wind. She is just in the middle of saying something about the coming winter, and the state of the many creatures that have a long hibernation ahead of them, when she stops and quickly turns to you. “<span style="color: Lime">What are you still doing here, little mouse? Those… others… are waiting on you.</span>” She motions back towards Kassen, her eyes brimming with tears. Before you can respond, she runs up and hugs you both, not only encompassing the lion, but you as well this time. Despite the strength of the juvenile lion, Nyra struggles to escape Olmira’s embrace. You suspect that the same would be true even if she was a fully grown lioness. The hug stops as quickly as it began, with Olmira looking at you once more. “<span style="color: Lime">Little mouse, unless you have any more of your little, mousy questions for me, then I ask for you to fly. Fly, now.</span>”</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"><img src="http://www.enworld.org/forum/scpics/1341893851_druid.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p> [/sblock]</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Redbadge, post: 5970116, member: 61463"] [I]4 Neth 4709 (7:38:18)[/I] [I]Town of Kass[FONT=Verdana]en, Nir[/FONT]mathas[/I] The morning sun is just over the horizon, and like you, Kassen is already largely awake. Bits of life are percolating throughout the town as shops open, men head out to work on the river, in the woods, or in the field, and women open up the house to let in the light of dawn. Although the chilly air has a bit of a bite to it, most people are in a very warm mood. Much of the activity is centered on the forthcoming ceremony, and like any hardworking, isolated community, any deviation from the routine or mundane is welcome indeed. [sblock=Gamble]As you step out the front door of the Seven Silvers Inn, you are immediately greeted by [URL="http://www.enworld.org/forum/group.php?do=viewpic&id=38&groupid=269"]Cygar Anravis[/URL], who appears to be headed in. "[COLOR=Sienna][COLOR=DarkOrange]Morning,[/COLOR][COLOR=White]" he grunts as he brushes past you into the inn. Marshon Waters, the local general store owner, appears much friendlier, as he waves while opening his store across from you, on the north side of the street. Turning east, and walking across the wide town square, you spot a couple more townmembers up and about, including the blacksmith's son, the brawny, but oh-so-solemn Joseph Gault, who you note will be one of your compatriots for the next few days. He glances at you before heading over to the Town Watch Headquarters, where he greets the slow-witted Golfond Kir. Making your way quickly through the streets of Kassen, you soon arrive at the tall, but crooked tower at the edge of town, the home of [URL="http://www.enworld.org/forum/group.php?do=viewpic&id=39&groupid=269"]Holgast the Sage[/URL]. The tower, made of brick and timber, leans slightly to the south. Your mentor Jocyn, half-elf bard, appears to just be getting ready to leave, since he and Holgast stand in the doorway of the tower's entrance, finishing up a chat. "[COLOR=Yellow]Hmmm, yes, very true, Jocyn, I will have to keep that in mind,[COLOR=White]" the sage is saying as he nods at his guest. Holgast has the large yellow and orange door of his tower propped open with one hand, kind of leaning on it, while his other hand grips a long, smoking pipe. With his back towards your approach, Jocyn doesn't really see you, but Holgast does spot you, and takes his pipe out of his mouth long enough to point Jocyn's attention towards you with the tip. "[COLOR=Yellow]Speak of the devil.[COLOR=White]" Jocyn smiles weakly, shaking his head. "[COLOR=DarkOrchid]Hush now, Holgast.[COLOR=White]" Turning towards his gnome student (and good friend), Jocyn quickly greets you, "[COLOR=DarkOrchid]Good morning, Gamble. And how is your head treating you this morning?[COLOR=White]" As your friend and mentor listens to your response, grimaces at your questionable decisions, and grins at your apparent good fortune, Holgast moves to slip inside. "[COLOR=Yellow]Thank-you for stopping by, Jocyn. I'll let you talk with your pupil. I would invite you both in, but, well, you know...[COLOR=White]" Jocyn moves to usher the eccentric wizard back into his eccentric home, "[COLOR=DarkOrchid]Go, go, go, we honestly have no more need of [U]you[/U] at the moment.[COLOR=White]" Jocyn shakes his head again, before turning back to you grinning, "[COLOR=DarkOrchid]Well, I guess I should talk with you now...[COLOR=White]" Jocyn Elmaran leads you through the streets of Kassen, limping along with no particular destination in mind, as he gives you advice and instructions on your upcoming quest. "[COLOR=DarkOrchid]I have every amount of faith in you and your abilities, Gamble. You've always had a bit of flair, certainly since I've known you, but now I'm proud to say that you are both versatile and talented in the ways I hope all my students can be.[COLOR=White] "[COLOR=DarkOrchid]Honestly, I'm sure this quest will prove no challenge to you and the others. What I'd like to see is for you to move on to bigger and better things once this little adventure is over. I've settled down here... well, let's just say that my leg won't allow me to travel like I use to...