This year’s quest of the Everflame is special: it has been four years since the mayor last decided to send a group of young heroes to the crypt. The town is bristling with excitement and all of the townsfolk seem to be going over the top with decorations. Even games have been set up for the smaller children, as well as some of the older citizens setting up story telling spots. Jonark Uptal, beloved Mayor for 11 years, is in a nervous yet joyfull mood. The election is coming up and he needs this years celebration to go off with out a hitch, so instead of the usual group of teenagers he has chosen some young adults to light the lantern.

Thorne Tyrnea’mitore, a young softspoken cleric, is the first to be announced. The applause is deafening as he walks up to the makeshift stage where the Mayor is standing. Naturally neither his mother nor his two brothers are anywhere to be seen, but his father ( Derrick Tyrnea’mitore) is beaming with pride.

Next is Mileena “Milly” Meyers The young cook/barmaid who works at the Seven Silvers. Along with the applause there are some whistles and cat calls. Milly, being slightly popular with the patrons of the tavern and used to this kind of attention, whips her head around casting a glare into the audience before ascending the stairs to stand next to the Mayor.

After her is Crowley Shadethorn, though officially one of Holgast’s students he has yet to awaken any magical abilities. A lound whistle is heard from Jimes, whom has taken to Crowley quite well over the past few years. Crowley walks up to the stage with a slight confused look on his face and whispers something to Milly, but it is difficult to hear over the roar of the crowd as the Mayor announces the final name.

Sarahlee Baker, who has been studing with Arnama since she first wandered into town, is the last the be announced. As she takes her place next to the others her and Crowley whisper back and forth. All four look nervous and a little confused, but out of all of them Thorne is the only one who looks terrified.

Mayor Uptal lifts up his hands and the crowd hushes. “I give you the heros of Kassen!” As he bellows these words the crowd goes wild cheering and clapping. After giving time for the crowd to die down Jonark then starts his announcement, “These brave youths will take the perilous journey through the Fangwood and into the Serpent’s path to find the ancient crypt and bring back a piece of the Everflame. By doing this they will ensure the safety of Kassen for another winter.” The crowd once again errupts into a thunder of applause as the Mayor turns towards the group of four, “Now, if you’d like, I’ve prepared a special dinner for the four of you at my house.” He then leads them down the stage and through the streets to his home. All the while the crowd follows them cheering and throwing streamers, confetti, and rice until they reach the doors of the Mayors home.

Once inside the PCs are lead to the Mayor’s dining room, it is bigger than they are used to in a personal home but by no means is it grand or fancy. The room is lit by a few candles placed on the table, and there is a very nice spread of food laid out. Crowley makes a statement that it seems the quest is to have a romantic dinner, the others laugh pointing out that they are divided between two girls and two boys. Thorne chuckles nervously blushing a bit and takes his seat. After some more discussion between the three others over the confusion of them being chosen the Mayor comes into the room and sits down at the head of the table, which is the only place not set. He grimmly looks to the PC’s and states, “I commend your bravery, young ones. The responsibilty you now shoulder is no small matter. The quest you are about to embark on is Kassen’s oldest and most important tradition. Should you fail, should you perish, this town will be doomed. Likely without the Everflame’s blessing we will not last the winter. There is much to lose, and we are all counting on you.” Almost as soon as the Mayor’s words leaves his mouth the mood of the room changes. Milly and Thorne are now concerned that perhaps this journey isn’t the light hearted farce they had thought it was. Both Saralee and Crowley seemed unaffected, Sara making a quick joke about how they “shouldn’t” fail and Crowley is just perplexed as to why they’re sending untrained youths instead of guards if this mission is so dire. Before any questions can be answered Mayor Uptal nods solemnly and leaves the table. The meal is a quiet one, save for the few maids that come to check on the PC’s. The maids express their concern and wish the PC’s the best of luck, thus succeeding in making all of the PC’s just a little bit more nervous. After dinner the PC’s return to the respective homes to rest up for the journey ahead.