The Adventure Begins

You made it to the Pathfinder's Hall just in the nick of time. You weren't prepped as you'd like to go off on an adventure, and for that matter, you were looking downright frumpy and disheveled. At least nobody had overtly called you out as looking you'd just had sex, so you there was at least that. There was a sizable gathering in the courtyard, where a red brick half wall helped mark the area, and gray cobblestones paved underfoot served as a reliable staging and gathering area: clear of chance of mud in rain. A few short decorative shrubs added some decorative color around the perimeter.

In the public square, you saw a number of familiar faces, both for better and for worse. There were the veteran adventurers who were part of the Pathfinders already, most of them were gathered here to see the events take place, but a few were more personally involved. You knew of at least three that were mentoring those seeking admittance; they were allowed to advise, but otherwise were required to keep out. Grimix, the Guild Hall leader for the city, had made it clear in times before; those trying to provide help to those wanting to be Pathfinders would soon find their own admittance revoked. The Pathfinders were handily outnumbered by those here to seek admittance. Some of them you've gotten to know well; sharing your dreams and goals, working together as your own little party and growing together. You wanted desperately to be the one to win this event, once it was announced, but if any of them could succeed in your place, you would be content with that.

That could not be said for some others. While you had some friends like the Elf Tyrla, the Tiefling Drihn, and a human Barabish, the city had it's fair share of bullies and enemies among them too. Worst of them in your estimation was Krathkar, a fellow Orc. Where you and most of your close kin tried to fight against the worst of the stereotypes the Intransican Empire and their vassals had to say about your kind, this disgusting, rude brute seemed to revel in it. Fighting was its own reward for him, and in his own mind, none were better. He made a habit of calling you out specifically; that your use of armor made you weak, and soft. That you had sparred with him and won scarcely mattered; fault was always placed on the grog, or whatever foul drink he had chosen at the time. As the two of you made eye contact, he swiftly made his way to you.

"Surprised to find you here, Khlia" He humored "It's not enough that you embarrass yourself with that shoddy workshop, you're going to embarrass yourself in front of all of these heroes? The real adventurers, while you stand there pretending?"

"You've got a long way off from being a Pathfinder yourself Krathkar. For all of your trash talk, you're in the same place I am." You knew better than to be intimidated by him; retracting would only encourage his behavior.

"Only a fool would say so. You weren't raised among the Krag'ash tribes. You didn't have to face the struggles every day just to survive."

"And yet you're here, and not there. For someone who likes to talk up how much of a badass you are for having endured all that, I can't help but notice you've gotten pretty comfy here among the civilized folk. You being kicked out must have had something to do with it. How does it feel? Knowing that your people, who are fighting for their lives felt they were better off without you?"

The hulking Orcs weak spot was easily found and exploited, and he began to raise his hand to attack you. A human among the Pathfinders held his hand tight in restraint, as he rebuked the both of you.

"Alright, that's enough out of both of you. This isn't the time or place for acting like children. If you can't behave with each other, you should both seriously reconsider what it is you want. You don't want this getting up to Grimix's ears..." He let go, and Krathkar let his hand drop. Understanding the situation, he glared at you before walking away. You took a deep breath as you relaxed, unaware how tense your body had been in the exchange. You were worried about him more than you were worried about what may come in the challenge itself. Unless the mission was to find a book in a library, there was a real good chance that the two of you would find yourselves coming against each other in pursuit of the same goal, and especially after what you caused, there was no reason to expect that he would follow the rules of sportsmanship and decorum and not fight each other.

A round of applause and cheering pulled your mind back to the here and now. A chorus of hushing noises quickly followed, as Grimix came out to speak. He carried great respect, even more than normally expected of a Hall leader. He was tall, as least as far as Goblins were concerned, and carried his lanky frame in a stern and professional manner. To that end, a pair of Pathfinders brought out what looked like a small set of three stairs, so that he could speak eye to eye with the 'big folk'. He wore his age on his face and skin, a wrinkly mess on the unusual frame; with a wispy white beard. He was incredibly experienced and talented adventurer in his younger years; a sorcerer of amazing talent and knowledge. Although not spoken of publicly, he seemed to have rid himself of "the fey mischief" that described the erratic and destructive behaviors of so much of his kind. He was serious and contemplative as the Elves, and as hard working as the reputation of the Dwarves.

"Good afternoon, everyone" Grimix's voice was coarse from age and years of danger, but could still project well enough to be easily heard. "I am, as always, pleased by such a large turnout, and humbled to see that there are so many people in this city willing and eager to prove themselves worthy of joining our fraternal organization. I started this tradition many years ago, and I couldn't be prouder of what its success. This is a dangerous line of work, which means we have to constantly be on the lookout for those who may replace us. Hopefully, many years from now, but as often as not, our retirement as adventurers comes far, far sooner than we want. For being willing to step forward, you have my thanks, and respect. If any of you have second thoughts, you have my promise that neither I nor any of my Pathfinders will cast judgement upon you."

"Before I begin to speak of the mission itself, I must also share that the other reason I love this tradition so much, as it serves a reminder to everyone, including myself, why we are all really here. What it really means to be a Pathfinder." Grimix's voice rang more loudly and clearly. You briefly looked away at the rest of the audience, and you could see he easily had their attention; particularly those trying to join the Pathfinders Society. "We are, above all, servants to the public good. The Pathfinders are charged to protect, preserve, learn, and discover. To accept the charge of a Pathfinder is to accept humility, to put the needs of others before yourself. We are not petty mercenaries, and we are not here solely to seek glory or fame."

"In our pursuit of discovery and the duty to others, we are charged with more than any one of us may accomplish alone. You must grow, and show an unflinching dedication to face adversity and uncertainty. You must also be ready and willing to admit your weaknesses and your failings, and reach out to others for help. No Pathfinder accomplishes their duties alone, and none of you who wish to be successful today can do so relying solely on yourself. We are a fellowship, and as with any fellowship, we are expected at all times to support our own, as well as to train those who we wish to replace us. Your behavior, at all times, must demand respect, both inside and outside the halls of the Pathfinders."

"Now, onto the challenge. Although the Pathfinders are most known as adventurers and for our daring heroics, the Society's true goal has always been in the discovery of secrets of the world, and uncovering mysteries of the ancient past. To understand the world of T'sara is necessary to understand ourselves. To be successful today, for us to clasp your hand and be welcomed as a Pathfinder, you will be challenged all of these, and more. In the Lost Age, was what we call The Sundering, where the very world we stand on was radically changed, and societies destroyed. The nearby Krug river now runs through what was once a mountain valley. The hills across the water are, according to legend, but a small taste of what once stood here. It is said that there are prizes and relics below the water of the Krug, and it now falls upon you, those who would be Pathfinders, to find it. Before you find the sought after relic, you will surely find challenges, and perils. As hard as the challenge to become a Pathfinder may appear, I assure you, having been one for over half of my life now, that being one is an even greater challenge."

"With that, I wish you all good luck, and may the blessings of Draenysis be on you all."