[Game Thread] The 4th of Neth

[RainbowMagicPen]

The Fourth of Neth Warning had been given to each of the chosen individuals, a formal and signed letter from the mayor had been given to each of them a few days ago, giving them time to get used to the idea of going on to this important task. Of course, aside from being chosen as the youth of the town that showed the most promised and the most skilled, they were also chosen for the fact that they each displayed some kind of risk to the community. A town as small as Kassen needed to stick together and support each other, and each of these individuals were chosen because they stood the greatest chance to learn what it meant to be part of a community like Kassen. When the sun rises on the 4th of Neth, the very day that Ekat Kassen set out to put an end to the raiders, the town is quiet. Surprisingly so considering that it's such an important day. The morning rituals go as planned, with general normalcy from friends, family, and mentors as the chosen five prepare to meet the mayor in the town center at noon. As they each set out for their destination the streets are empty, the shops are closed, and most importantly the town square itself is completely empty except for the five of them. Perhaps they had some awareness of each other before this day, perhaps not, either way it would seem that now they would be getting the opportunity to introduce themselves.

[aerondor]

Jasper Vargidan

Respect!

Mounted on his trusty steed 'Shaggy', Jasper rides slowly down the town street.

Sure, he isn't exactly a warhorse, but I bet none of the others are mounted.

As he progresses through Kassen, Jasper looks down empty street after empty street, and closed window after closed window. I wonder if this is what it was like when the town lived in fear of bandits? But where is everyone? Surely they should be out seeing us off?

A small bump of unease started to build up, so to counter it Jasper put a bored expression on his face.

I know I look good. Knives aplenty, new leathers. The studs might rub a bit, but they look pretty good. I hope they didn't include Snotty McGee in the group.

As thoughts of his companions enter his mind, a sly grin crosses his face. Maybe they included a girl this year. That'd be cool.

After a few minutes ride, Jasper finally reaches the town square.

Empty too? Oh gods, surely they didn't leave without me. He glances up to check the position of the sun. Nahh, no way they would do that.

Then the sound of feet, and Jasper turns. "Ahh - glad you could make it. I think you all know me. I'm Jasper Vargidan. Grandson of Moltus Vargidan."

Jasper Vargidan Jasper Vargidan, Level 1 Human Rogue(Sheet) HP: 10/10, Init: +4, Speed: 30' Senses: (Lowlight vision) AC: 17, Touch: 14, Flat: 13, Fort: +1, Refl: +6, Will: +0 Stats: Str 13, Dex 18, Con 12, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 13 Skills: Must include Perception +4, Sense Motive +0, Stealth +7, Bluff +5 Condition: Normal Wielding: Pair of knives +2/+2 d4+2/d4+1

[okashii]

"Oh for the love of..!!" -she pondered for a second which deity would be the least offended by blasphemy this early in the morning.
Rayne's groan was clearly audible when she turned the corner and saw how much further she had to force herself before reaching the center of the town's square, designated by the Mayor of Kessan as the meeting point of the pilgrimage.

"Buy some rope he said...we have a special on ropes he said..every young adventurer needs rope.." -muttered Rayne with each exhausting step, poorly imitating the shop keeper's voice, as she began to understand the abysmal price difference between hemp and silk.

She dragged the coils on the ground the last few feet, before sitting down and breathing heavily. At least buying a soldiers outfit with such a useful belt turned out alright, the water skin was dangling from it within mercifully easy reach instead of being buried at the bottom of her backpack.

As she took off her hat to fan the sweat building on her forehead, she noticed what appeared to be a mirage of a jester..sitting on the back of a pony. She squinted her eyes against the sun once again when the bizarre image started talking to her.

Rayne suddenly stood up, looking around as if startled and clearly filing Jasper's proud introduction under a 'pay no mind' list.
"The others aren't here yet?" She interrupted Vargidan before he could answer. "Great. Help me pile all this stuff."

Without a word of explanation she placed the coil of rope on top of another and opened her backpack, hastily dumping out various iron items on the ground - a crowbar, grappling hook, hammer..Once she was done, she arranged everything into a neat display, then pulled out the letter she received from the mayor along with an ink pen and a page from her journal.

Here are some items to aid you on your task. - Mayor Jonark Uptight

Perfect! Now I don't have to carry this. Clearly satisfied with her attempt at forgery, Rayne turned back to the other selected human. "You didn't see anything!"