[COLOR=White]" He motions at his crippled leg, but pauses for a bit as if thinking about some long lost thought before continuing. "[COLOR=DarkOrchid]Anyways, let's just say that a performer, entertainer, and adventurer like yourself doesn't need to be couped up in a little town like this. Besides, there is not a lot that a gnome bard can offer to a lumberjack town, especially since our local inn already has an epic performer to provide its entertainment needs.[COLOR=White]" He smiles widely at this last bit. "[COLOR=DarkOrchid]Let's see. Before I let you off, there was a couple more things they wanted me to tell you. Ah yes, travel lightly.[COLOR=White]" He looks at your spindly frame, as if there was any doubt about that. "[COLOR=DarkOrchid]...Just take along your harmonica, arms, and armor. Oh, and your spell component pouch, of course. Not that you could carry much more anyways. Now, you'll want to meet with Mayor Uptal as soon as possible. He said he would be over at the general store for most of the day. Unless there are any questions you have for me?[COLOR=White]" Jocyn looks at you expectantly. [/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][IMG]http://www.enworld.org/forum/scpics/1341893269_half-elf_emissary.jpg[/IMG][/sblock] [sblock=Snaggle]You make your way briskly from your home towards the large house that serves as the Vargidan estate, working your way the long way around, through sidestreets and backalleys. Normally, you move quickly and quietly about town, since the townsfolk haven't been particularly neighborly towards the kobold in their midst, even a young, adopted, magically inclined one. However, the kindness and hospitality towards you has really picked up since it was announced that you'd be one of the young adventurers sent to the crypt. This morning in particular it seems the few villagers who do catch sight of you are generally happy to see you, and wave and call out greetings enthusiastically. You're not sure how you were picked for this important ceremony in the first place, but you feel like Don and Mortus probably had a heavy hand in it, hoping to see you more successfully integrated into the town. Despite your route, it only takes a couple minutes to reach the Vargidan estate. You can understand why it has such a spooky reputation amongst the rest of the town. The large red and black building is heavy, dark, and ornate. Gargoyles stare down from each corner of the roof, and a thick purple cloud billows out of the building's large chimney. The knockers on the double front door are large busts ([I]i.e. head and torso sculptures[/I]) of succubi, with each actual knocker ring piercing either side of the heavy bronze breasts of the succubi. A number of unavoidable puns cascade through your mind, in no small part because everyone in town has heard them a million times from the town's bawdiest lumberjacks. Although the mayor has tried to talk Mortus into replacing them, the eccentric sorcerer will hear none of it, claiming they are an important relic from his adventuring days, when he supposedly liberated them from the front door of genii caliph's palace. You reach up, perhaps reluctantly, and give one of the bronze rings several sharp raps against the belly of one of the succubi. After a minute or so, you hear a commotion on the other side of the door. The door opens to reveal Mortus, his long, white hair and beard tucked inside a white nightshirt as if he's just pulled it on, and he is frowning and cursing furiously, "[COLOR=Red]Where are those damn servants? Lazy, good-for-nothing layabouts. Why do I even pay them? The damn children do more work than them.[COLOR=White]" Seeing you does not put a smile on his face[/COLOR][/COLOR]. "[COLOR=Red]Yeah, what do you want at this godforsaken unreasonable hour?[COLOR=White]" Your explanation does not seem to appease him. "[COLOR=Red]Eh, wot. What day do you say it is now? I think not... What, you're certain?... I said that now did, I?[COLOR=White]" He pauses for a moment, reluctantly, before motioning you inside. "[COLOR=Red]Very well, but make it quick. My starpans are due for the weaving of the perfumes shortly.[COLOR=White]" Even after he's said it, Mortus seems as bewildered by that last bit as you are. You've been inside the Vargidan home many times before, and it is no less impressive now. The floors are carpeted, the furniture is heavy and old, and nearly every square inch of the walls are covered in art, much of it erotic in nature. As you take a seat on a puffy leather couch, which might well be[/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR] made out of authentic dragonhide, Moltus calls for his servants, "[COLOR=Red]Paul, Torban, get your lazy asses outta bed! I need my tea![COLOR=White]" In the midst of his shouting, he politely turns to you, "[COLOR=Red]Would you like a cup, too? It is a very good, but very rare, Minkai blend.