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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Mathew_Freeman" data-source="post: 4644288" data-attributes="member: 1846">A Diving Contest, Part OneOnce the forging of magic had been done, tired limbs rested and bellies re-filled with food, the group spoke once more with Yetta and Yuppi, the baker and blacksmith, respectively, of Wayweary. These two brave souls were the two that were to take the cake to Prince Kindrbode for his birthday celebration, and the adventurers had decided to journey with them. Apparently, since the Prince could only count to four, this was to be his fourth birthday party. No one in living memory could remember when it wasn’t his fourth birthday party.Yetta explained the route to them. Using a rough map of the area as a guide, she pointed out the various dangers that lay in their way. “A cliff, the first bridge, through the woods, back across the river and finally through the snowlands,” she said, sounding almost happy at the thought of three days of hard marching. “Plus, of course, the creatures that will try and stop us. Raptors in the mountains, the Fisher King and his troll-kin servants in the river, and the ever present wolves may all try to take a bite out of us as we go.”“The Fisher King?” queried Aengus. “That sounds ominous.”Yuppi spoke up now. “The Fisher King is the father of all trolls. He lives in the river, old and foul, and preys on those that get to close. The only thing that he could possibly be bribed with is fish – they’re the only thing he likes to eat better than human flesh!”A visible shudder went through the Eladrin at Yuppi’s words, as he pictured himself being slowly chewed upon by a group of troll-kin.“But we won’t be prey to him!” announced Yetta. “We shall gain the blessing of Lady Snowshoes before we set off on our journey. We do this ritual every year, and it’s never failed yet.” She went on to tell the tale of Lady Snowshoes and how she came to marry Cleanfeet, Lord of the Sea. She had declared that she would marry the most handsome of all the spirits, but when the time came to pick her husband all the male spirits hid their faces under their cloaks, leaving only their feet exposed. Lady Snowshoes was forced to pick Cleanfeet, and although his face was not the greatest he was strong and powerful, always there and unchanging. It is said, however, that Lady Snowshoes has spent the years since their marriage sweeping his waters back into the sea – and popular retellings claims this is a tale of the importance of give and take in a relationship.“How does this ritual work?” asked Iben keenly.“All of us that are to journey will climb to a high ledge above the river, and leap forth into it. Lady Snowshoes will be impressed by our bravery and bless our journey,” replied Yetta calmly. Iben gulped, picturing the scene as the ground got closer and closer and closer and closer…“Sounds fantastic!” piped up Karl, his gnomish face shining with excitement. “I’ll go first!”Emerging from the cave in which they had slept the night, the party gathered at the base of the cliff. The air was crisp and clean, the sun bright in the sky. The rest of the village crowded round the base of the cliff, near to the pool that the divers were aiming for.As the group, including Yetta and Yuppi, worked their way up the winding path to the ledge, sometimes having to scramble and climb up the more difficult patches, they saw an increasingly fantastic view spread out below them. The ledge had to be one hundred feet above the river, and each member of the group quashed a tiny quiver of fear at the prospect of leaping off.Seeing the discomfort more evident on some faces than others, Yetta spoke up encouragingly. “Remember, both Yuppi and I have done this before, and we’ve never been injured!”“Well, apart from that one time…” interjected Yuppi quietly.At the ledge, Yetta placed her back against the cliff wall, grinned and with a huge cry of “Lady Snowshoes!” she leapt forwards of the cliff and plunged down into the pool below. The watching villagers cheered and whooped in celebration.“Right!” said Karl confidently. “Me next!” He too, placed his back against the cliff wall, and then paused. “Not high enough!” he announced, and turned and climbed up another twenty feet to a higher ledge. Grinning, his face appeared over the edge for a second. The next moment, he backflipped off the ledge and spinning and somersaulting he flew down to the calm pool, straightening out at the last minute and entering with barely a splash. Another huge cheer went up from the watching villagers at his bravery and showmanship. A cry of “Lady Snowshoes be praised!” came from several lips.Breathing deeply and gathering her faith, the Dragonborn Aldis went next. As she dived, she looked behind her at the sky and breathed flame all the way down, drawing another gasp from the crowd. Surfacing, she stood for a moment in the cold water. Speaking for her ears alone, she said “Lord Bahamut – protect us on this journey and guide us through all our battles to victory!” Striding ashore, she gratefully received a large wollen cloak warmed at a fire and began to towel herself dry.Note: We had been told that this whole session would be done as a giant skill challenge, with each section contributing to our final success or failure. As you can see from the descriptions, we rose to the challenge.Next time: One contest ends, and the journey begins!</blockquote>

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