"The name's Rayne by the way." she added after a brief moment of silence to let the threat of her words sink in and smiled at him warmly.

[Hound]

"I don't want to go!" Emma screamed as she stood in her living room wearing the adventuring gear her father had bought her.

James sighed, "Em, it's decided. You're going."

Clare smiled sweetly, "Darling, you'll be fine. You'll have Gohei with you the whole way." The fox yawned as it laid on the floor near the fire place. "He'll protect you like he always does."

James nodded and placed an arm around his wife, "Besides, you're a farm girl. You've got plenty of strength to fend off any threat."

"But... but what will you do while I am gone? Dad's getting old, he shouldn't be going all the heavy lifting a lone. He might throw his back out again. Remember last summer? He was laid up for weeks barely able to move!" Emma had tears welling up in the corners of her eyes. She had a knot growing in her stomach from worry and stress.

"I'll be fine. Kevin Macintosh's kid, Barry will be coming to help me while you're away. We'll be fine!" James insisted. "Go make us proud."

Emma sniffed, she didn't want to go, but she knew she couldn't convince her parents. "Fine... Let's go Gohei." The Fox instantly leapt to it's feet and trotted over to the sad girl and licked her hand.

~~~

Emma and Gohei approached the group that was starting to form at the promised place. Rayne and Jasper were already there. Rayne was cute and small and girly and friendly and social confident and everything Emma ever wanted to be. Just looking at her made Emma feel awful about herself, which made that knot in her stomach turn into a giant boulder. She didn't know much about Jasper, but he looked scary.

"H-hi." she muttered barely above a whisper.

Emma Renard   Emma Renard, Lev 1 Human Druid (Sheet) HP: 12/12, Init: 4, Speed: 20 Senses: Spirit Sense AC: 19, Touch: 12, Flat: 16, Fort: 3, Refl: 2, Will: 4 Stats: Str 18, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 08 Skills: Perception (+6), Nature (+6), Survival (+8) Condition: Normal Wielding: Scimitar and Heavy Shield Spell: Light, Create Water, Detect Magic, Cure Light Wounds, Magic Fang

Gohei the Red Fox   Gohei, Red Fox HP: 21/21, Init: 2, Speed: 40 Senses: Low-light Vision, Scent AC:15, Touch: 13, Flat: 13 Fort: 4, Refl: 5, Will: 1 Stats: Str 15, Dex 15, Con 13, Int 03, Wis 12, Cha 06 Skills: Perception (+5), Stealth (+10) Condition: Normal Wielding: Full round Attack(Bite: +4 1d4+2, Claws x2: -1 1d3+2)

[okashii]

Rayne gave a friendly wave as soon as she saw someone approaching, someone who was apparently brave enough to carry a shield and a blade, someone who was apparently skilled in melee combat..someone she could hide behind if a dire rabbit appeared out of nowhere.

"Hi there." She smiled and gave the girl a pat on the back. Good, strong back..

"Feast your eyes on what useful gear the Mayor has left here for us.." -her hands pointed to the carefully arranged pile with a note on top, but before she could finish her sales pitch, Rayne knelled down and her eyes grew wide at the cuteness of the creature sitting behind Emma's legs.

Her arms reached out automatically to drown the poor creature in a sea of cuddles, but the fox just tilted it's head in confusion, then looked up at it's owner, so she rummaged her backpack for a piece of Wandermeal and changed it's flavor to chicken using prestidigitation before trying again.

[aerondor]

Jasper Vargidan
Girls!

A big smile crosses Jaspers face as he sees Rayne, and then another when Emma hauls into sight.

Although the legs on that farm girl looks like she pulls the plough sometimes.

Gallantly dismounting, Jasper looks at the note and the equipment pile. "Why would we need all this stuff just for lighting a lantern? Oh well. Good ol' Shaggy here can carry it."

Picking up the gear piece by piece, Jasper arranges it in the pony's saddlebags. As he loads the equipment, he casts a couple of glances at Rayne. “Have I seen you at the tavern a couple of times?”

His gaze turns back to Emma.

Shy thing isn't she?

Jasper stretches out his hand to Emma. "Hi there, I'm Jasper Vargidan. I don't think I've seen you in town before?"

 

Jasper Vargidan Jasper Vargidan, Level 1 Human Rogue(Sheet) HP: 10/10, Init: +4, Speed: 30' Senses: (Lowlight vision) AC: 17, Touch: 14, Flat: 13, Fort: +1, Refl: +6, Will: +0 Stats: Str 13, Dex 18, Con 12, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 13 Skills: Must include Perception +4, Sense Motive +0, Stealth +7, Bluff +5 Condition: Normal Wielding: Pair of knives +2/+2 d4+2/d4+1

[Hound]