[COLOR=White]" Without awaiting your response, he turns back and shouts through the walls and ceiling, "[COLOR=Red]Make that two cups of tea![COLOR=White]"[/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR] After finishing his shout, Mortus takes a seat in a large purple and gold easy chair, propping his slippered feat up on a nearby table that appears to be some sort of antique game table. You notice that he is finally smiling, staring at you with a sort of whimsical enthusiasm quite different from his demeanor just a moment ago. While you two sit in silence, you hear several large crashes coming from the direction of the kitchen, but Mortus either does not hear them or does not seem to care. After a good while, you hear the tell-tale sign of a teakettle whistle, and not long after that, a small, dark haired child walks into the room, a tray with tea and saucers floating in mid-air behind her. As she politely holds the swinging kitchen door open for the tray, Moltus glances at her, and his whimsical smile turns into a glare. "[COLOR=Red]Why child,[COLOR=White]" He says through gritted teeth, "[COLOR=Red]Where are Paul and Torban?[COLOR=White]"[/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR] The girl, who you place at no older than six, replies in a sweet, sing-song voice, "[COLOR=Red][COLOR=Plum]Oh. Jeorge knocked them out again, Papa. They're still sleepy, so I made you tea.[/COLOR][COLOR=White]" She motions towards the floating tea tray, but as she does, it tips to the side a little before she quickly corrects and readjusts it through sheer concentration.[/COLOR][/COLOR] Moltus's exasperation quickly turns to devotion and nurturing. He takes the tray from the air and sets it on the game table, saying "[COLOR=Red]Thank-you very much, Maudy. Now why don't you run along and wake the rest of your brothers and sisters. I've found out that today is a big day.[COLOR=White]" "[COLOR=Plum]Yes, papa,[COLOR=White]" says Maudy before running off, leaving you and the Vargidan patriarch to enjoy your tea. Just as you're starting to sip your (suprisingly well-brewed) tea, another door opens, a heavy wooden one at the opposite side of the room, leading from deeper into the house. A nubile young woman with toussled black hair and smooth, deeply tanned skin, wearing nothing but bedsheets wrapped around her and clutched against her chest, leans through the crack in the door.[/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR] "[COLOR=PaleGreen]Who is there Molt? You said you'd be right back to bed[COLOR=White]," the woman says shyly, almost innocently. Although her ethnicity is difficult to pinpoint [B][COLOR=Gray](DC 10 Knowledge (Geography))[/COLOR][/B][COLOR=Gray][COLOR=White], you still recognize her [/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR]as Maria, previously one of the maidservants of the Vargidan estate... and now, the old man's 18-year-old wife, his twelfth. [COLOR=White]"[COLOR=Red]No, no,[COLOR=White]" Moltus consoles her, "[COLOR=Red]I forgot what day it was. Go put some clothes on, and make sure the children are all ready. I'll be taking them to the town square later this morning.[COLOR=White]" The woman turns back into the house, leaving you alone with Moltus once more. Already though, he seems to be getting worked up again about something, because he resumes his ranting from before, "[COLOR=Red]Screw all their damn superstitious mumbo-jumbo! [I]...damn thirteen hocus-pocus...[/I][COLOR=White]" He declares, before mumbling the last bit about the number thirteen. He continues, "[COLOR=Red]You know what I say! I say the thirteenth time is the charm, is what it is.[COLOR=White]" He calms a bit, nodding to himself. You probably wouldn't dream of correcting him at this point, however, lest you get him truly riled up. He stops thoughtfully, and continues to sip from his tea. Just when it seems you might finally get to really talk with your mentor, it appears that he's forgotten all about you. You both sit quietly for who knows how long, you staring at him, and he staring into space, before you finally work up the courage to prompt him.[/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR] At the sound of your voice, he jumps. "[COLOR=Red]Oh, hello, Snaggle,[COLOR=White]" he says truly surprised to see you. "[COLOR=Red]I'm glad you stopped by. There is something I was supposed to tell you... Ah yes, when you head to the town square later today, all they want you to bring is your most vital gear.[COLOR=White]" He quickly spots that you only have your spear and thieves' tools. "[COLOR=Red]Good, good, I see that you are already prepared. Wait, there was something else I was supposed to tell you...[COLOR=White]" His brow furrows, but his eyes have become very tired-looking, and his voice sounds fatigued, where there was none before. "[COLOR=Red]Yes, well, it must not have been very important. Was there anything you wanted to ask me before you leave?