Emma's light brown skin was quickly darkening as she blushed from all the attention, her heart began to flutter like terrified bird and her voice got caught in her throat as she took Jasper's hand in hers. She shook it a little too vigorously, and when she realized what she was doing she let go so quickly, it looked like Jasper's hand had been on fire and it was burning her skin. "Oh god, I'm sorry! I didn't mean-" Suddenly she realized how sweaty she must have been, and she probably still smelt like the barn she had cleaned out this morning. "Oh god! Oh god." She reached into her pocket and pulled out a hand cloth, as she pulled it out, the rest of the contents of her pocket spilled onto the floor. She grabbed Jasper's wrist and began wiping his hand with the cloth, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry!"

Meanwhile the fox lowered it's head and shook sadly it as if embarrassed on behalf of the girl.

Emma Renard   Emma Renard, Lev 1 Human Druid (Sheet) HP: 12/12, Init: 4, Speed: 20 Senses: Spirit Sense AC: 19, Touch: 12, Flat: 16, Fort: 3, Refl: 2, Will: 4 Stats: Str 18, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 08 Skills: Perception (+6), Nature (+6), Survival (+8) Condition: Normal Wielding: Scimitar and Heavy Shield Spell: Light, Create Water, Detect Magic, Cure Light Wounds, Magic Fang

Gohei the Red Fox   Gohei, Red Fox HP: 21/21, Init: 2, Speed: 40 Senses: Low-light Vision, Scent AC:15, Touch: 13, Flat: 13 Fort: 4, Refl: 5, Will: 1 Stats: Str 15, Dex 15, Con 13, Int 03, Wis 12, Cha 06 Skills: Perception (+5), Stealth (+10) Condition: Normal Wielding: Full round Attack(Bite: +4 1d4+2, Claws x2: -1 1d3+2)

[okashii]

"Don't jinx it Jasper! I don't want our pilgrimage to turn out boring." -warned Rayne, for the second time now, this time even more adamantly by stomping her foot on the ground,
as boredom was something she dreaded even more than an encounter with a dire rabbit. The latter she could at least try to kill, once and for all proving the beast's existence and gaining the status of the greatest slayer that ever lived. Boredom on the other hand seemed to be impervious to magic, at least when the spells you knew were bland and uninteresting.

The fact which she demonstrated by using prestidigitation for what seemed like the thousandth time, cleaning Emma's clothes while she was too busy panicking to notice, then slowly lifting off the ground the items that dropped from her pocket.

"You've probably seen me there while I was making my weekly supply run for Holgast - 'A freshly baked kidney pie and mulled wine with Mrs Mullins' mixed spices'." -she quoted her Mentor.

[kenardX]

Annea Annea was watching the whole scene with a mixture of curiosity and fear. There they were. Three of the others who would go with her. Shuddering at the words she pushed herself further into the early morning shadow that was deep and comforting. Squinting, she surveyed the pile of gear one of the girls was heaping onto the ground. She liked that grappling hook, so it would most likely be hers. The small girl wanted to step out into the square, but she also wanted to stay hidden. It was nice here. Nobody wanted to talk to her and for the first time in years she didn't have to do the morning chores in the temple. She decided that was a good day and maybe she would even follow the others and not stay behind, hidden somewhere for the time they were gone. Annea didn't like lying her savior and protector, but then he shouldn't ask her to do things she clearly wasn't ready to do. "I'm your protector," her sister said. It was statement of fact but it also sounded quite jealous. "I'm sorry, Sonnea. Of course you are. What are we going to do?" Pondering this, she waited to see who else would turn up.

[aerondor]

Jasper Vargidan

My oh my. Time for some fun.

Still talking with Emma and keeping a straight face, Jasper says:

"That's okay Sorry. And you don't have to call me God. Just Jasper will do fine. We are all in this together after all. It's a bit of an odd name your parents landed you with though. There a story behind that?"

When Rayne talks about Boring, he nods his head in appreciation. "Boring. That kind of sums up Kassem at times doesn't it? Still, maybe after we come back with the lantern they'll let us do some things that are a little more interesting."

Jasper perception

Dice Roll:

1d20+4

(11)+4

Total = 15

looks the courtyard. "I thought there were going to be more than just the three of us."

 

Jasper Vargidan Jasper Vargidan, Level 1 Human Rogue(Sheet) HP: 10/10, Init: +4, Speed: 30' Senses: (Lowlight vision) AC: 17, Touch: 14, Flat: 13, Fort: +1, Refl: +6, Will: +0 Stats: Str 13, Dex 18, Con 12, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 13 Skills: Must include Perception +4, Sense Motive +0, Stealth +7, Bluff +5 Condition: Normal Wielding: Pair of knives +2/+2 d4+2/d4+1

[Foxtrot]

The morning was quiet. Far quieter than the black clad figure would have expected on such an important day for the town. At least he was under the impression that this was an important day. To see the streets empty and the shops closed led him to wonder if perhaps this day wasn't as important as people made it sound. His cape draped around him covering his body while a large sword was slung over his back. His walk was smooth and deliberately paced with nary a hint of any bounce. That wasn't to say he wasn't excited. In truth he was very excited, but he had learned to conceal his emotions through body language and outward demeanor so that he didn't give away his intentions. A large brimmed hat hung low over his face and the slight tilt downward of his head hid his features quite well from the casual observer. His posture was tall and upright as he almost appeared to be gliding down the street given the way his cape swayed with each step. Lucien Hale had been waiting for this moment for a long time. Maybe not this exact situation, but the moment of getting to prove himself was something he had looked forward to his entire life. When the letter came, the teen could barely believe it. He had spent the entire night preparing for every scenario his mind could think of. After all, being prepared was the best defense against any misfortune that could befall him. Unfortunately, he wasn't prepared for what he saw before him as he approached the town square.

His traveling companions awaited. One, a young man whom he had noticed over the years. Cocky and sure of himself. That one never lacked for confidence from what Lucien had seen. The other two were girls. Neither of them very familiar, but yet, they weren't completely foreign to him either. He just didn't know much about them other than what he could perceive at this moment. The one girl seemed a bit wild. Not in the untamed way, but more of a simple animalistic kind of way. The other seemed quite restless. As if she were off center in finding a balance of peace within herself. Either that or she just had an awful lot of energy. Time would tell. Finally there was the large fox. So docile looking, but no doubt ferocious and dangerous if cornered. It probably belonged to the wild girl. And of course the horse. If one could call it that. More like a pony really. He wasn't sure who that belonged to. Maybe it was left for them by the townsfolk to help carry the flame. All in all, this looked to be more of an exercise in sending the rabble out of town than anything else. They all seemed too... normal. Definitely not the types to take such an endeavor seriously. Amateurs was the first thing to pop into his head upon looking them over. Luckily, the task before them wasn't all that daunting. They were more likely to get jumped by bandits than to run into any trouble at the crypt.

Lucien paused for a brief second and raised his head slightly as something caught his attention from the corner of his eye. Someone was in the shadows. Instinctively his hands opened under his cape and rested on a pair of weapons he wore. The last thing he wanted to was to get caught with his guard down this early in the morning. It wouldn't bode well if he was assaulted and mugged after knowing there was a possible threat nearby. Then again whoever was in the shadows seemed more intent on staying there and observing than anything else. Lucien continued his walk until he was close to the others gathered and stopped. Pausing for a moment before speaking bluntly and to the point, "There are more than just the three of you. I am here." His eyes moved to each individual and settled on them for a moment to take them in at a closer visage, "My name is Lucien. I will be traveling with you." Try to keep up.

[kenardX]

Annea It was easy enough Take 10 on Stealth gives me 18.not to be spotted by the boy with horse. He obviously only saw what was right before his eyes and most likely expected it to bow to him, too. Annea was nervous. Not because of him, he looked boastful and she had heard stories that confirmed this, but Sonnea could handle him. She didn't want to leave here. Even if she didn't like the work she had to do in the monastery and had to keep her sister in reign, sooth her as to not attract attention, she liked the seclusion and general peacefulness of the small church. "I think it will do you good, child," Father Prasst had said to here, when he told her he had signed her up for the rite. Annea had been horrified. Going out into the unprotected wilderness and then going INTO A CRYPT. When she had come to, after that discussion with her warden, she had been up on the roof of the church in a secluded recess under an overhang. Coming down just before supper, Father Prasst hadn't said anything. He had just looked at her and before long, as always, she had come and apologize for whatever it was she had done...her sister had done... Here she was now. At that moment another one of the chosen ("Damned more probably", she muttered under her breath) entered the square. He was a tall, dark clad boy. He had a certainty about him