[COLOR=White]" He looks towards you with a kind, fatherly face, but you can see in his eyes that the great mind of Moltus Vargidan is very distant. [IMG]http://www.enworld.org/forum/scpics/1341893044_old-hermit.jpg[/IMG][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/sblock] [sblock=Joseph]As you quietly lock up the door at the back of the house, you see a light blink into existence in the rear window of the shop portion of the building. It seems your father is already up as well, and is beginning to prepare for the coming day. You slip around the house into the main courtyard, where you can easily see the Town Watch Headquarters, caddy corner across the town square from you. This morning, it seems the watch has fallen to [URL="http://www.enworld.org/forum/group.php?do=viewpic&id=37&groupid=269"]Guardsman Golfond Kir[/URL], who stands just in front of the HQ door, with a two-handed axe in his hand and a lit lantern at his feet. Though there is not much likelihood of foul play in Kassen, the building [I]does[/I] contain the armory, and villagers like to have access to the town guard whenever needed and as quickly as possible, so a 24-hour watch is appreciated. There are a couple of ot[SIZE=2]her town-[/SIZE]members moving about the square this morning, particularly [URL="http://www.enworld.org/forum/group.php?do=viewpic&id=38&groupid=269"]Cygar Anravis[/URL], who you've had your eye on for some time. As he stalks across the square [I]towards[/I] the Seven Silvers, you can't help but wonder, if he is only just now heading for the warmth and comfort of the inn, what was he doing about town at this hour? Both you and Guardsman Kir watch Cygar head up to the door of the inn, before he brusquely brushes past the small blue creature that is exiting the building at the same time. You recognize the creature as Gamble, a bright blue gnome with brighter blue hair, and who, for better-or-worse, will be accompanying you when you leave town later today. He sees you staring, but soon heads off on his own unknown errands. You stroll across the courtyard towards Golfond, who has spotted you as well, and he greets you first. "[COLOR=RoyalBlue]Good mornin', and well met, friend Joseph[COLOR=White]," he[/COLOR][/COLOR] says in his slow, but purposeful speech. After you return his greeting, you quickly fall into idle chit chat and small conversation, which, though mostly simple due to Golfond's limitations, is perhaps not entirely unwelcome. Before long, however, the conversation turns towards your mentor, captain of the guards Gregor Wisslo. "[COLOR=RoyalBlue]Cap'n Wisslo is inside and should be out 'fore too much longer. He's expectin' you,[COLOR=White]" Golfond is saying, when the door to the watch building opens up, and Captain Wisslo steps out.[/COLOR][/COLOR] He's only wearing simple boiled leather, and the only weapon he has is the dagger sheathed on his belt. "[COLOR=DimGray]Greetings, men.[COLOR=White]" Wisslo says in a deep voice, his warm breath turning to fog in the chilly morning air. Nodding at your replies, he soon turns to Golfond. "[COLOR=DimGray]Guardsman Kir.[/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][COLOR=White]" "[COLOR=RoyalBlue]Yes, sir?[COLOR=White]" "[COLOR=DimGray]You're officially relieved of watch for the night. I'm taking watch now.[COLOR=White]" "[COLOR=RoyalBlue]Yessir, Captain Wisslo.[COLOR=White]" Without further question and without looking back, Golfond takes his axe and lantern, and strides off, probably heading to his mother. The morning still leaves plenty of light for you and Captain Wisslo to talk by. Wisslo asks you a few courtesy questions before digging into the heart of the matter. [/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR]"[COLOR=DimGray]You're a good soldier, Gault, and honest to a fault. And I don't mean a good town guard or a good militia member, either. I mean a true soldier, a fighter, strong, hard-working, smart, and skilled. It's hard to ask for much more.[COLOR=White]" He turns to look where Golfond, just barely visible amongst the streets and buildings in the distance, has accidentally stumbled and dropped his axe. However, the captain seems to ignore it, just looking off in the distance in general and nodding to himself. "[COLOR=DimGray]...Yes, a damn fine soldier.[/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][COLOR=White]" "[COLOR=DimGray]Anyways, the mayor asked me to talk with you. I'm not going to talk about any of that other bull; I know you'll do your town proud easy enough. What I want to say is more important. [COLOR=White]"[COLOR=DimGray]Now I know that your father wants you to continue working with him in his shop, but I'm here to tell you that Kassen needs more of you than that... Well, let's just say that I ain't getting any younger. And I am damn sure not going to let that [URL="http://www.enworld.org/forum/group.php?do=viewpic&id=40&groupid=269"]foreign bastard[/URL] take over here. What I'm trying to say, son, is that I want to groom you for command of the watch.[/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR]" Wisslo looks at you carefully, trying to judge your initial reaction, before continuing, "[COLOR=DimGray]Now, don't think about this too much right now. Just... be keeping it in mind. We'll talk more about that after you return from your, uh, little holiday in the woods.