that wasn't just front, like the other boy. He was hard to read. When he looked in her direction she shrank back further into the shadow, but chided herself only moments later." He wouldn't have seen you if you hadn't moved. I told you that hundreds of times." "Maybe he didn't." - They were all waiting. Waiting for her! Five people had been chosen. She had to move now but her feet didn't want to and her heart started racing. ______________________________ At a leisurely pace, with more swagger than a 15 year old should have, Annea made her way towards the group. She had come from up the main street, not the alley where she had been hidden. They needn't know she had watched them. She surveyed them with a piercing stare, then stopped in front of them. "I'm So...Annea...I think we're complete."

[RainbowMagicPen]

A Somber Affair As the five of them gathered in the town square the clock struck noon, and from the Temple of Erastil the bells rung twelve long and sorrowful notes. As the sound fades people begin to emerge from shops and houses and doorways into the somber air, a trickle at first and slowly the entire town was filing into the square, dressed in black and looking downcast and somber. Rather than one of the most important events of the town you would think instead that they were attending a funeral as they filed square with silence. When the square has filled and everyone is present, a quiet murmur runs through the crowd and slowly they step aside, parting the way for someone. Mayor Uptal steps easily through the parted crowd, just as somber and serious as the rest of them, though there is a reverence in his step and his face as he leads the way with the a lantern of tarnished silver. The ceremonial lantern that has lit the town for so many years, though right now it hangs empty and cold from the mayor's hands. Trailing the mayor is a pony drawing a small cart, following the man obediently. When the mayor comes to a stop so does the pony, and even before he speaks the entire crowd has turned their attention to him. "Once again the winter wind blows through the Fangwood, marking the end of another harvest. There are wolves in the woods, howling at our walls, and serpents in the 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?" He falls silent, looking out amongst the crowd, he nods respectfully to those who step forward of their own volition, and offers a reassuring smile to those who are herded forward by the crowd whether they like it or not. "The spirit of Kassen is one of stubborn survival and tight community, and that spirit shines brightly in these young folk who stand before me. And who among you is to have the honor of carrying the lantern?" He looks among them patiently, the silence of the crowd and of himself putting a certain amount of pressure on the group, but they were given the opportunity to speak among themselves about who would be best suited to carrying the silver light.

[okashii]

After giving the others a friendly hello, and being just a tiny bit intimidated/creeped out by Lucien, Rayne was rather preoccupied when the mayor arrived and began to speak.
She was constantly peeking over her shoulder, barely listening, she tried to bury the note she made earlier that was still resting on the ground after Jasper loaded the heavy adventuring gear onto his pony.

She held her hands in her pockets in a universal sign of 'nothing interesting to see here' while avoiding any eye contact and trying to kick the dirt behind her to fully cover the sheet of paper. Relief she felt once she was done was suddenly replaced with confusion, when her friends were suddenly looking at her expectantly, like for an answer to a question she did not hear. Huh? Did they notice?

[aerondor]

Jasper Vargidan

Jasper looks around.

He waits for someone to step forward and claim the lantern.

And waits.

When nobody steps forward, he sighs and advances on the mayor. "I'll carry the lantern." then he quietly adds "But there is no rule about putting it down on the ground or something is there? What if I need to, like take a leak?"

Louder he adds speaking to the town as a whole "But we are all lantern carriers. Just as a relay is not won by a single man.." he looks at the make up of the group before continuing "er person, but a team. So are we a team, and will bear the lantern as a team."

He looks around hopefully, half expecting some sort of applause from the audience.

Isn't this the crap they want from me?

 

Jasper Vargidan Jasper Vargidan, Level 1 Human Rogue(Sheet) HP: 10/10, Init: +4, Speed: 30' Senses: (Lowlight vision) AC: 17, Touch: 14, Flat: 13, Fort: +1, Refl: +6, Will: +0 Stats: Str 13, Dex 18, Con 12, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 13 Skills: Must include Perception +4, Sense Motive +0, Stealth +7, Bluff +5 Condition: Normal Wielding: Pair of knives +2/+2 d4+2/d4+1