[COLOR=White]"[/COLOR][/COLOR] The captain sighs, and briefly smiles at you, as if he's glad to have gotten that off of his chest. "[COLOR=DimGray]There are a few other things they wanted me to mention [FONT=Verdana]to you. You're to supply only your weapons and armor,[/FONT][COLOR=White][FONT=Verdana]" he raises an eyebrow as he eyes your pack full of gear. "[/FONT][COLOR=DimGray][FONT=Verdana]Anything [/FONT]else you need -- rope, torches, rations, and so on -- will be provided before you leave. Also, when you get a chance, head on over there to the store, where I believe Mayor Uptal will be meeting with you this morning.[COLOR=White]" Wisslo takes one last moment to look you over carefully. "[COLOR=DimGray]Well, son. What do you have to say for yourself?[COLOR=White]"[/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR] [IMG]http://www.enworld.org/forum/scpics/1341892564_old%20fighter.jpg[/IMG][/sblock] [sblock=Lissa][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Not two seconds after you leave your small cottage, you leap into the saddle, and Nyra shoots off towards Kassen, sprinting at full speed. Her lithe but powerful body easily avoids the obstacles she must dodge, and rips through the small bushes and such that she doesn’t. Unfortunately, the wind is just beginning to whip across your face when you spot your mentor, Olmira Treesong, gathering autumn flowers quite a distance from the town walls. You circle back around so you can talk to her from atop of Nyra.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2] Although you greet the druid as you ride up, she just ignores you, instead choosing to walk up to your lion and offer chunks of meat she pulls out of one pocket. Nyra greatly appreciates the gift. Only after Olmira has scratched the head, ears, and chin of the white lion, and hugged its soft neck, chortling as she does so, does she choose to acknowledge your presence.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]“[COLOR=Lime]Hello, little mouse. And how are you today?[/COLOR]” Oblivious to your response, she pauses as if she has just thought of something amusing. “[COLOR=Lime]You know, I find something unusual about you two. The lion follows the mouse, instead of simply chasing and eating it.[/COLOR]” She laughs out loud, apparently thinking she’s just come up with a very funny joke. “[COLOR=Lime]Someone should write a fable about it.[/COLOR]”[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Olmira stops talking for a moment as she spots a fox hidden under a nearby bush. She pulls more food out of a different pocket, and crouches down to the gesture towards the fox. It doesn’t take much coaxing for the fox to dart over and start eating out of the other druid’s hands, despite the presence of your lion. You still have to struggle to control Nyra, however, as the appearance of more food has excited her, and you can’t tell if this means the handful of treats… or the fox.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]After the fox finishes eating and dashes back into the trees, Olimira turns to you and asks, “[COLOR=Lime]Will you walk with me for a little while, little mouse?[/COLOR]” She turns away from the town and walks back into the forest, giving you little choice but to follow her or abandon her.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]As you and Nyra move to catch up, you can hear that she has already resumed talking. “[COLOR=Lime]I was just talking with the wind the other day, and do you know what he told me? He said you are ready. I have nothing left to teach you…[/COLOR]” Suddenly she sounds very sad. “[COLOR=Lime]You have learned a lot, and now you are friends with the flowers, and with the animals of the forest, and with the trees, the rocks, the stream, the very wind itself.[/COLOR]” Her melancholy quickly gives way to joy and enthusiasm as she looks back to you. “[COLOR=Lime]And they are all friends with you.[/COLOR]”[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]You continue walking through the woods for several more minutes, with Olmira occasionally stopping to greet and converse with the flowers, or with some small woodland creature. As she rambles on, it is not always easy for you to tell if she is talking with you… or the wind. She is just in the middle of saying something about the coming winter, and the state of the many creatures that have a long hibernation ahead of them, when she stops and quickly turns to you. “[COLOR=Lime]What are you still doing here, little mouse? Those… others… are waiting on you.[/COLOR]” She motions back towards Kassen, her eyes brimming with tears. Before you can respond, she runs up and hugs you both, not only encompassing the lion, but you as well this time. Despite the strength of the juvenile lion, Nyra struggles to escape Olmira’s embrace. You suspect that the same would be true even if she was a fully grown lioness. The hug stops as quickly as it began, with Olmira looking at you once more. “[COLOR=Lime]Little mouse, unless you have any more of your little, mousy questions for me, then I ask for you to fly. Fly, now.[/COLOR]”[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2][IMG]http://www.enworld.org/forum/scpics/1341893851_druid.jpg[/IMG] [/SIZE][/FONT] [/sblock] [/QUOTE]
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